USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Wilbraham > Wilbraham annual report 1961-1965 > Part 14
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ROGER T. HINTZE, Director
LINCOLN DEXTER, Deputy Director
Dog Officer's Report
A total of 768 dogs were licensed in 1962. This amount is 22 less than 1961.
Twenty dog bites were investigated and the dogs were quaran- tined for 14 days.
Thirty eight stray dogs were picked up and of these 31 were returned to the owners. Seven were disposed of.
Sixteen dogs were reported missing by owners - nine were recovered.
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Eight dogs were killed by automobiles and were disposed of. No livestock was reported to have been killed by dogs. One cat bite case was reported.
ROBERT A. CONVERSE
Electrical Inspector
From the period of January 1, 1962 through December 31, 1962, there were 270 electrical permits issued. These permits were issued for the following purposes:
124 new residences
5 non residential buildings
26 service increases
6 electric water heaters (separate from new buildings)
4 electric ranges (separate from new buildings)
16 oil burners (separate from new buildings)
12 electric dryers (separate from new buildings)
26 additional rooms or cellar and attic finishing
22 additional outlets
29 miscellaneous lights, pumps, etc.
WM. E. FITZGERALD, JR.
Fire Department
Telephone number LY-6-3111, our emergency telephone for incoming calls, is to be used for reporting fires and emergencies only. All other business pertaining to Fire Department please dial LY 6-3122 or LY 6-3014. This is very important.
Fire Loss:
Buildings (33)
$6,009.76
Contents 2,058.23
Assessed Valuations 603,650.00
Department responded to 321 alarms: 33 buildings, 103 grass and brush, 19 automobiles, 11 dumps, 1 gasoline spill, 8 miscel- laneous, 8 mutual aid out of town, and 138 emergencies.
Fifty nine permits were issued for installation of oil-burning equipment, twenty five permits for installation of L.P. gas equip- ment, seven permits for dynamite; 181 inspections, 87 extinguish- ers were recharged. All schools and public buildings were in- spected and found in order.
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In September John Brackinisky, who had for forty two years served the town ably and effectively as a call fireman of the Fire Department, found it necessary to resign his post for reasons of health. The Fire Department pays high tribute to Mr. Brackini- sky and his outstanding record.
For their cooperation and assistance, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Fire Dispatchers, the call men, the auxiliary, to the members of the Board of Selectmen, Fire Commissioners, Wilbraham Police, State Police, and all others who may have helped during the past year.
RALPH E. TUPPER, SR., Chief
ROSTER OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Permanent: Chief Ralph Tupper, Sr .; Assistant Chief Cyril Woods; Private Kent Folsom.
Dispatchers: Mary Chapman; Berenice Tupper; Martha Woods.
Call Men: Assistant Chief, Raymond Beach, Jr .; Captain, John Campsie; Drill Master, Lt. Charles Dorey; First Aid Instructor, Harold Porter; George King; Roger Whitehill; John Brackinisky; Philip Shaw, Jr .; Ronald VonFlatern; Wesley Chapman; David MacDonald; Andrew Grzbowski; Bryant Carpenter; Robert Macaulay.
Auxiliary Men: Clifton Scott; Edward Clark; Stanley Johnson; Karl Tupper; William Tupper; Walter Howe; John Anderson; George Jackson, Jr .; David Chapman; Edward Bach; Lawrence Rose; David McDonald; Richard Beane; Homer Henley; Ephraim Carron; Leonard VonFlatern; Timothy Maxfield; William Strosburg; William Mobley; Robert Maynard; David Graham; Darrel Lang.
Forest Warden
Four thousand two hundred fifteen (4,215) permits were issued for open air fires. At numerous times of the year no burn- ing in the open is allowed. For said permit dial LY 6-3122 or LY 6-3014. Our emergency telephone, LY 6-3111, is not to be used for this purpose.
The only incinerator that can be used in the open without a permit must be one that releases no sparks or open flame. Wire basket type is not allowed in Wilbraham. If in doubt when pur- chasing an incinerator, call the Fire Chief for information.
