Annual reports, Town of Acton, Massachusetts

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TOWN
OF
ACTON
ANNUAL
m
';..-
OF GENERAL INTEREST
Incorporated as a Town: July 3, 1735
Type of Government: Town Meeting-Selectmen-Town Manager.
Location: Eastern Massachusetts, MiddlesexCounty, bordered on!
the east by Carlisle and Concord, on the west by Box-
borough, on the north by Westford and Littleton, on the,
south by Sudbury, and on the southwest by Stow an
Maynard.
Name: Acton as the name of our Town has several possible
derivations: the old Saxon word Ac-tun meaning oak
settlement or hamlet in the oaks, the Town of Acton,
England, the Acton family of England, a member of
which supposedly offered a bell for the first meeting
house in 1735.
Elevation at Town Hall: 268' above mean sea level.
Land Area: Approximately 20 square miles.
Population: Year Persons Density
1910 2136 106 per sq. mi.
1950 3510 175
1955 4681 233
1960 7238 361
1965 10188 507
1970 14578
Climate: Normal January temperature 27.7° F.
Normal July temperature 72.0° F.
Normal annual precipitation 43.02 inches.
Public Education: Pupil enrollment (October 1970):
Grades 1-6, ,2415; Grades 7-12, 2157 (Regional)
Number of teachers and administrative staff: 264
Pupil-teacher ratio: 1 to 30 (avg. elementary grades)
1 to 20 (avg. Jr. and Sr. High)
Tax Picture: Year Tax Rate Assessed Valuation
1965 $92 $18,408,058
1966 29 70, 309,795
1967 31 74, 262, 745
1968 34 79,513, 915
1969 38.50 88, 979, 095
1970 43 97,088, 304
United States Senators in Congress: Edward W. Brooke (R), Newton, Massachusetts
Edward M. Kennedy (D), Boston, Massachusetts
Representative in Congress, 3rd Congressional Dist: Philip J. Philbin (D), Clinton, Massachusetts
State Senator, Middlesex and Worcester District: . . William I. Randall, Framingham, Massachusetts
Representative, General Court, 33rd Middlesex Dist: John A. S. McGlennon, Concord, Massachusetts
Governor's Council, 3rd District: George F. Cronin, Jr., Boston, Massachusetts
. . . .
OFFICE HOURS
Town Office (Selectmen,
TreTaoswunreMraannadgeCro,lleCclteorrk) 88--44::3300 ((TTuueess.. 77::3300-p8.:3m0. p). m. ) TToowwnn HHaallll 226633--27706118
AScshsoeoslsoSrusperintendent 88--44::3300 (Tues. 7:30-8:30 p. m. ) AT-oBwnReHgalilonal H. S. 226633--55703172
Asst. School Superintendent 8-4:30 A-B Regional H. S. 263-3558
Board of Health 8-4:30 Office at 69 Hayward Rd. 263-4736
Veterans' Agent No Regular Hours At Home 263-4757
Library Hours:
Memorial Library Mon. -Fri., 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. 263-2232
Saturday, 9-5 p. m.
Citizens, W. Acton Mon., 7-9 p.m.
Tues. -Fri. 10-5 p.m.
StiS-\s£&-
ANNUAL REPORTS
Co\\
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TOWN OF ACTON
MASSACHUSETTS
FOR ITS
TWO HUNDRED AND THIRTY-FIFTH
MUNICIPAL YEAR
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER THIRTY-FIRST
1970
/REFERENCE BOOK
ACTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY
ACTON, MASSACHUSETTS
01720
Digitized by the Internet Archive
2013
in
http://archive.org/details/annualreportstow19701974acto
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
SELECTMEN-TOWN MANAGER
1
POLICE 3
FIRE 4
CIVIL DEFENSE 8
INSPECTOR OF WIRES 8
STREET LIGHT 9
BOARD OF APPEALS
9
SEALER OF WEIGHTS 9
ENGINEERING 10
PLANNING BOARD 11
HIGHWAY 12
BUILDING C.O- MMITTEE 14
BUILDING INSPECTOR 15
ELIZABETH WHITE FUND 15
HEALTH 16
CONCORD AREA COMPREHENSIVE MENTAL HEALTH CENTER 19
DOG OFFICER 19
INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS 20
DOG LICENSES 20
BIRTHS 21
SCHOOL REPORT 26
Report of the Acting Superintendent of Schools 27
Report of the High School Principal 28
Report of the Junior High School Principal 35
Pupil Personnel Services 38
Report of School Nurses 40
Report of the School Committee 41
Acton Adult Education 1970 41
School Finances 42
VOCATIONAL REGIONAL SCHOOL 46
LIBRARIES 47
RECREATION 50
1975 CELEBRATION 51
HISTORICAL COMMISSION 51
ARCHIVES 52
PUBLIC CEREMONIES 53
TOWN FOREST 54
TREE WARDEN 54
INSECT PEST CONTROL 54
HOUSING AUTHORITY 54
CEMETERIES 55
WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION 56
GOODNOW FUND
56
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 57
SEWERAGE STUDY 57
VETERANS' GRAVES 58
VETERANS' AGENT 58
TOWN ELECTION 59
STATE ELECTION „ 60
STREET DIRECTORY AND MAP (See Center fold)
TOWN MEETINGS
62
March 9, 1970 62
March 16, 1970 104
June 29, 1970 104
September 28, 1970 106
TOWN OFFICERS & APPOINTMENTS 107
CONSERVATION COMMISSION Ill
TOWN ACCOUNTANT
112
TOWN TREASURER
128
COLLECTOR
140
ASSESSORS 143
JURY LIST 144
INDEX
147

SELECTMEN—TOWN MANAGER
On March 31, 1970, the Board of Selectmen reorganized, welcoming Paul R, Nyquist as its newest
member; the Board elected Vincent M. Russo, Chairman, Paul H. Lesure, Vice-Chairman, and Paul R.
