USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Wilbraham > Wilbraham annual report 1961-1965 > Part 4
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Each taxpayer is reminded that the basic function of the Asses- sors is to determine value. The tax rate and individual tax bill are the direct result of the appropriations made at the annual and special town meetings. The Assessors perform a mechanical operation of dividing the total property value into the money to be raised by taxation to arrive at the tax rate.
The sources of income, state and county taxes, number of
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polls and total property values are shown in the following table of aggregates.
EDWARD H. GODFREY, Chairman HAROLD K. JONES ALLAN R. KINNEY
ASSESSORS' REPORT
Appropriation to be raised by taxation $1.461,098.67
Appropriations taken from available funds 388,271.95
$1.849,370.62
Tax and Assessments
State Parks and Reservations
3,944.05
State Audit of Municipal Accounts
1,712.37
County Tax
12,864.93
Tuberculosis Hospital Assessment
1,018.84
Overlay of current year
33,952.30
53,492.49
$1,902,863.11
ESTIMATED RECEIPTS
Income Tax
$100,709.06 26,133.82
Corporation Tax
Reimbursement on account of
publicly owned land
436.91
Old Age Meal Tax
1,171.20
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise
128,581.10
Licenses
6,976.24
Fines
1,847.00
Special Assessments
4.040.58
General Government
2,387.65
Protection of Persons and Property
2,236.50
Charities (other than Federal Grants)
2,262.12
Old Age Assistance (other than Federal Grants) 10,759.58 Veterans' Services 2.021.65
School (Funds from Income Tax not to be included)
50,334.57
Libraries
840.00
Public Service Enterprises (Water)
61,076.13
Interest : (On Taxes and Assessments)
3,513.80
State Assistance for School Construction
74,638.29
Farm Animal Excise
182.49
Overestimates County Tax
28.52
Taken from Available Funds
388,271.95
$868.449.16
Net amount to be raised by taxation on Polls and Property 1,034,413.95
$1,902,863.11
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Number of Polls - 2198 Tax on Polls Valuation of Personal Property Tax on Personal Property Valuation of Real Estate
$4,396.00
$892,085.00
63,338.04
13,615,210.00
Tax on Real Estate
966,679.91
Total Valuation
$14,507,295.00
Total Tax on Polls and Property
Tax Rate per $1,000 - $71.00
Building Inspector
Permits - Number and Type
99 Dwellings
2 School Additions
Estimated Cost $1,386,400.00 457,363.00
14 Room Additions 34,495.00
16 Alterations 18,880.00
12 Garages
18,050.00
4 Porches
2,200.00
4 Tool Sheds
1,525.00
1 Summer Cottage 5,000.00
2 Turkey Sheds
6,500.00
1 Rain Shelter
6,500.00
1 Unloading Ramp
13,000.00
1 Retail Store
6,500.00
1 Swimming Pool
1,500.00
4 Fallout Shelters
5,300.00
7 Demolition
$1,963,213.00
Inspections: 300 New Buildings; 102 Plumbing; 105 Septic Tanks; 62 Additions and Alterations; 31 Gas Piping.
ANTHONY G. MASCARO
Report of the Committee to Study the Center
Following the Annual Town Meeting in 1961 the evidence of the interest in a new library, the growing traffic problem in the center at the intersection of Main and Springfield Streets, and the possibility that unused land now available in that area would not long be available, prompted the Selectmen to appoint a com- mittee to study the future development of the center. It was the
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$1,034,413.95
purpose of this committee to supplement the long range plans which the Planning Board had been authorized to prepare and in greater detail than those plans would permit. While the pos- sibility of developing a center in a new location was considered, it was decided at an early stage that the present center was the logical nucleus for further development. This decision was dic- tated by the fact that it is close to the geographic center and included many of the facilities desired in the center, so-called - store, a post office, fire station, park area, historic site - and further because there was additional available land.
