USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Wilbraham > Wilbraham annual report 1961-1965 > Part 24
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The Board of Assessors has submitted a bill for action by the General Court to add boats, horses and all hobby or leisure time equipment to the household furnishings exemptions.
We solicit your support of this bill by writing or phoning your State Legislators.
ASSESSORS' REPORT
Appropriations to be raised by taxation
Appropriations taken from available funds
$1,774,030.21 347,101.59
$2,121,131.80
Deficits due to abatements in excess of
overlay of prior years
701.43
Tax and Assessments:
State Parks and Reservations
3,068.89
State Audit of Municipal Accounts
1,677.98
County Tax
13,340.58
Tuberculosis Hospital Assessment
297.40
Overlay of current year
10,307.39
29,393.67
$2,150,525.47
ESTIMATED RECEIPTS AND AVAILABLE FUNDS
Income Tax
$127,150.73
Corporation Taxes
29,313.82
Reimbursement on account of publicly owned land
1,416.40
Old Age Meal Tax
1,470.31
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise
191,000.00
Licenses
9,000.00
Fines
1,000.00
Special Assessments
300.00
General Government
3,000.00
Protection of Persons and Property
4,700.00
Health and Sanitation
5,800.00
Charities (other than Federal grants)
4,100.00
Old Age Assistance (other than Federal grants) 17,000.00 Veterans' Services
2,300.00
School (Funds from Income Tax not to be included)
50,800.00
Libraries
1,500.00
Public Service Enterprises
80,000.00
Interest: On Taxes and Assessments
4,500.00
State Assistance - School Construction
74,638.29
Farm Animal Excise
130.00
Overestimates of previous years
559.78
Taken from Available Funds
347,101.59
956,780.92
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Net amount to be raised by taxation on Polls and Property
$1,193,744.55
Number of Polls 2,447
$4,894.00
Valuation of Personal Property Tax on Personal Property
$2,049,145.00
48,154.91
Valuation of Real Estate
48,540,240.00
1,140,695.64
Total Tax on Polls and Property
$1,193,744.55
Tax Rate per $1,000- $23.50
School rate $17.15
General rate $6.35
ALLAN R. KINNEY, Chairman EDWARD H. GODFREY HAROLD K. JONES
Building Inspector's Report
Permits - Number and Type
Estimated Cost
178 Dwellings
$2,514,850.00
1 School
458,375.00
2 Commercial Buildings
39,100.00
1 Gasoline station
20,000.00
2 Swimming Pools
2,395.00
20 Room Additions
37,525.00
8 Alterations
6,490.00
22 Garages
24,315.00
4 Cellar Playrooms
2,550.00
9 Tool Sheds
1,300.00
2 Barns
2,800.00
5 Shed Dormers
8,250.00
4 Porches
2,030.00
2 Breezeways
1,040.00
1 Patio
195.00
1 Tent
9 Demolition
271
$3,121,215.00
101 Gas piping permits
142 Septic tank permits
Inspections: 535 visits to new buildings; 160 plumbing; 175 septic tanks; 28 additions and alterations; 101 gas piping.
ANTHONY G. MASCARO
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ESTIMATED EXPENSES Report of Bicentennial Celebration Committee (Presented at Town Meeting - December 1962)
BACKGROUND - Since our last Town Meeting in December your Bicentennial Celebration Committee is now functioning as a group of 40 major committees and as many more sub- committees. In total more than 500 Townspeople are currently engaged in working out the details of various activities that will bring great satisfaction to all of our Townspeople, young and old. Though there will be interesting and important events throughout this Bicentennial Year, the principle period of celebration will take place June 14, 15, and 16. Some of the events scheduled are: Music Festival, Pageant, Celebration Ball, Sport Events, Town Supper, Town Sing, Fireworks and Parade.
FINANCING - Consistent with our Town's Fiscal Regulations, it is necessary that the total of $19,350. be made available to underwrite the various activities. The expense of certain "self supporting" events are included in this total figure. Income that these events earn cannot be used, but must be directed to the Town Treasury. As noted above, you have already appropriated $5,000. This $5,000., with the $14,350. required by Article 34, provides the total amount of $19,350. needed. It might be noted that the amount, and the method of providing funds, is related to that used by neighboring towns during their celebrations.
