USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wilmington > Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1960-1961 > Part 16
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(LG, PH, BM) Granted
Granted
Case #48-61 - 10/31/61 (10/5/61 & 10/12/61) John A. Grano
Variance to allow him to convert the (LG, PH, BM)
Granted
.... .
32
Hearing Date (Advertised dates) Applicant
Reason for Appeal
Members Voting
Decision
Granted
Case #57-61 - 12/28/61 (11/30/61 & 12/7/61) C. A. Bigham and M. R. Robinson
Case #58-61 - 12/28/61 (11/30/61 & 12/7/61) John R. & Betty Evans
Variance to erect dwelling at Concord and Woburn Streets closer to the street than the law allows, to meet conditions of Health Agent. (Assessors #86/18)
Variance to allow for the erection of (HC, LG, RZ) Granted
three towers higher than the Zoning Law allows. (AVCO tower) (Assessors #R2-24)
LG Louis E. Gage, Chairman -
BM - Bruce MacDonald, Secretary
PH
- Parker E. Hodgdon
LW
- Leidy K. Williams
HC C. Homer Cour sey -
RZ
- Robert Zarce
DOG OFFICER
4
Anti- Rabies Clinic
Dog Licenses 1223
Kennels
0
Dogs Confined
312
Complaints Covered
602
Dogs Disposed of
276
Dogs Killed by Cars 84
370
Resident Calls for Licenses
Wilmington, Mass.
33
POLICE DEPARTMENT
ARREST
Assault & Battery
10
Larceny
32
A. W. O. L. (Military)
4 Malicious Damage to Property
12
Being Abroad at Night Time
1 Non Support
16
Breaking & Entering & Larceny
14 Other Departments (on warrants)
2
Concealed Weapons
2 Pornography
1
Contributing to the Delinquency (Minor)
2 Rape
2
Drunkenness
80
Receiving Stolen Property
1
Escapees
2
Runaways
12
Fornication
1 State Police Arrest
8
Forgery & Uttering
2 Suspicious Persons
32
Illegitimacy
2
Unlawful Riding on Freight Train
4
Insane
4
Vagrancy
1
Indecent Assault (Child under 14)
1
Vandalism
2
Indecent Exposure
4
254
ARREST FOR MOTOR VEHICLE VIOLATIONS
Allowing Improper Person to Operate 3
Obscuring Number Plates
1
Attaching Plates
3 Operating So As To Endanger
8
Failing to Display Inspection Sticker
14 Operating Under the Influence of Liquor 11
Failing to Stop on Signal of Officer
3 Operating After Suspension of License 14
Failing to Stop for School Bus
3 Operating Without A License
8
Failing to Stop for Red Traffic Signal
1
Operating Uninsured Vehicle
3
Failing to Stop for "Stop" Sign
1
Operating Unregistered Vehicle
4
Failing to Keep to the Right of Road
1 Speeding
3
Leaving the Scene of Accident
4 Using Without Authority
14
99
Total arrests for the year number 353.
Total fines assessed amounted to $1, 690. 00.
The figures appearing here more than justify a very sincere expression of appreciation to the members of the department for a "Job Well Done".
This has been a very busy year for the department, more than two hundred more arrests this year than in 1960, and more than $1, 000. 00 paid in fines over that of 1960.
However, arrests made by the department are only one phase of activities involved. Therefore, I am going to list a few other activities that we are concerned with:
34
.. 4 .
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
All Type Auto Accidents
160
Indecent Exposures Reported
8
Attempted Suicides
3
Indecent Phone Calls
20
Automobiles Reported Stolen
8 Juvenile Cases (No court action) 16
Buildings Broken Into
44 Prowlers Reported
42
Buildings Found Open
70 Runaways Reported
6
Children Reported Lost
12
Stolen Bicycles
21
Complaints Received (Investigated)
756
Stolen Cars Recovered (by us)
12
Emergency Trips with Cruisers
33
Suicides
1
Fatal Automobile Accidents
1
Sudden Deaths
8
Fires Responded To
22
Summonses Delivered
426
This about covers the activities of the department for 1961, but I would like to remind you that there are a lot of domestic problems handled by the department in the course of the year that cannot be in- cluded in a report such as this.
