USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Wilbraham > Wilbraham annual report 1961-1965 > Part 26
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In 1963, two additional communities voted to join the District, those of Wilbraham and Ludlow, increasing the membership to eight comprising a total population of 268,057. Population-wise this represents approximately 65% of the entire potential and is an excellent basis for initiating a program.
With this in mind, the commission set about in earnest to carry out its work. It organized with the following officers:
Edward C. Peck, Jr., West Springfield, Chairman
Doris Deliso, Springfield, Treasurer
Wilfrid Lenville, Agawam, Secretary
The Treasurer posted a surety company bond, set up a check- ing account and opened the books of the District.
Several consulting firms were interviewed with the purpose in
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mind of submitting a program of studies to the Housing and Home Finance Agency through the State Department of Commerce with the expectation of receiving a federal grant of up to two- thirds of the total costs. The firm of Planning Services Group was chosen to make a preliminary survey of the region to include all the work necessary to submit a full-scale program to H.H.F.A. for their approval. This firm has worked with both existing regions in Massachusetts and has wide experience in both re- gional and community planning. They are the consulting firm in charge of the Springfield Community Renewal Program. The sum of $3,000 was appropriated for this survey and it was com- pleted on schedule and submitted to H.H.F.A. Copies have al- ready been furnished the member communities. It is extremely comprehensive in scope. Information would be assembled on many aspects of the region such as population, housing, trans- portation, public and private utilities, education, employment, recreation, zoning and many other aspects of community life. All studies will relate to the regional aspects of the fields covered.
As the first step in this program, a generalized soil survey undertaken by the District at its own expense through the United States Department of Agriculture has been completed. This embraces the entire region and cost the Region $1,800 which is approximately one half of the cost of the study. This will lead to a more specialized and detailed study of the region in selected areas under the H.H.F.A. grant program.
At this writing, H.H.F.A. final approval had not been given. Preliminary approval by the New York office has been awarded and full approval is expected in the very near future. Since the projected budget for the program involves an 18 month program at a total cost of some $114,000 the assessments on the members for the years 1963, '64 and '65 will be necessary in whole or in part to accomplish it. Consequently, although the enclosed finan- cial report shows a balance on hand of $17,179.81 this amount is actually committed through the H.H.F.A. application. Other action awaits H.H.F.A. approval, such as renting office space, which is available to the District at the Hampden County Im- provement League Building in West Springfield, acquiring of equipment and possible staff personnel.
It is sincerely expected that regular reports will be forthcoming in 1964 under our program of real value in planning to all the
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members. The year can be characterized as one of steady, if not spectacular, achievement with bright prospects for 1964.
EDWARD C. PECK, JR., West Springfield GEORGE MONGEAU, Westfield
DORIS DELISO, Springfield
JOHN LINEBAUGH, Middlefield
WILFRID LENVILLE, Agawam
CARL STROMGREN, Southwick
EDWARD A. KOZIOL, Ludlow LEO KUEHN, Wilbraham
FINANCIAL REPORT - 1963
Receipts - Assessments from members
Springfield
$13,957.04
West Springfield
1,993.92
Agawam
1,257.44
Southwick
411.12
Westfield
2,104.48
Middlefield
25.20
Wilbraham
590.96
Total
$20,340.16
Payments
James H. Buckley & Son - bond
$80.00
R. P. Dominic - stationery
45.00
Planning Services Group -
survey and application
3,000.00
Third National Bank - check book, etc.
13.58
Joint Civic Agency -- Advance League of Women Voters
15.04
Pamphlets
6.73
Total
3,160.35
Balance on hand December 31, 1963
$17,179.81
Committed
Soil Survey Report - U.S. Department of Agriculture
$1,800.00
Reserved for 701 Program
15,379.81
$17,179.81
Planning Board Report
The Wilbraham Planning Board held regular monthly meetings on the third Wednesday of each month during the year 1963. In addition, there were twenty one special meetings or hearings and a workshop meeting. Sixteen of the meetings were for the Master Plan. (A report on the Master Plan is included in this Town Report.) Public hearings were held for the presentation of eleven subdivisions. Of these, eight were approved. Three subdivisions have not been approved because of Board of Health requirements. Two public hearings were held concerning Multi-
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ple Housing. The developer agreed that nothing further would be done with the petition for a new Zoning District within which there could be located multiple resident, apartment type houses until after the Master Plan had been presented to the Town. Two subdivision plans were rescinded, one at the request of the devel- oper and one by a vote of the Board until such time as the require' ments of this Board and the Board of Water Commissioners are met.
