USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Wilbraham > Wilbraham annual report 1961-1965 > Part 15
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The central plain west of the ridge is mostly rolling country, and contains substantial areas of low land with unstable muck soils that will be difficult to drain. Some developments have ex- panded to the edges of these areas and then stopped, probably due to the condition of the land. Areas in this central plain con- tain by far the greatest amount of the newer developments.
The Glendale area east of the ridge, and East Wilbraham, have relatively small areas of steeply sloping or swampy land, and are distinct parts of the town divided from the main body of the town by the ridge.
While the steep slopes and swamps may appear to be liabilities, they can be turned into assets. Some of the newer developments are now separated from each other by brooks and wet land. The brooks and streams are the town's principal storm drainage sys- tem. Their preservation and improvement now can reduce sub- stantially future storm drainage costs.
Conservation and landscaping of portions of the low land along these brooks will provide natural wooded buffers between neighborhoods. This can prevent "urban sprawl," with its monot- onous continuation of street after street and house after house.
From the valley, which ultimately will contain the greater por- tion of the town's population, the wooded slopes of the ridge fur- nish a natural background. Development of the more suitable land on the ridge, and preservation of the steeper slopes in their natural state, can preserve for the townspeople an outstanding setting.
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Existing land uses are in part the basis for future planning. Something less than one fifth of the town's area is presently used. Residences occupy about 14% of town land, business and indus- try 2.2%, public schools, parks and playgrounds 1.2%, and other public and semi-public uses including the Academy 2%. In addition the State Game Farm, utilities, and recreational land account for an additional 5%.
Substantially all of the new residential growth is taking place on the central plain, with a relatively heavy concentration in the southern part of town. Also, there is a sizable amount of good vacant land here, that should attract new residential construction. It will be advantageous to the town and to the present and future families in the central plain if they can be conveniently and adequately served with shops in their own areas.
The present commercial facilities in Wilbraham Center appear inadequate to meet the immediate foreseeable needs. From a planning viewpoint, expansion of the area to reasonable limits is desirable.
On the north side of the Boston Road, with the railroad run- ning through it, is the industrial area. Not yet fully developed, there is good land available for industrial expansion.
In round figures there are something over 10,000 acres of land that is not built up or reserved for some specific purpose, or used for roads. This includes a number of properties now being farmed. From several points of view, it is desirable to encourage the con- tinuance of farming. There is, however, a question about the permanence of this use in an expanding metropolitan area, so here farm land is considered to be subject to possible future de- velopment.
On this land most of the future growth of Wilbraham will take place. All of the vacant land is not entirely suitable for building. Over 2,200 acres is steeply sloping rocky hillside. An- other 1,100 acres is low and wet, mostly along natural water courses. This leaves about 6,700 acres of land that is fairly to well suited for building development, depending on the absorptive qualities of the soil or on availability of sewers.
Maps have been prepared showing all of the natural, physical, and man-made conditions outlined above. They show these various characteristics in relation to each other and to the several town neighborhoods.
The next phase of the planning studies will be an examination
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of these conditions as they affect future growth. Future popula- tion projections will be made for the several neighborhoods of the town, and on this basis the requirements of public and private facilities to serve their foreseeable needs can be determined. This will lead into preliminary studies for parts of the Master Plan of Development.
WILBRAHAM PLANNING BOARD
LEO E. KUEHN, Chairman HERBERT DAUNHEIMER RICHARD MORGAN
WILLIAM SULLIVAN, JR.
BION T. WHEELER, JR.
Playground Commission Report
The primary project of Wilbraham Playground Commission is the supervised summer program. This activity was conducted at Memorial School playground for a six week period, July 9 to August 17, under supervision of Mr. Richard Spencer. He was assisted by Mr. Joseph Van West, Mrs. Constance Kimberly, Miss Nancy Muir and Miss Beth Moore.
The program consisted of organized group games; arts and handicraft instruction; reading and story telling; contests and shows, and sporting events. An average of 120 children partici- pated in the program daily. This figure is down slightly from former years because activity was limited to one playground (Pines School grounds were disrupted due to construction), and transportation was not provided.
The groundskeeping function was performed by Mr. Spencer, Mr. Van West and Mr. Walter Presz. They cut a second ball diamond at Memorial, and did an excellent job of maintaining Grassy Hollow and Memorial Athletic fields.
In December a survey questionnaire was circulated through the grammar schools and junior high school to ascertain if possible just what Wilbraham parents and children desired in a recreation program. The results of this survey were used in setting up our 1963 program and budget.
