ACTON MEMORIAL UHHAHT
11
For Reference
Not to be taken from this room
/fiEFEREMCE BOOK
ACTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY
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TOWN
OF
ACTON
ANNUAL
OF GENERAL INTEREST
Incorporated as a Town: July 3, 17 35
Type of Government: Town Meeting-Selectmen- Town Manager.
Location: Eastern Massachusetts, Middles ex County, 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
1950
1955
1960
1965
1970
2136
3510
4681
7238
10188
14578
106 per sq.
175
233
361
507
mi.
Climate:
Public Education:
Tax Picture:
United States Senators in Congress:
Representative in Congress, 3rd Congressional Dist:
State Senator, Middlesex and Worcester District: . .
Representative, General Court, 33rd Middlesex Dist:
Governor's Council, 3rd District: . . . .
Normal January temperature 27.7° F.
Normal July temperature 72.0° F.
Normal annual precipitation 43.02 inches.
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)
Assessed Valuation
$18,408,058
70, 309,795
74, 262, 745
79,513, 915
88, 979, 095
97,088, 304
Edward W. Brooke (R), Newton, Massachusetts
Edward M. Kennedy (D), Boston, Massachusetts
Philip J. Philbin (D), Clinton, Massachusetts
William I. Randall, Framingham, Massachusetts
John A. S. McGlennon, Concord, Massachusetts
George F. Cronin, Jr., Boston, Massachusetts
Year
Tax Rate
1965
$92
1966
29
1967
31
1968
34
1969
38.50
1970
43
OFFICE HOURS
Town Office (Selectmen,
Town Manager, Clerk)
Treasurer and Collector
Assessors
School Superintendent
Asst. School Superintendent
Board of Health
Veterans' Agent
Library Hours:
Memorial Library
Citizens, W. Acton
7:30 p. m. )
7:30-8:30 p. m. )
7:30-8:30 p. m. )
8-4:30 (Tues.
8-4:30 (Tues.
8-4:30 (Tues.
8-4:30
8-4:30
8-4:30
No Regular Hours
Mon. -Fri., 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday, 9-5 p. m.
Mon., 7-9 p.m.
Tues. -Fri. 10-5 p.m.
Town Hall
Town Hall
Town Hall
A-B Regional H. S.
A-B Regional H. S.
Office at 69 Hayward Rd.
At Home
263-2761
263-7018
263-5012
263-5737
263-3558
263-4736
263-4757
263-2232
StiS-\s£&-
ANNUAL REPORTS
Co\\ ,
q-7f,44
/) /Si
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
in 2013
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 COMMITTEE 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
Being Present Where a Narcotic Drug is Found 5
Breaking and Entering and Larceny in the
Nighttime 4
Carrying Passenger Without Headgear 1
Drunkenness 18
Failing to Cover Load 7
Failing to Keep Right 3
Failing to Use Care 10
Furnishing Alcoholic Beverage to Minor 1
Kidnapping 2
Larceny 12
Leaving the Scene of an Accident 1
Malicious Destruction to Property 4
Manslaughter 2
No License in Possession
No Inspection Sticker
Non-support
Obstructing Registration Plate
Obstructed View
Operating so as to Endanger
Possession of Narcotic Drugs
Reckless Driving
Red Light
Receiving Stolen Property
School Bus Violation
Transporting Alcoholic Beverage Being a Minor
Using Motor Vehicle Without Authority
Violation Town Bylaw
Violation Traffic Rules
1
6
3
1
1
23
1
1
6
2
4
3
2
4
1
Juvenile Offenses: Assault and Battery
Attaching Plates
Breaking and Entering in the Nighttime
False Fire Alarm
Failing to Use Care in Stopping
Habitual School Offender
Larceny
Operating so as to Endanger
1 Operating without a License
2 Perjury
1 Possession of Marijuana
1 Stop Sign
5 Stubborn Child
2 Transporting Alcoholic Beverage Being a Minor
4 Using Motor Vehicle Without Authority
Motor Vehicle Accident Report
1969 1970
1969 1970
Total Number of Accidents covered
by the Department
Total Number of Fatal Accidents
Total Number of Pedestrians Killed
250 320 or Injured
5 6 Total Number of Bicyclists Injured
Miscellaneous Statistics
Breaking and Entering and Larceny Reported 169
Bicycles Registered 129
Cars Checked by Patrol 289
Cruiser Responses to Acton Medical Center 9
Cruiser Responses to Emerson Hospital 253
Firearms ID Registrations 94
House Checks for Vacationists 729
Metropolitan State Hospital Trips 19
Motorists Assisted 113
Phone Calls 8,175
Pistol Permits Issued 196
Radio Calls
Resuscitator Used
Summonses Served
Summonses Sent Out of Town for Service
Street Lights Reported Out
Telephone Wires Down
Town Radio Calls
Traffic Lights Not Working
Wires Down, Light
Officers Time Spent in Court
(hours)
7,112
19
248
189
47
5
78
13
10
925
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:
Residential
Churches and Schools
Mercantile
Manufacturing
Storage - Garages
Grass - Brush - Woods
Miscellaneous
Vehicle
False Alarms
Accidental Alarms and Smoke Scares
Emergency
Investigation
Special Service
Mutual Aid Sent
1969 1970
29
32
3
2
2
5
3
3
6
5
89
43
34
52
25
27
8
11
18
15
49
50
84
87
142
112
17
11
509 455
1969
1970
Box Alarms
Still Alarms
Fire Loss
Buildings
Contents
Vehicles
Miscellaneous
Assessed Value of Property Involvec
Permits Issued
Oil and Power Burners
Blasting
Liquified Petroleum
Flammable Liquids
Miscellaneous
Outdoor Burning Permits
Monies Collected
Permits
Station Rental & Insurance Claims
Miscellaneous
97
412
>48, 037.09
33,411.88
385.00
400.00
66
389
$11, 137.00
977.00
5,425.00
32,233.97 $17,539.00
$2, 220,779.00
72
40
43
38
--
3
2
2
5
7
1,465
3, 168
$ 88.00
444.00
$532.00
$ 73.00
126.00
115. 00
$314.00
Department Operation
In 1970, the Fire Department had its first "breathing spell" since 1967. The number of alarms
actually dropped during 1970, however, even with this decline in alarms the number of building fires
increased. It is still a little early to forecast a continual drop in grass and brush fires due to the imple-
mentation of the new State "no burning" law. We don't expect this year's figures to hold true in 1971.
The tempo of Fire Department activity did increase during the year. We are doing more inspection
work, more fire prevention work, and more training than ever before. We are also becoming more involved
in work on planning new sub -divisions, working with builders on new construction, working on code revisions
to insure the Town the best in new construction. A lot of time was spent to find better methods of operations,
and new equipment that could make our work more efficient with less manpower. It is becoming evident that
lack of manpower is going to be a continuing problem that will take all of our efforts to overcome.
During 1970, the Department worked cLosely with the Water District on the improvement of the water
system. The locating of new wells on High Street and the resulting extensions, connections and improve-
ments in the High and Parker Street area highlighted the Water District's effort to bring our water system
up to standards. Plans are in operation to solve the extremely serious conditions that exist in North Acton
area. When these plans become water mains and hydrants, this department will breathe a great sigh of
relief as this threat has been hanging over our heads a great many years.
Training
The training program under the direction of Captain MacGregor, gave over 2000 man hours of in-department
training to our fire fighters. In addition to regular drills for the call and paid men, special training was offered
in First Aid and other subjects by instructors from the Massachusetts Fire Academy. Through the assistance of
the Acton Water District, a large barn and house was made available for live training at the old Olsen Farm in
South Acton. During December, the department conducted training sessions over a 2 day period followed by a
Mutual Aid Drill with Concord and Maynard two weeks later. The program was highly successful and it is hoped
that more old buildings will be made available for this type of training.
Fire Fighters Hart, Caouette and Spinney attended an advanced course in fire fighting at the Fire Academy.
Acton Fire Fighters, Tobin, Craig, Calkins and Call Fire Fighter, Blaisdell are enrolled in Mass. Bay Com-
munity College working towards an associate degree in Fire Service. These men are attending classes on
their own time and paying their own expenses to further their education. Several Fire Fighters attended week-end
sessions put on by the Fire Academy at Walpole and Northbridge.
In all, the Training amounted to over 2 500 man hours or an average of 50 hours per man in the department.
Fire Prevention
From April to November, the Fire Fighters on duty conducted over 150 inspections in commercial and
industrial property. Apparatus is dispatched three times a week on inspection, weather permitting, and is
available for fire duty by radio. These inservice inspections not only get fire hazards corrected but help the
Fire Fighters familiarize themselves with the interiors of these buildings. Over 70 inspections were carried
out by the Captains on duty. These included required inspections of schools, nursing homes and special inspec-
tions of high hazard areas.
For the first time, all Acton school children in grades 1 through 6 were given a fire prevention program
while in school. This was accomplished through the cooperation of the School Department and an excellent
program set up and carried out by Fire Fighter, William H. Soar, Jr. .
Sixty boys and girls completed the "Baby Sitters Training Course" that was given by the department in
March. This was the second year that this program has been presented and it was most successful. It will
be continued as an annual event in the town.
With the assistance of the Acton Fire Fighters Association, the fire retarding of Christmas trees was
carried out in all the stations just prior to Christmas. Over 175 residents took advantage of this program.
Fire Prevention Week was a tremendous success with over 1, 000 people visiting the Fire Stations to
review the displays and equipment. Demonstrations and programs during the week were very well attended.
We definitely feel that our work in fire prevention is of primary importance and that it is through this
effort we have been able to prevent the serious fires which seem to plague some towns.
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1st grade students at the Gates School take the first
step in learning Fire Prevention.
A safe and happy Christmas is a fire retarded tree.
Fire Alarm
With Town Meeting approval granted for the major improvement of the Fire Alarm Office, work began
on what was to be a project that was to involve the entire department and would take almost a year to com-
plete. The project was divided into four sections: specifications and purchase of a new circuit console and
alarm recorders, building a console desk and installing our present equipment therein, installing over 5
miles of new alarm cable between stations, and revamping our alarm assignment cards as well as street
and business cross index files. Fire Alarm Superintendent Frost was in charge of the complete project
with Fire Fighter Caouette in charge of building the console and Fire Fighter Tobin in charge of the in-
stallation of equipment. Special mention should be given to Fire Fighters Calkins, Sweet, Perkins and
Soar, without their skills, these improvements could not have been made. If these improvements were
done by an outside contractor, the cost would have been at least $10, 000 more than we asked for at Town
Meeting. The completion of the project will increase our capability to add additional circuits, give us a
supply of spare parts for our existing equipment, and make our receipt and dispatch of alarms more ef-
ficient than in the past.
Normal repairs, improvements and extensions to the Fire Alarm system were also carried out while
work continued on the Fire Alarm Office.
In June of 1970, at a special Town Meeting, recommendations were made to the Building Code to re-
quire new apartment buildings to be equipped with Fire Alarm systems which would be connected to the
Fire Alarm Office. At the present time, seven new apartment buildings are in the process of meeting the
new requirements. We expect at the Annual Town Meeting in 1971, to require further compliance with
these Fire Safety Regulations.
The work load on the Fire Alarm Section has increased to over 900 hours in 1970, and will continue
to increase as the town grows. At the present time, over 70% of this work is carried out by Captain Frost
and his men on other than their duty hours.
The problem of maintaining and installing new aerial lines was again with us. Our present repair
vehicle is a van with no means to reach the wires in the poles which means that either the pole has to be
physically climbed or the Ladder Truck used. Pole climbing is a dangerous and exhausting job which was
given up long ago by the Utility Companies when they were required to do line work. The use of the Ladder
Truck is a misuse of an expensive piece of fire apparatus and is discouraged whenever possible. We have
been able to locate a used alarm repair vehicle that has a short power ladder and we will ask the Town for
funds to purchase this vehicle this year. Without a vehicle of this type, we will be unable to meet our com-
mitments in the Fire Alarm Division.
Personnel
During the year, call Fire Fighters John McLaughlin, Kenneth Jewell and Fred Kennedy retired from
the Department. Robert Craig was appointed to permanent Fire Fighter, replacing Richard Scribner.
The first labor contract was negotiated between the Town of Acton and the Acton Permanent Fire
Fighters Local 1904. To my knowledge, this is the first time this occurred in the town and has not presented
any problems and perhaps a better line of communication has been established between the Fire Fighters
and the Town Government. Again with pleasure, I would like to recognize the several instances when our
men provided nonfire fighting skills to carry out a project that we could not afford to carry out without
their help.
The present department manning is as follows:
Permanent Paid Personnel
Fire Chief
4 Fire Captains
12 Fire Fighters
Other - 12 men, Civil Defense Auxiliary
Call (Part Time) Personnel
2 Deputy Chiefs
3 Lieutenants
31 Call Fire Fighters
Building and Grounds
Through the year, the following work was carried out by the men on duty. All apparatus floors were
painted, the apparatus room was painted in South Acton and two offices and the kitchen were painted in Acton
Center. Much of the work done in West Acton centered around the Fire Alarm Office although walls were
washed in the entire station early in the spring.
Several jobs that were to be done by outside contractors were never carried out due to the difficulty
of obtaining people to do the work. These jobs will have to be carried out during 1971.
Equipment
In September of 1970, the new Rescue Truck was
delivered and put in operation. The old Rescue Truck was
assigned to the Civil Defense Auxiliary and will be used as
a service unit that can provide electric power, floodlights
or fresh air for our Air Masks. A replacement for the
Brush Truck (Engine 5) was approved at Town Meeting and
the contract awarded in August. Delivery is not expected
until the fall of 1971.
An air compressor and filter system were purchased
for the South Acton station and will be used to fill our com-
pressed air tanks for our breathing equipment.
I would like to thank the Acton Rotary Club for their
donation of a high expansion foam maker for the new Res-
cue Truck. The willingness of the Acton service clubs to
"lend a hand" for specialized equipment has been most
gratifying. New Rescue Unit and Equipment
Frequency of required repairs to our base radio station has increased measureably during the last
year due to the age of the equipment. The radio is at least 14 years old and twice during 1970 the radio was
out of commission from four to six hours. I have recommended that the radio be replaced with a new unit
in 1971.
Also listed for replacement will be the pick-up truck that was put in service in 1968. The truck was
built from two wrecked vehicles that were purchased under the surplus program and is used by the Captains
on duty to carry out inspections, investigations and other required assignments. The present vehicle is in
pretty rough condition and will require extensive work to keep it in operation if it is not replaced.
Program of 1971
In my 1969 annual report, I discussed with growing concern the problems we were facing in the
North Acton area, I stated that the area would create problems within two years that could not be ignored.
Unfortunately, the 2A area developed more rapidly than anticipated and a serious condition exists right now.
The problem is the multiple dwellings, thirty buildings built since 1967, and eight presently under construc-
tion with shopping centers, an office park and a six hundred unit condominium waiting to start. This does
not include the industrial or commercial building that has occurred since 1967. This area is primarily
served by the Acton Center Station which is basically equipped with the same amount and type of apparatus
as it was in 1946. With the exception of two paid men on duty during the day, the manpower situation is
worse than 1946. After 4:30 p.m. , the station operates on a call basis. This causes a delay in response
of the apparatus of five to ten minutes and when we are responding to a multiple dwelling, housing close to
fifty people, the situation is dangerous. Our Ladder Truck is located in South Acton and after the paid men
are off duty, it requires close to ten minutes before it could arrive at a fire in the North Acton area. In
reviewing all the facts, it becomes apparent that with the lack of manpower and Ladder Service, the delay
in response of apparatus and the distance required to travel from Acton Center to the heavily built-up sec-
tion, we can no longer provide adequate protection to this area.
This problem is of great concern to the Town Officials and meetings have been held with the Selectmen
and the Town Building and Land Acquisition Committee to develop a plan to improve the protection. A fire
station in the area is the logical conclusion, but I cannot see how this town, faced with many financial prob-
lems, can afford a fourth fire station plus the men and equipment to staff it. The next solution would be to
relocate the Center station nearer the Great Road and Main Street area. However, a site is not yet decided
upon and even if it were, it would be three to four years before the station would be operational.
The Town must take steps to improve this situation during 1971, and the first step is to man the
Center station on a 24 hour basis with paid men. This will eliminate having to wait for the call men to
arrive at the station to drive the apparatus and will cut the response time down considerably.
Providing additional Ladder service will be next while planning continues to secure an operational
station in the area no later than 1975.
I would like to thank the men of the Fire Department, the Auxiliary Department for their excellent
cooperation and support. I also wish to thank the several Boards and Town Departments for their assistance.
Thomas J. Barry, Jr.
Fire Chief
CIVIL DEFENSE
Of the $450 appropriated for Civil Defense in 1970, $202. 27 was routine expenses, including telephone;
$85. 10 was used in expenses for training; $147. 50 was expended for a radio receiver to monitor Fire De-
partment radio communications. The total expenditure was $434.87. One thousand three hundred dollars
remains in unexpended articles for Civil Defense use.
An article has been submitted for inclusion in the annual warrant requesting $300 for the purchase
of protective clothing for the Auxiliary Fire Department. A budget increase of $50 has also been requested;
this increase is primarily due to telephone charges.
Mobile communications units of the Acton Civil Defense Agency were used on October 31st (Halloween)
to assist the Police Department in protecting town property and schools.
John F. McLaughlin
Director
INSPECTOR OF WIRES
Two Hundred Fifty-Four permits were issued and fees collected were turned over to the Treasurer.
Leslie F. Parke
STREET LIGHT
We now have within the Town of Acton 598 streetlights.
In several instances requests for streetlights were not recommended by the Committee since the pro-
posed location would aid only the petitioner and not materially affect the overall lighting of the town.
We subscribe to the policy adopted with the formation of the Committee that new streetlights, in most
instances, will be installed only at street intersections, dangerous curves, fire alarm boxes and locations
designated as hazardous by the Fire Chief, Police Chief, or this Committee.
The Committee extends to the Town Manager and the Board of Selectmen their sincere appreciation
for their cooperation during the year 1970.
Leslie F. Parke, Chairman
Booth D. Jackson
H. Stuart MacGregor
BOARD OF APPEALS
The Acton Board of Appeals held 13 Public Hearings during the year 1970 on the following matters:
Petitions for earth removal:
Granted 2; Denied 1.
Petitions for specific uses and exceptions:
Granted 4; Denied 1.
Variances from requirements of the Protective Zoning Bylaw:
Granted 3; Denied 0; Pending 1.
Flood Plain Zoning:
Granted 1.
John J. Bush, Jr., Chairman
H. W. Flood, Clerk
Edward G. Schwarm
SEALER OF WEIGHTS
Total number of devices inspected - 159; sealed - 157; not sealed, not legal in trade - 2.
Sealing fees collected and paid to Town Treasurer - $281. 80.
George K. Hayward
ENGINEERING
During 1970 the Engineering Department offered its services to the many Town Committees, Com-
missions, and Boards which requested assistance. We continue to provide the day-to-day service for the
general public seeking information pertaining to deeds, filed plans, zoning information, and other data
available through this office.
Assistance requested by the Board of Selectmen included the following: we undertook several inves-
tigations and prepared recommendations regarding Hatch Act petitions and apparent violations; prepared
the Contract Drawings and Specifications for the Reconstruction of Adams Street; performed field survey;
continued preliminary design for the D. P. W. Building and after a favorable vote by the Annual Town
Meeting and the favorable decision of the Supreme Judicial Court of a suit filed against the Town relative to
the use of the "Bursaw Land" on Forest Road for the D. P. W. facility, I became the Permanent Building
Committee's representative to the architect for the final plans and specifications for the building. The con-
tract for the building has been awarded and construction is proceeding. In order to minimize costs to the
Town, I am acting as Clerk of the Works for this project.
During 1970, many meetings were held with both the Commonwealth of Massachusetts D. P. W.
Engineers and concerned citizen groups relative to the widening and reconstruction of Route 2. After these
meetings, I submitted three plans which were alternatives to the plan submitted by the State, to the Board
of Selectmen. These in turn were sent to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as the Town's proposals for
changes. These alternative plans were formulated by the consideration and melding of all proposals sub-
mitted to the Board of Selectmen.
Specifications were written for the illumination of the softball field and tennis courts at Elm Street
Playground. Bids were received and were rejected due to insufficient funds. Specifications are now being
rewritten for the illumination of the softball field only.
This year more than ever before the Engineering Department worked closely with the Highway De-
partment. The administration of the Highway Department was assumed by the Town Engineer. The En-
gineering Department designed several small drainage projects and laid out the sidewalks on Prospect
Street. We were, as usual, on tap for all the day by day engineering problems which arise in the Highway
Department.
The Engineering Department reviewed plans for eleven subdivisions during 1970 and made engineering
comments and suggestions to the Planning Board. We also performed periodic inspections of subdivisions
during the construction season. Subdivision Approval not Required plans were also reviewed and comments
passed on to the Planning Board.
The Board of Assessors received its Atlas, revised and corrected to January 1, 1970. In conjunction
with the revisions, the Board was supplied with information necessary for updating the street and parcel
card file. Copies of all deeds for property transferred in 1969 were filed. Work has been started on revisin|
the Town Atlas through 1970. Additional help was given to the Board in solving various problems related to
disputed land ownership and area. Sets and sheets of the Town Atlas, sold by the Assessors, were prepared
and sent out for printing.
In addition, the following routine work was done by this Department: maintaining and updating of Town
Street, Zoning, Fire and Police Maps; issuance of Street Cut Permits, numbering over 150 and inspection of
these street cuts; supplying the general public with information about properties, roads, drainage and other
related matters.
During 1970, Mr. David Abbt and Mr. Richard Bailey attended the Lowell Tech In-Service Training
Program. Both have achieved excellent academic ratings.
The amount of work, as well as the accuracy and precision with which this year's program has been
accomplished are the fruits of our first year as a fully manned department.
I especially wish to extend my sincere thanks to every member of the Engineering Department,
Highway Department and secretarial staff, as well as to all Town Committees and Boards which have coop-
erated with me to make 1970 the most successful year in the Engineering Department's history.
Anthony L. Galeota, Jr.
Town Engineer
10
PLANNING BOARD
The Planning Board, during the fiscal year of 1970, has been beset with many adverse and
controversial problems. Of major significance was the resignation of four members, representing
many years of experience. Mrs. Beatrice Perkins resigned in April after completing a five year
term; Mr. David Tinker resigned in October after serving thirteen continuous years; Mr. Cameron
resigned in November and Mr. Coull in December, each having served two years. A recapitulation
of the organization of the Board during the year is as follows:
1970
Jan.
(Chairman)
Beatrice C.
Perkins
* April
(Clerk)
Edward A.
Chambers
D. Pierre G.
Cameron, Jr.
David P.
Tinker
James M
Coull
May
* John F.
Pasieka
(Clerk)
Chambers
(Chairman)
Cameron
* Nov.
Tinker
* Oct.
Coull
* Dec.
Dec.
(Clerk)
Pasieka
(Chairman)
Chambers
** Robert H.
Gerhardt
** Eric D.
Bradlee
(Open)
* Resigned
** Replacing *
Subdivision Control is a major responsibility of the Board and most time consuming. Seven
preliminary and eleven definitive plans were acted on this year. Of the eleven definitive plans, seven
were approved, creating approximately 90 additional building lots; one plan of 28 lots was disapproved,
and the remaining three plans are still under consideration.
Many extra hours and meetings with various town boards and committees, as well as outside
consultation services, were necessitated in order to properly evaluate the impact on the town by the
proposal of two abutting subdivisions on Great Road, North Acton; namely, Minuteman Business and
Industrial Park and Town Line Industrial and Business Park. Six hundred condominium units with
recreational facilities, as well as an office park and a 15 to 20 acre shopping center, are being
proposed in the combined two subdivisions. Conditions to the approval of these subdivisions are
being finalized at this time.
Other duties of the Board, including reviewing and signing plans not subject to subdivision control,
site plan recommendation, road drainage problems, and various routine procedures, left the Board
little time to consider long range planning. Although the services of Charles Downe, Planning Consultant,
have been utilized, specifically in the area of apartments and studies of Acton Village Centers, each year
it becomes more apparent that a planner is needed. The Board once again recommends that this be
considered.
Several articles for amending the Protective Zoning Bylaw were presented at the Annual Town Meeting
and approved by vote of the townspeople. These included: Revised Off-Street Parking and Loading Bay
Space Requirements for Industrial and Business Districts; Revised Intensity Regulations for Multi -family
uses; Changing the protection for non- conforming uses from 5 years to 2 years; Adding a section to provide
protection to lots held in single ownership in the Industrial and Business zones; and a new section for
Site Plan Approval. Although no amendments to the Zoning Bylaw were recommended for a fall town
meeting or the 1971 Annual Town Meeting, the Board is continuing its research in the areas of revised
zoning in the village centers, cluster zoning, and revised land use planning consistent with the Town Master
Plan. Also to be included in the agenda of 1971 is the updating of the Subdivision Rules and Regulations.
The Board would like to convey their appreciation to the various Boards, Committees, and Departments
of the Town for their cooperation during the past year. A special thank you to the Engineering Department for
their continuing assistance with subdivision control, street acceptances and their attendance at the Planning
Board meetings, and to our secretary, Mrs. Arnold Woodward.
Edward A. Chambers, Chairman
John F. Pasieka, Clerk
Eric D. Bradlee
Robert H. Gerhardt
11
Highway
I herewith submit the annual report of the Highway Department for the year 1970, categorized
as follows:
Chapter 81 - Maintenance - During the summer a number of streets were scraped, patched, swept
and then resurfaced with asphalt and sand. They included the following:
Alcott Street (part) *
Arlington Street (part)
Billings Street
Brook Street
Carlisle Road
Cross Street
Davis Road
Fletcher Court
Fort Pond Road
Hammond Street
Harris Street
Hayward Road
Hosmer Street (1400')*
Liberty Street
* Surfaced with Type I Bituminous Concrete
Maple Street
Martin Street
Nagog Hill Road
Newtown Road
Pine Street
Pope Road
River Street *
Robbins Street
Stow Street
Strawberry Hill Road
Sylvia Street
Wampus Avenue
Wetherbee Street
Wheeler Lane
General Highway - During the summer months, the villages were swept when possible,
the town roads were swept and all the road sides were mowed.
Most of
A lot of work was done during this year in the Town Hall area. Three buildings were removed.
The old Highway Department office became the home of the Fire Department's fire alarm equipment. The
old Tree Department building became a garage for our bulldozer at the sanitary land fill operation. Our
wood and storage shop was torn down under the wrecking bar of a contractor. All trees, except three,
were cut. The land was cleared; fill and gravel were hauled in and the area was graded and rolled. Stone
dust was applied until the fill settled, then it was hot -topped with a binder course. The top course will be
laid next year.
River Street, Arlington Street, from Central Street to Summer Street, were resurfaced with a minimum
of one and one half inches of Type I Bituminous Concrete. The driveway approaches will be done next year .
Bulette Road, Esterbrook Road, and 800 feet of Quarry Road were scarified, re -shaped, and processed;
gravel was added, then they were graded and rolled. Two applications of asphalt were applied with sand cover.
At the new Department of Public Works Building site, all of the trees were cleared and it was leveled
for the contractor to start work.
Signs and Lines - All center -lines and parking areas were repainted. With the help of the Lions Club,
the crosswalks were also painted. The defaced, stolen, and broken signs were replaced.
Care of Grounds - At the Elm Street playground, a sidewalk was installed. The area was loamed and
seeded. The ice skating rink was filled in. The basketball courts received a final playing surface and back
boards were erected. A few more pieces of play equipment were added.
Goward Field received a little more playing area by the removal of our wood and storage shed. This
area was loamed and seeded.
All of the town grounds received their usual 3-1/2 tons of fertilizer and they were all mowed.
Chapter 90 - Construction - Our Chapter 90 started this year from the Boxboro town line 2100'
southerly with a total reconstruction of a 30 foot travelled way. This consisted of an 18" minimum cut
to a section of 200 feet near the Boxboro line and a cut of 11 feet was incurred to eliminate all the peat.
In this section of roadway, there were two (2) 60 foot arch pipes, 58" by 36" installed. This was in the
11 foot cut, which hampered us somewhat.
There was 112 feet of 18" pipe, 324 feet of 15" and 760 feet of 12" pipe installed, plus 15 structures.
The road foundation consisted of a good 18 inches of gravel borrow, graded and rolled. Some 3, 697
gallons of MC-70 asphalt were applied as a penetration. A 3" course of Type I Bituminous Concrete base,
1, 641 tons, then was applied.
12
ADAMS STREET
August 14, 1970
Before Construction
ADAMS STREET
October 13, 1970
After Construction
MINOT AVENUE
August 14, 1969
Before Construction
MINOT AVENUE
October 19, 1970
After Construction
All driveways will be finished next spring. The catchbasins will be raised and all slope work
will be completed, along with the berm and the top 2-1/2 inches of Type I Bituminous Concrete.
Chapter 90 - Maintenance - Our Chapter 90 - Maintenance, in conjunction with bond money under
Article #23 of our annual Town Meeting, was the section of North Main Street from Rte 2A to the Carlisle
town line. This section received a resurfacing of 1-1/2 inches of Type I Bituminous Concrete, a total of
2,389 tons.
Sanitary Land Fill Area - A great portion of the area was cleared of trees in the early spring so
the gravel could be used for our land fill operation.
13
The land fill lifts are filling much faster now that we cannot burn anything at the site any longer.
The Girl Scouts have the paper concession as you enter the Sanitary Land Fill area. We hope the
townspeople will keep tying their papers and it would be appreciated, when depositing the bundles in the
container, if everyone would pile the papers as far front and as high as possible. The Girl Scouts are
paid on a tonage basis.
Snow - The most strenuous part of our department's activities is during the snow months. The men
and machines put in long, hard hours. During a storm we use eight (8) sanders, eighteen (18) plows, two (2)
front-end loaders, and one (1) sidewalk plow. The department is required to pick up more snow now as the
sidewalks were put in this year. In addition, we remove snow from one side of Prospect Street, from Main
Street to Massachusetts Avenue.
Snow fence was installed on Wetherbee Street, School Street, North Main Street, Summer Street,
Piper Road, and Central Street.
Sand and salt were made available to the townspeople, as were snow markers.
Sidewalks - This fall we constructed a new sidewalk on the west side of Prospect Street, from Main
Street to Massachusetts Avenue. Some poles had to be moved, two (2) catchbasins had to be relocated, and
fire structures had to be built.
In the spring, the sidewalk will be backed up with loam and then seeded.
New Equipment - At the annual town meeting in March, it was voted to purchase a new sweeper,
which we received late in the year. It is an Elgin Pelican Sweeper and has worked very well to date. We
also received two (2) additional pieces of snow equipment. One is a Mack L.J. model ten ton and the other
an F. W. D. with plow frame wing mast and under scraper. They will be put into operation early in January
of 1971. We also received two '2) mobile radios and one (1) mud-sucker pump.
To the men of my department I want to say "thank you" for the long hours put in during the ice and
snow storms and all the related work done by them. My thanks to the other Town Departments for their
help in completing our many projects throughout the year.
Allen H. Nelson
Superintendent
BUILDING COMMITTEE
During the year 1970, the Acton Permanent Building Committee worked on the following projects:
1. Minot Avenue School: Construction started on the Minot Avenue School in April 1970. Construction
at the end of the year was about 40% complete.
2. Public Works Building: Working drawings were completed in the summer of 1970 and the project was
bid in the early fall. Bids were received and construction started about November 1, and the building
is scheduled for completion by May 1, 1971.
3. High School Addition: The Permanent Building Committee was requested to assist on the High School
Addition. The Permanent Building Committee with four other members representing the Acton-Boxboro
School Committee has been at work since the first of October on the preliminary planning of the High
School.
During the year Richard L. Hodgman, John Boyd and Thomas Rizzo resigned from the Committee.
Wallace Everest, Donald Perkins and Edward Morrill were appointed as Committee members and
Mr. Thomas J. Regan was appointed as Chairman.
Thomas J. Regan, Chairman Donald Perkins
David G. Hurley Edward Morrill
Wallace Everest Harry Morse (School Committee)
14
BUILDING INSPECTOR
Single dwellings and multiple dwellings reversed position in 1970 as the number of single dwellings
constructed in the Town of Acton showed a marked decline.
While the overall financial outlook shows a decrease of about $700, 000. 00 in estimated cost of total
construction, apartment construction has, for the first time, exceeded single dwelling construction by
$1,137,850.00.
The new Building Code was approved by the Annual Town Meeting, approved by the Attorney General
on September 25, 1970, printed and available shortly thereafter. The enacting of the new code has done
much to clarify local requirements as they pertain to construction in the Town of Acton.
A complete list of permits for the year 1968 is listed below:
Area No. of Permits
Residential
Single Dwellings
Multi -Family Dwellings
Additions, repairs
Garages
Porches
Swimming Pools
Miscellaneous
Commercial
Business Buildings
Total
Fees for Building Permits
Violation of Zoning & Building Laws
8 Use Violations
1 Intensity Regulation Violation
2 Setback Violations
6 Unlicensed Signs
3 Buildings Constructed without Permit
1 Swimming Pool in use without Permit
2 Buildings without Certification of Location
Estimated Cost
85
$2,363,
150. 00
30 bldgs. -455 units
4,401,
000. 00
87
199,
260. 00
6
29,
600. 00
17
52,
405. 00
27
143,
985. 00
36
271,
675. 00
7
557,
500. 00
295
$8, 018,
575. 00
Receipts
$13,
410.00
Action
8 corrected
1 corrected
2 changed
3 removed, 3 licensed
3 permits issued
1 permit issued
2 work stopped until
certified
Kenneth E. Jewell
Building Inspector
ELIZABETH WHITE FUND
The Trustees of the Elizabeth White Fund have signed orders to the Town Treasurer totalling $885. 000.
Hazel P. Vose
Eleanor P. Wilson
Helen B. Wood
Trustees
15
HEALTH
Board of Health
This year the work of inspection of individual sanitary sewage disposal systems has continued to require
the majority of the time spent in the performance of my duties. Other aspects of environmental sanitation as
well as administration of health programs are an ongoing function.
On December 28, 1970, the Board of Health adopted a comprehensive set of Rules and Regulations in an
effort to aid the Town of Acton in its population growth. This set of rules and regulations was developed after
a year of public and private hearings with various State representatives of the Public Health Department,
local and neighboring town officials and boards, and the general public of the Town of Acton.
The several areas covered by these rules and regulations include:
Article I - General applicability and administration.
Article II - Minimum Standard of Fitness for Human Habitation
Article III - Housing and Sanitation Standard for Farm Labor Camps
Article IV - Sanitation Standard for Recreational Camps for Children
Article V - Minimum Standard for Sanitary Landfill Operation
Article VI - Minimum Standard for Swimming Pools
Article VII - Minimum Standard for Bathing Beaches
Article VIII - Minimum Standard for Developed Family-Type Camp Grounds
Article IX - Minimum Sanitation Standard for Private Water Supply
Article X - Minimum Sanitation Standard for Food Service Establishments
Article XI - Minimum Requirements for Disposal of Sanitary Sewage in Unsewered Areas
Article XII - Minimum Requirements for the Keeping of Animals
The published copies will be available at the Board of Health Office, Town Hall and Library for a
nominal fee of $2. 00.
In October 1970, the Acton Water District began increasing the concentration of fluorine in Acton's water
supply to an optimum of one parts per million as ordered by the Acton Board of Health.
At this optimum concentration of one part per million, fluorine will significantly reduce dental cavities
in children and adolescents without producing side effects in any age group. The cost for this program is
relatively small and is borne by the Water District.
I wish to thank the Board of Health members, Town officials, and all the Town Departments for their
support. Sincere appreciation is extended to the Health Department staff, the physicians, and the citizens
who have helped make our programs possible.
The following report summarizes the services and activities of the Department for 1970.
Bradford S. Leach, R. S.
Director
Septic Tank Care
All citizens of Acton are reminded of the Board of Health recommendation of the 1967 Annual Report
on the subject of septic tank care.
A septic tank system will service a home satisfactorily only if it is properly located, designed, con-
structed and adequately maintained. Even a good system which does not have proper care and attention may
become a nuisance and a burdensome expense.
Neglect of the septic tank is the most frequent cause of damage to the leaching systems. When the tank
is not cleaned, solids build up until they are carried into the underground leaching pipe system, where they
block the flow of the liquid into the soil. When this happens, the leaching system must be uncovered, cleaned
and relocated--a costly undertaking. The precautions of periodic inspection and cleaning of the tank prevent
this needless expense and work.
16
■\ 7;
£Z
INLET
SCUM
^
CLEAR LIQUID
SOLIDS
13
OUTLET
The frequency of cleaning depends on the size of the septic tank and the number of people it serves.
When a garbage grinder is used, more frequent cleaning will be required. With ordinary use and care, a
septic tank usually requires cleaning every two years. The homeowner can make measurements and decide "
for himself when his tank needs cleaning. When the total depth of scums and solids exceeds one -half of the
liquid depth of the tank, the tank should be cleaned. The accumulated solids are ordinarily pumped out by
companies that make a business of cleaning septic tanks. Your local health department knows which local
companies do this work satisfactorily. The solids removed should be buried or disposed of in a manner ap-
proved by your local health department to avoid obnoxious odors and health hazards.
There are no chemicals, yeasts, bacteria, enzymes or other substances capable of eliminating or
reducing the solids and scum in a septic tank so the periodic cleaning is unnecessary. Contrary to some
beliefs, the addition of such products is not necessary for the proper functioning of a septic tank disposal
system.
Home Care Program
The Advisory Board of the Emerson Hospital Home Care program is made up of a representative
from the Board of Health from each of the six towns included in the agency.
Mr. Edwin Richter, a member of the Acton Board of Health represents Acton on this board.
During the summer, Miss Virginia Whitney, R.N. , resigned from her position as Regional Supervisor
to return to academic pursuits. Miss Eleanor Madden, R.N. , B. S. , is now the executive officer for the
Emerson Hospital affiliated Community Nursing Program.
The Emerson Hospital Home Care Program is available to all residents of Acton. The goal of
the Home Care Program is prevention of disease and promotion of health administered under the three
broad categories of: Communicable Disease Control, Maternal and Child Health Care and Adult Health
Guidance.
This service promotes an organized plan of follow-up care for hospital patients and for those outside
the hospital who need skilled nursing care, physical therapy and medical social work services as prescribed
by their physician.
The public health nurse is concerned with people as patients and family members, and with how they
adapt to their environment. When the public health nurse visits a family she is able to include the entire
family as part of health supervision. The initial visit of the nurse to the home usually involves an assessment
of the health status of all family members. On succeeding visits the discussion is centered on the illness, the
care being received, and the changes involved in planning the pattern of care. The age group of members such
as the children may present a spectrum of health measures which could be introduced in the form of anticipa-
tory guidance.
Many of the visits the public health nurse makes are involved in the care of the elderly. The problems
of increasing disability due to the aging process include physical, mental and emotional changes. Authorities
believe the aged should live in their own homes and maintain independence as long as possible. The public
health nurse has the opportunity to promote a safe and comfortable environment, to provide physical care,
and evaluate the other needs of this age group. These needs and anxieties may include such areas as sup-
port and encouragement at the loss of a partner, assistance and reassurance in arranging economic matters
and use of leisure time.
The Home Care Coordinator working in the hospital has continued as a positive force in providing organized
home care for the patient. There has been a slow, steady increase in the number of referrals. Case conferences
have been initiated with the Coordinator, the Hospital Nurse and the Public Health Nurse caring for the patient.
The Concord Family Service Association and the Emerson Hospital Home Care Program have continued
their plans in initiating a Homemaker Home Health Aide Program. The Homemaker Home Health Aide will
give personal care and provide related housekeeping services for the patient in the home. The first training
class of aides will begin in early 1971.
17
The above services are available to all residents of Acton and are supported by town taxes under the
Board of Health, third party payees such as Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance programs and individual
fees. Due to continued restrictions in Medicare and Medicaid some patients are no longer eligible for finan-
cial coverage under these programs.
The Home Care Program attempts to provide a pattern of care that is accessible and acceptable to
meet an established need in the community. Home Care may not be the solution to all problems for all
patients, but for selected patients it may shorten hospital stay, prevent frequent readmission to the hospital
or forego the need for nursing home care.
Preventive Bedside Nursing Program
Maternal and Child Health 232
Arthritis 235
Cardio- Vascular Disease 332
Cerebral Vascular Disease 116
Cancer 24
Multiple Sclerosis 73
Diabetes 24
Injuries 111
Other 223
Total 1,411
Under 28 days
28 days to 1 year
1 year to 4 years
5 years to 19
21 years to 44 years
45 years to 64 years
65 years and over
Plus
Total
10
18
26
109
165
373
669
1, 370
41 not home
1,411
Total Individuals 520
Total Visits 1,411
Total Physical Therapy Visits - Consultations 13
Total Social Worker Visits and/or Consultations 25
Medicare Re-Imbursement
All Others (Blue Cross, Patient Veterans, Welfare)
Total for 1970
Communicable Disease Control Program
Rubella (German Measles) Vaccine Program
Preschool
Grades 1, 5, 6, 7
Total
D. T. Booster - Grade 9
Mumps Immunization - Grades 1, 2, 3, 4
Tuberculin Screening - Grades 1, 4, 7, 9, and 30 faculty
Communicable Diseases Reported for 1970
$5,016.00
3, 265.01
$8, 281.01
120
951
1, 071
175
683
1,242
Chicken Pox
Mumps
Animal Bites
Hepatitis
Meningitis
92
23
6
4
2
Streptocaccal Infection 7
Salmonella 1
German Measles 1
Tuberculosis 1
Chapter III, Section 111 of the General Laws, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, requires that all communicable
diseases must be reported to the Board of Health, 263-4736.
Births: Premature - 13
ji Inspections
I Food Handling Establishments
I Schools and Kindergartens
Swimming Pools
J Slaughtering
Nursing Homes
Permits fa Licenses Issued
Burial or Removal Permits
Catering Permits
Kindergarten fa Nursery Schools
Offal Transport
Milk Store
Milk Dealers
No.
Permits & Licenses Cont'd.
No.
Fees Collected
24
Total Collected Misc. Items
$
728.
36
12
Plumbing Permits
264
4,
670.
50
27
Gas Permits
262
2,
600.
00
0
Sewage Works Permits:
2
New at $25.00
Repairs fa Alterations at $5.00
111
29
Total Collected for Sewerage
2,
940.
00
Installer's Permits
53
26 at $10.00
360.
00
1
1 at $25.00
25.
00
9
6
15
Town Nurse Services
8,
281.
01
Total Transferred to Town
6
Treasurer
$19,
604.
87
Donald R. Gilberti, Chairman
Edwin Richter
John C. Rouse, M. D.
Board of Health Members
CONCORD AREA COMPREHENSIVE MENTAL HEALTH CENTER
Among the services made available to the residents of Acton through the co-operation of the Board of
Health are those of the Concord Area Comprehensive Mental Health Center which is supported, in part, by
a modest contribution from our town budget. Adults, teenagers and children who are experiencing difficulty
in functioning in their day-to-day lives because of emotional problems have a variety of types of professional
help offered to them through the Center and its component agencies. Outpatient care through individual,
family and group therapy, as well as a nursery school for emotionally disturbed children and a day care
center for adults and teenagers are available through the Walden Guidance Association, as is consultation
service to the schools. For those who are experiencing a life crisis of such dimension that short-term care
in a therapeutic environment is required, in-patient services are available through the psychiatric unit of
Emerson Hospital.
Educational and supportive functions are carried out through the efforts of the Mental Health Associa-
tion of Central Middlesex which offers: speakers on Mental Health to local groups; seminars for clergy,
teachers, and lay people; volunteer opportunities for those who would like to help; and a variety of other
programs which emphasize the outreach of the Center into the communities.
During the past year, more than a hundred and twenty-five Acton families sought help from the Center,
of whom some went directly while others were referred by the schools, clergy, physicians, or others. It
is anticipated that, as community awareness of the Center and its services increases, the number of families
getting help will increase significantly.
Walden Guidance Clinic
Emerson Hospital Psychiatric Ward
Mental Health Association of Central Middlesex
DOG OFFICER
It has been a busy year for the Dog Officer. Early in the year the Harvard Medical School cut way down
on the number of dogs it needed and this fall stopped taking dogs completely, and since I have never liked to
destroy a good animal, I have kept many stray dogs much longer than the ten days required and paid for by
the County, trying to place them in good homes --all of which is costly and time-consuming. At this writing
I have several unclaimed dogs waiting to be placed and if the present situation continues, should have nice
dogs available for adoption most of the time.
19
My records show that, as of December 7, 1970:
1. 1360 dog licenses were issued (approximately 100 more than in 1969), necessitating the sending of
500 reminders.
2. 49 unidentifiable dogs were picked up, of which number 7 were sent to the Harvard Medical School,
2 were destroyed, 1 was sold, 8 placed in homes, and 31 eventually claimed by their owners.
3. 15 dog bites were investigated.
4. 201 dogs were reported lost, most of which were presumably found.
5. Innumerable complaints of various kinds were discussed, some at great length, and most of the
problems resolved to the satisfaction of all concerned.
May I reiterate that the one single problem causing the most complaints and the only one which I am
powerless to solve under the present set-up is that of female dogs in season who are confined at home and
attract males from miles around. Most of the complaints in this regard come from the owners of females,
who want me to remove the congregating dogs and require their owners to keep them at home. This is clearly
impossible under these circumstances and has necessitated the owners of the males to kennel their dogs in
some cases. I firmly believe that the town should adopt a law requiring that all female dogs be kenneled
during this period.
Patrick Palmer
Dog Officer
INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
Premises Inspected
33
Ponies
24
Horses
48
Cows over 2
95
Cows 1 -2
15
Calves
17
Bulls
2
Goats
8
Sheep
4
Swine
5
Beef Cattle
5
Mule
1
Dog Bite
s
15
Dogs Quarantined
12
Patrick Palmer
Inspector
of Animals
DOG LICENSES
ALL DOG LICENSES EXPIRE MARCH 3 1, 19 7 1.
DOGS MUST BE LICENSED ON OR BEFORE
APRIL 1STOR THE OWNERS OR KEEPERS
THEREOF ARE LIABLE TO A FINE. THE LAW
APPLIES TO ALL DOGS THREE MONTHS OLD
OR OVER, REGARDLESS OF TIME OF YEAR
OWNERSHIP IS ACQUIRED. NO TAX BILLS ARE
SENT TO OWNERS OF DOGS.
1211 Licenses
186 Licenses
6 Licenses
5 Licenses
1 License
47 Duplicate Tags @
Paid to Town Treasurer
REPORT OF DOG LICENSES
ISSUED IN 1970
a
$ 2. 00
$2,422.00
fo)
5. 00
930.00
&
10.00
60.00
(3)
25. 00
o
50. 00
50.00
@
11. 75
$3, 598. 75
20
BIRTHS
Births recorded 305
Marriages recorded 106
Deaths recorded 145
IMPORTANT REQUEST
Please notify the Town Clerk immediately of any error or omission in the following list of Births.
Errors not reported at once can be corrected only by sworn affidavit, as prescribed by the General
Laws, and may cause you inconvenience which can be avoided by prompt attention.