Nyquist, CLerk, the two additional members: William C. Sawyer and Charles D. MacPherson,
In September, Selectman MacPherson, for health reasons, submitted his resignation to the Board to
be effective on October 15, 1970. Mr. MacPherson's civic and public service to the Town of Acton over
the past twenty years has been outstanding. His involvement in Acton's municipal affairs has steadily con-
tributed to bettering the Town's government.
A special election was called for December 7, 1970, to fill the vacancy on the Board; William L.
Chipman was elected and took office on December 8, 1970.
The first year of the 1970's provided dramatic evidence of Acton's rapid growth during the past
decade. Official census reports tell us that the Town's population has doubled over the past ten years, and
now stands at 14, 578. The ever increasing demands for more municipal services, the constant growth in
our school population, and the requirements being placed on the Town through legislation, lead us to be-
lieve that a stabilized tax rate will not become a reality for several years to come.
While the foregoing facts have had a progressive effect and changed the character of the Town, the
economic conditions prevailing in 1970 effected many of its citizens and the Town's operations. The spiral-
ling cost of living, and increasing unemployment rate, particularly in the electronics and related fields,
resulted in a high mobility rate for Acton residents; many excellent appointed board and committee members
resigned due to job relocation in other states. The Planning Board, Finance Committee, and Permanent
Building Committee underwent a great many changes due to resignations. Needless to say these changes
put a strain on the Town's ability to maintain continuity through orderly change in board or committee
membership.
As authorized by the Annual Town Meeting in 1970, Mr. Ralph E. Dodge was appointed Acton's first
full time assessor. Mr. Dodge's position as Assistant Assessor to the three man part-time Board of
Assessors provides for the maintenance of records on a current basis. Assessment work done by the
Assistant Assessor is subject to the review and approval of the three man Board.
As a part of the Board's overall effort to improve control of expenditures, the Highway Department
was placed under the administrative control of the Town Engineer this year.
The organization of the full-time members of Acton's Fire Department as the Acton Permanent
Firefighters Local 1904, International Association of Firefighters AFL-CIO and of the full-time members
of the Acton Police Department as the Acton Branch of the Massachusetts Police Association, called for
collective bargaining. By statute the Town Manager, or his designated representatives, are responsible
for bargaining with employee organizations; the Manager chose to designate a three member committee
which, at this time is currently negotiating contracts for 1971.
Still pending before the Supreme Judicial Court is a suit against the Town relative to the issuance of
a building permit for the construction of the proposed Minuteman Shopping Center at the intersection of
Route 2 and Piper Road. The case is scheduled to be heard in March, 1971.
Another suit brought against the Town in 1969 which questioned municipal exemption from the zoning
bylaw was resolved with the Supreme Court ruling in favor of the Town. The decision permitted the Perma-
nent Building Committee to proceed on the construction of a facility to house the Town's Highway and En-
gineering departments, and the Board of Health. In October the committee received seventeen bids for
construction of the facility, and immediately after the award to the lowest bidder, work commenced on
the structure. At this time construction is in full progress, and, weather permitting, the building will
be ready for occupancy by May 1, 1971.