A public hearing was held to consider having the United Church parish house property changed from Residence A to Neighborhood Shopping. This request was included in the arti- cles to be voted on at the Town Meeting but was turned down.
A public hearing was held to amend the zoning by-laws regard- ing signs (Section 4, Paragraph 7) and permitted uses in Neigh- borhood Shopping Districts, (Section 5 (2). These amendments were included in the articles to be voted on at Town Meeting and were approved along with an amendment to have land of Maitland K. Shults changed from Residence A to Neighborhood Shopping District - for parking only.
A public hearing was held to consider changing the material to be used in the surfacing of roads. No action was taken.
The Town voted to become a member of the Lower Pioneer Valley Regional Planning Commission under the provisions of Chapter 40B of the General Laws.
As required under the law, the Board together with the Select- men, Planning Board Engineer and the Highway Superintendent viewed seven streets three of which will be presented for con- sideration of acceptance at the Town Meeting.
The Board regrets the resignation of Bion T. Wheeler, Jr. dur- ing the year. William E. Leonard was appointed to fill the va- cancy until next annual Town Meeting.
It should be noted that the Planning Board held more than twice as many meetings as in the previous year. This would indi- cate a continued growth in the work of the Board and its respon- sibility in order to keep abreast of the times. Your Planning Board will endeavor to do this with all its efforts. We thank the townspeople for their fine cooperation in the past and hope for the same in the future.
RICHARD H. MORGAN, Chairman LEO E. KUEHN HERBERT P. DAUNHEIMER
WILLIAM SULLIVAN, JR.
WILLIAM E. LEONARD
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Playground Commission Report
The Wilbraham Playground Commission is pleased to report completion of another successful season in 1963. The supervised playground program, which represents the major activity of the department, was enjoyed by more young people of the town than in any recent year. This activity was conducted at Memorial School, Pines School, and Spec Pond recreation area. The pro- gram covered a period of six weeks, July 8 through August 16, with a two-week period of each playground taking place at Spec Pond. Mr. Richard Spencer was playground supervisor, assisted by Mr. Joseph Van West, Mrs. Constance Kimberly, Mrs. John Lawson, Miss Margot Barnes, Miss Deborah Fay, Miss Karen Blauvelt, and Richard Covel. The Spec Pond portion of the program was conducted by Mrs. Lawson assisted by members of the guard staff at the pond.
The program consisted of organized group games, arts and handicraft instruction, reading and story telling periods, nature study groups, water safety instruction, introduction to boats and canoes, and bi weekly contests and sporting events. The average daily attendance during the six week period was 250 children per day. This figure represents a considerable increase over former years and can be attributed to the bus transportation service which was provided this past summer, and to the ever-growing popula- tion. Continuation of the bus transportation service is planned for 1964 season.
The groundskeeping function was performed by Mr. Spencer and Mr. Van West with pre-season assistance being done by Bruce Morgan, Peter Swallow, and Richard Covel. The play- ground at Grassy Hollow was improved by the conversion of the rear diamond to a "utility" diamond so that it more adequately serves the age groups using this field daily during baseball season. A complete fertilization service was carried out on Memorial and Grassy Hollow fields. Player benches were installed where needed, and the commission was able to assist the baseball program as organized by the St. Cecilia's Men's Club. At the present time the athletic fields are in good condition, but a continuing improve- ment program is necessary to maintain these areas.
The Playground Commission was most willing to assist the Bicentennial Committee in the planning and carrying out of the celebration. The portable bleacher sections at both Memorial
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and Grassy Hollow fields underwent extensive repairs, and were used as spectator stands along the parade route. These repairs were accomplished by Mr. Thomas Farnham, and included re- placement of support members, seating boards and rests, plus a complete paint job. The Grassy Hollow field was used as one of the major parking lots in the north sector of the Town. Assist- ance was given the sports committee wherever needed to assist in carrying out their program.
With the passage of each year, the Commission acquires addi- tional properties, tools, spreaders, markers, boats, and water safety equipment to mention a few. Necessary provisions for the storage and care of this equipment have been taken to insure their use over many seasons. At the present time this equipment is being maintained by staff members.
The Playground Commissioners wish to extend thanks to the Water Department, the Highway Department, the Town Public Library, the Spec Pond lifeguard staff, and the Selectmen's office for assistance rendered during the past year.