BIRTHS REGISTERED IN 1970
Date
Place
Jan.
2
Concord
Jan.
2
Concord
Jan.
5
Concord
Jan.
5
Chelsea
Jan.
6
Concord
Jan.
6
Groton
Jan.
7
Boston
Jan.
9
Marlborough
Jan.
11
Medford
Jan.
13
Concord
Jan.
14
Concord
Jan.
14
Waltham
Jan.
14
Concord
Jan.
17
Concord
Jan.
19
Concord
Jan.
23
Boston
Jan.
23
Concord
Jan.
24
Concord
Jan.
29
Concord
Jan.
29
Concord
Jan.
30
Concord
Jan.
30
Concord
Feb.
1
Concord
Feb.
1
Concord
Feb.
2
Waltham
Feb.
3
Newton
Feb.
5
Concord
Feb.
5
Groton
Feb.
8
Concord
Feb.
8
Concord
Feb.
9
Concord
Feb.
10
Concord
Feb.
12
Concord
Feb.
12
Concord
Feb.
13
Concord
Feb.
14
Concord
Feb.
19
Concord
Feb.
19
Concord
Feb.
19
Concord
Feb.
20
Boston
Feb.
21
Arlington
Feb.
24
Concord
Feb.
24
Shirley
Feb.
25
Boston
Feb.
27
Winchester
Name of Child
Kosiewski, Gary Neil
Martin, Laura Ann
Guadagno, Susan
Perron, Jeanine Lyn
Lavoid, John Andrew
Kitchen, Gregory Scott
Morris, Jeanne Marie
Bigelow, Donald Richard, Jr.
Wood, Elizabeth Claire
Morrison, John David, Jr.
Penney, Frederick James
Herrmann, Marc Clifton
Casey, David Michael
Colvin, Paul Michael
Lane, Denise Marie
Heffernan, Kevin Joseph
Maher, Paul Gerard
Smith, William Barrett
McKee, Heather Sue
Bishop, Christopher Allen
Poplaski, Chester Stanley
LaFoley, Jessica Scott
Bottai, Mark Louis
Brown, Caroline Maria
Guba, Robert Douglas
Dutton, Robert Hugh
Huettner, James Andrew
Reichert, Heather Ray
Summers, Mark James
Lange, Julie Paulette
Gaetano, Andrew Edmund
Pisinski, Jodi Ann
Kennedy, Lauren Michelle
Doyle, Jennifer
Anderson, Derek Ross
Dyer, Mark ALlen
Rotondo, Kathleen Ann
Burden, Tricia Kathryn
Hekkala, John Frederick, III
Forester, Roger Tyler
Wiese, Nanci Lee
Mitrano, Marie Susan
Lawson, Mark Edward
Campbell, Kim Diane
O'Brien, Richard Paul, Jr.
Name of Parents
Joseph P. and Doris M. Hackler
Edward H. and Katherine A. Barry
Angelo R. and Mary Borzelli
Robert A. and Daryll B. Zeoli
Joseph A. and Catherine L. O'Loughlin
Dennis R. and Sharon K. Armstrong
William H. and Anne M. Carter
Donald R. and Barbara A. Brooks
George H. and Patricia E. Delaney
John D. and Barbara J. Callahan
John C. and Sally A. Dunlea
Robert C. and Marie A. Parrella
Lawrence J. and Mary K. Fratus
DonaLd W. and Ellen J. Crosby
Michael and Sharon A. Beard
Richard J. and Monica M. McBride
Gerard P. and Judith C. Hansen
William C. and Alice E. Decker
Mervyn J. and Linda L. Bussiere
Roger A. and Linda A. Fenton
Chester E. and Maryann Levesque
Michael J. and Beverly L. Heiligmann
Peter R. and Marilyn L. Potters
Wilfred E. , III and Karey B. Dudley
Robert F. and Ann Kroeck
Richard H. and Roberta F. Dodkin
Robert E. and Virginia M. Cejka
James H. and Barbara J. Ray
Donald J. and Margaret M. Alwine
Lawrence R. and Frances A. Famularo
Leonard F. and Suzanne H. Kenney
Thomas A. and Margaret P. Cusson
Richard D. and Kathleen S. Roche
Robert F. and Alice C. Donaghue
Richard M. and Sandra K. Brockway
John H. and Sheila M. Maloney
Joseph M. and Anne C. Doody
Robert R. and Patricia G. Thompson
John F. , II and Linda L. Bennett
Benjamin T. and Carol L. McLean
James C. and Helen I. Minton
Salvatore and Patricia A. Patterson
Edward S. and Judith M. Haynes
David B. and Karen E. Mantz
Richard P. and Ann L. McNiff
21
Date
Place
Name of Child
Name of Parents
Mar.
3
Concord
Mar.
3
Concord
Mar.
3
Boston
Mar.
5
Waltham
Mar.
7
Northampton
Mar.
8
Concord
Mar.
10
Cambridge
Mar.
11
Newton
Mar.
11
Concord
Mar.
14
Concord
Mar.
15
Concord
Mar.
15
Concord
Mar.
16
Concord
Mar.
17
Concord
Mar.
19
Concord
Mar.
20
Newton
Mar.
20
Shirley
Mar.
20
Concord
Mar.
25
Concord
Mar.
28
Concord
Mar.
29
Concord
Mar.
31
Concord
Mar.
31
Concord
Apr.
1
Concord
Apr.
1
Concord
Apr.
1
Boston
Apr.
3
Concord
Apr.
3
Melrose
Apr.
4
Concord
Apr.
5
Concord
Apr.
6
Concord
Apr.
7
Waltham
Apr.
7
Concord
Apr.
8
Marlborough
Apr.
9
Concord
Apr.
9
Arlington
Apr.
11
Concord
Apr.
11
Concord
Apr.
14
Concord
Apr.
17
Concord
Apr.
19
Fitchburg
Apr.
20
Concord
Apr.
20
Concord
Apr.
22
Concord
Apr.
23
Concord
Apr.
23
Concord
Apr.
23
Concord
Apr.
26
Concord
Apr.
27
Concord
Apr.
28
Concord
Apr.
29
Concord
Apr.
30
Boston
May
1
Concord
May
3
Concord
May
6
Concord
May
6
Concord
May
7
Concord
May
11
Concord
May
11
Concord
May
12
Concord
May
12
Concord
May
14
Concord
May
14
Concord
May
15
Chelsea
May
15
Concord
May
16
Concord
May
20
Concord
May
21
Concord
Barger, Scott Kelley
Schontag, Jennifer
Deutschman, William Alaric
Gravelle, Peter Andrew
Mims, Michael Henri
Johansson, Jeffrey Emil
Somerville, Carolyn Alden
Philbin, John Mathew
Williams, Carol Ann
Giroux, Dana Brooks
Loss, Stephen Joseph
Davis, Jennifer Marie
Hart, David James
Wallace, Sean Michael
Friend, Kimberly Ann
Montagna, Karen Marie
Bonner, Jennifer Joan
Lattuca, Russell Alan
LeBel, Michael
McCarthy, Regina Patricia
Huber, Robert Paul
Petrigni, Anthony Scott
Appleton, Robert Brandon
Lee, Jacqueline Elizabeth
Kennedy, Kimberly Ann
Kaz, Louis Jacob
Swenson, Inge Kirstep
Thompson, Gary Edward
Grubb, Frederick Joseph
MacLeod, John Edward, II
Bellardino, Lisa Marie
Keenan, Kimberly Ann
Sliski, Laura Jean
Teichholtz, Colin Hugh
Dionne, George Arcadio
Kostas, Tricia Ann
Herlihy, Brian Derek
'•Chick, Martha Maxwell
Hosie, Chad Alister
Quinn, Michael James
Hosmer, Christine Elizabeth
Saganich, Lisa Elizabeth
Evans, Heather Elizabeth
Piernot, Richelle Marie
Page, Eric Matthew
Page, David Michael
Portante, Gerald Francis, Jr.
Mannion, Tiffany Jeanne
Bailey, Kelly Lynn
Marx, Jennifer Rebecca
Murphy, Thyme Marie
Small, John Albert
Hartwell, David. Author, Jr.
Witt, Brenda Jean
Puglia, Meredith
Geiss, Erik Peter
Flint, Aaron Thomas
Walsh, Erinn Lynn
Wheeler, Charles Peter
Fowler, Linda Marie
Halloran, Sean Patrick
Shanley, Elizabeth Maria
Ely, Heather Hope
Roberts, Amy Michele
Squire, Todd Wayne
Fait, Peter Fraser
Sullivan, Tamara Marie
Loughlin, Amy Eileen
Harrison C. and Kathleen Kelley
Russell M. and Diane Ross
William A. and Elaine M. Moshier
Francis W. and Carol A. Whitney
John D. and Suzanne E. LeClaire
Peter A. and Betty J. Gillson
Edward L. and Kathryn J. Geiger
William E. and Jane E. Nash
James S. and Barbara J. Stoffle
Chadwick A. and Judith B. Conant
Gregory E. and Carolyn J. Martin
George H. and Barbara R. Mattison
Thomas M. and Janice E. House
Michael G. and Janet E. O'Dowd
John F. and Linda L. Carley
Joseph J. and Constance A. Castano
Barry C. and Alene J. Casterlin
Rosario and Ann M. Galvin
Richard R. and Sandra E. Proctor
Bruce M. and Mary R. Arroll
Robert and Janet E. Parsons
Constantine A. and Victoria E. Sokol
Charles N. , Jr. and Carol A. Bogle
William B. and Adele C. Lupien
Thomas F. S., Jr. and Patricia G. McNulty
Sidney E. and Rose M. Schramm
Richard E. and Ellen H. Parker
Robert D., Sr. and Carolyn Wilson
Frederick K. and Barbara A. Lambert
John E. and Donna J. Martin
Steven G. and Lynn M. Bobysud
Thomas M. and Diane E. Noe
Daniel J., Jr. and Deborah A. Fairbanks
Nathan A. and Rebecca Marks
George W. and Martha M. Espinosa
James R. and Judith A. Stickney
Paul A. and Judith A. Dee
John B., Jr. and Barbara A. Berg
James R. and Donna J. Crosby
Kenneth J. and Patricia M. Delany
Richard and Ann C. Gould
John P. and Mary E. Sexton
Gerald H. and Ingrid M. Larsen
Richard W. and Caryl M. Schultz
Raymond L. and Anita E. Sheahan
Raymond L. and Anita E. Sheahan
Gerald F. and Frances P. Rubino
Joseph A. and Judith M. Vidito
Frank B. and Carol A. Ewen
Michael H. and Susan T. Super
Christopher G. and Paula J. Lorden
Albert W. and Carolynn M. Ostrom
David A. and Paula B. Riggs
Steven L., Sr. and Nancy J. Trebendis
Vincent D. and Charlene MacDonald
Peter J., Ill and Phyllis E. MacAran
David C. and Lois T. Wetherbee
William E. and Maggie E. Kohler
Charles I. and Catherine P. Cunniff
Frederick M. and Pamela D. Werner
Michael R. and Marjorie A. Nichols
Peter A. and Elaine B. Ostock
George J. and Valerie H. Folger
Richard R. and Corrine M. Nunn
Wayne M. and Lonnette R. Wiebe
Richard F. and Katalin M. Gyarmathy
Craig W. and Elaine M. O'Grady
Richard E. and Barbara K. Limmer
22
Date
Place
Name of Child
Name of Parents
May
23
Concord
May
26
Concord
May
27
Cambridge
May
29
Concord
May
30
Concord
June
3
Concord
June
4
Concord
June
5
Boston
June
5
Boston
June
6
Concord
June
8
Arlington
June
8
Waltham
June
12
Concord
June
13
Concord
June
16
Concord
June
16
Concord
June
17
Concord
June
17
Lowell
June
18
Concord
June
20
Chelsea
June
20
Concord
June
21
Concord
June
21
Concord
June
21
Boston
June
22
Concord
June
22
Boston
June
22
Concord
June
23
Boston
June
23
Concord
June
24
Concord
June
24
Concord
June
25
Concord
June
25
Concord
June
26
Montague
June
27
Concord
June
30
Concord
July
4
Arlington
July
5
Concord
July
8
Concord
July
8
Boston
July
8
Boston
July
9
Concord
July
9
Concord
July
9
Concord
July
11
Nashua, N.H
July
11
Concord
July
12
Concord
July
12
Concord
July
15
Chelsea
July
15
Concord
July
19
Concord
July
20
Concord
July
21
Concord
July
22
Concord
July
22
Concord
July
23
Concord
July
24
Concord
July
24
Concord
July
27
Boston
July
29
Concord
Aug.
2
Concord
Aug.
3
Concord
Aug.
4
Concord
Aug.
4
Concord
Aug.
5
Boston
Aug.
9
Concord
Hannon, Martin Thomas
Bodendorf, Breta Anne
Horan, Tobey Elaine
Boutin, James Michael
Hansen, Heather Marie
Harris, Jonathan Bowman
Steinmann, John Bernard
Stuart, Gary Joseph
MacDonald, Timothy Leo
Lane, Elizabeth Simmonds
Cuggino, Karen Anne
Carroll, Kevin Michael
Riendeau, Michelle Laura
Flerra, James Joseph
Herman, Mary Katherine
Glina, Rachel Louise
Stapel, Tracy Anne
Porteous, Gregory William
Reap, Maura
Cournoyer, Stephen Scott
Kett, Jennifer Suzanne
Ezaz, Yusef Shah Mohammad
Forster, Jennifer Ann
Werner, Trevor Kirk
Lamarre, Gilbert Joseph
Tharler, Scott Kevin
Rivet, Paul Steven
Stuntz, Laurance Newton
Condon, Jennifer Anne
Roberts, John Michael
Forde, John Patrick, Jr.
Buckland, Monika Adam
Smith, Tracy Lynn
Neville, Ian Michael
Manalan, Juliet
Rugo, Eric Sten
Geek, Matthew Joseph
Bennett, William Edward
Vigliotti, Michael Robert
Henry, Michele Marie
Turton, Joshua Stewart
Collison, Barbara Marie
Goodemote, Stephen Douglas
Keith, Corrine Elizabeth
Johnson, Christopher Scott
Lynch, John Joseph, Jr.
Seale, Kristina Marie
Hunkins, Geoffrey Alan
Kulakowski, John Jacob
Schneider, Greg William
Gifford, John Weston
O'Neill, Erin Traci
Maglioli, Lisa Ann
Wheeler, Gregory Raymond
Dunn, Andrew Eric
Schleusner, Amy Ann
Kahan, Todd Aaron
Lee, Jennifer Ward
Nyberg, David Wesley
O'Connor, Joseph Vincent
Smith, Gregory Robert
Conahan, Jennifer Susan
Murphy, Don Michael
Schorn, Laura Anne
Lorenz, Lance Graham
Parks, Margery Helen
Martin J. and Patricia E. O'Leary
Bruce B. and Marjorie Hyett
James J. and Diane B. Thompson
Francis J. and Elizabeth A. Jones
James P. and Eileen M. Battaglia
Philip A. and Lorna M. Clark
Robert P. and Maureen Dee
Joseph V. and Mary E. Bachrach
Norman J. , Jr. and Jeanne T. Baxter
Winthrop W. and Jean P. Simmonds
Joseph A. and Christine A. Dabrowski
Kenneth D. and Arlene M. Runci
Armand D. and Laura L. Fredette
Paul L. and Eudora A. Troupe
David V. and Jean E. Robisch
Robert L. and Karen J. Kohansov
Thomas W. and Beverly A. Sheridan
Donald P. and Susan Tantum
Coleman R. and Judith A. Bonnes
Gerald A. and Mary L. Dalton
Walter S. and Suzanne L. K'Burg
Abdul K. and Bette M. S. Gilks
Klaus C. S. and Julie A. Mullaney
Robert E. and Jusy A. Zessin
Clement D. and Brenda A. Baroody
Steven R. and Elaine J. Lansky
Daniel O. , Jr. and Jamie K. Thomas
Stephen C. and Frances L. Newton
John T. and Roberta A. Luhaink
Lawrence R. and Christa H. Buchholz
John P. and Margaret M. Whelan
Lawrence F. and Ellen M. T. Adam
Richard A. and Linda M. Chess
Michael D. and Linda L. Lester
David A. and Gena K. Gabrielson
John L. and Joyce E. Dalbec
Joseph C. and Barbara F. Kary
Edward M. and Susan M. Dion
Paul R. and Joan E. MacDonald
Mark B. and Mary P. Darnell
Thomas H. and Catherine Shaw
Frank- C. and Kendall E. Dean
James R. and Doris M. Killman'
Paul D. and Nancy L. Resmini
Karl D. and Christina E. Lucier
John J. and Mary L. O'Brien
John vV. , Jr. and Carol M. Anderson
Christopher R. and June A. Hanson
Jacob N. and Janet A. Nadile
Charles W. and Diane E. Gregory
Weston B. , Jr. and Mildred E. Ayer
Patrick K. and Stella M. Furlong
Michael A. and Linda M. Chaves
Russell T. and Ingrid E. Bletzer
Stephen E. and Robin L. Ohs
Trygve E. and Susan M. Ball
Mark A. and Elaine A. Fowler
David S. and Victoria K. Ward
Wesley C. and Barbara M. Ellis
Daniel J. , Jr. and Christine R. Kennedy
Robert A. and Merlene S. Phelps
Jon M. and K. Susan Annett
Thomas F. , Jr. and O. Carolyn J. Collyer
Thomas G. and Joanne L. Gibson
John J. and Dorothy C. Murphy
Robert E. and Bertha H. Tomlinson
23
Date
Place
Aug.
10
Boston
Aug.
10
Concord
Aug.
11
Concord
Aug.
11
Concord
Aug.
12
Concord
Aug.
14
Concord
Aug.
14
Concord
Aug.
17
Somerville
Aug.
17
Concord
Aug.
17
Boston
Aug.
19
Concord
Aug.
20
Concord
Aug.
22
Concord
Aug.
22
Concord
Aug.
23
Concord
Aug.
25
Cambridge
Aug.
26
Concord
Aug.
27
Concord
Aug.
28
Boston
Aug.
29
Concord
Aug.
30
Concord
Aug.
31
Concord
Aug.
31
Concord
Aug.
31
Concord
Sept.
2
Concord
Sept.
3
Boston
Sept.
4
Concord
Sept.
6
Concord
Sept.
7
Concord
Sept.
7
Concord
Sept.
8
Concord
Sept.
10
Concord
Sept.
10
Boston
Sept.
11
Concord
Sept.
12
Eramingham
Sept.
12
Concord
Sept.
12
Boston
Sept.
13
Concord
Sept.
14
Concord
Sept.
16
Concord
Sept.
17
Concord
Sept.
21
Worcester
Sept.
23
Maiden
Sept.
24
Concord
Sept.
28
Cambridge
Sept.
29
Chelsea
Oct.
2
Boston
Oct.
3
Concord
Oct.
3
Concord
Oct.
3
Concord
Oct.
3
Concord
Oct.
5
Arlington
Oct.
6
Lynn
Oct.
7
Concord
Oct.
7
Concord
Oct.
8
Concord
Oct.
9
Marlborough
Oct.
10
Winchester
Oct.
10
Concord
Oct.
11
Concord
Oct.
13
Boston
Oct.
14
Boston
Oct.
14
Concord
Oct.
14
Concord
Oct.
15
Cambridge
Oct.
15
Boston
Oct.
15
Concord
Name of Child
Chandler, Holly Leigh
Seidel, Thomas Vaughn
Welch, Thomas Francis
Fronk, Alison Marie
Driban, Daniel Churchill
Florio, David Paul
Newman, Michael Clifford
Bouley, James Norman
Larson, Jill Aileen
Harrington, Heather Mary
Sharp, Marianne
Pacy, Michael Todd
Belliveau, Gary Michael
Shaulis, Kathryn Teresa
Dyke, Heather C aline
Daley, Jennifer Katherine
Bradlee, Sandra Jean
Reilly, Lee
O'Grady, Catherine Margaret
Nanavati, Rajkumar Harit
McHugh, Jennifer Ann
Weissman, Robert Howard
Tobin, Brian Douglas
King, James Wheeler
Meleedy, Kathleen Marie
Rodney, Keith Damon
Heyliger, Mark Davis
Bilafer, Patricia Mary
Herman, Richard John
Nessman, Christopher Eric
Knowles, Johanna Beth
Quebec, Jacqueline Anne
McComas, Albert Charles
Budden, Leslie Ann
Good, Geoffrey Gerald
Stewart, James Francis
O'Donoghue, Karoly Foster
Chapman, Matthew Seely
Coleman, Donald Brian
Donnelly, Jeffrey John
Nason, David Cummings
Putnam, Brent Victor Wendell
Foster, Steven Keith
Richardson, William Ray
O'Grady, Melina
Draeger, Eric Christopher
Fraser, Scott David
McCarthy, Christine Ann
Theobald, Karen Lynn
Hayes, Maura Eileen
Mahaney, Jennifer Ann
Whalen, Michael James
Rifkin, Lauren Ingrid
Ernst, Scott Steven
Platine, Jody Beth
Eggleton, Jeremy David
Zeh, Valerie Elizabeth
Theriault, Cheryl Ann
Roymans, Amy Elizabeth
Austin, Theodore Matthew
Johnson, Elizabeth Evelyn
Bickoff, Lynn Elaine
Vickery, Teresa Lynne
Griffin, Amy Lynn
Zmuda, Jessica Kirsten
Sharenson, Andrew Harald
Thomas, Laurie Ellen
Name of Parents
Frederick D. and Ann L. Berger
Gary C. and Marlene K. Dennis
Paul X. and Mary E. Heanue
Robert L. and Janet Kertis
Stanley and Edith Fleck
Daniel S. and Diane M. Roberts
Otto R. and Eileen M. Leagy
Norman A. and Jean E. Gray
Dennis S. and Linda M. Tobin
John J. and Lorraine A. Miller
Douglas W. and Alice K. Older
John E. and Leslie A. Jeanson
Gary W. and Sheila R. Sweeney
William R. and Beverly J. Nesary
Peter K. and Sandra L. MacMillan
Richard M. and Katherine A. McNamara
William J. and Margaret L. Graham
David F. and Kirsten Simonsen
Robert J. and Kathleen M. Gallo
Harit M. and Yasmin H. Daji
William P. and Irene H. Lenard
William L. and Joyce E. Ross
John M. and Mary L. Sawyer
John J. and Barbara L. Wilson
Francis J. and Barbara A. Boutin
Keith R. and Elsie C. Schneider
Frederick T. , Jr. and Judith L. Jones
Paul J. and Patricia M. Ryan
Arnold W. and Margaret M. Gehl
Dennis E. and Linda R. Cremonini
Malcolm C. and Judith A. Cornwall
Robert P. and Sharon L. Edgerly
Charles A. and Mary Louise A. Kearny
Robert W. and Judith R. Harbison
Thomas A. and Diane C. DelGenio
Gary F. and Donna L. Burns
Edward H. , Jr. and Dorothy C. Foster
Wilson K. and Lucille J. Bail
Steven J. and Kathleen A. Ferron
John J. and Carolyn Hall
Malcolm W. , Sr. and Doris C. Tondreault
Frank W. , III and Jane S. Chevers
Kenneth A. and Linda Lee Fales
John A. W. , III and Virginia I. Daisley
Keven E. and Cynthia M. George
Wayne H. and Bonnie E. Wendt
Robert G. and Patricia J. Phillips
William R. and Susan Dutoit
Raymond J. and Mary J. Miles
William N. and Catherine M. Mulligan
John A. and Carolyn R. Webster
William B. and Sandra M. Loftus
Bennett L. and Michele Barinholtz
Donald M. and Diane M. Goodwin
Bruce A. and Patricia L. Browne
Terence L. and Susan Smith
Joseph P. and Patricia A. Ryan
Albert E. and Ann M. O'Keefe
Emil A. and Ruth L. Windheim
Michael A. and Joyce L. Solito
Robert W. and Ruth E. Weale
Charles and Carole S. Weinberg
William K. and Marilyn J. Downey
Roger A. and Constance E. Jones
Paul E. and Dorothea Kostopoulos
Stanley and Barbara E. Levine
Calvin R. and Dorothy E. Long
24
Date
Place
Name of Child
Name of Parents
Oct.
16
Boston
Oct.
16
Concord
Oct.
16
Concord
Oct.
17
Concord
Oct.
18
Concord
Oct.
20
Winchester
Oct.
23
Concord
Oct.
26
Concord
Oct.
27
Concord
Oct.
30
Concord
Oct.
31
Concord
Nov.
1
Concord
Nov.
2
Concord
Nov.
3
Newton
Nov.
5
Concord
Nov.
5
Con cord
Nov.
5
Concord
Nov.
6
Arlington
Nov.
8
Concord
Nov.
9
Concord
Nov.
9
Chelsea
Nov.
10
Concord
Nov.
11
Boston
Nov.
12
Concord
Nov.
13
Cambridge
Nov.
17
Framingham
Nov.
17
Shirley
Nov.
17
Concord
Nov.
19
Concord
Nov.
19
Concord
Nov.
22
Cambridge
Nov.
22
Concord
Nov.
23
Concord
Nov.
24
Concord
Nov.
26
Concord
Nov.
27
Waltham
Nov.
30
Concord
Dec.
1
Shirley
Dec.
2
Concord
Dec.
4
Concord
Dec.
7
Concord
Dec.
8
Concord
Dec.
9
Concord
Dec.
11
Concord
Dec.
14
Concord
Dec.
15
Concord
Dec.
16
Cambridge
Dec.
16
Concord
Dec.
18
Concord
Dec.
19
Medford
Dec.
21
Concord
Dec.
24
Concord
Dec.
25
Concord
Dec.
26
Waltham
Dec.
28
Concord
Dec.
29
Concord
Dec.
29
Concord
Dec.
29
Concord
Dec.
31
Concord
Chassman, Joshua Daniel
Stahl, Laura Elizabeth
Tabaczynski, David Alan
Arcieri, Tammy Ann
Dean, JoAnn Margaret
Nolan, Eleanor Jane
Moniz, Joseph Alfred, Jr.
Cronin, Joseph Patrick
Hill, Michael David
Pittorino, John Joseph
Koenig, Suzanne Mary
Kish, Steven Scott
Bullwinkel, Aaron James
Barilone, Robert Lawrence,
Weiner, Christine
Blackburn, Alfred Temple,
Dormer, David John
Roecker, William Gillette
Capone, Kevin James
Quinn, Jennifer Danielle
Hill, Jason Bryan
Hewett, Ashley Kennedy
Beardsley, Elizabeth Scott
Nabbefeld, Susan Lynne
Downey, Robert James, Jr.
Howell, Sarah Jean
Chadwick, Jeffrey Thomas
• Kazokas, James William
Clark, Pamela Lathrop
Sharpe, Craig Gifford
Mann, John Christopher
Belka, Kristen Anne
McKinstry, Kevin Wayne
Duffy, Sharon Marie
DiPrizito, Elizabeth Amy
Geraci, Lorraine Marie
Madore, Tara
Swain, James Eric
Freeman, James Ross
Fragos, George, III
Stevens, Mark Davidson
Sundberg, Robert Arnold, III
Flannery, Sean Patrick
Landon, Stephanie Lynn
Foster, Favid Frederick
Rude, Jessica Courtney
Aaronson, Jocelyn Ruth
Decker, David James
MacGregor, Carol Janet
Falcione, Andrea Marie
Barry, Erin Patricia
Gates, Sharon Louise
Thatcher, William John
Lane, Christine Russ
Taylor, Tracy Lee
Boyce, Lauren Keene
McDonald, Brian Patrick
Cox, Eric Eugene
Pekkala, Cristy Lee
Gary M. and Sally A. Shless
Frederick R. , Jr. and Elizabeth K. Sather
John A. and Glenda M. Obermeir
Anthony J. and Susan L. Styles
Joseph W. and Barbara Hallenbeck
Bernard V. and Diane E. Flynn
Joseph A. and Donna L. Hickey
Peter J. and Helen E. Scollins
Edward M. and Diane Burkhalter
Felix and Sandra L. Sablone
Philip G. and Martha L. Harrison
Steven R. and Sue A. Wetzel
Henry J. and Mary C. Dietz
Jr. Robert L. and Liana B. Pratt
David and Judith A. Braunfeld
III Alfred T. , Jr. and Carol A. Sherer
Thomas, Jr. and Jean A. Parshall
Robert J. and Catherine M. Gillette
Peter R. and Donna M. Wilson
James L. and Johanna T. DeRosby
Michael G. and Dianne M. Lovett
Ronald W. and Beverly P. Luther
James W. and Marcia C. Scott
Norman C. and Yvonne K. Moreau
Robert J. and Evelyn T. Clancy
Richard G. and Gertrude E. Maney
David W. and Sharon A. Mitchell
James A. and Pamela W. Sisson
Laurence E. , Jr. and Judith R. Carpenter
Wayne G. , Jr. and Shirley J. Barratt
John E. and Elizabeth A. Showers
David W. and Marjorie A. Emerson
Ronald P. and Karen E. Bentsen
James F. and Gail A. Ford
Michael and Linda E. Pfisterer
Philip A. and Nancy L. Berry
James R. and Pamela M. Green
James W. and Patricia L. Heffernan
Theodore L. and Susan Boynton
George, Jr. and Rita A. Panetta
Mark T. and Patricia A. Kinney
Robert A. , Jr. and Karen A. Gravin
William G. and Marie H. Lambert
Luther M. and Tekla M. Bulli
Craig A. and Linda L. Easton
William P. and Rebecca J. Elliott
Charles D. and Angela J. Holder
Wayne A. and Deborah F. Prentiss
Scott H. and Janet L. Pedersen
Julio J. and Patricia A. Kent
Michael J. and Patricia A. Cataldo
John C. and Marion E. Duggan
Robert and Beverly J. Jones
Philip, Jr. and Janet M. Donnelly
James D. and Sandra Willett
Manley B. , II and Karen Keene
William P. and Nancy A. O'Connell
Richard E. and Barbara A. Kelley
Peter J. and Lois L. Stapel
25
SCHOOL REPORT
ACTON SCHOOL DEPARTMENT AND ACTON-BOXBOROUGH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
ORGANIZATION
Acton School Committee
Term Expires
Edith D. Stowell, Chairman 1973
Beverly W. Lydiard, Secretary 1972
Parker Harrison, Jr 1971
Harry B. Morse 1971
John A. Norris 1972
Donald E. Westcott 1973
Acton-Boxborough Regional District School Committee
Term Expires
Donald E. Westcott, Chairman 1973
James L. Donovan, Vice Chairman .... 1973
Edward L. Converse 1972
Parker Harrison, Jr 1971
Beverly W. Lydiard 1972
Harry B. Morse 1971
John A. Norris 1972
Edith D. Stowell 1973
Robert D. Taylor 1971
The Acton School Committee holds regular meetings on the third Monday of each month and the Regional
School Committee meets regularly on the second and fourth Mondays. Both groups convene at the Acton-
Boxborough Regional High School Library at 7:30 p. m.
Telephone
Acting Superintendent of Schools, Alan M. White 263-5737
263-3558
Administrative Assistant, Priscilla Felt 263-5737
Principals: McCarthy School, Alice F. Hayes 263-4982
Towne School, James Palavras 263-2042
Merriam School, William V. Sparks 263-2581
Douglas School, Robert C. Conroy 263-2753
Gates School, Barbara Parker . 263-9162
Acton-Boxborough Junior High School, Arthur J. Hayes 263-7716
Henry J. Wall, Vice-Principal 263-7716
Acton-Boxborough Senior High School, Raymond J. Grey — 263-7738
Donald A. MacLeod 263-7738
Director of Guidance, Ruth R. Proctor 263-2492
Head Counselor, William J. Petkewich 263-7718
Director of Music, Henry W. Wegiel 263-7738
SCHOOL CALENDAR 1971-1972
Reopening of All Schools
Winter Recess
Good Friday
Spring Recess
Memorial Day
Graduation
Close of School
Summer Recess
Teachers' Meetings
Reopening of All Schools
Columbus Day
January 4, 1971
February 15-19
April 9
April 19-23
May 31
June 4
June 24
September 7, 1971
September 8
October 11
Teachers' Convention
Veteran's Day
Thanksgiving Recess
Christmas Holiday
Reopening of All Schools
Winter Vacation
Good Friday
Spring Vacation
Memorial Day
Graduation
Close of Schools
October 20
October 25
Noon- Nov. 24, 25, 26
Noon- Dec. 22-Jan. 1
January 3, 1972
February 21-25
March 31
April 17-21
May 29
June 9
June 22
NO SCHOOL SIGNAL
1-1-1-1
2-2-2-2
7:15 A.M.
7:00 A.M.
No School Acton Public Schools, Grades 1-6
No School All Schools All Day ,
26
REPORT OF THE ACTING SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the SchooL Committees and Citizens of Acton:
Many of you chose Acton because of the schools. The town can take great pride in its educational effort.
Educating the children is the greatest responsility you face as a town, and as you well know the major part of
your local tax dollar goes to support this task.
What are the problems we face if we are to maintain and improve our schools? The basic problem is to
gain your confidence that the expenditures are necessary and desirable. The taxes you pay call for a financial
sacrifice, and for some of you that sacrifice is considerable. But people can and do make sacrifices for those
things which they consider essential. One step in gaining your confidence is to be as honest and forthright as
we can concerning problems which face us. In highlighting our problems we are in some cases focusing upon
our weaknesses. But I am confident that by and large we have spent your money wisely, and have given you
value for each dollar expended. You must answer for yourselves the question, "Are these sacrifices worth-
while?"
You are well aware that educational costs are escalating at a rapid rate. The major reasons are a rap-
idly growing population, inflation, increased staff and space to meet the needs of children with special problems,
and greater financial expectations on the part of all school personnel.
Your concerns are intensified because we do not have adequate long range planning, and our problems,
goals and procedures lack sufficient visibility. We need to develop and maintain ten year projections for popu-
lation growth, school construction and cost projections. We need to more clearly define our problems, how we
pose to solve them and how you will be able to assess our progress.
Nationally, education is under criticism at all levels, but most intensely at our colleges. Since one of
our major goals has been to prepare a large percent of our students for college, it is understandable that you
question your support of a public school system whose major goal is college placement.
I am confident that our colleges will put their house in order, but we need to develop more attractive
alternatives to college placement for our students. vVe have been wrong in insisting that the best way of life,
the most respected way of life, can only be achieved through a college education. This insistence has re-
sulted in many students who leave our schools feeling that they are failures or just as tragically, students
who go through college only to find that this achievement has not led them to a happy productive life. We need
to intensify our efforts to make our schools more comprehensive, more diversified. We need to offer our stu-
dents attractive, meaningful alternatives. We have made some significant steps in this direction: a work-study
program, a regional effort in vocational -technical education and the program planned for the new high school.
We need to resolve a dilemma if we are to gain your confidence. We are not changing fast enough for
some of you, and we are changing too fast for others. Some people are eminently satisfied with the schools
as they are, while others are dissatisfied. There is only one solution to this problem, and that is to respect
differences and to allow them to coexist. It is illogical to talk of a best system of education because one's
idea of best comes from one's system of values. A compromise in this case can only result in dissatisfaction
of almost all parties. The dissatisfaction will not be as intense as it would be if the school system developed
an extreme position, but it is uncomfortable, nevertheless. Since we are a nation built from a diverse popula-
tion, our schools can and should reflect this diversity. An exploratory elementary school is being proposed
as a school with a different emphasis for those parents who wish to send their children there. There is no in-
tent, nor should there be, to change all schools to this model.
There are two other issues, teacher and student activism, which are disquieting and may be shaking
your confidence in the schools. Too much attention has been brought to bear on the disruptive, sometimes de-
structive and often the seemingly unreasonable demands made by these two groups. It is upsetting to have the
order of things challenged, but there is an exciting, positive side to this activism which in the long run will
make for better education. After all, education is for the students, and the teacher is the essential factor in
their education. Learning is an aggressive act, and students have for too long been passive. Students are
beginning to question their teachers, and teachers are questioning the School Committee just as you are ques-
tioning the schools. The questioning will result in a confrontation between taxpayers, parents, students and
teachers, which will result in a vigorous debate on educational issues. Ultimately this process will produce
a more viable school system. Education is too important to applaud complacency. I can envision some very
troubled and tense times ahead of us, but we will be the stronger for it.
Alan M. White
27
REPORT OF THE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
The Acton -Boxborough Regional High School was admitted to the New England Association of Colleges
and Secondary Schools in 1955. This association is the sole accrediting agency for secondary schools in
New England and all schools must be evaluated once every ten years. In 1959 the Regional High School was
evaluated by a team of 20 educators and as a result was voted full accreditation for a ten year period.
Our second evaluation took place on November 1, 2, 3, and 4. During these four days, twenty-three
educators from Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York examined all departments. In
December, the Commission on Public Secondary Schools of the New England Association of Colleges and
Secondary Schools voted to grant continued membership for a period of five years. If all requirements had
been met in a satisfactory manner, a ten year accreditation would have been granted.
It was our intention to present the complete report in the annual town report but this is not possible due
to a lack of space. Therefore, I shall present the highlights of the evaluation. Any citizen interested in the
full report, please contact me at the Regional High School and a copy will be made available.
Summary of Evaluation
Curriculum
Commendations :
1. The Administration and Faculty for recognizing and taking steps to correct the curriculum weaknesses,
2. The school for grouping practices and for its honors program.
Recommendations:
1. The expansion of curriculum offerings in the following areas:
a. Industrial Arts
b. Business Education
c. Home Economics
d. Art
e. Music
2. That Health Education be incorporated in the curriculum.
Student Activities
Commendations:
1. For scheduling three activity periods per week during the school day.
2. For operating a successful extracurricular drama program.
Recommendations:
1. That whenever study halls are scheduled simultaneously in the cafeteria and the auditorium,
the cafeteria be used as a quiet study and the auditorium as a common area.
2. That the study body be given greater representation on the Student Council.
Educational Media
Commendations :
1. For the enthusiasm and ingenuity of the library staff in utilizing existing facilities.
2. For the excellent use of microfilm projectors and a listening center for independent study
and research.
Recommendations :
1. The addition of a professional librarian to the existing staff.
2. That additional storage space be made available.
Guidance Services
Commendations :
1. For the professional training of the guidance staff.
2. For having full-time counselors with no extra duties that conflict with the counselor's role.
28
Recommendations:
1. That the facilities be greatly expanded to include the following:
a. large conference room.
b. individual testing rooms
c. larger guidance library
d. more offices for future expansion
e. reception and waiting room area
f. adequate storage area
g. adequate space for secretaries
2. That staff be added, as needed, to maintain a 1 to 250 ratio.
School Facilities
The Visiting Committee was impressed with the exceedingly high maximum utilization of the total
space availability in the High School plant. Acton-Boxborough Regional High School was constructed in
1957 as a result of the regionalization of the two communities. Both Acton and Boxborough are near
Interstate 495 and are growing rapidly as suburban bedroom communities to Boston. The building,
initially designed for 600 students of grades 7-12 was expanded to a capacity of 1, 000 in 1962. Presently,
the enrollment in the building is 1, 306 students in grades 9-12, and this is expected to increase to
approximately 1, 500 in 1971. Most careful planning was required in order to avoid double sessions or the
adoption of some alternate plan of school organization for the 1970-1971 year. The site of the Acton-
Boxborough Regional High School, the exterior decor and the surrounding school grounds area are
conducive to the desirable school atmosphere which prevails at this school. A shortcoming in evidence
in the long range planning of the school district is the failure to have acquired a larger central school
site on which to build their secondary plant. However, it is understood that plans are now being developed
to add a large new complex to the present Junior High School and convert that building into a new Senior
High School. This would include the proposed acquisition of 17 acres of adjacent land for site development.
Commendations :
1. The school management on the ability to maximize the use of all available space in what is
obviously an overcrowded situation.
2. The school committee and administration for the ability to recognize their needs for facilities
and to plan ahead for a new high school.
Recommendations:
1. That construction of new facilities be planned and accomplished at the earliest possible date.
2. That immediate planning be undertaken of a method of meeting the impact of further increases
in enrollment until new facilities are provided. It is suggested that an interim operational
plan for next year, such as the quarter plan or trimester plan of year-round operation of the
high school, double sessions, or an open campus plan of organization with a longer school day,
be investigated.
School Staff and Administration
Commendations :
1. The Research and Development program established by the School Committee which provides
an excellent opportunity for staff members to work during the summer months on the improvement
of the educational program.
2. The competitive salary schedule arranged by the School Committee which has attracted a most
competent, conscientious and cooperative staff of classroom teachers.
3. The observed good order and cooperative attitude throughout the school.
Recommendations :
1. That a program of one or more trained aids be established; through this medium, clerical
assistance for staff members and department chairmen could be made available. Also, in
some instances, laboratory assistance might be utilized.
2. That micro-filming of student records be planned to reduce problems of storage.
29
Art
Commendations :
1. For having an outstanding Art Facility.
2. For instituting new and innovated Art Education concepts.
Recommendations:
1. That a coordinated Art Program be established in Grades 7-12, headed by a Director.
2. That adequate storage and display areas be designed and constructed within the present
school structure.
Business Education
Commendations :
1. The self-evaluation made by the department. It was comprehensive, and indicated a
cooperative, coordinated effort on the part of the three teachers who worked on it.
2. The favorable teach-pupil ratio. (The largest class has twenty-five students. )
Recommendations :
1. That a department chairman be appointed to coordinate the program, revise the
curriculum, and supervise the teachers.
2. That expansion of facilities be made to meet the present and anticipated enrollment needs.
English
Commendations :
1. The effort of the classroom teacher to enhance active student participation.
2. The low teacher/ student ratio in non-college classes so that teachers may better meet their
students' needs and supervise their progress.
3. The spirit of adaptability toward curriculum change on the part of the English teachers.
Recommendations :
1. That the chairman be responsible in terms of curriculum offerings and development at the
Junior High School level so as to insure the highest possible degree of articulation.
2. That a greater variety of audio-visual equipment and supplies be available to the teachers
within the department. The need is urgent.
Foreign Languages
Commendations :
1. The extensive sequences of study available in each foreign language offered and the variety
of foreign languages taught.
2. For the grouping of the classes in four ways (AA, A, B, NO to provide for individual differences.
Recommendations:
1. That the language classrooms be clustered in the same area.
2. That more classroom space be made available.
Home Economics
Commendations :
1. For the teacher's ingenuity and ability to work with inadequate space, a heavy teaching load,
and schedule limitations for courses desired.
2. For encouraging students to come from a study hall period to take part in the program on an
irregular basis.
30
Recommendations:
1. That one more room be available for the expansion of the program to provide for more
course offerings.
2. That one more teacher be added to the staff to relieve the present teacher load.
Industrial Arts
Commendations :
1. For having a variety of activities to stimulate interest in the field of Industrial Education.
2. For providing modern equipment in the Woodworking and Drafting areas.
Recommendations:
1. That facilities be expanded to accommodate more students in the program.
2. That the curriculum be expanded to offer new areas of study in the Industrial Arts field.
Mathematics
Commendations :
1. For the enthusiasm and high level of competence of the teaching staff composed of ten
well -qualified teachers.
2. For the careful preparation of material as evidenced by the use of overhead projectors
with previously prepared transparencies.
3. For their efforts to give students of varying abilities a good foundation in mathematics
reaching 87% of the school population.
Recommendations:
1. That electives be offered to seniors as alternates to Math IV or Math V, such as
statistics, matrix algebra, etc.
2. That the experimental two-year program of Algebra I be continued and expanded.
Music
Commendations :
1. For well -organized and well -planned music classes under crowded and undesirable
conditions.
2. For the good attitude and enthusiasm for music indicated by the students involved.
3. For the excellence of the general education and preparation of the music staff.
Recommendations:
1. That future building expansion include provision for separate rooms for choral and for
instrumental music, theory classes, and office space for staff members.
2. That an effort be made to integrate music with the other arts and related subjects.
Physical Education
Commendations :
1. The dedicated staff, working under conditions less than ideal.
2. The highly qualified physical education staff.
3. The excellent interscholastic program.
Recommendations:
1. That a full time position of Director of Athletics, Physical Education and Intramurals
be established.
2. That additional teaching stations be established.
3. That teaching staff be increased.
31
Science
Commendations:
1. For the evidence of good rapport between student and teacher during the evaluation.
2. For maintaining operational sized classes conducive to investigative laboratory instruction.
3. For the cooperative efforts among the staff.
Recommendations:
1. That the science faculty cooperatively devise a plan for improved utilization of present
storage and work areas.
2. That adjacent ecological environment become a direct extension of the classroom.
Social Studies
Commendations :
1. For the sound three -year core program in World and United States history required of
all students.
2. For providing a variety of elective courses for junior and seniors.
3. For the team teaching approach currently being used in the International Relations course.
Recommendations:
1. That the present building be expanded to provide additional classroom facilities for the
Social Studies department.
2. That additional elective half year courses be offered including courses in: Latin America,
Asia, Soviet Union, Africa, and the Middle East.
As I have stated many times in the past, the success of a secondary school in dependent upon the
hard work and cooperation of all concerned. I feel most fortunate in being associated with an excellent
staff, Vice Principal, secretaries, custodians, cafeteria, school committee, and above all with a superior
student body. My deepest appreciation to one and all for their patience, understanding, and sincere
cooperation.