The plan which is under consideration involves the following steps:
1. The gradual enlargement of Crane Park through the acquisition of neighboring properties over a number of years.
2. The relocation of some of the stores and service facilities in a new neighborhood shopping area between the pres- ent Post Office and the Fire Station.
3. The setting aside of some land facing on the enlarged park for future town buildings.
4. The routing of traffic and providing for off street parking to reduce the congestion which now exists.
This program has been discussed with the Selectmen, the Planning Board and their Planning Consultant, the Finance Com- mittee and the property owners within the area under considera- tion. Tentative approval of the program has been general. It is hoped that final plans will be ready for presentation to a public hearing and a special town meeting later in the spring.
HARRY C. CRAWFORD, JR., Chairman
HEROL HARRINGTON
WILLIAM SULLIVAN, JR.
ROBERT G. CARTER
DOROTHY B. SIGSBEE
WILLIAM H. SHORTELL
BERT MOUNT
JAMES BRADY MCGUIRE
ARTHUR I. MACDONALD
ANNE HARTT
CHARLES I. BOWMAN
Civil Defense
There has been considerable interest in Civil Defense since July 25, 1961 when President Kennedy warned the people of the coun- try of the factual hazard of radioactivity in the event of a nuclear
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blast and the possibility of individuals surviving under such con- ditions.
A shelter program was emphasized, publicized and criticized, and your local organization has been waiting patiently until the Federal and State Civil Defense Agencies have sufficiently crystal- ized their thinking to organize their resources to render the service for which they were originally intended. In the meantime, our own program is being maintained with a minimum of effort which explains the balance in our 1961 appropriation which we have requested be carried forward for the current year. The communi- cations service and the other staff members meet every Monday night and discuss all phases of CD currently expounded that might affect us.
Our first Radiological course in the technique of measuring radioactive fall-out was completed in December and we intend to start two more courses during the coming year. These courses will be conducted by Professor Randolph of Wilbraham Acad- emy and if you are interested in taking such a course, kindly watch the newspapers for further information.
You will note that the budget for the current year has been reduced to a bare minimum and we plan to keep our expenditures only to the absolute necessities. It is our understanding with the Finance Committee that any justifiable expense or unforesee- able emergencies that present themselves during the coming year that require an expenditure more than our budget will stand, due consideration for a transfer from the reserve account will be made to meet such additional cost.
We are taking this position because of the uncertainty of the State and Federal participation under the present program. We feel our community program is superior to ninety nine percent of other communities of the same size and also more complete than many large cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth.
It is unfortunate that such a vital phase of government is in such a chaotic condition. Every individual, family, organization or group should provide for some kind of emergency planning on their own. The government is anticipating certain participation because they feel responsible and, therefore, the question of how much or to what degree, seems to be the question at this time. In the meantime, your local organization has no other alternative than to proceed with our own local problem and to promote a program of "Public Information" on knowing "What To Do,
48
When To Do It, and How To Do It." We feel this is a simple approach to a complicated problem and when the time arrives to embark on a concentrated program of community emergency planning, the individuals who have taken advantage of the oppor- tunities offered them by your local organization will not be un- prepared.
As a final item in this year's report it is only natural to pay tribute to one of our departed staff members, Harland Rogers, who died on December 28, 1961. He was the Communications Officer since the reorganization of our Civil Defense in 1955. Our present radio systems and various networks that we have in Town on our emergency vehicles are due to his conscientious and devoted interest in this field. His presence at our weekly meet- ings will be missed and we wish to express our deepest sympathy to his family.
At this time we hope you appreciate the efforts of the volun- teers in this CD Program and we stand ready at all times to assist in any and all emergencies.
ROGER T. HINTZE, Director LINCOLN DEXTER, Deputy Director HARLAND ROGERS, Deputy Director WALTER HOWE, Deputy Director
Dog Officer
The following report for 1961 will indicate that there was a large increase in both the licensing and care of stray dogs and dog bites, but a decrease in live stock liability.
