Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1958-1959, Part 17

Author: Wilmington (Mass.)
Publication date: 1958
Publisher: Town of Wilmington
Number of Pages: 298


USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wilmington > Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1958-1959 > Part 17


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III. Food Sanitation


Inspections


Restaurants


18


Soda Fountains


4


Luncheonettes 8


Submarine Sandwich Shoppes


6


Grocery and Variety Stores


25


Ice Cream Manufacturing Establishments


4


School Cafeterias 5


Other Places Dispensing Food


3


Mobile Canteens


6


Prior to issuance of permits for the current year, a number of establishments were notified of con- ditions that were unsatisfactory. These conditions were rectified by the operators to the satisfaction of the Board of Health.


Utensils used by the public were periodically tested for bacterial content to determine the efficiency of dishwashing and handling. The purpose of this was to discover and prevent the transmission of diseases through these utensils.


IV. Sewage Disposal Sanitation


Applications for sewerage permits


162


Sewerage permits granted for:


Older dwellings 17


New dwellings 128


Commercial establishments 4


Industries 1


Municipal buildings 4


53


1


IV. Sewage Disposal Sanitation (continued)


Sewerage systems inspected and approved 139 Lots restricted for building 3 Lots on which restrictions removed 7


V. Refuse Disposal


Garbage collections and rubbish disposal (through the operation of the town dump) are administered by contract through the Board of Health. These public works functions account for over 60% of the total Board of Health budget. Inquiries concerning these services should be made to this office.


In an attempt to depart from the burning open-faced dump, a sanitary land-fill operation was employed this year. In this operation, the rubbish is compressed by a clam shovel and covered with good earth material such as gravel, at the end of each day. Due to the inexperience of the parties concerned, there was some time before the desired operation was obtained. but having thus attained it, the opera- tion is proceeding very well. Thus, in time, a low section can be filled in, utilized as an industrial site, and bring much more revenue to the town.


VI. Recreational Area Sanitation


Sanitation at any public or private recreational area is regulated by the Board of Health. Water sup- plies must be safe, sewage disposal must be sanitary, and bathing waters must not be so contaminated as to be injurious to swimmers. There are three recreational areas in town:


Silver Lake - public Camp Forty Acres - Boy and Girl Scout Camp Mill Brook Camp - Commercial and semi-private


Analyses of the bathing waters at Silver Lake were again made this year. The following is the result of water samples from the lake on dates specified:


Date


M. P. N. *


Date


M. P. N. *


6/15/59


93


7/20/59


1200


6/17/59


260


8/12/59


2100


6/22/59


93


8/19/59


490


7/ 1/59


490


8/24/59


700


7/13/59


240


*M. P. N. represents the number of intestinal bacteria of the coliform found in 100 cc. of water. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health regards M. P. N. of 2400 or more as possibly dan- gerous for swimming.


VII. Housing Sanitation


In connection with the housing code, a number of dwellings were repaired, remodeled, or torn down.


Total Dwellings Inspected Minor violations found


11


3


Major violations found


8


Condemned


8


Dwellings vacated and posted


8


Violations corrected


1


54


.


VIII. Nuisance Complaints


In this period, sixty-eight complaints were received and investigated.


Complaint


Number


Abated


Sewage


23


19


Dumping


14


12


Unprotected wells, excavations, etc.


3


3


Animals


1


1


Food


2


2


Housing


9


4


Atmospheric pollution


12


7


Inadequate or unsafe water


2


2


Insect Infestation


1


1


Milk


1


1


IX. Miscellaneous Inspections


Town Dump


45


Piggeries


16


1


Recreational Camps


6


Stables


12


1


D. Laboratory


A total of 931 bacteriological and chemical analyses were made this year on water and milk samples as well as the surfaces of multi-used food utensils (glasses, forks, plates, etc. ) by the Health Agent.


No.


