USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wilmington > Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1962-1963 > Part 8
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Under Chapter 781 of the Acts of 1960 the other requirements briefly are as follows: Aged persons 65 or over, who reside in the Commonwealth, are entitled to medical assistance, provided they do not have an income, if single, of more than $150. 00 a month, or if married, $225. 00 a month; and providing further that, if single, they do not have bank deposits, securities, cash on hand and/or similar assets amounting to more than $2, 000, or if married, more than $3, 000. Persons eligible for this form of assistance shall be entitled to part or all of the cost of (1) in-patient hospital ward care; (2) public medical institution services; (3) nursing home care; (4) physician's services; (5) out-patient or clinical services; (6) nursing services; (7) physical therapy and related services; (8) dental services; (9) home health care services; (10) laboratory and x-ray services ; (11) prescribed drugs, eye glasses, dentures and other prosthetic devices; (12) diag- nostic screening and preventive services; (13) any other care or remedial care recognized under the law of the Commonwealth; and (14) other medical care in accordance with the Department of Public Welfare Medica Care Plan.
Reimbursement for care under this program is fifty per cent of all monies expended by the Federal govern- ment, two-thirds of the balance by the State, the remaining one-third balance to be assumed by the local community. This department aided sixty-four cases during the year 1962 for a total expenditure of $52,119. 44.
GENERAL RELIEF
This program requires local Boards to meet the community's statutory obligation to relieve a person in need. The decisions on who shall be aided and the amount given is left entirely to the local Board's
88
GENER AL RELIEF
discretion. Unlike the Federal programs where the final decision rests with the State through an appeal process, the local Board makes the final decision. The local Boards, through their policies and decisions, invariably attempt to reflect community thinking. The financing of this program is a direct cost to the Town. The only monies returned to the community for this type of relief are for cases whose settlements are in another community, or for those persons who have no legal settlement. On these cases, the total amount is either paid for by other cities and towns or by the State. The local Board of course is also liable for payments to other cities and towns on general relief when the person aided in another city or town has a Wilmington settlement. By legal settlement, it is meant that a person has resided in a community for five consecutive years without aid.
During the year 1962 there were twenty-eight cases aided under this category in Wilmington with a total expenditure of $6, 814. 68.
ADMINISTRATION
Administration costs cover all expenditures by the Board to administer the five programs under its juris - diction; namely, Old Age Assistance, Medical Assistance for the Aged, Disability Assistance, Aid to De - pendent Children and General Relief. Reimbursement under the four programs is as follows: Under Old Age Assistance, Medical Assistance for the Aged, and Disability Assistance, the Federal reimbursement is 55% of total expenditures for salaries, employee benefits, and travel. The State's share for these items is 22. 5% of total expended on Old Age Assistance and Medical Assistance for the Aged; Aid to Dependent Children 12. 5% of total, and Disability Assistance 20% of total. All other administration expenditures under all categories, except General Relief, is Federal 50% of total, State 25% of total. Federal funds, as in the other programs, are restricted by law for the sole use of administration. The State's share is returned to the Excess and Deficiency Fund and is used by the Town for any purpose. Administration costs for General Relief are not reimbursable by the Federal or State governments.
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GENERAL COMMENTS
The Board wishes to again note that economic conditions are the basic rules governing the amount of monies expended under its various programs, and the total cost to the Town is relatively small compared to the total amount expended plus the benefits derived by the persons aided.
The Board again this year wishes to thank the local Police Department for its help and co-operation during the past year. We also wish to thank the Fire Department for its ambulance service during the year to our medically indigent.
Also, we wish to publicly thank the following organizations for their generosity to the needy in the year 1962: Community Fund, Salvation Army, Jaycee-ettes, Wilmington Lions Club, The Quality Control Department of AVCO, Jaycees, Mystic Transformers, and the Brownies.
The Board closes its annual report with one of its principles. Public Assistance as we know it is a more successful, more satisfactory means of meeting the needs of the poor than the almshouse, the beggar's bowl, or the medieval monastery.
This report was prepared for the local Board of Public Welfare by its Director of Public Assistance, Walter F. Coleman.
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Board of Health
Personnel:
Ernest F. Romano, M. S.
Town Sanitarian
Anne Butters, R. N. Public Health Nurse
Gerald Fagan, M. D. Public Health Physician
Leo LeBlanc Animal and Slaughtering Inspector
Simon Cutter Legal Consultant
Gardiner Lester, D. V. M. Veterinarian
In February 1962 Ernest F. Romano was appointed Town Sanitarian to replace Patrick Thibeau who resigned in December 1961. Mr. Leo LeBlanc assumed the duties of Acting Health Agent during the interim period, and special health functions were assigned to Robert Meserve and John LaPlante.