790 dogs were licensed
35 cases of dog bites were investigated and the dogs quarantined
67 stray dogs were picked up during the year (46 returned to owners - 21 disposed of)
27 dogs were reported missing by owners (16 were recovered)
6 dogs were killed by automobiles and were disposed of Livestock killed by dogs - 10 bantam chicks (damage paid by owner of dog)
2 cases of cat bites
A total of 613.9 miles were logged by the Dog Officer.
DAVID E. BREHAUT
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Electrical Inspector
From the period of Jan. 1, 1961 through Dec. 31, 1961, there were 202 electrical permits issued. These permits were issued for the following purposes:
99 new residences
4 commercial buildings
13 service increases
7 water heaters (separate from new residences)
18 oil burners (separate from new residences)
8 electric dryers (separate from new residences)
4 post or yard lights (separate from new residences)
4 garages
2 air conditioners
35 additional outlets
8 electric ranges
WM. E. FITZGERALD, JR.
Fire Department
Telephone number LY 6-3111, our emergency phone for in- coming calls, is to be used only for reporting fires and emergencies. For all other business pertaining to Fire Department, please dial LY 6-3122 or LY 6-3014. This is very important.
Fire Loss:
Buildings (45) $27,018.33
Contents 10,310.00
Assessed Valuations 358,115.00
Department responded to 248 alarms: 45 buildings, 62 grass and brush, 19 automobiles, 10 dumps, 7 miscellaneous, 11 mutual aid out of town, and 94 emergencies. Forty tanks of oxygen were used.
Seventy nine permits were issued for installation of oil burn- ing equipment, 15 permits were issued for L. P. Gas equipment, 17 permits were issued for dynamite, 161 inspections, 81 extin- guishers were recharged. All schools and public buildings were inspected 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,
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Chief Bill Pollitt and his men, the State Police, Dr. John Sigsbee and others who may have helped during the past year.
RALPH E. TUPPER, SR., Chief
ROSTER OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Permanent: Chief Ralph Tupper, Sr .; Asst. Chief Cyril Woods; Private Kent Folsom.
Dispatchers: Mary Chapman; Berenice Tupper; Martha Woods.
Call Men: Asst. Chief Raymond Beach, Jr .; Capt. John Campsie; Drill- master, Lt. Charles Dorey; First Aid Instructor, Harold Porter; George King; Roger Whitehill; John Brackinisky; Philip Shaw; Ronald Von- Flatern; Wesley Chapman; David Macdonald; Andrew Grzybowski; Bryant Carpenter; Robert Dietz.
Auxiliary Men: John Hess; Clifton Scott; Edward Clark; Stanley John- son; Karl Tupper; William Tupper; Philip Danforth; Joel Hawthorne; Walter Howe; Louis Lovett; John Anderson; George Jackson, Jr .: George Jenkins; David Chapman; Edward Bach: Homer Henley; Ephrain Carron; Lawrence Rose; Robert Macauley; David McDonald; Richard Beane; Leonard VonFlatern; Timothy Maxfield; William Strausburg.
Forest Warden
Four thousand one hundred and ninety three (4193) permits were issued for open air fires. Under State Law a permit is required for open air fires. At numerous times of the year, no burning in the open is allowed. For said permit dial LY 6-3014 or LY 6-3122. Our emergency phone, 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: Chief Pollitt, John Chrzanowski, Newton Goewey, Charles Dorey, Raymond Beach, Jr., Kent Folsom, Cyril Woods, John Sigsbee and Robert Dietz.
RALPH E. TUPPER, SR.
Board of Health
During 1961, eighteen licensed eating and drinking establish- ments were inspected and nine markets were inspected at least once every two months.
Two day camps and one motel were inspected during the year.
Forty two milk and milk dealers licenses and 14 oleomargarine licenses were issued during 1961.
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Ten public health nuisances were investigated. All ten nui- sances were abated in accordance with standard health practices.
