USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Wilbraham > Wilbraham annual report 1961-1965 > Part 6
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56
69
appropriate the sum of $2,000.00 to meet the Town's share of the cost of Chapter 90 Highway Maintenance, and that, in addi- tion, the sum of $4,000.00 be transferred from unappropriated available funds in the treasury to meet the State and County's share of the cost of the work, the reimbursements from the State and County to be returned, upon their receipt, to unappropriated available funds in the treasury.
ARTICLE 10. Voted unanimously that the Town raise and appropriate the sum of $6,500.00 to meet the Town's share of the cost of Chapter 90 Highway Construction, and that, in addi- tion, the sum of $19,500.00 be transferred from unappropriated available funds in the treasury to meet the State and County's share of the cost of the work, the reimbursements from the State and County to be returned upon their receipt, to unappropriated available funds in the treasury.
ARTICLE 11. Voted unanimously that the Town appropriate and transfer from the Road Machinery Fund the sum of $2,250.00 to purchase a pickup truck for the use of the Highway Depart- ment, said sum representing the net cost to the Town after de- ducting the turn in value of the old Ford pick up truck.
ARTICLE 12. Voted unanimously that the Town appropriate and transfer from the Road Machinery Fund the sum of $600.00 to purchase a two-way radio for the use of the Highway Depart- ment.
ARTICLE 13. Voted unanimously that the Town appropriate and transfer from the Road Machinery Fund the sum of $800.00 to purchase a snow plow for the use of the Highway Department.
ARTICLE 14. Voted by a majority that the Town raise and appropriate the sum of $16,700.00 for the purpose of rebuilding Faculty Street from Main Street to Mohawk Field.
ARTICLE 15. Voted unanimously that the Town raise and appropriate the sum of $4,000.00 to resurface Springfield Street from Main Street to Ripley Street.
ARTICLE 16. Voted unanimously that the Town accept as a public way the private way now known as Sunnyside Terrace, as shown on sub division plan of Sunnyside Terrace drawn by C. E. Anderson Associates dated November 1955, and filed with the Planning Board, beginning at the now accepted portion
70
of Sunnyside Terrace and running westerly for a distance of 560 feet more or less, and that the sum of $1,000.00 be appropriated and transferred from available funds and that the certified check for $1,000.00 held by the Treasurer for the purpose of guarantee- ing completion of this road by the developer be deposited and credited to unappropriated available funds.
ARTICLE 17. Voted by a majority that the Town accept as a public way the private way now known as Melikian Drive, as shown on Revised Lot Plan, Melikian Park Section A, drawn by Durkee, White, Towne, and Chapdelaine, Engineers, dated May 1960, and filed with the Planning Board, beginning at Dip- ping Hole Road and running northerly for a distance of 1074 feet more or less.
ARTICLE 18. Voted by a majority that the Town accept as a public way the private way now known as Mark Road as shown on Revised Lot Plan, Melikian Park Section A, drawn by Durkee, White, Towne, and Chapdelaine, Engineers, dated May 1960, and filed with the Planning Board, beginning at Stony
Four of the hard-working Ridge Riders 4-H Horse Club members serving cocoa and potato chips to three young skaters at Spec Pond.
Photo by H. Bogue
Hill Road and running westerly for a distance of 734 feet more or less.
ARTICLE 19. Voted unanimously that the Town accept as a public way the private way now known as Daniele Drive, as shown on sub division plan of Joseph Daniele, drawn by Cobb, Beesley & Miles, Engineers, dated May 1959, and filed in the Planning Board Office, beginning at Tinkham Road and running southerly for a distance of 643 feet more or less.
ARTICLE 20. Voted by a majority that the Town accept as a public way the private way now known as Ruth Drive, as shown on sub division plan of Shady Acres, drawn by G. M. Granger and N. F. Pigeon, Section "A" dated June 1959 and Section "C" dated March 1960, and filed with the Planning Board, beginning at the intersection of Soule Road and running northerly for a distance of 1102 feet more or less.
ARTICLE 21. Voted by a majority that the Town accept as a public way the private way now known as Chestnut Hill, as shown on sub division plan of Chestnut Hill, drawn by C. E. Anderson Associates, dated July 1957, and filed with the Plan- ning Board, beginning at North Mountain Road and running westerly and then southerly for a distance of 750 feet more or less.