TRUMAN R. SWALLOW, Chairman HAROLD LOVERING, JR. WILLIAM J. MILLER
Police Department
To the Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit the Annual Report of the Police Depart- ment for the year ending December 31, 1963.
ROSTER OF THE DEPARTMENT
Chief, John S. Leary. Sergeant, John J. Chrzanowski. Regular Patrol- men: Newton W. Goewey, Jr., Terrence T. Reidy. Reserve Patrolmen: Alton L. McDonald, Stephen E. Lopata. Auxiliary Police: Sgt. John J. Connor, Sgt. Wellington C. Rose, Sgt. Ralph M. Kilcourse, Sgt. Emeric J. Wyzik, Joseph Cloutier, Lawrence P. Cloutier, Edward E. Dearborn, Frederick J. Macauley, Morrison Marelli, Howard S. McIntosh, Donald A. Bump, Robert A. Converse, John Y. Hess, Richard C. Swain, Alexander Murphy, Richard L. Poulin, William H. Rademaekers, Phillip Britten, Al- bert R. Gouvin, Jr., Arthur W. Hunt, Jr., Stanley J. Pabis, John Ward, Walter S. Wirzbicki, Harold R. Hartman, Alfred E. Patrie. School Traffic Officers: Mrs. Mary Strycharz, Mrs. Marjorie Goewey, Mrs. Helen Chris- tensen.
ARRESTS FOR THE YEAR
Crimes Against the Person: Assault and Battery, 4. Crimes Against Property: Breaking and Entering, 8; Larceny, 10; Using a Motor Vehicle without Authority, 3. Crimes Against the Public Order, etc .: Disturbing
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the peace, 12; Drunkenness, 19; Driving while intoxicated, 8; Operating so as to endanger, 16; Operating an unregistered and uninsured vehicle, 8; Operating without a license, 3; Speeding, 65; Passing over white line, 48; No sticker, 3; Red light violations, 9; Stop sign violations, 23; School bus violations, 4; Violation of probation, 6; Lewdness, 2; Fugitive from justice, 1; Operating a motor vehicle after suspension or revocation, 3. Total, 255. Disposition of Cases: Fined, 176; Filed, 16; Released, 9; Turned over to other departments, 10; Probation, 15; Sentenced to House of Correction, 12; Sentenced to Youth Service Board, 1; Sentenced to State Prison, 2; Taken to Leeds Veterans' Hospital, 1; Taken to Worcester State Hospital, 2; Found not guilty, 6; Cases pending, 5. Total, 255.
Total Amounts of Fines and Sentences: Fines imposed, $3,385.00; House of Correction, 3 years; State Prison, 12 years; Probation, 19 years.
In addition to the arrests listed there were 46 juveniles appre- hended. Fifteen of these cases were brought to court and 31 were handled out of court.
Persons reported missing, 10; Lost persons located and returned to their homes, 10; Summonses served for other departments, 603; Complaints received and investigated, 295; Other investigations, 187; Suspicious per- sons and cars investigated, 55; Street lights reported not burning, 35; Homes vacant and cared for, 420; Buildings found open and secured, 103; Defec- tive streets and sidewalks reported, 18; Persons taken in charge and sent home, 16; Fires reported, 11; Pistol permits issued (including 1 Dealer's Permit), 34; Accident report copies requested and submitted, 90; Total value of lost and stolen property recovered, $11,550.00.
During the year, 47 persons were transported to hospitals and doctor's offices in the police cruiser. There were 11 cases where the oxygen equipment was used.
There were 140 traffic accidents, of which 85 were property damage only, 55 personal injury accidents in which there were 98 persons injured, including 1 fatality. One pedestrian was among the injured. Of the 230 cars involved, 168 were operated ยท by out of town persons and 62 by town residents.
The following is a summary of the motor vehicle cases handled the past year.
Passing where view obstructed, 43; Failing to stop for a school bus, 4; No sticker, 3; Failing to stop at stop signs, 23; Speeding, 65; Passing a red light, 9; Improper operation, 16; Driving after drinking, 6; Operating with- out a license, 3; Altering or forging a driver's license, 2; Operating under the influence, 7; Leaving the scene of an accident, 3; Failing to keep within marked lanes, 2; Using a motor vehicle without authority (sum- mons), 1; Following too closely, 2; Operating an unregistered and unin- sured motor vehicle, 8; Spilling load on highway, 1; Refusal to stop for police officer, 1; Operating after suspension or revocation, 3; Failure to use care in turning, 1; Using a motor vehicle without authority after suspen- sion or revocation, 2; Operating so as to endanger, 16; Cases prosecuted in District Court, 221; Cases referred to the Registry of Motor Vehicles, 47; Cases filed with warnings, 101.
