USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wilmington > Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1956-1957 > Part 3
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The year 1956 has also earned for the town the phrase, "The Wilmington New Look". This was e caption of an editorial in the Woburn Times wherein Gus Everberg used the phrase to describe Wilming - n's School Traffic Supervisors. Wilmington can well be proud of "The New Look" for it pays tribute to e seven supervisors who are deserving of highest praise for the work they are doing. They have received full week of instructions and training in traffic supervision under the tutelage of Al Little, Chief of the ivision of Safety Education of the Registry of Motor Vehicles. The course was conducted at the Superinten - ent of School's office with all seven supervisors attending. Sergeant Imbimbo was Al Little's "assistant" uring this course, and now Sergeant Imbimbo follows up with a monthly meeting where traffic laws and roblems are discussed.
Juvenile problems during the year 1956 were handled by Sergeant Imbimbo, and I am going to clude in this report. ... . his report to me.
"During the year 1956 a concerted effort was made to improve the Juvenile Delin- quency problem. Offenders brought before the court were parallel to the year 1955. There was no increase. A great many juveniles were handled by this department in cooperation with other agencies including the Youth Advisory Committee. I firmly believe that the Town of Wilmington is not seriously threatened with a youth problem. We have and are making every effort to handle any youth problem within the community. It is an established policy to try to keep the juvenile running afoul of the law out of court, but in some instances it is not possible. Restitution paid by some of the offenders this year amounts to $1, 173. 50. This money was paid by the parents for damages caused by their children.
"Police Department facilities are very limited, and it is quite difficult to handle cases within the station. This situation is quite embarrassing to all persons who come into the station regardless of the nature of their business.
"I am most grateful to John Collins, Superintendent of Schools, for permitting me the use of a room in his office so that I could handle the many cases I have had in the privacy that is so essential to the welfare of the persons involved. It must be realized, however that this practice cannot be continued much longer; for the town must realize that this department must be provided with proper facilities in which to accomplish its work. "
That is John's report to me. Now for the part of this report that I like best - the conclusion.
May I take this means to express my most sincere appreciation to John Collins, Superintendent : Schools, and to all his "hired help" for the wonderful cooperation extended this department. .... for things ke John Imbimbo mentions above. .... Larry Cushing's efforts in promoting safety ..... Anton Thiel and his ›ys for the work they do along these lines ..... for the wonderful work being done by Tony DeLuca in teach- g Driver Education. .... for the assemblies arranged by Bernard McMahon. .... the Student Council's pre - alloween assembly ..... and so on down the line.
My thanks to Arthur Boudreau, Fire Chief, and his men for their cooperation in all our efforts iring the past year.
27
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My most sincere thanks to those of the Additional Police Facilities Committee for their work in the study they made of existing conditions, and the wonderful report of their findings and recommenda- tions. Your efforts will always be remembered and appreciated. Thanks !
And last, but by no means least, I extend my thanks to the Board of Selectmen for the wonder - ful cooperation and friendly relations of the past year ..... and to the Town Manager, Joe Courtney, for all he has done to help the cause. It could be said that 1956 was the best year that I can remember as Chief of the Department. We got a lot accomplished and look towards the remaining months of 1957 to see many more dreams become realities.
WILMINGTON POLICE DEPARTMENT
SAFETY CAR and two cruisers acquired for Police Department in 1956
-
274
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POLICE
POLICE
28
fire department
The following is my report of the Fire Department for the year 1956. The manual force of the Fire Department consists of Chief, two Lieutenants, and nine Privates. There is a Call Force of fourteen members.
Forest Warden
Permanent Men
Call Men
Arthur J. Boudreau
Cail, Harold F. (Lieut. )
Buckle, Thomas
Cushing, George S. (Lieut. )
Cutter, Harry J.
Deming, Roland C.
Deputy Forest Wardens
Dewhurst, Raymond T.
Ellis, Charles E. Jr.
Barrows, Herbert C.
Hardy, John J.
Cail, Harold F.
Kleynen, Frederick M.
Cushing, George S.
Marshall, Kenneth E.
Eames, Ernest W.