The department was saddened twice in the year 1961 with the death of Harry J. Ainsworth, our former beloved Chief of Police, and on the occasion of the death of George H. Fuller, a beloved brother Police Officer. It is with a deep sense of profound sympathy that we record the deaths of our departed
members. May God Bless Them and Forever Keep Them in His Love !
Once again my heartfelt thanks to the Traffic Supervisors for a "Job Well Done". What a won- derful devotion to duty !
In concluding the report, may I take this means to express sincere thanks to the Fire Depart- ment, Highway Department, Water Department, Tree Department, School Department, Park Department. and the "Gang" at the Town Hall, for being so wonderfully cooperative.
My sincere thanks and appreciation to the Board of Selectmen for their continued support and cooperation.
To "Cecil" Lancaster, Town Manager, my most sincere thanks for all you have done in provid- ing the department with the necessary equipment so essential to the department, and for your many other contributions to the general welfare of the department.
Sergeant Ellsworth
Sergeant Langone
Sergeant Kelly
Wilmington, Mass.
35
FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Fire Department responded to a. total of seven hundred and forty-seven (747) calls, one hundred and seventy-three (173) bell alarms, and five hundred and seventy-four (574) still alarms.
Ambulance Calls
342
Dumps 9
Auto & Trucks
55
Electric Wires
16
Bomb Reports
2
False Alarms
18
Buildings
41
Oil & Gas Burners
28
Bridge 2
Out of Town 2
Brush & Grass
170
R. R. Trains
8
Chimneys
4
Service Calls
50
---
A total of 33, 575 feet of fire hose was laid. Total value of property endangered was $139, 500. The property loss was $24, 479. 60.
Inspections were made of rest homes, schools, and public buildings, and permits were issued as required by State Law.
With the exception of Engine #5, all equipment is in good condition. Engine #5 is a 1938 Chevrolet housed at the North Wilmington Pumping Station and is in very poor condition. It should be re - placed this year if the North Wilmington Area is to continue to have Underwriters Credit earned by the presence of an acceptable apparatus garaged in the area. Also, this was the recommendation of the Board of Selectmen as far back as 1957.
Members of the department installed fire alarm wires in the Shady Lane Drive section, Glen Road, Lawrence Street, and Glendale Circle. Six boxes were installed.also.
36
KIDIAS INFINITE ... Wilmington, Mass.
RECREATION COMMISSION
As in the past, the Recreation Commission has designed the programs to meet either directly, or indirectly, some of the recreational needs and desires of all the townspeople.
Programs were as follows this year:
Summer Program
Silver Lake Beach:
a. Protection of life b. Instruction in swimming and water safety
Town Park:
Softball league for adults
Four Playgrounds:
Devoted to playground activities for children
Fall and Winter Program
a. Wednesday nights for men
(High School Gym)
b. Thursday nights for women (High School Gym)
c. Saturday afternoons for boys (High School Gym)
d. Saturday afternoons for boys (Glen Road School)
e. Saturday nights for young men and adults (High School Gym)
f. Skating Carnival (Assisted by Wilmington Skating Club)
With an increase in participation, plans are being considered for the expansion of the present program areas so as to include the Boutwell School area and the new Intermediate School area.
Without the cooperation of the School Committee and the members of the Planning Board, the program would not have attained its aims and objectives. To them and to the other town departments, we are very grateful.
Recreation
Golf Instruction
37
BUILDING INSPECTOR
Building Permits were issued with conservative valuation as follows:
No.
Valuation
Totals
Dwellings
95
1,193,350
Residential Garages
15
19,750
Alterations and repairs to dwellings
77
117,100
1,330,200
Industrial Buildings
11
2,480,500
Commercial Garages
1
28,800
Gasoline Service Stations
3
45,250
Sheds, Barns, Etc.
