USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Wilbraham > Wilbraham annual report 1961-1965 > Part 5
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ing" elms. Removal of 10 of the larger trees was accomplished by private tree companies. On December 31, 1961 there remained 44 known diseased elms which, according to state law, will have to be removed and destroyed before May 1, 1962.
In 1961 once again we found no Gypsy moth egg clusters in Wilbraham. We suffered a brief outbreak of forest tent cater- pillar in early June near the Woodland Dell Cemetery which was controlled with one spraying.
Once again a mosquito control program was conducted in Wilbraham. Many complaints of intense mosquito infestation were heard from all sections of Wilbraham before the first resi- dential aerial spray was conducted on June 19 and 20. This was followed by another spray on August 2, 1961. We feel that the spraying program was a necessity from a health standpoint as well as allowing the community more pleasure out of doors. We feel that the program was successful and hope to continue the aerial spray program.
Some hand treating of swamp and idle water for mosquito larvae control was conducted during 1961. Ground spraying in areas not covered by the aerial spray was also attempted with favorable results.
All requests for poison ivy control in public areas were at- tended to.
GORDON R. LONG
Planning Board
The Wilbraham Planning Board held twelve regular monthly meetings during 1961. In addition, there were five special meet- ings.
Public hearings were held for the presentation of ten subdivi- sions. These were approved subject to performance bonds and, in some instances, changes to provide facility for adequate drain- age. Board requirements have been met in all but one subdivision on which the bond has not been posted. As a result, final ap- proval is being withheld.
As required under the law, the Board together with the Select- men, Planning Board Engineer and the Highway Superintendent viewed the twenty three streets which were presented for con- sideration of acceptance by the Town Meeting.
Five special meetings and hearings were held during 1961. One of these concerned a zoning change for a shopping center. A
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very strong negative public reaction was evidenced with the result that the petitioner took no further action.
A matter of notable significance was the action taken by the voters at a Special Town Meeting held in July. The Board's request for favorable action on an appropriation for the further- ance of a Master Plan Study was supported. Proposals were submitted by three firms, the lowest being offered by Technical Planning Associates who have been retained for the job. The necessary forms have been submitted to obtain a Federal Grant under the Federal Housing Act.
During 1961 the Board established a new scale of rates that applies to performance bonds issued for street construction, in- cluding water and drainage. The running foot costs are slightly over twice the previous rates. Naturally, this action did not meet with the approval of the subdividers, but increasing costs of construction required such a step in order to give adequate protection to the Town.
Wilbraham continues to be one of the more popular residential towns in the area as evidenced by an approximate 17% increase in housing starts for 1961. This growth is greater than the Board forecast in the 1960 Report, but it consists chiefly of houses of better than average value. The Planning Board will do all in its power to maintain the position of the Town as a desirable resi- dential community.
LEO E. KUEHN, Chairman
ROBERT G. CARTER
RICHARD H. MORGAN
ROBERT A. EDWARDS BION T. WHEELER, JR.
Playground Commission Report
The Wilbraham Supervised Playground Program enjoyed an- other successful season in 1961. It conducted a six weeks sched- ule from July 10th to August 18th. The program was conducted at Memorial Playground under the supervision of Richard Spen- cer. He was assisted by Joseph Van West, Helen Walinski, Nancy Muir and Beth Moore.
An average of 150 children participated in games, contests, shows, arts, crafts and sporting events. A very successful picnic was held the last day of the season.
The athletic fields were kept in excellent condition by Mr. Spencer and a few assistants.
The Playground Commissioners commend all their workers
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for a job well done. They also wish to thank the Highway De- partment, the Water Department and the Selectmen's Office for assistance rendered during the year.
ROBERT J. DRISCOLL, Chairman BRUCE S. CRAWFORD DR. JOHN J. FERRI
Police Department
It is a pleasure to submit to you the annual report of the Wil- braham Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1961.