Four samples of water from Spec Pond were analyzed during the summer. Results showed the water to be of excellent quality for swimming purposes.
Nine private water supplies were inspected and samples of water analyzed from each supply. In the future greater emphasis will be placed on the inspection and approval of private water supplies within the Town.
Both town dumps were inspected frequently. Since one dump closed in the late fall, greater supervision has been directed to the one town dump. Maintenance of the dump has been good from a health standpoint.
One hearing was held by the Board of Health with the results of the hearing being favorable.
The Board of Health was extremely active during 1961 and every indication is that it will continue active in 1962.
I wish to thank the public for the fine co-operation extended to me during the past year.
JOHN A. BRICKETT, R.S., Agent-Sanitarian
Industrial Development Committee Report
At the organization meeting of the Industrial Development Committee December 14, 1960, the purpose and objectives were stated as follows:
PURPOSE: Is and will be to bring and encourage desirable busi- ness to Wilbraham through the following:
OBJECTIVES:
1. Brochure: A brochure will be planned and printed for introduction and promotion of available land space in Wil- braham.
This has been done. An attractive brochure describing our industrial area and outlining the advantages of Wilbraham for living and for doing business has been produced. Many copies have been distributed to industries who might be interested in locating here at some time in the not too distant future.
2. Keeping present industries pleased; contact them and pro- mote an atmosphere of co operation and help.
To the best of our ability this objective has been carried out. Various members of the Committee have talked with some of the existing indus- tries and offered co-operation.
3. Have plot maps made of Industrial Area, reach owners
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1
of available land, visit existing buildings and travel possible land areas on foot.
All of this has been done. The male members of the committee have checked the land, measured it, contacted owners to secure their co- operation, established approximate land values and finally, with the services of the Town Engineers - Anderson Associates, have prepared adequate and suitable maps for use in connection with our promotional activities.
Further, and in addition to our stated objectives, our com- mittee has developed a Covenant to cover specifications relating to proposed new buildings in the Industrial Area.
We have also produced a presentation for use in explaining our Town and its advantages, and feel that it has been well re- ceived and has graphically outlined the desirability of Wilbraham for industrial location.
Now that the groundwork has been laid, we are approaching industries and are in negotiation with several important com- panies. We shall hope to have something concrete to report by Town Meeting date.
ARTHUR BINDER, Chairman
ROLAND SIROIS, Vice Chairman
CLYDE F. BARLOW
LEO PARADIS, Treasurer
DONALD BREADY
MRS. H. S. PUTNAM, JR., Secretary
LARRY D. LEWIS
MRS. A. D. BECKER
BERT MOUNT
Our young ballerinas are taught by Mrs. Adeline Johnson who has been teaching dancing to the youngsters of Wilbraham for over 25 years and is now teaching the children of some of her early pupils. The United Church Women's Guild sponsors the ballet classes.