After many years of discussion and debate, the Town authorized funds for the demolition and removal
of the old buildings at the rear of the Town Hall which were formerly occupied by the Acton Agricultural
Holding Company and later by the Town's Highway Department. The buildings, abandoned for several years,
had become an eyesore for the Town Common and for the modern library addition which overlooked them.
The demolition of the buildings not only beautified the area and removed the potential dangers inherent to
abandoned buildings, but also provided the Town Hall and the Memorial Library with increased parking
area.
Early in 1970 the Metropolitan Boston Air Pollution Control District was established and the Town
of Acton was included in the District. On July 1, 1970, the District adopted rules and regulations effec-
tively prohibiting open burning. Although the rules and regulations provide for exceptions and exemptions
to the prohibition against open burning, the effect on many communities required overnight changeover
from burning dumps to sanitary landfill operations or approved incineration. Acton was one of the more
fortunate towns in the District having voluntarily implemented a sanitary landfill operation in the latter
part of 1968. Although abatement of open burning in order to prevent increased air pollution is definitely
a step in the right direction, we are concerned over the increased dumping of materials at the landfill.
With the continuing development of the Town we are faced with enormous quantities of brush and tree
materials which were formerly burned. The Town Manager, Town Engineer and the Regional Refuse
Disposal Committee are presently investigating all feasible methods of solving this problem.
This year there was a decrease in the number of building permits issued for new construction,
however, much of construction begun in late 1969 was completed during 1970. We are extremely concerned
about the numerous apartment houses which have been constructed along Route 2A. The Board is making
every attempt to insure that these buildings are properly constructed and safe; we are presently reviewing
all of the Town's Bylaws in order to maintain the highest standards for construction of multiple family
and single family dwellings. The Finance Committee and the Planning Board are engaged in similar reviews
in order to better assess the economic and land use implications of the apartment explosion.
increased growth continued during the year with several approvals for new businesses and industrial
buildings; the first large department store in the Town was constructed by the W. T. Grant Company on
Main Street at the intersection of Route 111; a small development of modular housing units was constructed
on Arlington Street in West Acton; we have been informed that the Banking Commission has approved the
establishment of three new banks in Acton and construction is anticipated during 1971, and presently
under discussion is a proposed business and industrial park including several hundred condominium units
on Route 2A in North Acton.
In August, William L. O'Connell, Superintendent of Schools retired after twenty-five years of service
to the Town. Mr. O'Connell's dedicated hard work and the efforts which he expended for the school system
were invaluable in placing our local and regional schools among the finest in the commonwealth. His effec-
tiveness as an outstanding administrator has been reflected over the years in the proper and orderly develop-
ment of our school facilities. We extend to him our most sincere gratitude for a job well done.
After extensive dialogue between the Board of Selectmen and the Commissioners of the Water Supply
District it was determined that no action should be taken at this time to consolidate the District with the
Town's operations.
The Water Commissioners have developed and are implementing a program that calls for closer
coordination with the boards, committees, and departments of the town. This same program provides
for sounder fiscal control, and more aggressive search for water supplies to meet future needs.
This has been an effort to acquaint you with some of the nonroutine matters that transpired within
the past year. The routine load of administrative activity increases each year as the Town grows;
however, we have managed to maintain the number of Town administrative employees at a stable figure
through the efficient use of newly developed office machinery and equipment.
In closing, the Board of Selectmen and the Town Manager wish to thank the numerous members of
boards and committees, the department heads and the Town employees for the excellent job done in 1970.
We also note with sorrow the passing of Clinton Curtis, past member of Acton's Board of Public Welfare.
Vincent M. Russo, Chairman
Paul H. Lesure, Vice-Chairman
Paul R. Nyquist, Clerk
William L. Chipman
William C. Sawyer
Board of Selectmen
Robert W. Dotson
Town Manager
Charles D. MacPherson, recipient of the
"Distinguished Citizen" award for 1970
presented by the Massachusetts Select-
men's Association.
POLICE
This report reflects an increase in the overall crime picture. This is especially noted under Breaking
and Enterings. It should be noted that approximately 5% of Breaking and Enterings are solved. This leaves
an awesome 95% unsolved.
I feel this is partially due to lack of personnel. Our population has increased from 7,238 in 1960 to
14,578 in 1970. In this period we have added only four men to the Department.
The Director of the F.B.I, has indicated that a police department should have one patrolman per five
hundred population.