Nee, William P.
O'Neil, Maurice D. Park, Philip S.
Plumer, Ralph M. Jr.
Plumer, Ralph M. Jr.
Razey, Donald F.
Williams, Arthur S.
Woods, Robert J.
Sargent, Edmund H.
Sennett, Harold E. Williams, Arthur S.
The Fire Department responded to a total of five hundred and fifty-eight (558) calls, thirty - nine bell alarms and five hundred and nineteen (519) still alarms.
Ambulance Calls
195
False 21
Buildings
38
Auto & Trucks 14
Service Calls
54
Chimney
8
Resuscitator
12
Brush & Grass
153
Out of Town
8
Oil Burners 18
Dumps
37
Permits Issued for Burning 3275
Permits Issued for Gas
70
Permits Issued for Oil 201
A total of 68, 475 ft. of fire hose was laid :- 11, 125 ft. of 2 1/2" hose, 14, 350 ft. of 1 1/2" hose, 8, 150 ft. of 1 1/8" hose, and 34, 125 ft. of Booster Hose. Ladders raised 283 ft. Total value of property endangered was $291, 600. 00. The property loss was $61, 374. 50.
Engines Nos. 1, 2, and 3 the trailer pump and Rescue truck are in good condition. Engine #4, the Model A Ford and the American LaFrance were traded this past year for a 1956 International. This truck has not been accepted by the town as of this report. It is equipped with a two hundred gallon per minute power-take-off pump, six hundred gallons of water and carries 2, 000 ft. of 1 1/2" hose and 500 ft. of booster hose. When this truck is accepted by the town, it will take a great deal of the load off Engine #3 during the brush fire season.
Engine #5, a 1938 Chevrolet, stationed at the North Wilmington Pumping Station, has been out of service since October 1956. The cost to put this truck back into operation, replacing only the worn out arts, would be about $500. 00. This truck is nineteen years old, and it is difficult to say what will go wrong with it next. It is considered obsolete, and I feel that it would be a waste of good money to have it repaired. The cost of a new pump installed would be about $1500. 00. In view of these circumstances, I
29
Downs, Francis E.
Durkee, Leslie A. Kidder, Donald C. Mann, William J. Medico, Joseph
Sargent, Edmund H.
Webster, Charles L.
DEPARTMENT Personnel installed first five miles of new fire alarm signal system at savings to Town of $3,000.
NEW BRUSH & FOREST FIRE Truck purchased in 1956
WILMINGTON
ENGINE 4
NEW AMBULANCE purchased in 1956
30
earnestly urge the purchase of a 75 ft. Aerial Ladder Truck, which I have requested in the fire depart- ment's 1957 budget. This type of truck may be equipped with a pump, water tank, booster hose, various size and type of ladders, life net, life saving equipment, etc. In addition to these important features, the aerial ladder may be used advantageously in many phases of rescue of life.
Should the townspeople see fit to purchase an aerial ladder truck, we then could assign Engine No. 1 or No. 2 at North Wilmington to replace Engine No. 5. If the aerial ladder truck is not purchased this year, it will be necessary to purchase a 750 gal. per minute pumper to replace Engine #5. It is necessary to have dependable equipment to provide protection for this large and fast growing section of the town. At times apparatus, responding to an alarm of fire in North Wilmington, is hindered by trains blocking the crossings. In addition, the distance from the Central Station to the Andover Town Line is five miles - a ten to fifteen minute run.
The 1941 Cadillac Ambulance was traded this past year for a 1956 Cadillac Ambulance which is in very good condition.
I have requested three additional men this year in the 1957 budget. We have three four -men shifts, and at times we find ourselves very short handed.
FIREFIGHTERS combat warehouse conflagration
31
civil defense
DIRECTOR OF CIVIL DEFENS Rene J. LaRivee
While Civil Defense in Wilmington has made excellent progress in the past year, it must not be assumed that we can now cope with any emergency that may arise in the immediate future. Organ- izing, recruiting and training of personnel takes time. There is also the problem of equiping and main - taining the many service units that make up an effective practical civil defense force.