Raymond J. Grey
AGE AND GRADE DISTRIBUTION TABLE (OCTOBER 1, 1970)
Age
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17 18 19
Total
Grade 1
33
312
35
380
2
41
357
33
431
3
37
302
39
2
380
4
33
297
43
1
374
5
48
328
55
2
433
6
53
298
41
3
395
Ungraded
2
3
2
4
1
3
3
4
Elementary
22
2415
Grade 7
4
300
130
19
2
455
8
11
252
125
13
1
402
9
3
45
272
41
7
1
369
10
41
238
52
9 3
343
11
34
223
48 8 3
316
12
4
48
182 33 5
272
Re
gional School District
2157
33
353
431
371
386
430
359
360
433
461
332
331
240 44 8
4572
32
GRADUATION EXERCISES - JUNE 5, 1970
Salutatorian: Gary Lee Imhoff, New England Conservatory Acton Jaycees Scholarship:
Valedictorian: Diane Fordon, Middlebury College Dona Flood, Dean Junior College
Acton-Boxborough Regional High School Alumni Scholar- Acton-Boxborough Regional High School Business
ships: Club Scholarship:
Linda Wolfendon, Bentley College
Square Wheelers Square Dance Club Scholarship:
Diane Fordon, Middlebury College
Digital Equipment Corporation Scholarship
Mary Bunting, University of Massachusetts
Kiwanis Club Scholarship:
Marylin Patrick, Chandler School for Women
Edwards -Quimby Post No. 284 American Legion
Medals:
Dona Flood, Dean Junior College
Claus Patterson, Merrimack College
Harvard Club in Concord Book Prize:
Robert Leary
Acton VFW Auxiliary Post 7016 Award:
Jill Bubier, Smith College
Gary Imhoff, New England Conservatory
Bausch and Lomb Medal:
Deirdre Gavin, Carnegie -Mellon University
Acton-Boxborough Regional High School Awards
to the Top Ranking Students of the Class of
1970:
Diane Fordon, Middlebury College
Gary Imhoff, New England Conservatory
Mary Bunting, University of Massachusetts
Jill Bubier, Smith College
Sarah Maleady, Boston College
Daughters of the American Revolution Award:
Suzanne LeVan, Lawrence University
Dr. Samuel Prescott Prize:
Mark Raffa, Bates College
Outstanding Senior of the Class of 1970;
Claus Patterson, Merrimack College
Timothy Doyle, Providence College
Deirdre Gavin, Carnegie -Mellon University
Bernard Polselli, Bentley College
Blanchard Memorial Scholarships:
Barbara Lounsbury, Beloit College
Rhonda Morse, Cape Cod Community College
Christine Strong, Newton- Wellesley Hospital School
of Nursing
Denise Taylor, University of New Hampshire
Acton Center Woman's Club Scholarship:
Deborah Shuttle, Newton Junior College
Rachel Haynes Scholarship, West Acton Woman's Club:
Jaclyn Dolan, Simmons College
Acton Rotary Club Scholarships:
Jennifer Beissinger, Chandler School for Women
Arlene Borowski, Boston College
David Durkin, Vermont Technical College
Beverly Gunter, Institute of Interior Design
Patricia Neville, Westfield State College
Claus Patterson, Merrimack College
Acton Firefighters' Association Scholarships:
Paula Grosse, Macalester College
Bruce Kneeland, Plymouth State College
Acton Lions Club Scholarship:
Walter Barron, Boston University
Mary Beth St. Martin, Dean Junior College
Acton Teachers' Association Scholarships:
Mary Fairbrother, Framingham State College
Kathleen Hughes, Wheelock College
John E. Donelan Scholarship:
Ben Kishimoto, University of Michigan
Acton-Boxborough Regional High School Music
Scholarship:
Gary Imhoff, New England Conservatory
Gary Stacy Allard
Paul Joseph Andrade
Donald Andrew Arbuckle
Susan Jean Ashline
Allen Bachrach
Mark Currier Bagley
Walter Albert Barron
CLASS OF 1970
Paul Beaudoin
Laura Jill Beaudry
David Paul Beddoe
Jennifer Lee Beissinger
Alice Josephine Bellamy
David Michael Belliveau
Helene Nina Bernard
Peter Bezanson
Peter Clifford Boothby
Arlene Carmen Borowski
Paul Daniel Bowles
Ellen Louise Brock
Jonathan Paul Broughton
Barbara Lois Brown
33
Gary Richard Brzezinski
Jill Louise Bubier
David Thayer Bunker
Mary Ann Bunting
Sue Ellen Burgess •
Donna Lynne Burns
Stephen James Burton
Cynthia J. Caldwell
Cheryl Marie Campbell
Denise Cobleigh
Kerry Edward Codyer
Wendy Lynne Colls
James M. Comey
Brian L. Coonradt
Carolyn Elisabeth Craig
Joseph B. Culkins
Paul Richard Davis
Patricia Day
Thomas Day
John Steven Desjardins
Marjorie Louise Dingee
Jaclyn Anne Dolan
Michael Charles Donnelly
Brian Charles Dorris
Timothy F. Doyle
David William Durkin
Dennis Keith Edgin
Carol Jo-an Erickson
Peter Morton Erickson
Marian Eykelenkamp
Mary Elizabeth Fairbrother
Deborah Farrell
Robert Joseph Feeney
Joan Marie Flannery
Dona Colvin Flood
Kristine Susan Foland
Charlotte Elizabeth Foley
Diane Fordon
Nedra King Foster
Mark David Fredenburgh
Hans-Ulrich Froehlich
Deirdre Gavin
George Patrick Geelen
John Eugene Gerngross, Jr.
Bernadette Marie Ann Gibson
Linda Katherine Glimn
Mark Carter Goff
Geraldine Gopoian
Scott Darwin Gregory
Kathleen Ann Grenier
Paula Elizabeth Grosse
Deborah Lee Guenard
Beverly June Gunter
James R. Hamilton
Joanne Marie Hardin
Donna Lee Hickey
Steven Anthony Hill —
Deborah June Hines
David M. Hirsch
Gladys Linda Hodgkins
Richard A. Hodgson
Bruce Allan Howe
Deborah Ruth Howe
Kathleen Margaret Hughes
Gary Lee Imhoff
Elaine C. Ireland
Pamela Johnston
Lonnie Jones
Marjorie L. Jones
Michael C. Jones
Thomas W. Jones, Jr.
Daniel P. Jopling
Lark Lucretia Jurev
Nancy Kashuba
Paul James Kellogg
James Michael Kelly
Robert Martin Kelly III
Christa Ketelaar
Kevin John Kiely
Pr is cilia King
Ben Kishimoto
Lynn Page Klappich
Bruce Duncan Kneeland
Jane Marie Kotlensky
Patricia Sue Krieger
Claudia Landell
James Paul Landry
David Ernest Lanoue
David James Law, Jr.
Barbara Kathryn Lee
Michael D. Lehrman
Suzanne Adell LeVan
Joseph Davis Lidiak
James Fisher Liebfried
Peter W. Liebfried
Pamela Farley Loring - —
Barbara Lynne Lounsbury
Jon C. Luchford
Sarah E. Maleady
Michael H. McCullough
Ann Patricia McGinty
John C. McGoldrick
Kathleen R. McGoldrick
Betsy McGregor
William L. McNutt
Dwight McShane
Wynn McTammany
Neil Meader
Anne Weston Meigs -
Robert B. Menapace III
David T. Mercier
John Alan Mesrobian
Elizabeth C. Mitchell
Donald Craig Moody
Carol Louise Morrison
Rhonda Sharon Morse
Russell Norman Moser, Jr.
Marsha Moulton
Paula Jean Murphy
Alane Elizabeth Murray
Joseph Nagle, Jr.
Thomas E. Nash
Laurie Jane Nelson
Patricia Marie Neville
Elaine Norma Newsham
Elizabeth Nichols
Jonathan R. Nichols
Janet Kathleen North
Lisa Louise Nowlin
Karen Elizabeth Nyquist
Barry William Palmer
Nanette Jean Panetta
Rebecca Ellis Parsons
Resad H. Pasic
Marilyn Ann Patrick
Claus Andreas Patterson
William Joseph Pennington
Barbara Lynn Perkins
Ronald Alan Pillsbury *•
Alvin Richmond Piper, Jr.
Rodney Michael Pogue
Bernard Frances Polselli, III
Lawrence Peter Powers
David W. Prowten
Janice Purcell
William S. Putnam "
Wayne R. Pyrro
Paul D. Quinlan
Mark S. Raff a
Corrine Ann Rahaim
Alfred Paul Ramos, Jr.
Steven C. Rawson
Wendy G. Reed
Ann Louise Reichle
James Wayne Richardson
Donald Michael Ritz
David A. Roach
Jane Lurten Robinson
Kenneth B. Rollins
Stephen E. Ross, Jr.
Wendy Jean Rothemund
Anne Marie Royle
Ellen Rudenauer
Andrea Russo
Lewis R. C. Schell
Geary A. Schwartz
Andrew Scott
Robin Sears
Deborah Jayne Shuttle
James C. Sideris
Joyce M. Sletten
Kenneth B. Smith
Diane Lynne Sparrow «p
Linda M. Stacey
Christine E. Steinbach
Brett Stevens
Dana Lance Stevens
Jeanne Elizabeth Stevens
Mary Beth St. Martin
Christine A. Strong
Michael Joseph Studer
Richard P. Sullivan
Craig Alan Taylor
Denise A. Taylor
Steven Tolf
Susan Marie Tolley
Dale Louise Vanderhoof
Jan Albert Vanderhoof
Harold J. Vath
Robert D. Vieira
Edward Hughes Vigliotti
Raymond Martin Vorce III
Paul Vincent Walunas
Deborah Ann Welch
John Lawrence Wells
Kathy Marie Whitehead
Linda Jane Wolfenden
Andrea Susan Woodward
David Hood Woodward
Linda Dorothy Woolard
Terry Jane Wilton
Richard J. Zimmer
CLASS OFFICERS
President
Mark Goff
Vice-President
Dona Flood
Secretary
Wendy Colls
Treasurer
Claus Patterson
34
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY MEMBERS
Paul J. Andrade
Walter Barron
Arlene Borowski
Barbara Brown
Christine Brundage
Jill Bubier
Mary A. Bunting
Timothy Doyle
Mary Fairbrother
Diane Fordon
Deirdre Gavin
John Gerngross
Linda Glimn
Paula Grosse
Linda Allen
Rebecca Beyer
Pamela Bradley
Suzanne Clewley
Elaine Cullinane
Lucy Dale
Jon Edwards
Doyle Foster
Cynthia Furlong
Grade XII
Beverly Gunter
Gary Imhoff
Kathleen Hughes
Lark Jurev
Ben Kishimoto
Lynn P. Klappich
Barbara Lee
Suzanne Levan
Lynne Lounsbury
Jon Luchford
Sarah 'E. Maleady
Kathleen McGoldrick
Neil Meader
Laurie Nelson
Grade XI
Martha Gates
Sharon Grancy
Parker Harrison
Robert Headley
Timothy Henderson
Scarlett Hepworth
Robert Jones
Judy Kashuba
Harry Ku
Patricia Neville
Elaine Newsham
Karen Nyquist
Ronald Pillsbury ,
Bernard P. Polselli
Mark S. Raffa
Donald Ritz
Anne Royle
Mary Beth St. Martin
Joyce M. Sletten
Denise Taylor
Steven Tolf
Terry Wilton
Linda Woolard
Robert Leary
Mark Lindsay
Janet Moore
Leslie Morrison
Susan Osborn
Kim Pivin
Deborah Portyrata
Christopher Sorrentino
Sandra Williamson
School.
REPORT OF THE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL--1971-72
I am pleased to present my seventh annual report as Principal of the Acton-Boxborough Junior High
GRADE
September
453
400
October
455
402
November
455
404
December
456
400
January
455
400
The Acton-Boxborough Junior High School has operated this year fairly close to capacity. The school
was designed to hold comfortably 905 students. The building could hold, by overcrowding homerooms and
classrooms, a gruesome 1050 students. Happily, this last situation is not contemplated.
In the fall of 1971, this school will open with a projected 896 pupils, but very probably the enrollment
will be slightly in excess of 900. The addition of scheduling services by Westinghouse Learning Corporation
and the addition of more teachers will very slightly alleviate crowded rooms, but at this writing (December,
1970) all available space has been taken by school programs and by specialists on the staff of the Department
of Pupil Personnel Services, formerly known as the Guidance Department.
All students in the Junior High School are scheduled in English, mathematics, science and social
studies. Most students, unless they are in language disability therapy, remedial English sections or in re-
medial reading, are required to take French in its more elementary forms. All students enrolled in the A-B
JAY French Program start from scratch in Grade 7. This gives nine out of ten students an academic program
of five (5) major subjects totaling 25 periods weekly out of a possible 35 periods. When one adds to the regu-
lar academic periods two periods weekly of music, physical education, industrial arts, mechanical drawing
or home economics and art to the above schedule, one can readily see that ninety percent of the students at
A-B JAY have just two (2) so-called "study halls" left to them each week. In other words, most of the pupils
at the Junior High School are scheduled in a clearly defined classroom activity for 33 periods weekly out of a
possible 35.
Since the fall of 1970, all Grade 6 students entering the Junior High School as seventh graders have
been placed according to their ability and aptitude. These students are all recommended by their Grade 6
teachers and carefully screened by counselors of PPS. Students are then placed in honors, above average,
standard or remedial sections. Students whose language problems are already formidable are at once sched-
uled out of the French Program, thus leaving them with seven periods weekly for language remediation of
some sort. All other students carry five major academic subjects each week.
35
Each major course makes use of a different book for each ability grouping. The subject of mathemat-
ics, because it arouses such keen interest locally, will be used as an illustration. Students coming into
Grade 7, and who have been identified as having outstanding mathematical ability, are enrolled in a class
that uses a text known as Modern School Mathematics: Pre -Algebra. If the student does well in pre -algebraic
studies, he is enrolled when an eighth grader in the first course in algebra. The book for the Grade 8 algebra
course is entitled, Modern School Mathematics: Algebra I.
Above average students in mathematics enter classes in Grade 7 using the newly revised Laidlaw book,
Junior High School Mathematics --7. If the above average student succeeds in this course superlatively well,
he is recommended for inclusion in Grade 8 algebra. If he merely succeeds in the course, he goes on to
Junior High School Mathematics --8.
Students who have shown mediocre ability in mathematics are enrolled in standard sections which now
use in Grade 7, Sadlier Contemporary Mathematics 7 and will use in Grade 8, Sadlier Contemporary Mathe-
matics 8. "
Students who have extreme difficulty in fathoming the mysteries of modern mathematics are assigned
to sections taught by sympathetic teachers, who use the Singer Mathematics Program, Experiencing Mathe-
matics, Mathematics: Modern Concepts and Skills (Raytheon) or Stein's venerable but eminently practical
Refresher Mathematics. As in all of the other major courses at A-B JAY, students do not languish from year
to year in the same grouping. Late in the spring of every year, students are re -evaluated on the basis of
their ability and diligence and, if the case warrants, the student is moved "upstairs" to the next best course.
Courses now available to students in the Junior High School are as follows: English, French, mathe-
matics, science, social studies, art, music, physical education, ceramics, graphics (silk-screen printing),
architectural drawing, reading, speech therapy, sculpture and mechanical drawing, and woodworking and
metalworking.
Clubs and activities that are perennially available to interested A-B JAY students are The St. Nicholas
Club (refinishes and repairs toys and dolls for orphanages), the Ski Club, The Warrior (A-B JAY ANNUAL),
the Photography Club, Boys' Glee Club, Boys' Chorus, Mixed Choir, Girls' Chorus, Annual Concert, Annual
Operetta, the Airplane Club, Athletic Club (trains boys to be officials in team sports), the Ceramics Club
(courtesy of Mrs. Virginia Noftle), the A-B JAY Orchestra, the A-B JAY Concert Bands, the Newspaper
Club, the Library Club, and others that are offered from time to time. It can clearly be seen here that a
moderately diligent student is in a position to enter Grade 9 very well prepared for the increased work load
that will be demanded of him.
A new course was added this year to the A-B JAY Science Dept. The Intermediate School Curriculum
Study, otherwise known as ISCS, was started to enable students of all ranges of ability to participate actively
in laboratory experimentation and to record in minute detail the progress and results of their experiments.
Mr. Bert Hubley, who spent last year at the University of Iowa, is conducting this pilot program to
determine whether or not this school will retain and expand the program or make other arrangements. As
this is being written, the new course seems to be very promising and is being actively enjoyed by students
who participate. The ISCS Program differs from other junior high school programs in that it is (a) aimed
at general education, giving the student a sequential picture of the structure and process of science; (b) it is
laboratory centered; (c) it is individualized to take care of the broad range of student ability; (d) it is self-
pacing, so that the student travels through the activities at his own speed.
The authors of the ISCS Program, Florida State University, say that their program is better than
most because "voluminous feedback from both teachers and students involved in the program indicates over-
whelming support for the philosophy and methods of this individualized approach to junior high school science. "
This new program is sequential and is supposed to extend through grades 7, 8, and 9.
In the fall of 1971, the French Department will introduce a new film series in color, Toute la Bande,
to bolster its already superior laboratory and class work in the subject. French classes must of necessity
be held to a maximum of 30 students because that is the number of seats in the language laboratory. The
thirteen new films will expand and enhance the very real understanding of France now apparent from using
Paul Pimsleur's C'est la Vie. This fine little book is a collection of magazine articles that have appeared in
outstanding publications such as L'Express, Paris -Match and Realites. Difficult words and constructions
have been simplified, and complex passages modified or dropped entirely, so that a beginner can read them
with interest and, gradually, with fluency. It is felt by the author of C'est la Vie that early fluency encourages
a bona fide student to "think in French" and to discourage the old American game of "language - hopping " In
the fall of 1971, C'est la Vie will be made available to all students of French at A-B JAY.
Several other new courses were added during the 1970 school opening. Mr. Furey, a teacher of mech-
anical drawing, introduced silk-screen printing and architectural drawing into the curriculum for Grade 8
boys. A course in crafts was offered to Grade 7 boys in lieu of art by Mr. Richard Marion and an arts course
was developed in home economics and taught jointly by Mrs. Cutler, Mrs. Sproul and Miss McKay. This last
course featured knitting, embroidery and the creation of decorations for the home and for the table.
36
In social studies the old standby, Sol Holt's World Geography and You, is being phased out in favor of
works dealing with Canada and South America. It is felt that these areas tie in more closely with the American
historical studies that follow in Grade 8. This past year saw the introduction of the Time -Life book on Canada,
and this will be followed in 1971 by books on Mexico and the Andean Republics. The factual aspects of geography
are stressed more than with the old approach by using two excellent paperbacks, Physical Geography, which
stresses a knowledge of the physical features of the earth, and Map Skills for Today's Geography. These new
publications, along with an excellent selection of records and filmstrips produced by National Geographic Soci-
ety teams and some from the Encyclopedia Britannica, give a much more intelligible and relevant preparation
for the next year than the former potpourri.
When a change of pace is needed from Canadian and South American topics, "excursions" to Ecuador,
Nigeria, Tibet, Botswana, East Pakistan and Korea are encouraged by way of the Oxfam Series of Case Studies
of Developing Nations. But the emphasis will remain on studies of the problems of this hemisphere and the
United States in relation to her neighbors north and south of the border.
The library, however, still remains as the heart of any good school, so to complement the ever evolv-
ing curriculum teachers are requested by the Librarian, Mrs. Detsch, to order any and all books, records,
films or other supporting materials that are needed to enhance their courses. The A-B JAY library commands
yearly the largest share of the school budget, and an attempt is being made to acquire library aides to make
the books and other properties more accessible to students. It is hoped that the library will be open daily dur-
ing the coming year until three p. m. or later to accommodate those students wishing to do more reading or
work on research papers. In spite of the ever increasing costs of books, the A-B JAY library each year sur-
passes the tradition of Coue.
It is hoped from the few examples given that interested townspeople will understand the role of the junior
high school in today's rapidly changing world. It is, first and foremost, a vitally important transition period
during which adolescents leave the shelter of childhood and take their first steps in a highly competitive and of-
ten harsh adult world.
The curriculum and the library of the Acton-Boxborough Junior High School are made to evolve to meet
these stresses. New programs that have been tested elsewhere and found to be sound are sought and used in
this school. Untried and space -oriented programs of doubtful value, or too plainly labeled with bandwagon red,
are avoided. We still adhere to the advice of Alexander Pope, which cautions: "Be not the first by whom
the new is tried, nor yet the last to lay the old aside. "
A complex operation such as this school could, of course, not go along well without the support and dedi-
cation of scores of people. My thanks go in particular to the recently retired Superintendent of Schools,
Mr. William L. O'Connell, and to his successor, the Acting Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Alan M. White.
All of us are fortunate to have the help of a forward-looking and cooperative Regional School Committee
to carry on the good works that were begun under the joint leadership of Mr. O'Connell and his deputy,
Mr. White.
I am particularly indebted to Mr. Henry Wall, the Vice -Principal of the Junior High School, and to a
truly outstanding and involved faculty. Nearly all of the teachers at this school relate very well to adolescents
and unfailingly offer good examples for the students to emulate.
I express my sincere appreciation also to those unsung heroes who work very hard to make the school
a comfortable and even enjoyable place in which to work. I refer to the secretaries, the counselors in the
Department of Pupil Personnel Services, and the very important members of the cafeteria and custodial
staffs. Because of the interest and hard work of all the people named above, the vessel known as A-B JAY
has managed to avoid the reefs that abound in the turbulent waters of modern education.
Finally, supreme among the rewards of teaching is the valued association with members of the rising
generation. I am certain that I speak for all teachers and staffers at the Acton-Boxborough Junior High School
when I say that it is a distinct pleasure to be working daily with such a fine group of young people. They and
the hard-working parents who supply the funds for this whole operation are to be commended. Parents who
wish to know more about this school, or who desire to become involved in its daily operation, are requested
to call 263-7716.
Arthur J. Hayes, Principal
Acton-Boxborough Junior High School
37
PUPIL PERSONNEL SERVICES
During 1970 severaL new people have joined the pupil personnel services staff; programs have continued
to develop; some changes in approach have been tried; and two programs, one for children with learning
disabilities, the other for emotionally disturbed children, have been initiated.
Essential to the operation of all of the programs is the secretarial staff. This had been ably headed
for nine years by Mrs. Phyllis Sutherland, but a change was necessitated in August when she and her
husband moved to the western part of the state. Our loss was great. However, Mrs. Dorothy Harding,
a member of the staff since September, 1965, agreed to assume the responsibility for coordination and
supervision. One of her first accomplishments was the preparation of a Manual of Procedures covering
all aspects of the clerical function.
With the installation of a computerized system designed to save students' time in research about
colleges, financial aid, and occupations, a clerk was added in September on a part-time basis. When she
is not operating the computer, she maintains the guidance library, keeping up to date the collection of
catalogs and other educational and vocational materials.
Other activities of the secretaries include arranging meetings for college representatives, counselors,
and students; scheduling parent -teacher conferences in the junior and senior high schools; maintaining
notices of job openings; keeping an inventory of all test materials; preparing case studies for staffings;
processing college applications; and keeping the financial records for each of the pupil personnel services.
One program, first organized and headed by Mrs. Harding early in 1970, has since been expanded
greatly and is now the responsibility of one of the high school counselors. This is the teacher aide program,
designed to give senior high students the opportunity to help children in the junior high and elementary
schools under the supervision of the classroom teachers. All involved have been enthusiastic about the
beginnings of the program and evaluation of it is ongoing.
Of note in guidance during 1970, in addition to the computer and teacher aide programs, are the
following developments or changes:
1. There seems to have been a significant increase in the number of teacher-counselor and parent-
counselor interviews for consultation about the needs of students.
2. More counseling of students in groups has been carried on at both elementary and secondary
levels than in previous years and, although it is still a relatively new technique in the local schools, it
appears to have much potential for success in some situations.
3. Last summer a group of counselors volunteered to prepare a descriptive booklet entitled
"Counseling" for distribution to parents of all children in grades 1-7 and to new students in grades 8-12.
Accompanying the booklets sent to parents were letters introducing the students' counselors and inviting
the parents to be in touch.
4. In an effort to increase counseling efficiency without adding staff, a modification in approach
was initiated in September, subject to evaluation at the end of a year. Under the previous system of seeing
every student, counselors were faced with a problem. They were seeing some students who appeared
to need no special help at the time and they were unable to give sufficient attention to certain students
who were experiencing rather serious difficulties. A compromise -alternative was agreed upon; namely,
that counselors would see all students in grades 3,6,8,11, and 12 and students in the other grades only as
they themselves sought assistance or were referred by teachers or parents.
Since the report of the school nurses immediately follows this one, the health program will not be
covered here. The nurses have been active participants in the staffings held during the past year. (These,
described in the 1969 Annual Report under the heading of the "team approach" have increased rapidly in
number and seem to be an effective means of drawing upon the expertise of each staff member and of the
consultant psychologist in the assessment and alleviation of learning difficulties. ) In addition to this
involvement, the nurses have attended the pupil personnel services meetings and have had regular
conferences with the Head Counselor, thus bringing them into somewhat closer contact than in the past
with their fellow specialists.
Accepting referrals from classroom teachers and counselors, the remedial reading teachers test
students and place them in groups of six or less for intensive help according to their needs. At the
elementary level, concentration is upon skills in which the child is experiencing difficulty. Areas
include word perception, oral reading, silent reading, sound blending, structural analysis, and study
skills. The teachers have carefully analyzed materials and have purchased with a view to variety in
level of difficulty while maintaining high interest.
The remedial reading program at the secondary level includes continued instruction for students
deficient in certain skills; in addition, high school students who have experienced no learning problems
but who wish to improve comprehension, speed, spelling, or general study skills in order to meet their
potential academic and personal requirements may elect to work with the reading teachers.
38
During the past year the reading teachers have made special efforts to provide for communication with
classroom teachers; it is important that to the extent possible similar materials and methods be used both
within the classroom and in the remedial group sessions.
With a similar focus on individualizing as much as possible the instruction within the regular classroom, the
School Committee authorized for September, 1970, a new learning disabilities program at the elementary level.
To date we have succeeded in obtaining the services of three learning disabilities resource teachers. There
remains a vacancy at the Douglas School.
These teachers add an important new dimension. to the teams in the schools. They participate in staffings
and carry the primary responsibility for providing assessment and prescriptive teaching plans. They work with
the children, the classroom teachers, and often the remedial reading teachers in implementing these plans, and
in periodic follow-up staffings they help to evaluate progress and to suggest modifications in teaching approaches
as necessary.
This program is still very new; thorough assessment of individual needs is a slow process; and individualized
instruction in large classes is difficult. However, we feel that for many disabled children, this approach can
successfully replace the tutorial method.
The tutorial approach is still being used with students who have serious difficulties at the secondary level.
However, the learning disabilities tutor and the remedial reading teachers have proposed a research development
study which, if granted, will provide for a general evaluation of programs in the junior and senior high schools
and which may well suggest some alternatives to meeting the needs of adolescents with learning disabilities.
The special classes for the retarded have continued to grow in size during the past year. Each now has
eleven children and the legal limit for the class for the trainable children is twelve.
The children in both classes have participated in many parts of the school program with students from
regular classes and some are involved with regular classes in academic subjects as well as in such classes as
physical education, art, and music.
Members of both classes have also benefitted during the past year from the services of volunteer aides
including adult members of the community, a college student, and several high school students. A student
teacher from Boston College has been assigned to the class for the educable retarded for the second quarter of
the current school year.
The greatest problem still facing us is the limited educational opportunity for the older children. We
continue to send high school age educable students to neighboring communities for a work-oriented curriculum
leading to a work-study program. However, the age range in both of our classes is still very broad, with
some junior high age students.
In January, 1970, the School Committee accepted a preliminary report concerning programs for the
emotionally disturbed and planned for the first time to fund three special classes. An advisory committee composed
of representatives from the School Committee, the Concord Mental Health Center, the League of Women Voters, the
Parent Teachers Organization, school faculty and administration, and a number of interested parents was formed.
This group met throughout the spring to discuss admission policies, objectives, and methods of intervention with
disturbed children. Specific guidelines were developed and presented to the School Committees.
Two elementary level programs were initiated in September. A self-contained class at the Blanchard
Memorial School in Boxborough is composed of five primary-age children. At the Gates School a resource center
is provided for ten children who need special tutorial assistance.
The major objective in each class is to return the child to the regular classroom on a full time basis at
the earliest possible date. The teachers view the following as corollary objectives:
L. To give children an opportunity to develop an understanding of themselves and of others.
2. To help children develop a sense of trust by providing firm, consistent limits within a supportive,
understanding atmosphere.
3. To help children develop social and academic skills which will strengthen their egos and improve the
attitudes that others have towards them.
4. To help children develop and internalize controls (self-discipline) and reality testing abilities.
The beginning of a class at the secondary level was deferred until September, 1971, because of the small
number who were considered to be eligible for admission.
39
The members of the speech therapy staff have worked closely together during the past year. Meeting
regularly to discuss cases and approaches, they have developed their own method of articulation therapy which
combines what they believe to be the most effective parts of several methods. Within the general method
there is allowance for variation to meet particular needs.
An evening program for parents was held in the winter for the purpose of describing a particular area of
speech pathology of interest to the community. The therapists chose the topic, "How a Child Learns to Talk",
and described the various developmental stages. They stressed the fact that development does not just occur
naturally but rather requires help from all of those around the child, especially the parents.
In connection with the administration of the pupil personnel services, the expansion during 1970 of a
method of differentiated staffing should be noted. This year we continue to have staff members acting on a
voluntary basis as coordinators of the secretarial, remedial, remedial reading, and speech therapy staffs.
In addition, for the first time several of the more experienced counselors are carrying varying responsibilities
such as program planning for meetings, supervision of certain aspects of the testing program, administration
of the computer service, and consultation on a bi-weekly schedule with less experienced counselors concerning
objectives and techniques. In this way they have responded to an opportunity to develop their own leadership
potential and they are contributing significantly to the effectiveness of the programs with which they are involved.
We are grateful for their dedication and assistance.
One person deserves my particular thanks. He is Mr. William Petkewich who continues to be an able,
willing, and cheerful assistant in the over-all administration of the pupil personnel services.
Finally, on behalf of all of us, I should like to express gratitude to the students and their parents, other
members of the community, the School Committees, our former Superintendent and the Acting Superintendent,
the Principals, and the teachers for whom and with whom we work to provide helpful supplementary personal
and educational services in the schools.
Ruth R. Proctor
Director of Guidance
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSES
All of the testing has been completed for the year 1970. From January to June, the vision and hearing
tests for all students were completed and referrals for corrections made.
Tuberculin (Tine) testing in grades 1, 4, 7, and 9 included 680 elementary students, 311 junior high
students, 230 high school students and 63 adult personnel. The Board of Health nurses followed up the positive
reactors.
Heights and weights were completed and 14 referrals for dental care were made in the elementary schools. ,
A mumps vaccine clinic was held in April for grades 1, 2, 3, and 4. 683 doses of the vaccine were given.
A rubella clinic (German measles) was also held in cooperation with the Board of Health. Nine hundred
fifty-five children in grades 1, 5, 6, and 7 were immunized.
Diphtheria -Tetanus "boosters" were given to 175 ninth graders this year.
State law requires physical examinations every 3 years. (The school physician sees students of grades
1, 4, 7, and 10 annually. ) In June, 1970, we sent forms to the parents of students entering these grades in
September, 1970, requesting that physicals be done by their private physicians. Only a small percentage
returned completed physical forms. We hope for a greater response in 1971, as we are sure that a larger
number of our students are seen by their own doctors.
In evaluating our testing programs, (especially the Hearing) we found it to be more efficient and effective
to screen all pupils individually at the elementary level. This was initiated in the fall of 1970.
Our medication policy was reviewed and a new policy was approved by the School Committees in October, 191
Notices were sent to all doctors, pharmacists, and parents of elementary school pupils. The high school students
were informed by routine announcement.
During 1970, the nurses participated more frequently in school staffings. Also, we found the need for more
time to discuss problems and policy among ourselves.
Sect!
as si
40
Representatives of the nursing staff attended several meetings of the newly formed School Nurses
Section of the National Education Association. We hope that this organization will assist us in our effectiveness
as school nurses. We are currently in the process of defining our role locally and contact with other systems
and their nurses should be to our benefit.
We wish to thank everyone, especially our secretaries,
Mr. Petkewich for all the help during a very busy year.
Mrs. Kuipers and Mrs. Larsen, and also
Eileen Hale, R.N.
Helen Rhodes, R.N.
Patricia Wilson, R.N.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The shifting emphases and the changing philosophies in education in recent years have, not surprisingly,
been felt in Acton during 1970. A few short years ago the abolishment of the dress code in our schools would
have caused much consternation; this year it was voted without fanfare and with little adverse reaction in the
community. The "underground" newspaper and the students' rights movement are other manifestations of the
students' search for an appropriate and effective way to express their views on the schools. The negotiating
table has provided a vehicle for the teachers and the administrators to voice their opinions, and, increasingly,
the parents of our students have evidenced their desire to be heard on major issues.
It is clear that the vitally important task of educating our young people must be a shared responsibility,
and the school committee has demonstrated its awareness of this need in several ways during 1970. We have
endeavored to keep townspeople better informed about the schools through formal publications, wider distribution
of agendas and official minutes, and frequent direct communications with other town boards. We initiated the
public hearing on the school budget. We requested citizen participation on such special committees as those
which would study classes for the emotionally disturbed, future land acquisition, school construction at the
secondary level, and the school lunch program and have authorized similar committees on public kindergartens
and school organization.
Certainly the greatest resource in Acton or in any town which can be utilized for the improvement of our
educational system is its people. We congratulate the entire school staff -- with a special note of appreciation
to William L. O'Connell, recently retired from the superintendency after many years of dedicated service to
the system, and to Alan M. White our Acting Superintendent -- and you, the members of the community, for our
progress to date. We can look back with pride at our accomplishments, but it behooves all of us to concentrate
now on the future. We must find new ways to do things which will at the same time preserve that which is good
in our schools and phase out practices which no longer have validity for today, and we must find the means to
accomplish these goals in the most economical way possible. This will require the combined efforts of all of
us who believe that a community's first duty is to provide a superior education for its youth.
Fully cognizant of the need for clear direction, ongoing evaluation, and comprehensive planning and for
the administrative organization which must meet these needs, the school committee is presently engaged in
carrying out two of the most important tasks it will ever be called upon to perform -- the preparation of a
statement of goals and objectives to serve as a guideline for orderly, directed growth of the system and the
hiring of a superintendent, whose job it will be to help us realize those aims. We shall solicit the assistance
of the staff, the students, and the community as we go forward with our work in both areas, but we realize
that the final decisions must, by law, be ours. We are prepared to make them, keeping foremost in our
deliberations the welfare of our students -- Acton's most valuable resource.
ACTON ADULT EDUCATION 1970
At the March, 1970, Annual Town Meeting, five thousand dollars was appropriated to finance an Adult
Education Program for the Town of Acton. In July, the Acton School Committee appointed Mrs. Doli Mason
as Director and the following people were invited to serve on the Acton Adult Education Advisory Council:
Mr. Warren Newell
Mr. Edwin Richter
Dr. Samual Sutcliffe
Mrs. Beatrice Deloury
Mrs. Corinne Orcutt
Mr. Warren Birch
Mr. Donald Gilberti
Mr. William Phillips
Mrs. Janet Murphy
Mr. Herschel Hadley
Mrs. Alice McKearney
Mr. Alan White
The following philosophy has been adopted as a basis for the total program, the major emphasis being on
Community involvement in all phases of planning, implementation, and evaluation:
The purpose of the Adult Education program is to provide educational experiences
which will help persons increase their abilities and skills in the areas of personal
development, citizenship, and production and consumption. The increasing rate of
change in science, technology, and society offers opportunities for individual and
41
community growth in all these areas. It also increases the urgency for all members
of our society to acquire the understanding and skills which enables them to identify
and guide these forces of change in order to make optimum life adjustments to
complexities of the present and future.
In order to help people achieve their growth needs, the major objectives of the
Adult Education Program are:
1. To develop public understanding of and involvement in developing
an Adult Education program which to the fullest extent possible
meets the needs of the community it serves.
2. To help people optimize their development as individuals and as members
of the family, community, and society.
3. To help people improve their community organization, services, and
i environment.
4. To help people raise their level of living and achieve their economic and
productive goals.
5. To help people increase creative and fulfilling use of leisure time.
Eighteen courses were offered based on town wide questionnaire responses. During the fall term two
courses were discontinued due to lack of interest. A total of three hundred thirty six prople were enrolled
and one hundred fifteen persons were placed on a waiting list for future courses.
The 1971 Winter Term will begin in January and continue through March. Those of us who are involved
in the program sincerely hope that the program will grow through stronger community interest and involvement
Mrs. Doli Mason
Director.
SCHOOL FINANCES
Acton Public Schools
Received - To the Credit of Schools
State Aid for Public Schools, Chapter 70
State Aid for Transportation, Chapter 71
Special Education, Chapters 69 and 71
State Aid for Town in Regional School District
Federal Aid
$ 847,320.43
33, 946.59
40, 274.00
110,710.00
22, 685.00
$1,054, 936.02
Appropriated, March 1971
Federal Funds, Balance 12/31/69
Gross Operating Budget, 1970
$1, 738,508. 00
11, 169.00
$1,749, 677.00
Total Expended for Maintenance and Operation in 1970
Cost per Pupil (2415 as of 10/1/70)
$1,726,841. 18
$715.05
PROPOSED BUDGET FOR 1971
January 1 - December 31, 1971
Acton Public Schools
Administration
Instruction
Plant Operation and Maintenance
Non-Instructional Services
Outlay
Transportation
Out of State Travel
Contingency
$ 44, 977.00
1,598, 930. 00
169, 908.00
36, 664.00
29, 194.00
126, 995.00
300.00
25, 000.00
$2, 031, 968.00
42
Acton-Boxborough Regional School District
Received to the Credit of the District
State Aid for Transportation, Chapter 71 $ 113,291.00
Federal and State Aid 36, 310. 00
Appropriated for Maintenance and Operation, March, 1970 $1, 800, 050. 00
Transfers and Anticipated Income:
Balance 1969 Operating Budget $ 8,526.00
1969-70 Transportation Reimbursement 104,319.00
Balance, 12/31/69 Federal Funds 12,137.00
Special Education Reimbursement, 1969 3, 556. 00
Miscellaneous Receipts, 1969 1, 224.00 129, 762.00
Gross Operating Budget, 1970 ' ~" " $1,929,821.00
Total Expended for Maintenance and Operation in 1970 $1, 882, 584. 17
Cost per Pupil (2157 as of 10/1/1970) $872.78
PROPOSED BUDGET FOR 1971
January 1 - December 31, 1971
Acton-Boxborough Regional School District
Administration $ 61,030.00
Instruction 1, 720, 130. 00
Plant Operation 146, 184. 00
Plant Maintenance 35, 500. 00
Non-Instructional Services 57,450. 00
Outlay 31,615.00
Transportation 143,400.00
Special Charges 12, 573. 00
Out of State Travel 2, 400. 00
Contingency Fund 25, 000. 00
Total Maintenance and Operation $2, 235, 282. 00
Non-Classified, School Athletic Fund 41,734.00
Non-Classified, Adult Education 2, 000. 00
Debt Service (Gross) 239, 890. 00
Total Budget (Gross) $2, 518, 906. 00
Gross Operating Budget $2, 235, 282. 00
Less: (1) Balance 1970 Operating Budget ( 51,506.00)
(2) 1969-70 Transportation Reimbursement (113,291.00)
(3) 12/31/70 P. L. 874 Balance ( 31,692.00)
(4) 12/31/70 Title V Balance ( 56.00)
(5) 12/31/70 Special Education Balance ( 8,451.00)
(6) 1970 Miscellaneous Collections ( 3,326.00)
Net Operating Budget $2, 026, 960. 00
Debt Service
Interest 54,890.00
Maturing Debt $ 185,000.00
Less: Anticipated State Aid (111,200.00)
Transfer ( 2,500.00)
Net Debt Service 71, 300. 00
Non-Classified
School Athletic Fund $ 41,734.00
2, 000. 00 43, 734. 00
Total Net Budget $2,196,884.00
43
Net Budget
Gross Budget
$ 322,022.00
2, 196,884.00
$2, 518, 906.00
Acton-Boxborough Regional School District
Acton
Boxborough
-Operating Expenses, 91% of $2,003,851.00**
Cost of Transportation 121, 820. 00
Less Reimbursement (69-70) _ 103, 044.00
Debt Service, 95% of $126,190.
Non-Classified, 91% of $43, 734.
'-Operating Expenses, 9% of $2,003,851.00**
Cost of Transportation 14, 580. 00
Less Reimbursement (69-70) 10,247.00
Debt Service, 5% of $126, 190.
Non-Classified, 9% of $43, 734.
!=Acton Student Enrollment 10/1/70
Boxborough Student Enrollment 10/1/70
1959 (91%)
198 ( 9%)
2157
$1, 823,504.00
18,776.00
119,880.00
39,798.00
$ 180,347.00
4, 333.00
6, 310.00
3, 936.00
$2, 001, 958.00
$ 194,926.00
**Gross Operating Budget
Less: 1970 Title V Balance
1970 Maintenance and Operation Balance
1970 Public Law 874 Balance
1970 Special Education Balance
1970 Miscellaneous Collections
Combined cost of current transportation budget
exclusive of field trips
$2, 235, 282.00
( 56.00)
( 51,506.00)
( 31,692.00)
( 8,451.00)
( 3,326.00)
(136,400.00)
$2, 003,851. 00
44
ACTON-BOXBOROUGH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Treasurer's Report
December 31, 1970
Balance, December 31, 1969
Receipts, 1970
Town of Acton
Town of Boxborough
State Aid for Construction
Construction-Authorized Loan
Public Law 874
Public Law 864, Title V
Public Law 89-10, Title I
Public Law 89-10, Title II
Public Law 89-10, Title VI-A
Special Education
Transportation Reimbursement
School Lunch
School Athletics
Federal Taxes
State Taxes
Teachers' Retirement
County Retirement
Teachers' Insurance
Blue Cross - Blue Shield
Group Life Insurance
Acton Teachers Association
Tax Annuities
Earned Interest
Miscellaneous
51, 762, 238. 00
188, 165.00
136, 133. 19
50,000.00
31,692.00
1,263. 50
3,874.00
1, 116.42
4,500.00
4,618.00
113, 291.00
102, 131.40
4,760.31
216, 722.63
43,636.82
61,914.48
7,917.08
1, 104. 15
6, 030. 56
798.70
4,016.65
8, 730.00
1,068.87
3,233. 55
$ 202,071.35
Total Receipts
Total
$2, 758, 956. 31
$2, 961, 027. 66
Disbursements, 1970
Maintenance and Operation:
General Control
Instruction
Operation of Plants
Maintenance of Plants
Non -Instructional Services
Outlay-
Transportation
Blanchard Auditorium
Contingency
Construction
Title I
Title II
Title V
Title VI-A
Payment of Principal
Interest on Debt
School Lunch
School Athletics
Federal Taxes
State Taxes
Teachers' Retirement
County Retirement
Teachers' Insurance
Blue Cross - Blue Shield
Group Life Insurance
Acton Teachers Association
Tax Annuities
Total Disbursements
Balance, December 31, 1970
Total
i 46,204.21
1,429, 299.60
124,684.96
26,668.48
46,008.94
18,291.60
131,886. 13
8, 925.00
50,615. 25
35, 100.00
3, 768.98
1,277.36
1,206. 58
1,662.09
210,000.00
61, 385. 00
101, 780.98
37,918. 23
216, 722.63
43,636.82
61,960.97
7,917.08
1, 104. 15
5,999.90
800.10
4,016.65
8,780.00
$2,687,621.69
273,405. 97
$2,961,027.66
Priscilla Felt
Treasurer
45
VOCATIONAL REGIONAL SCHOOL
During 1970 the Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical Planning Board, including the towns of
Acton, Arlington, Belmont, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Lexington, Sudbury, Stow, Wayland and
Weston, continued in their work of last year to prepare a regionalization agreement under which the par-
ticipating towns would form a regional district and construct a regional vocational technical school. It
is this agreement which is to be presented to the annual town meetings in March for acceptance. The
district will come into being upon the ratification of the agreement by the towns of Arlington, Belmont,
Concord and Lexington. The region will also include such other towns as vote to accept the terms of the
agreement. In the case of one of the four determining towns not ratifying the agreement, the Planning
Board is prepared to present an alternate agreement without the dissenting town included for approval
by the towns within three months.
The Curriculum Committee developed the basic purpose of the Minuteman School "to provide compre-
hensive academic and technical subjects which will enable each student to develop to his full potential in
terms of entering a career or continuing his education. " The recommendation of the committee is for the
curriculum to be designed to attract and satisfy the vocationally and technically oriented student. At the
same time it should be structured so that the student with learning problems who can benefit from a
technical -vocational program will be able to do so. Provision should be made for some students who are
academically, socially or physically disadvantaged.
The proposed school is to be located within a five mile radius of the center of the district. The
opening date of this 1500 pupil school has been set for September 1974.
A local advisory committee has been formed to assist the Planning Committee in informing the towns-
people about the district and proposed school. A brochure for distribution in all the towns in the district
was prepared and included all pertinent data concerning financial commitments and the regionalization
agreement.
While actively pursuing the goal of forming a Minuteman district, the members of the Acton Planning
Committee also seriously investigated the possibility of buying into Nashoba Valley Technical High School
in Westford. Negotiations for this merger continued throughout the year up to the point of preparing an
amendment to the existing Regionalization Agreement which would have enabled Acton and Boxborough to
become members of the district. In October the Nashoba Valley Technical High School Committee voted
to discontinue talks pursuant to Acton and Boxborough joining the district for a number of reasons. Most
important was the concern of the committee that the available expansion potential of the school would have
to be used almost immediately to meet the needs of the member towns. The inclusion of Acton and Box-
borough would necessitate an additional building program which the members did not feel they would be
able to sell to their towns.
The Committee has prepared two Warrant Articles to be presented to the annual town meeting in
March. The first is the ratification of the regionalization agreement which would commit Acton to mem-
bership in the district. The second article is an appropriation of funds for the use of the Regional School
Committee for the balance of the 1971 fiscal year. The appropriation of these funds will be contingent upon
a favorable vote for the establishment of the region. The funds will be used to hire a superintendent and
to make the necessary plans for constructing the school. Based upon estimated attendance from each town,
Acton will be asked to appropriate $1, 680.
Because Acton does not provide any vocational technical training, there will be an article in the
Warrant prepared by the Acton Boxborough Regional School Committee for more than $20, 000 for vocational
tuition and transportation. State law requires the town of Acton to pay this tuition and transportation expense
of any student who attends a vocational technical school in another town because Acton does not have these
facilities.
The responsibility of the Planning Committee ends with the approval or disapproval of the regionali-
zation agreement at the town meeting. We members have enjoyed serving the town in this capacity and
hope that through our work broader educational choice will be available to Acton's young people.
Beverly W. Lydiard Charles Courtwright
Marilyn Peterson
46
LIBRARIES
A new sculpture in the courtyard, the opening of a separate reference section, and a circulating print
collection are among the exciting new features at the Acton Memorial Library this year. We feel that your
library is a great asset to the Town of Acton and that the Library Director and her faithful and loyal staff
are dedicated to making it one of the finest public libraries in the state. Circulation continues to grow and
the various services and activities expand steadily.
Annual Library Statistics
1970
1967***
Circulation:
Fiction
59, 939
43, 695 Income:
Fines
$5,
409.
93
Non-fiction
46, 964
26, 913
Miscellaneous
374.
30
Juvenile
51,376
44, 976
Copy Service**
174.
85
Records*
1,633
Prints
Total
64
159, 976
115, 584
$5,
960.
08
* Provided by Eastern Massachusetts Regional Public Library System
** January 1 to July 15
*** Circulation figures for 1967, the year the library addition was opened, have been included to give a basis
for comparison.
Books:
Adult fiction added to collection
Adult non -fiction added to collection
Gifts added to collection
Total books added to adult collection
Total books discarded from adult collection
Juvenile fiction added to collection
Juvenile non -fiction added to collection
Gifts added to collection
Total books added to Juvenile collection
Total books discarded from Juvenile collection
575
1
542
279
2
396
870
414
453
25
892
Books in library January 1, 1970
Books added to collection during 1970
Books withdrawn from collection during 1970
Books in library as of January 1, 1971
Inter-library loan requests 484
32, 112
3, 288
1, 175
34,225
One of the most significant improvements in 1970 was the official opening, about February 1st, of the
Reference Room in the original building, thus utilizing that portion of the library more efficiently and providing
room for a greatly expanded reference collection and improved reference service. In March, the Town Meeting
approved a separate article on the warrant to provide funds for the installation of air-conditioning in the new
building. By the first of July, the air-conditioning was operating and adding considerably to the summer com-
fort of both patrons and staff.