Satisfactory


% Satisfactory


Milk and Cream


278


256


92. 1


Private Wells


425


227


51.0


Recreational Camp Wells


42


31


73.8


Silver Lake


135


135


100.0


Restaurant Utensils


24


17


70.8


Schools:


1/2 pt. school milk


12


12


100.0


Cafeteria utensils


3


3


100.0


Frozen Desserts


12


12


100.0


E. Permits and Licenses


Permits and licenses granted by the Board of Health after inspection and approval:


Refuse transportation permits


20


Piggeries


14


Whlse. Manufacture of Ice Cream


1


Child Care Centers


4


Retail Manufacture of Ice Cream


2


Funeral Directing


3


Milk Dairy Licenses


20


Stable Licenses


11


Milk Store Licenses


38


Food permits


58


Oleomargarine Licenses


16


Dumps


2


Sewerage Installation Permits


154


Camps


2


In conclusion, the Board of Health and its personnel wish to express their gratitude to the many individuals of the Town for their aid and cooperation. The Board of Health is especially indebted to those ladies who so ably assisted at the immunization and polio clinics.


55


board of public welfare


DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WELFARE Andrew P. Ring


The Wilmington Board of Public Welfare respectfully submits its Annual Report for the year 1959. The Board consists of Mr. Maurice O'Neil, Chairman, Miss Florence Balkus and Mrs. Anna Low.


Each year, in writing this report, the same questions arise - do the citizens understand Public Assistance, are they satisfied with the administration of the local program and do they approve the large ex- penditures of money ? Then the problem that confronts the Board is how to explain the program, so that the citizens may understand what it is all about.


The various categories of assistance under the supervision of the Board are General Relief, Aid to Dependent Children, Disability Assistance and Old Age Assistance. The last three (3) are part of the Social Security Act. Aid to Dependent Children and Old Age Assistance were born during the severe economic de - pression, in the belief that public assistance would be a diminishing program, while the social insurance would be the basic program; but it has not worked out in that way. Many types of employment are not covered under the present Social Security Act, and the present grants under the Old Age & Survivor's Insurance pro- gram are not sufficient to provide for the individual's needs, and therefore they are required to seek public assistance in addition to their Social Security grants, to meet the present costs of living. Under the present laws governing the administration of public relief, all needs are met - there is no maximum amount. This means that an individual's needs, to include medical, hospital and all other services are provided, in addition to the needs in the home.


It is believed that no private business and few public organizations could have survived the brand of publicity Public Welfare has had since its beginning. The emphasis has always been on the cost - never on what the public gets for its money. The truth is that Public Welfare does not cost - it pays. It pays in actual dollars and cents of the taxpayer's money, besides the priceless human values which it conserves. Perhaps this best could be explained where the granting of assistance has seen many families rehabilitated because the were able to get help when illness or accident to the breadwinner presented emergencies they could not cope with unaided. In these emergencies, which are major threats to family security, besides the financial help given, there is the stabilizing influence of the social service rendered by the workers who go in on the case. By financial assistance in these cases, the children are able to have sufficient food, decent shelter and ade - quate clothing, which enables them to continue in school and become useful citizens of the Community.


56


.


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. In 1955 it was 66. In 1900 one person in twenty-five (25) 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 costs 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 ma- jority 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 pur - pose 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.


More than six million persons (Social Security Bulletin 1958) were receiving public assistance; almost 2. 5 million aged with an average payment of $61. 79; almost 750, 000 families (three million recipients) receiving A. D. C. with an average payment of $103. 26 per family; 109, 000 blind with an average of $66. 98 per month; 321, 000 permanently and totally disabled receiving only $60. 85; and 381, 000 cases receiving gener - al assistance with an average payment per case of $61. 43. Public assistance represents the only available income to approximately 80 per cent of these families.


Public Welfare:


During 1959 there were 29 cases aided under this category in Wilmington with an expenditure of $7,818. 47. This Agency paid $2, 634. 45 to other communities for aiding Wilmington settled cases. The total expenditure for this type of assistance during 1959 was $10, 452. 92. 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. There has been an increase in the number of welfare cases aided during the last several years. This is due to the population increase in this Community. This 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.