Deputy Forest Wardens: John Chrzanowski, Newton Goewey, Steven Lapota, Charles Dorey, John Sigsbee, Raymond Beach, Jr., Kent Folsom, Cyril Woods.
RALPH E. TUPPER, SR.
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Board of Health
During 1962, eighteen licensed eating and drinking establish- ments were inspected and seven markets were inspected at least once every two months.
Two day camps, one motel, and six overnight camps or cabins were inspected at least once during the year.
Twenty four store milk licenses, thirteen milk dealer's licenses, and ten oleomargarine licenses were issued during 1962.
Eleven public health nuisance complaints were investigated. All eleven nuisances were abated in accordance with approved health practices.
Ten samples of water from private sources, one sample from the town water line, and three samples from Spec Pond were obtained and analyzed during the year. Adequate sampling of private water supplies is necessary to insure that good quality water is available.
The town dump was inspected frequently with recommenda- tions being made to the Board of Health when necessary. The maintenance of the dump, in general, has been good. It is hoped that a sanitary fill type of refuse disposal may be considered in the near future.
One extensive drainage investigation was made during the year. Recommendations were made to the Board of Selectmen which were fulfilled immediately.
The Board of Health was extremely active during 1962 and every indication is that the Board of Health will continue active in 1963.
I wish to thank the public for the fine cooperation extended to me during the past year.
JOHN A. BRICKETT, R.S.
Industrial Development Committee Report
Activities of the Industrial Development Committee during 1962 were somewhat limited due to the need for physical im- provement of the land available for development.
A number of prospective buyers were shown our only avail- able land, but in each instance the feeling was that too much filling and grading was necessary. While this is not an insur- mountable problem, it is an accepted fact that filled land must be allowed to settle for at least one year before it is considered suit- able for heavy construction, unless extremely expensive operations are employed.
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Our work was largely devoted, therefore, to promoting a plan with the owners whereby they would level in a satisfactory man- ner, a substantial part of the available land. This work is now being done and we hope within the next year to be able to present a most impressive layout to interested industries.
ROLAND L. SIROIS, Chairman
FRANKLIN T. RICHARDSON BERT MOUNT LEO PARADIS BEATRICE L. BECKER
Jury List - 1962-1963
Archambault, Vic, 49 Brainard Rd., W. Mason Contractor
Bedard, Charles J., 92 Manchonis Rd., W. Electrician Blauvelt, Doris, C., 913 Stony Hill Rd., W. Housewife
Bocchino, Alphonse F., 9 Shirley St., W. Printer Bogue, Howard C., 2697 Boston Rd., N.W. Clerk Boyce, G. Frederic, 3113 Boston Rd., N.W. Printer Brooks, Marion, 904 Stony Hill Rd., W. Medical Secretary
Brower, Van Pelt, Jr., 23 Decorie Dr., W. Chemical Engineer
Chapman, Robert H., 2009 Boston Rd., N.W. Motel Owner Chechile, Fred A., 21 Jewel Lane, W. .. Self-employed - Floor Covering Chlastawa, Edward J., 65 Stony Hill Rd., W. Telephone Installer Clark, Edward N., 1215 Stony Hill Rd., W. Carpenter
DeMarco, John C., 9 Brainard Rd., W. Tube Bender (Neon)
Duplissa, Donald F., 21 Brookmont Dr., W. Insurance