This vote amended the original article - eliminating better- ments.
In favor 311 Opposed 166
ARTICLE 22. Voted by a majority that the Town appropriate and transfer from unappropriated available funds in the treasury the sum of $6,000.00 to pay the garbage collector, the receipts from garbage collection subscribers to be restored as received by the Town Collector to unappropriated available funds.
ARTICLE 23. Voted by a majority that the Town raise and appropriate the sum of $2,500.00 for the preparation and pub- lishing of a history of the Town in 1963.
ARTICLE 24. Voted unanimously that the Town appropriate and transfer from unappropriated available funds in the treasury the sum of $11,000.00 to be spent by the Water Department for additional household and business installations for water
72
service, the cost of which is to be collected by the Town and returned to unappropriated available funds.
ARTICLE 25. Voted by a majority that the Town authorize the Board of Assessors to enter into a contract with a professional firm of appraisers to make an expert appraisal of the taxable real estate and utilities of the Town, the cost of the contract and expenses incidental to revaluation not to exceed $18,000.00, the payments on the contract to be payable over a period not to exceed 3 years, and to raise and appropriate $6,000.00 to cover the 1961 portion of the cost, and the Assessors shall cause to be printed the values on all parcels reassessed, also the values of such parcels before revaluation.
This vote amended the original article.
ARTICLE 26. Voted by a majority that the Town appropriate the sum of $20,000.00 for a Reserve Fund, $10,000.00 to be transferred from the Overlay Surplus Account and $10,000.00 to be transferred from unappropriated available funds in the treasury.
ARTICLE 27. Voted unanimously that the Town raise and appropriate the sum of $15,000.00 and transfer from unappro- priated available funds in the treasury $35,000.00 for the purpose of increasing the Stabilization Fund.
ARTICLE 28. Voted unanimously that the Town raise and appropriate the sum of $850.00 to purchase a cruiser for the Wilbraham Police, said sum representing the net cost to the Town after deducting the turn in value of the present cruiser.
ARTICLE 29. Voted by a majority that the Town raise and appropriate the sum of $2,500.00 to be expended under the joint supervision of the Planning Board and the Board of Assessors for the preparation of maps and plans for the use of said Planning Board and Board of Assessors.
*NOTE - Article 32. taken up before the meeting was ad- journed to 8:00 p. m. Monday, March 13, 1961.
The meeting was called to order at 8:00 p. m. Mon- day, March 13, 1961. The Moderator appointed Thomas F. Gallagher as teller to replace Joseph M. O'Neil.
73
ARTICLE 30. Voted by a majority that the Town amend the Zoning By-Laws as follows: Delete paragraph 5, Section 15 and substitute the following: "5. In all districts, the removal of sod, loam, clay, sand, gravel, or quarried stone, from the premises on which they are located, except when incidental to and in connec- tion with construction of a building for which a permit has been issued or of a driveway, sidewalk or path serving such building or the traveled portion of a way lying within a sub division shown on a plan approved by the Planning Board and duly recorded in the Hampden County Registry of Deeds, shall be deemed a non conforming use of land and shall be permitted only if written permission of the Board of Appeals be obtained and under such conditions as the Board of Appeals may impose and make a part of the permit. The Board of Appeals shall in each instance impose such conditions as will protect the neighborhood and town against permanent and temporary hazards because of conditions which may be left after operations are completed or because of the meth- ods of handling such material at the site or of transporting such materials through the Town."
In favor 276 2
Opposed
ARTICLE 31. Voted by more than 2/3 not to amend the Zoning By-Laws by changing from Residence "A" to "Neighborhood Shopping" property located at the intersection of Boston Road and Silver Street starting at Boston Road and running southerly on Silver Street for a distance of 357 feet more or less, thence westerly along the Boston & Albany Railroad for a distance of 700 feet more or less, thence northerly for a distance of 265 feet more or less, thence easterly for a distance of 500 feet more or less, thence northerly for a distance of 160 feet more or less, thence easterly along Boston Road for 200 feet more or less to the point of beginning.