Aid To Dependent Children:


During 1959 the local Board aided 22 cases under this program. The total expenditure amounted to $28,902. 96. The costs of this program were shared by the Federal Government, the State and the local community. Aid to Dependent Children is provided in cases where there is a widow with dependent children who are in attendance at public schools and when families have been deserted. It is also granted to a family 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 (3) months.


Federal reimbursement received during the year is held in a special account by the Town Account- .nd and is used for this program only. The State share of reimbursement cannot be credited to this account .nd therefore goes to the Excess & Deficiency account of the town as an estimated receipt.


Disability Assistance:


This program is part of the Social Security Act. A person must be 18 years of age or over, to have ived in Massachusetts continuously for one year immediately preceding the date of application for assistance


57


and to be in need of aid. This category came into effect in November of 1951 and is to provide for needy per - sons found to be permanently and totally disabled.


During 1959, seven cases have received a direct grant from this Board at a total cost of $9, 123. 41. Federal reimbursement received during the year is held in a special account by the Town Accountant and is used for this program only.


Old Age Assistance:


To be eligible for Old Age Assistance, which is also part of the Social Security Act, a person in Massachusetts must be 65 years of age, to have lived in the Commonwealth three out of the last nine years - one year immediately preceding the date of application - and to be in need of assistance. There are also other eligibility requirements such as personal property and amount of income, which must be considered before the local Board can render a just decision.


During 1959, there were 110 cases aided by the Wilmington Board of Public Welfare under this cate- gory, at a cost of $91, 779. 71. This Community also had to reimburse other communities at a cost of $1, 915. 01. Total expenditure for Old Age Assistance during 1959 was $93, 694. 72. Old Age Assistance is part of the Social Security Act, and the costs are shared by the Federal Government, State and local Commun- ity where the person is legally settled. The Federal reimbursement is retained in a special account - the same as Aid to Dependent Children and Disability Assistance - 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.


Administration Costs:


The term "Administration Costs" covers all expenditures of the Board to administer the four pro- grams under the Board's supervision, which are Old Age Assistance, Disability Assistance, Aid to Dependent Children and Public Welfare. The Federal Government does not participate in the costs of administering the Welfare program, but does the other three (3) categories. Federal reimbursement is based on home visits and all contact with cases in the office.


The Social Security Act requires all employees of the Board to be under Civil Service, and salaries must conform to the Civil Service Compensation Plan (minimum). Old Age Assistance and Disability Assist- ance cases must be visited semi-annually, Aid to Dependent Children cases every four months, and General Relief are seen or contacted weekly. The three employees in the local Welfare office are Andrew P. Ring, who is the Director of Public Assistance and Secretary to the Welfare Board; Mrs. Miriam Sullivan is the Senior Clerk and Stenographer; Miss Helen Hobson is the Social Worker.


It should be remembered that 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 conditions of the Country are bad, and when the taxpayer can least afford to pay the high cost.


The local Board wants to take this opportunity to thank the following for their cooperation during 1959: The Fire Department, Wilmington - Tewksbury Knights of Columbus, employees of Avco, Community Fund, Rotary Club, Lions, Wilmington-Tewksbury Lodge of Elks.


This report has been prepared for the local Board of Public Welfare by Andrew P. Ring, Director of Public Assistance.