It is the aim of the Board of Health to revaluate its various functions from time to time in order that empha- sis may be placed on those of greater need. During 1962 a tremendous stride was taken with the adminis- tration of the new oral polio vaccine to sideline polio as a major public health problem. In December a monthly Immunization Clinic for preschool children was started. It is designed to provide protection against many of the childhood diseases.
emunal in Library
Some health programs were also discontinued during the year. Fluoridation of water, a highly beneficial health program, was scrapped by the townspeople.
The Board of Health underwent some changes. Mrs. Marion Boylen was named Chairman of the Board. Mr. Erving Pfau, a capable and conscientious member, resigned because of change of residence. Mr. Edward T. Driscoll was appointed to replace him.
A. Communicable Disease Control:
1. Immunization Clinics:
In December 1962 a monthly Immunization Clinic for preschool children was started for pro- tection against whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, and polio. Thirty-six children attended the first clinic. These monthly clincs will now enable children to receive protection at proper age levels and will also provide health authorities with more accurate records. These records can be used to advise parents on the immunization status of their children.
Clinics will be held on the first Tuesday of each month. Any of the required first, second, third, or booster doses will be given at any clinic.
A vaccination clinic for protection against smallpox will be established sometime in the Spring. This new program will be held on a yearly basis. It is recommended that a child be vaccinated between the age of seven and twelve months. Four Immunization Clincs were held:
1962 1961 105
Booster doses given
90
Children completing series of three doses 35 32
90
II. Polio Immunization Clinic:
During 1962 it was announced that a new oral polio vaccine was developed which would confer per- manent immunity. Free vaccine was made available by the State Health Department for first graders and preschool children. The Town purchased enough vaccine for the entire school popula- tion. The program, thanks to the support of many of the townspeople, including the clergy, was an overwhelming success. The vaccine was made available also to school personnel and all Town employees. Ten Polio Clinics were held:
Type I given Type III given 5,465
5,656
It is anticipated that Type II will be given in March 1963. This will complete the series for those who received Type I and Type III in 1962.
III. Anti-Rabies Clinic:
This year the Dog Immunization Clinic was held in May at the fire station. Five hundred and forty- eight dogs were immunized as compared with four hundred and ninety for the previous year. A total of $438. 90 was collected as inoculation fees.
IV. Asian Flu Vaccine:
The State Health Department and other health agencies predicted that Asian Flu would reach epidemic proportions during the 1962-1963 winter period. A supply of the vaccine was procured, in spite of the shortage, and made available to Town employees with Civil Defense funds. Seventy -four persons were immunized.
B. Public Health Nursing Visits:
Nursing visits for 1962 786
Fees collected for visits $220
This phase of the Public Health Nurse's program includes all services associated with care of the sick. It means either giving or arranging for necessary nursing care, teaching through demonstration, and super - vising of care given by household members. It is offered only under the direction and guidance of a physi- cian and is available to any person living within the Town of Wilmington.
I. Health Visits:
A total of one hundred and seven visits were made in the interest of infant, preschool, and adult health. Family well-being is the goal of all public health nursing. In many instances, it is not possible always for the family to fulfill all of its functions alone. The ultimate aim of this service is to insure a healthier community by informing and acquainting individuals and families with services and facilities whereby they might formulate plans for the promotion and protection of their own health, welfare, and well-being.
II. Day Care Centers:
During 1962 the State Health Department announces that major legislative changes would be enacted for day nurseries. This would include designating the State Department of Public Health as the licensing authority for these centers, or permitting the State to designate local Boards of Health to license them provided certain criteria be met. Laws would be made also relating to the erection, alteration, and inspection of buildings by the Department of Public Safety. Four inspections of Day Care Centers were made.
91
III. Tuberculosis Report for 1962:
Total number of active cases on register 12/31/62 13
Total number of active cases hospitalized 12/31/62 2
Number of new cases reported in 1962 3
Number of new cases moved in 1962 1
Number of cases put on inactive list 1
Number of diagnosed cases visited 17
Total number of visits made to diagnosed cases 132
Total number of visits to Middlesex County Sanatorium 15
Total number of visits (contacts, cases, suspects) 217
A tuberculin testing program was carried on again in the school system. This is a case-finding program for tuberculosis. The public health nurse assisted the school nur ses in this program and assumed responsibility for the examination of reactors to the test and contacts of reactors.