The Playground Commissioners wish to extend thanks to the Water Department, the Highway Department, the Town Public Library, and the Selectmen's Office for assistance rendered dur- ing the past year.
TRUMAN R. SWALLOW, Chairman BRUCE CRAWFORD HAROLD LOVERING, JR.
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Police Department
It is a pleasure to submit to you the annual report of the Wil- braham Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1962.
ROSTER OF THE DEPARTMENT
Chief: William Pollitt. Regular Patrolmen: John J. Chrzanowski, New- ton W. Goewey, Jr. Reserve Patrolmen: Stephen Lopata, Alton L. Mc- Donald. Auxiliary Police: Sgt. John J. Connor, Sgt. Wellington C. Rose, Sgt. Emeric J. Wyzik, Sgt. Ralph M. Kilcourse, Philip Britten, Joseph Crespi, William Hartman, John Y. Hess, George N. Levakis, Jr., Alexander Murphy, William H. Rademaekers, Donald A. Bump, Joseph A. Cloutier, Robert A. Converse, Edward E. Dearborn, Harold R. Hartman, Morrison J. Marelli, Howard S. McIntosh, Albert T. Gouvin, Jr., Arthur W. Hunt, Jr., Stanley J. Pabis, John Ward, Walter S. Wirzbicki. School Traffic Officers: Mrs. Mary Strycharz, Mrs. Marjorie Goewey, Mrs. Alice Boyer, Mrs. Alice Christensen.
The year 1962 was marked by more accidents than the previous year and there were more crimes committed of a serious nature.
Again this year, the Selectmen, acting as Police Commissioners, followed through in their belief that police training is a commu- nity investment rather than an expense, by sending Patrolman John J. Chrzanowski to the State Police Training School in Fram- ingham from which he graduated on August 17, 1962 after com- pleting a six weeks' training program.
The Auxiliary Police are still continuing their training pro- gram under the direction of Sgt. John J. Connor; the program has been accelerated. If anyone between the ages of 21 and 45 are interested in joining the Auxiliary, contact the Police De- partment.
Safety Officer John Chrzanowski has attended monthly meet- ings of the Safety Council and made 28 visits to the Wilbraham Schools and Boy Scouts showing films and stressing safety needs.
The entire Department was greatly saddened by the death of their beloved Chief, William Pollitt, on December 23, 1962. He will long be remembered for his diligence and devotion to duty by all who knew him. Patrolman John Chrzanowski was appointed Acting Chief on December 23, 1962 by the Selectmen.
The Department wishes to express appreciation for the fine co-operation during the past year to Chief Ralph Tupper and his men of the Fire Department; to Highway Superintendent Herbert Butler; and to Dr. John Sigsbee whose services we shall miss greatly, as he was always ready and willing to give assistance in any and all emergencies.
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We would especially like to thank Sergeant Chet Ruszczyk and his men of the Monson Barracks for the fine co-operation given us throughout the year.
Our most sincere appreciation is expressed once again to the Board of Selectmen for their co-operation during 1962.
JOHN J. CHRZANOWSKI, Acting Chief
ARRESTS FOR THE YEAR
Crimes Against Property: Breaking and Entering to Commit Larceny, 12. Crimes Against Public Order: Drunkenness, 9; Disturbing the Peace, 5; Carrying a loaded gun, 1. Motor Vehicle Violations: Motor Boat Com- plaints, 2; Passing with view obstructed, 45; Operating under the influence of intoxicating liquor, 7; Operating to endanger, 10; Offensive driving, 1; Failing to stop at stop sign, 27; No inspection sticker, 2; Reckless driving, 1; Operating without glasses, 1; Unregistered and uninsured, 2; Failing to stop at red light, 10; Operating without a license, 2; Operating after sus- pension, 1; Faulty equipment, 1; Speeding, 51; Cases referred to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles for action, 15; Cases filed with warning, 70. Summary of Traffic Accidents: Property damage, 70; Personal Injury, 46; Fatality, 1; Total number of accidents, 116. One person killed in an indus- trial accident. Other Activity: Doors or windows found open at night in business establishments, 66; Broken water line, 1; Vacant homes checked for people on vacation, 307; Missing persons found and returned, 6; Com- plaints received and investigated, 345; Summons served for other Police Departments, 267; Injured persons taken to hospital in Police Cruiser, 25; Stolen cars recovered, 6; Service rendered disabled motorists, 107; Escapees apprehended, 2. Money Received and turned over to the Town Clerk: Firearms Permits and Accident Reports, $257; Received by the Town from court fines, $930.