58


-


-


school maintenance department


Buzzell School:


Rear door refitted and new hinges installed Replaced 22 ft. of one-inch steel pipe Installed spring on boiler room door Manufactured "No Admittance" sign for same Installed new program clock


Installed new self-closing faucets in boys' and girls' lavatories


New fire alarm system installed Installed rebuilt water cooler


Center School:


Upright valve in cellar repaired Ceiling repaired in cellar where coal bin was removed


All cracks in cellar wall pointed up


Floor cemented where necessary


All classroom doors refitted and new locks installed Roof pigeon-proofed All asbestos shingles replaced and repainted Fireproof panels installed in doors Wire glass installed


Removed double doors and replaced with single fire-proofed doors New fire alarm system installed


High School:


All filters cleaned and re-oiled All boilers and burners reserviced Fire wall in boilers checked All doors in "old wing" resealed All cracks in gymnasium filled and painted Walls in cafeteria painted Three coats of non-skid paint applied on kitchen flr. Ceilings over all stairways painted Walls in locker rooms painted All loose tiles replaced Skylight in locker room painted Bleachers in gymnasium resealed First wing library painted complete Doors in locker rooms and gymnasium corridors resealed


Doors in cafeteria painted


Ceiling blocks in Rooms 206 and 210 replaced where loose


High School (continued):


Hole in wall cemented, Room 210


Window lock replaced, Room 210


Thirty tables stripped, sanded and refinished complete Identification and room numbers manufactured and installed in new addition


Ten door-check springs installed


Mop wringer assembly repaired


Potato masher repaired


Beading rear door boys' locker room repaired


Replaced fan in boys' locker room


Washed and sealed 24 doors in second wing


Two hundred combination desk and chair sets stripped and sanded


Textolite tops pressed on and refinished complete Anchored loose chairs in auditorium


Resealed and repainted all skylights


Installed blackout curtains in gymnasium


Athletic equipment manufactured and supplied for girls' gym


New drinking fountain installed


Rogers School - Room #1:


All old desks and chairs removed and replaced with new movable furniture


Fluorescent lighting installed


Removed all old seal and wax. resealed and rewaxed Room painted complete


Rooms #2, 3, and 4:


Same work as above, with the exception of lighting and fixtures


All loose tile replaced


One toilet repaired


Circline fluorescent lighting installed in passageways Passageway and radiators painted complete


All entrance and exit doors painted


Flag pole painted Play yard area shortened


Two new gates installed Slide painted complete New drinking fountain installed


New rear steps and platform installed


Boiler cleaned and re-serviced


Fireproof door installed in crawl space


59


Swain School - Rooms #201, 202, 205:


New radiators installed Registers repaired to prevent drafts New chalkboard in Room 205 installed Wire glass installed in doors Program clock installed Tankless water heater repaired


Lock installed, second floor stock room 132 desks stripped, sanded and refinished complete


Rooms #201, 203:


Old desks and chairs removed and replaced with refinished ones


Floor renailed New fire alarm system installed


New platforms and steps installed in gymnasium


Gymnasium floor painted Two new toilet seats installed


Walker School:


--


All classroom doors refitted and new locks installed Panels in doors fireproofed Wire glass installed Cafeteria floor repainted Repaired roof and gutter in rear of building New fire alarm system installed


West School:


Panels in front door repaired Light switch in hall repaired All plaster refinished where necessary Three bookcases manufactured and installed Radiator flushed out and new valve installed New flag pole installed complete Repaired all stairways Boiler flushed out and cleaned Pin-up boards supplied and installed


Wildwood School:


Hot top front entrance repaired Lines repainted, teachers' parking area Movable shelves supplied All natural wood doors revarnished Outside doors painted Boiler nipples repaired


Curbing repaired, south wing exit Playground equipment painted Play yard filled in Two bookcases manufactured and installed Exhaust fan installed in teachers' room Incinerator repaired


Wildwood School (continued):


Electric fan installed in cellar for ventilation of same


Cinder block storeroom installed in cellar


Retaining wall installed and dry well provided for pump


Edge of roof resurfaced with fiberglass insulation, and two coats of roofing cement sealer brushed on


New valve control installed in hot water boiler Two trap doors installed to reach water lines Water lines in cellar covered with insulation Switch on pump repaired All loose tile replaced


Hot water booster installed to increase hot water to dishwashing machine


Flooring removed and replaced, and tile installed in places where dry rot was found.