In favor 46
Opposed 253
ARTICLE 32. Voted by more than 2/3 that the Town authorize the Board of Selectmen to take by eminent domain, or acquire by purchase, at a price not to exceed $12,000.00 land to be used as a recreational area to provide for swimming, picnicking and other recreational activity, and described as follows: Generally known
74
as Spec Pond Recreational Area, a parcel of land on the northerly side of Boston Road supposed to be owned now or formerly by State Line Potato Chip Co., Inc. and Construction Service, Inc., and bounded as follows: Southerly by Boston Road, about 460'; Westerly by other land of State Line Potato Chip Co., Inc. and Construction Service, Inc. about 1582'; Northerly by the Boston & Albany Railroad Co., about 1680': Easterly by Narreau and Motyka, about 972'; Southerly by Motyka, about 730'; Easterly by Motyka, about 800'; and that the sum of $12,000.00 be raised and appropriated.
In favor Opposed
501 3
ARTICLE 33. Voted by a majority not to raise and appropriate the sum of $12,000.00 to be paid over a three year period at the rate of $4,000.00 per year to acquire by purchase, or authorize the Selectmen to take by eminent domain, the property on the east side of Main Street, being the property of the First Congrega- tional Church, commonly known as the old United Church prop- erty, for future public use, such as a library and/or an historical society, and that the Selectmen be further authorized to appoint a committee to report back at the next annual town meeting with advice as to the suitable use of said property.
In favor Opposed
231 187
This vote amended the original article.
ARTICLE 34. The original motion on this Article was with- drawn, and the following amended motion approved.
That the Town vote to accept Public Law 560, 83rd Congress, as amended and that the Board of Selectmen be authorized to enter into negotiations with the Administrator of Housing and Finance to apply for Federal Funds and that the Board of Select- men be authorized to expend the same for surveys, plans and reports with estimates of cost of a town drainage, sewerage and water studies in all its various phases with the understanding that the Town will reimburse the Federal Government for that part of the cost of the surveys allocated to a particular sewer, water or drainage project, if and when that particular sewer, water or drainage project is subsequently voted by the Town, said survey to be made by an engineer approved by the administrator, and
75
that the Town authorize the Treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen to borrow from the United States Government under the terms of Public Law 560 as amended for the purpose of mak- ing said survey for the Town of Wilbraham, Massachusetts, or take any action relating thereto.
In favor 277 9
Opposed
ARTICLE 35. Voted unanimously that the Town take no ac- tion on this Article because acceptance of this provision of the General Laws is irrevocable.
ARTICLE 36. The original motion on this Article was with- drawn, and the following amended motion was defeated:
That the Town appropriate $97,000.00 to purchase pipe and install a 10-inch water main, with appropriate hydrants, from the existing water main on Maple Street up along Mountain Road to the vicinity of Bartlett Ave., thence across Right-of-Way to the Boston Road, along Boston Road to the Palmer line; to meet said appropriation, the Town issue a bond or notes for a period not to exceed ten years, payable in accordance with provi- sions of Chapter 44 of the General Laws, and to delete the levy of special assessments as provided in General Laws, Chapter 40, Sections 42G, 42H and 42I.
(2/3 vote required)
In favor 68
Opposed 213
ARTICLE 37. Voted not to accept Section 16A of Chapter 51 of the General Laws, thereby establishing an election commission to which will be transferred all the duties with respect to elections now vested in the Registrars, the Town Clerk, the Selectmen and the Moderator, except as provided in the said section.
ARTICLE 38. Voted that the Town take no action on this Article.
ARTICLE 39. Voted by a majority that the Town raise and appropriate the sum of $600.00 for expenses for the current year to be used by the Industrial Development Committee.
ARTICLE 40. Voted by a majority that the Town accept the following By Law: "No person shall fire or discharge any fire-
76
arms or explosives of any kind within the limits of any highway, park, or other public property, or on any private property except with the written consent of the owner or tenant thereof or the agent of either; provided, however, that this By-Law shall not apply to the lawful defense of life or property, or to any discharge of firearms in accordance with law enforcement."
ARTICLE 41. The original motion on this Article withdrawn, and the following amended motion defeated:
"That the Town vote to instruct the Selectmen to discharge the moral obligation of the Town and settle claim for personal injuries of Charles E. Dorey resulting from a fall in the Town Hall Building on June 6, 1960, and that the sum of Fifteen Hun- dred ($1,500.00) Dollars be raised and appropriated for pay. ment to said Charles E. Dorey in full compromise settlement of said claim and that the Selectmen be authorized and instructed to accept a release of all claims and demands from said Charles E. Dorey upon payment of the sum herein voted."