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Along with the statistics in this report which pinpoint activi- ties of the Police Department during 1963, my first year as Chief, it was a period which gave me an opportunity to appreciate the general good will of the townspeople.
The year presented numerous challenges to cope with, events in which police coverage played important parts. We all remem- ber the Bicentennial activities which attracted thousands of people and the Western Massachusetts Music Festival, which also brought large crowds.
In taking over the position of Chief, my survey of department requirements pointed out the need for an additional full-time patrolman. Following an examination, the Selectmen appointed Terrence T. Reidy. He took the training provided by the State Police Academy. During the year, eleven men connected with the regular and auxiliary police unit, on their own time, took part in a State Police training course conducted at Hardwick, Massa- chusetts.
As we advance into a new year and looking ahead to other years, it will be necessary to have department requirements ade- quately provided. The department needs another full time patrol- man in order that the town may receive coverage by a career police officer, as well as to man the additional cruiser during the most critical times of day when it will be necessary to operate each cruiser by a single regular officer, thus doubling our present coverage during the daytime and early evening hours. The addi- tion of a clerk in the Police Department will also relieve the Chief of many clerical duties in the office so that he may concentrate more effectively on police duties and in the preparation of cases and procedures at the various court appearances that have to be made. This clerk is to be shared with another department in town and will be on a part-time basis for each department. These provisions are being asked for this year and if provided, will be a large step forward toward complete 24 hour police coverage by your own local police force, which is in the planning stages now, as well as provisions for our own 2-way radio facility.
Comparing, if you will, our present budget and recommenda- tions for the ensuing year as only a step toward full-time police coverage, it would be well to look at surrounding communities. These communities are larger in population. However, we cannot forget that this town will undoubtedly equal, if not overtake,
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them in population growth as forecast by Technical Planning Associates.
Town
Population
Full-Time Police Including Chief
1963 Budgets
Agawam
18,000
24
$175,000
Ludlow
15,000
16
118,685
Longmeadow
12,500
19
150,000
East Longmeadow
12,000
15
105,000
Palmer
10,500
11
92,000
Wilbraham
8,200 +
4
31,744
(Estimated)
These figures will graphically point out a definite need for increases in personnel and eqquipment. Basic police duties do not change - only the increased volume of work.
It is my opinion, and many town officials concur, that the town must look ahead with the same realistic view with regard to its Police Department as that being given all other town de- partments.
In conclusion, I wish to gratefully acknowledge the cooperation I have received from the Board of Selectmen and all other depart- ments of the Town.
JOHN S. LEARY, Chief of Police
Report of Power Line Committee
The Power Line Committee was reappointed by the Selectmen to assist them in their controversy with Western Massachusetts Electric Company relative to a right-of-way for the proposed two 345,000 volt power lines. The opinion was that a less dam- aging route could be established. The 250 foot right-of-way selected by Western Massachusetts Electric Company bisects the town's plains area between Main Street and Stony Hill Road.
A chronological summary of the Committee's activities and related developments is shown below:
JULY 1962 - On the petition of Western Massachusetts Electric Company, the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities conducted a public hearing to establish Public Con- venience and Necessity for the proposed power line. Special legal counsel was retained to represent the town at this hear- ing.
OCTOBER 1962 - The Committee met with the selectmen from Wilbraham, Hampden and Ludlow to consider further action on the proposed power line. On advice of special counsel, it was agreed not to appeal a D.P.U. ruling granting Public Convenience and Necessity if this should be granted.
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There were two principal reasons for counsel's advice:
1. Any two of the three towns, by refusing the right to cross public ways, could effectively block the line.
2. The selectmen of Hampden and Ludlow agreed at this meeting to refuse this right, and to present a united front with Wilbraham until a route satisfactory to all three towns was obtained.
JANUARY 1963 - The Department of Public Utilities, as anticipated, granted Public Convenience and Necessity for the proposed line.
APRIL 1963 - Ludlow selectmen voted to grant the West- ern Massachusetts Electric Company the right to cross public ways in Ludlow.