IV. Premature Birth:
Twenty-one premature births were reported during 1962. Assistance for hospitalization expenses was granted by the Board of Health in four cases.
C. Environmental Sanitation:
The local Board of Health is the established agency to protect and promote the public health. Prevention of disease is one of its goals. In this endeavor environmental health plays an important role since many com- municable diseases may be transmitted through food, milk, water, and sewage.
I. Water Supply:
Water has often been involved in disease transmission. This is more often the case in communities with private wells and sewage disposal systems. It is estimated that ten per cent of Wilmington dwellings have private wells as a source of water supply. Efforts should be made when possible to connect to the municipal water system. Wells should be tested twice a year. The Board of Health laboratory is available for this purpose.
Private Wells:
Water Samples analyzed 127
Chemical Analysis 24
Municipal Water System:
In March the daily fluoride tests were discontinued when the Town voted to discontinue fluoridation. Forty-five fluoride tests had been made.
II. Milk Sanitation:
Licenses Dairies 19
Milk and Cream analysis 28
III. Food Sanitation:
In March the State Health Department was requested to conduct an impartial survey of the local food establishments. The results showed that the community rating was 59. 88% out of a possible 100%. Only three establishments received ratings of more than 80%, and one received a rating of 24%. As a result of the survey, two facilities were issued temporary food permits until such time as improvement of their ratings was made. A total of seventy -two inspections were made.
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92
IV. Sewage Disposal Sanitation:
In 1962 it became necessary by law to submit proposed plans for the installation of sewage disposal systems. This procedure insures not only better control, but also provides plans for record pur - poses for future reference by home owners. Two subdivision plans for a total of two hundred and eight houses were submitted to the Board of Health for approval. One plan involving twenty-eight houses was approved, and the other with one hundred and eighty houses was disapproved.
1962
1961
Total Sewerage Permits Issued :
154
143
New Dwellings
118
108
Old Dwellings
28
27
Commercial
3
3
Industrial
5
3
Schools
0
2
Fees totaled. . $751.00
V. Refuse Disposal:
The dump contract which expired January 1963 was extended to April 1, 1963. Bids were received for a new contract to extend to 1966. Two bids were submitted and both were rejected as being un- acceptable to the Board of Health.
No changes were made in the garbage contract during the year. Collection service was extended to approximately one hundred new residents.
VI. Recreational Area Sanitation:
Periodic inspections and surveys are made of public and private areas throughout the year in order to safeguard the participants at these facilities. Examinations are made of water supplies, sewage disposal, and bathing areas. One water well was abandoned as a result of analysis. The follow- ing analyses were made:
Water Supply Water Samples - swimming 25
6
VII. Housing Sanitation:
Difficult housing cases carried over from the previous year received particular attention. It became necessary to bring court action against one of these. Following notice, one structure was burned and another torn down. Several houses were posted as being unfit for human habitation.
VIII. Miscellaneous Inspections:
Carnivals
2
Nuisances
75
Piggeries
14
Recreation Camps
4
Rodent Control
7
Stables
24
Town Dump
12
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D. Permits and Licenses:
The following licenses and permits were issued. Fees totaled - $1, 245. 97.
1962
1961
Oleomargarine licenses
11
10
Methyl Alcohol licenses
5
0
Stable licenses
24
2
Sewerage permits
155
143
Refuse transportation
35
31
Camps
2
2
Milk Dairy licenses
19
18
Milk Store licenses
25
30
Wholesale Manufacture of Ice Cream
1
1
Retail Manufacture of Ice Cream
1
1
Funeral Directing
3
3
Kindergarten
2
2
Piggeries
10
11
Food Permits
30
41
E. Laboratory:
Some new equipment was added to the laboratory which will enable additional testing of water. Water and milk samples were collected and analyzed throughout the year. Notices were sent to dairies informing them of the test results. Recommendations were made to home owners when well water showed evidence of contamination. The following analyses were made:
Water samples
127
Fluoride test
45 (discontinued 3/62)
Swimming water
25
Milk and Cream analysis 28
The Board of Health again this year wishes to thank those ladies who contributed their time assisting at our Polio Immunization Clinics and to the newspapers, clergy, and school department who helped make these clinics a success.
