Wilbraham annual report 1961-1965, Part 37

Author: Wilbraham (Mass.)
Publication date: 1961
Publisher: The Town
Number of Pages: 884

USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Wilbraham > Wilbraham annual report 1961-1965 > Part 37

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The D.P.U. eminent domain decision was discussed with a member of the Attorney General's staff in December, 1964. It was his opinion that a successful appeal of the decision might be made to the Supreme Judicial Court, but the matter would only be returned to the D.P.U. for further consideration. This, in his opinion, would result in a similar decision by the D.P.U. Com- missioners. He did say that had the Town of Hampden sup- ported Wilbraham, the Western Massachusetts Electric Com- pany's project would probably have been defeated. It was his recommendation to follow the advice of our attorneys. Town Counsel, W. Edwin Watkins and Special Counsel Frederick S. Pillsbury recommended that no appeal be made since no lasting gain could be made to offset the cost.

Before voting not to appeal, the Committee and Selectmen formulated a set of regulations for presentation to Western Mas- sachusetts Electric Company. After negotiations, the company

agreed to a number of these including additional tree plantings; type of spray to be used to control vegetation; permission to lay storm or sewer pipes in the right of way; removal of dead under- growth, and shielding of the lines if there is any television or radio interference.

Although the Utility Company must obtain several more fa- vorable decisions before the power lines may be erected, the action of the Ludlow and Hampden Selectmen as well as the acquirement of the land from the owners has left little doubt as to the outcome. The Committee wishes to thank the many indi- viduals for their support and assistance during the past several years. We shall continue to exert as much influence as possible on the erection of these power lines to reduce the impact on our residential areas.

EDWARD GODFREY, Chairman ROGER HINTZE, Vice Chairman CLIFFORD BURGESS ANDREW DUZICK

VERNON FARNSWORTH JAMES RUSSELL JAMES SAXE RAYMOND TROMBLEY

Sanitary Sewer Study Committee

At the 1964 Annual Town Meeting, the Selectmen of the Town of Wilbraham were authorized to form a Sanitary Sewer Study Committee to study, with Tighe and Bond, the sewage problems of North Wilbraham. More specifically, this commit- tee was to find a solution to the problem of dumping raw sewage into the Chicopee River in the vicinity of the Cottage Street bridge.

The Committee received quotations from Tighe and Bond for the estimated costs of their engineering work. An Article in the Warrant for the Special Town Meeting held in June, 1964 re- questing $2,500 was subsequently approved by the voters of the Town. This $2,500 expenditure was to cover the costs of flow measurement, sewage analysis, site survey, and engineering.

Contracts were drawn up between Tighe and Bond and the Town of Wilbraham and were duly approved. The engineering work was started during the summer of 1964 and a preliminary report submitted to the Committee in November. This was re- turned to Tighe and Bond early in January, 1965 for minor revi- sions and submission of their final engineering analysis.

The Committee determined that the best solution to the specific problem of North Wilbraham would be the construction of a small aeration plant west of the former Collins Paper Mill. The installation would cost approximately $53,000. This solution, however, ignores the present problems of sewage disposal in West Wilbraham. For this reason, the Committee feels that the solu- tion to this problem should not be implemented at this time with- out considering the overall sewage disposal needs of the Town. The Committee, therefore, recommends that a general survey of the Town's sewage disposal problem be made so that the neces- sary facilities may be properly sized and located.

WILLIAM SCHICKLER, Chairman

ROBERT CHAPMAN CHARLES DOREY EDWARD GODFREY

DAVID MCINTOSH

CHARLES SHELINE

Sealer of Weights and Measures

During 1964 the following measuring devices were tested and sealed: Heavy scales, 5; Medium scales, 9; Small scales, 53; Avoir- dupois weights, 15; Apothecary weights, 17; Metric weights, 31; Gasoline pumps, 40; Oil truck meters, 9; Lubricating oil pumps, 1.

No sizeable change in the number of devices to be tested is anticipated in the near future.

CHARLES L. MERRICK, Sealer

Slaughtering Inspector's Report

A total of two pigs were slaughtered this year. Most animals have been taken elsewhere to be slaughtered the past few years.

ROBERT A. CONVERSE

Spec Pond Report

The Spec Pond recreation area completed its sixth year of oper- ation in 1964. As in the preceding years, the demand for its facilities by the townspeople has continued to grow. The year also saw expansions and major improvements made.

Spec Pond operated for 13 weeks on a 10-hour day basis. The staff included five full-time lifeguards and two caretakers. The lifeguard staff was of the highest caliber and deserving of much

credit for the excellent way they supervised and protected the children of the community.

