USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Wilbraham > Wilbraham annual report 1956-1960 > Part 3
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ARTICLE 14. Voted unanimously that the Town accept as a public way the private way known as Brooklawn Road, as shown on plan drawn by Engineers Durkee, White and Towne, dated April 1950, beginning at Springfield Street and running northerly for a distance of 1846 feet, more or less, and that the sum of $2,940.00 be raised and appro- priated for construction of said Brooklawn Road, and that betterment assessments be levied in accordance with the provision of Chapter 80 of the General Laws.
ARTICLE 15. Voted unanimously that the Town accept as a public way the private way known as Pearl Lane, as shown on plan of land known as "Brooklawn," drawn by Engineers Durkee, White and Towne, dated April 1950, beginning at Brooklawn Road and running westerly for a distance of 1,080.52 feet to the Springfield line, and that the sum of $1,600.00 be raised and appropriated for con- struction of said Pearl Lane and that betterment assess- ments be levied in accordance with the provisions of Chap- ter 80 of the General Laws.
ARTICLE 16. Voted unanimously that the Town accept as a public way the private way known as Brainard Road, as shown on plan of land or lots on Brainard and Boston Road, Wilbraham, Mass., as drawn by Durkee, White and Towne, Engineers, and dated September 1953, beginning at Boston Road and running southerly to Manchonis Road extension, a distance of 2,408 feet more or less, and that the sum of $5,350.00 be raised and appropriated for con- struction of said Brainard Road, and that betterment assessments be levied in accordance with the provision of Chapter 80 of the General Laws.
ARTICLE 17. No action taken as necessary development on Birch Street unfinished.
ARTICLE 18. Voted unanimously that the Town accept as a public way the private way known as Jewell Lane, as shown on a plan entitled "Brooklawn" drawn by Engineers Durkee, White and Towne, dated March 1950, beginning at Wilbraview Drive and running westerly to the Spring- field line for a distance of 550 feet more or less, and that the sum of $1,102.00 be raised and appropriated for con- struction of said Jewell Lane, and that betterment assess- ments be levied in accordance with the provision of Chap- ter 80 of the General Laws.
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ARTICLE 19. Voted unanimously that the Town accept as a public way the private way now known as Arbor Lane, as shown on plan of land known as Oak Ridge Devel- opment as laid out by C. E. Anderson Associates, dated December 1953, beginning at Oak Ridge Road and run- ning easterly for a distance of 650 feet, more or less, and that the sum of $1,350.00 be raised and appropriated for construction of Arbor Lane, and that betterment assess- ments be levied in accordance with the provision of Chap- ter 80 of the General Laws.
ARTICLE 20. Voted unanimously that the Town accept as a public way the private way now known as Greenwood Road, as shown on plan of land known as Oak Ridge De- velopment as laid out by C. E. Anderson Associates dated December 1953, beginning at Arbor Lane and running southerly for a distance of 810 feet, more or less, and that the sum of $1,539.00 be raised and appropriated for con- struction of Greenwood Road, and that betterment assess- ments be levied in accordance with the provision of Chap- ter 80 of the General Laws.
ARTICLE 21. Voted unanimously that the Town accept as a public way that portion of South Colonial Road now a private way, as shown on plan of Merrill and Sears, dated February 7, 1952, beginning at the now accepted portion of the highway and running easterly for a distance of 340 feet more or less, and that the sum of $1,420.00 be raised and appropriated for construction of said South Colonial Road, and that betterment assessments be levied in accord- ance with the provision of Chapter 80 of the General Laws.
ARTICLE 22. Voted unanimously that the Town accept as a public way the private way now known as Burt Lane, as shown on a plan dated February 1955, filed with the Town Clerk, extending easterly from Main Street, a dis- tance of 250 feet more or less, and that the sum of $540.00 be raised and appropriated for construction of said Burt Lane, and that betterment assessments be levied in accord- ance with the provision of Chapter 80 of the General Laws.
A unanimous vote recessed the meeting at 12:15 noon, until 1:15 p. m. At 1:15 p. m., when the meeting recon- vened, action was taken on the School budget item, under Article 5.
ARTICLE 23. Voted by a majority that the Town adopt the following by-law; "The tenant or occupant, and in case there be no tenant or occupant the owner or person having the care of any estate abutting upon any street, road, lane, court or square within the Town, where there is a side- walk which now is or may hereafter be established or set apart as such shall, after the ceasing to fall of any snow
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thereon, within 24 hours cause the same to be removed therefrom. Any person violating this by-law shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $20.00."