6
3,700
Signs
3
1,975
Additions & alterations to non- residential
9
31,000
2,591,225
Schools
1
818,252
Public Works
1
6,000
824,252
Demolition
20
Renewals
22
Repairs
7
TOTALS
271
$4, 745, 677
Please note that the non-residential permits total over twice the value of the ninety-five new dwellings. Let me also inform you that AVCO's RAD addition comprises over half of the Industrial total; and this without any concessions from acceptable standards.
Below is a list of the private residential permits of the past few years:
1956
1957
1958
1959
1960
1961
148
137
136
110
93
95
The downward trend in the number of new dwelling permits has leveled off. The past leadership of the Planning Board in sponsoring adoption of far-reaching Zoning and Subdivision Regulations has been partially nullified by acts of the Legislature "liberalizing" the permitted exemptions from these regulations. (It isn't only Boston that wants more "Home Rule". ) In such cases the Building Inspector must issue a permit.
38
The 1960 Legislation annulled the Town's then-existing gas fitting regulations. When the Town complies with Chapter 143, Section 30, by appointing an inspector of gas piping, provisions must be made for issuance of permits, a fee schedule authorized, and an appropriation made to defray this expense.
Report of permit fees received:
Permits
No.
Fees
Inspector Received
Building Permits
271
1,118.00
Plumbing Permits
108
982.00
582.00
Wiring Permits
415
1,489.00
807. 50
$3,589. 00
$1,389. 50
VETERANS' AGENT
Arthur Harper
During 1961 this department processed 182 applications for monetary aid as follows:
Chapter 115 as amended:
74 applications were referred to other cities or towns 30 applications were rejected
78 applications were approved for aid totaling over $41, 000. 00
This represents an increase in the number of cases handled. This year again shows an in- crease in the family budget and the fuel budget under the State program. Of a total of $41, 000 spent, more than $10, 000 was paid to hospitals, $6, 000 was paid for doctors and medication, and $20, 000 was paid to veterans, or their dependents, who are unable to work because of illness or age limitations. In contrast, less than $5, 000 was spent on employable veterans who are temporarily out of work.
Through the cooperation of the welfare agent and the people of the Wilmington Community Fund, this department was able to care for a number of cases which might have otherwise gone without help due to being ineligible under the Veterans Benefits Law. With increasing medical, surgical, and hospital costs, together with very little if any decrease in case load, it is not anticipated that future expenditures will lessen.
39
KinInın Ininit
Wilmington, Mass.
TREE DEPARTMENT
Tree Department:
Routine work was carried on throughout the year, such as removing trees, broken limbs, cutting away broken tops, and trimming low limbs. Twenty-five trees were cut down for street widening, and the brush was taken to the dump and burned. The shade trees were sprayed three times this year. Next year they will need much additional spraying particularly our maple trees which are being attacked by dieback and decline.
Also this year, we trimmed the fire alarm system which cut down considerably on short circuits and false alarms. Several streets remain to be trimmed, and the work will be completed this year. Our usual program of tree feeding was carried out this year - about fifty trees were treated in this manner.
Our annual Christmas tree, donated by the late Herbert C. Barrows, was planted permanently this year under the direct supervision of the Tree Warden and his men. It was decorated by this depart- ment with various colored lights and received many favorable comments from the people of Wilmington and our neighbors in surrounding towns.
Moth Department:
This year we sprayed all the shade trees with 6% and 12% D. D. T. for gypsy moth, tent cater - pillars, fall web worms, aphids, pine shoot moth, oak blights, maple leaf spot and dieback. We found a few gypsy moth nests in various parts of the town. There were also nests of tent caterpillars. We have painted all of the egg clusters with creosote. We have sprayed all the front lawns with 6% D. D. T. for Japanese Beetle and milky disease.
Elm Leaf Beetle and Dutch Elm Disease:
All elms were sprayed four times with D. D. T. The spraying season started in April and continued into August. This year we lost 68 trees due to the Dutch Elm Disease. One hundred and four samples were sent to Amherst State College to be tested, and sixty- six came back with Dutch Elm Disease. We have cut down well over forty extremely large elms on roadsides and on private property. At various times we have been helped by the State tree workers and the Town of Wilmington Highway Department. These trees were hauled to the dump and burned. The State furnished truck, men, and equipment for three weeks at no cost to the town. We removed one hundred and four stumps also. We cut trees and trimmed branches in the Cemetery at the request of Mr. F. Downs. We have started a tree planting program to replace trees which have been removed for reasons of tree disease.