Ersing, Hans, E., 34 Glenn Dr., W. Machinist
Fogg, Perry W., 12 Old Orchard Rd., W. Salesman
Frydryk, John A., 23 Dalton St., N.W. Machine Moulder
Gaudette, George R., 4 Wilbraview Dr., W. Interior Decorator
Gensheimer, Henry D., 16 Meadowview Rd., W. Foreman
Gernux, Thomas J., 26 Glenn Dr., W. Brick Layer
Godfrey, Edward H., 787 Ridge Rd., W. Supervisor
Gouvin, Albert R., 376 Springfield St., W. Garage Operator Grzybowski, Andrew F., 19 Benton St., N.W. Piper
Handel, Richard W., 107 Springfield St., W. Purchasing Agent Harting, Charles W., 27 Brookside Cir., W. .. Supt. - Bldg. and Grounds Hazeltine, Benjamin P., 278 Mountain Rd., N.W. Chemical Engineer Hess, John Y., 233 Monson Rd., W. Carpenter
Hunt, Arthur W., 28 Brookside Dr., W. . Bank Manager (Branch)
Iwasinski, Theodore, 2379 Boston Rd., N.W. Clerk
Jahn, George A., 1048 Stony Hill Rd., W. Pattern Maker
LaBroad, Robert J., 1 Ruth Dr., W. Analyst - Hamilton Standard
LeFreniere, Joseph L., 4 Glenn Dr., W. Chemical Operator
Lajzer, John J. S., 13 Sunnyside Ter., W. Dye Caster
Lang, Glenford F., 1 Raymond Dr., W. Financial Consultant
Laurino, Thomas P., 56 Brainard Rd., N.W. Tool Designer Lindell, Carl O., 4 Brooklawn Rd., W. Trucker Little, Lawson, 477 Dipping Hole Rd., W. Sales Manager
Los, Stanley J., 124 River Rd., N.W. . Tool Grinder Macaulay, Frederick J., 910 Stony Hill Rd., W. Builder MacIntire, Wesley, 24 Delmor Ave., W. Mechanic
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Macleod, George V., 9 Chapin Dr., W. Bank Manager (Branch)
Magruder, Doris S., 505 Mountain Rd., W. Housewife Maiocco, George W., 4 Linwood Dr., W. Manager McCalligett, James F., 28 Brookdale Dr., W. Toolmaker
Megliola, Anthony M., 14 Rochford Dr., W. Insurance Representative Meregian, Andon A., 41 Brookside Dr., W. Businessman
Merrick, Charles, L., 651 Main St., W. Farmer
Morrissette, Raymond E., Sunset Rock Rd., N.W. Tool Designer
Nickerson, David L., 27 Leemond St., W. Optical Engineer
O'Day, Howard T., 659 Ridge Rd., W. Insurance
O'Neil, George F., 348 Springfield St., W.
Cost Accountant
Palmer, Stanley E., 503 Main St., W. . .. Engineer
Pincince, Raymond L., 15 Longview Dr., W. Accountant Plancon, Eugene R., Chestnut Hill, N.W. Salesman Polk, Leslie, D., 571 Main St., W. News Editor
Porter, Harold E., 520 Main St., W. Insurance
Post, Frederick, H., 3 Leemond St., W. Inspector
Prokop, Beatrice D., 7 Bolles Rd., W.
Housewife
Riendeau, Lucien, Federal Lane, W. Welder
Salls, Russell C., 237 Monson Rd., W. Civil Engineer
Schuback, William W., 5 Highmoor Dr., W. . Office Manager
Scott Smith, Francis H., 3 Pearl Lane, W. Pilot Plant Operator
Sleith, Samuel W., 17 Nokomis Rd., W. Assistant Manager
Spagnoli, Salvatore J., 5 Wilbraview Dr., W. Businessman
Stagnaro, Charles W., 14 Pease St., W.
Machinist
Strohman, Robert A., 655 Glendale Rd., N.W.
Clerk
Strosburg, William A., Cone Trail, W. Printer Swain, Richard C., 423 Mountain Rd., W. Consultant
Sweetman, Lawrence J., 215 Three Rivers Rd., N.W. Contractor
Swiatek, Ted M., 616 Stony Hill Rd., W. . Tool Engineer
Swiecanski, Stanley H., 131 Stony Hill Rd., W. Carpenter Trant, Colin A., 76 Crane Hill Rd., N.W. Salesman
Tupper, Karl F., 19 Rochford Dr., W. Electrician
Van Brocklyn, Robert R., 2 Sunset Rock Rd., N.W. Policy Assistant
Webster, David, Jr., 4 Leemond St., W. Manager
Welch, John C., Sr., 6 Wilbraview Dr., W. Manager Willoughby, Richard, 15 Bruuer Ave., W .. Salesman
Wirzbicki, Walter S., 19 Weston St., N.W. Clerk
Wojcik, Stephen, 6 Merrill Rd., W. Staff Assistant (Tel. & Tel.)