Other new and improved services include the acquisition of a film projector and screen through the gen-
erosity of the Friends of the Acton Libraries, Digital Equipment Corporation and the Mary Lothrop Fund. The
first three items of our new audio-visual program are the Spoken Arts Cassette Library for Young Listeners,
a circulating print collection and the New York Times on microfilm beginning January 1, 1971. A microfilm
reader and some foreign language cassettes have also arrived. In addition to records which may be borrowed
from the Bookmobile, we have started our own record collection, ordering the basic classics first. Other
than the paperbacks on the swap shelf, we now have books in paperback form for circulation, mainly dupli-
cates of popular titles and titles appearing on various reading lists at the schools and in the area. A deluge
of patrons using our copying service necessitated the acquisition of a coin-operated copy machine, placed
near the desk for easy access.
47
We continue to use extensively the inter-library loan service through the Eastern Massachusetts
Regional Public Library System. Especially increased are the bookings of free films available to groups
and committees in the town. Also, your staff has benefitted by attending several workshops and seminars
sponsored by the region.
Our librarian continued her efforts to improve the coordination of school and public library facilities.
Several first and second grade classes visited our library this year. In the fall, all of the new teachers
were invited to the library for a tour of both the town and library, after which the teachers received kits
with background information.
Many interesting programs and events were presented at the library throughout the year.
Acton Conservation Trust generously provided a special photo exhibit entitled "Conservation" for display
April 18th-May 20th, in conjunction with National Library Week, the theme of which was "Environment".
Our Patriot's Day program on April 16th included a performance by the Acton Minutemen Fife and Drum
Corps and a reading by Mr. Paul Zimmer of Longfellow's poem "Paul Revere's Ride". A feature of
National Teach-in Day, April 22nd, was a lecture by Mr. John Putnam, head of the Environmental In-
formation Center in Boston, telling us what "we" can do about improving our environment.
The Sounds and Silences program, an infor-
mal series of chamber music including both taped
and live performances, was held on Sunday even-
ings from May 24th to the end of June. Selection
and programming was done by a volunteer commit-
tee originated by Mrs. Donnell Boardman. The
sound system was lent to the library by the H. H.
Scott Company. So enthusiastically received was
the first series that a second series was presented
on Sunday evenings from July 12th to the end of
August. Beginning November 6th, live programs
only are presented on the first Sunday of each
month.
Japan and Canada were visited by film during the Summer Reading and Film Programs for children.
An extension of this was the successful Film Classics Series shown at the Town Hall from August to Decem-
ber.
On July 22nd, librarians from all over eastern Massachusetts met here for the Environmental In-
formation File Workshop to learn more about the clipping service which is provided to us by the Environ-
mental Information Center. In observance of United Nations Day on Saturday, October 24th, a reception
was held for all Acton residents who are originally from foreign countries. All who attended enjoyed it
tremendously. During Fire Prevention week, a fire engine was parked in front of the library during an
afternoon for inspection by library patrons and a display by the firemen was moved into the library for a
week. In December, the Camp Fire Girls again erected their Holiday Mitten Tree for the enjoyment of all,
and the skiing films were shown on December 5th.
Sponsored by the Friends, a Book Fair featuring the sale of paperback books was held on Friday and
Saturday, December 4th and 5th. Highlight of the Fair was the dedication of metal sculpture created by a
local artist, Mr. Robert Livermore, and given to the library by the Friends.
The Friends continue to play a vital role in the life of the library. In addition to their countless
volunteer hours without which we could not function, we are also grateful to them for the storytelling hours
for children, for the regular displays of work by local artists and other interesting programs held periodi-
cally. This year a special thank you to the Friends for the gift of the sculpture.
We express our appreciation to the Acton Garden Club for their weekly flower arrangements, decora-
tions at Christmas time, and the general beautification of the main entrance with the planters, bulbs, and
prize bed of irises.
We thank also the Acton Public School art departments for the wonderful and different art displays
which add considerably to the enjoyment of both library patrons and personnel.
Publicity of your library has been excellent this year and we are grateful to all those who helped
make it so.
This year the staff has remained virtually the same except for the addition of the new reference li-
brarian, Mrs. Sondra Vandermark, who replaced Mrs. Marsha Valance beginning on October 13th, and
four new pages who replaced those who left at the end of the school year. We were pleased to have our
Custodian, Mr. Robert Trafton, return after a few months away, and were fortunate to secure his services
on a full-time basis.
48
Following is a complete list of our current staff:
Staff Library Assistants Pages
Library Director Mrs. Wanda Null Mrs. Frances Collins Susan Burton
Assistant Library Director Mrs. Marion Armstrong Mrs. Ruth Chandler Susan Charter
Children's Librarian Mrs. Dorothea Miller Mrs. Eleanor Alsing
Reference Librarian Mrs. Sondra Vandermark Mrs. Jeanne Crawford Custodian
Cataloger Mrs. Jane Bowie Mrs. Ann Braman
Mrs. Suzanne Blue Mr. Robert Trafton
There were no Board changes in 1970. Mrs. Mileva Brown, one of three elected Trustees, was
re-elected to a three -year term. Through the efforts of Miss Florence Merriam, we are now turning our
attention to the restoration of the many historic items housed in the attic of the library. We plan to cata-
log them better, to improve storage space for them and, after restoration, to display some items in the
library on a rotating basis.
The Board has revised the book selection policy, a copy of which may be requested at the desk.
We must insist that requests for permission to display posters, or for other special uses of the library,
should be submitted to the Board before its regular meeting, the first Thursday of each month at 8 p. m. ,
for due consideration. The limit on poster display is two weeks.
The Board wishes to thank the Townspeople for their cooperation throughout the year.
Mileva P. Brown Doris E. Peterson
Brewster Conant - Margaret Richter
Hayward S. Houghton Raymond A. Shamel
Florence L. Merriam- Marvin L. Tolf
James L. Parker, Chairman
Board of Trustees
REPORT OF THE CITIZENS LIBRARY ASSOCIATION OF WEST ACTON
BOARD OF TRUSTEES: Mrs. Betty Boothby, Chairman, Mrs. Joan Gardner, Secretary, Mrs. Barbara
Nylander.
LIBRARY HOURS: Monday: 7-9 P. M. , Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 10-5 P.M.
ACCESSION: Number of volumes in Library January 1, 1970 6, 761
Increase by purchase 198
Increase by gift 370
Withdrawn 482
Number of volumes in the Library January 1, 1971 6, 847
CIRCULATION IN 1970: Fiction -1,854 Non-fiction - 1, 557
Juvenile - 4, 614 Total 8,025
Books borrowed from Bookmobile: 426
Circulation: 653
Records received from Bookmobile: 88
Circulation: 85
FINES COLLECTED IN 1970: $191. 04
Steady growth in use of the Library prompted the Trustees to request permission to expand service
in October from nine to thirty hours weekly. Circulation prior to the new hours increased by over 23% and
for the full year by over 37%. Contributing to the success of the year were the regular visits of the Eastern
Massachusetts Regional Bookmobile which enabled the Library to offer many additional fine books and re-
cordings, an increased book budget permitting it to acquire a better selection of books in steady demand,
improvements to the building and grounds, and the cheerful help of many lunch hour and other volunteers
to all the activities of the Library.
Thanks are due the Acton Boy Scout Troop 11 who rebuilt the Library lawn and to the Friends of the
Acton Libraries who donated a typewriter and a bicycle rack, as well as providing contributions and help
to the Library's Fair in May. The Acton Garden Club provided a handsome Christmas wreath. Three
young people --Phyllis Nelson, David and Lynn Miller--gave much valuable help in repairing books and doing
clerical chores. The Trustees and their families went beyond the call of duty to do maintenance work and
many townspeople contributed books and periodicals.
Thelma C. Hermes
Librarian
49
RECREATION
The year 1970 has been a very eventful one for the Recreation
Commission, since we held our first swimming program since Lake
Walden was closed in 1965, and we began to implement our plans for
a year-round program to include all age groups, In January, we ran
a popular children's figure-skating program at the Elm Street skating
area, in March saw all our articles passed at Town Meeting, and,
along with our well-attended Summer Playground program, ran a swim-
ming program at Lake Walden in which 520 children took part. Mrs.
Richard Moore volunteered to administer this program, and we would
like to take this opportunity to thank her, and point out that, in spite of
having very short notice, she organized the classes and bus schedule,
and provided Acton with a swimming program of which it can be very
proud. Another very popular activity was the Flag Football program
for boys in Grades 4 through 8 held this Fall. For the first time, also,
a co-ed adult evening program was started, which has a small but
enthusiastic group of men and women playing volleyball and badminton
at the Blanchard Gym. This year also marked the first time that the
Town appropriated money under the Recreation budget to provide bus
trips and other programs for the 600 Senior Citizens of Acton.
Although the number of programs was small, each one represents a
large investment of time and energy on the part of Commission mem-
bers. Because we find it impossible to run all the programs we feel
the Town needs, we are asking in 1971 for a part-time, year-round
Recreation Director. This person will be in charge of the summer
programs on a full-time basis, and will also administer many more
programs during the rest of the year on a part-time basis. This is
planned as a half-way step toward the hiring of a year-round, full-time
director, which we look forward to in 1973. This step is also an impor-
tant part of our Recreation Master Plan, which will be completed in the
Spring of 1971.
Swimming Program at
Walden Pond
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Playground Program
The first priority of the Recreation Commission
continues to be the development of a Swimming Facility.
With this in mind, last Spring we requested that the Soil
Conservation Service, an agency of the U. S. Department
of Agriculture, do a geological survey of the Town to
determine all sites which would be feasible for a man-
made swimming pond. This survey was done, and the
final report will be completed and given to the Commis-
sion soon. If a piece of land, which is suitable for a
dug-type pond, is available for purchase, we will recom-
mend that the Town buy it, and apply for Federal funding.
The Recreation Commission is also supporting the build-
ing of an indoor pool in the new High School wing. The
chance to have such a year-round facility, with 65%
reimbursement from the State, is one which we feel the
Town should not pass up. The School Committee has
assured us that the Town would have full use of this pool
during after-school hours, and the Recreation Commis-
sion would be responsible for a Town-wide program.
Before concluding this report, we would like to thank some of the people who have contributed to our
successes in the past year: first, Mr. James Walline and Mr. David Michael, members of the Commission
who resigned during 1970, Mr. Harrington Moore, who ran the figure-skating program last winter, and who
is now involved in planning an even larger program for this winter; Mr. William Lynch, who is coordinating
an ambitious program of ski instruction for all ages; Mr. Anthony Galeota and Mr. Allen Nelson and their
Highway Department employees, who do so much work for us; Mr. Robert Dotson, our long-suffering Town
Manager, and his staff, who are so patient and helpful; Mr. Alan White, Acting Superintendent of Schools
and his staff; the members of the Conservation Commission and the Town Building - Land Acquisition
Committee, who are working hard to provide the Town with land for our expanding recreational facilities;
and last, but not least, the many conscientious young people who made up the staffs of the Summer Play-
ground and Swimming programs.
We look forward to 1971 as a year of great progress for recreation in Acton.
Gale Jarvis
James Maclntyre
Janet Murphy, Chairman
Eleanor White
Richard MacAuley, Associate Member
Recreation Commission
50
1975 CELEBRATION
The Advisory Committee on the 1975 Celebration, appointed by the Selectmen, began monthly meetings
in December 1969. These meetings are scheduled for the last Monday of the month at 8:00 P. M. in the
Selectmen's offices at the Town Hall. These are open meetings, which citizens are encouraged to attend.
Initial activity of the Committee was to appoint appropriate sub -committees to study a number of sub-
jects which bear on the 1975 Celebration such as program, finances, decorations, events, publicity, and
liaison with other organizations and towns. A number of members of the Committee are representatives
from various organizations in Acton, and informal commitments have been obtained from several of these
organizations as to what contributions they would like to make. Initial efforts at historical research and
Town beautification are underway. The Acton-Boxboro High School has also cooperated. An award of a
United States savings bond has been made to Miss Nancy Bernard for her winning design in an art compe-
tition held at the High School.
A tentative program is under discussion. Under constant review is the size and the scope of the 1975
Celebration. Past Town celebrations have been studied and will be adjusted for today's realities in light of
growth of the Town.
The sum of $3, 000 was requested in the 1970 Town Warrant, and was voted by town meeting members.
These funds were added to the $2, 000 previously deposited in a special bank account. The Committee seeks
$4, 000 in 1971, according to a plan which anticipates raising funds so that the tax burden will not fall heavily
in any given year.
Mr. Ahti E. Autio
Mr. Jerry T. Ballantine
Mr. E. Wilson Bursaw
Col. Burton A. Davis
Mr. David H. Donaldson
Mr. Donald R. Gilberti
Mr. Russell D. Hayward
Mr. Hayward S. Houghton
Mrs. Roger M. Huebsch
Mr. T. Frederick S. Kennedy
Mrs. Donald R. Kinzie
Mr. Walter R. Laite
Mr. Brewster
Representing Concord
Mr. Malcolm S. MacGregor
Mrs. Malcolm S. MacGregor
Mrs. Charles D. MacPherson
*Dr. Francis C. McDonald
Miss Florence A. Merriam
Mr. Richmond P. Miller, Jr.
Mr. Robert E. Nelson
Mrs. Edmond H. Newton
Mr. Norman L. Roche
Mr. Raymond W. Spicer
Mr. Alfred F. Steinhauer
Mr. H. Bradford Sturtevant III
Conant, Chairman
HISTORICAL COMMISSION
During 1970 the Historical Commission continued its work consistent with its mission for the preserva-
tion, promotion and development of the historic assets of Acton. Early in the year the Commission initiated
action with the Selectmen to obtain restoration of certain portions of the town-owned section of the Isaac Davis
Trail where damage had occurred due to disregardful building operations in the surrounding area.
With the cooperation of Town Manager Robert Dotson, Town Engineer Anthony Galeota and Town Counsel
Herbert Wilkins, an agreement was secured from the builder to restore the damaged areas according to spe-
cifications drawn up by Mr. Galeota and the Historical Commission. This work has begun and is proceeding
under the supervision of Mr. Galeota and the Commission members.
The Historical Commission has met with representatives of various groups during the year to talk about
matters of common interest to these groups and the Town.- Representing the D. A. R. was Mrs. Malcolm
MacGregor, the Public Celebrations Committee, Mr. Clark McElvein, Chairman, and the Advisory Com-
mittee on the 1975 Celebration, Mr. Brewster Conant, Chairman.
The Acton Historical Society was represented by members on the Commission and the Historical
Society's offer to provide trees for planting along the southerly border of the town-owned portion of the Isaac
Davis Trail was gratefully accepted. It is planned to have this work go forward in the spring with the coop-
eration of other interested groups.
The Commission has also been concerned with an effort to determine the exact route of the Line of March
of the Acton Minutemen on that section of the Trail between Estabrook and Pope Roads.
51
Commission members met at various times during the year with Mr. Alden C. Flagg, Jr. and
Mrs. Janet Fiagg Turley both of whom drew on their recollections to lead the Commission members over
what might have been the old road to Concord. The Commission is indebted to Mrs. Alden C. Flagg,
Mr. Charles B. Johnson, Jr. and Mrs. Robert M. Bowen for permission to cross their land during these
several exploratory walks.
Many other matters were considered and some of these are presently being planned, such as an il-
lustrated brochure locating the important historical sites in Acton for the aid of visitors before and during
the 1975 Celebration.
Considerable time was spent on trying to insure the future of the Todd House which is presently in
the hands of the Regional School Committee. The Isaac Davis homestead site, where our annual Patriot's
Day ceremonies are held and the march to Concord begins, is up for sale and the Commission is trying to
find some way to make sure that our future Patriot's Day exercises can continue in this same location.
All of these matters take a great deal of time and for this reason the work on the historical census
is proceeding more slowly than we would have wished. However, it does point up the rapidity with which
change is occurring in Acton and the sobering fact that Acton is losing its character as a New England
village.
Many of the old landmarks have already disappeared and Acton as we knew it just twenty short years
ago may soon be obscured by the bull -dozer.
There is much that should be saved in Acton and with proper foresight, adequate planning and some
sacrifice for the common good, we could provide an historical and architectural legacy to be enjoyed by
future generations.
The Historical Commission feels that it is time to consider these matters seriously and recommends
the establishment of an Historic District Study Committee.
The Acton Historical Commission meets at 8 P. M. , the first Tuesday of each month at the Acton
Center Fire Station. All meetings are open, and interested residents are cordially invited to attend.
Jerry T. Ballantine, Chairman
Marian E. H. Houghton, Clerk
Robert Nylander
Stanley L. Smith, Jr.
Samuel Sutcliffe
ARCHIVES
During the past year the Archives Committee has received several letters requesting information in
regard to the history of the town. Requests have also been received for information on the background of
Crown Resistance Day.
The Committee has also received several inquiries on the Todd House with respect to when it was
built and who the original owner was.
The dehumidifier in the vault at the South Acton Fire Station was checked several times to be sure it
was functioning properly.
The Graphic Microfilm Company of Waltham, Massachusetts, has submitted to this committee a
suggested program to follow in regard to the microfilming of Town Records.
The Archives Committee stands ready to cooperate and help the 1975 Celebration in any capacity
should we be called on to do so.
Frederick S. Kennedy
Minetta D. Lee
Joyce C. Woodhead
52
PUBLIC CEREMONIES
1970 activity of the Public Ceremonies and Celebrations Committee was marked by innovation and change.
lWe believe that the changes we made in the Memorial Day observance and the addition of a Family Fourth of
■July were, in general, well received. Our 1971 plans will benefit from the experience gained in making these
major changes.
Patriot's Day dawned cool and clear, but by the end of the morning at Buttrick's Meadow we were rather
■ damp. The highlight of the day was the presentation on the Meadow of the stirring Flag Ceremony by the Acton
Minutemen, which displays and narrates the history of all the flags which have flown over the United States. The
weather could not detract, however, from the spirit of enthusiasm and high dedication of the 1000 citizens and
3000 Cub, Boy, and Girl Scouts who retraced the steps of Isaac Davis to Concord. As in the past, the arrival
of Dr. Samuel Prescott at the site of the Robbins house and the ride of John Robbins through Acton to the Liberty
I Tree House were reenacted. Before the march commenced at the Isaac Davis Home, we were honored by the
remarks of the Lieutenant Commander William A. Will, Chaplain, USN, Portsmouth Naval Base. The Isaac
jDavis Patriot's Day Flag was also presented at that time to Mrs. Porter Jenks representing the Acton Girl Scouts.
During the afternoon, the Town Hall, Center Woman's Club, Jones Tavern, and Faulkner House held open house,
and many citizens viewed the historical displays prepared for the occasion.
During the past several years, the Committee has become increasingly concerned about the cost of the
jbusing required to observe Memorial Day in the Center, Quimby Square, Edwards Square, Mount Hope and
j Woodlawn Cemeteries, in sequence. After discussions with many concerned townspeople, we decided that it
would be efficient and economical to assign separate decorating parties at North Acton Cemetery, Mount Hope
I Cemetery, Woodlawn Cemetery, Quimby Square, Fort Pond Brook, and Edwards Square. These observations
j were conducted with the appropriate dignity and, when coupled with a parade from Charter Road to the Davis
I Monument where the Memorials around the Common were decorated, provided a very satisfactory and respectful ^
observance. We were fortunate in having Wesley Hall as our Marshal for these events. Wes is a Veteran of
World War I, having served with the 317th Field Signal Battalion. Our services were enhanced by the participating
members of the Acton Clergy, and we were fortunate that the rain abated temporarily during the ceremonies on
the Common. As is our usual practice, we provided geraniums and new flags which were placed on the graves
of all veterans in the Acton Cemeteries through the assistance of the Cemetery Commissioners, their staff,
and the Scouts.
Early in 1970, we initiated a series of meetings
with interested individuals and organizations to determine
whether we should plan a formal Town observance for
July 4th. It was eminently clear that we should add this
item to our program. During the ensuing months, we pre-
pared an extensive program, which involved the participa-
tion of virtually every Town service organization. We are
also grateful for the help and support of many individuals
too numerous to list here, who endured the morning rain
and the wet facilities. Baseball games, track and field
events, horseshoe contests, doll carriage parade, and
plenty of hotdogs and hamburgers kept Charter Field busy
all day and well into the evening! The highlight of the
celebration was a delightful band concert by the Maynard
Band, provided by Mr. Earle Tuttle to whom we are most
indebted. Acton's own Dr. Seymour DiMare and Mr.
Richard Ferrini of Scituate brought the day to a rousing
conclusion with many rounds of their cannons. Since this
was the first Town 4th of July in over 30 years, we learned
a lot about the costs and arrangements required for a new
and extensive observance. As the saying goes, we expect
to have a better, if not bigger, 4th in 1971 which may involve
a Town sponsored fireworks display.
Mention must also be made in recognition of the efforts of the Acton Minutemen in again observing their
Crown Resistance Day on September 27. Although weather required that the music and formations be held
inside Blanchard Auditorium, the afternoon was most pleasing and enjoyed by all those who attended.
In addition to the several changes noted above, during 1970 we lost three Committee members who, through
long years of service and hard work, made the Public Ceremonies and Celebrations Committee function smoothly
and efficiently and who performed their assigned duties with inexhaustible energy and enthusiasm. The Public
Ceremonies and Celebrations Committee will surely miss the leadership of Clark McElvein and the faithful
services of Carl Hedin. In addition, we will miss Russ Hayward, a charter member of this Committee, who
gave us 10 years of devoted service.
Burton A. Davis
David H. Donaldson
Walter R. Laite
Richmond P. Miller, Jr.
Robert E. Nelson
John W. Tierney
53
TOWN FOREST
The access road to the Durkee Lot of the Town Forest was completed this year. This improvement
makes a safer route for hikers than was provided by the right of way off Route 2. An area for parking cars
has been provided on Conservation land off Bulette Road.
The Texas lot in North Acton is used more intensively as open land diminishes. The acquisition by
the Conservation Commission of the adjacent Wills Hole area puts over seventy acres of wild land in town
ownership.
Both areas are used by Scouts, Garden Clubs and other groups for recreation.
Franklin H. Charter Emery Nelson
George E. Neagle
Town Forest Committee
TREE WARDEN
The Department has moved to more outside contractual work than town labor this year. A large part
of this was tree removal, requiring specialized equipment.
A new truck was acquired by the Department in December. This replaces a 13 year old truck and
should make for greater efficiency.
Over 150 new Trees were planted this year. All of these were placed back from the street on private
property.
Franklin H. Charter
INSECT PEST CONTROL
The Department removed 55 diseased Elms in 1970. Private contractors were used for most of those
involving utility wires.
Gypsy Moths continue to build up in forested areas. The Oak Leaf Skeletonizer first appeared in 1969.
and built up rapidly by October of 1970. This defoliator was last present in this area in 1961.
Franklin H. Charter
Superintendent
HOUSING AUTHORITY
The Acton Housing Authority came into being in March 1970 by unanimous vote of the Annual Town
Meeting. The Authority was specifically charged with providing not more than 55 units of housing for elderly
citizens of low-income status.
The Authority formally organized and adopted its charter in September 1970. Four members were ap-
pointed by the Selectmen to serve until the Annual Town Elections in March 1971. The fifth member,
Mrs. Patience MacPherson, was appointed to a three year term by the Governor of the Commonwealth.
Other members are Julia Stevens, Chairman; George Moulton, Vice -Chairman; Mary Laffin, Secretary;
Raymond Page, Treasurer.
The authority has held four monthly meetings and one special meeting. We have submitted our site
selections to the Department of Community Affairs which has authorized us to build forty units of housing.
We are currently awaiting the Department's appraisal and purchase of the proposed site.
The members of the Authority are hopeful that actual construction of this much needed housing will
begin by the summer of 1971.
Julia D. Stevens, Chairman
54
CEMETERY
We herewith submit the annual report of the Cemetery Department, for the year 1970, as follows:
Mount Hope Cemetery
The buildings in this cemetery were painted and wire mesh screens were placed over the windows,
to prevent vandals from breaking them.
A new area was cleared, the stumps and brush disposed of, two new roads laid out, the area rough
graded and made ready to loam and seed down this coming year. New water pipes will be installed, as
well as new lots and single graves, to be completed this coming year.
As Mount Hope Cemetery expands in area, it will become necessary to install a large water main,
so there will be sufficient amount of water to supply the sprinkler systems that may be required in the
very near future. At the present time, the water supply is furnished by a two inch pipe line and it has
been extended so far out from Central Street that the number of sprinkler heads it can supply at any one
time is becoming exceedingly limited.
Woodlawn Cemetery
In the fall a fairly large area was cleared, the stumps disposed of, area rough graded, and made
ready for loaming and seeding down in the spring. A large part of this cleared area will be laid out into
a single grave section, as there seems to be a greater demand for this type of interment space over larger
lots. The remaining space will be laid out into four grave lots. When the work has been completed in both
cemeteries, they will be landscaped with trees and shrubs.
During the year the Commissioners made a survey of several surrounding cemeteries regarding
present cemetery service charges and learned that almost all had to increase their service charges to
compensate for the increasing cost of their labor forces. Therefore, the Commissioners have decided
to make the necessary adjustments in the various service charges in the Acton cemeteries.
This fall we lost the services of our part time workers, who had been with the cemeteries for the
past several years. They will have to be replaced this coming year. As both of the cemeteries expand
in area, it will become necessary to add to our labor force in the very near future. For the coming year
we are going to try to manage by using several part time workers.
Several times this past year the Memorial Chapel basement was broken into. We have installed
steel bars across all the basement windows and a heavy angle iron striker plate for the basement door
lock, hoping to prevent any future attempts at entry.
This past year we received our new 18 HP leaf vac and the department built a large leaf box to fit
inside the dump truck body to accommodate the ground up leaves. With this new machine, the leaves are
picked up very quickly and compacted to a certain extent, requiring fewer loads to be hauled away. We
have cleared places in each cemetery where the leaves may be dumped for compost so they can be used
over again to enrich the topsoil. This new machine has greatly reduced the number of man hours
required in leaf removal.
Master Plan
The Commissioners had the Acton Survey and Engineering, Inc. of Acton make a preliminary survey
of both cemeteries to determine the most practical and economical way to develop the remaining land in
each cemetery. In the report it was recommended that a master plan should be made for each cemetery,
including topographic and planimetric plans by means of aerial photography at a scale of one inch per twenty
feet with a one foot contour interval.
The proposed plan would show the layout of roadways, extension of water, drainage, etc. The layout
of a suitable number of lots to meet future needs would also be included.
The Commissioners have inserted an article in the warrant asking for money to carry out a master
plan for the cemeteries. If the article is passed, they propose to hire a competent landscape architect to
do the necessary work.
55
The cemetery personnel have attended several conventions, seminars on ground maintenance,
shrubs, etc. as well as an equipment show for cemeteries which was held in Roxbury, Massachusetts,
last October. We have plans for some of the personnel to attend a seminar to be held in February at
the Waltham Field Station.
Harlan E. Tuttle
Howard F. Jones
Charles F. Putnam
Cemetery Commissioners
Fred S. Kennedy
Superintendent
WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION
For the year ending December 31, 1970, there were sixteen (16) accidents reported from the following
departments:
School Department
Acton-Boxborough Regional High School 4
Acton-Boxborough Regional Junior High School 1
Acton Elementary— Julia McCarthy School 2
Acton Elementary - Florence A. Merriam School 2
Acton Elementary - Paul Gates School 2
Acton Elementary - Marion L. Towne School 2
Highway Department 3
Recreation Department 1
Nine of the injured required medical attention only, three required hospital and medical attention with
loss of time. Two required dental work and two required no medical attention.
Theron A. Lowden
Workmen's Compensation Agent
G00DN0W FUND
For the year ending December 31, 1970
INVESTMENTS
Concord Co-operative Bank $3, 000. 00 $3, 000. 00
RECEIPTS
Concord Co-operative Bank $ 157.50 $ 157.50
EXPENDITURES
Treasurer of the Acton Congregational Church $ 137. 50 $ 137. 50
Town of Acton for the perpetual card of the Goodnow Lot
in Woodlawn Cemetery 20. 00 20. 00
$ 157.50
Thelma L. Boatman, Tr.
Clark C. McElvein
James N. Gates
Trustees
56
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
During 1970 the relative contribution of business and industry to Acton's tax base continued to decline.
Industry now provides 5-6% of the tax base. This relative decline is the result of continued residential
growth with the business and industrial sectors remaining static.
Six members of the I. D. C. attended a seminar on "495 Comes Alive" sponsored by the Massachusetts
Department of Commerce and Development and five other State Agencies. The seminar was concerned
with the problems associated with the industrial development of Route 495 and its economic impact on the
surrounding towns.
The I. D. C. held several special meetings with other town boards and committees in addition to its
regular monthly meetings.
The industrial land in North Acton continues to be the most promising location for future industrial
development, however, the economic slowdown resulted in few actual inquiries for these sites in 1970.
William D. McDonald Albert I. Verchot
Stephen E. Lord Jack H. Batchelder
Richard J. O'Neil Edward W. Flannery
John W. Tierney
SEWERAGE STUDY
-4
The members of the Sewerage Study Committee are convinced that a municipal sewerage system is
inevitable. The question of when the Town of Acton should undertake a sewerage program has been addressed
by the S. S. C. but there is no definitive answer. Although the State has adopted a schedule for water pollution
abatement, it has never been imposed on the Town of Acton. However, with increasing population, and with
increasing pressures to prevent pollution of natural resources and the development of health hazards, we
are reasonably certain that the Town will be required to begin a sewerage program within a very few years.
Construction costs, as many other items of our economy, continue to increase at alarming rates.
The Construction Cost Index, published quarterly in Engineering News Record may be used as a basis of
estimating costs of construction. The Index was 1000 when Metcalf and Eddy prepared the report on a
sewerage system for Acton in June 1966. The Index has increased approximately 10% per year end, and
as of September 1970, was 1434. In terms of dollars, this means that the cost of constructing a sewage
treatment plant is now estimated to be $1, 400, 000 as opposed to $996, 000 originally estimated. The cost
of Phase I, which includes the plant and sewers in South Acton, is now estimated to be $4, 500, 000. If
costs continue to rise at such a rate, the Town should consider beginning a sewerage program before it
becomes mandatory.
The S. S. C. has endeavored to find ways of reducing the capital and operating costs of a Town sewerage
system. One means would be to enter into a cooperative effort with surrounding towns. Not only would costs
be shared but inter -community sewer mains are eligible for larger construction grants from the Federal
Government than intra -community mains.
At the invitation of the Town of Concord, we participated in preliminary discussions with representa-
tives of the Towns of Lincoln, Littleton, Sudbury, Wayland, and Concord to explore possibilities of regional
facilities. The Town of Concord presented results of their preliminary investigations. The Metropolitan
Area Planning Council is also studying "regional" sewerage systems and a report is expected in mid-1971.
We feel that before the Town of Acton enters into a cooperative effort with other towns, the various forms of
a "regional system" should be studied to determine that which is the most advantageous to Acton. Formal
regionalization is not necessary. The S. S. C. is continually monitoring regional activities and will evaluate
all practical approaches as they evolve.
Until such time as a municipal sewerage program is realized and individual households are connected
to sewers, proper installation and care of individual disposal systems are imperative. The Board of Health
has established regulations concerning the installation of septic tanks and leaching fields. It is the respon-
sibility of the individual home owners to provide adequate maintenance of their systems to extend their life
and to prevent them from becoming a neighborhood nuisance and health hazard. With ordinary use and care,
a disposal system installed in accordance with the regulations of the Board of Health usually requires clean-
ing every two years. However, individual septic tanks may require cleaning more frequently. Booklets
providing information on the operation and routine care of septic systems are available from the Board of
Health.
57
The S.S. C. received the resignation of Robert H. Gerhardt as he has taken a position on the Planning
Board. Mr. Gerhardt has been a very active member of the S. S. C. for five years. His faithful and dedicated
service is sincerely appreciated.
Daniel J. Costello David A. Manalan
Bradford S. Leach Warren S. Orcutt
Robert H. Gerhardt, Chairman
VETERANS' GRAVES OFFICER
There have been ten interments of United States War Veterans in Acton Cemeteries during the year
1970. The names of the Veterans, the dates and places of burial are as follows:
Richard Allen
Frank W. Meakin
Hugh C. Hodgen
Sherman W. Frost
Ralph Spinney
Everett F. Glenn
Henry B. Burke
Joseph L. Aiken, Jr.
Invald Pederson
Abel DeGryse
Ko
rean War
W.
W.
I
W.
w.
I
W.
w.
I
w.
w.
II
w.
w.
II
w.
w.
I
w.
w.
II
w.
w.
II
w.
w.
I
•"
January 29, 1970
May 26, 1970
June 9, 1970
September 13, 1970
September 16, 1970
November 13, 1970
December 9, 1970
December 13, 1970
December 17, 1970
December 26, 1970
Mount Hope Cemetery
Woodlawn Cemetery
Woodlawn Cemetery
Woodlawn Cemetery
Mount Hope Cemetery
Woodlawn Cemetery
Woodlawn Cemetery
Woodlawn Cemetery
Woodlawn Cemetery
Mount Hope Cemetery
Veterans' Flag Standards have been placed on all of these departed Veterans' graves and several govern-
ment markers have been placed on their graves.
The Bronze Craft Corporation, of Nashua, New Hampshire, who has been our source of supply of Flag
Standards, has discontinued the casting of standards due to the high cost of casting the standards. The cost
of the Flag Standards has increased by 100% during 1970.
T. Frederick S. Kennedy
Veterans' Graves Officer
VETERANS AGENT
For the year ending December 31, 1970, there were fourteen cases aided under Chapter 115 of the
General Laws at an expenditure of $19, 045. 14. This was an increase of four cases over the previous year.
Contact Service with the Veterans' Administration was rendered to forty-two veterans or their dependents
in obtaining various federal benefits to which they were entitled. Advice, counseling, and referrals were
rendered in countless other instances.
Norman L. Roche
Veterans' Agent
58
TOWN ELECTION
March 2, 1970
Pet. 1
Pet. 2
Pet. 3
Pet. 4
Whole number of ballots cast
MODERATOR, One Year
John W. Putnam
Blanks
SELECTMAN, Three Years
Donald R. Callinan
Paul R. Nyquist
Alan J. Waters
Blanks
SCHOOL COMMITTEE, Three Years (2)
Edith D. Stawell
DonaLd E. Westcott
Blanks
SCHOOL COMMITTEE, Two Years (2 vacancies)
Beverly W. Lydiard
John A. Norris
Robert Evans, Jr
Blanks
TRUSTEE OF MEMORIAL LIBRARY, Three Years
Mileva P. Brown
Blanks
408
422
570
1400
363
384
492
1239
45
38
78
161
25
28
42
95
243
272
340
855
128
117
169
414
12
5
19
36
356
364
483
1203
360
346
483
1189
100
134
174
408
276
300
408
984
267
260
409
936
203
178
216
597
70
106
107
283
371
371
525
1267
37
51
45
133
QUESTION 1.
"Shall the town, in addition to the payment of
fifty percent of a premium for contributory
group life and health insurance for employees
in the service of the town and their dependents,
pay a subsidiary or additional rate?"
Yes .
No . .
Blanks
184
215
309
708
207
185
237
629
17
22
24
63
QUESTION 2.
"Shall the fluoridation of the public water
supply for domestic use in Acton be continued?"
Yes . .
No. . .
Blanks.
279
271
387
937
116
148
177
441
13
3
6
22
SPECIAL TOWN ELECTION
December 7, 1970
Whole number of votes cast
Pet. 1
407
Pet. 2
303
Pet. 3
407
Total
1117
SELECTMAN, to fill unexpired term
ending, March, 1972
William B. Allred
Charles A. Morehouse
Robert E. Parks
Richard M. Scribner
William L. Chipman
Michael H. Pickowicz
Blanks
5
0
1
6
44
62
65
171
201
50
96
347
6
5
9
20
141
165
216
522
9
16
18
43
1
5
2
8
59
STATE ELECTION
R - Republican
November 3, 1970
D - Democratic SL - Socialist Labor
P - Prohibition
Whole number of votes cast
SENATOR in CONGRESS
Edward M. Kennedy D
Josiah A. Spaulding R
Lawrence Gilfedder SL
Mark R. Shaw P
Blanks
GOVERNOR and LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
Sargent and Dwight R [
White and Dukakis D
GOVERNOR
Henning A. Blomen SL
John Charles Hedges P
Blanks
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
Albert E. Bates P
Francis A. Votano SL
Blanks
ATTORNEY GENERAL
Donald L. Conn R
Robert H. Quinn D
Willy N. Hogseth SL
Blanks
SECRETARY
John F. X. Davoren D
Mary B. Newman R
Murvin A. Becker P
Edgar E. Gaudet SL
Blanks
TREASURER
Robert Q. Crane D
Frederick D. Hannon R *-
John B. Lauder P
Roy K. Nelson SL
Blanks
AUDITOR
Thaddeus Buczko D
Frank P. Bucci R
Raymond J. Gray SL
Roger I. Williams P
Blanks
CONGRESSMAN
Robert F. Drinan D
John McGlennon R
Philip J. Philbin
Blanks
COUNCILLOR
George F. Cronin, Jr D
Blanks
SENATOR
James DeNormandie R
Stephen F. Coyle D
Blanks
Pet. 1
1608
Pet. 2
1565
Pet. 3
1964
Total
5137
555
651
762
1968
1008
859
1145
3012
1
2
3
6
4
2
7
13
40
51
47
138
1225
1071
1429
3725
357
463
498
1318
1
0
3
4
1
1
1
3
24
30
33
87
1
1
2
4
2
0
2
4
23
30
33
86
962
795
1056
2813
590
716
840
2146
11
13
8
32
45
. 41
60
146
384
477
572
1433
1152
1033
1312
3497
6
2
6
14
7
7
6
20
59
46
68
173
575
717
857
2149
924
735
993
2652
7
10
2 -
19
11
11
10
32
91
92
102
285
622
762
913
2297
868
685
922
2475
12
17
14
43
7
6
9
22
99
95
106
300
428
498
554
1480
1004
861
1184
3049
157
192
203
552
19
14
23
56
937
965
1229
3131
671
600
735
2006
1069
889
1190
3148
456
567
649
1672
83
109
125
317
REPRESENTATIVE IN GENERAL COURT
Chester G. Atkins D
George F. Rohan R
Blanks
DISTRICT ATTORNEY
John J. Droney D
Blanks
CLERK OF COURTS
Edward J. Sullivan D
Blanks
REGISTER OF DEEDS
Vincent D. McCabe R
John F. Zamparelli D
Blanks
COUNTY COMMISSIONER
John L. Danehy D
Blanks
SHERIFF (Vacancy)
John J. Buckley R
John F. Dever, Jr D
Blanks
QUESTION 1.
QUESTION 2.
QUESTION 3.
QUESTION 4.
QUESTION 5.
QUESTION 6.
B
D
QUESTION 7.
Yes
No
Blanks
Yes
No
Blanks
Yes
No
Blanks
Yes
No
Blanks
A
B
C
Blanks
Yes
No
Blanks
Yes
No
Blanks
Yes
No
Blanks
Yes
No
Blanks
Yes
No
Blanks
Pet. 1
860
720
28
986
622
966
642
1109
318
181
887
721
1210
312
86
475
1001
132
1290
226
92
877
504
227
877
504
227
194
936
406
72
1024
413
171
978
339
291
1134
223
251
1023
304
281
1032
271
305
Pet. 2
940
599
26
1002
563
984
581
939
421
205
902
663
1076
383
106
450
938
177
1228
221
116
918
534
113
795
492
278
158
871
436
100
985
430
150
970
355
240
1123
224
218
1038
285
242
983
239
343
Pet. 3
Total
1124
807
33
2924
2126
87
1256
708
3244
1893
1230
734
3180
1957
1276
459
229
3324
1198
615
1124
840
2913
2224
1438
418
108
3724
1113
300
613
1191
160
1538
3130
469
1529
319
116
4047
766
324
1177
684
103
2972
1722
443
982
655
327
2654
1651
832
215
1143
525
81
567
2950
1367
253
1227
557
180
3236
1400
501
1148
473
343
3096
1167
874
1425
255
284
3682
702
753
1254
388
322
3315
977
845
1278
320
366
3293
830
1014
61
TOWN MEETINGS
ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
MARCH 9, 1970 AND ADJOURNED SESSIONS MARCH 16, 1970, MARCH 23, 1970, AND MARCH 30, 1970
Moderator called the meeting to order at 7:35 P. M.
ADJOURNMENT
VOTED: That at the conclusion of the business pending before the meeting at eleven o'clock this evening this
meeting be adjourned to 7:30 o'clock P. M. on next Monday, March 16th at this same place.
Article 1. OFFICERS
To choose all necessary Town Officers and Committees and fix the salaries and compensation of all the
elective officers of the Town.
ELECTED
ELECTED
ELECTED
ELECTED
ELECTED
Helen B. Wood Trustee of the Elizabeth White Fund for three years.
Barbara Nylander Trustee of the Citizens Library Association of West Acton for three years.
Richard A. Lowden Trustee of the Acton Firemen's Relief Fund for three years.
Thelma L. Boatman Trustee of the Goodnow Fund for three years.
James B. Wilson Trustee of the West Acton Firemen's Relief Fund for three years.
(All above votes were unanimous. )
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: That the 1970 compensation schedule of elected officers of the Town be adopted
as follows:
Moderator $20. 00 per each night per meeting
Board of Selectmen: Chairman $750. 00
Clerk 650. 00
Member 650. 00
Article 2. REPORTS
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To accept the several reports of the Town Officers and Boards as submitted.
Article 3. REPORTS
To hear and act upon the report of any Committee chosen at any previous Town Meeting that has not already
reported.
No reports.
Article 4. PERSONNEL BYLAW
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To amend the Personnel Bylaw as follows:
(a) By adding the following new Section 1.1:
"SECTION 1.1 DEFINITIONS
As used in this bylaw, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings
unless a different construction is clearly required by the context or by the laws of the Com-
monwealth:
"Administrative Authority," the elected or appointed official or board having jurisdiction
over a function or activity;
"Board," the Personnel Board described in Section 2;
"Class," a group of positions in the Town service sufficiently similar in respect to duties and
responsibilities so that the same descriptive title may be used to designate each position
allocated to the class, the same qualifications shall be required of the incumbents, the same
tests of fitness may be used to choose qualified employees and the same scale of compensa-
tion can be made to apply with equity;
62
"Classification Plan," class titles appearing in Schedule A of Section 15 and the class specifi-
cations relating thereto which are on file with the Personnel Board;
"Compensation Grade," a range of salary or wage rates appearing in Schedules B, C, D or E
of Section 15;
"Compensation Plan," Schedules B, C, D, E, F and G in Section 15;
"Department," any department, board, committee, commission or other agency of the Town
subject to this bylaw;
"Employee," an employee of the Town occupying a position in the classification plan;
"Full-time Employee," an employee retained in full-time employment;
"Increment," the dollar difference between step rates;
"Maximum Rate," the highest rate in a range which an employee normally is entitled to attain;
"Minimum Rate," the rate in a range which is normally the hiring rate of a new employee;
"Part-time Employee," an employee retained in part-time employment;
"Permanent Employee," an employee retained in continuous employment in a permanent
position;
"Permanent Position," a full-time or part-time position in the Town service which has required
or which is likely to require the services of an incumbent in continuous employment for a
period of fifty-two calendar weeks;
"Personal Rate," a rate above the maximum rate applicable only to a designated employee;
"Position," an office or post of employment in the Town service with duties and responsibilities
calling for the full-time, part-time or seasonal employment of one person in the performance
and exercise thereof;
"Probationary Employee," an employee, except a member of the uniformed force of the Police
Department, during the first six months of employment. The probationary status of uniformed
members of the Police Department shall be determined by the Civil Service Law of the Com-
monwealth;
"Promotion," a change from a position of lower class and compensation grade to a position with
greater responsibilities in a higher class and compensation grade;
"Range," the dollar difference between minimum and maximum rates;
"Rate," a sum of money designated as compensation for personal services on an hourly, daily,
weekly, monthly, annual or other basis;
"Seasonal Employment," employment for less than full-time annual employment;
"Step Rate," a rate in a range of a compensation grade;
"Temporary Employee," an employee retained in a temporary position or in a permanent position
in probationary or acting status;
"Temporary Position," a position in the Town service which requires or is likely to require the
services of one incumbent for a period less than fifty-two calendar weeks in continuous employ-
ment;
"Town," the Town of Acton."
(b) By substituting "Town Manager" for the board or official designated or by adding "Town Manager"
in the following sections:
63
Section
Clause
3
(e)
4
(c)
4
(c)
4
(c)
5
(b)
5
(c)
Change
Replacing "department head"
Adding "and the Town Manager" at the end of paragraph 3
Replacing "personnel board" in paragraph 8
Replacing "personnel board" in paragraph 9
Replacing "personnel board"
Adding "and Town Manager" after the word, "authority."
(c) By substituting "G" for "F" in the first sentence of Clause (b) of Section 4.
(d) By deleting the second paragraph of Clause (c) in Section 4 and substituting the following new
second paragraph:
"Employees in the continuous "Full Time Service" of the Town, who have a satisfactory
performance record, shall be eligible for an advance of one step-rate on the date of the
employee's anniversary of employment but not more, until the maximum for the employee's
job is reached, subject to the approval of the employee's Department Head and the Town
Manager."
(e) By deleting paragraph 4 of Clause (c) of Section 4 and substituting the following new paragraph 4:
"An employee receiving a promotion to a vacant position or to a new position shall, upon
assignment resulting from such promotion, receive the rate in the compensation grade of
the vacant or new position next above his existing rate. If the resulting adjustment does not
equal $3.20 per week for a position class assigned to Schedule B, C or D or $.08 per hour
for a position class assigned to Schedule E, the adjustment shall be to the second rate above
the existing rate but within the compensation grade of the vacant or new position."
(f) By deleting paragraph 5 of Clause (c) of Section 4 and substituting the following new paragraph 5:
"The Town Manager shall be responsible for the employment or appointment of persons
to fill positions or perform duties subject to the Compensation Plan and shall determine the
appropriate classification of the positions to which such persons shall be assigned."
(g) By deleting paragraph 10(b) of Clause (c) of Section 4 and substituting the following new para-
graph 10(b):
"At 1-1/2 times the employee's basic hourly rate for such work for positions allocated to
Schedule C and D except the positions of Chief (Fire) and Chief (Police)."
(h) By substituting "48" for "56" opposite Fire Department Uniformed Personnel and opposite
Fire Alarm Operators in Section 5, Clause (a).
(i) By adding "or special" following "annual" in the first sentence of Section 6.
Article 5. PERSONNEL BYLAW
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To amend the Personnel Bylaw by deleting Clauses (c) and (d) of Section 7 and
by inserting therefor the following:
(c) Vacation leave of three (3) weeks with full pay shall be granted to any such employee who,
as of June 1, has been employed by the Town for seven (7) years or more.
(d) Vacation leave of four (4) weeks with full pay shall be granted to any such employee who,
as of June 1, has been employed by the Town for fifteen (15) years or more.