Arrests and Prosecutions for the Following Offenses
Assault and Battery 7 No License in Possession 1
Being Present Where a Narcotic Drug is Found 5 No Inspection Sticker 6
Breaking and Entering and Larceny in the Non-support 3
Nighttime 4 Obstructing Registration Plate 1
Carrying Passenger Without Headgear 1 Obstructed View 1
Drunkenness 18 Operating so as to Endanger 23
Failing to Cover Load 7 Possession of Narcotic Drugs 1
Failing to Keep Right 3 Reckless Driving 1
Failing to Use Care 10 Red Light 6
Furnishing Alcoholic Beverage to Minor 1 Receiving Stolen Property 2
Kidnapping 2 School Bus Violation 4
Larceny 12 Transporting Alcoholic Beverage Being a Minor 3
Leaving the Scene of an Accident 1 Using Motor Vehicle Without Authority 2
Malicious Destruction to Property 4 Violation Town Bylaw 4
Manslaughter 2 Violation Traffic Rules 1
Juvenile Offenses: Assault and Battery
Attaching Plates 1 Operating without a License
Breaking and Entering in the Nighttime 2 Perjury
False Fire Alarm 1 Possession of Marijuana
Failing to Use Care in Stopping 1 Stop Sign
Habitual School Offender 5 Stubborn Child
Larceny 2 Transporting Alcoholic Beverage Being a Minor
Operating so as to Endanger 4 Using Motor Vehicle Without Authority
Motor Vehicle Accident Report
1969 1970 1969 1970
Total Number of Accidents covered Total Number of Pedestrians Killed
by the Department 250 320 or Injured
Total Number of Fatal Accidents 5 6 Total Number of Bicyclists Injured
Miscellaneous Statistics
Breaking and Entering and Larceny Reported 169 Radio Calls 7,112
Bicycles Registered 129 Resuscitator Used 19
Cars Checked by Patrol 289 Summonses Served 248
Cruiser Responses to Acton Medical Center 9 Summonses Sent Out of Town for Service 189
Cruiser Responses to Emerson Hospital 253 Street Lights Reported Out 47
Firearms ID Registrations 94 Telephone Wires Down 5
House Checks for Vacationists 729 Town Radio Calls 78
Metropolitan State Hospital Trips 19 Traffic Lights Not Working 13
Motorists Assisted 113 Wires Down, Light 10
Phone Calls 8,175 Officers Time Spent in Court (hours) 925
Pistol Permits Issued 196
Personnel
At present, our compliment consists of a Chief, four Sergeants and ten Patrolmen. There has been a
noticeable increase in persons interested in becoming Police Officers. This is reflected in recent Civil Ser-
vice lists that have come to the attention of the Town Manager.
In my recommendations for 1971, I indicated the need of eleven additional men and the purchase of two
additional cruisers. This would bring our total patrolmen to twenty-one, far below the F.B.I, standards.
Education
Officers George Robinson and John McNiff have been attending Northeastern University taking several
courses that will greatly improve their knowledge of the law and the methods of enforcement and public
relations, etc.
Safety and Juvenile Officer
At present, Officer William J. Durkin, Jr. in addition to his regular duties, is our Safety and
,
Juvenile Officer.
Obviously, it is impossible for a working Patrolman to handle either of the above-captioned titles
properly. This again reflects the need of additional people.
Prosecuting Officer
My special thanks to Sergeant David W. Scribner, my Prosecuting Officer, who has done a wonderful
job in Court and has helped to remove some of the burdens of my office by handling special investigations, etc.
Training
Officer David C. Flint was graduated from the State Police Academy with high academic credits. He
is doing a fine job and is a credit to the Department.
I am hoping in 1971 to establish an Auxiliary Police Force. This will allow persons who are interested
in police work to have training prior to being employed.
General
Perhaps the most critical of our problems is the ever-increasing traffic. I find our roads are incapable
of handling the traffic flow in the early morning and evening hours when people are coming and going to work.
If one would stand at Kelley's Corner from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. , they would have the feeling they were standing
on the corner in some large city.
I cannot at this time, see any means of solving the problem. I have used officers in this area to no avail.
In closing, I would like to thank all the members of my Department who worked with me in carrying out
the duties of the Police Department during the year, and to the Town Manager and my Secretary and all others
who assisted me in any way, I am grateful.
Edward J. Collins, Jr.
Chief of Police
FIRE
Total number of alarms responded to are as follows:
1969 1970
Residential 29 32
Churches and Schools 3 2
Mercantile 2 5
Manufacturing 3 3
Storage - Garages 6 5
Grass - Brush - Woods 89 43
Miscellaneous 34 52
Vehicle 25 27
False Alarms 8 11
Accidental Alarms and Smoke Scares 18 15
Emergency 49 50
Investigation 84 87
Special Service 142 112
Mutual Aid Sent 17 11
509 455