Mosquitoes:
This year we sprayed the swamps, bog holes, and around homes as far as possible. We also used "toss its" in the swampy areas. These are little gelatin bombs which dissolve in the water releasing chemicals which kill the larvae of the mosquitoes. They are not harmful to fish or wildlife. In the latter part of January 1962 while they are still covered with ice, the swampy areas will be dusted with a powdered chemical to help kill the larvae as it thaws out in the spring - no harm to humans, animals, or wildlife.
40
Poison Ivy:
Streets, stone walls and homes, where poison ivy was found, were sprayed with brush killer. Also, we sprayed along the roadside to kill brush.
Town Forest:
This year we cut down quite a bit of underbrush, broken limbs, and dead trees.
Rotonist Sprayer
Wilmington, Mass.
Christmas Tree on the Town Common (donated by Herbert C. Barrows)
41
WATER & SEWER DEPARTMENT
Water Supply:
With the new well field and pumping station at Chestnut Street in operation by the summer of 1962, the supply of water will be as follows:
Station
Gals. per Day
Brown's Crossing
1,500,000
Barrow's
1,000,000
Chestnut Street
1,000,000
Total
3,500,000
However, until a connecting main from the new Chestnut Street station to Main Street is in- stalled, the available supply from the Chestnut Street well field will be approximately 10% of its capacity.
Detailed Pumping Statistics are set forth below
1957
1958
1959
1960
1961
Maximum gallons
pumped per Day
1,800,500
1,850,600
2,089,100
2,246,300
2,355,000
Maximum gallons
pumped per Week
11,784,000
9,731,500
14, 116,700
13,213,000
15,850,600
Maximum gallons
pumped per Month
44,339,000
38,549,000
56,948,300
48,168,900
59,703,400
Average gallons pumped per Day
979,750
1,081,700
1,590,785
1,420,000
1,546,243
Average gallons
pumped per Month
29,800,825
32,902,000
48, 386, 422
43,278,200
47,031,558
Total gallons
pumped per Year
357,609,900
394, 824,800
580,637,300
519,387,200
564, 378,700
Sewer:
Connection was made with M. D. C. sewer on August 10, 1961 with a 15-inch pipe. This line runs by gravity directly to Deer Island. Two sewer connections were made on Woburn Street: - Webtex Company and Ritter Trucking Company.
42
.......
Water Main Extensions:
The following installations were made:
Street
8" Main
6" Main
Under the Betterment
Lawrence Street
972'
Program
Ainsworth Road
1,403'
By Builders and
Woodland Road 200'
Developers
Lake Street
418'
In addition, the department laid 1, 283 feet of 12-inch main at the Chestnut Street well field, and 200 feet of 12-inch main in the relocation of Middlesex Avenue in North Wilmington.
Miscellaneous Information:
Metered Services
3,000
Unmetered Services
59
Total
3,059
New Hydrants Installed
5
New Services Installed
128
New Meters Installed 131
Fluoride used at both Brown's Crossing and Barrows. . 8, 153 lbs. total
Sin.m.
Wilmington, Mass.
0
400
N
Water Dept. laying pipe
New Back-hoe (Water Dept.)
43
CEMETERY DEPARTMENT
During 1961 we were able to develop a new section which is to be used for two grave lots. In the same area is a portion of land which has been landscaped and is ready for seeding in the spring of "62". This will be an addition to the single grave section. Another strip of ground located near Section E was raised to a level and reloamed so as to be seeded in the coming year. This area will be divided into family lots. In 1962 there will be more acreage cleared and graded for immediate landscaping.
The hot topping program was continued this year. Thirty-five hundred dollars worth of topping was used, completing avenues in Sections A, B, C, and D - including the new section and the parking lot in front of the cemetery building.