Attendance during the year was well over the 40,000 mark. About 400 town children took advantage of the swimming in- struction provided by our lifeguard staff. The classes ranged from beginning to advanced swimming. A swimming team was organized and competed successfully with other groups in Spring- field and Hampden. The fifth annual water carnival was held with all forms of competitive races for our children. It was by far the largest and most successful carnival.

The town sponsored playground recreational program again used the facilities of the Pond for a four week period. This pro- vided an excellent adjunct to their program and it appears that this will continue at the Pond in future summers.

In order to accommodate the growing use of the area by the townspeople, the beach was expanded towards the east about 60 yards, making the beach about one-third again as large.

The Lions Club membership this year undertook to construct a pavilion for children and families using Spec Pond. The con- struction started in May and an Open House was held on July 4. The building almost immediately provided shelter from several sudden thunderstorms. Various scout and civic groups found a greater use for the area with this added protection and held over- night camping programs. It is estimated that the pavilion is worth about $22,000 if built by private contractors. The local Lions membership, besides contributing $1,200 in personal money, arranged to obtain the needed material and funds by donations and other contributions from townspeople and various businesses.

The area is under the supervision of the Wilbraham Lions Club, resulting in no expense to the town.

WILLIAM SULLIVAN, JR., Chairman JESSE M. CANERDY FREDERICK J. CUMMINGS EARLE W. DECORIE ROBERT A. EDWARDS ANTHONY J. MASCARO

FRANK G. SHANNIS TRUMAN R. SWALLOW

LIONS CLUB OF WILBRAHAM Financial Standing as of December 31, 1964 SPEC POND ACCOUNT

Expense

Cash Balance as of Dec. 31, 1963

$2,215.32

Interest Ludlow Savings Bank

68.85

Insurance on Vandal Repairs

55.00

1963 Rent Concession Stand

200.00

Wilbraham Policemen's Ball

75.00

Wilbraham Firemen's Ball

100.00

Miscellaneous Income

15.00

Amount Subscribed 720 Families

5,874.42

Payroll - Employees

$3,630.00

Insurance

167.78

Plumbing

133.80

Contract Labor

700.00

Printing Envelopes, Postage

248.29

Electric Lights and Telephone

134.38

Internal Revenue - F.I.C.A.

131.37

Contingencies

209.85

Trans. to Building Fund - Pavilion

2,100.00

Hauling Sand

398.00

Vandal Repairs

104.50

Lumber and Paint

139.66

Cash Balance in Bank

505.96

$8,603.59

WILBRAHAM LIONS MEMORIAL FUND PAVILION ACCOUNT

Receipts

Expense

Money Received from Wilbraham Lions Members $1,540.00

Trans. from Lions Spec Pond Account

2,100.00

Townspeople, Businessmen, Friends

2,862.07

General Building Expense

$6,259.22

Cash in Bank - Held for Misc. Work

242.85

$6,502.07

F. J. CUMMINGS, Treasurer

Sketch by Stevens

The new pavilion at Spec Pond.

Receipts

Interim Report of the Study Committee on Town Government Administration

Article 40 in the March, 1964 Annual Town Meeting War- rant provided for a Study Committee to evaluate the advisability of establishing a Department of Public Safety, a Department of Public Works, or any other phase of Town Government Admin- istration that the Committee deems advisable to consider. The Committee was organized and after numerous meetings, exten- tive reading on various phases of government, and investigation of the activities of several similar sized communities relative to this subject, it became clear that an all inclusive recommendation could not be made at this time.

From the outset the Committee recognized certain basic facts which it feels must be accepted in any approach to the study:

1. Wilbraham is a growing town and its administrative set up must at all times keep pace with this growth.

2. Any suggested changes must be (a) needed currently, (b) fit into an overall plan, and (c) have flexibility to meet changing circumstances in the future.

Our Town Government has expanded over the years with adjustments and additions being made as the situation required. This type of growth, however, is bound to leave gaps, create overlaps, and develop additional problems not conducive to effi- cient administration. It is obvious that the type of organization which was adequate for a town of 2500 residents will not be ader quate for a town of 25,000 which our Master Planners estimate we may reach in the 1980's. Consequently, this Committee must evaluate the long range picture; not to create today what will be needed in the 1980's, but rather to be certain that what is changed or added as we grow will not be in conflict with the probable needs of the large town we will eventually become.