ROSTER OF THE DEPARTMENT
Chief: William Pollitt. Regular Patrolmen: John J. Chrzanowski, New- ton W. Goewey, Jr. Reserve Patrolmen: Steven Lopata, Alton L. Mc- Donald. Auxiliary Police: Sgt. John J. Connor, Sgt. Wellington C. Rose, Sgt. Emeric J. Wyzik, Sgt. Ralph M. Kilcourse, Philip Britten, Joseph Crespi, William Hartman, John Y. Hess, George N. Levakis, Jr., Alexander Murphy. William H. Rademaekers, Donald A. Bump, Joseph A. Cloutier, Robert A. Converse, Edward E. Dearborn, Harold R. Hartman, Morrison J. Marelli, Howard S. McIntosh, David E. Brehaut, Albert T. Gouvin, Jr., Arthur W. Hunt, Jr., Stanley J. Pabis, John Ward, Walter S. Wirzbicki, Thaddeus J. Bierowka, Thaddeus Domanowski, Donald R. Emerson, Carl B. Martins, Alfred E. Patrie, Allyn K. Peterson. School Traffic Officers: Mrs. Mary Strycharz, Mrs. Marjorie Goewey, Mrs. Alice Boyer, Mrs. Alice Christensen.
While the year 1961 was marked by fewer accidents than the previous year, there were more crimes committed of a serious nature.
On July 1st, Officer Gardner Files resigned and Auxiliary Police Sergeant Newton Goewey was appointed to take his place. The Selectmen, acting as Police Commissioners, realizing that police training is a community investment and not an expense, sent Officer Goewey to the State Police Training School in Fram- ingham where he graduated after completing a month's training.
Chief Pollitt attended a course in crime investigation given by the F.B.I.
Officer John Chrzanowski, in his capacity as Safety Officer for the Town, attended monthly meetings of the Safety Council and made 18 visits to the Wilbraham Schools and Boy Scouts showing films and stressing the safety needs.
Sergeant John Connor of the Auxiliary Police was appointed to take charge of the Auxiliary and conduct their training pro- gram. We are indeed fortunate that we have such an outstanding
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group of men who are always ready to give their services to the Town in case of need.
I would like to express my appreciation to the Auxiliary Police and the Regular Officers of the Department for the fine co-opera- tion given me and the many hours of unpaid work they have per- formed.
To Chief Ralph Tupper and his men of the Fire Department: to Highway Superintendent Herbert Butler and to Dr. John Sigsbee, we of the Police Department express our thanks for the splendid co-operation we received throughout the year.
We would especially like to thank Seargeant Chet Ruszczyk and his men of the Monson Barracks for the fine co-operation given us throughout the year.
Again I wish to express my most sincere appreciation to the Board of Selectmen for their co-operation during the entire year.
WILLIAM POLLITT, Chief
ARRESTS FOR THE YEAR
Crimes Against Property: Breaking and Entering to Commit Larceny, 8; Larceny, 1. Crimes Against Public Order: Drunkenness, 7; Disturbing the Peace, 2; Non-Support, 1. Motor Vehicle Violations: Passing with view obstructed, 45; Operating under the influence of intoxicating liquor. 10; Operating to endanger, 11; Failing to stop at a Stop Sign, 17; Failing to stop at a Red Light, 9; Speeding, 57; Taking a Motor Vehicle without the authority of the owner, 1; Cases referred to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles for action, 10; Cases filed with warning, 55. Summary of Traffic Accidents: Property damage accidents. 61; Personal injury accidents, 30; Total number of accidents, 79; Number of persons injured, 58; Number of persons killed, 1. Other Activity: Doors or windows found open at night in business establishments, 61: Vacant homes checked for people on vaca- tion, 118; Persons reported missing, found and taken home, 5; Complaints received and investigated, 288; Stolen cars recovered, 4; Summons served for other Police Departments, 238: Injured persons taken to the hospital in the Police Cruiser, 15; Escapees apprehended, 2. Money received and turned over to the Town Clerk: Firearms permits, $124.00; Copies of Accident reports, $141.00; Received by the Town from court fines, $1,345.00.