Report of Radio Committee
This committee was originally appointed to study and make recommendations concerning the best possible use of our various radio network facilities in order to obtain the most efficient and economical service for the welfare of the town and its emergency personnel.
During the past year the committee investigated various sys- tems other than radio communications to alert its emergency personnel. The committee has also been delaying any action relative to radio equipment because our present system is very adequate for our present use. Furthermore, Federal Matching Funds are not available; and as soon as this program is reactivated and the restrictions and controls are lifted, we will take advantage of this assistance.
In the proper planning of our communications equipment much can be saved in "Time," "Lives," and "Property Values" for the
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people of this community. The townspeople should be very thankful for the dedicated personnel of the various services who are responsible for their respective departments, and who are constantly trying to improve their departments in order to render the service demanded of them.
We regret the loss of another member of our committee, namely "Bill" Pollitt, who died on December 23, 1962. His construc- tive criticism was most helpful because of his experience in Police Communications and the necessity of advising sufficient person- nel for emergency needs whenever and wherever needed. We regret his loss and wish to extend to his family our sincere sym- pathies.
ROGER T. HINTZE, Chairman
HERBERT BUTLER
RALPH TUPPER
WILLIAM POLLITT (deceased) G. FREDERIC BOYCE
Sealer of Weights and Measures
Devices tested and approved during 1962: Scales - 69, Weights - 64, Liquid measures - 1, Gasoline pumps, 42, Grease meters - 11, Fuel truck meters - 9. Fees charged - $144.50.
CHARLES L. MERRICK
Inspector of Slaughtering Report
One heifer was slaughtered and inspected in 1962.
ROBERT A. CONVERSE
Spec Pond Report
The Spec Pond Recreational Area completed another success- ful year in the summer of 1962. Attendance during the year was approximately 35,000, a little lower than the preceding year be- cause of weather conditions in the month of August.
Spec Pond operated for 13 weeks, 10 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our staff was again manned by 5 lifeguards and one care- taker. Additional guards were hired for swimming instructions.
Many additions were made to the recreational area; such as a new boat, playground equipment, swimming area increased by adding 100 truck loads of sand, parking lot completed, 6 picnic tables added to the picnic area, a lifeguard tower added to the waterfront, and a high-dive on one raft.
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Approximately 375 children received swimming instructions in beginners and advanced courses. Our third Annual Water Carnival was held with 200 children participating and a crowd of 1500 people in attendance.
Our plans were to improve and build a hard top area for bas- ketball, dancing, and winter use as a hockey rink, but this project was not completed because of lack of funds. $1,000 has been held and put aside for this project which will be completed in the spring of 1963. Our future plans are to build a large shelter as funds are available.
The area again this year was under the supervision of the Wilbraham Lions Club, resulting in no operating expense to the Town. In the past 4 years approximately $30,000 has been expended in funds on this project.
WILLIAM SULLIVAN, JR., Chairman
ROBERT A. EDWARDS
TRUMAN R. SWALLOW
JESSE M. CANERDY
FREDERICK J. CUMMINGS
FRANK G. SHANNIS
LIONS CLUB OF WILBRAHAM Financial Standing as of December 31, 1962
SPEC POND FUND
Receipts
Expense
Cash Balance on Hand December 1, 1961
$366.44
Amount subscribed (716 families)
5,873.00
Policemen's Ball
75.00
Donation
12.00
Christadelphians
35.00
Earned Div. Ludlow Savings Bank
26.67
Insurance - Refund Vandals
292.60
Cash Donation
1.35
Concession Stand Rent
200.00
Firemen's Ball
100.00
Vandal - Repairs
$242.39
1960 Taxes - Bath House
64.68
Bulldozer Work
294.00
Boat
45.00
Playground Equipment
137.23
Diving Suit
20.00
Special Work - Contract
424.10
Miscellaneous
156.18
Telephone & Electric Light
88.83
Printing and Postage
186.55
Lumber and Paint
305.16
Employee Pay Roll
3,441.86
Employer Fed. Ins. FICA
107.59
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Plumbing Repairs Refund on Rent Cash Balance on Hand
75.41 75.00 1,318.08
$6,982.06 $6,982.06
F. J. CUMMINGS, Treasurer
Tree Warden
The year 1962 saw an emphasis on street tree planting by the tree warden department. During the spring, 46 seedlings were set out along the tree belts. A very dry summer may have ad- versely affected a few of these trees. It is hoped that townspeople fortunate enough to have young seedlings planted in front of their homes will water and care for these trees under drought conditions. In the fall an additional 34 seedlings were set out making a total of 80 trees planted in 1962. In addition, the New England Power Company planted 15 young trees on Tinkham Road and on Stony Hill Road at East Longmeadow Road where their transmission wires cross the highway.