Civil Defense even at the local level is a complicated and involved function of Civil Gov - ernment. It is probably the hardest task that Town Government has ever had to face. It requires deter - mination and perseverance on the part of those responsible for its development, if a satisfactory degree of readiness is to be achieved and maintained. Furthermore, Civil Defense faces the ever changing prob - lem caused by an era of expanding technical and nuclear development.
The first four months of 1956 were devoted to evaluating and coordinating all the resources of the town for immediate use in an emergency. In this effort the Board of Selectmen, the Town Manager and all Department Heads were most cooperative and have rendered valuable assistance to Civil Defense, not only in Wilmington but to the Sector and Area of which we are a part. It is due to this that Wilmington enjoys the wholehearted support and cooperation of the Massachusetts Civil Defense Agency at Natick, whose staff is at all times ready to advise and assist us in obtaining our objectives.
The remainder of the year was allocated to organizing and training personnel for the following services: Warden, Communications, Radiology, Transportation, Ground Observer Corps, First Aid, Medical Staff, Schools and Industry. In this respect, I should like to mention the members of the Wilmington Civil Defense Agency staff, without whose energy, enthusiasm and ability much of what has been accomplished would not have been possible: Chief Warden William Berry; Radio Officer Ted Daly; Radiologists, Dr. William K. Widger, Professor Dudley Buck and Henry Sullivan; Transportation Officer, Mr. Anthony Fortunata; Chief Observer Harvey Hudson; First Aid, Mr. Fred Sedon; Medical Supervisor, Mrs. Mary Quinsland and Mrs. Nicholas Solas; Schools, Mr. Joseph P. Beaton, who, incidently, has done an outstanding job with the School Civil Defense program; Industries, Mr. Daniel Gillis, Special Assign- ments Officers, Mr. Foster Balser and Mr. Fred Calabrese; Legal Advisor, Mr. Simon Cutter, and our latest unit, the Fire Auxiliary under the direction of Lt. George Cushing of the Wilmington Fire Depart- ment. These individuals and many others in the Wilmington Civil Defense Agency have worked together as a close knit team. It is due to this teamwork and cooperative spirit during the period covered by this re- port that it has been possible to make the considerable progress noted.
32
IT
FIRE AUXILIARY received this 500 gallon pumper from the federal government
Fautgen MR
TRAINING COURSE in the elements of defense against radiological war - fare conducted by (left to right) William K. Widger and Henry F. Sullivan (both of Wilmington)
FIRST AID training - one of the most popular Civil Defense Programs
33
P
A total of 271 citizens of Wilmington have enrolled to date in all phases of our Civil Defense organization.
To date Wilmington has acquired through Civil Defense the following pieces of equipment at no cost to the Town:
1 Auxiliary Fire Truck
Radiological Instruments
Valued at $3000.00 Valued at
1000.00
$4000.00
Savings Through Surplus Supplies:
1 - 10 K W Gas Generator
$2000.00
Town paid
$50.00
Saving
$1950.00
4 sets Oxygen Masks
ea.
68.00
Town paid
2.00
Saving
264.00
3 Field Ranges
ea.
160.00
Town paid
1.00
Saving
477.00
Through Matching Funds Program:
1 Police Radio
$589.90
Town paid
294. 95
Saving
$ 294.95
1 Ambulance Radio
589.90
Town paid
294. 95
Saving
294. 95
5 Gonset Communicators ea.
299. 95
Town paid
749. 88
Saving
749. 87
$8030. 77
From these figures it shows that Civil Defense has been an asset to the town just from a purel dollars and cents point of view and can continue to be so in a greater degree as Civil Defense in Wilmington expands. Plans are now in progress for organizing new units such as Police Auxiliary, Health and Sanita- tion, Engineering, Emergency Welfare, Information and Registration. At the same time we must continue to train and enlarge our existing units. CIVIL DEFENSE IS EVERYONE'S JOB.
WILMINGTON'S Civil Defense Staff
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--
building inspector
At the close of 1955, the Building Department was serving the taxpayer in two capacities - Building and Plumbing Inspections. Starting the new year 1956, another service was added - the Inspection of Wires. This service has proved very necessary and is insuring the public that every precaution is being taken to make sure all wiring is installed according to the Wiring Code, and to insure maximum safety to life and property.