Report of Radio Committee
This committee has very little to report for the past year. How- ever, we are still investigating the best method of alerting our emergency personnel whenever needed. Radio monitoring sets with fixed crystals tuned to our local wave lengths, seem now to be the best possibility, and until a demonstration can be sched- uled no further action can be taken. We have recently asked for
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a demonstration and we hope the matter can be resolved so that we may report to the townspeople on our findings.
It is a recognized fact that our present "Fire Siren" system is not sufficient to alert all townspeople. Plans to update our pres- ent system are under consideration at this time. In order to cover all phases of emergencies, it is first necessary to alert the emer- gency personnel who, in turn, will alert the townspeople under those conditions which are necessary. Furthermore, the spoken word giving directions and instructions will save considerable time in every day emergencies which, in turn, will save lives and property values.
It is the opinion of the Radio Committee that our radio net- works can be further utilized in our emergency planning and under proper joint controls, with your emergency planning com- mittee, considerable gains can be made in the saving of lives, property and maintenance. In the opinion of this committee, such action is a real progressive step in the planning for the welfare of the people of this community.
We regret the loss of one of our committee members, namely Harland Rogers, who died on December 28, 1961. His construc- tive criticism was most helpful because of his experience in the communication field. We regret his loss and extend our sym- pathies to his family.
ROGER T. HINTZE, Chairman
HERBERT BUTLER
RALPH TUPPER
HARLAND ROGERS WILLIAM POLLITT
Sealer of Weights and Measures
During 1961 I sealed 204 weighing and measuring devices, of which 26 needed adjustment before passing inspection. I con- demned one scale. The fees collected for this service totalled $140.90, and the cost of supplies, etc., amounted to $4.85. These figures represent an increase in fees and a decrease in costs, and show a trend in the direction of profit.
The most significant event in the sealer's year was the increase of 9.09% in salary voted at the March town meeting, which was gratefully received as a magnanimous gesture on the part of the voters. Although the dollar value of the gesture was only $25, the degree of satisfaction to the Town arising from magnanimity of deed is inversely proportional to the cost thereof.
CHARLES L. MERRICK
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Slaughtering Inspector
One Beef Cattle was slaughtered in Wilbraham in 1961. The carcass was inspected and stamped.
DAVID E. BREHAUT
Spec Pond Recreational Area Report
The Spec Pond Recreational Area, acclaimed to be one of the finest recreational facilities in Western Massachusetts, completed another extremely successful year. Visitors from other towns and other states have marveled at the excellence of our recrea- tional area. This is especially impressive when it is realized that this attractive area with its natural surroundings was developed through the hard work of community minded citizens. This project will go down in the history of Wilbraham as one of the finest community accomplishments.
During the past swimming season Spec Pond operated its swimming facility for thirteen weeks under the supervision of five lifeguards. In addition to this staff there were two swim- ming instructors. The total attendance for this period was ap- proximately 45,000, averaging 500 people every day. There were as many as 1,000 people in attendance during the busiest days. Approximately 400 children received swimming instruction in beginners and advanced classes. This year, for the first time, a swimming program was conducted for adults. 29 adults partici- pated in the program.
A full-time caretaker was engaged to help keep the area clean and orderly. Again this past year a Water Carnival and a Miss Spec Pond Contest were held. Various community organizations utilized the bathing and picnic areas.
During the year, in addition to normal maintenance of the two buildings and grounds, the following improvements were made: the road was resurfaced; the parking area was graded, enlarged and paved; barriers were constructed; the picnic area was enlarged and 6 additional picnic tables and fireplaces pro- vided; one resuscitator, a lifeguard tower and 3 loudspeakers were added to the beach equipment; 4,000 seedlings were planted to commence a long range conservation program; 55 additional truck loads of sand were added to the beach area.
It is hoped that the following planned improvements may be realized: completion of a basketball court and hockey rink; in-
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stallation of playground equipment: construction of an overhead pavilion shelter; enlargement of the swimming area.