Photo by R. McGee
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Jury List - 1961-1962
Bagienski, Walter, 20 Main St., W. Factory Worker
Barnhart, Philip M., 8 E. Colonial Rd., W. Salesman
Behrens, Fred E., 716 Main St., W. Machinist
Boden, Frank J., 195 Main St., W. Counselor
Bowman, Doris C., 604 Main St., W. Housewife
Brophy, Grace E., 15 Delmor Circle, W. Proofreader
Bush, Caroline M., 210 Springfield St., W. Housewife Callan, Rowena M., 13 Devonshire Dr., W. Housewife Cross, Kenneth A., 356 Springfield St., W. Line Foreman
Davies, James T., 13 Pine Drive, N.W. Chemist
Dibble, Gladys, 758 Main St., W. Housewife
Edson, Elliot G., 7 Hickory Hill Dr., W. Draftsman
Elkas, Harold G., 39 Faculty St., W. Salesman
Farnsworth, Vernon R., Jr., 30 Ripley St., W. Insurance Worker
Frost, William W., 58 Mountain Rd., N.W. Foreman
Gale, John W., 200 Main St., W. Retired
Graham, Everett W., 110 Main St., W. Safety Engineer
Gray, Coralie M., 787 Stony Hill Rd., W. Housewife
Hartt, Dudley N., Jr., 14 Birch St., W. Lawyer
Irla, Edward W., 12 Brainard Rd., N.W. Businessman
Jack, Kenneth Q., 31 Springfield St., W Supervisor
Jackson, George S., 10 Pease St., W. Accountant
Jeffrey, Harry R., 717 Main St., W. Retired
Jones, Harold K., 11 Delmor Circle, W. Insurance Worker
Juechter, John W., Jr., 72 Beebe Rd., W. Engineer
Laurino, Thomas E., 81 Bridge St., N.W. Toolmaker
Lebel, Albert O., 4 Bradlind Ave .. N.W. Builder
Lyman, John R., Ridge Rd., W. Businessman
Magill, Dorothy C., 18 Decorie Dr., W. Secretary
Magruder, S. Henry, 505 Mountain Rd., W. Sales Engineer
Marchese, Katheryn E., 8 West Colonial Rd., W. Housewife
Melanson, Edward G., 274 Mountain Rd., N.W. Contractor
Miller, Frederick B., 600 Glendale Rd., W. Businessman
Moore, Spencer W., 744 Stony Hill Rd., W. Manager
Murphy, Alexander, 1315 Tinkham Rd., W. Toolmaker
Newhouse, Warren T., 9 Brookside Dr., W. Sales Manager
Phelon, John B., Ely Rd., W. Personnel
Putnam, Haldimond S., Jr., 2 Bayberry Rd., W. Treasurer
Porter, E. Helen, 4 Monson Rd., W. Assistant Manager
Riga, H. Bradford, 21 Brookside Dr., W. Treasurer
Roach, Madeline C., 916 Tinkham Rd., W. Housewife
Sagen, Walter M., 7 Sunnyside Ter., W. Factory Worker
Spormann, Carl H., 250 Mountain Rd., N.W. Tool Engineer Sullivan, William, Jr., 9 Old Orchard Rd., W. Manager Szczebak, Stanley, 347 Stony Hill Rd., W. Pharmacist
VonFlatern, Ronald, 843 Main St., W. Lineman
Wahlberg, John, 21 Springfield St., W. Office Worker
Williams, Mansfield W., 10 Colonial Rd., W. Engineer
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Wilbraham Public Library
A good indication of the cultural level of any town is its library. When a town grows as rapidly as Wilbraham and the schools expand, a good library is particularly important. The Wilbraham Public Library is fortunate to have an excellent professional staff which serves the community exceedingly well in spite of being handicapped by lack of space and facilities.
The State Library Association succeeded in having a bill put through the Legislature that gives each library in the Common- wealth an opportunity to bring some public funds to the town, provided it meets certain minimum standards. Wilbraham's Library easily met the standards because of the training and ability of its staff; and the Town Treasurer received the full quota for a town of its size. The problem of maintaining the standards confronts the staff because of the limited shelf space for books to be purchased over the year. Even though a severe discard system is in operation, new books added more than fill the vacated shelves. Only because of the constant and rapid circulation can as many books be available as there are.
The "fine system" was put into practice this year. As a result, books are kept in greater circulation, and the people of Wilbra- ham have helped the Town's budget.
The sharp increase in the children's book circulation and at- tendance at Story Hours has forced the librarians to use their ingenuity to meet the demands in the limited space. It may appear the trustees dwell upon the lack of space unduly, but it is becom- ing crucial.
The Friends of the Library sponsored a letter, written by Mrs. Katharine Dingman, which listed the many gifts of books and magazines the Library has received. There has also been a gift from the estate of Miss Edith Helmer of several oil paintings which the late Miss Mabel Welch, noted painter of miniatures on ivory, had painted. The Garden Clubs decorated the Library beautifully in keeping with the holiday season.