SELF SUPPORTING EVENTS - The $19,350. being appropriated includes $7,000. in underwriting expenses involved for the Pageant, Celebration Ball, Town Supper and Plate Sale. We have every assurance that these events will pay for themselves, and with good town participation provide a profit. All income from these events will go directly to our Town Treasury.
SPONSORED ACTIVITIES-Our Business Participation Committee has found the response from business firms very encouraging. These firms have expressed enthusiastic interest in sponsoring certain activities materially and financially. The extentof this participation makes us hopeful that we will further reduce our expenses by about $5,000.
NET COST - Therefore, though $19,350. is being requested by your Bicentennial Cele- bration Committee, we should recognize that from this total we should deduct $7,000., representing self supporting events, and we should also expect to deduct about $5,000., represented by activities that will be sponsored. Hence, bases on these facts the NET COST to our Town should be about $7,350.
YOUR PART - We are fortunate to have in our wonderful town men and women who have been willing to give their time unselfishly to make this program possible. We sincerely hope that you will enthusiastically support the activities that have been planned. In so doing we are confident that a memorable time will be had by all, and that financial success is assured.
Robert A Edwards, Chairman Frank G. Shannis, Program Chairman
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ACTUAL EXPENSES
BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION FINANCIAL REPORT December 31, 1963
ITEM OR EVENT
ESTIMATED EXPENSE
ACTUAL EXPENSE
INCOME
SALES
SPONSORS
EXPENSE OR PROFIT
BICENTENNIAL BALL
2500.00
1531.72
2397.22
865.50
BICENTENNIAL PLATE
1450.00
2288.90
4083.25
1794.35
FIREWORKS
1500.00
1500.00
1500.00
00.00
MUSIC FESTIVAL
350.00
91.00
( 91.00)
PAGEANT
1500.00
1027.37
2014.00
1000.00
1986.63
PARADE, FLOAT
3300.00
3306.82
1650.00
(1656.82)
POLICE, TRAFFIC
2000.00
2275.01
(2275.01)
PUBLISHED, PROGRAM
2050.00
2063.00
2050.00
- 13.00)
QUEEN, YOUTH FESTIVAL
200.00
349.83
( 349.83)
TOWN SUPPER
2000.00
2429.85
2084.31
( 345.54)
PUBLIC RELATIONS
1500.00
1423.35
(1423.35)
SPECIAL SERVICES
1800.00
2084.60
(2084.60)
CONTINGENCIES
500.00
313.46
( 313.46)
OTHER INCOME
918.00
918.00
TOTAL APPROPRIATED*
20,650.00
TOTAL ACTUAL EXPENSE
20,684.91
TOTAL INCOME
10,578.78
7118.00
TOTAL COST
(2988.13)
* Includes $1300.00 advance from Town Reserve Fund needed to reorder more Bicentennial Plates as a result of better than expected sales.
PARENTHESES = EXPENSE NO PARENTHESES = PROFIT
55
Report of By-Laws Study Committee
The By-Laws Study Committee, appointed by the selectmen as authorized by a vote at the last annual meeting, held its initial meeting on October 10, 1963. As a result of considerable corre- spondence with State bureaus and agencies and through the cooperation of ten selected towns, we have obtained from them copies of recent editions of their By-Laws and we are looking these over for ideas to use in our own revised edition.
The Town By-Laws affect us all individually and collectively and no doubt there are some of us who, at one time or another, have questioned the wording or the intent of one or more of these laws. In view of the impending revision, now would be the logical time to bring up any such questions for discussion and clarifica- tion. We therefore strongly urge each resident of Wilbraham, either as an individual or as a member of a business, social or town group, to give the matter serious thought and contact this com- mittee through the Town Office regarding any suggested changes in, or additions to, our current By-Laws.
RICHARD L. DANFORTH, Chairman
JOHN F. FITZGERALD
WILLIAM SULLIVAN, JR.
SIDNEY LOW
W. EDWIN WATKINS
Civil Defense
During the first part of the year considerable emphasis was placed on the establishment of public shelters in Wilbraham. A federal survey was made and after inspection of several proposed shelters by your Civil Defense Director, only one establishment was satisfactory from a suitability viewpoint and therefore we applied for a shelter license for this particular facility. This shel- ter will accommodate 197 people and is located at the State Line Potato Chip Company.