Article 6. PERSONNEL BYLAW
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To ratify the action of the Personnel Board on January 6, 1970 in adding to
Schedule B - General Weekly Salary Schedule of Section 15 of the Personnel Bylaw the following new com-
pensation grade:
S-23
Minimum
Intermedia
te S-.
teps
Maximum
A.
B
C
D
E
W 217.08
230.04
245.
16
260. 28
275.40
A 11,288.16
11, 962.08
12, 748.
32
13, 534. 56
14, 320.80
64
Article 7. PERSONNEL BYLAW
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To ratify the action of the Personnel Board on January 6, 1970 in reclassifying the
position class of Town Engineer, as set forth in Schedule A of the Personnel Bylaw from Compensation
Grade S-21 to Compensation Grade S-23 in Schedule B - General Weekly Salary Schedule of Section 15.
Article 8. PERSONNEL BYLAW
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To amend the Personnel Bylaw by deleting Schedules A, B, C, D, E, F and G
of Section 15 and by inserting therefor the following:
SCHEDULE A - ALPHABETICAL LIST OF POSITION CLASSES AND ALLOCATION TO
SCHEDULE AND COMPENSATION GRADE OR DESIGNATED RATE OR RANGE
Class
Title
Schedule Grade
Class
Title
Schedule Grade
Accounting Clerk
Administrative Assistant
Assessor, Board Chairman
Assessor, Board Member
Assistant Library Director
Assistant Town Engineer
Arts & Crafts Supervisor (Seasonal
Board of Health Chairman
Board of Health Member
Building Inspector
Chief (Fire)
Chief (Police)
Children's Librarian
Custodian
Deputy Building Inspector (p.t. )
Deputy Chief (Fire) (Call) (p.t.)
Deputy Elections Clerk (p.t.)
Deputy Inspector (Elections) (p.t.)
Deputy Warden (Elections) (p.t.)
Director of Public Health
Dog Officer
Dump Custodian
Elections Clerk (p.t.)
Engineering Assistant
Executive Clerk
Fire Alarm Maintenance Man (p.t.
Fire Alarm Operator
Fire Alarm Superintendent (p.t.)
Fire Captain
Fire Fighter
Fire Fighter (Call) (p.t.)
Fire Lieutenant
Fire Lieutenant (Call) (p.t.)
Heavy Motor Equipment Operator
Inspector of Animals (p.t.)
Inspector (Elections) (p. t. )
Inspector of Wires (p. t. )
Junior Clerk
Laborer
Librarian (West Acton) (p.t. )
Library Assistant (Jr.)
Library Assistant (Sr.)
B
S-5
B
S-22
F
F
B
S-10
B
S-19
F
F
F
B
S-16
D
F-5
C
P-4
B
S-7
E
W-l
F
F
F
F
F
B
S-17
E
W-2
E
W-2
F
B
S-ll
B
S-9
F
D
■ F-l
F
D
F-4
D
F-2*
F
D
F-3
F
E
W-4
E
W-2
F
B
S-13
B
S-l
E
W-l
B
S-9
B
S-l
B
S-3
Library Cataloger
Library Director
Library Page (p.t. )
Maintenance Man (Cemeteries)
Maintenance Man (Highways)
Motor Equipment Operator
Motor Equipment Repairman
Patrolman
Patrolman (Special) (p.t. )
Playground Instructor (Seasonal)
Playground Supervisor (Seasonal)
Plumbing Inspector (p. t.)
Police Lieutenant
Police Matron (p.t.)
Police Sergeant
Principal Clerk
Public Health Nurse
Recreation Director (Seasonal)
Reference Librarian
Registrar of Voters (p.t.)
Rodman
School Crossing Guard (p.t.)
Sealer of Weights & Measures (p. t.
Semi-Skilled Laborer
Senior Clerk
Superintendent (Cemeteries)
Superintendent (Highways)
Superintendent of
Insect Pest Control
Tennis Supervisor (Seasonal)
Teller (p.t.)
Town Accountant (p. t.)
Town Clerk
Town Engineer
Town Manager
Town Treasurer & Town Collector
Tree Climber
Tree Warden
Veterans' Agent & Director of
Veterans' Services (p.t.)
Warden (Elections) (p.t.)
Working Foreman (Cemeteries)
Working Foreman (Highways)
B
S-7
B
S-17
F
E
W-3
E
W-3
E
W-3
B
S-15
C
P-l
C
P-l
F
F
F
C
P-3
F
C
P-2
B
S-6
B
S-ll
F
B
S-7
F
B
S-7
F
B
S-9
E
W-2
B
S-3
B
S-14
B
S-17
E
W-7
F
F
B
S-19
F
B
S-23
G
B
S-17
E
W-5
E
W-7
B
S-12
F
E
W-6
E
W-6
^Additional $7.00 per week when assigned to and performing duties relating to the maintenance of fire
apparatus.
65
SCHEDULE B - GENERAL WEEKLY SALARY SCHEDULE
(Annual rates computed by multiplying weekly rates by 52)
Compensation
Grade
W
A
Minimum
A
$ 85.54
4448.08
B
$ 89.10
4633. 20
Intermediate Steps
C
$ 92.66
4818. 32
D
$ 96.23
5003. 96
Maximum
E
S-l
$ 100. 98
5250. 96
S-2
W
A
89. 10
4633.20
92. 66
4818.32
96. 23
5003.96
100. 98
5250. 96
105.73
5497.96
S-3
W
A
92. 66
4818. 32
96.23
5003. 96
100. 98
5250. 96
105.73
5497. 96
110.48
5744.96
S-4
W
A
96.23
5003. 96
100. 98
5250.96
105.73
5497. 96
110.48
5744. 96
115. 24
5992.48
S-5
W
A
100. 98
5250.96
105.73
5497.96
110.48
5744. 96
115. 24
5992.48
119. 99
6239.48
S-6
W
A
105.73
54 97. 96
110.48
5744.96
115. 24
5992.48
119. 99
6239.48
124.74
6486.48
S-7
W
A
110.48
5744.96
115.24
5992.48
119. 99
6239.48
124.74
6486.48
130. 68
6795. 36
S-8
W
A
115.24
5992.48
119. 99
6239.48
124.74
6486.48
130. 68
6795. 36
136. 62
7104.24
S-9
W
A
119. 99
6239.48
124.74
6486.48
130. 68
6795.36
136. 62
7104.24
142.56
7413. 12
S-10
W
A
124.74
6486.48
130. 68
6795.36
136. 62
7104. 24
142.56
7413. 12
149. 69
7783.88
S-ll
W
A
130. 68
6795. 36
136.62
7104.24
142.56
7413. 12
149. 69
7783.88
156.82
8154.64
S-12
W
A
136. 62
7104.24
142.56
7413. 12
149. 69
7783.88
156.82
8154. 64
165. 13
8586.76
S-13
W
A
$ 142.56
7413. 12
, $ 149. 69
7783.88
$ 156.82
8154. 64
$ 165. 13
8586.76
$ 173.45
9019.40
S-14
W
A
149. 69
7783.88
156.82
8154. 64
165. 13
8586.76
173.45
9019.40
181.76
9451.52
S-15
W
A
156.82
8154. 64
165. 13
8586.76
173.45
9019.40
181.76
9451.52
191. 27
9946. 04
S-16
W
A
165. 13
8586.76
173.45
9019.40
181.76
9451.52
191. 27
9946.04
201. 96
10501. 92
S-17
W
A
173.45
9019.40
181.76
9451.52
191. 27
9946. 04
201. 96
10501. 92
213.84
11119. 68
S-18
W
A
181.76
9451.52
191.27
9946.04
201. 96
10501. 92
213.84
11119. 68
225.72
11737.44
S-19
W
A
191. 27
9946.04
201. 96
10501. 92
213.84
11119. 68
225. 72
11737.44
238.79
12417.08
S-20
W
A
201. 96
10501. 92
213.84
11119. 68
225.72
11737.44
238.79
12417.08
253. 04
13158.08
S-21
W
A
213.84
11119.68
225.72
117 37.44
238.79
12417. 08
253. 04
13158.08
269. 68
14023. 36
S-22
W
A
225.72
11737.44
238.79
12417.08
253.04
13158. 08
269. 68
14023. 36
286. 31
14888. 12
S-23
W
A
238.79
12417.08
253.04
13158.08
269. 68
14023. 36
286. 31
14888. 12
302. 94
15752.88
66
SCHEDULE C - POLICE WEEKLY SALARY SCHEDULE
(Annual rates computed by multiplying weekly rates by 52)
Compensation
Grade
W
A
Minimum
A
$ 136.62
7104.24
B .
$ 142.56
7413. 12
Intermediate Steps
C
$ 148.50
7722.00
D
$ 156.82
8154.64
Maximum
E
P-l
$ 165. 13
8586.76
P-2
W
A
156.82
8154.64
165. 13
8586.76
173.45
9019.40
181.76
9451.52
192.46
10007. 92
P-3
W
A
165. 13
8586.76
173.45
9019.40
181.76
9451.52
192.46
10007. 92
201. 96
10501. 92
P-4
W
A
201. 96
10501. 92
213.84
11119.68
225.72
11737.44
237. 60
12355. 20
253.04
13158.08
SCHEDULE D - FIRE WEEKLY SALARY SCHEDULE
(Annual rates computed by multiplying weekly. rates by 52)
Compensation
Minimum
Intermediate Steps
Maximum
Grade
W
A
$ 118.80
B
$ 123.55
C
$ 128. 30
D
$ 134.24
E
F-l
$ 140. 18
A
6177.60
6424.60
6671. 60
6980.48
7289. 36
F-2
W
131.87
137.81
143.75
150.88
159. 19
A
6857.24
7166. 12
7475.00
7845.76
8277.88
P-3
W
143.75
150.88
159. 19
166. 32
173.45
A
7475.00
7845.76
8277.88
8648. 64
9019.40
F-4
W
159. 19
166. 32
173.45
181.76
192.46
A
8277.88
8648.64
9019.40
9451. 52
10007. 92
F-5
W
201. 96
213.84
225.72
237. 60
253.04
A
10501. 92
11119.68
11737.44
12355.20
13158.08
SCHEDULE E - HOURLY WAGE SCHEDULE
(Weekly rates computed by multiplying hourly rates by 40; annual rates
by multiplying hourly rates by 2080)
Intermediate Step
B
$ 3. 12
124.80
6489. 60
3.28
131.20
6822.40
3.44
137..60
7155.20
3. 60
144.00
7488.00
3.76
150.40
7820.80
3. 92
156.80
8153. 60
4. 11
164.40
8548.80
Compensation
Minimum
Grade
A
W-l
H
$ 2. 96
W
118.40
A
6156.80
W-2
H
3. 12
W
124.80
A
6489.60
W-3
H
3.28
W
131.20
A
6822.40
W-4
H
3.44
W
137.60
A
7155.20
W-5
H
3. 60
W
144.00
A
7488. 00
W-6
H
3.76
W
150.40
A
7820.80
W-7
H
3. 92
W
156.80
A
8153. 60
Maximum
C
$ 3,
131
6822.
, 28
. 20
,40
3.
137.
7155.
,44
60
20
3.
144.
7488.
60
00
00
3.
150.
7820.
76
40
80
3.
156.
8153.
92
80
60
4.
164.
8548.
11
40
80
4.
172.
8944.
30
00
00
67
SCHEDULE F - MISCELLANEOUS COMPENSATION SCHEDULE FOR
DESIGNATED PART-TIME AND SEASONAL POSITIONS
Arts and Crafts Supervisor
Assessor, Board Chairman
Assessor, Board Member
Board of Health Chairman
Board of Health Member
Deputy Building Inspector (p. t.)
Deputy Chief (Fire) (call)
Deputy Elections Clerk (p.t.)
Deputy Inspector (Elections)
Deputy Warden (Elections)
Elections Clerk
Fire Alarm Maintenance Man (p.t.)
Fire Alarm Superintendent
Fire Fighter
Fire Lieutenant
Inspector (Elections) (p.t.)
Library Page
Playground Instructor
Playground Supervisor
Plumbing Inspector
Police Matron
Recreation Director
Registrar of Voters
School Crossing Guard
Tennis Supervisor
Teller
Town Clerk
Warden (Elections)
2.85 - 2. 97 - 3.09 - 3. 21
1.45 - 1.50
21.38 - 24. 95
47.52 - 53.46
139.00 - 144.94
Compensation
$71. 28 - 77.22 -
29.70
59.40
32. 67
65. 34
83. 16 per
Flat Rate
Flat Rate
Flat Rate
Flat Rate
Fee Basis
3.74 per
2. 67 per
2.43 per
2. 67 per
2. 67 per
3. 35 per
4. 50 per
3. 32 per
3. 44 per
2.43 per
1. 55 per
28.51 per
59.40 per
Fee Basis
2. 97 per
152.06 per
2. 67 per
35. 64 per
71.28 per
2.43 per
Flat Rate
2. 67 per
week
hour
hour
hour
hour
hour
hour
hour
hour
hour
hour
hour
week
week
hour
week
hour
week
week
hour
hour
Position
Town Manager
SCHEDULE G - ADMINISTRATION ANNUAL SALARY
Minimum
A
$15,400.00
B
$16, 170.00
Intermediate Steps
C
$16, 978. 00
D
$17, 831.00
Maximum
E
$18, 722. 00
Article 9. WORK CLOTHES
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To accept section 6L of chapter 40 of the General Laws which, when accepted,
authorizes the Town to appropriate money for the lease or rental of stormy weather work clothes, including
rubber boots, and other work clothes for its employees, which lease or rental agreement may provide for
periodical laundering and repairs.
Article 10. BUDGET
To see what sums of money the Town will raise and appropriate to defray the necessary expenses of the
several departments of the Town and determine how the same shall be raised.
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: That the following 1970 Budget Schedule be raised and appropriated for each item
as indicated except that $1, 809. 50 be appropriated from library receipts reserved for appropriation for
Memorial Library use:
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Moderator:
1. Salary
2. Expenses
Finance Committee:
3. Expenses
140. 00
20.00
250. 00
Selectmen:
4. Salaries
5. Expenses
6. Capital Outlay
7. Legal Services
8. Legal Service Expenses
19, 105. 00
13, 185.00
2, 365.00
12, 500. 00
500. 00
68
9. Appraisals & Surveys $ 1, 000. 00
10. Out-of- State Travel (All
Departments) 1,500.00
Town Office Clerical Staff:
11. Salaries 70,630.00
Engineer ing Department:
12. Salaries & Wages 39,210.00
13. Expenses 4,400.00
14. Capital Outlay-
Town Accountant:
15. Salary 4,100.00
16. Expenses 160.00
Town Treasurer & Collector:
17. Salary 10,140.00
18. Expenses 4,400.00
19. Capital Outlay 400.00
Town Assessors:
20. Salaries 11,000.00
21. Expenses 5,910.00
Town Clerk:
22. Salary 2,310.00
23. Expenses 2,800.00
Elections and Registration:
24. Salaries & Wages 5,640.00
25. Expenses 3,850.00
26. Capital Outlay
Planning Board:
27. Expenses 9,000.00
Personnel Board:
28. Expenses 550.00
Board of Appeals:
29. Expenses 410.00
Industrial Development Commission:
30. Expenses 250.00
Conservation Commission:
31. Expenses 500.00
Archives Committee:
32. Expenses 50.00
Public Ceremonies & Celebrations:
33. Expenses
Buildings &c Maintenance:
34. Salaries & Wages
35. Expenses
36. Capital Outlay
Town Report Committee:
37. Expenses
TOTAL GENERAL GOVERNMENT $ 277, 645. 00
PROTECTION OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY
Fire Department:
41. Salaries & Wages $
42. Expenses
43. Capital Outlay
Sealer of Weights & Measures:
44. Salary & Travel
45. Expenses
Insect Pest Control:
46. Wages
47. Expenses
Town Forest Committee:
48. Maintenance
Tree Department:
49. Wages
50. Expenses
Inspector of Wires:
51. Wages & Travel
52. Expenses
Inspector of Gas Piping & Appliances:
53. Wages
54. Expenses
Building Inspector fk Agent for Enforce-
ment of Zoning Bylaws:
55. Salary & Wages
56. Expenses
Dog Officer:
57. Wages & Travel
58. Expenses
Building Committee:
59. Expenses
Civil Defense:
60. Expenses
Town Utilities:
61. Hydrant Rental
62. Street Lighting
TOTAL PROTECTION OF PERSONS
AND PROPERTY
HIGHWAYS
178,825.00
20, 195.00
4, 135.00
510. 00
40. 00
3, 160.00
6, 000. 00
100.00
3, 160. 00
8, 000.00
4, 625.00 .
3, 500.00
10, 770.00
1, 945.00
1, 100. 00
500.00
50. 00
450.00
21, 550.00
23,400.00
$ 475,125.00
Highway Department:
2, 100.
00
63. Salaries & Wages
$
110,
910.
00
64. Expenses
130,
000.
00
65. Chapter 81 Maintenance
22,
000.
00
11,085.
00
66. Chapter 90 Maintenance
27,
500.
00
33, 885.
00
67. Capital Outlay
2,
330.
00
1, 100.
00
TOTAL HIGHWAYS
$
292,
740.
00
3,200.
00
HEALTH AND SANITATION
Police Department:
38. Salaries & Wages
39. Expenses
40. Capital Outlay
$ 167,275.00
15, 835.00
Health and Sanitation:
68. Salaries
69. Expenses
70. Garbage Collection
Inspector of Animals:
71. Wages
72. Expenses
23, 625.00
22, 345.00
31, 350. 00
170.00
30.00
69
Plumbing Inspector:
73. Wages
74. Expenses
RECREATION
5, 500. 00
TOTAL HEALTH AND SANITATION $ 83, 020. 00
CHARITIES
District and Local Welfare:
75. Administration Salaries $
Recreation:
105. Wages
106. Expenses
107. Capital Outlay
TOTAL RECREATION
$ 13,985.00
4, 218.00
629.00
$ 18,832.00
CEMETERIES
76.
Public Assistance
--
Cemeteries:
TOTAL Cl>.\RlT]KN
$
--
108. Salaries & Wages
$
38,
780.
00
109. Expenses
8,
385.
00
VETERANS' AID
110. Capital Outlay
2,
115.
00
Vete
rans' Services:
TOTAL CEMETERIES
$
4 9,
280.
00
77.
Salary
$
2, 900.
00
78.
Expenses
275.
00
INSURANCE
79.
Aid
15,000.
00
Insurance:
TOTAL VETERANS' AID
$
18, 175.
00
111. Workmen's Compensation
$
14,
000.
00
112. Surety Bond
800.
00
EDUCATION
113. Fire and Public Liability
Insurance for Town Bldgs.
14,
000.
00
Local Schools:
114. Boiler and Machinery
1,
200.
00
80.
Instruction
$1,
325, 151.
00
115. Motor Vehicle Liability
6,
000.
00
81.
Plant Operation h
116. Group Health
30,
000.
00
Maintenance
148,505.
00
117. Fire Fighters Insurance
1,
100.
00
82.
Transportation
93, 936.
00
83.
Non-Instructional Services
36,821.
00
TOTAL INSURANCE
$
67,
100.
00
84.
Administration
42, 693.
00
85.
Out-of-State Travel
315.
00
PENSIONS
86.
Blanchard Auditorium
15, 385.
00
87.
Capital Outlay
31,087.
00
Pension Fund:
88.
Contingency Fund
60,000.
00
118. Expense
$
40,
040.
00
Total Local Schools
$1.
753,893.
00
TOTAL PENSIONS
$
40,
040.
00
Regi
onal Schools:
MATURING DEBT AND INTEREST
89.
Instruction
$1.
287, 314.
00
90.
Plant Operation &
Regional School:
Maintenance
136, 116.
00
119. Maturing Debt
$
51,
261.
00
91.
Transportation
27, 085.
00
120. Interest
58,
316.
00
92.
Non -Instructional Services
42, 996.
00
93.
Administration
43,708.
00
Julia McCarthy School:
94.
Out-of-State Travel
283.
00
121. Maturing Debt
15,
000.
00
95.
Blanchard Auditorium
8,032.
00
122. Interest
700.
00
96.
Capital Outlay
13,798.
00
97.
Athletic Fund
31, 500.
00
Florence E. Merriam School:
98.
Contingency Fund
61, 829.
00
123. Maturing Debt
40,
000.
00
Total Regional Schools
TOTAL EDUCATION
LIBRARIES
Memorial Library:
99. Salary & Wages
100. Expenses
101. Books
102. Capital Outlay
West Acton Library:
103. Salary & Wages
104. Expenses
TOTAL LIBRARIES
51, 652, 661.00
;3, 406, 554.00
49, 100.00
13, 150.00
19,000.00
1, 370.00
2,455.00
1,000.00
56,075.00
124. Interest
Elm Street School #1 (Douglas):
125. Maturing Debt
126. Interest
Elm Street School #2 (Gates):
127. Maturing Debt
128. Interest
Police Station:
129. Maturing Debt
130. Interest
Library Addition:
131. Maturing Debt
132. Interest
Sanitary Land Fill Site:
133. Maturing Debt
134. Interest
11, 520.00
40, 000.00
19,775.00
60, 000.00
42, 025.00
25, 000.00
4, 050.00
41,000.00
2, 113. 00
70
Minot Avenue School:
135. Interest
Anticipation of Revenue Notes:
136. Interest
TOTAL MATURING DEBT AND
INTEREST
Art. 14. Surplus Government
Property
15. Central Street
17. Vocational Tuition
18. Vocational Regional
School District
Planning Committee
20. Adult Education
21. Kennedy Land-Lease
22. Sludge Drying Beds
23. Highways - Chapter 7 68
of Acts of 1969
24. Public Works Facility
40. Conservations Fund
43. Adams Street Takings
44. Adams Street Recon-
struction
45. Police Cruisers
48. Street Sweeper
From:
Art. 10. Library Receipts
15. Free Cash
16. Surplus Revenue
19. Stabilization Fund
Article 2 - 12/18/61
Article 1 - 10/19/64
Article 1 - 8/29/68
Conservation Fund Land
Machinery Fund
Cemetery Land Fund
TOTAL BUDGET
$5, 303, 846.00
39.
46.
62.
64. Overlay Reserve
$ 48,
500.
00
. Appropriated from Library
30,
000.
00
Receipts
1,
809.
50
Amount to be raised and
$ 489,
260.
00
appropria
.ted $5,
302,
036.
50
SPECIAL ARTICLES
Art. 49.
Cab, Chassis, etc.
$ 2,
000.
00
(Tree Dept.)
6,
000.
00
7,
700.
00
50.
Sedan (Eng. Dept.)
3,
000.
00
11,
400.
00
51.
Forest Fire Truck
16,
500.
00
52.
Fire Alarm
14,
300.
00
53.
Lighting - Elm St.
250.
00
Playground
18,
000.
00
5,
000.
00
54.
Backstop k Bleachers -
10.
00
(Elm St.)
1,
700.
00
8,
000.
00
55.
Tot-Lot Equipment -
(Goward Field)
1,
050.
00
16,
444.
95
56.
1975 Funds
3,
000.
00
10,
000.
00
57.
Painting Town Hall Offices
2,
500.
00
100,
000.
00
59.
Air Conditioning - Library
15,
600.
00
1,
500.
00
63.
Mount Hope Cemetery
3,
000.
00
35,
000.
00
TOTAL TO BE RAISED AND
4,
500.
00
APPROPRIATED UNDER
18,
000.
00
SPECIAL ARTICLES $
304,
454.
95
TRANSFERS
To:
Memorial Library $
1,
809.
50
Central Street
23,
100.
00
Highways
27,
375.
00
Minot Avenue School
100,
000.
00
Mino
t Avenue School
429.
99
Mino
t Avenue School
1,
000.
00
Minot Avenue School
222.
80
Main
Street to Pope Road
25,
000.
00
-
Snow Fighting Equipment
4,
200.
00
Mount Hope Cemetery
2,
000.
00
Reserve Fund
30,
000.
00
TOTAL TRANSFERS
$ 215,137.29
BORROW
Art. 19. Minot Avenue School
24. Public Works Facility
TOTAL TO BE BORROWED
$1,728, 347.21
265, 000.00
$1, 993, 347.21
$7, 814, 975.95
SUMMARY
Budget (R. & A.)
Special Articles (R. & A.)
Special Articles (Transfers)
Borrow
GRAND TOTAL
$5, 302, 036.50
304.454. 95
215, 137.29
1, 993, 347. 21
$7,814, 975. 95
71
Article 19. SCHOOL - MINOT AVENUE
VOTED: That $1,380, 000.00 be appropriated for constructing, originally equipping and furnishing an elementary
school to be located on land of the Town between Taylor Road and Minot Avenue; that to raise this appropriation
$100,000.00 be appropriated from the Stabilization Fund, $429.99 be transferred from the appropriation
under Article 2 of the warrant for the Town Meeting of December 18, 1961, $1,000.00 be transferred from the
appropriation under Article 1 of the warrant for the Town Meeting of October 19, 1964, and $222. 80 be trans-
ferred from the appropriation under Article. 1 of the warrant for the Town Meeting of August 29, 1968, and
the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, be authorized to borrow $1, 728, 347. 21 under Chapter 645
of the Acts of 1948 as amended, provided that the total authorized borrowing shall be reduced by the amount of
any matching Stabilization Fund payment; and that the Town Permanent Building Committee be authorized to
take all action necessary to carry out this project.
Total Vote - 334.
Adjourned at 11:37 P.M.
Monday, March 16, 1970. Moderator called meeting to order at 7:32 P.M.
VOTED: That this annual town meeting be recessed at 8:00 P.M. this evening and be resumed at the conclu-
sion of the Special Town Meeting called for that hour.
VOTED: To take up Article 12.
Article 12. UNPAID BILLS
VOTED: To take no action.
Article 13. BORROWING
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen,
to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue for the financial years beginning January 1,
1970 and January 1, 1971, in accordance with the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 4, and to
renew any note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year, in accordance with the provisions
of General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 17.
Article 14. SURPLUS PROPERTY
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To raise and appropriate the sum of $2, 000. 00 to be used by the Town Manager for
the purchase and conditioning of surplus government property for the various Town Departments.
Article 15. CENTRAL STREET
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To raise and appropriate the sum of $7, 700. 00 for Chapter 90 Construction of
Central Street from approximately 1, 000 feet southerly of Littlefield Road to approximately 1, 500 feet
southerly of Littlefield Road and to appropriate from Free Cash the amount of $15, 400. 00 as the State's
allotment for Chapter 90 new construction and the amount of $7, 700. 00 as the County's allotment for
Chapter 90 new construction; provided that the reimbursement be credited to the Surplus Revenue Account.
Article 16. CHAPTERS 81 & 90 ALLOTMENTS
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To appropriate from the Surplus Revenue Account the sum of $23,375.00 as the
State's allotment under Chapter 81 Maintenance, the amount of $2,000.00 as the State's allotment for Chapter
90 Maintenance and the amount of $2,000.00 as the County's allotment under Chapter 90 Maintenance; pro-
vided that the reimbursement be credited to the Surplus Revenue Account.
72
Article 17. TUITION & TRANSPORTATION
"VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To raise and appropriate the s.um of $11,400.00 for the payment of vocational
tuition and transportation according to the provisions of Chapter 74 of the General Laws.
Article 18. VOCATIONAL REGIONAL DISTRICT
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To raise and appropriate the sum of $250.00 to be expended by the Vocational
Regional School District Planning Committee in determining the cost to the Town and the feasibility of the
Town becoming a member of the Nashoba Valley Technical High School District.
Recessed at 8:00 P.M. to convene Special Town Meeting.
Reconvened this meeting at 8:55 P.M.
Article 20. ADULT EDUCATION
VOTED: To raise and appropriate the sum of $5,000.00 to establish an adult education program.
VOTED: That on completion of article under consideration at 11:00 P. M. to adjourn to Monday, March 23,
1970 at 7:30 P.M.
VOTED: To take up Article 24.
Article 24. PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY
VOTED: To authorize the Permanent Building Committee to enter into contracts on behalf of the Town for the
planning, constructing and equipping of a public works building, and that the sum of $275,000.00 be appropriated
for the aforesaid purposes; and that to meet this appropriation the sum of $10,000.00 shall be raised from the
current tax levy, and the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, is authorized to borrow the sum of
$265,000.00 under the authority of Chapter 44, Section 7, Clause (3) of the General Laws and to issue at one
time or from time to time bonds or notes of the Town thereof, provided, however, that the appeal in Sinn and
others v. Russo and others is satisfactorily disposed of.
Total Vote - 604
Adjourned at 11:30 P.M.
Monday, March 23, 1970. Moderator called meeting to order at 7:30 P.M.
Article 11. BUILDING CODE
VOTED: To adopt a new Building Code and repeal the current Building Bylaw, provided that such new Code
and the repeal of the old bylaw are to be effective only upon the publication of the new Code as required by
law and are not to be effective so as to affect any application for a permit theretofor filed or any proceeding
or other action then pending or thereafter brought in court or elsewhere on the basis of action taken or not
taken prior to said effective date. The invalidity of any section of the new Code shall not affect the validity
and effectiveness of the balance of the Code. The new Building Code is as follows:
73
BUILDING CODE
OF THE
TOWN OF ACTON
Section 101. TITLE, CONSTRUCTION.
This bylaw shall be known as the Building Code of the Town of Acton, and it shall be construed to insure
public safety and health. No provisions of the protective zoning bylaw, of any statute or of any other bylaw
pertaining to the location, use or construction of buildings or other structures shall be nullified by the pro-
visions of this code.
Section 102. SCOPE.
This Code shall govern the construction, alteration, repair, demolition, removal, use or occupancy,
and the standards of materials to be used in the construction, alteration and repair of any building or other
structure specified in Section 103.
Section 103. APPLICATION.
This Code shall apply to all buildings or other structures, either existing or proposed, which are
located within the Town except (a) any building or structure owned or occupied by the United States, the Com-
monwealth or the county, (b) any bridge, and (c) any building not to be used for residential purposes which
is less than seven (7) feet high and not over eight (8) feet on any side.
Section 104. APPOINTMENT OF THE BUILDING INSPECTOR AND
DEPUTY BUILDING INSPECTORS.
The Town Manager shall, upon the effective date of this Code and annually in March thereafter, appoint
a competent Building Inspector who shall hold office until his successor has been appointed and has qualified.
The Building Inspector shall be an architect, a civil, structural or architectural engineer, a building con-
tractor or a building mechanic. The Town Manager shall appoint one or more Deputy Building Inspectors to
assist the Building Inspector. In the event of the absence or disability of the Building Inspector, the Deputy
Building Inspector or Inspectors shall have all the powers and duties which are herein conferred upon the
Building Inspector. The term "Inspector" wherever appearing herein shall refer to the Building Inspector or
the Deputy Building Inspector whenever the latter is acting for or in the place of the Building Inspector.
Section 105. REMOVAL.
The Town Manager may remove for cause, the Building Inspector or any Deputy Building
Inspector.
Section 106. COMPENSATION, CONFLICT OF INTEREST.
The compensation of the Building Inspector and Deputy Building Inspector shall be set forth in the Per-
sonnel Bylaw of the Town. No Building Inspector or Deputy Building Inspector shall in any way be interested
in the contract for labor upon, or materials or fixtures to be placed in any building or structure subject to his
inspection except as may be permitted under G. L. c. 268A.
Section 107. STRUCTURES AND ACTIVITIES FOR WHICH PERMITS ARE REQUIRED.
Every person intending to construct, alter, repair, demolish or move any building or structure, or
part thereof, within the Town, shall before proceeding with any work file an application for a permit with
the Inspector, except that minor repairs on existing buildings may be made without a permit. Without limit-
ing the foregoing, a permit shall be required for the following:
Section 107. 1 An alteration or addition to a foundation carried out in the restoration or maintenance
thereof.
Section 107. 2 The reroofing of more than ten (10) percent of the roof area of any building or structure.
Section 107. 3 Maintenance or restoration work affecting the structural framework of a building or
structure.
Section 107.4 The installation of exterior sidewalls, including wood and metal shingles and clap-
boards, which involves more than ten (10) percent of the entire exterior sidewall area of a building or structure.
Section 107. 5 The construction of a swimming pool with a depth of two (2) feet or more.
74
ACTON STREET DIRECTORY
Adams Street
A-2
Agawam Road
C-4
Alcott Street
D-2
Algonquin Road
D-5
Anne Avenue
C-3
Arlington Street
D-4
Ashwood Road
C-2
Azalea Court
D-l
Arborwood Road
C-l
Balsam Drive
D-3
Barker Road
C-3
Baxter Road
B-4
Bayberry Road
D-l
Berry Lane
D-2
Betsy Ross Circle
B-5
Beverly Road
C-3
Billings Street
A-4
Birch Ridge Road
B-5
Blackhorse Drive
A-5
Blanchard Street
A-4
Brabrook Road
D-l
Bridle Path Way
E-l
Broadview Street
B-2
Bromfield Drive
D-2
Brook Street
E-2
Brookside Circle
B-2
Brucewood Road
C-3
Bulette Road
D-5
Captain Brown's Lane
C-4
Captain Furbush's Lane
C-4
Carlisle Road
G-2
Carlton Drive
A-2
Carriage Drive
B-2
Cedar Terrace
C-4
Central Street
B-3,
Chadwick Street
B-2
Charter Road
C-4
Cherokee Road
D-5
Cherry Ridge Road
B-5
Church Street
B-4
Clover Hill Road
B-2
Conant Street
A-2
Concord Road
D-2
Coolidge Drive
D-4
Coughlin
D-3
Country Club Road
A-2
Cowdrey Lane
D-3
Craig Road
C-l
Cresent Street
B-2
Crestwood Lane
B-4
Crestwood Road
C-2
Cricket Way
D-2
Cross Street
G-2
Davis Road
E-2
Deacon Hunt Drive
C-4
Doris Road
C-3
Downey Road
B-4
Duggan Road
A-4
Durkee Road
B-4
Elm Court
C-4
Elm Street
C-5
Eliot Circle
D-3
D-5
Emerson Drive
D-2
Esterbrook Road
E-2
Ethan Allen Drive
B-5
Evergreen Road
D-3
Fairway Road
A-2
Faulkner Hill Road
B-3
Fernwood Road
C-2
Fife & Drum Road
D-3
Flagg Road
D-l
Fletcher Court
A- 3
Flint Road
B-4
Flintlock Drive
A-5
Foley Street
B-2
Forest Road
C-2
Fort Pond Road
E-4
Foster Street
C-2
Fox Hill Road
B-2
Francine Road
C-3
Fraser Drive
B-4
Garfield Lane
D-3
Giaconda Avenue
B-2
Grasshopper Lane
D-2
Great Road
D-l,
Greenwood Lane
D-3
Gristmill Road
A-5
Hammond Street
D-4
Harris Street
F-3
Hatch Road
B-2
Harvard Court
E-2
Haynes Court
B-5
Hawthorne Street
D-2
Hay ward Road
C-4
Heald Road
D-3
Hemlock Lane
D-3
Henley Road
F-3
Hennessey Drive
B-3
Heritage Road
C-2
High Street
A-2
Highland Road
A-5
Hillcrest Drive
C-2
Hillside Terrace
C-4
Homestead Street
B-4
Hickory Hill Trail
D-3
Hosmer Street
C-2
Houghton Lane
C-4
Huckleberry Lane
D-3
Huron Road
D-5
Independence Road
B-2
Iris Court
D-l
Isaac Davis Way
C-3
Jackson Drive
D-4
Jefferson Drive
D-3
John Swift Road
D-3
Joseph Reed Lane
C-4
Juniper Ridge Road
B-5
Karner Road
D-5
Keefe Road
D-l
Kelley Road
C-3
Kinsley Road
B-4
F-4
T
▼
BOXBOROUGH
CONCORD
PR. IV ATE" vs/AYS
OatVATC, UMACCEOTCO
= = = = QOAOS, APPCOVLO uNOCB TUC
6uM>l-Jl5lOW COWTQOL LAW (CMA9 +/ l. L )
AS AMENDED TO JANUARY I, 1970
MAP OF
TOWN OF ACTON
MASSACHUSETTS
SHOWING LOCATION OF STREETS
TCBRUARY 1957
SCALE IN FEET
? rr I°<*' »**» t g*"
ACTON STREET DIRECTORY (continued)
Larch Road
D-3
Laurel Court
B-3
Lawsbrook Road
C-l
Liberty Street
A- 3
Lilac Court
B-3
Lillian Road
D-5
Lincoln Drive
D-4
Littlefield Road
C-5
Longfellow Park
D-2
Lothrop Road
B-4
Madison Lane
D-4
Magnolia Drive
D-l
Main Street
A-2,
Mallard Road
C-4
Maple Street
B-3
Marian Road
B-5
Martin Street
B-3
Massachusetts Avenue
D-l,
Mead Terrace
B-4
Meadow Brook Road
D-3
Merriam Lane
B-2
Minot Avenue
D-2
Minuteman Road
D-3
Mohawk Drive
C-5
Mohegan Road
C-4
Monroe Lane
D-4
Musket Drive
D-3
Myrtle Drive
D-l
Nadine Road
C-3
Nagog Hill Road
D-2
Nash Road
B-4
Nashoba Road
C-5
Newtown Road
D-3
North Street
G-2
Notre Dame Road
B-5
Noyes Street
A-4
Oakwood Road
C-2
Old Colony Lane
C-l
Olde Lantern Road
A-5
Old Meadow Lane
B-2
Old Village Road
D-2
Olde Surrey Drive
B-2
Oneida Road
D-5
Orchard Drive
C-5
Parker Street
A-2
Patrick Henry Circle
B-5
Patriots Road
D-3
Partridge Pond Road
C-3
Paul Revere Road
B-5
Pearl Street
B-4
Phalen Street
D-2
Phlox Lane
D-l
Pine Street
A-3
Pinewood Road
C-2
Piper Road
B-3
Piper Lane
B-3
Pond View Drive
B-2
Pope Road
D-l
Powder Horn Lane
A-5
Powder Mill Road
A-l
Proctor Street
E-l
H-3
B-5
Prospect Street
Putnam Road
Putter Drive
Q Quaboag Road
Quarry Road
R Railroad Street
Redwood Road
Revolutionary Road
River Street
Robbins Street
Robinwood Road
Rose Court
Russell Road
S Saint James Circle
Samuel Parlin Drive
Sandas Trail
School Street
Seminole Road
Seneca Road
Simon Hapgood Lane
Simon Willard Road
Sioux Street
Smart Road
Smith Street
South Street
Spencer Road
Spring Hill Road
Stoney Street
Stow Street
Strawberry Hill Road
Sudbury Road
Summer Street
Sylvia Street
Squirrel Hill Road
T Taft Lane
Taylor Road
Thoreau Road
Ticonderoga Road
Townsend Road
Trask Road
Tut tie Drive
U & V Valley Road
Vanderbelt Road
W Wachusetts Drive
Wampus Avenue
Washington Drive
Wetherbee Street
West Road
Wheeler Lane
Whittier Drive
Willow Street
Wilson Lane
Windemere Drive
Windsor Avenue
Winter Street
Wood Lane
Woodbury Lane
Woodchester Drive
Wright Terrace
B-3
D-3
A-2
C-4
F-3
B-3
C-2
D-3
B-2
A-3
C-2
D-l
C-2
C-3
D-4
C-4
B-3
C-4
C-5
E-l
D-3
C-4
A-4
E-l
G-2
C-4
F-l
C-3
A-3
E-2
A-l
B-5
A-3
A-5
D-4
C-3
D-2
A-5
B-4
D-3
B-3
B-2
B-2
D-5
F-3
D-3
D-l
C-4
G-2
D-2
B-4
D-4
A-5
B-5
B-5
D-3
D-3
A-5
B-5
Section 107. 6 The construction of a temporary structure, including a platform, stand, observation
or circus seats, or tent for assembly purposes. Such a structure may be maintained only for a period of time
stated on the permit. A permit will not be required for any building which is not over eight (8) feet on each 0
side and less than seven (7) feet high, provided the building is not to be used for residential purposes.
Section 108. REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATIONS FOR PERMITS.
An application for a permit shall be on a form furnished by the Inspector. The application shall con-
tain the following:
Section 108. 1 A description for the building or structure, either existing or proposed.
Section 108. 2 The location or proposed location of the building or structure.
Section 108. 3 In the case of an addition to an existing building or structure, a sketch of the lot show-
ing the size and location of the building or structure in relation thereto. In the case of a proposed building or
structure, a plot plan certified to by a registered engineer or surveyor, .showing the dimensions of the pro-
posed new construction and existing and other proposed structures on the same lot.
Section 108.4 A description of the work to be done and the materials to be used therein.
Section 109. FEES FOR PERMITS.
A fee shall accompany each application for a permit. The fee shall be two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50)
for the first one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) of estimated building construction cost or fraction thereof, plus
one dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) for each additional one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) between one thousand
dollars ($1,000.00) and five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000.00) plus one dollar ($1.00) for every one thou-
sand dollars ($1,000.00) of estimated construction cost or fraction thereof, in excess of five hundred thousand
dollars ($500,000.00). The fee accompanying the application for a permit is not refundable.
Section 110. TIME FOR REPORTS ON APPLICATIONS.
The Inspector shall, within five (5) working days after receiving an application, from the Board of
Health, issue or refuse to issue the permit and notify the applicant in writing of his decision. The Board of
Selectmen may, in special cases, when it deems it necessary in the best interests of the Town, extend this
period of time for a period up to thirty (30) days and so notify the applicant. If the Inspector refuses to issue
a permit, written notification of his decision shall be delivered to the applicant in person or sent by registered
or certified mail to him at the address given in the application and shall set forth clearly and in detail all the
reasons for such refusal.
Section 111. APPROVED PLANS.
One copy of the approved plans and specifications together with a signed permit shall be kept at the site
of the operation until the operation is completed. After a permit has been issued, the approved plans and
specifications shall not be altered unless the Inspector first approves any proposed change.
Section 112. CONTINUED VALIDITY OF A PERMIT.
A permit shall be void if construction is not commenced within ninety (90) days of its issue or if work
is abandoned for more than six (6) months.
Section 113. INSPECTION; NOTICE TO THE INSPECTOR; CHECKLIST OF INSPECTIONS.
The Inspector shall have the right, in the performance of his duties and at reasonable hours, to enter,
examine and inspect any building operation. The Inspector shall also inspect each building under construction
at each of the following stages: (1) before the foundation or footing forms are in place, (2) when the building
is ready for insulation, or lath, after all rough plumbing and electrical work has been passed and (3) upon
completion of the building before occupancy. The builder in charge of construction shall notify the Inspector
when each of the aforementioned stages has been reached and whenever any parts which will be concealed in
further construction of the building are ready for inspection. The Inspector shall make the inspection promptly
and in no case shall he delay his inspection for more than forty-eight (48) hours, exclusive of Saturdays, Sun-
days, and holidays. At the completion of each inspection, the Inspector shall submit to the builder, or post on
the inspected premises, a copy of an updated checklist of inspection.
Section 114. ENFORCEMENT OF BUILDING CODE; STOP-WORK ORDERS.
The Inspector shall enforce the regulations contained in this Code. He shall require that all workman-
ship and all building materials be of good quality and that the methods of construction comply with generally
accepted standards of Engineering practice and not be inconsistent with law. In case of violation of this Code
or in the event of noncompliance with plans and specifications approved hereunder, the Inspector shall, in
writing, notify the builder or owner, or the representative of either, of such violation or noncompliance.
Alternately, the Inspector may order the suspension of the work by issuing a stop-work order which shall
state the conditions under which the work may be resumed. The stop-work order shall be sent to the owner,
the builder or the representative of either. A copy of the order shall be posted at the site of the building
operation, and it shall not be removed without the written approval of the Inspector. No oversight or neglect
75
of duty on the part of the Inspector shall legalize the use, erection or alteration of a building or structure, in
a manner not in conformity with the provisions of this code.
Section 115. VIOLATIONS, PENALTIES.
Whoever erects, alters, uses, occupies, maintains, demolishes, or moves any building or structure
in violation of any provision of this Code or causes or permits any such violation to be committed shall be
liable for a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100.00) for each violation. The fine will not be imposed
if another penalty has been provided for the violation.
Section 116. BOARD OF APPEALS.
If a person is dissatisfied with a decision of the Inspector, he may within ten (10) days of the date of
said decision appeal to the Board of Appeals. No member of the Board of Appeals shall act in any case in
which he is interested. In cases involving engineering problems, the Board may secure professional or
expert assistance. Each decision of the Board shall be in writing.
Section 117. RECORDS.
The Inspector shall keep a record of all the business of his office and submit a report to be included in
the Annual Town Report.
Section 118. CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS.
The Inspector may permit, on the basis of one or more duly authenticated reports from a recognized
source or sources, the use of new materials or modes of construction, not prQvided for in this code, and
may, for the purpose of carrying out the intent of this code, adopt accepted standards of materials or work-
manship, of federal or state bureaus, national technical organizations or fire underwriters.
Section 119. EXCAVATION AND FOUNDATIONS.
All buildings hereafter erected shall have masonry footings and foundations. Footing for masonry walls
shall be not less than eight (8) inches deep and not less than twenty (20) inches wide unless otherwise author-
ized or directed by the Inspector. All footings and/or foundations shall extend four (4) feet below finished
grade and eight (8) inches above grade.
Section 119.1 FOUNDATIONS.
Section 119. 11 Dwellings. All dwellings hereafter erected shall have masonry foundations with a
minimum thickness of ten (10) inches of poured concrete. Reinforcing rods shall be used when the Inspector
deems conditions warrant their use. The top of all foundations shall be at least eight (8) inches above fin-
ished grade; this requirement may be waived at the discretion of the Building Inspector where masonry
construction is employed. Block foundations shall be twelve (12) inches in width below grade and may be
eight (8) inches in width above grade. Any portion of a foundation above grade shall be laid in and pointed
with mortar.
Section 119. 12 Other than Dwellings. The foundation for a building other than a dwelling may be of
masonry piers, rather than solid masonry, of sufficient size to carry the loads to be imposed on them and
shall extend four (4) feet below finished grade and eight (8) inches above finished grade. Grade-beam type of
foundation will be permitted for accessory buildings.
Section 119.2 CONCRETE SLAB CONSTRUCTION FOR DWELLINGS.
Concrete slab construction for dwellings must meet the following specifications:
Slab shall be not less than four (4) inches thick on at least eight (8) inches of
well compacted gravel covered by a suitable waterproofing membrane or six
(6) inches of three-quarter (3/4) inch stone or equal, and reinforced with six
(6) inch by six (6) inch number ten (10) gauge mesh.
The exterior foundation wall of any slab building must be of at least eight (8)
inches thick concrete or eight (8) inches thick masonry, carried down at
least four (4) feet below finished exterior grade and eight (8) inches above
grade.
Section 119.3 FOOTINGS.
When in the opinion of the Inspector, soil conditions and the load to be imposed on the foundation walls
make the requirements for footings unnecessary, the Inspector may permit footings to be omitted by written
endorsement on the building permit.
Section 119.4 PROTECTION AGAINST FREEZING.
No masonry shall be built when the temperature is below thirty-two (32) degrees Fahrenheit on a falling
temperature unless a suitable anti-freeze is used in the mix. No frozen materials shall be built upon. Lime
76
shall not be used in any mortar in freezing weather in excess of ten per cent (10%) of the cement content.