ARTICLE 24. Defeated.
At this time Mr. William F. Roach paid tribute to Mr. J. Loring Brooks, Jr., and offered the following resolution, which was accepted unanimously and with a rising vote of thanks :
Be it hereby resolved that we, the people of Wil- braham, wish to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to J. Loring Brooks, our retiring Selectman, for the many years of untiring service and intelligent leadership he has rendered to this Town.
Mr. Brooks acknowledged the tribute, and said in part, "This very lovely stand is here for the use of all. It was presented to me, and through me to the Town." He re- ferred to the lectern given him previously by a combined group of Town officials and Town employees.
ARTICLE 25. Voted unanimously that the Town accept the provisions of Chapter 670 of the Acts of 1955 of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts which provides for pen- sion increases to certain retired municipal employees of the Town of Wilbraham.
Mr. Nelson said this action would entitle Signe Polson (former Wilbraham School Nurse for many years) to an increase of $200.00 per year. East Longmeadow and Long- meadow have recommended this action, and it remains for Hampden to do likewise.
ARTICLE 26. Voted unanimously that the Town authorize the Selectmen to sell at public auction, after first giving notice of the time and place of sale by posting such notice of sale in some convenient and public place in the Town 14 days at least before the sale, property taken by the Town under the tax title procedure, provided that the Selectmen, or whomsoever they authorize to hold such public auction, may reject any bid which they deem inadequate.
ARTICLE 27. Voted unanimously that the Town appro- priate and transfer the sum of $241.05 from the Post War Rehabilitation Fund, now in the general treasury to the new School appropriation.
Proposal was made to consider Articles 28, 29, 30 to- gether. Objection to this procedure was voiced.
ARTICLE 28. It was moved and seconded that the Town raise and appropriate the sum of $1,720.00 to build a side- walk from Main Street to Memorial School, a distance of approximately 800 ft. This motion was amended, and it was
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Voted by a majority to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,720.00 to build a sidewalk from Main Street to Memorial School (distance of approximately 800 feet) ; with a safety fence between proposed sidewalk and driveway.
ARTICLE 29. Voted by a majority that the Town raise and appropriate the sum of $1,220.00 to build a sidewalk on the west side of South Main Street from the end of the existing sidewalk south to Hunting Lane, a distance of approximately 500 ft.
ARTICLE 30. Voted by a majority that the Town raise and appropriate the sum of $4,740.00 to build a sidewalk from Delmor Circle to Merrill Road, a distance of approxi- mately 2250 feet.
The first voice vote on this Article was appealed by Mr. Frank Boden, who took exception to this action as it might deprive school children of bus transportation.
ARTICLE 31. It was moved and seconded that the Town vote to lay out and construct a sidewalk along the easterly side of Main Street between the northerly boundary of the parking area of the Town Offices and the southerly boun- dary of Maple Street and appropriate the sum of $1,500.00 to provide for said layout and construction, provided that private property outside of the limits of the Town highway be provided therefore without expense to the Town.
It was moved and seconded that this motion be amended to show a figure of $750.00, instead of the $1,500.00 figure. Vote was taken on the original motion ($1,500.00 item) and opposed by a majority. A standing vote was taken on the amended motion ($750.00 item) as follows:
In favor of sidewalk being constructed 89
Opposed to sidewalk being constructed 154
It was voted by a majority that the Board of Selectmen be instructed to have signs erected at each end of the area on which construction of sidewalk had been proposed, warn- ing pedestrians to cross over and use sidewalk on the west side of Main Street.
ARTICLE 32. Original motion on this Article was with- drawn, and the following amended motion was defeated :
That the sum of $60,000.00 be appropriated for the pur- pose of laying a 10 inch water main on Tinkham Road from Main Street to Stony Hill Road, and on Stony Hill Road northerly to the existing main, and to replace approxi- mately 500 feet of six inch cast iron pipe on Stony Hill Road, running southerly of Springfield Street with ten inch asbestos cement pipe, and that to meet said appropri- ation the sum of $30,000.00 be appropriated from available funds in the treasury and the sum of $30,000.00 be raised
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by borrowing on a five-year issue of bonds or notes; and the Treasurer of the Town be and hereby is authorized, with the approval of the Selectmen, to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefore, under authority of Chapter 44 of the General Laws.