Following is the report for the first year of this Electric Wiring Service. Four hundred and twenty-one (421) permits issued:
Dwelling Permits
174
Oil Burner Permits 108
Commercial Permits
26
Range Permits 13
Extra Outlet Permits
34
Temporary Service Permits
34
Service Change Permits
23
Water Heater Permits
9
Building Permits:
New Dwellings
148
$1, 710, 000
Additions
57
48,150
Alterations
5
4,100
Carports
2
400
Garages
18
10,350
Warehouses
2
22,500
Parking Lot
1
200
Commercial Bldg.
8
159,000
Tool Sheds
8
400
Greenhouses
2
7,000
Stable
1
500
Signs
3
650
Henhouse
1
4,500
Buildings Demolished
8
263
$1,967, 800
Plumbing Permits:
Complete Unit Installations
182
Single Unit Installations
5
Total Fees Collected:
Building Permits
956. 00
(Town)
956.00
Plumbing Permits
1,068.00
(Town)
440.00
( Inspector)
628.00
Electric Wire Permits
1,693.00
(Town)
999. 50
( Inspector)
693. 50
$3, 717. 00
(Town) $ 2, 395.50
$1, 321.50
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35
BUILDING INSPECTOR Ernest B. Rice
housing authority
During the past year none of the tenants have moved from the Veterans Housing Project. The) has been an increasing number of applications for these homes. No doubt, double the number of housing units would be continuously occupied by Wilmington veterans and their families.
The project is a tax-free subsidized housing program in public ownership with a forty-year period of amortization. Rental is charged on the basis of income, and the ability of the tenant to pay suc rental; that is, wage earners of low income, housing those of the greatest need, having the least resource the lowest income, and presently. living under the poorest housing conditions. In doing this veteran wage earners of low income, for which private industry could not and still cannot provide decent, safe, and sar tary housing at a rental which they could afford, will be able to benefit by this your low rent housing program.
All the houses have been painted inside and outside during the past year. Mr. Fred Corum was made executive director, and Mr. John Bell of Forest Street was appointed to fill his unexpired term as the State representative on the Authority.
At the special town meeting held October 29, 1956, the Town voted to proceed with Urban Re development with the financial assistance available from the Federal Government. Under the General Laws of Massachusetts, the Housing Authority is the Urban Redevelopment Authority. Your Housing Authority is therefore proceeding with this undertaking on behalf of the Town of Wilmington. This will involve a great deal of study, planning, and the cooperation of all concerned.
36
board of appeals
Following is the report of the Board of Appeals for the year 1956:
Case #1 January 10, 1956 - Howard C. Neagle, petitioner - Request for a trailer permit. Variance granted under Sec. VI-2.
Case #2 January 20, 1956 - Cecil W. Cantrell, petitioner - Request to sell loam out of town. Variance granted.
Case #3 March 1, 1956 - John C. Allen, petitioner - Request for variance in lot frontage. Variance granted from 125 ft. to 116. 18 ft.
Case #4 February 23, 1956 - Percy G. Crocker, petitioner - Request to sell gravel and top soil out of town. Variance granted with restrictions.
Case #5 March 1, 1956 - Frank Mango, petitioner - Request for variance in lot frontage. Variance granted.
Case #6 March 22, 1956 - Percy G. Crocker, petitioner - Request for permit to establish a dump. Variance refused.
Case #7 March 8, 1956 - Ventura Canelas, petitioner - Request to establish a dump off McDonald Road. Variance granted under supervision of Board of Health.
Case #8 April 5, 1956 - John Christopher, petitioner - Request for extension of trailer permit. Extension granted to April 1, 1957.
Case #9 April 5, 1956 - Donald E. Kirby, petitioner - Request for variance in size of three lots on Wildwood Street. Variance granted.
Case #10 April 12, 1956 - Walpole Woodworkers, petitioner - Request to erect a non-conforming sign. Variance granted.