ARTICLE 42. Voted unanimously that the Town authorize the Selectmen to sell at public auction, after first giving notice of the time and place of sale by posting such notice of sale in some con- venient public place in the Town 14 days at least before the sale, property taken by the Town under tax title procedure, provided the Selectmen, or whomsoever they authorize to hold such public auction, may reject any bid which they deem inadequate.
ARTICLE 43. Voted unanimously to take no action.
ARTICLE 44. Voted by a majority to take no action.
ARTICLE 45. Voted by a majority to take no action.
MEMORANDUM: These transactions as voted on under the original Articles 2 and 3 of the Special Town Meeting on Janu- ary 16, 1961 have already been completed. The interested parties have received their checks and the Town has in its posses- sion the deeds for these respective pieces of property.
ARTICLE 46. Voted unanimously that the Town authorize the Selectmen to institute or defend suits and employ counsel for the purpose of protecting the interests of the Town.
ARTICLE 47. Voted unanimously that the Town authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow
77
money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1961, and to issue a note or notes therefor payable within one year, and to renew any note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year in accordance with Section 17, Chapter 44 of the General Laws.
ARTICLE 48. 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 12.40 a. m. until 8:30 a. m., Saturday, March 18, 1961 at Memorial School when the Annual Town Elections will be held.
Attest: DORIS G. COCHRAN, Town Clerk
Report of Special Town Meeting JUNE 19, 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 a quorum or 266 registered voters present.
ARTICLE 1. Voted by a majority that the Town transfer from available funds in the treasury the sum of $3,000.00 to be used by the Water Commissioners for the purpose of obtaining engi- neering service and preparing a master plan for the Town of Wilbraham relative to future water main extensions, and also instruct the Water Commissioners to report to the townspeople at the next Annual Town Meeting in March 1962.
ARTICLE 2. Voted by a majority that the Town transfer from available funds in the treasury the sum of $6,000.00 to be used under the direction of the Planning Board for the purpose of a comprehensive Master Plan for the Town together with any related studies relative thereto, said sum of money to be used by the Planning Board in conjunction with any sum of money which may be allocated by the Government of the United States or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or the County of Hampden under Section 701 of the Housing Act of 1949 as amended.
The following tellers were appointed and sworn and a count
78
taken on this article: Charles E. Dorey, Dudley N. Hartt, Jr. and Mrs. Haldiman S. Putnam.
In favor
163 Opposed 35
ARTICLE 3. Voted by a majority that the Town not rescind the following By Law: "No person shall fire or discharge any firearms or explosives of any kind within the limits of any high- way, park, or other public property, or on any private property except with the written consent of the owner or tenant thereof or the agent of either; provided, however, that this By-Law shall not apply to the lawful defense of life or property, or to any dis- charge of firearms in accordance with law enforcement."
In favor 103
Opposed 88
ARTICLE 4. Voted unanimously that the Town accept the provisions of the General Laws, Chapter 139, Sections 1, 2 and 3 which establish procedures for the determination by the Select- men that a building is burned, dilapidated or dangerous and for adjudging it to be a nuisance or dangerous and prescribe its dis- position, alteration or regulation.
ARTICLE 5. Voted unanimously that the Town transfer from available funds in the treasury the sum of $500.00, to cover the cost of removing buildings adjudged to be a nuisance or danger- ous, the cost of such removal to be recovered from the owner and returned to unappropriated available funds in the treasury.
ARTICLE 6. Voted unanimously that the Town take no action on this Article.
ARTICLE 7. Voted unanimously that the Town take no action on this Article.
ARTICLE 8. 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 10:40 p. m.
Attest : DORIS G. COCHRAN, Town Clerk
79
Tree Warden
Two severe windstorms and early heavy snow featured 1961, my first year in office. Heavy damage to our shade trees resulted from these storms and the number of broken limbs and fallen trees demonstrated the over mature situation along most of our established main streets. Only a few of our established streets are blessed with young vigorous shade trees. We should like to see many areas similar to Faculty Street near the athletic fields and Springfield Street between the Red School house and Ripley Street.