The area again this year was under the supervision of the Wil- braham Lions Club resulting in no operating expense to the town. Funds for operating the area were raised by the Lions Club through the sale of admission stickers, thus resulting in no direct expense to the town government.
WILLIAM SULLIVAN, Chairman
ROBERT A. EDWARDS
TRUMAN R. SWALLOW
JESSE M. CANERDY
FREDERICK J. CUMMINGS
LIONS CLUB OF WILBRAHAM
Financial Standing as of December 1, 1961
SPEC POND FUND
Receipts
Payments
Cash Balance May 1, 1961
$319.01
Amount Subscribed 1961 (656 families)
5,338.99
Policeman's Ball
50.00
Democratic Town Committee
25.00
Concession Stand
200.00
Christadelphians
50.00
Earned Dividend on Account
15.56
Firemen's Ball
75.00
Plumbing
$103.81
Postage, Printing, ctc.
189.46
Bulldozer Work
756.00
Special Work - Labor
245.00
Speaking Equipment
154.43
Electric Lights
34.67
Lumber, Cement and Paint
306.14
Telephonc
10.16
Prize Money
50.00
Oxygen Equipment
80.75
Miscellaneous
218.82
Employee Pay Roll
3,454.25
Federal Ins. Employer (FICA)
103.63
Cash on Hand December 1, 1961
366.44
$6,073.56
$6,073.56
F. J. CUMMINGS, Treasurer
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Report of Special Town Meeting JANUARY 16, 1961
In accordance with the warrant as posted, the voters of the Town assembled in the Wilbraham Memorial School Audi- torium.
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Mr. Ernest W. Furnans, Jr. at 8:00 p. m. with more than 20 voters present which constituted a quorum. The following tellers were ap- pointed and sworn in by the Moderator: Lincoln A. Dexter, Dudley N. Hartt, Jr., Matthew Gozdowski, and A. F. Harris.
ARTICLE 1. Voted by a majority that the Town authorize the School Building Committee, appointed by the Selectmen at the direction of the June 9, 1960 Special Town Meeting, to proceed with the preparation of final drawings and specifications and the obtaining of construction bids for a twelve room, plus cafeteria addition at the Pines School, and to raise and appropriate the sum of $15,000.
ARTICLE 2. Voted by a majority that the Town authorize the Board of Selectmen to acquire by purchase, land of Andrew L. and Eleanora Gruszka, recorded in Hampden County Registry of Deeds, and bounded and described as follows:
Beginning at an iron pin marking the northwesterly corner of the present Pines School property, said iron pin also marking the northeasterly corner of land of Stanley Chrzan, and running thence N. 20 53' 20" W. along other land of the grantors, 543.57" to a stake; thence along land of the Polish American Veterans Club, Inc. N. 40 30' E. 130' to a stone bound; thence along the westerly line of River Road, S. 49° 30' E. 173.16' to a stone bound: thence continuing along River Road, S. 47 42' 40" E. 387.98' to a stone bound; thence continuing along River Road, S. 53° 58' 50" E. 509' to an iron pin; thence along land of Frank P. Nowak, S. 36° 01' 10" W. 130' to an iron pin; thence along the present Pines School property, N. 53° 58' 50" W. 463.24 to a point; thence continuing along the present Pines School property, S. 69 27' 40" W. 288.18' to the iron pin marking the point of beginning. Described parcel contains an area of 4.997 acres.
To be used for school purposes, and to raise and appropriate the sum of $15,000.
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ARTICLE 3. Voted by a majority that the Town authorize the Board of Selectmen to acquire by purchase, land of Stanley J. and Fannie B. Krzesik, recorded in Hampden County Registry of Deeds and bounded and described as follows:
Beginning at a stone bound on the easterly line of Stony Hill Road at the southwesterly corner of the present Pines School property and running thence S. 35 02' E. along said easterly line of Stony Hill Road a distance of 85'; thence along other land of the grantors, N. 67 32' E. 345.60' to an iron pin; thence along the present Pines School property S. 80 22' 10" W. 373.42 to the stone bound marking the point of beginning. Described par- cel contains an area of 0.329 acre.