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Town Meetings
WARRANT FOR THE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MARCH 3, 1962 WITH ACTION TAKEN THEREON
TO: A. John Imbimbo, Constable of the Town of Wilmington:
GREETINGS: In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and in the manner prescribed in the By- laws of said Town, you are hereby directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town qualified to vote in Town affairs to meet and assemble at the High School Cafeteria, Saturday, the 3rd day of March, A. D. 1962 at 9. 45 o'clock in the forenoon, the polls to be opened at 10. 00 a. m. and shall be closed at 8. 00 p. m. for the election of Town Officers:
ARTICLE 1: Two Selectmen for the term of three years; Two members of the School Committee for the term of three years; One Moderator for the term of one year; One member of the Wilmington Housing Authority for the term of five years, and vote on the following Question:
QUESTION No. 1. "Shall the fluoridation of the water supply of the Town of Wilmington be continued ? " If a majority of the votes in answer to said question is in the affirmative, the fluoridation of the water supply of said town shall be continued; otherwise it shall be discontinued. YES. NO.
You are also hereby further required and directed to notify and warn the said inhabitants of the Town of Wilmington who are qualified to vote on elections and town affairs therein to assemble subsequently and meet in Town Meeting at the High School Gymnasium, Church Street, in said Town of Wilmington on Satur - day, the 10th Day of March, A. D. 1962 at 1. 30 p. m., then and there to act on the remainder of the articles in said Warrant.
In accordance with the above, the meeting was called to order by the Clerk, Mr. Simon Cutter at 9. 45 a. m. as much of the Warrant as is noted above was read, and on a motion by Mr. Joseph P. Ring it was voted to dispense with further reading of said Warrant.
The ballot boxes were examined by the Warden, Clerk and the Police Officer on duty. Both boxes were found to be empty and the register on each indicated 00000. Each ballot box was then locked and the keys given to the Police Officer.
The election officers were sworn to the faithful performance of their duties.
The ballots were delivered to the Ballot Clerks; one box of ballots containing fifty-seven hundred (5700) ballots.
The Polls were declared open at 10. 00 a. m. The Polls were declared closed at 8. 00 p. m.
There were Two Thousand Three Hundred Ninety-four (2394) ballots cast .
All of the ballots case were sorted, counted, recorded and declaration thereof made, as by law is directed, and were for the following, namely:
95
Selectman - Three Years
Voted
Elected John Brooks, One Thousand Six Hundred Twelve
1612
Elected Wavie M. Drew, One Thousand Two Hundred Thirty-eight 1238 Charles P. Greene, Four Hundred Seventy- six 476
1133
Rene J. LaRivee, One Thousand One Hundred Thirty-three Blanks, Three Hundred Twenty -nine
329
4788
School Committee - Three Years
Elected Glen E. Connolly, One Thousand Seventy-three
1073
Elected Edward F. Page, Nine Hundred Fifty
950
Robert F. Hastings, Eight Hundred Fifteen 815
Arthur J. Brewster, Six Hundred Forty-three
643
M. Flora Kasabuski, Five Hundred Fifty-eight
558
George G. Lingenfelter, Jr., One Hundred Ninety -five
195
Joseph A. Paglia, One Hundred Forty-eight
148
Blanks, Four Hundred Six
406
4788
Moderator - One Year
2040
Elected Simon Cutter, Two Thousand Forty Blanks, Three Hundred Fifty-three
353
Others, One
1
2394
Wilmington Housing Authority - Five Years
Elected James P. Donahue, One Thousand Nine Hundred Thirteen
1913
Blanks, Four Hundred Eighty Others, One
480
1
2394
QUESTION NO. 1: "Shall the fluoridation of the water supply of the Town of Wilmington be continued ? " If a majority of the votes in answer to said question is in the affirmative, the fluoridation of the water supply of said town shall be continued; otherwise it shall be discontinued.
VOTED TO DISCONTINUE FLUORIDATION OF THE WATER SUPPLY
YES - 701
NO - 1622
BLANKS - 71
2394
A - K ballot box register read 1281
L - Z ballot box register read 1113
2394 There were two spoiled ballots.
All elected officials were present, and they were immediately sworn to the faithful performance of their duties by the Town Clerk.
Attest:
(Mrs. ) Esther L. Russell Town Clerk
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Mot: Memorial Llorarv
-
ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MARCH 10, 1962 HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM
The Adjourned Annual Town Meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Mr. Simon Cutter, at 1. 45 p. m. Reverend Terry Clay Thomason led the meeting in prayer.
Mr. Cutter said that he would refer to each article by number only, if there were no objections. There being none, this procedure was followed.
ARTICLE 2: To hear the reports of Committees and act thereon.
Mr. Paul Niles read a report for the Permanent Building Committee.
Mr. Fred Corum read a report for the High School Building Committee.