Before this Article 32 was acted on, Mr. McDonald, of Tighe & Bond, explained to the assembly existing condi- tions of the Wilbraham water supply, and outlined a plan of four major items to improve same.
ARTICLE 33. Defeated.
ARTICLE 34. Motion was made and seconded that the sum of $35,000.00 be appropriated to lay a 12 inch water main from the existing 16 inch water main on North Main Street and running westerly via Lake Shore Drive and Manchonis Road to the existing 6 inch water main on Grove Street, and to acquire easements therefor, and that to meet said appropriation the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, be and hereby is authorized to borrow the sum of $35,000.00 and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefore, payable in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44 of the General Laws, so that the whole loan shall be paid in not more than 15 years from the date of issue of the first bond or note.
This measure was defeated by a voice vote, which Mr. Trevallion appealed; and a standing vote was counted by Dr. Dale, Mr. Bowman and Mr. Pease as follows :
In favor Opposed
57 170
ARTICLE 35. It was moved and seconded that the Town vote to create a special unpaid committee to be known as the High School Planning Committee, to consist of 5 mem- bers, including one member of the School Committee, to be appointed by the Moderator.
At this time Mr. Roper spoke, explaining the necessity of listing Article 35 and Article 36 in the Town Warrant as the outcome of the Community Conference was unknown at the time it was obligatory to list items in the Warrant. He read the resolution drawn up at the Community Con- ference, which was as follows:
"It is requested that the voters of the Town of Wilbraham vote in favor of the Article to be in the Warrant of the Annual Town Meeting sched- uled for March 10, 1956, instructing the Modera- tor to appoint a Regional High School Planning Committee; and reject the Article pertaining to the appointment of a Local High School Planning Committee."
No objection was heard from the floor when Mr. Nelson
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asked to withdraw this motion; and Mr. Auchter ruled it was withdrawn.
ARTICLE 36. It was voted by a majority that the Town create a special unpaid committee to be known as a Re- gional School District Planning Committee, to consist of three members, including one member of the School Com- mittee, to be appointed by the Moderator in accordance with the provisions of Section 14 of Chapter 71 of the General Laws, as amended.
The Moderator explained that this Committee is limited by law to three members. Mr. Brooks, in view of the feel- ing voiced during the meeting that a local high school might be more advantageous in the long run than a regional high school, made a motion that the above Committee study both types of high school systems. There was a unanimous vote on this.
ARTICLE 37. Voted unanimously that the Town's share of the Dog Tax of 1955 of $930.08 be appropriated and added to the Library Fund, under Article 5.
ARTICLE 38. Voted unanimously that the Town authorize the Selectmen to institute or defend suits and employ coun- sel for the purpose of protecting the interests of the Town.
ARTICLE 39. It was voted by a majority voice vote that the Town appropriate and transfer from the Road Ma- chinery Fund the sum of $7,500.00 to purchase a 34 yard loader for the use of the Highway Department. This vote was appealed by Mr. Howard Bogue, and a rising vote was counted by the tellers as follows :
In favor 70 Opposed 42
ARTICLE 40. Voted by a majority vote that the Town instruct the Selectmen to appoint a committee of five, in- cluding at least one Library Trustee, to study the needs and potentials for a branch library to be located in Wilbra- ham Center, and to submit recommendations to the next Annual Town Meeting.
ARTICLE 41. Voted by more than a 2/3 vote that the Town amend the Zoning By-laws in the following particulars :
1. By the addition of a clause to Section 3 as follows :
19. Setbacks - The minimum required unoccupied space or area between the street line and the part of the building nearest such street line, such unoccupied space or area extending the entire width or distance across the lot.
2. By repealing the first two paragraphs of Section 12 relative to Front Yards and substituting therefor revisions thereof as follows :
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Section 12. In residence and neighborhood shop- ping districts as indicated on the map, no part of any building or other structure, including a porch, shall be erected or altered so as to be nearer to the street line than the nearest building located within 250 feet on either side of the lot facing the same street and located within the same block and dis- trict, but in no case can the setback required in this section be less than 25 feet nor need it exceed 60 feet. Setbacks for new buildings not otherwise controlled by the previous paragraph shall conform in minimum depth to the following schedule :
Residence A-1 Districts - forty (40) feet Residence A Districts - forty (40) feet Residence B Districts - thirty-five (35) feet In the case of a corner lot, the above setback re- quirements shall apply on both streets.