Eventually it will be stockpiled with emergency rations as per government specifications for the number of people such shelter will accommodate. Our local public shelter situation is pathetic, critical, and very inadequate and, therefore, we urge all citizens to provide the best possible solution for their own family needs relative to shelters. The situation regarding adequate public shelters for the citizens in Wilbraham is therefore ridiculous and we hope as time goes on more spaces can be developed and even- tually the program will accommodate a larger percentage of the
56
citizens of the town. In the meantime, each family is urged to be resourceful and provide some form of shelter protection from the radioactive fall out which is one of our most deadly unseen enemies in this nuclear age of ours.
We hope state legislation will demand public shelter areas in all new public buildings. Funds are now available from the fed- eral government for this purpose, but under the circumstances any construction of shelters in existing buildings is economically impossible and only attractive in connection with new construc- tion. It would take many years to adequately provide enough public shelter places for all the residents of Wilbraham. It is unfortunate a compulsory program was not in vogue at the begin- ning of our school building program many years ago because today our situation would be much better.
The philosophy of your local Civil Defense Authority has not changed as previously stated in other annual reports. In other words, develop your own "foxhole" or else suffer the conse- quences. If you are interested in surviving, provide your own shelter for your own needs and know how to take care of your- self and your family. These things we have stressed for many years and have tried to be helpful to the extent of furnishing information and instruction whenever needed.
One item that we are extremely proud of is the portfolio for the "Survival Begins At Home" series. This is a series of articles prepared and approved by the American Medical Association which contains the basic information each and every family should know concerning survival requirements and emergency needs. These articles are free at the Civil Defense Headquarters and many hundreds have been taken home by the school children. The portfolio to keep these articles or other pertinent survival information cost $1.00. Every family should take advantage of this opportunity to have a ready reference manual handy so that they may know "what to do," "when to do it," and "how to do it" if and when the time should ever arrive that would indicate an emergency and then your family would not be caught unpre- pared.
During the past year we were successful in obtaining a few hundred water containers from the federal government surplus property program that we distributed free of charge to the people who subscribed to this portfolio on a first come first served basis. The supply is exhausted and we have requested more. As soon
57
as they are received distribution will be made to every one inter- ested. You will be advised through the newspapers if we are successful in obtaining this additional order. We are constantly looking for additional aids that might be helpful to families in planning and providing their own shelter program.
We have made several trips during the past year to the govern- ment surplus property warehouse in Taunton to obtain equip- ment, supplies, and materials that can be used by your Civil De- fense Authority or the town departments at a very small fraction of the actual cost of the article. Some of the items obtained are used by the respective departments immediately and others are stockpiled for future use. Our plan for the future is primarily "emergency planning" for the community. Every town should have some well defined plan for any emergency and we place a great deal of emphasis along this line of reasoning in accumulating all we can for as little cost as possible.
Wilbraham now has six radiological stations and this service is under the direction of Professor Randolph of Wilbraham Acad- emy. We must find enough additional personnel to man these stations around the clock if we are to have a well rounded emer- gency fall-out program. The Geiger counter is the only way of detecting fall out and radiological teams combined with radio communications is a very vital part of our current program. Moni- toring teams have been trained and Professor Randolph is plan- ning additional courses. If you are interested in this phase of activity, we would suggest you contact Professor Randoph or watch the newspapers as to the time and place of his next radio- logical monitoring course.
Every Monday night is "radio night," and this service is under the direction of Frederic Boyce. He is constantly looking for new volunteers to learn this phase of communications. Our radio unit is one of the best in this area and the personnel are excellently trained. We are very proud of all those who are taking part. If we ever do have a catastrophe of any kind, I am sure radio com- munications in the Town of Wilbraham will definitely be of great value to all concerned.
Our budget for the coming year has been considerably reduced over the previous years, and we would prefer to continue on with the same type of program that we embarked upon in 1955 and as major items of importance come to our attention and we need additional funds, we would prefer to go before the towns-
58
people and have them vote upon these major items rather than to enter into a program that would be more expensive year after year.