ARTICLE 3: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Select- men, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year, beginning January 1, 1963 and to issue notes therefor payable within one year, all in accordance with Sections 4 and 17, Chapter 44 of the General Laws. On a motion by. Mr. Charles H. Black the above article was voted unanimously.
ARTICLE 4: To see how much money the Town will appropriate for the expenses of the Town and Salaries of the several Town Offices, and Departments, and determine how the same shall be raised, whether by taxation, transfer from available funds, or otherwise, or do anything in relation thereto.
Motion by Mr. Robert B. Michelson: "I move that the several and respective sums as recommended by the Finance Committee be raised by taxation and appropriated for the purposes set forth in Article #4, each item to be taken up and voted on separately, subject to amendment". VOTED, unanimously.
Accordingly the following amounts were voted:
General Government:
Taxation
Board of Selectmen
2,875.00
Election Expenses
1,400.00
Registrars of Voters
3,000.00
Finance Committee
700.00
Town Manager
17,360.00
Industrial Expenses
1,200.00
Town Accountant
7,800.00
Town Treasurer
6, 400.00
Town Collector
11,798.00
Town Clerk
5,700. 00
Board of Assessors
13,890. 00
Town Counsel
3,500.00
Town Hall
16,000.00
Planning Board
2,425.00
TOTAL - General Government
94,048.00
Protection: Persons and Property
Police Department Salaries
123, 710. 00
Police Department Expenses
9,575.00
Police Station
4,250. 00
Fire Department Salaries
106, 382. 00
Fire Department Expenses
6,901.00
Fire Department Outlays
3,500.00
Fire Station
4,525. 00
Ambulance Expenses
2,050.00
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Taxation
Protection: Persons and Property Civil Defense Constable Dog Officer
3,000.00
100.00
1,600.00
Building Inspector
9,535.00
Board of Appeals
400.00
Sealer Weights/Measures
695. 00
Tree Warden Department
11,110.00
Dutch Elm Control
9,755.88
Gypsy Moth Control
7,269. 92
TOTAL: Protection - Persons and Property
304,358.80
Public Works:
Town Engineer
13,315.00
Highway Department Salaries
57,504.00
Highway Department Expenses
29,060.00
Road Machinery Account
16,000.00
Chapter 90 Construction
7,500.00
Chapter 90 Maintenance
1,500.00
Chapter 81 Maintenance
11,000.00
Snow and Ice Control
28,240.00
Public Street Lights
16,500.00
Parks (Planning Board)
3,220.00
Cemeteries
32,974.80
TOTAL: Public Works
216,813.80
Health and Sanitation:
Board of Health
20,571.00
Garbage Collection
9,000.00
Public Dump
15,500.00
TOTAL: Health and Sanitation
45,071.00
Charities and Veterans Aid:
Administration, Public Welfare
8,563.00
Assistance, Public Welfare
97,650.00
TOTAL: Charities
106,213.00
Veterans Aid and Benefits
28,765.00
Schools:
School Department Salaries
922,197. 19
School Department Expenses
(Amended to read)
140,332. 56
(Sub-total: Schools)
1,062,529.75
Operation School Plant
182, 195. 40
Vocational Training
6,000.00
1,250,725. 15
Library and Recreation:
Public Library
17,809.00
Recreation Commission
7,495.00
TOTAL: Library and Recreation
25,304. 00
Unclassified and Reserve:
Reserve Fund
20,000.00
Insurance
26,506. 73
Training, Travel, etc.
1,500.00
Memorial Library
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Unclassified and Reserve: (continued) Town Report Tax Title & Legal Assistance Town Clock TOTAL: Unclassified & Reserve
Taxation 2,500.00 500.00
100. 00
51,106. 73
Maturing Debt and Interest:
Principal
351,400.00
Interest and Fees
130,866. 53
(Voted to take this total as one item)
482,266. 53
Motion by Mr. Robert B. Michelson to amend the Maturing Debt and Interest Total
above, by transferring from available funds the sum of
197,613. 58
the balance to be raised by taxation
284, 652. 95
TOTAL: Maturing Debt and Interest
482,266. 53
GRAND TOTAL: By Taxation
$2,407,058. 43
Budget: By Taxation $2, 407, 058. 43
By Transfer 197,613. 58
Total Budget $2, 604, 672. 01
ARTICLE 5: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of One Thousand Dollars $1, 000. 00 for the observance of Memorial Day and that the Moderator appoint a Committee who shall ar - range and have charge of such observance, or do anything in relation thereto. Finance Committee approved $1,000. 00. Upon a motion by Mr. DeFelice the above article was adopted - $1, 000. 00 to be raised and appropriated for the observance of Memorial Day.
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