The Committee is investigating all phases of Town Govern- ment Administration; i.e., Town Manager versus Executive Sec- retary type of government, the need and timing for representa- tive town meetings, the need for a Department of Public Safety, etc. We plan to visit various towns where certain types of gov- ernment are now operating to determine what would be best for Wilbraham and make recommendations subject to your approval. A certain system in one town will not necessarily work in another town, because all towns are not alike. Each of the 312 towns in

Massachusetts has a distinct personality and, therefore, no single organizational framework would be acceptable to all. This is why we as a Committee must of necessity study all types of organizational structures to devise and recommend for our Town the type of administrative arrangement that will equate practi- cality and economy with efficiency. Our once small Town is changing and changing very rapidly. We are fast becoming a part of a vast metropolitan area, and we must solve our problems if we are to enjoy capable, efficient, and economical government. We can not permit our government to become unwieldy and difficult to administer. We hope our study will produce many ideas and suggestions for your future consideration. With proper modification of the various phases of government, we can main- tain a type that will continue to be close to its people because we believe this is best for the citizens of Wilbraham.

We as a Committee plan to consult the Bureau of Government Research at the University of Massachusetts for further informa- tion about current administrative problems and their possible solution based on today's growth of towns adjacent to a metro- politan city. Furthermore, there is new State legislation each year that must be considered in any long range plan for our Town. All ideas will be studied and any recommendations will be brought before the townspeople for their careful consideration.

However, we can not afford to overlook current problems while we compile the whole picture. We, therefore, are submitting this interim recommendation to be considered immediately to provide for today's needs and make more efficient the operation of our present system of government administration.

The Committee met with your Selectmen to determine the immediate problems that should be investigated and what meas- ures, if adopted, would relieve the present pressures and demands on any particular department. We determined that priority should be given to the question of a "Town Engineer" who might be assigned eventually to a Department of Public Works but presently would handle the problems and requirements of the Highway Department and other related operations. A "Town Engineer" would likewise furnish your Selectmen with the neces- sary engineering detail that is required in "laying out streets," "laying out sidewalks," "studying surface drainage needs," "checking subdivisions," and other related matters where the services of an engineer are required. Our Planning Board's "Mas-

ter Plan" indicated a tremendous growth for our Town in the next twenty years. There will be many more streets, sidewalks, and surface drainage systems to layout and build, as well as the start of a new sanitary sewer system which the state will require the town to build almost immediately. While we are not at all positive at this moment that a Department of Public Works would provide the solution to all of the problems which exist, we very definitely have concluded that a sound first step would be the employment of a well qualified licensed engineer, preferably one with experience in town government. This individual may eventually head-up a Department of Public Works when ap- proval of such a department is given by the townspeople.

The Committee feels that in addition to vastly increased effi- ciency of operations there is also an economic justification for such an engineer based on costs of engineering services now being rendered to the Town. Our Town Accountant has fur- nished the Committee with engineering costs for the past three years. We have anticipated that the total engineering work could not be done by a Town Engineer. We have, therefore, adjusted the figures to conform only to the needs of the Highway Department.

Year Total Engineering Cost

Adjusted Cost (Highway, etc.)

1962

$6,202.45

$5,384.00

1963

9,877.77

9,036.74

1964 10,816.05

10,669.15

A Town Engineer would be available to our Planning Board and our Water Commissioners if needed, and if time in his as- signed duty is available, until such time as a Department of Public Works is a reality.

Our only recommendation for March, 1965 is to have you consider - and we sincerely recommend - the advisability of directing your Selectmen to hire a qualified engineer who will be known as the Town Engineer. We are satisfied that this funda- mental step will be required in any future plan that might be adopted for our Town. Your acceptance of such a plan will be one step towards development of an efficient operation in this phase of our government.

ROGER T. HINTZE, Chairman FREDERICK M. COHN, Secretary ERNEST W. FURNANS

ALBERT H. HOWES ALBERT E. NEALE SARKIS SERDARIAN

Tree Warden

The year 1964 could be classified as tragic to our history- and tree-conscious townspeople. The summer of 1964 saw the re- moval of the "Mile Tree," a mammoth white oak located at Main Street and Tinkham Road crossing. This tree was of particular historical significance as described by our recent "Town History." We were also saddened to see the removal of 12 large sugar maples from the tree belts of our town, most of them on Main Street. These trees had become over mature and as they became hazards we removed them. It saddens us greatly from an aesthetic point of view and also because of the huge bite each removal takes from our limited budget.

A few storms early in the year did not exact a high toll on our trees. However, a severe heavy wet snow and ice storm on De- cember 5, 1964 required extensive tree work in the mountain road areas. This storm will necessitate tree surgery well into 1965 to repair the damage. Severe drought conditions of the past few years is adversely affecting our shade tree program. Once again we ask townspeople to water the young shade trees during these dry periods.

As for statistics during 1964, we removed 34 trees from our tree belts for various reasons. Most of these were diseased, split, rotten, or otherwise hazardous. Many trees were removed from the tree belts to allow for sidewalk construction in certain areas. We compliment the sidewalk planners for preserving a large num- ber of trees wherever possible along our new sidewalks.