To be used for school purposes, and to raise and appropriate the sum of $3,000.
ARTICLE 4. Voted unanimously to authorize the School Build- ing Committee appointed by the Selectmen at the direction of the June 9, 1960 Special Town Meeting, to proceed with the construction of an addition to the kitchen and kitchen facilities at the Memorial School and to appropriate and transfer from the Stony Hill School Addition Fund the sum of $58,000.
ARTICLE 5. Voted unanimously that all appropriations made at this meeting, unless otherwise provided for, be raised by assess- ment against the polls, personal properties and real estate of the Town.
Voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 10:30 p. m.
Attest: DORIS G. COCHRAN, Town Clerk
Brass Choir, Minnechaug Regional High School Instructor, Mr. James Starkie of the Music Department.
Minnechaug School Photo
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Report of Annual Town Meeting MARCH 11, 1961
In accordance with the warrant as posted, the voters of the Town assembled in the Minnechaug High School Auditorium, Wilbraham.
The meeting was called to order by Moderator Ernest W. Furnans, Jr., at 10:00 a. m. The following tellers were appointed and sworn in by the Moderator: George G. Canney, Earl H. Paine, Bruce A. Stephens, Franklin T. Richardson, Joseph M. O'Neil, Stanley J. Peczka, Francis H. Scott Smith, Henry P. Baush. It was noted that a quorum was present.
ARTICLE 1. Town Officers elected by unanimous vote were as follows: Poundkeeper, Gardner Files; Measurers of Wood and Charcoal, Walter H. Clark and Edward P. Lindsay; Surveyors of Lumber, Walter H. Clark and Jesse L. Rice; Field Drivers, Peter Presz, Leonard F. VonFlatern, Sr., Benjamin F. Griffin; Weighers of Grain, Weldon G. Jameson and Jesse L. Rice.
ARTICLE 2. Voted unanimously that the Town accept the reports of the Selectmen, the Board of Public Welfare, the School Department, Town Collector, Town Treasurer, Water Depart- ment, Assessors, Town Clerk, Civil Defense and other Town Officials and committees as printed in the Town Report.
ARTICLE 3. Voted unanimously that the compensation of all elected Town Officers for the ensuing year be fixed as follows: Town Clerk, $2,340.00 per year (all fees to revert to the Town Treasury); Town Treasurer, $2,340.00 per year; Moderator, $50.00 Annual Town Meetings, $15.00 Special Town Meetings; Town Collector, $3,640.00 per year (all fees to revert to the Town Treasury); Tree Warden, $1.50 per hour (includes use of car); Selectmen, 2 members $600.00 per year, Chairman $650.00; Assessors, $1.50 per hour (includes use of car when needed); Constables, $1.50 per hour when called on duty by Selectmen, plus fees; Auditor, $200.00 per year; School Com- mittee, no salary; Cemetery Commissioners, no salary, $1.50 per hour for time spent at work; Water Commissioners, $150.00 per year; Library Trustees, no salary; Planning Board Members, no salary; Poundkeeper, Field Drivers, Weighers of Grain, Survey- ors of Lumber, Measurers of Wood and Charcoal (all Town
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Officers elected otherwise than by official ballot) fees only as fixed by General Laws.
ARTICLE 4. Voted unanimously that the Town's share of the Dog Tax for 1960, $1,041.95 be added to the Library Appropria- tion under Article 5.