Tree surgery and pruning of dangerous limbs was accom- plished on some of our streets. During three bad wind and rain storms, tree crews supervised by the tree warden repaired dam- age and cleaned up nineteen storm damaged trees. Seventeen completely and partially dead trees were removed during the past year. Five trees were removed by private tree companies.
During the past two years, storm damage has demonstrated the poor condition of our large maple trees along Stony Hill Road from Springfield Street to Boston Road and South Main Street from Monson Road to the Hampden line. This is an immediate problem and we hope to start work on it early in 1963.
A stump removal program was started in 1963 whereby dan- gerous stumps are removed below ground level and then properly graded and seeded. We feel this program to be a necessity along our most heavily traveled roads. A stump remaining within the highway bounds is a hazard to snow plows, automobiles, and the walking public, as well as being unsightly. We hope this program will be encouraged. We cannot expect to accomplish the whole job in one or two years, however a step at a time will eventually accomplish our aims.
The year 1962 saw an aroused public resent the attempt by the electric utility company serving Wilbraham to severely cut and trim trees along a section of Stony Hill Road. At that time,
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this severe cutting was the accepted practice when converting an existing distribution line to the more modern 13,000 volt line. A shade tree committee was formed composed of a representative from the utility company, a selectman, two interested citizens and the tree warden. This committee was to represent the best interests of the town and to formulate a policy to follow when- ever this conversion to higher distribution voltage is planned. The committee included Clifford W. Burgess, Chairman, Clyde F. Barlow, George G. Canney, Roger T. Hintze, and Gordon R. Long. A most satisfactory result was obtained; dangerous and unsightly trees were removed and trees were planted to compen- sate for lost trees. We feel the character of the area has been preserved and at the same time electric service has been improved.
During the year, the regular maintenance trimming for utility wires was accomplished. The cutting was supervised closely by the tree warden. This regular maintenance trim is done on a three year cycle and except for occasional changes in service, the trimming will not be done again until 1965.
Our aims for the future would consist of continuing an exten- sive tree planting program, the care and maintenance of existing shade trees, emphasizing those areas in poor condition, a continu- ance of the stump removal program and the supervision of line clearance crews doing utility work.
I wish to express my sincere appreciation to Highway Superin- tendent Herbert Butler as well as other town departments who have helped me during the year.
GORDON R. LONG
Veterans' Service Department Report
Classification of cases handled by this office and number of veterans involved are as follows:
1962
% 1961 18
%
Applications for Veterans' Benefits
14
Veterans' Benefits Paid :
Ordinary benefits only
6
6
Hospitalization and/or medical only
0
3
Ordinary benefits, hospitalization and/or medical 3
5
Miscellaneous - information, etc. 28
11
Total expenditure for ordinary benefits $2,636.35
90.7
$3,393.54
67.1
Total expenditure for hospitalization and/or medical
271.76
9.3
1,660.95
32.9
Total expenditure for
$2,908.11
100.0
$5,054.49
100.0
Veterans' Benefits
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Administrative expenses
22.00
78.60
Total expenditure
$2,930.11
$5,133.09
Less: Recoveries of Veterans' Benefits 1,200.00
Net expenditure
$1,730.11
$5,133.09
During 1962 nine cases were aided. As noted above approxi- mately 90% of the total Veterans' Benefits paid ($2,908.11) was paid for necessary living expenses and 10% was paid to meet medical expenses.
At December 31, 1962, there are three permanent cases being aided. All other cases aided were of a temporary nature. All cases aided were Wilbraham settled (5 years or more residence in Wilbraham). In view of this a net reimbursement of 50% of the total expenditure for 1962 can be expected from the State.
All veterans residing in Town are invited to avail themselves of the services of this office. Office hours are from 7:00 to 9:00 each Monday evening at the Town Hall, Center Square, East Longmeadow.
GEORGE A. DUSENBERRY, Agent
Water Commissioners' Report
In 1962 water system additions included 72 new installations and 2 renewals, up appreciably from the 43 new installations reported for last year. On the other hand, only 1500 feet of new water main was laid at developers' expense, compared with 5878 feet in 1961, despite a record year in new home building, which seems to illustrate that a large segment of the residential growth continues to be in areas of the town not now served by the water system.