Section 119.5 CERTIFICATION OF PLOT PLAN.
After the foundation of a building for which a permit has been issued has been constructed, and before
any further work shall be done on said building, a registered engineer's or surveyor's certification shall be
furnished the Inspector, (unless he waives such requirement) showing the size of the building, and indicating
that the location of the building is in compliance with the setback regulations set forth in the Protective Zon-
ing Bylaw of the Town and including a statement signed by the engineer or surveyor that all distances are
correct.
Section 119.6 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.
All debris, such as stumps, roots, vegetation, and wood scraps, existing within ten (10) feet of the
building shall be removed. The ground level in unexcavated portions shall be at least three (3) feet from the
bottom of floor joists or at whatever depth is deemed suitable and approved by the Inspector.
Section 120. CHIMNEYS.
All chimneys hereafter erected shall be supported on foundations of masonry or reinforced concrete or
other non- combustible material having a fire resistance rating of not less than three (3) hours.
Section 120. 1 CONSTRUCTION.
All chimneys are to be constructed of brick, solid masonry units or reinforced concrete. Chimneys in
dwellings, chimneys for domestic type low heat appliances, and chimneys for building heating equipment for
heating a total volume of occupied space not to exceed twenty-five thousand (25,000) cubic feet shall have the
walls not less than four (4) inches thick. In other buildings and for other low heat appliances the thickness
of chimney walls shall be no less than eight (8) inches, except that rubble stone masonry shall be not less
than twelve (12) inches thick. There must be an eight (8) inch thickness of brick between any woodwork and
the throat of the fireplace from the lintel at the damper up to the flue lining.
Section 120. 2 CORBELING.
Corbeling shall not exceed one (1) inch projection for each course of brick projected.
Section 120. 3 CHANGE IN SIZE OR SHAPE OF CHIMNEY.
No change in the size or shape of a chimney, where the chimney passes through the roof shall be made
within a distance of six (6) inches above or below the roof joists or rafters. All wooden false chimneys built
above the roof shall be covered with wire lath and not less than one (1) inch of fireproof cement plaster, and
in addition the chimney enclosed in this false construction shall be plastered in the same manner.
Section 120.4 LINERS.
Masonry chimneys for low heat appliances shall be lined with approved fire clay flue liners not less
than five -eighths (5/8) of an inch thick, or with other approved liner material that will resist without soften-
ing or cracking at a temperature of one thousand eight hundred (1,800) degrees Fahrenheit. Fire clay flue
liners shall be installed ahead of the construction of the chimney, as it is carried up, carefully bedded one
on the other in mortar, or fire clay mortar, with close fitting joints left smooth on the inside. In masonry
chimneys with walls less than eight (8) inches thick, liners shall be separate from the chimney wall and the
space between the liner and the masonry shall not be filled; with only enough mortar used to make a good
joint and hold the liners in position. Flue liners shall start from a point not less than eight (8) inches below
the intake or, in case of a fireplace, from the throat of the fireplace. They shall extend, as nearly vertical
as possible, for the entire height of the chimney.
Section 120. 5 HEIGHT.
Chimneys for low heat appliances shall extend at least twenty-four (24) inches above the ridge or shall
extend at least three (3) feet above the roof at the highest point of contact, and at least two (2) feet higher than
any portion of the building within ten (10) feet of the chimney.
Section 120. 6 FRAMING AROUND CHIMNEYS AND FIREPLACES.
All wood beams, joists and studs shall be trimmed away from chimneys and fireplaces. Headers sup-
porting trimmer arches at fireplaces shall be not less than sixteen (16) inches from the face of the chimney
breast. Trimmers shall be not less than six (6) inches from the inside face of the nearest flue lining.
Section 120.7 FIRE STOPPING.
All spaces between chimneys and wood joists, beams or headers shall be firestopped by placing non-
combustible material to a depth of at least one inch at the bottom of such spaces.
Section 120.8 FLUES AND SMOKEPIPES.-
Section 120.81 If two (2) or more oil burners are installed to use the same chimney, the smokepipes
of each are to first enter a manifold (which in turn enters the chimney) large enough to accommodate all
77
heaters. A vent from a gas heated appliance must enter the chimney at a point above other flues.
Section 120.82 Where two or more flue liners adjoin each other in the same chimney with only flue
lining separation between them, the joints of the adjacent flue linings shall be staggered at least seven (7)
inches.
Section 120.83 No earthenware pipe shall be used for horizontal flues. No woodwork shall be placed
less than six (6) inches from any smokepipe or metal flue, unless protected with approved fire-proofing
material.
Section 120.84 No smokepipe shall pass through a stud or wooden partition whether plastered or not
unless protected by a suitable metal collar or thimble with holes for ventilation.
Section 120. 85 All inside chimneys hereafter erected shall be provided with a cleanout opening fitted
with metal doors and frames designed to remain tightly closed.
Section 120. 9 COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL- TYPE INCINERATORS.
A clearance of not less than four (4) inches shall be provided between the exterior surface of chimneys
and any combustible material for commercial and industrial type incinerators.
Section 121. FIREPLACES.
Section 121.1 CONSTRUCTION.
Section 121. 11 Fireplaces shall be constructed of solid masonry or of reinforced concrete with back
and sides of the thickness specified in this section. Where a lining of fire brick at least two (2) inches
thick or other approved lining is provided, the total thickness of the back and sides including the lining shall
be not less than eight (8) inches. Where no such lining is provided, the thickness of the back and sides shall
be not less than twelve (12) inches.
Section 121. 12 Factory-built fireplaces that are approved by the American Insurance Association
as a result of tests by a recognized laboratory need not conform to the above paragraph provided they are
installed in accordance with the conditions of the approval.
Section 121. 13 Fireplace hearth extensions shall be provided of approved non- combustible material
for all fireplaces. Where the fireplace opening is less than six (6) square feet, the hearth extension shall
extend at least sixteen (16) inches in front of, and at least eight (8) inches beyond each side of the fireplace
opening. Where the fireplace opening is six (6) square feet or larger, the hearth extension shall extend at
least eighteen (18) inches in front of, and at least twelve (12) inches beyond each side of the fireplace opening.
Where a fireplace is elevated above or overhangs a floor, the hearth extension shall also extend over the area
under the fireplace.
Section 121. 14 Fireplaces constructed of masonry or reinforced concrete shall have a hearth exten-
sion of brick, concrete, stone, tile or other approved non- combustible material properly supported and with
no combustible material against the underside. Wooden forms or crickets used during the construction of
hearth and hearth extension shall be removed when the construction is completed.
Section 121.2 WOODWORK
Section 121.21 No woodwork shall be placed within four (4) inches of the back face of afireplace, nor shall
combustible lathing, furring or plaster grounds be placed against a chimney at any point more than three and
three-fourths (3-3/4) inches from the corner of the chimney; but this shall not prevent plastering directly on
the masonry or on metal lath and metal furring; nor shall it prevent placing chimneys for low heat appliances
entirely on the exterior of a building against the sheathing.
Section 121.22 The clearance between woodwork and a factory-built fireplace approved by the American
Insurance Association as a result of tests by a recognized laboratory need not comply with Section 121.11 of this
code provided the factory-built fireplace is installed in accordance with the conditions of approval.
Section 121. 23 No woodwork shall be placed within six (6) inches of a fireplace opening and woodwork
above and projecting more than one and one-half (1-1/2) inches from a fireplace opening shall not be placed
less than twelve (12) inches from the top of a fireplace opening.
Section 121. 24 All wood floor and roof framing shall be kept at least one (1) inch away from the
chimney masonry, except when eight (8) inches of masonry is used outside the flue lining, in which case the
framing may be built flush with the chimney masonry. The one (1) inch space between the chimney masonry
and the floor framing shall be filled with fire-resistant material to form a fire stop. In no case shall wood
framing members bear on the masonry of chimneys, except on piers which are integrated into the chimney
masonry.
Section 121.25 All spaces in back of combustible mantels shall be filled with non-combustible material.
78
Section 122. WOOD FRAMING.
The dimensions specified in this Section shall be considered nominal dimensions. Splicing of structural
wood framing members between bearing points will not be' permitted. In all cases, regardless of location,
where the structural strength of framing members is definitely impaired by cutting, drilling, or by inherent
defect, such members shall be replaced or reinforced as required by the Inspector. All framing materials
shall be of sound merchantable stock of size sufficient to carry the loads imposed on them.
Section 122. 1 GIRDERS.
Section 122. 11 All drop or flush girts under the first floor on one and two story buildings shall be at
least four (4) inches by six (6) inches laid on edge.
Section 122. 12 Girders may be structural steel, solid wood, built-up wood or reinforced concrete.
Section 122. 13 All joints of solid and built-up wood girders shall be made over pier or column supports.
Section 122. 14 Girder Spans. The distance between supports under wood girders shall not exceed
the following:
Maximum Clear Span
Size in Inches 1 & 2 Story Dwellings 2\ and 3 Story Dwellings
Ft. In. Ft. In.
5 0 4 0
6 0 5 2
6 4 5 6
8 0 7 0
8 0 7 0
9 0 8 0
10 0 9 0
All first floor girders shall have lally columns under them. Columns
below grade shall be concrete filled steel pipe, lally-type, and shall be fastened to girders with at least one-
fourth (1/4) inch thick steel caps and attached to or imbedded in concrete with at least one-fourth (1/4) inch
steel base. Steel pipe concrete filled columns shall be at least three and one-half (3|) inches in diameter
and weigh at least thirteen (13) pounds per linear foot, of which the cross section shall include at least one
and twenty-seven hundredths (1.27) square inches of steel and at least eight and thirty-five hundredths (8.35)
square inches of concrete.
Section 122. 2 SILLS AND PLATES.
4 by 6
6 by 6
4 by 8
4 by 10
6 by 8
6 by 10
6 by 12
Section 122. 15
Columns.
All sills and all bearing plates for roof rafters framing into masonry walls shall be bolted to the
masonry walls with one-half (1/2) inch bolts bedded firmly in the masonry and spaced not more than eight
(8) feet apart.
Section 122. 21 All sills and girders on top of foundation walls and piers shall be leveled, shimmed
up with slate chips or brick, and thoroughly bedded in cement mortar. All sills shall be at least four (4)
inches by six (6) inches, laid flatwise, unless otherwise approved by the Inspector.
Section 122. 22 Top plates shall be not less than doubled two (2) x fours (4's) which shall lap at all
corners and at all intersecting partitions. All such laps shall be securely spiked.
Section 122.3 FLOOR JOISTS.
When floor joists frame into the side of wood girders, the joists shall be supported on metal joists
hangers or on a bearing strip or spiking strip on the side of the girders. Size of strip shall be at least two
(2) by three (3) inches. The notch in the end of the joist shall be not more than one -fourth (1/4) of the joist
depth. Ends of floor joists framing into masonry walls shall have not less than a four (4) inch bearing and
shall have at least a three (3) inch bevel or fire cut. The ends of floor joists and girders which frame into
the masonry walls below outside finish grade shall receive a good brush coat of concrete. Each fourth joist
in wood floor construction framing into masonry walls shall have a metal strap anchor applied on the side and
near the bottom of the joist and shall extend into the masonry wall. Masonry walls running parallel to the
floor joists shall be tied to the floor construction with metal strap anchors spaced not over six (6) feet apart
and extending over and secured to at least three (3) joists.
Section 122. 31 Headers and trimmers shall be doubled except that headers four (4) feet or less in
length may be of single thickness provided the header is supported in metal joists hangers or on not less than
79
two (2) by three (3) inch ledger boards and the header is secured by spikes driven through one thickness of
the trimmers into the ends of the header. Headers receiving more than four (4) tail beams shall have ends
supported in metal joists hangers.
Section 122. 32 Ends of lapped joists shall rest on girders or on bearing partitions, and shall be
securely nailed to the plate and to each other.
Section 122. 33 Floor (including attic floor) and flat roof joists shall be cross-bridged with one (1)
by three (3) inch bridging at intervals not to exceed eight (8) feet and securely nailed at each end. Metal
bridging or solid bridging may be used. In flat roof construction, when the ceiling is suspended from the
roof, the span for the roof joists shall be as required in the floor joist table. The ceiling joists shall be
two (2) by four's (4's) the same spacing as roof joists and supported by one (1) by four (4) inch hangers spaced
not more than six (6) feet on center and securely nailed to sides of the roof and ceiling joists.
Section 122. 34 Maximum spans for all wood floor joists shall be as listed in the tables in Appendix A.
Section 122. 35 The cutting of floor joists to facilitate the installation of piping and duct work will be
permitted with the following limitations:
The top edges of joists may be notched not to exceed one-sixth (1/6) of the joint depth.
Notching the top edge of joists will not be permitted in the middle third of any joist span. If cutting of a floor
joist more than one-sixth (1/6) of its depth is found necessary, a header the full depth of the joist shall be cut
in to support the end of the joist. Where location of pipes necessitates passing through the joists, holes shall
be drilled to receive the pipes. The diameter of the holes shall be not more than one-half (1/2) inch greater
than the outside diameter of the pipe and in no case greater than two and one -half (2-1/2) inches. The edge of
the holes shall not be located nearer than two (2) inches from the top or bottom edge of the joist.
Section 122. 36 All floor joists shall be covered with one (1) inch sub-flooring. Ends of all subfloor-
ing shall be cut over joists. Five -eighths (5/8) plywood may be used in place of boards.
Section 122.4 EXTERIOR WALLS.
Studding for outside walls and bearing partitions shall be not less than two (2)by four (4) inches spaced not
over sixteen (16) inches on centers. Non-bearing partitions may be two (2) by three (3) inches. All bearing
partition studs shall rest on partition caps or shoes of the same size as the studs and capped with double joist
of the same size. Corner posts shall be four (4) by six (6) inches or may be of three (3) two (2) by four (4)
inch pieces, continuous for the height of the corner and well spiked together. Corner braces shall be installed
as near as possible to all corners, except none are needed when plywood is used for exterior sheathing. Exter-
nal studded walls shall be sheathed with boards three-fourth (3/4) inches thick, one-half (1/2) inch plywood or
other approved material, laid tight with staggered joints and nailed to studs with eight (8) penny nails, or
equivalent, in a manner satisfactory to the Inspector.
Section 122.41 Headers. Lintels over openings in bearing walls or partitions of one (1) and two (2)
family dwellings shall consist of double joists, not less than herein specified, or trussed construction bear-
ing on jack studs, or other approved construction affording adequate strength:
Spans less than four (4) feet Two - Two (2) x Fours (4's)
Spans four (4) feet to six (6) feet Two - Two (2) x Sixes (6's)
Spans six (6) feet to eight (8) feet Two - Two (2) x Eights (8's)
Spans eight (8) feet to ten (10) feet Two - Two (2) x Tens (10's)
Section 122.5 CEILING JOISTS.
Maximum spans for ceiling joists shall be as listed in the table in Appendix B. Where the attic space
above ceiling joists is unfinished but is usable for storage space, or if the space is suitable for finishing into
future habitable rooms, the spans for the ceiling joists shall be figured the same as for floor joists as speci-
fied in the tables in Appendix A. Ceiling joists shall, wherever possible, serve as ties for the rafters and
shall be securely nailed to the rafters. An opening for access into each attic space shall be provided to allow
for inspection and repair with a minimum size of six (6) square feet, but not less than twenty-two (22) inches
on any side when trusses are used, located as near to the top of the stairway as practical, but not in a closet
other than a walk-in closet with a minimum floor area of four (4) feet by four (4) feet.
Section 122.6 RAFTERS.
Maximum clear spans of rafters for light and heavy roof covering shall be of sufficient size to carry a
load of 40 lbs. p. s. f. including dead and live load as listed in the table in Appendix C. Rafters shall be
securely spiked to the wall plate. Opposing rafters shall be framed directly opposite each other at the ridge.
There shall be a ridge board of not less than one (1) inch thick at all ridges and a valley rafter at all valleys.
The depth of the ridge board and valley shall be not less than the cut end of the abutting rafters. Valley rafters
and hip rafters shall be not less than two (2) inches thick. All openings in roof construction for dormer win-
dows which are not supported on partitions, shall be framed with double rafters and headers. Roof rafters
shall be covered with one (1) inch roof boards or one-half (1/2) inch plywood and shall be securely nailed to
rafters at each bearing.
80
Section 122.7 INTERIOR PARTITIONS.
All bearing partition studs shall be not less than two (2) x fours (4's) spaced not more than sixteen (16)
inches on center, set the four (4) inch way.
Nonbearing partition studs may be two (2) by threes (3's) set the three (3) inch way; two (2) by fours
(4's) may be used, set the two (2) inch way for walls around closets and chimneys.
Wood bearing partitions in cellars or basements shall incorporate lally columns as specified in Section
122. 15 of this code. No stud shall be cut more than half its depth to receive piping and duct work. If more
depth is required, the partition studs shall be increased accordingly. Where the running of piping and duct
work necessitates the cutting of plates, proper provision, acceptable to the Inspector, shall be made for tying
together and supporting all structural members affected by such cutting.
Section 122.71 Stairs. In figuring the main stair run, the treads shall be not less than eight (8) and
one-quarter (1/4) inches wide, risers shall be not more than eight (8) and one-quarter (1/4) inches high, and
tread shall be so proportioned to riser that an easy run is obtained. The. width of tread, including the nosing,
shall be not less than ten and one-quarter (10-1/4) inches. The cutting and framing of all structural members,
such as stringers and landings, shall be such that the development of their full strength will not be impaired.
Stringers shall have solid bearings at top and bottom. The minimum effective depth of wooden stair stringers
shall be three and one-half (3-1/2) inches. If winders are used, the width of treads at eighteen (18) inches
from the converging end shall be not less than the tread width on the straight stair run. All risers shall be
the same height for each story. Open basement stairs shall have the stringers not less than two (2) inches
thick. If treads are less than one and one-eighth (1-1/8) inches thick, a third stringer shall be installed.
Section 122.8 HANDRAILS.
Every builder or owner shall provide a safe hand rail and supporting banister or other protective device
for every stairway having a total rise of thirty (30) inches or more. Every builder or owner shall provide
wall or protective railings at least thirty-six (36) inches high for every porch, balcony or similar place which
is more than thirty (30) inches above ground.
heat.
Section 122.9 INSULATION.
No insulation shall be used that supports flames or gives off toxic smoke when exposed to flame or high
Section 123. GARAGES.
Any garage built under a dwelling shall have its walls and ceiling covered with wire lathing and cement
plaster or other fire resisting material as approved by the Inspector. If garage floor and cellar floor are on
the same level, a sweep shall be installed on the door to prevent fumes from entering the cellar. There shall
be no greater than a fifteen per cent (15%) grade from garage floor to the street line at the intersection of the
streetline and the driveway. The opening from a building to a garage shall be restricted to a single doorway,
provided with not less than a one and three-fourths (1-3/4) inch thick solid door, or panel door, with at least
two (2) coats of fire retardant paint on the garage side, or an approved fire door of three-fourths (3/4) hour
fire resistant rating. This door must be equipped with self-closing mechanism and no glass shall be in the
door except fire glass. Any garage attached to the side of a dwelling directly or with a breezeway shall have
the wall adjacent to the dwelling or breezeway covered with wire lathing and cement plaster or other approved
fire resistant material from ridge to floor.
Any building in which one or more motor vehicles are kept or stored, except as otherwise provided
above for garages built in connection with a dwelling place, shall be built to conform to the requirements of at
least a second class building. Buildings requiring class 2 construction include, among others, public garages,
motor vehicle repair shops, automobile paint shops, service stations, and lubritoriums.
Section 124. BASEMENTS.
Provision for sump pump well to be provided at the discretion of the Inspector. All basements shall
have a bulkhead or other exterior exit and shall have suitable stairs if below grade. All exposed woodwork
over heating equipment shall be covered with wire lathing and cement plaster or other approved fire resistant
material for at least five (5) feet from the center of the heater in all directions, or until a fire resistant wall
is reached.
No heating equipment shall be installed within six (6) feet of a stairway, unless the stairway is protected
in such a manner as to stop fire from traveling up stairway.
Drain tile laid in stone around the perimeter of the foundation of a dwelling shall be laid when in the
opinion of the Inspector, additional drainage is necessary.
Section 125. HEATER ROOMS.
Enclosed heater rooms shall be ventilated as approved by the Inspector. Enclosed heater rooms of less
than eighty (80) square feet shall be lined with a covering of wire lathing and cement plaster or five-eighths
(5/8) fire coded sheetrock.
81
In public places or places of assembly, such as in churches, hotels, high hazard institutional occupan-
cies, and apartments and in multi-family house occupancies, the heater rooms shall be separated from the
rest of the building by eight (8) inch masonry walls, with the ceilings plastered with fireproof cement mortar
and door openings protected by approved self-closing doors.
Section 126. HEATING EQUIPMENT.
Kerosene stoves and portable kerosene heaters (non-flue connected heater types) shall be barred from
use in a dwelling, a business or an industrial establishment and all other oil or gas fired heaters must bear
an approval label as a result of tests and listing by a nationally recognized testing laboratory and a permit
shall have been issued by the head of the Fire Department or the Inspector of Gas Piping and Gas Appliances
for its use, before a permit of occupancy is issued.
Approved non-flue connected heaters may be used temporarily during construction on approval of the
head of the Fire Department.
Section 127. EGRESSES.
Every dwelling, apartment or tenement or any other building or structure to be used in whole or in
part for dwelling purposes, either as a permanent or temporary dwelling, except multiple family dwelling
houses hereafter erected, altered or remodeled, shall have a minimum of two (2) independent means of
egress, placed as far apart as practicable, both of which shall be not less than fifteen (15) square feet in
area and shall terminate at the outside of the building at ground level. One egress may terminate on a
balcony provided that the balcony extends a minimum of four (4) feet on one side of the egress opening.
Every multiple family type dwelling house and every dwelling not included in the paragraph above here-
after erected, altered or remodeled, shall have a minimum of two (2) independent means of egress, placed
as far apart as practicable, both of which shall be not less than fifteen (15) square feet in area and shall
terminate at the outside of the building at ground level. One egress may terminate on a balcony provided that
the balcony extends a minimum of four (4) feet on one side of the egress opening.
Every multiple family type dwelling house and every dwelling not included in the paragraph above here-
after erected, altered or remodeled, shall have a minimum of two (2) independent means of egress for each
apartment or tenement or other dwelling unit, placed as far apart as practicable, one of which shall terminate
at the outside of the building at ground level.
Section 128. HEIGHT OF BUILDING.
No dwelling hereafter erected shall exceed twenty (20) feet in height from sill to eaves.
Section 129. WALL COVERING.
Every wooden building hereafter erected shall have its exterior walls covered with a standard exterior
building material approved by the Inspector; this provision shall not apply to paint or stain.
Section 130. ROOF COVERING.
The roof of every dwelling and garage attached thereto shall be covered with slate, asbestos, or asphalt
roof covering weighing not less than two hundred and ten (210) lbs. per square or approved Class C fire
resistant treated wood shingles laid according to standard building practice.
Not more than two (2) reshinglings of asphalt shingles shall be allowed without removal of old shingles
and no reshingling over wood shingles is allowed.
Section 131. FIRE STOPPING.
Where floor beams or studs rest on sills, girders, wall girts or partition caps, fire stopping shall be
required between such beams and studs from the sills, girders, girts or caps to four (4) inches above the
plaster ground with brick and mortar or other fire resistant material, or full size blocking shall be installed
between the studs above and below the floor beams of each story and at the ceiling line of each story. Full
size blocking means full width of studs and not less than one and one-half (1-1/2) inches thick.
Section 132. OCCUPANCY PERMIT.
No building of any type, except as otherwise provided herein, whether of a permanent or portable
nature hereafter erected, remodeled, restored, or moved shall be occupied or used in whole or in part as
a dwelling until the same shall have been inspected by the Inspector, Plumbing Inspector and the Board of
Health, and a permit of occupancy issued by the Board of Health and the Inspector, stating that the'building
and use thereof complies with the provisions of this Code, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
and all other laws pertaining thereto. A permit of occupancy shall not be issued unless a building permit
has been previously issued by the Inspector in accordance with the provisions of this Code. Application for
a permit of occupancy shall be filed with the Inspector who shall notify the Board of Health of such application.
Whoever occupies, or allows someone to occupy a dwelling that doe-s not have an occupancy permit shall
be liable for a penalty of not more than fifty dollars ($50.00) for each violation. Payment of such penalty does
not absolve any violator from the obligation under this Code to obtain an occupancy permit.
82
Section 133. RESTRICTIONS ON CONSTRUCTION WITHIN FIRE LIMITS
Section 133. 1 GENERAL RESTRICTIONS.
Except as otherwise provided in Paragraph 133. 5 of this section, no building or structure of wood frame
construction or of unprotected non- combustible construction shall be erected within the limits established by
law as the Fire Limits, nor shall wood or other combustible veneers be permitted on buildings or structures
within such Fire Limits. Prior to approval, construction plans shall be forwarded by the builder to the
Inspector and to the Fire Chief for review.
Section 133. 2 ALTERATIONS AND EXTENSIONS.
Section 133. 21 Within the Fire Limits no building or structure of wood frame construction or of un-
protected non -combustible construction shall be increased in height.
Section 133. 22 Within the Fire Limits no building or structure shall be extended on any side by wood
frame construction or unprotected non- combustible construction. The aggregate area of the building or struc-
ture including the extension shall not exceed the allowable area for wood frame construction in the following
table:
Construction Area of one Area of Building
Types Story Building Over One Story
Ordinary 9,000 sq. ft. 6,000 sq. ft.
Unprotected
non- combustible 9,000 sq. ft. 6,000 sq. ft.
Wood Frame 6,000 sq. ft. 4,000 sq. ft.
Section 133.23 Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit other alterations within the Fire
Limits; provided there is no change of occupancy to a class of occupancy otherwise prohibited.
Section 133.24 High hazard occupancy, as defined below, is prohibited. High hazard occupancy
means the occupancy or use of a building or structure or any portion thereof that involves highly combustible,
highly flammable, or explosive material, or which has inherent characteristics that constitute a special fire
hazard; including among others, aluminum powder factories; cellulose nitrate plastic factories, warehouses
and salesrooms; cereal mills; distilleries; explosives manufacture, sales and storage; flour and feed mills;
gasoline bulk plants; grain elevators; lacquer factories; liquified petroleum gas charging or bulk storage
plants; mattress factories; paint factories and wastepaper plants.
Section 133. 3 MOVING BUILDINGS.
No building or structure of wood frame construction or unprotected non- combustible construction shall
be moved from without to within the Fire Limits or from one lot to another within the Fire Limits.
Section 133.4 BUILDINGS PARTLY WITHIN FIRE LIMITS.
A building or structure shall be deemed to be within the Fire Limits if one-third (1/3) or more of the
area of such building or structure is located therein.
Section 133. 5 EXCEPTIONS TO RESTRICTIONS WITHIN FIRE LIMITS.
Section 133.51 Frame dwellings not exceeding two (2) stories in height and separated by at least ten
(10) feet from the lot line of adjoining property.
Section 133. 52 Wood or other combustible veneers on non- combustible backing for show windows
that do not extend above the first full story above grade.
Section 133. 53 A building occupied as a private garage, not more than one (1) story in height nor
more than seven hundred and fifty (750) square feet in area, located on the same lot with a dwelling; provided
that such building shall be placed at least ten (10) feet from the lot lines of adjoining property.
Section 133. 54 A building not exceeding two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet in area when used
for a business occupancy, or one thousand (1,000) square feet in area when used for other occupancies, nor
more than one (1) story in height, and having a horizontal separation of not less than ten (10) feet on all sides.
Section 133. 55 Greenhouses not more than fifteen (15) feet in height erected on the same lot with an
accessory to a dwelling or a store.
Section 133. 56 Sheds open on the long side, not more than fifteen (15) feet in height nor more than five
hundred (500) square feet in area, located at least ten (10) feet from buildings and from adjoining lot lines.
83
Section 133.57 Builders' shanties for use only in connection with duly authorized building operation
and located on the same lot with such building operation, on a lot immediately adjoining on an upper floor of
the building under construction, or on a sidewalk shed.
Section 133.58 Piazzas or balconies, not exceeding ten (10) feet in width nor extending more than
three (3) feet above the second-story floor beams; provided that no such structure shall be located nearer
than ten (10) feet to an adjoining lot line or be joined to a similar structure of another building.
Section 133.59 Fences under six (6) feet in height.
Section 134. WEST ACTON FIRE LIMITS.
The following area in West Acton shall constitute the "West Acton Fire Limits" and the regulations set
forth in Section 133 above shall apply; Starting at a point at the center of the intersection of Willow and Sum-
mer Streets in West Acton; thence in a northwesterly direction to the center of the intersection of Homestead
and Willow Streets; thence in a northerly direction to the center of the intersection of Arlington Street and
Massachusetts Avenue; thence northerly to a point in the center of the Boston and Maine Railroad right of way
located two thousand one hundred (2,100) feet northeasterly from the center of the Massachusetts Avenue cross-
ing as measured along the right of way; thence one thousand (1,000) feet southeasterly along the railroad right
of way; thence easterly to the center of the intersection of Elm and Arlington Streets; thence southerly to the
center of the intersection of a private way known as "Cedar Terrace" and Massachusetts Avenue; thence west-
erly to a point in the center of the railroad right of way located eight hundred and fifty (850) feet southeasterly
from the center of the Massachusetts Avenue crossing as measured along the right of way; thence one thousand
two hundred and fifty (1,250) feet southeasterly along the railroad right of way, thence westerly to the center
of the intersection of Central and Summer Streets and westerly to the point of beginning at the center of the
intersection of Willow and Summer Streets.
Section 135. STREET NUMBERS.
Street numbers shall be provided for each dwelling, each business building and each industrial building
by the builder as follows:
Numbers shall be at least three (3) inches in height and shall be clearly visible from the street or road-
way upon which the house faces. The numbers shall be placed on the structure itself or on a suitable support
near the main entrance to the structure. The numbers shall be those shown on the approved definitive plan,
in the case of a subdivision, or as assigned by the Engineering Department in the case of a structure built on a
town way.
Section 136. MULTIPLE DWELLING BUILDINGS.
Section 136. 1 FOOTINGS.
Footings for multiple dwelling buildings shall be twelve (12) inches by twenty-four (24) inches with two
(2) reinforcing rods not less than one-half (1/2) inch in diameter.
Section 136.2 BOILER ROOMS.
Boiler rooms should be enclosed with eight (8) inch masonry blocks, or equal fire ratings.
Section 136.3 STAIRWAYS.
Stairways shall be enclosed on both sides by masonry block walls of not less than six (6) inches in
thickness or of equal fire rating. All stairways shall have risers and treads. Block walls shall extend up to
the roof boards. All doors in the above mentioned fire walls shall be one and three-quarter (1-3/4) inches
solid flush doors or equal. Fire rating doors will be equipped with self closing mechanisms.
Section 136.4 BUILDING DIVIDER WALLS.
Walls which physically connect multiple dwelling buildings shall be constructed as specified in Section
136, sub-section 136.3 (Stairways).
Section 136.5 WORKING DRAWINGS.
Detailed working drawings of multiple dwelling buildings must be prepared by a Registered Architect
or Engineer, and shall be submitted at least two (2) weeks prior to initiation of construction.
Section 136. 6 APARTMENT HOUSE INCINERATORS.
No incinerator shall be constructed in any apartment house.
84
Section 137. SWIMMING POOLS.
Private and commercial pools having a depth of two (2) feet or more will require building permits and
must comply with the building side line and setback regulations set forth in the Protective Zoning Bylaw of
the Town. They must be enclosed by a protective fence at least four (4) feet in height with a lockable gate.
Gates shall lock on closing. Gate locks must be placed on the inside of the fence. Both fence and gate lock
must meet with the approval of the Inspector. Inspection will be made at excavation and after completion.
Vertical stays in the fence must not be more than two (2) inches apart.
85
APPENDIX A - FLOOR JOISTS
DOUGLAS FIR, COAST REGION
FLOOR JOISTS
40 lb. Live Load
30 lb. Live Load
Nominal
Size
Spacing
C to C
Select.
Struct.
1900f
Construction
1500f
Standard
1200f
Util
ity*
Select.
Struct.
1900f
Construction
1500f
Standard
1200f
Util
ity*
Inches
Inches
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft.
In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft.
In.
2x6
12
16
24
11 2
10 3
9 0
11 2
10 3
9 0
11 2
9 11
8 1
7
6
4
0
1
11
12 2
11 2
9 11
12 2
11 2
9 11
12 2
11 1
9 0
7
6
5
9
9
6
2x8
12
16
24
14 9
13 6
12 0
14 9
13 6
12 0
14 9
13 6
11 0
11
9
7
0
7
9
16 1
14 9
13 1
16 1
14 9
13 1
16 1
14 9
12 4
12
10
8
4
8
8
3x8
12
16
24
17 0
15 7
13 10
17 0
15 7
13 10
17 0
15 7
13 10
14
12
9
0
2
11
18 7
17 0
15 1
18 7
17 0
15 1
18 7
17 0
15 1
15
13
11
8
7
1
2 x 10
12
16
24
18 3
16 9
14 10
18 3
16 9
14 10
18 3
16 9
14 0
15
13
10
1
0
7
19 11
18 3
16 2
19 11
18 3
16 2
19 11
18 3
15 7
16
14
11
10
7
11
3 x 10
12
16
24
21 1
19 4
17 1
21 1
19 4
17 1
21 1
19 4
17 1
19
16
13
2
7
7
23 1
21 2
18 8
23 1
21 2
18 8
23 1
21 2
18 8
21
18
15
2
6
1
2 x 12
12
16
24
21 9
19 11
17 7
21 9
19 11
17 7
21 9
19 11
16 11
17
15
12
7
3
5
23 9
21 9
19 2
23 9
21 9
19 2
23 9
21 9
18 11
19
17
13
8
0
10
"Indicates the grade is not a stress grade.
HEMLOCK, WEST COAST
FLOOR JOISTS
40 lb. Live Load
30 lb. Live Load
Nominal
Size
Spacing
C to C
Select.
Struct.
1600f
Construction
1500f
Standard
1200f
Utility*
Select.
Struct.
1600f
Construction
1500f
Standard
1200f
Util
Lty*
Inches
Inches
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft.
In.
2x6
12
16
24
10 8
9 10
8 7
10 8
9 10
8 7
10 8
9 10
8 1
7 0
6 1
4 11
11 8
10 9
9 6
11 8
10 9
9 6
11 8
10 9
9 0
7
6
5
10
9
6
2x8
12
16
24
14 2
13 0
11 6
14 2
13 0
11 6
14 2
13 0
11 0
11 0
9 7
7 10
15 5
14 2
12 7
15 5
14 2
12 7
15 5
14 2
12 7
12
10
8
4
8
9
3x8
12
16
24
16 4
15 0
13 3
16 4
15 0
13 3
16 4
15 0
13 3
14 0
12 2
9 11
17 10
16 4
14 6
17 10
16 4
14 6
17 10
16 4
14 6
15
13
11
8
7
1
2 x 10
12
16
24
17 7
16 1
14 3
17 7
16 1
14 3
17 7
16 1
13 11
15 1
13 0
10 8
19 2
17 6
15 6
19 2
17 6
15 6
19 2
17 6
15 6
16
14
12
10
8
0
3 x 10
12
16
24
20 3
18 7
16 5
20 3
18 7
16 5
20 3
18 7
16 5
19 2
16 7
13 7
22 1
20 3
17 11
22 1
20 3
17 11
22 1
20 3
17 11
21
18
15
2
6
2
2 x 12
12
16
24
20 10
19 1
16 11
20 10
19 1
16 11
20 10
19 1
16 11
17 7
15 3
12 5
22 9
20 10
18 5
22 9
20 10
18 5
22 9
20 10
18 5
19
17
13
8
0
10
'Indicates the grade is not a stress grade.
86
SPRUCE, EASTERN OR CANADIAN
FLOOR JOISTS
40 lb. Live Load
30 lb. Live Load
Nominal
Size
Spacing
C to C
No. 1*
No. 1*
Inches
Inches
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
2x6
12
16
24
9 4
8 1
6 7
10 5
9 0
7 4
2x8
12
16
24
13 2
11 4
9 3
14 8
12 9
10 5
3x8
12
16
24
15 7
14 4
11 9
17 0
15 7
13 2
2 x 10
12
16
24
16 9
15 2
12 5
18 3
16 9
14 0
3 x 10
12
16
24
19 4
17 9
15 8
21 2
19 4
17 1
2 x 12
12
16
24
19 11
18 3
15 10
21 9
19 11
17 7
indicates the grade is not a stress grade.
SPRUCE, ENGELMANN OR WESTERN
FLOOR JOISTS
40 lb. Live Load
30 lb. Live Load
Nominal
Size
Spacing
C to C
Select.*
Merch.
Construction*
Standard*
Utility*
Select.*
Merch.
Construction*
Standard*
Utility*
Inches
Inches
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft.
In.
Ft. In.
2x6
12
16
24
9 8
8 4
6 9
9 8
7 0
5 9
6 6
5 9
4 9
5 3
4 6
3 6
10 7
9 4
7 8
9 0
7 10
6 4
7
6
5
4
4
3
5 9
5 0
4 0
2x8
12
16
24
12 9
11 9
9 6
12 3
10 9
8 9
9 6
8 3
6 9
8 6
7 3
6 0
13 11
12 9
10 8
13 9
11 11
9 9
10
9
7
8
3
6
9 6
8 1
6 9
3x8
12
16
24
14 9
13 6
12 0
14 9
13 6
11 0
12 0
10 6
8 6
10 7
9 3
7 7
16 1
14 9
13 1
16 1
14 9
12 6
13
11
9
7
9
6
12 0
10 3
8 6
2 x 10
12
16
24
15 10
14 6
12 6
15 6
13 6
11 1
12 9
11 1
9 0
11 5
10 0
8 0
17 3
15 10
14 0
17 3
15 2
12 6
14
12
10
3
6
1
12 10
11 1
9 0
3 x 10
12
16
24
18 3
16 10
14 10
18 3
16 10
14 1
16 3
14 1
11 4
14 6
12 7
10 3
20 0
18 3
16 2
20 0
18 3
15 9
18
15
12
1
9
9
16 2
14 0
11 6
2 x 12
12
16
24
18 10
17 3
15 0
18 10
16 4
13 3
16 3
14 2
11 6
13 10
12 0
9 9
20 6
18 10
16 8
20 6
18 3
15 0
18
15
12
0
6
9
15 5
13 4
10 10
*Indicates the grade is not a stress grade.
87
APPENDIX B - CEILING JOISTS
DOUGLAS FIR, COAST REGION
CEILING JOISTS
20 lb. Attic
Storage
No Attic
Storage
Nominal
Size
Spacing
C to C
Select.
Struct.
1900f
Construction
1500f
Standard
1200f
Utility*
Select.
Struct.
1900f
Construction
1500f
Standard
1200f
Utility*
Inches
Inches
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft.
In.
2x4
12
16
24
9 5
8 7
7 6
8 2*
7 1*
5 9*
6 3*
5 5*
4 5*
4 1
3 6
2 11
11 10
10 9
9 5
11 10*
10 9*
9 5*
10 10*
9 4*
7 8*
-7
6
5
1
1
0
2x6
12
16
24
14 4
13 0
11 4
14 4
13 0
11 4
14 4
12 10
10 5
9 1
7 9
6 4
18 0
16 4
14 4
18 0
16 4
14 4
18 0
16 4
14 4
15
13
11
8
7
1
2x8
12
16
24
19 6
17 9
15 6
19 6
17 9
15 6
19 6
17 5
14 3
14 3
12 4
10 1
24 7
22 4
19 6
24 7
22 4
19 6
24 7
22 4
19 6
22
20
17
4
3
5
2 x 10
12
16
24
24 9
22 6
19 7
24 9
22 6
19 7
24 9
22 1
18 0
19 6
16 10
13 9
31 2
28 3
24 9
31 2
28 3
24 9
31 2
28 3
24 9
28
25
22
3
9
5
'Indicates the grade is not a stress grade.
HEMLOCK, WEST COAST
CEILING JOISTS
20 lb. Attic Storage
No Attic Storage
Nominal
Size
Spacing
C to C
Select.
Struct.
1600f
Construction
1500f
Standard
1200f
Utility*
Select.
Struct.
1600f
Construction
1500f
Standard
1200f
Utility*
Inches
Inches
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
2x4
12
16
24
9 0
8 2
7 2
7 9*
6 8*
5 5*
5 11*
5 2*
4 3*
4 1
3 6
2 11
11 4
10 4
9 0
11 4*
10 4*
9 0*
10 4*
8 11*
7 4*
7 1
6 1
5 0
2x6
12
16
24
13 8
12 5
10 10
13 8
12 5
10 10
13 8
12 5
10 5
9 1
7 9
6 4
17 3
15 8
13 8
17 3
15 8
13 8
17 3
15 8
13 8
15 8
13 6
11 1
2x8
12
16
24
18 8
16 11
14 10
18 8
16 11
14 10
18 8
16 11
14 3
14 3
12 4
10 1
23 6
21 4
18 8
23 6
21 4
18 8
23 6
21 4
18 8
22 4
20 3
17 5
2 x 10
12
16
24
23 8
21 6
18 9
23 8
21 6
18 9
23 8
21 6
18 0
19 6
16 10
13 9
29 9
27 1
23 8
29 9
27 1
23 8
29 9
27 1
23 8
28 3
25 9
22 5
'Indicates the grade is not a stress grade.
88
SPRUCE, EASTERN OR CANADIAN
CEILING JOISTS
20 lb. Attic Storage
No Attic Storage
Nominal
Size
Spacing
C to C
No. 1*
No. 1*
Inches
Inches
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
2x4
12
16
24
7 2
6 2
5 1
10 9
9 10
8 7
2x6
12
16
24
12 1
10 5
8 6
16 4
14 11
13 0
2x8
12
16
24
16 11
14 8
12 0
22 4
20 3
17 9
2 x 10
12
16
24
22 6
19 8
16 1
28 3
25 9
22 5
^Indicates the grade is not a stress grade.
SPRUCE, ENGELMANN OR WESTERN
CEILING JOISTS
20 lb.
Attic
Storage
No Attic
Storage
Nominal
Size
Spacing
C to C
Select.*
Merch.
Construction*
Standard*
Utility*
Select.*
Merch.
Construction*
Standard*
Utility*
Inches
Inches
Ft.
In.
Ft.
In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
2x4
12
16
24
7
6
5
8
7
5
6
5
4
0
2
2
4 5
3 9
3 1
3 0
2 9
2 6
10 2
9 3
8 1
10 2
8 11
7 3
7 8
6 8
5 4
5 3
4 7
3 9
2x6
12
16
24
12
10
8
3
9
9
10
9
7
5
0
4
8 6
7 4
6 0
6 9
5 9
4 9
15 5
14 0
12 3
15 5
14 0
12 3
14 9
12 9
10 4
11 7
10 1
8 3
2x8
12
16
24
16
15
12
8
1
4
16
13
11
0
9
3
12 3
10 9
8 9
10 10
9 6
7 9
21 0
19 1
16 8
21 0
19 1
16 8
21 0
18 6
15 1
18 10
16 3
13 3
2 x 10
12
16
24
21
19
16
2
2
0
20
17
14
2
7
2
16 6
14 2
11 7
14 9
12 9
10 5
26 7
24 1
21 1
26 7
24 1
21 1
26 7
24 1
20 3
25 6
22 1
18 1
^Indicates the grade is not a stress grade.
89
APPENDIX C - ROOF JOISTS AND RAFTERS
DOUGLAS FIR, COAST REGION
LOW SLOPE ROOF JOISTS**
Supporting Finished Ceilin
g
Not Supporting Finished Cei
ing
Nominal
Size
Spacing
C to C
Select.
Struct.
1900f
Construction
1500f
Standard
1200f
Utility*
Select.
Struct.
1900f
Construction
1500f
Standard
1200f
Util
Lty*
Inches
Inches
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft.
In.
2x6
12
16
24
14 4
13 0
11 4
14 4
13 0
10 9
13 8
11 10
9 8
8 4
7 3
5 11
16 5
14 10
13 0
16 5
14 4
11 8
14 9
12 10
10 5
9
7
6
1
9
4
2x8
12
16
24
19 6
17 9
15 6
19 6
17 9
14 9
18 8
16 2
13 2
13 2
11 5
9 4
22 4
20 3
17 9
22 4
19 6
15 11
20 2
17 5
14 3
14
12
10
3
4
1
3x8
12
16
24
22 10
20 9
18 2
22 10
20 9
18 2
22 10
20 6
16 9
16 9
14 6
11 10
26 2
23 9
20 9'
26 2
23 9
20 3
25 7
22 2
18 1
18
15
12
1
9
9
2 x 10
12
16
24
24 8
22 6
19 7
24 8
22 6
18 8
23 7
20 5
16 8
18 0
15 7
12 9
28 4
25 8
22 6
28 4
24 9
20 2
25 6
22 1
18 0
19
16
13
6
10
9
3 x 10
12
16
24
29 0
26 4
23 0
29 0
26 4
23 0
29 0
26 0
21 2
22 11
19 10
16 2
33 2
30 2
26 4
33 2
30 2
25 7
32 6
28 1
22 11
24
21
17
9
5
6
2 x 12
12
16
24
29 11
27 2
23 9
29 11
27 2
22 7
28 7
24 9
20 2
21 1
18 3
14 10
34 3
31 1
27 2
34 3
29 11
24 5
30 11
26 9
21 10
22
19
16
9
8
0
Indicates the grade is not a stress grade.
* Three inches or less per foot.
DOUGLAS FIR, COAST REGION
RAFTERS
Heavy Roofing
Light Roofing
Nominal
Size
Spacing
C to C
Select.
Struct.
1900f
Construction
1500f
Standard
1200f
Utility*
Select.
Struct.
1900f
Construction
1500f
Standard
1200f
Utility*
Inches
Inches
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft.
In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft.
In.
2x4
12
16
24
12 3
10 7
8 8
8 2*
7 1*
5 9*
6 3*
5 5*
4 5*
4
3
2
1
6
11
14 4
12 4
10 1
9 6*
8 3*
6 9*
7 4*
6 4*
5 2*
4
4
3
9
2
3
2x6
12
16
24
18 7
16 2
13 2
16 6
14 4
11 8
14 9
12 10
10 5
9
7
6
1
9
4
21 9
18 9
15 4
19 3
16 8
13 7
17 3
14 11
12 2
10
9
7
7
2
6
2x8
12
16
24
25 4
21 11
17 11
22 6
19 6
15 11
20 2
17 5
14 3
14
12
10
3
4
1
29 7
25 8
20 11
26 4
22 9
18 7
23 6
20 4
16 7
16
14
11
7
5
9
2 x 10
12
16
24
32 2
27 10
22 8
28 6
24 9
20 2
25 6
22 1
18 0
19
16
13
6
10
9
37 6
32 6
26 6
33 4
28 10
23 7
29 10
25 9
21 1
22
19
16
9
9
1
*Indicates the grade is not a stress grade.