Due to the rapid growth in population during the past several years, there has been a definite increase in the amount of routine work carried on by our department. The increasing number of burials has necessitated the addition of more area, thus creating a situation calling for additional manpower and machinery. Two tons of lime were distributed on the remaining forty percent of the ground which was not covered last year, and five tons of 10-6-4 fertilizer was spread over the cemetery land which we keep mowed
A new Locke Triplex seventy -five inch powered mower was purchased this year. A low-bed trailer was also bought to transport our machinery from the cemetery to other locations in town which we also maintain.
Wilmington residents died in Wilmington 21
Wilmington residents died elsewhere 29
Non-residents 47
Baby interments 14
Cremations 2
Transfers - babies
2
Transfers - cremations
2
Others 2
119
Included in the duties of our department is the care and upkeep of the parks and school grounds.
Parks:
The small parks around town were kept mowed, trimmed, and flowers were planted for Memorial Day. These parks consist of: Drew Square at West and Lowell Streets, Berrigan Square at South Main Street, Nee Park at the corner of Burlington Avenue - Chestnut & Marion Streets; Rogers Park on Middle - sex Avenue at Glen Road, and Reagan Park which was moved to Harriman's intersection in North Wilmington.
The Town Park was mowed, and the ball diamond kept in shape for activity throughout the summer months. The park is used almost every day during the summer - the Town Softball League utilizing it on week nights, and various groups and organizations having acitivities on holidays and weekends.
The Town Common received two applications of fertilizer, and necessary watering was done in addition to regular maintenance.
Many man hours were allocated to the betterment of the Silver Lake Beach Area.
44
....
Schools:
Although not included under the cemetery commissioners, the upkeep of our vast area of school grounds is included among the cemetery department's duties.
One of our main projects of 1961 was the renovation of the area surrounding the Center and Swain Schools. Hot topping showed a tremendous improvement and new lawns added the finishing touch.
At the conclusion of my report, I would like to thank the Town Manager and other town officials for their assistance. I would also like to express my appreciation to all other departments for their co- operation and the use of various equipment which was helpful to the efficient operation of our department.
---
Wilmington, Mass.
Francis Downs with new Lawn Mower
School Maintenance Dept. Repairing Center School
45
PUBLIC LIBRARY
A review of the activity of the Public Library during 1961 reveals the ever -growing demand for library services. We are proud to report that four thousand (4, 000) people are registered as active bor - rowers. This represents approximately 30% of the town's population and library authorities consider that 25% is higher than the average. Book circulation has grown 20%. .... from 42, 300 in 1960 to 50, 900.
To meet the obvious need, we are planning to add to the Library staff next year and to make the Library available ten more hours a week.
As a result of a State grant for Public Libraries, the library received $814. 75 in addition to the original appropriation voted by the town. This extra money was used primarily to purchase books.
A fresh coat of paint improved the exterior appearance of the library last year. An emergency door was added in the rear of the building, and the heater room was renovated in accordance with safety regulations.
The State Regional Library Center in North Reading continued its fine Bookmobile service for which we are most appreciative. It is of invaluable aid in serving people who live some distance from the library.
A pleasant innovation was the Open House held at the library on Sunday, April 16, by the Friend of the Wilmington Public Library, to celebrate National Library Week. For this occasion, a very interest ing and attractive exhibit of paintings was loaned by Mr. Everett P. Gager. In November, the Friends again conducted their Book Fair which is now looked forward to as an annual event.
We wish to congratulate our Librarian, Mrs. C. Chipman, who spent her vacation completing several more library courses at the University of New Hampshire.
To all the staff, we offer our thanks for their unfailing interest and effort.
Mrs. C. Chipman, Librarian
46
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT
Books added to the Library
1,881
Encyclopedia of Science & Technology
15 vols.
Dictionary of American Biography
11 vols
Grove's Dictionary of Music
10 vols.