ARTICLE 5. Voted by a majority that the Town raise and appropriate the sum of $1,331,917.79 to defray the cost of the operating expense of the Town for the ensuing year as follows: GENERAL GOVERNMENT - Aid to Agriculture, $150.00; Asses- sors' Expense Account, $800.00; Election Expense, $1,000.00; Insurance and Bonding, $7,600.00; Interest, $2,000.00; Legal and Accounting, $5,000.00; Planning Board Expense, $500.00; Printing Town Reports, $2,500.00; Registrar's Expense, $450.00; Selectmen's Contingency Account, $1,500.00; Town Clerk's Expense Account, $200.00; Town Collector's Expense Account, $1,250.00; Town Officers' and Employees' Salaries, $41,400.00; Town Office and Buildings Maintenance, $5,200.00; Town Treasurer's Expense Account, $400.00; Town Treasurer's Ex- pense - Land Court, $50.00; Wilbraham Contributory Retire- ment Account - Town's Portion, $9,020.80. PROTECTION OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY - Board of Health, $6,810.00; Building Inspector's Expense Account, $650.00; Wiring Inspector's Ex- pense Account, $650.00; Civil Defense, $1,500.00; Dead Wood, $3,500.00; Dental Clinic Expense, $50.00; Fire Department, $22,204.00; Forest Warden, $900.00; Mosquito Control, $2,600.00; Pest Control, $1,200.00; Police, $24,631.00; Tree Warden's Expense Account, $1,500.00. TOWN SERVICES - Cemeteries, $2,600.00; Highways - Miscellaneous, $50,400.00; Library, $20,154.05; Road Machinery Operating Expense, $6,000.00; Street Lights, $6,995.00; Water Department Maintenance, $24,200.00. PUBLIC WELFARE - Aid Dependent Children, $1,000.00; Aid to Disabled, $3,000.00; General Relief, $11,000.00; Old Age Assistance, $21,000.00; Veterans' Benefits, $7,000.00. SCHOOLS - Local, $541,616.00; Regional - Hamp- den-Wilbraham, $337,659.94. RECREATION - Community Pro- gram, $6,000.00; Memorial Day and Independence Day, $250.00;
Parks, $675.00; Playgrounds, $3,862.00. DEBT SERVICE - Schools - School Bonds and Int. (1949), $17,362.50; School Bonds and Int. (1953), $24,085.00; School Bonds and Int. (1956), $35,332.50; School Bonds and Int. (1957), $29,075.00;
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Water - Water Bonds and Int. (1955), $6,522.50; Water Notes and Int. (1953), $10,562.50; Water Notes and Int. (1958), $20,350.00.
ARTICLE 6. Voted by a majority that the Town appropriate and transfer the sum of $415,000.00 for the purpose of construct- ing, equipping and furnishing an addition of twelve classrooms, cafeteria, and auxiliary facilities at the Pines School and that to meet said appropriation, the sum of $187,556.10 be transferred from the Stabilization Fund, and the sum of $22,443.90 be trans- ferred from the Stony Hill School Building Account and that the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen be and hereby is authorized to borrow the sum of $205,000.00 under authority of Chapter 645 of the Acts of 1948 as amended, and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor, payable in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44 of the General Laws so that the whole loan shall be paid in not more than five years from the date of issue of the first bond or note.
In favor 547
Opposed 11
ARTICLE 7. Voted by a majority that the Town authorize the School Building Committee, appointed by the Selectmen June 16, 1960, to be empowered, on behalf of the Town, to proceed with the construction of the addition to the Pines School, and to enter into any and all contracts or agreements necessary to construct, equip, and furnish such school building, and that the Town appropriate and transfer the unexpended balances of the School Building Committee Account for preliminary planning and engineering services as authorized by Article 7 of the June 6, 1960 Special Town Meeting and for final plans and construc- tion bids as authorized by Article 1 of the January 16, 1961 Spe- cial Town Meeting to the Construction Account of the School Building Committee.
ARTICLE 8. Voted unanimously that the Town raise and appropriate the sum of $9,000.00 to meet the Town's share of the cost of Chapter 81 Highway work, and that, in addition, the sum of $16,500.00 be transferred from unappropriated available funds in the treasury to meet the State's share of the cost of the work, the reimbursements from the State to be returned, upon receipt, to unappropriated available funds in the treasury.
ARTICLE 9. Voted unanimously that the Town raise and
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