90
HEMLOCK, WEST COAST
LOW SLOPE ROOF JOISTS**
Supporting Finished Ceiling
Not
Supporting Finished Ceiling
Nominal
Size
Spacing
C to C
Select.
Struct.
1600f
Construction
1500f
Standard
1200f
Utility*
Select.
Struct.
1600f
Construction
1500f
Standard
1200f
Utility*
Inches
Inches
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft.
In.
2x6
12
16
24
13 8
12 5
10 10
13 8
12 5
10 9
13 8
11 10
9 8
8 4
7 3
5 11
15 8
14 3
12 1
15 8
14 3
11 8
14 9
12 10
10 5
9
7
6
1
9
4
2x8
12
16
24
18 8
16 11
14 10
18 8
16 11
14 9
18 8
16 2
13 2
13 2
11 5
9 4
21 4
19 5
16 5
21 4
19 5
15 11
20 2
17 5
14 3
14
12
10
3
4
1
3x8
12
16
24
21 11
19 10
17 4
21 11
19 10
17 4
21 11
19 10
16 9
16 9
14 6
11 10
25 1
22 9
19 11
25 1
22 9
19 11
25 1
22 2
18 1
18
15
12
1
8
9
2 x 10
12
16
24
23 8
21 6
18 9
23 8
21 6
18 8
23 7
20 5
16 8
18 0
15 7
12 9
27 1
24 7
20 10
27 1
24 7
20 2
25 6
22 1
18 0
19
16
13
6
10
9
3 x 10
12
16
24
27 9
25 2
22 0
27 9
25 2
22 0
27 9
25 2
21 2
22 11
19 10
16 2
31 9
29 0
25 4
31 9
29 0
25 4
31 9
28 1
22 11
24
21
17
9
5
16
2 x 12
12
16
24
28 7
26 0
22 8
28 7
26 0
22 7
28 7
24 9
20 2
21 1
18 3
14 10
32 9
29 9
25 3
32 9
29 9
24 5
30 11
26 9
21 10
22
19
16
9
8
0
^Indicates the grade is not a stress grade.
"* Three inches or less per foot.
HEMLOCK, WEST COAST
RAFTERS
Heavy Roofing
Light Roofing
Nominal
Size
Spacing
C to C
Select.
Struct.
1600f
Construction
1500f
Standard
1200f
Utility*
Select.
Struct.
1600f
Construction
1500f
Standard
1200f
Utility*
Inches
Inches
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft.
In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft.
In.
2x4
12
16
24
11 3
9 9
7 11
7 9*
6 8*
5 5*
5 11*
5 2*
4 3*
4
3
2
1
6
11
13 2
11 4
9 3
8 11*
7 10*
6 4*
6 11*
6 0*
4 11*
4
4
3
9
2
3
2x6
12
16
24
17 1
14 9
12 1
16 6
14 4
11 8
14 9
12 10
10 5
9
7
6
1
9
4
19 11
17 3
14 1
19 3
16 8
13 7
17 3
14 11
12 2
10
9
7
7
2
6
2x8
12
16
24
23 3
20 2
16 5
22 6
19 6
15 11
20 2
17 5
14 3
14
12
10
3
4
1
27 2
23 6
19 3
26 4
22 9
18 7
23 6
20 4
16 7
16
14
11
7
5
9
2 x 10
12
16
24
29 6
25 6
20 10
28 6
24 9
20 2
25 6
22 1
18 0
19
16
13
6
10
9
34 5
29 9
24 4
33 4
28 10
23 7
29 10
25 9
21 1
22
19
16
9
9
1
^Indicates the grade is not a stress grade.
91
SPRUCE, EASTERN OR CANADIAN
LOW SLOPE ROOF JOISTS**
Supporting Finished Ceiling
Not Supporting Finished Ceiling
Nominal
Size
Spacing
C to C
No. 1*
No. 1*
Inches
Inches
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
2x6
12
16
24
11 2
9 8
7 10
12 1
10 5
8 6
2x8
12
16
24
15 8
13 7
11 1
16 11
14 8
12 0
3x8
12
16
24
19 11
17 3
14 1
21 6
18 8
15 3
2 x 10
12
16
24
21 0
18 2
14 10
22 8
19 8
16 1
3 x 10
12
16
24
26 4
23 1
18 10
28 10
25 0
20 5
2 x 12
12
16
24
26 9
23 2
18 10
28 11
25 1
20 5
'Indicates the grade is not a stress grade.
!*Three inches or less per foot.
SPRUCE, EASTERN OR CANADIAN
RAFTERS
Heavy Roofing
Light Roofing
Nominal
Size
Spacing
C to C
No. 1*
No. 1*
Inches
Inches
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In,
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
2x4
12
16
24
7 2
6 2
5 1
8 4
7 3
5 11
2x6
12
16
24
12 1
10 5
8 6
14 1
12 2
9 11
2x8
12
16
24
16 11
14 8
12 0
19 9
17 2
14 0
2 x 10
12
16
24
22 8
19 8
16 1
26 6
22 11
18 9
*Indicates the grade is not a stress grade.
92
SPRUCE, ENGELMANN OR WESTERN
LOW SLOPE ROOF JOISTS**
Supporting Finished Ceiling
Not Supporting Finished
Ceiling
Nominal
Size
Spacing
C to C
Select.*
Merch.
Construction*
Standard*
Utility*
Select.*
Merch.
Construction*
Standard*
Utility*
Inches
Inches
Ft.
In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft.
In.
Ft. In.
Ft.
In.
Ft.
In.
2x6
12
16
24
11
10
8
6
0
1
9 8
8 4
6 10
7 10
6 10
5 7
6 3
5 5
4 4
12
10
8
5
9
9
10 5
9 0
7 4
8
7
6
6
4
0
6
5
4
9
9
9
2x8
12
16
24
16
14
11
2
0
5
14 9
12 9
10 4
11 5
9 11
8 1
10 0
8 7
7 2
17
15
12
5
1
4
16 0
13 9
11 3
12
10
8
3
9
9
10
9
7
10
6
9
3x8
12
16
24
19
17
14
7
9
6
18 9
16 3
13 3
14 6
12 6
11 3
12 9
11 0
9 0
22
19
15
2
2
8
20 3
17 8
14 3
15
13
12
8
7
2
13
12
9
10
0
9
2 x 10
12
16
24
21
18
19
0
2
10
18 8
16 2
13 3
15 3
13 3
10 10
13 8
11 10
9 8
22
19
16
8
8
0
20 2
17 7
14 2
16
14
11
6
2
7
14
12
10
9
9
5
3 x 10
12
16
24
24
22
18
9
6
10
23 9
20 6
16 9
19 4
16 9
13 9
17 4
15 0
12 3
28
25
20
4
0
5
25 8
22 3
18 0
21
18
14
0
0
9
18
16
13
9
2
2
2 x 12
12
16
24
25
22
18
5
0
0
22 7
19 6
16 0
19 4
16 9
13 9
16 6
14 3
11 9
27
25
19
6
0
3
25 8
21 3
17 3
21
18
14
0
1
3
17
15
12
10
4
6
Indicates the grade is not a stress grade.
* Three inches or less per foot.
SPRUCE, ENGELMANN OR WESTERN
RAFTERS
Heavy Roofing
Light Roofing
Nominal
Size
Spacing
C to C
Select.*
Merch.
Construction*
Standard*
Utility*
Select*
Merch.
Construction*
Standa
rd*
Util
Lty*
Inches
Inches
Ft.
In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft. In.
Ft.
In.
Ft.
In.
2x4
12
16
24
7
6
5
8
7
5
6 0
5 2
4 2
4 5
3 9
3 1
3 0
2 9
2 6
9 0
7 10
6 4
7 0
6 0
4 11
5
4
3
2
7
7
3
3
2
6
2
10
2x6
12
16
24
12
10
8
5
9
9
10 5
9 0
7 4
8 6
7 4
6 0
6 9
5 9
4 9
14 6
12 7
10 3
12 2
10 7
8 7
9
8
7
11
8
0
7
6
5
10
10
7
2x8
12
16
24
17
15
12
5
1
4
16 0
13 9
11 3
12 3
10 9
8 9
10 10
9 6
7 9
20 4
17 7
14 4
18 7
16 1
13 2
14
12
10
4
6
2
12
11
9
8
0
0
2 x 10
12
16
24
22
19
16
8
8
0
20 2
17 7
14 2
16 6
14 2
11 7
14 9
12 9
10 5
26 6
22 11
18 9
23 6
20 5
16 7
19
16
13
2
7
7
17
14
12
2
11
2
^Indicates the grade is not a stress grade.
93
Article 21. SEWAGE DISPOSAL LEASE
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To authorize the Town Manager to enter into a lease for sewage disposal purposes
for a term of five years, with or without option to renew said lease for one or more terms of up to five years,
of premises belonging to the Kennedy Land Corporation adjacent to the Town Forest, and that the sum of
$10.00 be raised and appropriated therefor.
Article 22. SLUDGE DRYING BED FUNDS
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To raise and appropriate the sum of $8,000.00 for the rebuilding of an existing sludge
drying bed and the construction of other sludge drying beds in order to provide adequate area for the disposal
of septic tank effluent at the town forest sewage disposal site.
Article 23. FUNDS FOR HIGHWAYS, ETC.
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To raise and appropriate the sum of $16,444.95 to be expended under the provisions
of Section 5 of Chapter 768 of the Acts of 1969 for reconstruction, maintenance and repair of highways and
bridges, and for the enforcement of traffic laws; provided that the reimbursements be credited to the surplus
revenue account.
Article 25. ZONING BYLAW
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To amend the Protective Zoning Bylaw of the Town as follows:
1. By deleting Section V(A)(5) and Section V(A)(6) and substituting therefor the following:
"5. Off- Street Parking and Loading Bay Space Requirements for 1-1, 1-2 and B Districts
(a) No land shall be used, nor shall the use of any land be changed and no building or
structure shall be erected, enlarged, replaced or used, nor its use changed,
unless the off-street parking and loading bay requirements specified in this section
are provided. For the purpose of this section an enlargement or replacement of
any presently existing building shall require the provision of the off-street parking
and loading bay space requirements only if such enlargement or replacement
increases the gross floor area of such building by one thousand five hundred (1,500)
square feet or to more than one hundred twenty-five percent (125%) of the gross
floor area thereof as of April 1, 1970 (whichever is less) and only then to the
extent of such increase.
(b) For the purposes of this Section V(A)(5):
(i) a parking space is an area having a width of not less than nine (9) feet and a
length of not less than twenty (20) feet, exclusive of traffic lanes and maneuver-
ing space.
(ii) a loading bay is an area of not less than twelve (12) feet in width and fifty (50)
feet in length, exclusive of traffic lanes and maneuvering space, located at the
sides or rear of the building with direct access to the building to be served.
94
(iii) A driveway is a single access to and from a public way with separate entrance
and exit lanes having a width of not less than twenty-four (24) nor more than
thirty-six (36) feet; each lot may have at least one driveway and may have one
additional driveway for each two hundred (200) feet of frontage on a public way
in which case driveways shall not be located closer than two hundred (200) feet
apart.
(iv) gross floor area is the total floor area designated for occupancy and use,
including basement and other storage areas, provided however that stairways,
elevator wells, restrooms and lounge areas, common hallways and building
service areas shall not be included in the computation of such floor area.
(v) where the computation of the off-street parking or loading bay space require-
ments results in a fractional number, only the fraction of one -half (1/2) or
more shall be counted as one.
(vi) where one building is used for more than one use, off-street parking space
requirements shall be computed for each use.
(c) All required off-street parking and loading bay spaces, including traffic lanes and
maneuvering space therefor, as well as driveways, shall be paved, shall be located
entirely on the same lot as and within a reasonable distance of the principal use they
are designated to serve, and shall be cleaned, plowed and maintained in good condition
at all times by the owner or occupant thereof as the responsibility between them shall
have been determined.
(d) There shall be no parking spaces nor space for loading bays, except for driveways,
within the first ten (10) feet of the applicable front yard set back requirement. In an
1-1 and 1-2 District there shall be no off-street parking spaces nor space for loading
bays within the side yard or rear yard set back requirements except as to any such
side and rear yard which is adjacent to similarly zoned land, where a single common
driveway serves both parcels of similarly zoned land.
(e) The first ten (10) feet in each yard depth shall be maintained open, except for drive-
ways, with grass, bushes, flowers or trees, and in the case the boundary abuts
property being used for residential purposes or in a residential district, a fence to
provide suitable screening between properties shall be erected in such area in addi-
tion to appropriate landscaping.
(f) Lighting facilities, both in parking areas and on the exterior of the buildings, shall
be so arranged that they neither unreasonably distract occupants of adjacent proper-
ties nor interfere with traffic on any public way.
(g) A plan or plans showing, as applicable, the location of buildings existing and to be
erected, of off-street parking and loading bay spaces including traffic lanes and
maneuvering spaces, of driveways, of signs and of lighting facilities and the
methods of drainage of surface water from all paved areas, shall be submitted to
the Board of Selectmen or its representative for prior approval at least 60 days
before any application for a permit shall be made or any change of use commenced.
(h) Table of Off- Street Parking Space Requirements
Principal Use
One family dwellings
Multi -dwelling units
Accessory uses permitted in Section IV-B. 1. d.
Business and professional offices; banks and
savings institutions
Hotels and motels
Restaurants and other places of assembly or
of amusement
Number of Spaces
Two (2) spaces.
Two (2) spaces per dwelling unit.
Three (3) spaces plus three (3) spaces for
each non-resident employee.
One (1) space for each two hundred seventy
(270) square feet of gross floor area, plus one
(1) space for every two (2) employees.
Three (3) spaces for each two (2) rental units,
plus three (3) spaces for each twenty (20)
square feet of floor area available for meet-
ings or functions and one (1) space for every
four (4) employees.
One (1) space for every four (4) seats, plus
one (1) space for every four (4) employees.
95
Hospitals, nursing homes, convalescent homes,
rest homes and extended care facilities
One (1) space for each two (2) beds
Retail stores, service establishments:
(a) under 3,000 square feet
(b) over 3,000 square feet
Uses permitted in the General Industrial (1-1)
and the Light Industrial District (1-2), not speci-
fically provided for hereinabove.
One (1) space for each two hundred seventy
(270) square feet of gross floor area.
One (1) space for each one hundred eighty
(180) square feet of gross floor area.
One (1) space per employee plus one (1) space
for each two thousand (2,000) square feet for
the first twenty thousand (20,000) square feet
and one (1) space for each additional ten thou-
sand (10,000) square feet."
Article 26. ZONING BYLAW
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To amend the Protective Zoning Bylaw by deleting in its entirety Section IV (E)
(2) (a) and substituting therefor the following:
'a. Parking: Off-street, on-site paved parking shall be provided in accordance with the pro-
visions of Section V-A, (5)."
Article 27. ZONING BYLAW
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To amend the Protective Zoning Bylaw by deleting in its entirety Section IV (E)
(2) (b) and substituting therefor the following:
"b. Loading Requirements: All loading requirements shall be provided in accordance with
the provisions of Section V-A, (5)."
Article 28. ZONING BYLAW
VOTED: To amend the Protective Zoning Bylaw by amending the INTENSITY REGULATION SCHEDULE
DISTRICT AND USES in Section V (B) by deleting the words "Multi-family uses" and substituting therefor
the words "Multiple Dwelling Units" and by deleting under the heading "Lot Area (Sq. Ft. )" and opposite
"Multi-family uses" the figures and words "60,000, 3,500 per D. U. " and substituting therefor "80,000
with at least 4,500 sq. ft. for the first bedroom, studio or efficiency and at least 3,000 sq. ft. for each
additional bedroom."
Total vote - 307.
Yes - 284
No - 23
Needed - 205
Article 29. ZONING BYLAW
VOTED: To amend Section II (A) (1) of the Protective Zoning Bylaw by deleting the words "five years", and
substituting therefor the words "two years" so that Section II (A) (1) will read as follows:
"1. Nothing in this bylaw shall prohibit the continued lawful use of land or buildings in the
same or similar manner in which they were used at the time of the adoption of this
bylaw, but if any nonconforming use shall be discontinued for a period of more than
two years, it may not be resumed except by a permit granted by the Board of Appeals."
Total vote - 2 92.
Yes - 287
No
Needed - 195
Article 30. ZONING BYLAW
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To amend the Protective Zoning Bylaw by adding a new subsection 3 to Section V
(B) concerning certain lots in General Industrial Districts (1-1), Light Industrial Districts (1-2) and General
Business Districts (B) which new subsection reads as follows:
"3. Any recorded lot in an 1-1, 1-2 or B District which complied with the minimum area and
frontage requirements applicable at the time of such recording may be built upon or used,
notwithstanding the adoption of larger area or frontage requirements in such district, or
both, provided that (1) at the time of building or use, such lot otherwise conforms to the
regulations of this zoning bylaw and (2) at the time of the adoption of the increased require-
ments, such lot was held in ownership separate from that of adjoining land in the same
zoning district. If a lot in an I- 1, 1-2 or B District complies with the requirements of the
preceding sentence in all respects except that at the time of the adoption of the larger area
or frontage requirements, or both, such lot was held in ownership not separate from that
of adjoining land in the same zoning district, such lot shall, in conjunction with all such
adjoining land in common ownership, be regarded as having sufficient area and frontage."
96
Article 31. ZONING BYLAW & MAP
MOTION: To see if the Town will amend the Protective Zoning Bylaw and the Zoning Map of the Town by
changing the designation on the map of the following districts to Light Industrial (1-2):
a. that land presently zoned General Industrial (1-1) immediately south of Hayward Road to a
depth of 500 feet parallel with the existing southerly sideline of Hayward Road laying
between Charter Road and Route 2.
b. that land presently zoned General Industrial (1-1) immediately north of Hayward Road laying
between Charter Road and Route 2, which is further described as:
1. The land shown as lots A and B on a plan entitled "Land in Acton owned by the Rex
Corporation, Horace E. Turtle, C.E., November 20, 1951" and recorded in the
Middlesex Registry of Deeds, South District, at Book 7832, Page 454;
2. The additional piece of land immediately north of Hayward Road to a depth of 500
feet parallel to the existing northerly sideline of Hayward Road laying between
the aforementioned land and Charter Road.
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To take no action.
Article 32. ZONING BYLAW
VOTED: To amend the Protective Zoning Bylaw by adding to Section V Intensity Regulations, a new subsec-
tion entitled "D, Site Plan Approval:
No business or industrial building shall hereafter be erected or externally enlarged, and no
business or industrial use shall hereafter be established or expanded in ground area except
in conformity with a site plan bearing an endorsement of approval by the Board of Selectmen.
Said site plan shall show among other things, all existing and proposed buildings, structures,
signs, parking spaces, driveway openings, driveways, service areas, and other open uses,
all facilities for sewage, refuse and other waste disposal, and for surface water drainage,
and all landscape features (such as fences, walls, planting areas and walks) on the lot. In
the event this section, or any other section, of the Protective Zoning Bylaw shall contain
provisions with respect to any one or more of the aforegoing site plan requirements, said
site plan shall be prepared in accordance with such provisions.
Any person desiring approval of a site plan under this paragraph shall submit said plan to the
Board of Selectmen who shall thereafter transmit it to the Planning Board for a report and
recommendations thereon, and no building permit shall be issued until the Board of Selectmen
shall have approved or disapproved the plan within sixty days after receipt of the plan. The
Planning Board shall render a report or recommendation within 45 days of receipt of plan by
Board of Selectmen. Failure to do so shall constitute a favorable report by the Planning Board.
In considering a site plan under this subsection, the Board of Selectmen shall assure to a degree
consistent with a reasonable use of the site for the purposes permitted by the regulations of the
district in which it is located:
1. protection of adjoining districts against seriously detrimental or offensive uses on the site.
2. convenience and safety of vehicular and pedestrian movement within the site and in relation
to adjacent streets and land.
3. adequacy of the methods of disposal for sewage, refuse and other wastes resulting from the
uses permitted on the site, and the methods of drainage for surface water from its parking
spaces and driveways.
Within fifteen days after the approval of said site plan a copy thereof bearing the approval of the
Board of Selectmen shall be filed in the office of the Town Clerk; and the plan as approved shall
be carried into effect and completed by the applicant for such site plan approval or his assigns
within one year of the date of approval. The Board of Selectmen may at the time of the approval
of any site plan, or, thereafter, upon an application therefor, grant such extension of the time
as it shall deem necessary to carry any site plan into effect; and, the Board of Selectmen shall
certify to the Town Clerk that it has been granted an extension of time and the date on which it
shall expire. "
Total vote - 318. Yes - 248 No - 70 Needed - 212
Article 33. ZONING BYLAW & MAP
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To amend the Protective Zoning Bylaw by changing the following described area,
which is presently General Business (B-l) or Residence 2 (R-2), to General Business (B-l):
97
"Beginning at the Northwesterly intersection of Great Road with proposed Russell Street, as
shown on a plan entitled "Plan of 'Henley Acres', a Sub-Division of Land in Acton, Mass.",
dated July 1953 by Snelling & Hilton, Registered Land Surveyors, recorded in Middlesex
South District Deeds in Book 8121, Page End; thence running
Northeasterly along said Great Road to land now or formerly of Reed, as shown on said plan;
thence turning and running
Northeasterly, Northwesterly, Northeasterly, Northwesterly, Northerly and Northeasterly
by the stone wall shown on said plan, by land now or formerly of Reed to the B-l Zone line;
thence turning and running
Northeasterly and Northerly along said B-l Zone line to its intersection with the 1-1 Zone
line; thence turning and running
Southeasterly along said 1-1 Zone line to the stone wall at the Henley Acres boundary; thence
Southwesterly by said stone wall and by the projection of said boundary to the Northwesterly
side line of proposed Russell Street, as shown on said plan; thence turning and running
Southwesterly along said Northwesterly side line of proposed Russell Street to the point of
beginning. "
Article 34. ZONING BYLAW & MAP
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To amend the Protective Zoning Bylaw by changing the following described area
from General Industrial (1-1) to General Business (B-l):
"Beginning at a point at the intersection of the existing 1-1 - R-2 (to be changed to B-l) Zone
line with the Southeasterly bound of Henley Acres, as shown on a plan entitled "Plan of
'Henley Acres', a Sub-Division of Land in Acton, Mass.", dated July 1953* by Snelling &.
Hilton, Registered Land Surveyors, recorded in Middlesex South District Deeds in Book
8121, Page End, thence running
North 52° 11' 18" West one thousand eighty-five and 18/100 (1,085.18) feet; thence turning
and running
North 20° 44' 15" West two hundred sixty and 95/100 (260.95) feet to a stone wall; thence
turning and running
North 36° 07' 40" East along said stone wall and a projection thereof three hundred seventy-
eight and 29/100 (378.29) feet to a point; thence turning and running
South 53° 37' 10" East one thousand three hundred three and 77/100 (1,303.77) feet to a point;
thence turning and running
South 36° 10' 40" West four hundred eleven and 18/100 (411.18) feet to a point; thence running
South 36° 12' 05" West one hundred thirty-five and 89/100 (135.89) feet to the point of beginning. "
Article 35. ZONING BYLAW h MAP
"Beginning at a point on the Northwesterly sideline of Henley Road three hundred eighty-nine
and 35/100 (38 9.35) feet Northeasterly of the point of curve on the Northwesterly intersection
of Henley Road with the State Highway (Route 2A), as shown on a plan entitled "Plan of 'Henley
Acres', a Sub-Division of Land in Acton, Mass." dated July 1953 by Snelling & Hilton, Regis-
tered Land Surveyors, recorded in Middlesex South District Deeds in Book 8121, Page End;
thence running
North 53° 37' 10" West one hundred and eighty-five and 25/100 (185.25) feet to a stone wall, as
shown on said plan; thence turning and running
North 44° 35' 10" East along said stone wall one hundred fifteen and 04/100 (115.04) feet to a
corner of the stone wall; thence turning and running
North 51° 19' 00" West along said stone wall one hundred eighty-four and 78/100 (184.78) feet
to a corner of the wall as shown on said plan; thence turning and running
North 01° 54' 50" East seventy-nine and 73/100 (79.73) feet to a point; thence turning and running
North 36° 22' 50" East six hundred fifty-eight and 466/1000 (658.466) feet to a point; thence turn-
ing and running
North 20° 44' 15" West one hundred eighty-nine and 284/1000 (189.284) feet to a point; thence
turning and running
North 69° 15' 45" East three hundred eighty-four and 731/1000 (384.731) feet to a point; thence
turning and running
South 53° 37' 10" East two hundred eighty-eight and 666/1000 (288.666) feet to a point; thence
turning and running
98
South 36° 22' 50" West two hundred fifty-six and 353/1000 (256.353) feet to a point; thence turn-
ing and running
South 53° 37' 10" East one hundred seventy-five and 003/1000 (175.003) feet to a point; thence
turning and running
South 36° 27' 50" West one hundred sixty-seven and 195/1000 (167.195) feet to a point; thence
turning and running
South 18° 38' 10" West one hundred thirty-one and 24/100 (131.24) feet to a point; thence turn-
ing and running
South 36° 22' 50" West one hundred seven and 805/1000 (107.805) feet to a point; thence turning
and running
South 53° 37' 10" East forty and 00/100 (40.00) feet to a point; thence turning and running
South 36° 22' 50" West two hundred sixty-five and 00/100 (265.00) feet to a point; thence turning
and running
South 53° 37' 10" East one hundred ten and 000/1000 (110.000) feet to a point; thence turning
and running
South 36° 22' 50" West two hundred sixty-five and 000/1000 (265.000) feet to a point; thence
turning and running
North 53° 37' 10" West three hundred five and 000/1000 (305.000) feet to a point on the North-
westerly sideline of Henley Road, as shown on said plan; thence turning and running
South 36° 22' 50" West eighty-five and 000/1000 (85.000) feet to the point of beginning. "
Article 36. ZONING BYLAW
MOTION: To amend the Protective Zoning Bylaw by adding a new subsection 3 to Section V (B) concerning
certain lots in General Industrial Districts (1-1), Light Industrial Districts (1-2) and General Business
Districts (B) which new subsection reads as follows:
"3. Any recorded lot in an 1-1, 1-2 or B District which complied with the minimum area, frontage,
intensity, side, rear and front yard requirements applicable at the time of such recording
may be built upon or used in accordance with such previously existing requirements, notwith-
standing the subsequent adoption of any such increased requirements as aforesaid in such
district provided that (1) at the time of building or use, such lot otherwise conforms to the
regulations of this zoning bylaw and (2) at the time of the adoption of the increased require-
ments, such lot was held in ownership separate from that of adjoining land in the same
zoning district.
If a lot in an 1-1, 1-2 or B District complies with the requirements of the preceding sentence
in all respects except that at the time of the adoption of the increased requirements, such lot
was held in ownership not separate from that of adjoining land in the same zoning district,
such lot shall, in conjunction with all such adjoining land in common ownership, be regarded
as having sufficient area, frontage, intensity, side, rear and front yards."
MOTION LOST.
Article 37. BOWEN LAND GIFT
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To accept for general municipal purposes a gift from Marguerite Bowen, of approxi-
mately one acre of land located on the northerly side of Pope Road and to the northeast of the intersection of
Strawberry Hill Road with Pope Road, described as parcel 23 of plate E5 of the Town Atlas (as amended to
January 1, 1969).
VOTED: That on completion of article under consideration at 11:00 P.M. to adjourn to Monday, March 30,
1970 at 7:30 P.M.
Article 38. CONSERVATION LAND (CLAPP)
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To authorize the conservation commission to purchase that land owned by Robert
and Priscilla Clapp having approximately 28,125 sq. ft. situated on the southeasterly side of Main Street and
northeasterly of Nashoba Brook being a portion of land owned by Robert and Priscilla Clapp under deed
recorded with Middlesex South Registry of Deeds at Book 6495, Page 271.
Article 39. CONSERVATION LAND (4 PARCELS)
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To authorize the board of selectmen to purchase, take by eminent domain, or other-
wise acquire for the Town for conservation purposes those four parcels of land located between Main Street
and Pope Road in the northeast part of the Town, more particularly described as follows:
99
1. Parcel 29 on MapD-5 of the Town Atlas, amended to January 1, 1969, believed to be owned
by the heirs of Amasa Davies, described in a deed recorded with the Middlesex South Dis-
trict Registry of Deeds, at Book 203, Page 95, dated December 26, 1812 and containing
approximately 50 acres.
2. Parcel 35 on Map D-5 of the Town Atlas, amended to January 1, 1969, believed to be owned
by the devisees of Evelina White, described in two deeds recorded with the Middlesex South
District Registry of Deeds at Book 257, Page 315, and Book 257, Page 316, both dated
January 18, 1825, and containing approximately 49.25 acres.
3. Parcel 4 on Map E-5 of the Town Atlas, amended to January 1, 1969, believed to be owned
by the heirs of Harriet Davis, described in a deed recorded with the Middlesex South District
Registry of Deeds at Book 259, Page 7 2, dated January 14, 1819, and containing approximately
14 acres.
4. That land shown as parcel 6 on Map D-5 of the Town Atlas, amended to January 1, 196 9,
believed to be owned by the heirs of William Livingston, described in a deed recorded with
the Middlesex South District Registry of Deeds, atBook 187, Page 364, dated May 23, 1810,
and containing approximately 2\ acres.
that the sum of $25,000.00 be appropriated from the conservation fund for the purpose of paying any expenses
in connection therewith and any damages for which the Town may be liable by reason of any such taking, and
that the Town approve application by the conservation commission for reimbursement from the Commonwealth
under General Laws, chapter 132A, section 11.
Article 40. CONSERVATION FUND
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To raise and appropriate the sum of $100,000.00 for the conservation fund.
Adjourned at 11:00 P.M.
Monday, March 30, 1970. Moderator called the meeting to order at 7:30 P. M.
Article 41. ACTON HOUSING AUTHORITY
/VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: That whereas there exists in the Town a shortage of safe sanitary dwellings avail-
/ / able for elderly persons of low income at rentals which they can afford and whereas a housing authority is
Is needed for the provision of housing for elderly persons of low income, the Acton Housing Authority shall be
organized and established under General Laws, Chapter 12 IB for the purpose of providing housing for
elderly persons of low income. Said housing to consist of no more than 50 units.
VOTED: To take up Article 43.
Article 43. ADAMS STREET
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To accept as a town way Adams Street from Parker Street to High Street as laid
out by the Board of Selectmen according to plans on file with the Town Clerk, including the taking or accept-
ance of easements for drainage, utility, road construction, or other purposes where shown on said plans or
described in said order of layout and that the sum of $1,500.00 be raised and appropriated for the purposes
of acquiring said land, and easements and for expenses incident thereto, and name said street Adams Street.
Article 42. FLETCHER GIFT OF LAND
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To accept with appreciation the gift for highway purposes of that portion of the land
described which is within the area of the way accepted under Article 43 and accept the gift for general munici-
pal purposes of the balance of the land described as follows:
Beginning at a point at the intersection of High Street and Adams Street, thence;
N 63° - 50' - 15" W by Adams Street a distance of 317.80 feet to a corner of a stone wall, thence;
N 52° - 14' - 41" E by said stone wall a distance of 30.26 feet to a bend in said wall, thence;
N 46° - 54' - 35" E by said stone wall a distance of 18.86 feet to a bend in said wall, thence;
N 51° - 50' - 09" E by said stone wall a distance of 72.40 feet to a bend in said wall, thence;
N 52° - 32' - 46" E by said stone wall a distance of 63.29 feet to High Street, thence;
Southeasterly by High Street on a curve to the left of 737.11 foot radius and length of 292.80 feet
to the point of beginning, containing 23,7 98 square feet.
100
Article 44. ADAMS STREET BETTERMENTS
VOTED: To raise and appropriate the sum of $35,000.00 for reconstruction of Adams Street from Parker
Street to High Street in accordance with G. L. c. 44, s.- 7 (5), including surface drainage under either
G. L. c. 44, s. 7 (1) or 7 (5); and that 75% of the cost of these improvements and of the eminent domain
damages in connection with the project be assessed as betterments under the provisions of Chapter 80
of the General Laws.
Article 45. POLICE CRUISERS
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To raise and appropriate the sum of $4,500.00 for the purchase of two new police
cruisers and authorize the Town Manager to trade in two of the present police cruisers.
Article 46. SNOW FIGHTING EQUIPMENT
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To appropriate from the Machinery Fund the sum of $4,200.00 for the purchase of
snow fighting equipment for the highway department.
Article 47. GRADALL
MOTION: To raise and appropriate the sum of $15,500.00 for the purchase of a reconditioned gradall for the
highway department.
MOTION LOST.
Article 48. STREET SWEEPER
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To raise and appropriate the sum of $18,000.00 for the purchase of a new street
sweeper for the highway department.
Article 49. TREE DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT
VOTED: To raise and appropriate the sum of $6,000.00 for the purchase of a new cab, chassis, and appur-
tenant equipment and for the installation of the present tree department vehicle body on the new chassis.
Article 50. VEHICLE - ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
VOTED: To raise and appropriate the sum of $3,000.00 for the purchase of a standard sedan automobile for
the engineering department and authorize the Town Manager to trade in the present engineering department
vehicle.
Article 51. FOREST FIRE TRUCK
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To raise and appropriate the sum of $16,500.00 for the purchase of a new forest
fire truck and equipment for use by the fire department.
Article 52. FIRE ALARM EQUIPMENT
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To raise and appropriate the sum of $14,300.00 to be expended by the Town Manager
for the purchase and installation of equipment and expenses incidental to the improvement of the present fire
department central office fire alarm control equipment and the fire alarm system.
Article 53. LIGHTS - PLAYGROUND
VOTED: To raise and appropriate the sum of $18,000.00 for the purchase and installation of lights at the
Elm Street Playground.
Article 54. BACKSTOP & BLEACHERS
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To raise and appropriate the sum of $1,700.00 for a backstop and bleachers at the
Elm Street Playground.
Article 55. TOT-LOT
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To raise and appropriate the sum of $1,050.00 for a tot-lot at Goward Field.
Article 56. 1975 CELEBRATION
VOTED: To raise and appropriate the sum of $3,000.00 to be placed in a separate account with the Town
Treasurer to be expended for the celebration of the two hundredth anniversary of the battle between the
citizens of Acton and British troops.
101
Article 57. PAINTING - OFFICES
VOTED: To raise and appropriate the sum of $2,500.00 for the painting of offices on the first floor of the
Town Hall.
Article 58. EASEMENTS EXCHANGE
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To authorize the board of selectmen to accept, take by eminent domain or otherwise
acquire for the Town of Acton, a drainage easement as shown on a plan to be recorded with the Middlesex
South District Registry of Deeds in, through and under Lot 4B now or formerly owned by Harlan and Nancy C.
Howe, Jr., and Lot 5C now or formerly owned by Robert S. and Trinidad R. Gilmore and more fully described
as follows:
Beginning at a point on the southerly sideline of Minot Avenue 66.31 feet from the P. T. of a
50.00 foot radius curve at the intersection with Concord Road, thence,
N 6° - 53' - 46" W a distance of 84.68 feet to a point on the northerly line of an existing
drainage easement, as shown on Plan 403 of 1969 recorded with the Middlesex South Registry
of Deeds, thence,
S 49° - 29' - 41" W a distance of 24.01 feet along said easement, thence
S 6° - 53' - 46" E a distance of 94.95 feet to a point on the southerly sideline of Minot Avenue,
being the P. C. of a 640.00 foot radius curve, thence,
N 74° - 26' - 00" E a distance of 20.23 feet along the southerly sideline of Minot Avenue to the
point of beginning;
and in the same action abandon a portion of a drainage easement as shown on said plan to be recorded.
Article 59. AIR-CONDITIONING LIBRARY
VOTED: To raise and appropriate the sum of $15,600.00 to be expended by the Trustees of the Memorial
Library for the purchase and installation of air conditioning equipment and for expenses incidental thereto.
Article 60. PIPER ROAD & ROUTE 2
MOTION: To raise and appropriate the sum of $10,000.00 to be expended by the Town Manager to hire an
engineering firm to perform an analysis and prepare working drawings for highway modifications at the
intersection of Piper Road and Route 2 to reduce traffic hazard and congestion at that intersection.
MOTION LOST.
Article 61. DESMOND BEQUEST
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To accept the bequest of $3,000.00 under paragraph one of the will of Martha L.
Desmond, late of Somerville, concerning perpetual care of a lot in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Article 62. MOUNT HOPE CEMETERY
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To appropriate the sum of $2,000.00 from the Cemetery Land Fund for Mount Hope
Cemetery, for the purpose of clearing, removing of stumps, laying out roads, grading, laying out of lots
and making the necessary improvements for a new section in said cemetery.
Article 63. MOUNT HOPE CEMETERY
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To raise and appropriate the sum of $3,000.00 for paving certain roads or avenues
in Mount Hope Cemetery.
Article 64. RESERVE FUND
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To appropriate the sum of $30,000.00 for a Reserve Fund, pursuant to the provisions
of the General Laws, chapter 40, section 6, and to meet said appropriation $30,000.00 to be transferred from
Overlay Reserve.
Article 65.
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To appropriate and transfer $ none from Free Cash to be used by the Assessors in
considering and fixing the 1970 tax rate.
Article 66. STABILIZATION FUND
VOTED: To take no action.
102
VOTED: To adjourn at 9:40 P. M.
The following served as tellers at the above meeting:
Joyce E. Foley, Susan F. Huebsch, Julia D. Stevens,
McLaughlin, Harold W. Flood, Milford B. Bottomley,
Ann B. Evans, Carole E. Cochin, Joan N. Gardner,
Beverlie B. Tuttle, Lynne T. Salisbury, John F.
Dewey E. Boatman, Jerry T. Ballantine.
A true copy. Attest:
Charles M. MacRae
Town Clerk
New Building Code (Article 11) voted in the affirmative at the Annual Town Meeting, March 9, 1970 and
adjourned session March 23, 1970 was approved by Attorney General Robert H. Quinn on July 22, 1970
and duly posted as required by law.
Amendments to the Protective Zoning Bylaw (Articles 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34, and 35 together
with relating maps) voted in the affirmative at the Annual Town Meeting, March 9, 1970 and adjourned
session March 23, 1970 were approved by Attorney General Robert H. Quinn on August 28, 1970 and duly
posted as required by law.
103
ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING, MARCH 16, 1970
Article 1. REGIONAL SCHOOL LAND
VOTED: To approve the amount of debt authorized to be incurred by the Acton -Boxborough Regional District
School Committee on February 16, 1970, namely $100, 000. 00 for the purpose of acquiring by purchase,
taking by eminent domain or otherwise approximately twenty-three acres of land adjacent to the existing
property of the District and consisting of two parcels, to wit, the so-called Todd property and the so-called
Coughlin property for the purpose of providing a site for an addition to the existing Regional Schools and re-
lated purposes.
A true copy. Attest: Charles M. MacRae
Town Clerk
ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING, JUNE 29, 1970
Article 1. PERSONNEL BYLAW
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To ratify the action of the Personnel Board on May 21, 1970, in reclassifying the
position of Motor Equipment Repairman, as set forth in Schedule A of the Personnel Bylaw, from Schedule B,
grade S-15 to Schedule E, grade W-7 and amend Schedule A of the Personnel Bylaw by deleting "B S-15"
opposite Motor Equipment Repairman and substituting therefor "E W-7".
Article 2. PERSONNEL BYLAW
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To ratify the vote of the Personnel Board on June 4, 1970, to delete the position
of Dump Custodian, Schedule E, Grade W-2 as set forth in Schedule A of the Personnel Bylaw and to insert
the position of Disposal Area Operator, Schedule E, Grade W-4 and amend the Personnel Bylaw by making
corresponding changes in Schedule A.
Article 3. TRANSFER
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To transfer the sum of $2, 368. 56 from the Insurance Claims Recovery Fund to the
local schools contingency fund.
Article 4. REGIONAL REFUSE DISPOSAL
VOTED: To appropriate from Surplus Revenue the sum of $4, 760. 00 to be expended by the Assabet Regional
Refuse Disposal Planning Board, as the Town's member share, to retain engineering consultant services for
the preparation of a master plan of refuse disposal for the region comprising the towns of Acton, Boxborough,
Maynard, and Stow.
Article 5. ACTON -BOXBOROUGH REGIONAL DISTRICT SCHOOLS
MOTION: That the amount of debt authorized on June 1, 1970, by the Acton-Boxborough Regional District
School Committee for the purpose of financing to that extent the cost of constructing an addition to the existing
Regional Schools be approved.
UNANIMOUSLY DEFEATED.
104
Article 6. BUILDING CODE
VOTED: To amend the Building Code by inserting the following new sections.
Section 138 FIRE DETECTION SYSTEMS
Every multiple dwelling of more than four (4) units shall have installed a fire detection system
which is connected to the Fire Alarm Office through the municipal fire alarm system.
Section 138. 1 EQUIPMENT AND INSTALLATION
All equipment used shall be listed with the underwriters laboratories and as specified by the
Acton Fire Department. Equipment shall be installed in accordance with practices outlined in pamphlet
72A of the National Fire Protection Association.
Section 138.2 HEAT DETECTORS
Rate of rise heat detectors shall be installed in utility rooms, service closets, basements, heating
rooms, laundry rooms, hallways and stairways in a manner approved by the Fire Chief.
Section 138. 3 MANUAL PULL STATIONS
Manual pull stations shall be located in the hallways and connected to the building fire alarm sys-
tem. The number and location of such stations shall be determined by the Fire Chief.
Section 138.4 AUDIBLE WARNING DEVICES
Audible warning devices such as horns shall be installed above each manual pull station. The
warning devices must be audible throughout the building.
Section 138. 5 MASTER ALARM BOXES
The master alarm box shall conform to Acton Fire Department specifications. Where there is more
than one multiple dwelling located so as to form a complex, one (1) master alarm box may be used provided
that each building has its own annunciator panel with a visible flashing red light mounted near the main en-
trance: the light must indicate the location of the building sending in the alarm.
Section 138.6 ANNUNCIATOR PANELS
An Annunciator panel of a positive indication type shall be required in each building located adjacent
to the master box. In complexes having more than one building connected to the master box, a separate
annunciator panel will be located at each building adjacent to the main entrance.
Section 138. 7 SUPERVISORY PANELS
A supervisory panel and auxiliary power source shall be provided to continue operation of the building
alarm system during a loss of power. Auxiliary power sources shall consist of rechargeable wet cell bat-
teries or a stand-by generator. The supervisory panel shall supervise the condition of the auxiliary trip
and may be incorporated in the auxiliary control panel.
Section 138.8 SYSTEM APPROVAL
A complete set of plans with an equipment list shall be furnished to the Fire Chief for his approval
before the second inspection by the Building Inspector. The approval of the system will be a requirement
of the second inspection of the building. The Fire Chief shall make available a complete list of specifications
and regulations governing fire protection systems which are to be connected to the Acton municipal fire alarm
system.
Article 7. CHAPTER 768 OF THE ACTS OF 1969
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To appropriate from Surplus Revenue the sum of $5, 000. 00 to be expended by the Town
Manager for the purposes permitted for funds received under the provisions of Section 4 of Chapter 768 of the
Acts of 1969 and credit the funds received under said Section to the Surplus Revenue Account.
Article 8. INTEREST ON NOTES
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To appropriate from Surplus Revenue the sum of $9, 099. 67 to be expended by the
Treasurer for interest on anticipation of revenue notes.
VOTED: To adjourn at 8:45 P. M.
105
A true copy. Attest:
Charles M. MacRae
Town Clerk
Amendment to the Building Code voted in the affirmative at the Special Town Meeting, June 29, 1970
(Article 6) was approved by Attorney General Robert H. Quinn on September 25, 1970, and duly adver-
tised as required by law.
ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING, SEPTEMBER 28, 1970
Moderator called the Meeting to order at 8:03 P. M.
Article 1. DESMOND BEQUEST
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To accept the bequest of $3, 000. 00 under paragraph one of the will of Mary L.
Desmond, late of Somerville, concerning perpetual care of a lot in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Article 2. VETERANS BUDGET
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To appropriate from Free Cash the sum of $3, 000. 00 for the Veterans' Aid expense
account.
Article 3. PERSONNEL BYLAW
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To ratify the action of the Personnel Board taken on July 2, 1970, in establishing the
new position class of Assistant Assessor and by inserting in Schedule A of the Personnel Bylaw said position
class allocated under Schedule B, Compensation Grade S-17.
Article 4. HIGHWAY BUDGET
VOTED: To appropriate from Free Cash the sum of $26, 700. 00 for the Highway Department expense account.
Article 5. WOOD CHIPPER
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To take no action.
Article 6. CITIZENS LIBRARY BUDGET
VOTED: To appropriate from Free Cash the sum of $1, 700. 00 to be expended by the Trustees of the Citizens
Library Association of West Acton for salaries and expenses for the expansion of library service.
Article 7. CHARTER ROAD DISCONTINUANCE
VOTED: To accept the plan of the Selectmen to alter and partially to discontinue Charter Road between
Massachusetts Avenue and Hayward Road, which plan is on file with the Town Clerk.
Article 8. ACTON-BOXBOROUGH REGIONAL DISTRICT SCHOOL
VOTED: To approve the amount of debt authorized to be incurred by the Acton-Boxborough Regional District
School Committee on August 31, 1970, namely, $200, 000. 00 for the purpose of financing to that extent the
cost of constructing an addition to the existing Regional Schools.
VOTED: To adjourn at 11:15 P. M.