Whitefield School:


Hallway ceiling repaired Floor boards replaced in hallway Stairs renailed


Parting beads installed Playground slide painted


Fluorescent lighting installed, first grade classroor Floor replaced, sanded and refinished complete Basement stairway wall rock-lathed and plastered Holes in basement floor filled in


Two-inch main installed connecting boys and girls lavatories


Cleaned and adjusted flushometers


Installed set traps, second floor


Fireproof door installed in crawl space


Installed finned pipe radiation under boys and girls lavatories


Two springs installed on boiler room doors Toilet seat installed Manufactured and installed one "No Admission" sign


All loose and broken shingles replaced and painted Room #2, all old desks and chairs removed and replaced with new movable furniture


Roman House:


Observation tower removed and trap door installed All roof eaves pigeon-proofed First floor radiators painted Three electric outlets installed Supervisor's room painted complete Removed panels and set glass in front door Overhauled hot water system


60


Glen Road School:


Installed first aid cabinets, soap, towel , etc. where necessary


Manufactured and installed all identification signs Manufactured four pin-up boards and installed same Removed from cartons, assembled and set-up new furniture in all rooms


Installed flag brackets, and flags in all rooms Installed pencil sharpeners in all rooms


Moved all supplies from part-time session schools


Town Hall:


Four steel lock bars for file cabinets installed Installed new lock - Town Manager's office Installed new lock in cabinet room


Letter box assembly in Civil Defense office


Book shelves manufactured and installed - engineer's office


Roof repaired Drilled holes in steel safe doors for ventilation Manufactured roll-out table for record books


Set up and removed voting booth equipment for town elections


Assembled and set up desk in Assessor's office


Miscellaneous:


A general painting, patching and touch-up in all schools


Two "stop" signs manufactured and installed at approaches to Center and Buzzell Schools


Twelve roll-out stands manufactured for TV sets Window glass installed in all schools where necessary


In addition, the following items were completed in or on all buildings in the system


Cleaned and overhauled boilers on hot water systems All pin-up boards in all classrooms repainted


All school warning signs painted


All chalkboards cleaned and treated


All wooden platforms and steps treated with a pro- tective coat of preservative


All windows washed


All septic tanks checked and cleaned out when necessary


All storage rooms inspected and cleaned


All schools inspected for sand and rock salt


All schools inspected for fire protection


All fire extinguishers checked and refilled.


Thank you. .... all departments for your cooperation. Maintenance involves many and various skills. It is our aim to perform our duties efficiently and economically.


MAINTENANCE SUPERINTENDENT Anton Thiel


board of library trustees


It is always interesting to look back over the year and sum up the activities of the Public Library, particularly when each year offers further evidence of the importance of library services. In 1959 for the first time we had a full-time Librarian, and the statistics show that she could not have had many dull mo- ments. On the busiest day 353 books were taken out. The number of new borrowers reached a record high of 747, bringing the total number to 4800, an increase of 18% over 1958. Book circulation exceeded that of 1958 by 22%, and the trend is more vividly demonstrated by the fact that the circulation has doubled since 1955.


In view of the above figures we are making plans to have the Library open additional hours next year so that it will be available every weekday.


The State Bookmobile, in its second year of operation, has continued to furnish a most valuable ser - vice for which we are very grateful. The circulation of over 3500 books indicates how much this additional facility is enjoyed.


We acknowledge with deep appreciation the many benefits provided by the Friends of the Wilmington Public Library, a committee organized by the Wilmington Women's Club. Through their efforts a rare old book entitled " Life of Asa G. Sheldon: Wilmington Farmer" was reprinted and the Library now possesse several copies. With the cooperation of the Library staff the Friends held a very successful Book Fair in the Library in November. Many books were sold for Christmas giving. The Library is also indebted to them for the two handsome window boxes which improve its appearance so much.


We wish to compliment Mrs. C. Chipman, Librarian, and Mrs. F. Balser, Assistant Librarian, on their completion of additional courses in library subjects.




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