During 1961 we planted 48 seedlings (mostly sugar maple) along the tree belts, this is not enough and it is hoped that double that number can be planted in 1962. School bus routes were trimmed and minor tree surgery and pruning was done on some of our streets. Twelve dead and dangerous trees were removed and four large trees were partially removed. Private tree com- panies removed four large trees and conducted line clearance work under the tree warden's supervision.
During the spring, at no cost to the town, four thousand spruce
Spooks alive! Hallowe'en in Wilbraham. Bonfire and parade sponsored by the Lions Club. Insets - some of the ingenious costumes.
NOTE: 600 doughnuts, 600 grab bags and 36 gallons of cider given out!
Photo by H. Bogue
seedlings were planted at Spec Pond Recreation area with the help of the local Girl Scouts. Also during 1961, we started a town tree nursery on town owned property with the hope that in the future years, shade tree planting can be conducted out of our own nursery at a greatly reduced cost.
Our aims for the future would consist of care and maintenance of existing shade trees, an extensive planting program and proper supervision of line clearance crews doing utility work. It is hoped that some regulation regarding proper shade tree spacing and numbers can be worked out with the planning board on streets and roadsides before acceptance by the town.
I wish to express my sincere appreciation to Highway Super- intendent Herbert Butler as well as other town departments which have helped me during the year. GORDON R. LONG
Veterans' Service Department Report
Classification of cases handled by this office and number of veterans involved are as follows:
Applications for Veterans' Benefits
1961 18
Percent
Veterans' Benefits Paid :
Ordinary Benefits only
6
Hospitalization and/or Medical Only
3
Ordinary Benefits, Hospitalization and/or Medical
5
Miscellaneous - Information, etc. 11
Total Expenditure for Ordinary Benefits
$3,393.54
67 ..
Total Expenditure for Hospitalization and/or Medical 1,660.95
32.9
Total Expenditure for Veterans' Benefits
$5,054.49
100.0
Administrative Expenses
483.60
Total Expenditure
$5,538.09
During 1961 fourteen cases were aided. As noted above, approximately two-thirds of the total Veterans' Benefits paid ($5,054.49) was paid for necessary living expenses and one-third was paid to meet medical expenses. It should be noted that an assignment is held by this office against a workmen's compensation award that should eventually result in recovery of $720.00 in- cluded in total expenditure for Veterans' Benefits for 1961.
At December 31, 1961, there are three permanent cases being aided. Two permanent cases were closed during 1961. All other cases aided were of a temporary nature. All cases aided were Wilbraham settled (5 years or more residence in Wilbraham).
81
In view of this a net reimbursement of 50% of the total expendi- ture for 1961 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 p. m. each Monday at the Town Hall, Center Square, East Long- meadow. GEORGE A. DUSENBERRY, Agent
Water Commissioners Annual Report
The year 1961 was an important one for the Water Depart- ment. 5,878 feet of new water main was laid at developers' ex- pense. There were 43 new installations. The Board regards this as approximately one-half of the normal anticipated system growth. The reason for this lack of growth is not that there are fewer homes being built, but rather that there are not water mains in the areas currently being developed.
In 1961 the financial procedures currently incumbent on the Water Commissioners resulted in outgo exceeding income by about $5,000. This will be reversed in 1962. At the present rates, and with the anticipated usage, there will be an excess of income over outgo of about $10,000 in 1962 and 1963. By 1964, this will increase to about $20,000. This, of course, assumes no capital expenditures. Current financial procedures require that this surplus go to general funds. It should be emphasized that these procedures provide no reserve for depreciation, expan- sion or unforeseen major repair costs.
In accordance with the Town's instructions, a carefully engi- neered master plan is now ready. Extensions of the present single pressure system, provision for a future dual pressure system and alternate sources of water have been studied and preliminary costs estimated. Capital monies ranging from $150,000 to $500,- 000 may well be required in the foreseeable future to extend the present water system. It should be borne in mind that these expenditures may become mandatory since the public health may be involved. In general, each $100,000 spent for water system improvement will cost $12,000 per year average on a 10-year basis, $6,800 per year average on a 20 year basis.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.