Wilbraham Public Library Report
The Wilbraham Public Library is now a member of the West- ern Regional Public Library System. This means the library can borrow from a large collection of films and recordings and can arrange for many types of exhibits. Our own resources contain much local history, and the library has been able to be most use- ful to townspeople doing research for our bicentennial celebra- tion. Furthermore, our resources include an interesting and grow- ing collection of books in foreign languages.
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The continuing interest in the library revealed by individual and group gifts is gratifying to both the staff and trustees. There is not space in this report to list individual donors, but mention may be made of several group presentations. The Wilbraham Garden Club purchased a sizable collection of books and gave them to the library in memory of Bertha M. Piper; the P & B Engraving Company of Springfield has generously printed the plates for the books at no charge to the library. Another valuable gift was an English-Polish dictionary donated by the One Hundred Club. The Grange has embarked on a program for presenting books to augment the collection as individual memorials, and its first gift is to be the history of the town pres- ently being compiled for the bicentennial commemoration. We are, also, deeply indebted to the Garden Club for its sensitive efforts in planting flowers and shrubs around the building and for Christmas decorations.
The growth of circulation of books and the increase in services offered to borrowers continues. Paradoxically, however, this situ- ation causes the trustees deep concern for our present building becomes more inadequate daily. As the school children are using the library in ever increasing numbers, and as new readers are constantly appearing, the space is insufficient. As a result, we have no place to hold the exhibitions, show the films, or play the recordings written of above.
In our attempts to alleviate these conditions we have had a room on the ground floor renovated at a cost of six hundred dol- lars and the staff has moved many old books and periodicals to the second and third floors. It is our opinion that the upper two floors are fit only for storage and that it would be uneconomical to try to make meeting, reading, or exhibition rooms on these levels. As trustees, we are naturally concerned with the town's receiving fair value for its dollars, and we do not think that much money other than that for maintenance and repairs should be put into this building.
During 1962 the Friends of the Library set up a Trust Fund to handle any contributions you may care to make for a new site and building. All contributions are tax deductible.
M. GERTRUDE RONK, Chairman LONI BROWER
JAMES B. MCGUIRE
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WILBRAHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY STATISTICS
Holdings:
Volumes in Library, January 1, 1962
14,663
Volumes purchased
1,229
Volumes donated (Gifts)
188
1,417
Volumes discarded, lost
536
881
Volumes in Library, January 1, 1963
15,544
Registration:
Adult
1,697
Children
1,149
Total: (441 gain over 1961)
2,846
Circulation:
Adult (including periodicals)
19,640
Juvenile (including school and periodicals)
30,144
Total: (4,449 gain over 1961)
49,784
Special Services:
Books borrowed on interlibrary loan
71
Books lent on interlibrary loan
5
Reserve book notices mailed to borrowers
530
Overdue notices mailed to borrowers
2,128
Fines Collected:
$771.84
Personnel Study Committee Report
The Personnel Study Committee, appointed by the Selectmen in 1961, upon request of the Finance Committee, completed its initial study of position classification of all town employees (ex- cept the school department) and established rates and salary ranges during its first year.
Recognizing the importance of fringe benefits in a well designed personnel program, the Selectmen, in 1962, requested that the Personnel Study Committee remain intact and proceed with such a study.
The program of study was instituted by asking all governing boards to complete a questionnaire setting forth all fringe benefits then in effect. All reports were condensed by means of a chart and a comparison was made of existing benefits in each depart- ment with those in other departments, those in the school depart- ment, those in surrounding towns, and those in industry.