Records added: Single
53 3
Albums
Books circulated:
Library
50,927
Bookmobile
4,991
Records circulated
1,274
Periodicals circulated
1,026
Fines collected
$1,088. 35
New Borrowers (making approximately 4, 000
848
active borrowers)
During 1961 the increase in circulation of books, periodicals, and records at the library was
8,769. There was a slight decrease in circulation at the Bookmobile due in part to a change in schedule and to sickness of a member of the staff.
A large registration for the Story Hour necessitated dividing the group into two sections, each meeting on alternate Wednesdays. Thanks are due Mrs. Carl Butler and Mrs. Bruce MacDonald who so ably assisted in carrying on this service to the pre-school children.
The library is constantly adding to the reference collection in order to provide a good working group of reference sources to meet the most common informational needs of the public. Many books have been added to the history, literature, and science sections. The library has material in most fields, but it is not possible to fill all the requests of large number of students.
The need for additional material has been met in part by borrowing from the Division of Library Extension and other libraries. Insufficient space is the greatest obstacle to more efficient service. The accelerated program in the schools has brought many more students from both Elementary and High Schools to the library, thus greatly increasing the work of the reference department.
It is not feasible to have book deposits in the elementary schools. This need has been partly met by teachers from the outlying schools coming to the library and selecting books for their classes. Classes from the nearby schools have come regularly to the library. One small collection was sent to the Mildred Rogers School.
Wilmington, Mass.
47
... .
JURY LIST
(Revised - August 31, 1961) Name
Abate, Louis A.
Ahern, Donald A.
17 King Street
Ainsworth, Lillian
15 Canal Street
At home
* Altman, Sadie K.
77 Church Street
Housewife
*Andersen, Dorothy R.
Park Street
Housewife
Housewife
*App, Margaret M. Ardolino, Ernest E.
Broad Street
Supervisor
Asst. Cook
*Babine, Helen V. Bates, Donald A. Belbin, Lloyd W.
*Berry, Alice T.
*Bertwell, Florence E.
*Black, Pauline
Blake, Arnold C.
Blakeslee, William R.
Bromander, Sidney J.
Buck, Mildred H. Buckle, Thomas G.
*Burke, Dorothy A.
*Butt, Mabel
Camber, G. Earle
410 Chestnut Street
Maintenance Machinist
Supervisor
Stockman
Laboratory Testman
Connelly, John C.
Crawford, Ralph M.
Doo, Burton
*Darling, Dorothy E. Davis, Lauretta J.
*Dawe, Marguerite M. Doucette, Henry O. Downing, Ernest H. Duffy, James F. Durkee, James J.
39 Columbia Street
Asst. teacher
Retired
Shipwright
17 Oakridge Circle
Senior Engineer
500 Salem Street
Pharmacist
*Dyas, Marjorie L. Faulkner, Cora E.
41B Lake Street
Senior Clerk
Packer
Telephone operator At home
Westdale Avenue
Marine Pipefitter
17 Beacon Street
Housewife
49 Lawrence Street
34 Grove Avenue
111 Woburn Street
Housewife
Asst. Engineer
Ingram, Athlea E. Johnson, Frank W. Jr.
47 West Street
Bellevue Avenue
14 Kelley Road
6 North Street
Occupation
Grounds Keeper
Technical Writer
6 Morse Avenue
97 Nichols Street
Housewife
343 Chestnut Street
Housewife
84 Church Street
Housewife
Professional Engineer
10 Hathaway Road
Foreman
Machinist
Asst. Sales Dept.
80 Church Street
Clerk
Telephone Operator
6 West Street
Housewife
*Carnes, Leonora Carter, John E. Churchill, Donald B.
15 Railroad Avenue
9 Lawrence Court
12 Westdale Avenue
Pipefitter
3 Chase Road
P. B. X. Installer
16 Lawrence Court
124 Eames Street
23 Jones Avenue
Housekeeping
1
31 Ballardvale Street
9 Adams Street
*Fenlon, Beatrice E. Fielding, Doris M. Foley, Philip M.
*Gaskill, Kathleen M. Graham, Ernest M. *Gratcyk, Ruth M.
*Hartnett, Mary T. Hodgdon, Parker E.
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