The pruning and removal of dangerous limbs along many of our roads was continued during 1964.

Sixty-six trees were set out along our highways during the year. During the past four years a total of 258 new trees have been set out along our tree belts.

Regular maintenance trimming along telephone utility wires was accomplished in 1964 without incident. This trimming was supervised by the tree warden.

Our future aims are to continue the maintenance of our exist- ing shade tree population while extending whenever possible the tree planting program along our tree belts.

I wish to express my sincere appreciation to Highway Super- intendent, Herbert Butler, for his help and to my assistant, Rich- ard C. Swain, for his efforts on behalf of the town.

GORDON R. LONG

Veterans' Service Department Report

The following report is submitted for the year ended Decem- ber 31, 1964:

1964

1963

Expenditures:

Ordinary Benefits

$6,943.05

62.4

$4,362.30

95.8

Burial Allowance

250.00

2.2

Hospitalization and/or Medical

3,938.05

35.4

191.40

4.2

Total Expenditure for Veterans'

Benefits

11,131.10

100.0

4,553.70

100.0

Administrative Expenses

113.35

67.03

Total Expenditure

11,244.45

4,620.73

Less: Recoveries of Veterans' Benefits

460.00

680.48

Net Expenditure

$10,784.45

$3,940.25

During 1964 fourteen (14) cases were aided. The analysis above reflects the increased cost and its distribution.

All cases aided were Wilbraham settled (5 years or more resi- dence in Wilbraham). In view of this a net reimbursement of 50% of the total expenditure for Veterans' Benefits, net of recov- eries, for 1964 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, East Longmeadow.

GEORGE A. DUSENBERRY, Agent

Water Commissioners' Report

In 1964, 47 new services were added to the water system, compared to 100 for 1963; about 63% of the homes and busi- nesses in Wilbraham are now on the system.

The Water Board has had splendid cooperation from the new owners of the Craigwood development. All questionable sections of the water installation were excavated and correctly reinstalled under the supervision of Tighe and Bond of Holyoke, consulting engineers for the Water Department. The entire cost of the in- stallation and supervision has been paid for by the owners.

In October, water bills were sent out for the first time on the six months billing basis. In the March to September period, usu- ally more than half the water for a year is consumed; in addition, this was an unusually dry summer, all of which resulted in gen-

erally larger water bills. The September to March period should produce smaller bills. The Water Board appreciates the subscrib- ers' cooperation with this change which is resulting in a more efficient Water Department operation.

The Water Board has concluded the Ground Water Search Program authorized by the townspeople in 1962. Of the many sites tested throughout the Town, the best source of water was found in the Spec Pond area, now owned by the Town. Tighe & Bond has estimated that the well can produce a million gallons of water daily, nearly twice our present average daily needs. This valuable resource will be preserved for future needs.

An article in the Warrant this year asks the townspeople to consider expending about $195,000 to extend the water mains to the south part of town. Starting at Mile Oak Corner, the proposed main would extend westerly in Tinkham Road to Stony Hill Road, then northerly in Stony Hill Road, connecting to the end of the existing main. Also, it would extend southerly in Rochford Drive from Tinkham Road, going through Loring Drive to Soule Road, then easterly in Soule Road to Main Street, re- turning in Main Street to Mile Oak Corner. With the recent increase in population density in this area and the potential in- crease from the land still available for development, the future could bring a community sanitation problem. This problem can be met by installing a sanitary sewer and disposal plant; or by extending the water mains. The Water Board believes that by extending the water mains now this problem will be minimized, since future developments would be connected to the water sys- tem. Of course these new developments would be connected to the water mains at the developer's expense in conformity with the current rules for sub divisions. The town would raise the money through a ten-year bond issue, which would be repaid from the earnings of the Water Department. In other words, the annual excess income over disbursements from the Water Department operations is sufficient to meet the annual payments of the principal and interest on this debt.

The cost of providing water to this area would be only a frac- tion of the cost of installing a sanitary sewer system. The Water Board believes this to be in the best interests of the town and urges the townspeople to vote for this article.

WILLIAM R. HANNAH, Chairman

DAVID M. MCINTOSH, JR. WILLARD P. WILLIS, JR.

Public Welfare Department Report

Following is the report for the Board of Public Welfare for the year ending December 31, 1964:

Cases Jan. 1, 1964

Applied 1964

Cases Active Closed 1964 Dec. 31, 1964

Wilbraham annual report 1961-1965, Part 37

Author: Wilbraham (Mass.) Publication date: 1961 Publisher: The Town Number of Pages: 884

Author: Wilbraham (Mass.)
Publication date: 1961
Publisher: The Town
Number of Pages: 884