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The Committee submitted to the Selectmen and the Finance Committee a summary and recommendations on fringe benefits, dealing primarily with vacation leave, holiday leave, sick leave, bereavement leave, court leave, and leave without pay. A review of the personnel program pertaining to the administration of rec- ords was made and recommendations for administration were also submitted.
The Committee met with various governing boards on ques- tions of position classification, salaries and wages and fringe benefits during the year. As there are other areas to be studied and as the program requires periodic attention and review, it was recommended that the Personnel Study Committee become a permanent committee of the town to be appointed annually by the Board of Selectmen.
HERMAN G. GRANDCHAMP, Chairman DARREL AMES JOHN BEMBEN, Secretary ALBERT NEALE
Pest Control Report
In the early spring of 1962 all roadside elms and some private elms (by request only where town elms are present) were sprayed for the control of elm leaf beetle and European elm bark beetle. (Dutch elm disease carrier.) The insecticide used for this spray was methoxychlor as requested at the annual town meeting in March 1962 by interested individuals. In previous years, D.D.T. was used. Favorable results were obtained and we hope to con- tinue using the less toxic methoxychlor as long as evidence will support its use.
We hope during 1963 to follow the recommendations of the Department of Natural Resources and the Shade Tree Labora- tories at the University of Massachusetts to pursue the policies of Dutch elm control in the following manner: (1) a good sani- tation program; (2) a good sampling program; (3) the prompt removal and destruction of Dutch elm diseased trees; and (4) the dormant spraying of valued trees as a supplement to the sani- tation program. The town of Wilbraham has attempted to fol- low these recommendations in the past. We feel that much progress has been made, and we can hope that the disease can be curbed and eliminated to preserve the beauty of the American elm.
Throughout the year, 62 samples of suspected elms were col-
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lected and submitted to the Shade Tree Laboratories for testing. All but one of these samples contained the Dutch elm disease fungus. These 61 positive samples represented a total of 99 indi- vidual trees (clumps and twin trees are generally sampled as one unit). There was a hold-over of 44 known diseased elms from 1961 sampling programs giving a total of 143 known diseased elms tagged for removal. As of December 31, 1962, 124 of these trees have been removed and destroyed. Town crews supervised by the Pest Control Officer removed 105 of these trees along with a number of completely dead "beetle carrying" elms. Private tree companies removed 17 trees, and the electric utility company serving Wilbraham removed 2 of these trees. On December 31, 1962 there remained 19 known diseased elms along with 25 sus- pected diseased elms which should be removed and destroyed be- fore May 1, 1963 according to state law.
During 1962 a small number of gypsy moth egg clusters were found in Wilbraham in the East portion of town near Monson Road. The number was not alarming and far below the required concentration for state aerial control. These areas will be checked closely in 1963. Severe local outbreaks of forest tent caterpillar in early June did severe leaf damage. These insects are on a gradual buildup and can be controlled with one spray. A number of town trees which were heavily infested were sprayed for con- trol.
Once again a mosquito control program was conducted in Wil- braham. There was considerable comment at the annual town meeting in March 1962 regarding this activity. A late spring spray of light concentration was followed by the first residential aerial spray on June 13 and 14. The second residential spray after many complaints of mosquito infestation and some sickness as a result of mosquito infection was conducted on July 26, 1962. We feel that the spraying program is a necessity from a health standpoint as well as allowing more outdoor pleasure during the summer months. In 1962 the Massachusetts state legislature passed laws regulating the application of all pesticides. A pesti- cide board has been created under the control of the Department of Public Health. Any individual who applies pesticides must be licensed by this board and come under their control and supervi- sion. We propose that the town of Wilbraham use a new insecti- cide called BAYTEX, much less toxic than D.D.T. to fish and wildlife and yet very successful in mosquito control. (The Pesti-
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cide Board may also recommend or even require its use.) We realize that a controversy does exist on this subject and while we have our own opinion, the legislative control and use of less toxic insecticides should ease this controversy. We feel that the program has been successful and we hope to continue the aerial spray program in 1963.