JUNE 1963 - Hampden selectmen voted to grant the West- ern Massachusetts Electric Company the right to cross public ways in Hampden. This action was taken in spite of the fact that Hampden townspeople, at a public hearing, had unanimously voted to refuse this right.
By the above action of Hampden and Ludlow selectmen, Wilbraham's most effective legal tool in assuring worth- while bargaining with Western Massachusetts Electric Com- pany was destroyed.
SEPTEMBER 1963 - Western Massachusetts Electric Com- pany petitioned the selectmen of Wilbraham for a public hearing to grant permission to cross the public ways of Wil- braham.
SEPTEMBER 1963 - Western Massachusetts Electric Com- pany petitioned the Department of Public Utilities at a public hearing conducted by that Department for the right to take land by eminent domain.
OCTOBER 1963 - Wilbraham selectmen notified Western Massachusetts Electric Company and the Department of Public Utilities of their decision to refuse the right to cross public ways in the Town of Wilbraham.
The relocation of the proposed power line in an area least damaging to the Town of Wilbraham, could best have been achieved with the cooperation of Hampden and Ludlow. That this cooperation was at first promised and later withdrawn was a great disappointment to Wilbraham officials.
An article has been included in the town meeting warrant for
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an expression of opinion by all voters on continuing the opposi- tion to the proposed right-of-way. Favorable action by the town meeting will enable the selectmen and committee to renew their efforts to find the most satisfactory solution to this problem.
The possibility of legal action remains open, in the event of unfavorable rulings by the Department of Public Utilities. If legal action appears advisable, the Town Meeting will be re- quested to approve additional funds for legal counsel.
EDWARD GODFREY, Chairman
THOMAS GALLAGHER
CLIFFORD BURGESS
MARSHALL ROPER
RICHARD DANFORTH
JAMES RUSSELL
ANDREW DUZSIK
JAMES SAXE
CLAYTON FULLER
WILLIAM SCHICKLER
Report of Radio Committee
The Radio Committee has been rather inactive for the past year and has recommended to the various departments who have radio frequencies to write and obtain an additional frequency for future use in anticipation of our needs many years from now.
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.
The Selectmen are recommending a study committee to deter- mine the advisibility of having a Department of Public Works as well as a Department of Public Safety, and it is this committee's recommendation that no further activity relative to radio com- munications be anticipated until such time as a study committee makes its recommendations to the townspeople. We feel we are arriving at the crossroads where considerable overlapping in this one phase of communications will be expensive to the town if some consolidation is not made in the near future. Therefore, any activity on behalf of this committee should now await the report of a study committee.
ROGER T. HINTZE, Chairman HERBERT BUTLER
RALPH TUPPER
JOHN S. LEARY G. FREDERIC BOYCE
Slaughtering Inspector's Report
There were no animals reported being slaughtered here this year. Most animals are shipped elsewhere to be slaughtered.
ROBERT A. CONVERSE
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Sealer of Weights and Measures
During 1963 the following devices were tested and sealed - Scales: 5 ton and up, 5; 21/2 to 5 ton capacity, 2; 100 to 5,000 lb. capacity, 8; under 100 1b. capacity, 52. Weights: Avoirdu- pois, 18; Metric, 31; Apothecary, 17. Meters: Gasoline pumps, 43; grease, 13; truck fuel oil, 9. Devices adjusted before sealing, 18. Fees collected, $163.10.
One new filling station was opened on Boston Road, and two others on Boston Road discontinued business and closed up. While it is possible the new businesses said to be coming into the old paper mill may use measuring devices commercially, there appears to be little hope that the income of this department will increase substantially until the legislature decides to require the sealing of beer glasses and jiggers. C. L. MERRICK
Spec Pond Report
The Spec Pond recreation area completed its fifth year of oper ations in 1963. The year was one of the most successful years that has been held. Each year for the last 5 years the demand for the facilities has increased.
Attendance during the year was well over the 40,000 mark. During a hot day in July the attendance reached a high mark of over 2,000 in a single day. The crowds on these particular days taxed the facilities to a point of overcrowding, and plans are for rapid expansion of the beach area to the east side of the beach.
Spec Pond operated for 13 weeks on a 10-hour day basis. Our life guard staff was of the highest caliber and are deserving of credit for the excellent way they have given protection and super- vision to the children of the community.
This year the town sponsored playground recreational program used the facilities of the Pond for 4 weeks. We found this was an excellent adjunct to their program, and we hope to cooperate with them in the future.
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