Water usage showed a marked upswing as reflected by an eleven per cent increase in income. Debt service was down some $20,000, 1961 being the last year for payment of the 1958 water bond issue. As a result, income exceeded outgo by more than $20,000 with the surplus being transferred to the General Fund of the Town in accordance with prescribed procedures.
It is again worthy of note that existing procedures allow no accumulation of reserves by the Water Department for depre- ciation, expansion, or unanticipated major repairs. It is the opin- ion of the Board that a method should be developed to earmark funds in the General Fund for such purposes and presented for approval of the Town.
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A standby, duplicate chlorinating facility was purchased and installed during the year in compliance with a directive from the Department of Public Health of the Commonwealth of Mas- sachusetts.
A major objective of the Board of Water Commissioners has been the implementation, where timely, of the well engineered Master Plan for future water system development, prepared in 1961 in keeping with instructions from the Town. A public hearing, held at the Town Office early in the year, encouraged the Board to insert an article in the warrant of a special Town Meet- ing held in June. This article asked the Town to appropriate $4,800 for the purpose of preliminary ground water exploration. The voters of Wilbraham approved the program by appropria- tion of the funds, and fifteen test wells were drilled in five care- fully selected locations. Significantly, three of the five sites tested show excellent possibilities of being able to support wells, each capable of producing better than one half million gallons of water daily, and one of the promising locations is on Town property.
Future plans include the immediate proving out of all three locations by further drilling and test pumping. If test results are favorable, the Board of Water Commissioners will recommend purchase by the Town of required acreage to be held as water supply reserves for the future.
W. P. WILLIS, Chairman
JOHN GALE WILLIAM R. HANNAH
Public Welfare Department Report
As the District has been in existence for only six months, this report is based on statistics from July 1, 1962 through December 31, 1962.
Following is the case count for the five categories of assistance:
WILBRAHAM
Category of
Assistance :
Case Count July 1, 1962
Applications July-Dec. 1962 5
Closed Year-1962
Active Cases Dec. 31, 1962 30
Old Age Assistance
28
Medical Assistance for
the Aged
16
3
2
17
Aid to Dependent Children
6
3
2
7
Disability Assistance
4
-
1
3
General Relief
4
2
-
6
Total
58
13
8
63
3
-
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EAST LONGMEADOW WILBRAHAM WELFARE DISTRICT
Since the effective date of the combination of the two Towns, the office located in East Longmeadow has serviced the needs of recipients from both Towns. The complete cooperation evidenced by the people of Wilbraham and the assistance given by the Board of Selectmen has made the transition from a one Town Depart- ment to a District of two Towns both effective and efficient.
The functions of the District are supervised by a Prudential Committee composed of one member of the Board of Selectmen from each Town. We are grateful to the present Prudential Committee members Mr. Gerard Pellegrini, East Longmeadow and Mr. Roger Hintze, Wilbraham for their able and untiring efforts to maintain a successful operation of the District.
Advantages derived by the formation of a Welfare District are the sharing of the Administrative expenditures on a pro rated basis - according to the number of active cases in each Town. Because of the expansion of the Public Assistance Programs, it was no longer practical for a one person office to carry on the social service work and administrative duties required by these new categories. At the present time, as a result of the two Towns combining, the office staff servicing the two communities consists of a Director, Clerk and Social Worker.
To Miss Boden, former Director of Public Welfare, we wish to extend our sincere appreciation for her very able assistance, which she gave so willingly, to insure a successful District Office for the residents of Wilbraham.
HELEN M. SWEENEY, Director
Report of Annual Town Meeting MARCH 10, 1962
In accordance with the warrant as posted, the voters of the Town assembled in the Minnechaug High School Auditorium, Wilbraham.
The meeting was called to order by Moderator Ernest W. Fur- nans, Jr., at 10:00 a.m. The following tellers were appointed and sworn in by the Moderator: Dudley N. Hartt, Jr., Chief Teller; George G. Canney, Harold Swetland, Henry P. Baush, Walter
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Johnson, Joseph P. Mell, Robert J. LaBroad, Thomas F. Gal- lagher. It was noted that a quorum was present.
ARTICLE 1. Town Officers elected by unanimous vote were as follows: Poundkeeper, David E. Brehaut; Measurers of Wood and Charcoal, Walter H. Clark, Edward P. Lindsay; Surveyors of Lumber, Walter H. Clark, Jesse L. Rice; Field Drivers, Peter Presz, Leonard F. VonFlatern, Sr., Benjamin F. Griffin; Weighers of Grain, Weldon Jameson, Jesse L. Rice.
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