We wish to thank all those who are participating and any time you desire any information whatever concerning your civil de- fense needs, do not hesitate to get in touch with your local direc- tor.
ROGER T. HINTZE, Director
Report of the Conservation Commission
The Conservation Commission, which was appointed by the Selectmen in August 1963, has held eight meetings. The time has been spent in attempting to explore all possible areas of interest to the town and methods by which they could be handled. With this in mind, the Commission has met with all the pertinent town boards and state agencies. It has begun to define its objectives and started investigation of their achievement. It would like to join the State Federation of Conservation Commissions in 1964, to receive help and ideas from other areas that are also working on these same problems. We are interested and concerned in the problem of river pollution, storm drainage, recreation areas, wild life refuges, nature trails and town forests.
We have accepted a lot in the furtherance of this program.
G. MILO GREEN, Chairman FRANCIS J. BENNETT DAVID E. BIRKHAEUSER HEROL HARRINGTON
DORIS MAGRUDER JOHN C. SEVEY RICHARD C. SWAIN
Dog Officer's Report
A total of 810 dogs were licensed in 1963. This is an increase of 52 from last year.
Forty one dog bites were reported and investigated. The dogs were quarantined for 10 days.
Forty six stray dogs were picked up and of these 35 were re- turned to the owner. Eleven were disposed of.
Twenty two dogs were reported missing by the owners - 12 dogs were recovered.
Ten dogs were killed by automobiles and were disposed of. Thirty eight complaints were reported and investigated.
Sixteen turkeys were killed by roving dogs. The owners were reimbursed by the county. ROBERT A. CONVERSE
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Electrical Inspector
From the period from January 1, 1963 through December 31, 1963 there were 291 electrical permits issued. This is an increase of 21 permits over last year. This increase was particularly pro- nounced in permits issued for new residences which was 52 higher than last year. The permits for 1963 were as follows:
176 new residences
17 increased or new services
24 additional receptacles installed
13 hot water heaters
13 additional rooms finished
14 new oil burners
7 commercial buildings or schools
11 electric ranges or dryers
16 miscellaneous lights, pumps, lamp posts, signs, etc.
WILLIAM 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. Keep this number posted by your telephone and dial it your- self, giving your name and address, what type of emergency and stay with the dispatcher until all information is given. By dialing operator much delay is involved. This is very important.
All other calls pertaining to Fire Department, please dial LY 6-3122 or LY 6-3014.
Fire Loss:
Buildings (48)
$16,654.65
Contents 8,421.00
Assessed Valuation 690,040.00
Department responded to 386 alarms: 48 buildings, 123 grass and brush, 17 automobiles, 11 dumps, 5 demolished buildings, 1 gasoline spill, 1 freight car, 2 A.D.T., 11 mutual aid out of town, 2 false alarms, 5 miscellaneous, and 160 emergencies.
Fifty-eight permits were issued for installation of oil-burning equipment, 29 permits for installation of L.P. gas equipment, 7 permits for dynamite, 1 permit for fire works; 192 inspections,
60
87 extinguishers were recharged. All schools and public buildings were inspected quarterly and found in order.
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, Chief of Police John S. Leary and his staff, State Police, Chief Dubois and his men of the Ludlow Fire Department, and all others who may have helped during the past year.
RALPH E. TUPPER, SR., Fire Chief
ROSTER OF THE DEPARTMENT
Permanent: Chief Ralph Tupper, Sr., Assistant Chief Cyril Woods; Privates: Richard Cochran, Robert Macauley, Wayne Rice.
Medical Officer: Dr. Richard H. Butler.
Dispatchers: Mary Chapman, Berenice Tupper, Martha Woods.
Call Firemen: Assistant Chief Raymond Beach, Jr .; Captain John Campsie; Drill Master Lt. Charles Dorey; First Aid Instructor, Harold Porter; George King, Roger Whitehill, Philip Shaw, Jr., Ronald Von- Flatern, David Macdonald, Andrew Grzybowski, Bryant Carpenter, Clifton Scott.
Auxiliary Firemen: Stanley Johnson, Walter Howe, John Anderson, Richard Beane, Homer Henley, Edward Bach, Richard Croft, Robert Maynard, James Denniss, Pat Rossall, Leonard VonFlatern, Ephraim Carron, William Mobley, Karl Tupper, William Tupper, Edward Clark, Lawrence Rose, Kent Folsom, David McDonald, Darrell Long, William Strosberg.