In favor 75
Opposed 11
ARTICLE 42. No action taken.
PAYLOADER
Z
New piece of equipment purchased by our Highway Department during the past year. Operator is Herbert Butler, Highway Super- intendent.
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ARTICLE 43. Voted unanimously that the Town raise and appropriate the sum of $1,500.00 for permanent repairs due to the flood damage of August 1955, the cost of which is to be collected by the Town from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Flood Relief Board upon completion of said work by the Highway Department and returned to Surplus Funds.
ARTICLE 44. Motion was made and seconded that the Town raise and appropriate the sum of $37,000.00 for the purpose of establishing a Stabilization Fund. This motion was amended by a majority vote, and it was
Voted by more than a 2/3 vote that the Town raise and appropriate the sum of $37,000.00 for the purpose of establishing a Stabilization Fund, in accordance with Chap- ter 40, Section 5B of the General Laws.
Voted in favor 169 Opposed 2
ARTICLE 45. Voted unanimously that all appropriations made at this meeting, unless otherwise provided for, be raised by assessment against the polls, personal properties and real estate of the Town.
Mr. J. Loring Brooks, Jr., paid tribute to Miss Helen Boden and Mrs. Doris Cochran, for their loyal and devoted service to the Town.
It was voted unanimously, at Mr. Brooks' suggestion, that the School Committee name some portion of the new School on Stony Hill Road in memory of Mr. H. Willis Cutler. Mr. Cutler served on the Wilbraham School Board for twenty-eight years.
It was voted by a majority vote to lease the Perry Barn on Boston Road to the Federal Authorities (who agree to take care of the upkeep of said property) for use as a Civilian Defense Center.
A unanimous vote was made to close the polls at 6:30 p. m. on March 10, 1956.
A unanimous vote adjourned the meeting at approxi- mately 6:15 p. m.
The total ballot of March 10, 1956 was tabulated as fol- lows :
Precinct A
998
Precinct B
608
Precinct C 392
Total votes cast
1,998
Attest : Walter F. Berry
Town Clerk
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Report of Special Town Meeting
OCTOBER 22, 1956
In accordance with the warrant as posted, the voters of the Town assembled in the Wilbraham Memorial School Auditorium, Wilbraham.
The meeting was called to order at 8:00 p. m., by Mod- erator Frank Auchter, with approximately 400 present.
The Moderator appointed and duly swore into office as tellers : Beulah Wahlberg, Anna Tupper, Mildred Brooks, Dorothy Reidy, Theresa Boden, Pauline Hamberger. In the absence of Mr. Berry, Town Clerk, Doris Cochran was elected by a written ballot of thirty (30) votes; she was duly sworn in by Mr. Auchter, as temporary Clerk. Police in attendance were Alton McDonald and Stephen Lopata.
ARTICLE 1. Voted that the Town accept the provisions of Section 16 to Sixteen I, inclusive, of Chapter 71 of the General Laws, providing for the establishment of a regional school district, together with the Town of Hampden, and the construction, maintenance and operation of a regional school by the said district in accordance with the provisions of a regional agreement filed with the Selectmen.
In favor 377
Opposed 19
Blanks 2
Voting on Article 1 was by printed ballot. The Modera- tor had instructed the registered voters to have their names checked off on the official voting list, at which time they were given a blue identification card and printed ballot.
The Finance Committee Chairman, Mr. Cohn, had urged the vote be in favor of Article 1; and commented on the extra thorough and excellent job the Wilbraham Regional School District Planning Committee has done.
During discussion on Article 1 Mrs. Charles I. Bowman asked, in connection with any capital expenditure that might be made by the proposed School District, if the Selectmen would be required to publish such information : and if it would be possible to have this point included in the Regional School District agreement. It was stated that the aforementioned agreement had already been drafted and executed; and that the agreement did incorporate the thirty-day waiting period after the Selectmen of both Towns had been advised of the proposed capital expendi- ture to be made by the Regional School District - during which thirty-day period the Selectmen, or a group of citi- zens could ask for a Town Meeting and vote objection to
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such action. Mr. Auchter advised that it is necessary to post notice seven days in advance of any proposed Town Meeting; which meeting could be called by 200 registered voters; or 20% of the registered voters. Any control the voters have over the expenditures of the Regional School District would be : 1 - by election of Regional School Com- mittee (one is to be appointed by the local School Commit- tee, and 4 elected by Town vote at the Annual Town Meet- ing) ; 2 - the 30-day waiting period necessary after the Regional School District has advised the Towns of pro- posed capital expenditure. Wilbraham at this time is to have 5 members on the Regional School District Committee ; and Hampden 2 members. As the proportion of students changes in the total enrollment, the number of members on the Committee may change. It was stated that after a capital expenditure has been made by the Regional School District, neither Town can withdraw from the District without mutual consent.