During 1962 many roadsides were sprayed for poison ivy con- trol. This is becoming a major problem along our more rural roads. We hope in 1963 to concentrate in these areas on its eradication with selective poison ivy spray program.
GORDON R. LONG
Planning Board Report
The Wilbraham Planning Board held regular monthly meet- ings on the third Tuesday of each month during the year of 1962. In addition, there were 5 special meetings or hearings.
Public hearings were held for the presentation of 8 subdivi- sions. In most instances these represented extensions of existing areas previously subdivided. There were a total of 3 new sub- divisions presented for approval. Five of the 8 presented were approved subject to the posting of performance bonds or the completion of road construction, installation of water lines where available, and any required drainage system.
As required under the law, the Board, together with the Board of Selectmen, Planning Board Engineer and the Highway Super- intendent viewed 10 streets which will be presented for accept- ance at the annual town meeting.
A special public hearing was held on June 7, 1962 at Memorial School. The petitioner, Mr. J. Loring Brooks, et al, requested rezoning of his property east of Crane Park and Burt Lane from Residence A-1 to Neighborhood Shopping. Mr. Harry Craw- ford, Chairman of the Center Study Committee and speaking for that Committee, presented their plans for a proposed town green integrated with the shopping area. There was a strong negative reaction against the proposal and the zoning change was defeated at a special town meeting held June 18.
Two amendments to the zoning by-laws were passed at the June 18 special town meeting. A new Paragraph 9 was added to Section 13. This established regulations for the location of a fall out shelter in relation to residential property and made provi-
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sion for inspection of same. Article 10 of that meeting concerned the rezoning of the property of Nicholas Moroz at 3105 Boston Road from Residence A to Business. This change was subse- quently approved by the Attorney General.
The Federal Government has approved the grant requested by the town for the preparation of a Master Plan. A contract was awarded to Technical Planning Associates of New Haven, Con- necticut for the study to be made and the completion of the Master Plan. The Board has held regular monthly meetings since October 10, 1962 with Mr. M. H. Lincoln, the engineer of that firm, to discuss the various phases of the Plan as it has progressed. A report on the Master Plan is included in this town report.
LEO E. KUEHN, Chairman WILLIAM SULLIVAN, JR.
HERBERT DAUNHEIMER
RICHARD MORGAN
BION T. WHEELER, JR.
Master Plan Study Report
The following is a digest of the report filed by Mr. M. H. Lincoln of Technical Planning Associates with the Planning Board.
This report is a brief summary of the work done in the first 4 months to date on the Master Plan for Wilbraham. It is hoped that wide distribution will more fully inform the townspeople on the problems that come with community growth, the assets and liabilities of the town, the conditions that affect future growth, and some of the means by which the town can guide and control its future. To prepare a Plan to guide future growth, it is neces- sary, first, to determine the regional elements that affect the town's growth and potential, and second, to acquire and relate to each other all of the local information on natural and physical characteristics of the land and its present uses, the people, the economic base, town government, services, and utilities.
Establishment of the Southern Pioneer Valley Regional Plan- ning District is the start of planning in the region of which Wil- braham is a part. Local plans can be much better and more real- istically formulated with proper consideration to regional plan- ning that has an impact on the town. It therefore seems most desirable for Wilbraham to consider participation in the forma- tion of the regional plans.
Regional population movement has had a definite affect on Wilbraham's growth. Between 1950 and 1960 the town's popu-
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lation increased by almost 3,400 people, an 85% increase. How- ever, over 2/3 of this increase, almost 2,700 people, moved into the town during this ten year period and undoubtedly the large majority came from the immediate region.
Past development illustrates the extent to which natural fea- tures have affected community growth up until now. A very small amount of recent growth has taken place on the steeply sloping land along and on the ridge. Safe road grades and inter- sections are difficult to accomplish in this hilly land with con- ventional subdivision patterns. The rocky soil and sub-surface make adequate sewage disposal difficult except in pockets of well drained soils. Yet this land is choice, and new patterns of development that recognize the problems will make possible de- velopment of the highest type, although at lower densities.
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