Case #11 May 2, 1956 - A. P. Rounds, petitioner - Request to sell loam out of town. Variance denied. Case #12 May 10, 1956 - Carroll Mason, petitioner - Request for trailer permit. Variance denied.
Case #13 May 10, 1956 - Wilmington Sales, Inc., petitioner - Request for a non-conforming sign. Variance granted.
Case #14 May 10, 1956 - Frederick Sullivan, petitioner - Request for a Kindergarten permit. Variance granted.
Case #15 May 17, 1956 - Joseph Doucette, petitioner - Request for variance in lot size. No action taken. Case #16 May 17, 1956 - Dr. Sely A. Kay, petitioner - Request for an animal hospital. Request denied.
Case #17 May 31, 1956 - Joseph Calarossi, petitioner - Request for variance in lot size. Variance granted with restrictions.
37
Case #18 May 31, 1956 - Stephen L. Smith, Jr., petitioner - Request for sign on Pet Shop. Variance granted.
Case #19 May 31, 1956 - Benevento Sand & Gravel Co., petitioner - Request for a cement hopper. Variance denied.
Case #20 June 7, 1956 - Alva B. Wheelock, petitioner - Request for a trailer permit. Variance denie
Case #21 June 7, 1956 - A. P. Rounds, petitioner - Request to sell loam out of town. Variance denie
Case #22 June 7, 1956 - Joseph L. Campos, petitioner - Request for a side line variance. Variance granted.
Case #23 June 14, 1956 - George B. Dyas, petitioner - Request for set-back variance. Variance granted for a 12 ft. garage, 18 ft. from the street.
Case #24 June 14, 1956 - Percy G. Crocker, petitioner - Request for renewal of gravel permit. Re- newal denied.
Case #25 June 14, 1956 - Lloyd W. Belbin, petitioner - Request for a lot size variance. Variance granted.
Case #26 June 14, 1956 - Robert J. Elworthy, petitioner - Request for a side line variance. Variance granted.
Case #27 June 21, 1956 - Martin & Joseph Leverone, petitioners - request for variance in lot sizes. Variance granted.
Case #28 July 12, 1956 - Margaret Capabianco, petitioner - Request for a beauty parlor. Variance denied.
Case #29 July 5, 1956 - Michael E. Perella, petitioner - Request for a lot frontage variance. Varian granted.
Case #30 July 5, 1956 - Red-i-mix Corp., petitioner - Request for a cement hopper. Variance grant with restrictions.
Case #31 August 2, 1956 - Mary Cronis, petitioner - Request for permit to operate a rest home. Variance denied.
Case #32 August 2, 1956 - Ethel L. Warner, petitioner - Request for variance on three non-conformi lots. Referred to the Planning Board.
Case #33 August 2, 1956 - William F. Butt, petitioner - Request for variance on two non-conforming lots. Variance granted.
Case #34 August 2, 1956 - Ralph H. Christie, petitioner - Request for permission to build house in industrial zone. Variance granted.
Case #35 August 9, 1956 - Charles M. Lennox, petitioner - Request permission to erect a non-confor · ing sign. Variance granted.
Case #36 August 9, 1956 - Hercules Powder Co., petitioner - Request for storage plant for nitro- cellulose. Variance denied.
38
Case #37 August 30, 1956 - Louis J. Massi, petitioner - Request for variance in lot size .. Granted.
Case #38 Aug. 9, 1956 - Ernest Thibo, petitioner - Request to erect covers for turkey runs. Denied.
Case # 39 August 16, 1956 - Joseph L. Francis, petitioner - Request for permission to make addition to house. Variance granted.
Case #40 August 30, 1956 - Minot J. Anderson, petitioner - Request to sell loam out of town. Denied. Case #41 Sept. 6, 1956 - Weinberg's Dept. Store, petitioner - Request for a side line variance. Denied.
Case #42 September 6, 1956 - Sadie J. Griffiths, petitioner - Request for a variance in zoning. Referred to the Planning Board.
Case #43 September 13, 1956 - Florence B. Sheehan, petitioner - Request for variance on a non-conform - ing lot. Variance granted with restrictions.