Upon appointment by the Moderators in both Towns of an Interim Committee, which is to serve until the Annual Town Meetings, the Committee could immediately pro- ceed with the establishment of this High School; and it is expected the School would be ready for occupancy in September, 1959.
Word was received by telephone from the Town of Hampden (their Town Meeting was held simultaneously with ours) that the vote on establishment of a Regional School District was :
In favor Opposed
230 6
It was voted unanimously that Articles 4 and 5 be con- sidered together after Article 1, to allow time for counting of the vote on the Regional School District issue, before proceeding with the vote on Articles 2 and 3 which dealt with a local high school.
ARTICLE 2. Defeated.
ARTICLE 3. Defeated.
ARTICLE 4. Voted that the sum of $455,000.00 be raised and appropriated for the purpose of constructing an addi- tion to the Stony Hill School, and for originally equipping and furnishing said addition, and that to meet said appro- priation the sum of $55,000.00 be appropriated from avail- able funds in the treasury, and that the treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen be and hereby is authorized to borrow the sum of $400,000.00 under authority of Chap- ter 645 of the Acts of 1948, as amended, and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor payable in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44 of the General Laws, so that
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.
*
SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE
This committee which was originally appointed to arrange for the building of Stony Hill School has done double duty, because they were reappointed to arrange for an addition to the school. Seated : Harry Jeffery, Wesley Holdridge. Standing: Leo Kuehn, Albert Howes, Chairman, and Marshall Roper.
the whole loan shall be paid in not more than twenty years from the date of issue of the first bond or note.
In Favor 299 Opposed 6
(This required a 2/3 vote)
Mr. Cohn, Chairman of the Finance Committee, had recommended favorable action on this Article, and said that 50% of this cost would be paid by the State. Mr. Roper, Chairman of the School Committee, urged that vote be in favor, as this additional school room space will be needed in the Fall of 1957. This action would eliminate further double sessions in future years. He also said that all preliminary work has already been done, and awarding of contracts is possible immediately.
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ARTICLE 5. Voted unanimously that the present School Building Committee be and hereby is authorized to enter into all contracts and agreements necessary to construct, equip, and furnish the addition to the Stony Hill School.
ARTICLE 6. Voted unanimously that the Town appropri- ate the sum of $1,400.00 to purchase a sand spreader for the use of the Highway Department, and to meet the cost of same $900.00 be transferred from the Road Machinery Fund, and the sum of $500.00 be appropriated from avail- able funds in the treasury.
The Finance Committee recommended this action.
ARTICLE 7. Voted unanimously that the Town appropri- ate from available funds in the treasury the sum of $2,500.00 to purchase a new oil heating system for the Library building on Boston Road.
The Finance Committee recommended this action, saying there might be some return of this amount voted as exact amount has not been determined.
ARTICLE 8. Voted unanimously that all appropriations made at this meeting, unless otherwise provided for, be raised by assessment against the polls, personal properties and real estate of the Town.
Mr. Kuehn, Chairman of the School Building Committee, reported damage done by unknown vandals to the Stony Hill School on Sunday afternoon, October 21st, as follows :
Broken glass $700.00 Stage, 5 Clocks, misc. 800.00
$1,500.00
He said it is fairly certain that all items damaged will be replaced at no cost to the Town. He also reported that other work is going ahead on schedule and it is expected that the School will be open on November 5.
Mr. Auchter asked the Townspeople to show their appre- ciation of the work done by the Regional School District Planning Committee; accordingly there was a round of applause. Mr. Roper, Chairman of that Committee, in turn thanked the Finance Committee, the Selectmen, the Citizens Advisory Group, the entire staff of Mr. Agard and Mr. Agard himself for their help, saying they had all put in a tremendous amount of time.
It was voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 10:45 p. m.
Attest : Walter F. Berry Town Clerk
Note: There were 401 registered voters at the meeting.
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Town Warrant FOR ANNUAL TOWN MEETING ON MARCH 16, 1957 Commonwealth of Massachusetts HAMPDEN, ss.
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