It is the gifts, the thoughtfulness of the Townspeople and their suggestions that have helped the librarians and trustees to serve the Town to the best of the ability of each.
LONI BROWER, Chairman JAMES B. MCGUIRE
M. GERTRUDE RONK
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WILBRAHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY STATISTICS
Holdings:
Number of volumes in library, January 1, 1961
13,850
Number of volumes added by purchase 1,140
Number of volumes added by gift 136
Number of volumes discarded and lost 463
Number of volumes in library, January 1, 1962
14,663
Registration:
Adult
1,444
Children
961
Total registration (786 gain over 1960)
2,405
Circulation:
Adult (including periodicals)
18.166
Juvenile (including periodicals and school)
27,169
Total circulation (gain of 7,222 over 1960)
45,335
Special Services:
Books borrowed on interlibrary loan
18
Reserve book notices mailed to borrowers
435
Overdue notices mailed to borrowers 2.796
Fines collected in 1961:
$648.90
Personnel Study Committee Report
This committee was authorized by the Selectmen on April 26, 1961 to make a study of the occupational and wage structure of the Town employees (excluding Dept. of Schools) and subse- quently to make appropriate recommendations to the Finance Committee.
The first step was a discussion with supervisors, commissioners, and trustees explaining the study as it was intended to evolve. Following this, an explanatory letter was given to all employees along with a job description questionnaire which each employee was expected to fill out. With the assistance of the supervisors, the committeemen then proceeded to write up these question- naires into actual job descriptions which will become permanent records of the Town under this system.
The next step was an evaluation and comparison of each job to comparative jobs within the Town, with towns of fairly equal population in the nearby region, and with other towns in Massa- chusetts. Here the committee endeavored to put all jobs in Town on a fair and equitable basis, moneywise, as judged by these com- parisons. Having done this, the next step was to set up a rate and salary range for each job and a recommended schedule to go with it. Other related recommendations were made which the com- mittee felt was essential.
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At a joint meeting of the Selectmen, the Finance Committee, and the Personnel Study Committee on January 4, 1962, the recommendations were accepted by the Selectmen and the Fi- nance Committee. The latter two groups then requested that the Personnel Study Committee remain intact and proceed on another study for the Town employees (excluding Dept. of Schools) in regard to fringe benefits such as vacations, holidays, etc. This committee agreed to do this and to complete this study before the end of 1962.
ROBERT SIMPSON, Chairman
HERMAN GRANDCHAMP
JOHN BEMBEN, Secretary DARREL AMES ALBERT NEALE EARL DECORIE
Pest Control Report
During 1961 the recommendations of the Department of Natural Resources regarding the control of Dutch elm disease were as follows: a good sanitation program; a good sampling program; the prompt removal and destruction of Dutch elm dis- eased trees; and the dormant spraying of valued trees as a supple- ment to the sanitation program. The Town of Wilbraham has attempted to follow these recommendations and we hope during 1962 to continue along these lines. We feel that much progress has been made in Wilbraham and by keeping abreast of the problem, a costly crash program of diseased tree removal can be averted. It is hoped that the disease can be arrested and even- tually eliminated before the American elm goes the way of the American chestnut.
The roadside elms in Wilbraham were sprayed during the early spring for the control of elm leaf beetle and European elm bark beetle (Dutch elm disease carrier). During the year, 58 samples of suspected elms were collected and submitted to the Shade Tree Laboratories at the University of Massachusetts for testing. All of these samples contained the fungus Ceratostomella ulmi or Dutch elm disease. These 58 positive samples represented a total of 79 individual trees (clumps and twin trees are generally sampled as one unit). There was a hold over of 98 known dis- eased elms from 1960 sampling programs giving a total of 177 known diseased elms tagged for removal. As of December 31, 1961, 133 of these trees have been removed and burned. Town crews supervised by the Pest Control Officer removed 123 of these trees along with a number of completely dead "beetle carry-
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