Case #44 September 13, 1956 - Walter J. Riley, petitioner - No action taken. Petition withdrawn.
Case #45 September 13, 1956 - Adam Kozlowski, petitioner - Request for a lot size variance. Denied.
Case #46 Sept. 27, 1956 - E. G. Stewart, petitioner - Request for a variance in lot size. Granted. Case #47 September 27, 1956 - Harold E. Smith, petitioner - Request to enlarge present business establishment. Variance granted.
Case #48 October 4, 1956 - Charles George, petitioner - Request for rezoning on lower Main Street. Referred to the Planning Board.
Case #49 October 4, 1956 - P. J. Rossi, petitioner - Request for a lot size variance. Granted.
Case #50 October 10, 1956 - Cabot, Cabot & Forbes, petitioner - Request for a variance in height of Avco buildings. Variance granted.
Case #51 October 11, 1956 - Raymond C. Nims, petitioner - Request to change house to two family. Variance granted.
Case #52 October 19, 1956 - Charles River Breeding Laboratory, Inc., petitioner - Request for addition to present establishment. Variance granted.
Case #53 Oct. 25, 1956 - Wm. Butt, petitioner - Request for variance in lots on Woburn St. Granted.
Case #54 November 1, 1956 - Wilmington General Salvage, Inc., petitioner - Request for a Class 3 junk dealer's permit. Variance denied.
Case #55 November 8, 1956 - Charles W. Vokey, petitioner - Request for a variance in lot size. Variance granted.
Case #56 December 6, 1956 - Cecelia M. Lavey, petitioner - Request for a variance in lot size. Variance granted.
Case #57 December 20, 1956 - Edgar Case, petitioner - Request for a variance in lot size. Variance granted.
39
inspector of animals
No. 47
Inspection of Domestic Animals and Premises where Animals are kept
Dog bites reported Dogs showing physical signs of rabies
0
Animals submitted to laboratory exam.
0
Premises keeping domestic animals inspected 41
Cattle inspected
148
Horses inspected
48
All biting animals were quarantined for the period of time prescribed by law.
Animals quarantined
49
Sheep inspected
3
Animals released from quarantine
49
Cattle released from Interstate Shipment 0
Cattle reacting to the Tuberculin Test 0
0 All special work assigned to me by the Department 0 of Livestock Disease Control was attended to promptly.
dog officer
Dog Licenses
1009
Kennels: $50.00
1
25.00
0
10.00
3
Dogs Confined
204
Complaints Covered
437
Dogs Destroyed
135
Dogs Disposed of
192
Dogs Killed by Cars
51
Residence Calls for Licenses
239
Hogs inspected 4095
Goats inspected 11
Dogs released from Interstate Shipment
0
Laboratory Report: Positive
Negative
40
tree warden
--
TRAGIC Dutch Elm blight every year destroys many of the se magnificent old elm trees.
ree Department:
Routine work was carried on throughout the year: removing trees and broken limbs, cutting way broken tops, and trimming low limbs and dead wood from street trees. Ten trees were taken down r street widening.
loth Department:
All shade trees and school yard trees were sprayed with 6% to 12% D. D. T. for gypsy moth, nt caterpillars, fall web worm cankerworms, japanese beetle, pine looper, elm leaf beetle, woodticks nd oriental hag moths. We sprayed the town dump six times through the spring and summer months ith 12% D. D. T. for flies and insects.
Im Leaf Beetle and Dutch Elm Disease:
The elms on the streets and some in private yards were sprayed with 12% D. D. T. to help ontrol the Dutch Elm disease. Thirty-eight trees, affected by this disease, were cut down and burned the town pit. A program of spraying was maintained from April to August.
own Forest:
All brush from the ball field to the main gate was cut and cleared away. We also trimmed le broken branches from the oaks and pines throughout the park. Four trees, felled by the wind, were it up and hauled away.
osquitoes:
This year we sprayed the swamps and around homes with 6% D. D. T. On windy days we brayed the woodlands so the wind could take the spray across the swamps and aid in the control of mos - oitoes. This spraying schedule was also maintained from April to August.
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