Forest Warden
Four thousand, four hundred and nine (4,409) 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 Leary, John Chrzanowski, New- ton Gowey, Steven Lopata, Terrence Reidy, Cyril Woods, Charles Dorey, John Campsie, Raymond Beach, Jr., Richard Cochran, Robert Macauley, and Wayne Rice.
RALPH E. TUPPER, SR.
61
Board of Health
During 1963, eighteen licensed eating and drinking establish- ments were inspected and nine markets were inspected at least once every two months.
Three day camps, one motel, and six overnight camps or cabins were inspected at least once during the year.
Thirty eight store milk licenses, fourteen milk dealer's licenses, and nine oleomargarine licenses were issued during 1963.
Seven public health nuisance complaints were investigated. All seven nuisances were abated satisfactorily.
Twenty samples of water from private sources, three samples from Spec Pond and one sample from Nine Mile Pond were obtained and analyzed during the year.
The town dump was inspected frequently and since the Board of Selectmen established a modified sanitary fill disposal system, maintenance of the dump has been excellent. One public hear- ing was attended with relation to the dump. It is felt that the Selectmen have complied with the recommendations of the State Department of Public Health as far as present finances are avail- able.
Two extensive drainage and sewerage problems were investi- gated. Recommendations have been followed in one case, with recommendations pending from the State Department of Health in regard to the other problem.
All itinerant restaurants and vendors were inspected during the Bicentennial parade. The town should be commended for organ- izing and following through with such a large and fine celebration.
My sincere thanks to the citizens of Wilbraham and to the Board of Selectmen for the excellent cooperation extended to me in 1963. This fine cooperation can only mean a better town for its citizens. JOHN A. BRICKETT, R.S., Agent-Sanitarian
Industrial Development Committee Report
Meetings of this Committee were held on a bi-weekly basis during the year, with several special meetings called for considera- tion of immediate matters.
The Committee spent much of its time and efforts this year in an evaluation of land and properties available in the Town for future industrial and commerical development. Working from
62
detailed maps, Committee members walked or drove over every area now zoned for such development, and examined outlying acreage where zone changes might make development of this type possible.
The result of this survey is not encouraging. A substantial part of the presently available industrial and commercial land is located along Route 20, and needs a considerable amount of filling and levelling by modern methods to make it suitable at an early date for industrial building. There are no large areas at present which could be developed into an "industrial park" without ex- tensive preparatory work.
Therefore, the Committee has found it necessary to confine its sales activities to prospects who require comparatively small acreage and whose plants or buildings would individually bring no substantial tax revenue to the Town. There have been several such prospects with whom we have been working, and 1964 is bringing more tangible results from 1963 activities.
Discussion with a representative of Technical Planning Asso- ciates on their general analysis of future planning and physical layout of the Town confirmed the Committee's opinion that more acreage in suitable land must be made available if the Town is to enjoy any tax relief from industrial and commercial expansion. This can only be accomplished by changes in present zoning, espe- cially along Boston Road, and by some inducement to owners of presently zoned areas to prepare their land for building.
The Committee is most appreciative of help given to them by the Planning Board through our liaison member, William E. Leonard, and by permitting us consultation time with Technical Planning Associates.
LEO PARADIS, Chairman
FRANCIS X. DONOHUE, Vice Chairman NICHOLAS E. CARR
BEATRICE L. BECKER, Secretary WINSTON T. LEAVITT
ROBERT H. CHAPMAN
FRANKLIN T. RICHARDSON
1963-1964 Jury List
Archambault, Vic, 49 Brainard Rd., N.W. Mason Contractor
Bedard, Charles J., 92 Manchonis Rd., N.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
63
Brower, Van Pelt, Jr., 23 Decorie Dr., W. Chemical Engineer
Chapman, Robert H., 2009 Boston Rd., N.W. Motel owner Chechile, Fred A., 21 Jewell 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)
Clerk
Jahn, George A., 1048 Stony Hill Rd., W. Analyst-Hamilton Standard
LaBroad, Robert J., 1 Ruth Dr., W.
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