A true copy. Attest:
Charles M. MacRae
Town Clerk
106
TOWN OFFICERS and APPOINTMENTS
ELECTED TOWN OFFICERS
APPOINTMENTS MADE BY SELECTMEN
Term
Expires
MODERATOR
John W. Putnam
1971
SELECTMEN
Paul H. Lesure
1971
Vincent M. Russo
1971
'Charles D. MacPherson
1972
'William L. Chipman
1972
William C. Sawyer
1972
Paul R. Nyquist
1973
LOCAL AND REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEES
Parker Harrison, Jr. 1971
Harry B. Morse 1971
John A. Norris 1972
Beverly W. Lydiard 1972
Edith D. Stowell 1973
Donald E. Westcott 1973
TRUSTEES OF MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Margaret Richter 1971
James L. Parker 1972
Mileva P. Brown 1973
TRUSTEES OF ELIZABETH WHITE FUND
Hazel F. Vose 1971
Eleanor P. Wilson 1972
Helen B. Wood 1973
TRUSTEES OF WEST ACTON FIREMEN'S
RELIEF FUND
Frederick A. Harris 1971
H. Stuart MacGregor 1972
James B. Wilson 1973
TRUSTEES OF ACTON FIREMEN'S
RELIEF FUND
T. Frederick S. Kennedy
John F. McLaughlin
Richard A. Lowden
TRUSTEES OF GOODNOW FUND
James N. Gates
Clark C. McElvein
Thelma L. Boatman
1971
1972
1973
1971
1972
1973
TRUSTEES OF THE CITIZENS LIBRARY
ASSOCIATION OF WEST ACTON
Betty L. Boothby 1971
Joan N. Gardner 1972
Barbara Nylander 1973
Term
Expires
ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON
THE 1975 CELEBRATION
Jerry T. Ballantine 1971
E. Wilson Bursaw 1971
Brewster Conant 1971
Col. Burton A. Davis 1971
David H. Donaldson 1971
Donald R. Gilberti 1971
Susan F. Heubsch 1971
Hayward S. Houghton 1971
T. Frederick S. Kennedy 1971
Walter R. Laite 1971
Minetta D. Lee 1971
Malcolm S. MacGregor 1971
Natacha F. MacGregor 1971
Patience H. MacPherson 1971
-Dr. Francis C. McDonald 1971
Florence A. Merriam 1971
Richmond P. Miller, Jr. 1971
Robert E. Nelson 1971
Betsyan Newton 1971
Norman L. Roche 1971
Raymond Spicer 1971
Alfred F. Steinhauer 1971
H. Bradford Sturtevant 1971
John W. Tierney 1971
-Barbara A. Birch 1971
^Carl A. Hedin 1971
*Clark C. McElvein 1971
****Representative from Town of Concord
ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Philip G. Watts 1971
ARCHIVES COMMITTEE
T. Frederick S. Kennedy
Joyce C. Woodhead
Minetta D. Lee
BOARD OF APPEALS
Harold W. Flood
John J. Bush
Edward G. Schwarm
Associate Members:
Robert Orner
Herman Vanderwart
1971
1972
1973
1971
1972
1973
1971
1972
* Resigned
** Replacing*
107
Term
Expires
ELECTION OFFICERS
Precinct I
Warden Irene F. McLaughlin
Clerk Dorothy L. Strum
Inspectors Ernest A. Magoon, Margaret Schene
Deputy Warden John F. McLaughlin
Deputy CLerk Violet Perry
Deputy Inspectors Muriel F. Miller, Helen G. May
Tellers Frances L. Collins, Marion F. Driscoll
Lela Balcom, Frances Hirsch
Mona V. Melymuka, Nancy L. Miller
Warden
Clerk
Inspectors
Deputy Warden
Deputy Clerk
Deputy Inspectors
Precinct II
Margaret Larsen
Bertha Carr Tucker
Martha I. Lowden, Michael J. Walsh
Elsie T. Winslow
Irene Young
Hazel F. Vose, Helen M. Young
Tellers Ruth R. Phelps, Barbara V. Woodward
Alberta B. Knight, Joan E. Nelson
Jean Ann Dingee, Lorraine O. Condon
Warden
Clerk
Inspectors
Deputy Warden
Deputy Clerk
Deputy Inspectors
Tellers
Precinct III
Barbara J. McPhee
Phyllis K. Sprague
Martin J. Duggan, Elsie M.. Godfrey
Katherine E. Nedza
Mary H. Prentice
Genevieve L. Hatch
Elizabeth Charter
Minnie C. Veasie, Esther Perry
Anna G. Mahar, Lydia R. Lesure
Carl R. Godfrey, Marian J. Meigs
INSURANCE AUDITING COMMITTEE
Roger Crafts 1971
Raymond L. Page 1971
Allan G. Thompson 1971
MAYNARD-ACTON JOINT SEWERAGE TREATMENT
PLANT STUDY COMMITTEE
Frederick H. Bubier 1971
Bradford S. Leach 1971
Warren S. Orcutt 1971
PERSONNEL BOARD
Donald McNeish
1971
Mary K. Hadley
1972
Donald MacKenzie
1972
Richard P. O'Brien
1973
Henry M. Young
1973
PLANNING BOARD
Edward A. Chambers
1971
Robert H. Gerhardt
1972
Eric D. Bradlee
1973
John F. Pasieka
1975
D. Pierre Cameron, Jr.
1972
David P. Tinker
1973
James M. Coull
1975
REGISTRAR OF VOTERS
James B. Wilson
1971
Thomas R. Murphy
1972
George H. Wohlmaker
1973
Term
Expires
REPRESENTATIVE TO THE COMMUNITY
SERVICE BOARD
Patience H. MacPherson 1971
TOWN ACCOUNTANT
Donald O. Nylander 1972
TOWN MANAGER
Robert W. Dotson 1972
APPOINTMENTS MADE BY TOWN MANAGER
REQUIRING APPROVAL OF THE
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
BOARD OF ASSESSORS
Dewey E. Boatman
1971
John H. Loring
1972
Carl C. Flint
1973
Joan P. Lindquist
1972
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Robert J. Ellis
1971
Chauncey W. Waldron, Jr.
1971
Dorothy B. Stonecliffe
1972
Peter P. Jorrens
1972
Brewster Conant
1973
Richard Murphy
1973
Bianca M. Chambers
1973
Samuel Sutcliffe
1972
HISTORICAL COMMISSION
Jerry Ballantine
1971
Marian E. H. Houghton
1971
Robert H. Nylander
1971
Stanley L. Smith
1971
Samuel Sutcliffe
1971
TOWN CLERK
Charles M. MacRae
1971
TOWN TREASURER & COLLECTOR
Wm. Henry Soar 1971
APPOINTMENTS MADE BY TOWN MANAGER
ASSISTANT ASSESSOR
Ralph E. Dodge 1971
BOARD OF HEALTH
Donald R. Gilberti 1971
Edwin Richter 1972
Dr. John C. Rowse 1973
BUILDING INSPECTOR
Kenneth E. Jewell 1371
CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
Charles F. Putnam 1971
Harlan E. Tuttle 1972
Howard F. Jones 1973
1970-1971 COLLECTIVE BARGAINING COMMITTEE
REPRESENTING TOWN MANAGER
Donald MacKenzie
Richard P. O'Brien
Henry M. Young
Resigned
: Replacing*
108
CONSTABLES
David J. Allen
Frederick J. Hryniewich
T. Frederick S. Kennedy
Charles A. Morehouse
Robert S. Rhodes
CONSTABLE - SPECIAL - DEPUTY COLLECTOR
William F. Egar
COUNCIL ON AGING
Vincent G. Gavin
Donald R. Gilberti
E. June Hill
Patience H. MacPherson
**Norman Roche
Peter M. Smoltees
William M. Toland
^Barbara J. Tannuzzo
DEPUTY BUILDING INSPECTOR
Anthony L. Galeota, Jr.
H. Stuart MacGregor
DEPUTY CHIEF OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
Frederick A. Harris 1971
Richard A. Lowden 1971
Term
Expires
Firefighters:
1971
David Calkins
1971
Bernard Caouette
1971
Joseph Conquest
1971
Robert Craig
1971
Milton Hart
Stephen Huntley
CTOR
Hobart King
1971
Malcolm Perkins
Wm. H. Soar, Jr.
David Spinney
1971
Charles Sweet
1971
John Tobin
Term
Expires
1971
Charles Sweet
1971
John Tobin
1971
1971
1971
Lieutenants:
1971
William Kendall
1971
Richard Gallant
1971
Carl Simeone
Firefighters:
1971
Acton Center Station
1971
Gilmore Buzzell
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF CIVIL DEFENSE
Robert F. Guba
DEPUTY FOREST WARDEN
Richard A. Lowden
Frederick A. Harris
DEPUTY INSPECTOR OF GAS
PIPING & GAS APPLIANCES
Warren E. Be mis
DEPUTY INSPECTOR OF WIRES
Lawrence I. Tucker
DIRECTOR OF CIVIL DEFENSE
John F. McLaughlin
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Bradford S. Leach
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
Patrick Palmer
David Abbt
DOG OFFICER
FENCE VIEWER
FIELD DRIVER
William J. Durkin, Jr.
James Kazokas
FIRE CHIEF
Thomas J. Barry, Jr.
FIREMEN
(Standing Appointments)
Captains:
Edward Belmont
Donald Copeland
Clarence G. Frost
Malcolm MacGregor
-Resigned -- **Replacing*
Call Men
Fisher Hills, Jr.
Philip Harris
Everett Putnam
Frank Putnam
John Richardson
Robert Reynolds
George Sloane
Gordon Smart
Richard Swenson
Robert Young
South Acton Station
John Bushek
Malcolm Fullonton
Charles Hillman
Stewart Kennedy
Allen Nelson
Robert Nelson
George Pederson
Paul Simeone
William H. Soar, Sr.
Alan Waters
Charles Wiles
West Acton Station
Timothy Blaisdell
1971
Edward Bennett
Arthur Decker
Martin Duggan
1971
James Kazokas
Francis Malson
David Nichols
1971
Timothy Pattee
1971
Gordon Gravlin
FOREST WARDEN
1971
Thomas J. Barry, Jr.
1971
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Jack H. Batchelder 1971
Richard J. O'Neil 1972
William P. McDonald 1973
Albert I. Verchot 1974
John W. Tierney 1974
Edward W. Flannery 1975
Stephen E. Lord 1975
-Thomas J. Litle 1972
i'Eric Bradlee 197 3
109
INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
Patrick Palmer
Term
Expires
1971
INSPECTOR OF GAS PIPING & GAS APPLIANCES
Joseph G. Perry 1971
INSPECTOR OF WIRES
Leslie F. Parke
Edward J.
KEEPER OF THE LOCKUP
Collins, Jr.
1971
1971
METROPOLITAN AREA PLANNING COUNCIL
John H. Loring 1971
PERMANENT BUILDING COMMITTEE
*John H. Boyd
Donald M. Perkins
!*Wallie Everest
David G. Hurley
Thomas J. Regan, Jr.
s*Edward L. Morrill
*Thomas E. Rizzo
*Richard L. Hodgman
POLICE DEPARTMENT
(Civil Service - Standing Appointments)
Chief - Edward J. Collins, Jr.
Sgt. Chauncey R. Fenton, Jr.
Sgt. David W. Scribner
Sgt. Norman L. Roche
Sgt. Robert S. Rhodes
Ptl. William J. Durkin, Jr.
Ptl.. Bernard W. Harrison
Ptl. William N. Hayes
Ptl. Joseph P. Sansone
Ptl. George W. Robinson
Ptl. Donald M. Bresnick
Ptl. John T. McNiff
Ptl. Robert P. MacLeod
Ptl. Brian R. Goodman
Ptl. David C. Flint
Special Officers
Robert P. Beaudoin
James P. Conheeney
William D. Kendall, Jr.
T. Frederick S. Kennedy
John E. MacLeod
Edmond Daigneault
Oiva T. Kallio
1971
1971
1972
1972
1973
1973
1973
1972
Matrons
Marjory J. Davis
Muriel B. Flannery
Crossing Guards
Natacha MacGregor
•*Charles R. Quinn
Marian E. Quinn
*Dorothy Wattu
Special Officer for Edwards Square
Cedric Thatcher
Acton Schools Only
Robert Graham
Edmund J. McNiff
'-Resigned -- **Replacing*
Term
Expires
PUBLIC CEREMONIES k
CELEBRATIONS COMMITTEE
Richmond P. Miller, Jr.
1971
David H. Donaldson
1972
Robert E. Nelson
1972
Burton A. Davis
1973
John W. Tierney
1973
Walter R. Laite
1971
Clark C. McElvein
1971
:Carl A. Hedin
1972
PUBLIC WEIGHERS
William J. Durkin, Jr.
1971
Bernard W. Harrison
1971
Robert S. Rhodes
1971
George W. Robinson
1971
RECREATION COMMISSION
Janet W. Murphy
1972
Gale Jarvis
1973
James Maclntyre, 3rd
1974
: James Walline
1971
David Michael
1973
SEALER OF WEIGHTS & MEASURES
George K. Hayward
SEWERAGE STUDY COMMITTEE
Daniel J. Costello
Bradford S. Leach
David A. Manalan
Warren S. Orcutt
-Robert H. Gerhardt
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
STREET LIGHTING COMMITTEE
Booth D. Jackson 1971
H. Stuart MacGregor 1971
Leslie F. Parke 1971
SUPERINTENDENT OF CEMETERIES
T. Frederick S. Kennedy 1971
SUPERINTENDENT OF INSECT PEST CONTROL
Franklin H. Charter 1972
SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS
Allen H. Nelson
1971
TOWN BUILDING-LAND ACQUISITION COMMITTEE
David Abbt 1971
Roger M. Heubsch 1971
Richmond P. Miller, Jr. 1971
Joseph W. Stevens 1971
-Christopher W. Brown 1971
TOWN COUNSEL
Herbert P. Wilkins 1971
TOWN ENGINEER
Anthony L. Galeota, Jr. 1971
TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
George E. Neagle 1971
Emery D. Nelson 1971
TOWN REPORT COMMITTEE
John Gourgas 1971
Christopher C. Kellogg 1972
Nancy Gay Browne 197 3
110
Term
Expires
Franklin H.
TREE WARDEN
Charter
VETERANS' AGENT &
DIRECTOR OF VETERANS' SERVICES
Norman L. Roche
VETERANS' BURIAL AGENT
Norman L. Roche
VETERANS' GRAVES OFFICER
T. Frederick S. Kennedy
1971
1971
1971
1971
WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION AGENT
Theron A. Lowden 1971
APPOINTMENTS MADE BY MODERATOR
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Edward W. Berriman
Robert H. Haeberle
Arthur Schene
Griffith L. Resor
Stephen G. Lewis
Ahti E. Autio
William B. Allred
Walter B. Gates
:Joseph R. McColgan
'William L. Chipman
-"'Resigned -- **Replacing*
1971
1971
1972
1973
1973
1973
1971
1972
1972
1973
Term
Expires
REGIONAL REFUSE PLANNING COMMITTEE
Paul F. Gibson 1971
James C. Donald 1972
Wilfred A. Fordon 1973
VOCATIONAL REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
PLANNING COMMITTEE
Marilyn Peterson 1971
Beverly W. Lydiard 1972
Charles E. Courtright 1973
SPECIAL APPOINTMENTS MADE BY SELECTMEN
FOR 1970 ONLY
ACTON HOUSING AUTHORITY
Mary M. Laffin 1971
-Patience H. MacPherson 1973
George W. Moulton 1971
Raymond L. Page 1971
Julia D. Stevens 1971
**Appointed by the Massachusetts Department of
Community Affairs.
CONSERVATION
In 1970, the Conservation Commission continued to implement its Master Plan of 1966, primarily in negotia-
tions with many landowners. The results of these negotiations will be seen at the 1971 Annual Town Meeting, when
we will ask the voters to approve the purchase of four or five parcels of land. At least 50% of the cost of this land
will be reimbursed to the Town from the State's Self-Help Fund; there is also a possibility of 75% reimbursement
from a combination of State and Federal funds in the case of one of these parcels.
The Commission did acquire a piece of land from Mr. and Mrs. Robert Clapp, adjacent to Nashoba Brook off
Route 27 in North Acton. Gary Webb and the other Boy Scouts of Troop #76, as part of their Eagle Scout require-
ments, worked very hard to clear underbrush and litter from this piece of land, so that it can be used by townspeople
for fishing and picnicking.
1970 was also a year of increasing awareness of our natural environment. For the members of the Conservation
Commission, it meant time - time spent at many public hearings. It is estimated that in 1970 we attended about 50
such hearings, the majority of these being concerned with the development of marginal land, such as land in the flood-
plain, or other low and unsuitable areas. Our job at these hearings is to try to prevent further encroachment of the
floodplains in order to protect our environment.
As we acquire more and more land for conservation, people ask us, "Where is it?" and '•' What are going to
do with it?" Both these questions will be answered before the Annual Town Meeting, when every voter in town
will receive a brochure from us explaining our aims and showing the location of all Conservation land purchased by
the Town.
1971 should prove to be an even more productive year for the Conservation Commission, especially we have two
excellent new members, Mrs. Bianca Chambers and Mr. Peter Jorrens. We sincerely hope that the Town will con-
tinue to support our efforts.
Robert Ellis
Brewster Conant
Richard Murphy, Chairman
Chauncey Waldron, Jr.
Bianca Chambers
Dorothy Stonecliffe
Peter Jorrens
111
TOWN ACCOUNTANT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The reports which are submitted herewith represent a statement of the cash disbursements authorized
during the year ended December 31, 1970, and a Balance Sheet of the Town of Acton as of December 31, 1970.
The 1971 amortization of bonded indebtedness of the Town, and Acton's share of the Regional School
District bond amortization are:
Schools:
Florence A. Merriam Elementary School
Julia McCarthy Elementary School
Carolyn Douglas Elementary School
Paul P. Gates Elementary School
Minot Avenue Elementary School
Regional School District
Total Schools
Acton Memorial Library Addition
Public Works Facility
Amortization of bonded indebtedness
$ 40, 000. 00
10, 000. 00
35, 000. 00
60,000. 00
85, 000.00
67,735.00
$297, 735.00
25, 000. 00
35, 000.00
$357,735.00
The accounts of the Treasurer and Collector have been verified, and I have reviewed the various trust
funds in the custody of the Treasurer and the Trustees.
Donald O. Nylander
Town Accountant
STATEMENT OF APPROPRIATIONS AND DISBURSEMENTS
January 1, 1970 to December 31, 1970
Appropriated
or
Available
Cash
Disbursed
Balance
General Government:
Moderator:
Salary
Expenses
Finance Committee:
Expenses
Selectmen:
Salaries
Expenses
Capital Outlay
Legal Services
Legal Service Expenses
Appraisals 8* Surveys
Out-of-State Travel
Town Office Clerical Staff:
Salaries
Engineering Department:
Salaries and Wages
Expenses
Town Accountant:
Salary
Expenses
Town Treasurer & Collector:
Salary -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
Expenses
140.00
20.00
250.00
120.00
250.00
20.00
20.00
19, 105.00
19, 036.02
68. 98
13, 185.00
10, 031. 91
3, 153.09
2, 365.00
2, 365. 00
--
12,500.00
12, 500.00
--
500.00
500.00
--
1, 000.00
925.00
75.00
1, 500.00
963. 00
537.00
70, 630.00
69, 085. 73
1, 544.27
39,210.00
35,004. 19
4, 205.81
4,400.00
4, 394. 53
5.47
4, 100.00
4, 100. 00
_. _
160.00
143.72
16.28
10, 140.00
612.30
10,752. 30
--
4,400.00
4, 397. 69
2. 31
112
Appropriated
or
Available
Cash
Disbursed
Balance
General Government - continued:
Town Treasurer & Collector:
Salary -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
Expenses
Capital Outlay-
Town Assessors:
Salaries
Expenses
Town Clerk:
Salary
Expenses
Elections and Registrations:
Salaries and Wages
Expenses
Planning Board:
Expenses
Personnel Board:
Expenses
Board of Appeals:
Expenses
Industrial Development Commission:
Expenses
Conservation Commission:
Expenses
Archives Committee:
Expenses
Public Ceremonies &c Celebrations:
Expenses
Buildings & Maintenance:
Salaries and Wages
Expenses -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
Capital Outlay
Town Report Committee:
Expenses -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
Total General Government -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
10, 140.00
612. 30
10,752. 30
--
4,400.00
4, 397. 69
2. 31
400.00
270. 00
130.00
11,000.00
8, 207.60
2,792.40
5, 910.00
3,537.89
2, 372. 11
2, 310.00
2, 310.00
_ _
2,800.00
874. 55
1, 925.45
5,640.00
5, 399.72
240.28
3,850.00
3, 790.78
59.22
9, 000.00
3, 327. 92
5, 672.08
550.00
--
550.00
410.00
19.75
390.25
250.00
24. 00
226.00
500.00
50.00
2, 100.00
11, 085.00
33,885.00
604.02
1, 100.00
3, 200. 00
712.29
277, 645.00
1, 928.61
371.77
18.50
2, 098.96
10,898. 34
31, 363.79
874.40
3, 912. 29
251,869. 35
128. 23
31. 50
1. 04
186. 66
3, 125.23
225. 60
27, 704.26
Protection of Persons and Property:
Police Department:
Salaries and Wages
Expenses -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
167, 275.00
15, 835. 00
700. 00
160,085. 93
16,494.26
7, 189. 07
40.74
113
Appropriated
or
Available
Cash
Disbursed
Balance
Protection of Persons and Property - continued:
Fire Department:
Salaries and Wages
Expenses
Capital Outlay
Sealer of Weights & Measures:
Salary and Travel
Expenses
Insect Pest Control:
Wages
Expenses
Town Forest Committee:
Maintenance
178,825.00
$ 178,809.82
$
15. 18
20, 195.00
20, 181. 54
13.46
4, 135.00
4, 131.83
3. 17
510.00
510.00
__
40.00
36.84
3. 16
3, 160.00
2, 984.84
175. 16
6, 000.00
5, 902. 20
97.80
100.00
100.00
Tree Department:
Wages
Expenses
Inspector of Wires:
Expenses
Inspector of Gas Piping & Appliances:
Expenses
Building Inspector & Agent for Enforcement
of Zoning Bylaws:
Salary and Wages
Expenses
Dog Officer:
Wages and Travel
Expenses
Building Committee:
Expenses
Civil Defense:
Expenses
Town Utilities:
Hydrant Rental -
3, 160.
00
3,
078.
28
81.72
8, 000.
00
7,
775.
18
224.82
4, 625.
00
3,
759.
15
865.85
3, 500.
00
2,
565.
00
935.00
10, 770.
00
10,
513.
24
256.76
1, 945.
00
1,
129.
09
815.91
1, 100.
00
1,
100.
00
- —
500.
00
500.
00
--
50.00
450.00
24.00
434.87
26.00
15. 13
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
21, 550.00
45.00
21, 595.00
Street Lighting
23,400.00
18,402.01
4,
997
99
Total Protection of Persons and Property:
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
475, 125.00
745.00
460, 013.08
15,
856
92
Highways:
Highway Department:
Salaries and Wages
110, 910.00
109, 091.44
1,
818
56
Expenses -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
130, 000.00
10, 000.00
Special Town Meeting 9/28/70
26,700.00'
166, 691. 21
8.
79
Chapter 81 Maintenance
22, 000.00
22,000.00
--
Chapter 90 Maintenance
27, 500.00
27,485. 57
14.
43
Capital Outlay
2, 330.00
2, 328. 90
1.
10
Total Highways:
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
319,440.00
10, 000.00
327,597. 12
1,
842.
88
114
Appropriated
or
Available
Cash
Disbursed
Balance
Health and Sanitation:
Health and Sanitation:
Salaries
Expenses
Garbage Collection
Inspector of Animals:
Wages
Expenses
Plumbing Inspector:
Expenses
Total Health and Sanitation
$ 23,625.00
$ 21,506.03 i
5 2,118.97
22, 345.00
20, 365.96
1, 979.04
31, 350.00
30,247.29
1, 102.71
170.00
170.00
_ —
30.00
30.00
—
5, 500.00
4, 674.50
825.50
83, 020.00
76, 993.78
6,026.22
"Veterans' Aid:
Veterans' Services:
Salary-
Expenses
Aid -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
Special Town Meeting 9/28/70
Total Veterans' Aid -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
2, 900.00
275.00
15,000.00
894. 14
3, 000.00
21, 175.00
894. 14
2, 900.00
275.00
18, 893.86
22,068. 86
.28
.28
Education:
Local Schools:
Instruction
Plant Operation & Maintenance
Transportation
Non-Instructional Services
Administration
Out-of-State Travel
Blanchard Auditorium -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
Capital Outlay
Contingency Fund
Contingency Fund -
Special Town Meeting 6/29/70
Regional Schools:
Instruction
Plant Operation & Maintenance
Transportation
Non-Instructional Services
Administration
Out-of-State Travel
Blanchard Auditorium
Capital Outlay
Athletic Fund
Contingency Fund
Total Education -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
325, 151.00
148, 505.00
93, 936.00
36, 821.00
42, 693.00
315.00
15, 385. 00
2, 577.00
31, 087.00
60, 000.00
2, 358.56
1,287, 314.00
136, 116.00
27, 085.00
42, 996.00
43, 708.00
283.00
8,032.00
13, 798.00
31,500.00
61, 829. 00
3,408, 912.56
2, 577. 00
1, 323, 969. 37
148,505.00
93, 936.00
36,821.00
35, 208. 63
17, 917. 57
22,595.48
54, 636.70
1, 287, 314.00
136, 116.00
27,085.00
42, 996.00
43,708.00
283. 00
8,032.00
13,798.00
31,500.00
61,829.00
3, 386,250.75
1, 181.63
7,484. 37
315.00
44.43
8,491.52
7,721.86
25, 238.81
115
Libraries:
Recreation:
Cemeteries:
Insurance:
Appropriated
or
Available
Cash
Disbursed
Balance
Memorial Library:
Salaries and Wages
Expenses
Books
Capital Outlay
West Acton Library:
Salaries and Wages -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
Expenses
Total Libraries -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
$
49, 100.00
$ 47,713.28
$
1,
386. 72
13, 150.00
13, 147.04
2. 96
19, 000. 00
18, 999. 52
.48
1, 370.00
1, 369. 90
. 10
2,455.00
90.00
2,545.00
--
1, 000.00
86, 075.00
1,000.00
--
90.00
84, 774.74
1,
390.26
Recreation:
Wages -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
Expenses
Capital Outlay
Total Recreation -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
13, 985. 00
3, 900.00
4, 218.00
629.00
18, 832.00
3,900.00
16, 238. 98
4, 213.56
629.00
21,081.54
1, 646.02
4.44
Cemeteries:
Salaries and Wages
Expenses
Capital Outlay -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
Total Cemeteries -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
38,780.00
8, 385.00
2, 115.00
136.20
37,828. 37
8, 137.80
2, 251.20
48, 217. 37
951. 63
247.20
49, 280.00
136.20
1, 198.83
Insurance:
Workmen's Compensation
Surety Bonds
Fire and Public Liability Insurance
for Town Buildings
Boiler and Machinery -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
Motor Vehicle Liability
Group Health -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
Fire Fighters Insurance
Total Insurance -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
14,000.00
13, 272.00
728.00
800.00
463. 00
337.00
14,000.00
12, 282.79
1,717.21
1, 200.00
20.00
1, 220.00
--
6, 000. 00
5, 295. 82
704. 18
30, 000.00
6, 359. 31
36, 359. 31
--
1, 100.00
941.06
158. 94
67, 100.00
6, 379.31
69,833. 98
3, 645. 33
116
Appropriated
or
Available
Cash
Disbursed
Balance
Pensions:
Pension Fund:
Expense -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
Total Pensions -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
Maturing Debt and Interest:
Regional School:
Maturing Debt
Interest
Julia McCarthy School:.
Maturing Debt
Interest
$ 40,040.00
912.76
40, 040.00
912.76
51, 261.00
58, 316.00
15, 000.00
700.00
40, 952.76
40, 952.76
51,261.00
58, 316.00
15, 000.00
700.00
Florence E. Merriam School:
Maturing Debt
Interest
Elm Street School #1 (Douglas):
Maturing Debt
Interest
Elm Street School #2 (Gates):
Maturing Debt
Interest
Library Addition:
Maturing Debt
Interest
Sanitary Land Fill Site:
Maturing Debt
Interest
40, 000.00
11,520.00
40,000.00
19,775.00
60, 000.00
42, 025.00
25, 000.00
4, 050.00
41,000.00
2, 113.00
40, 000. 00
11, 520. 00
40, 000.00
19,775. 00
60,000.00
42, 025.00
25,000.00
4,050.00
41,000.00
2, 112. 64
36
Minot Avenue School:
Interest
Anticipation of Revenue Notes:
Interest
Interest - 6/29/70 Special Town Meeting
Total Maturing Debt and Interest:
Grand Totals of Appropriations, Reserve Fund
Transfers, Disbursements and Balances for Budge.t:
Appropriated -
Annual Town Meeting
Special Town Meetings
Reserve Fund Transfers
Education:
48,500.00
30, 000.00
9, 099. 67
498, 359. 67
$5, 303,846.00
41, 158.23
27, 563.02
39, 099. 67
449, 859. 31
$5, 239, 512. 64
48, 500.00
48, 500. 36
$ 133,054.61
Cafeteria-Revolving Fund
Federal Grants:
Public Law 864 - Title 5
Public Law 874 - Title 1
Cornerstone - Title 1
Children - Low Income
122,804. 96
1, 523.50
33, 854.79
5,590.00
3, 000.00
115, 537.84
1, 218.88
11, 169. 00
4, 393.42
3, 000.00
7, 267. 12
304.62
22, 685.79
1, 196.58
117
Appropriated
or
Available
Cash
Disbursed
Balance
Special Articles:
Town
Meeting
Article
Date
No.
Schools
10/19/64
2
3/13/67
10
3/10/69
39
10/20/69
1
3/09/70
17
3/09/70
19
3/09/70
20
Highways
3/14/66
14
3/14/66
15
3/13/67
9
3/11/68
16
3/11/68
17
3/11/68
33
3/10/69
24
3/10/69
25
3/10/69
26
3/10/69
28
3/10/69
32
3/10/69
33
3/09/70
16
3/09/70
16
3/09/70
23
3/09/70
43
3/09/70
44
3/09/70
46
3/09/70
48
6/29/70
7
Various Purposes
12/05/66
12
12/05/66
19
3/13/67
49
3/11/68
36
3/10/69
29
3/10/69
30
3/10/69
37
3/10/69
46
3/10/69
50
6/23/69
4
3/09/70
14
3/09/70
22
3/09/70
24
3/09/70
38
3/09/70
40
3/09/70
45
3/09/70
49
3/09/70
50
3/09/70
52
3/09/70
53
3/09/70
54
3/09/70
55
Purpose
Douglas School
Gates School
Vocational Regional School Dis-
trict Planning Committee -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
Minot Avenue School Plans
Tuition
Minot Avenue School Construction
Adult Education
Hosmer, Prospect Streets
Construction
Chapter 90 Construction
Chapter 90 Construction
Chapter 90 Construction
Chapter 90 Construction
Sidewalks
Chapter 90 Construction
Chapter 90 Construction
Sander and Mower
Sidewalks - Trunk System
Minot Avenue Construction
Town Forest Access Construction
Chapter 90 Maintenance
Chapter 81
Chapter 768 - Acts of 1969
Adams Street Takings
Adams Street Reconstruction
Snow Fighting Equipment
Street Sweeper
Chapter 768 - Acts of 1969
Regional Refuse Disposal
Planning Committee
Cemetery Building
Woodlawn Cemetery
Government Surplus Property
Government Surplus Property
Demolish Buildings
Public Works Facility Plans
Fire Rescue Truck
Fletcher Land & Parker Street
Britt Land
Government Surplus Property
Sludge Drying Beds
Public Works Facility Construction
Clapp Land
Conservation Fund
Police Cruisers
Tree Department Cab & Chassis
Engineering Department Sedan
Fire Alarm System
Elm Street Playground Lighting
Elm Street Backstop & Bleachers
Goward Field, Tot-Lot Equipment
9, 145.80
45, 510. 99
75.00
378.00
32, 079. 38
11,400.00
1,826, 652.79
5, 000.00
360.44
14, 510.08
18, 053.20
6, 900.00
1, 003.78
7, 809.26
7,700.00
23, 100.00
3, 169.00
3,500.00
8, 333.25
4, 005.00
4, 000.00
23, 375.00
16,444.95
1, 500.00
35, 000.00
4, 200.00
18,000.00
5, 000.00
6, 804. 89
7, 162.44
411. 53
32, 079. 38
8, 206.56
688, 240. 39
3, 380. 29
342.07
14,510.08
18,053.20
6, 900.00
1,003.78
7,798.48
7,700.00
11, 148.27
3, 140.00
3,489.52
3, 333.25
2, 923.53
4,000.00
23, 375.00
14,409.91
91.80
33,243.02
4, 200.00
16, 957.50
4,522. 39
2, 340. 91
38, 348. 55
41.47
3, 193.44
1, 138,412.40
1, 619.71
18. 37
10.78
11, 951.73
29.00
10.48
1,081.47
2, 035.04
1,408.20
1,756.98
1,042.50
477. 61
70.82
30. 63
40. 19
85. 17
57.55
27. 62
2, 199.50
1, 232. 00
967.50
22.57
22. 57
--
315.98
315. 98
—
1,700.00
592. 00
1,
108.00
15, 000.00
15, 000.00
--
21, 856. 05
21, 354.48
501. 57
637.00
637.00
--
242.00
242.00
--
2, 000.00
1,711. 10
288.90
8, 000.00
8, 000.00
-
275, 000.00
52, 353.00
222,
647.00
2, 175. 00
2, 175.00
--
100, 000.00
100, 000.00
--
4,500.00
3, 900.00
600.00
6, 000.00
5,739.00
261.00
3,000.00
2, 995.00
5.00
14,300. 00
3,861.86
10,
438. 14
18,000.00
7. 60
17,
992.40
1,700.00
1, 506.65
193.35
1, 050.00
850.70
199. 30
118
Special Articles - continued:
Town
Meeting
Date
3/09/70
3/09/70
3/09/70
9/28/70
Article
No.
56
59
62
Purpose
1975 Anniversary Fund
Memorial Library Air Conditioning
Mount Hope Cemetery Improve-
ments
West Acton Library Salaries
and Expense
Appropriated or Available
Reserve Fund Transfer
Cemetery Department - Various Trust Funds
Conservation Commission - Various Properties
Snow Emergency - Chapter 44, Section 31
Total Operating Disbursements
Other Cash Disbursements:
Agency:
State Assessment System
State Parks and Recreation Areas
Middlesex County Hospital Assessment
State Audit
Metropolitan Planning Area Council
State Motor Vehicle Excise Bills
Middlesex County Assessment
Elderly Retiree Program
Land Damage Court Judgment
Federal Grant Medical Assistance
Middlesex County Dog Licenses, etc.
County Dog Fund
Bond Issue Expense
Board of Appeals - Guarantee Deposits
Acton Teachers Insurance
Acton Teachers Annuities
Acton Teachers Association
Middlesex County Retirement System
Federal Income Taxes Withheld
State Income Taxes Withheld
Massachusetts Teachers Retirement Fund
Fire Department Union Dues
Acton Employees Group Life Insurance
Blue Cross -Blue Shield
Refunds:
Taxes
Various
Trust:
Perpetual Care
Trust Fund Income
Library-
Charity
Educational
Investment:
Certificate of Deposit
Repayment of Loans in Anticipation of Revenue
Add - Refund Adjustment
Total disbursements per Treasurer
Appropriated
or
Available
3, 000.00
15, 600.00
2,000.00
1, 700.00
5, 147.759.49
27, 941.02
Cash
Disbursed
3,000.00
15,400.00
Balance
948.00
324. 93
6, 549,516. 11
5, 366. 69
1, 968.25
13, 543.86
$6, 570, 394. 91
15,
9,
4,
1,
99,
1,
L
3,
5,
1,
8,
4,
33,
319,
65,
57,
1,
9,
407.52
423.60
760.47
188.58
757.46
374.45
926.72
599.48
917. 36
147.00
274.50
417.23
918. 95
104.06
559.75
918.00
324.00
058.27
854.57
763.47
971.75
441.00
283. 32
772. 18
70,977.27
47. 00
7, 335.00
29, 392.03
1, 188.75
1, 685.00
1,265. 62
1, 600, 000.00
1,400, 000. 00
10, 330,449. 27
3,736.81
ilO, 334, 186. 08
200.00
1,052. 00
1, 375.07
1, 626, 184.40
119
TOWN OF
BALANCE
DECEMBER
ASSETS
Cash:
Petty Cash Funds
General Funds
Certificate of Deposit
Accounts Receivable:
Tax Levies:
1966 Personal Property
1967 Personal Property
1968 Personal Property
1969 Personal Property
1970 Personal Property
1970 Real Estate
Special Assessment:
Street - 1970
Committed Interest - 1970
Motor Vehicle Excise:
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
Tax Titles
Tax Possessions
Taxes in Litigation
Departmental:
Fire
Cemetery
Aid to Highways:
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex County
Total Accounts Receivable
Under-estimate of Assessments:
Middlesex County Tax
State Recreation Areas
Metropolitan Area Planning Council
Middlesex County Hospital
Overdrawn Appropriation Balance
Authorized by General Laws, Chapter 44,
Section 31 - Highway Department, Snow
Emergency
Due from Conservation Fund for Land Acquisition
Total Assets
$ 70.00
1, 678,492. 95
300,000.00
$1, 978,
562.
95
$ 4,659.05
121, 209. 53
3,473.61
2,523.40
2, 060.40
2, 186.80
125, 868.58
$ 136,112.79
65. 61
13. 12
78.73
384.00
3, 604.09
2, 896.55
4,440. 96
8, 191.53
73, 289.96
92,807.09
7, 922.55
793.72
8,716.27
297.20
336.00
57.95
393.95
79, 987.56
38, 100.00
118, 087.56
356,
493.
59
13, 276.85
1, 143.40
253.58
.02
14,
673.
85
13, 543.86
25, 000.00
$2, 388, 274.25
DEFERRED REVENUE ACCOUNTS
Apportioned Street Assessments Not Due
$ 2,610.97
120
ACTON
SHEET
31, 1970
LIABILITIES AND RESERVES
Employees' Payroll Deductions -
See Schedule 1
Guarantee Deposits -
Board of Appeals
Unclaimed Checks
Trust Fund Income Transfer Balances
Unexpended - See Schedule 2
Insurance Recovery - Fire Department
Federal Grants - See Schedule 3
Revolving Fund - School Cafeteria
Old Age Assistance Recovery Not Allocated
Unexpended Article Appropriation Balances -
See Schedule 4
Appropriation from Conservation Fund Authorized:
Article 39 Annual Meeting, Main Street and Pope Road
Land Acquisition
Reserve for Petty Cash Funds
Over-estimate - Court Judgment, Land Damage for
Relocation of Central Street
Middlesex County Dog License Fees
Receipts Reserved for Appropriation - County Dog Fund
Receipts Reserved for Appropriation - Library
Cemetery Land Fund
Road Machinery Fund
Tax Title Foreclosure
Premium on Bonds
Revenue Reserved Until Collected -
Motor Vehicle Excise
Tax Titles and Possessions
Special Assessments - Streets
Taxes in Litigation
Departmental Revenue
Aid to Highways
Overlays Reserved for Abatements of Tax Liens ;-
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
Overlay Surplus - Reserve Fund
Surplus Revenue
Total Liabilities and Reserves
92,807.09
8,716. 27
78.73
297.20
393. 95
118,087.56
259. 19
202.82
416.62
204.02
15, 221. 33
$ 30,932.31
72.80
1, 152.75
4, 542.75
230.00
26, 774.79
7, 267. 12
13, 600.00
1,519, 226. 12
25,000.00
70.00
82.64
62.25
4,791.75
1, 809. 50
6, 505. 35
1, 167.02
335.00
5,534.45
220, 380.80
DEFERRED REVENUE ACCOUNTS
Street Assessments and Betterments
16, 303.98
2,422. 51
500, 010. 36
$2, 388, 274.25
$ 2,610.97
121
LOANS AUTHORIZED - NOT ISSUED
Douglas Elementary School
Minot Avenue Elementary School
79,450.00
103, 347.21
$ 182,797.21
DEBT ACCOUNTS
Net Funded on Fixed Debt
$3,780, 000.00
TRUST ACCOUNTS
Trust Funds - Cash and Securities
In Custody of the Town Treasurer
In custody of Trustees
688, 938.84
3,000.00
$ 691,938.84
122
LOANS AUTHORIZED - NOT ISSUED
Douglas Elementary School
Minot Avenue Elementary School
79,450.00
103. 347,21
$ 182,797.21
DEBT ACCOUNTS
Inside Debt Limit:
Florence A. Merriam Elementary School
Acton Memorial Library Addition
Public Works Facility
Outside Debt Limit:
Florence A. Merriam Elementary School
Julia McCarthy Elementary School
Carolyn Douglas Elementary School
Paul P. Gates Elementary School
Minot Avenue Elementary School
70,000. 00
100, 000.00
265,000.00
210, 000.00
20, 000.00
525,000.00
965, 000.00
1, 625,000.00
435, 000.00
3, 345, 000.00
$3, 780, 000. 00
TRUST ACCOUNTS
In Custody of Town Treasurer - See Schedule 5
In Custody of Trustees -
Charlotte Goodnow Fund
688, 938.84
3,000.00
$ 691,938.84
123
BALANCE SHEET
Supporting Schedules
December 31, 1970
Schedule 1
Employees' Payroll Deductions
Federal Income Taxes $ 18,837.75
State Income Taxes 6, 908. 80
Middlesex County Retirement System 3, 093. 25
Acton Teachers' Association 939.00
Acton Teachers' Annuities 536.00
Blue Cross -Blue Shield 496.53
Group Life Insurance 120. 98
$ 30,932.31
Schedule 2
Unexpended Trust Fund Income Balances
Perpetual Care $ 2,128.48
Susan Noyes Hosmer 1, 585. 53
Ethel Robbins, Fred Robbins and George T. Ames Memorial 100. 00
Luke Blanchard 73.61
Carrie F. Wells 71. 19
Dr. Robert I. Davis 67.54
A. B. Conant 64. 11
George T. Ames 56.70
Hoit and Scott 50. 30
Frank Knowlton 46. 61
J. Roland Wetherbee 45.73
Georgia E. Whitney 45.64
Sarah A. Watson ' 38.45
Arlette Appleyard 36.60
Frank C. Hayward 36.39
Henry S. Raymond 35.37
Mrs. Henry O'Neil 32.30
Elbridge Jones and Descendents 26. 02
Elb ridge J. Robbins 2. 18
$ 4,542.75
Schedule 3
Federal Grants
Welfare Administration:
Medical Assistance $ 83.34
Old Age Assistance:
Grant $ 156.63
Recovery Repayable to Federal 150. 00 306.63
Medical Assistance 878.15
Disability Assistance 250. 00
Aid to Dependent Children 250. 00
Total Welfare Grants $ 1,768.12
School Grants:
Public Law 815 819. 68
Public Law 864 - Title 5 304. 62
Public Law 874 - Title 1 22, 685.79
Cornerstone - Title 1 1, 196. 58 25, 006. 67
$ 26,774.79
124
Schedule 4
Unexpended Article Appropriation Balances
Town
Meeting Article
Date No.
6y
'24/
3;
'09/
10;
'19/
12/
'05/
12/
'05/
3/
'13/
3/
'13/
3/
'13/
3/
'13/
11/
'18/
3/
'10/
3/
'10/
3/
'10/
3/
'10/
3/
'10/
3/
'09/
3/
'09/
3;
'09/
3/
'09/
3/
'09/
3;
'09/
3/
'09/
3/
'09/
3/
'09/
3>
'09/
3/
'09/
3;
'09/
3;
'09/
3/
'09/
3,
'09/
3;
'09/
3;
'09/
3;
'09/
3/
'09/
3
'09/
3/
'09/
6/
'29/
6;
'29/
9/
'28/
/57
/58
/64
/66
/66
/67
/67
/67
/67
/68
/69
/69
/69
/69
/69
/70
/70
/70
/70
/70
/70
/70
/70
/70
/70
/70
/70
/70
/70
/70
/70
/70
/70
/70
/70
/70
/70.
/70
/70
6
39
2
12
19
10
30
32
49
11
25
27
33
39
46
14
15
18
19
20
21
23
24
43
44
48
49
51
52
53
54
55
57
59
62
63
4
7
6
Purpose
Civil Defense Power Unit
Archives Committee
Douglas School
Regional Refuse Disposal Planning Committee
Cemetery Building
Gates School
Tennis Courts
Emergency Operating Center
Woodlawn Cemetery
Water District Land Lease
Chapter 90 Construction
Street Lights - Main Street
Construction of Access - Town Forest
Vocational Regional School District Planning Committee
Fire Rescue Truck
Government Surplus Property
Chapter 90 Construction
Vocational Regional School District Planning Committee
Minot Avenue School Construction
Adult Education
Kennedy Land Lease
Highways - Chapter 768, Acts of 1969
Public Works Facility Construction
Adams Street Takings
Adams Street Reconstruction
Street Sweeper
Cab,, Chassis, etc. - Tree Department
Forest Fire Truck
Fire Alarm Equipment
Lighting - Elm Street Playground
Backstop and Bleachers - Elm Street Playground
Tot-Lot Equipment - Goward Field
Painting Town Hall Offices
Air Conditioning - Memorial Library
Mount Hope Cemetery Improvements - New Section
Mount Hope Cemetery - Paving Roads
Assabet Regional Disposal Planning Board
Highway Department - Chapter 768, Section 4, 1969
West Acton Library - Salaries and Expenses
$ 300.00
792.75
2, 340.91
40. 19
27.62
38, 348.55
107.76
1, 000.00
967.50
5.00
11, 951.73
2, 500.00
1, 081.47
41.47
501.57
288.90
30,800.00
250.00
1, 138,412.40
1, 619.71
10.00
2,035.04
222, 647.00
1,408.20
1, 756. 98
1,042.50
261.00
16,500.00
10,438. 14
17, 992.40
193. 35
199.30
2, 500.00
200.00
1, 052.00
3, 000.00
4,760.00
477. 61
1, 375.07
$1, 519, 226. 12
Schedule 5
Trust Accounts in Custody of Town Treasurer
Charity Funds:
Elizabeth M. White
Georgia E. Whitney
Betsey M. Ball
Varnum Tuttle Memorial
Cemetery Funds:
Perpetual Care
Susan Noyes Hosmer
Arlette Appleyard
Henry S. Raymond - Monument
Henry S. Raymond - Care
Hoit and Scott
J. Roland Wetherbee
Luke Blanchard
Frank C, Hayward
Georgia E. Whitney
Dr. Robert I. Davis
Frank R. Knowlton
31, 538.44
14, 629.40
21, 285.21
16, 128.01
176, 927. 64
110, 393.04
2, 292. 17
1, 577. 97
3, 345.67
822. 10
17,487. 65
3, 290. 61
2, 088. 56
2,409. 65
1, 396.78
1, 396. 35
125
Schedule 5 - continued:
George T. Ames
Mrs. Harry I. O'Neil
Sarah A. Watson
Carrie F. Wells
A. B. Conant
Elbridge Jones Robbins and Descendents
Captain Robbins
Elbridge J. Robbins
Ethel R. Robbins, Fred Robbins and George T. Ames Memorial
Martha L. Desmond
581. 28
481. 14
3, 662.45
4,496.72
1, 351. 17
1, 140.25
2, 721. 35
1, 632.77
22, 988.42
3, 000.00
Library and Educational Funds:
Acton High School
Wilde Memorial
Georgia E. Whitney Memorial
Conservation Fund:
5,445.88
33, 625.43
20, 273.32
144, 715.40
Firemen's Relief Funds:
Acton
West Acton
18, 067.88
1,566.53
Stabilization Fund
1975 Celebration Fund
11, 018.43
5, 161. 17
$ 688,938.84
Supplementary Financial Data
The unexpended balances of the following Articles were closed out during the year and transferred to
Surplus Revenue.
Town
Meeting
Article
Date
No.
3/09/58
17
3/12/62
60
6/08/64
2
6/08/64
4
3/14/66
14
3/11/68
33
8/29/68
1
3/10/69
28
3/10/69
30
3/10/69
31
3/10/69
45
3/10/69
48
3/10/69
69
3/09/70
17
3/09/70
45
3/09/70
50
Description
Mount Hope Clearing
Hydrant - Pope Road
Memorial Library Addition
Mount Hope Oiling
Hosmer, Prospect, Charter Road Construction
Sidewalks
DeSouza Land
Sidewalks - Trunk System
Demolish Buildings
Minot Avenue Takings
Fire Chief's Vehicle
Fluoridation Equipment
Sander-Mower
Tuition
Police Cruisers
Engineering Department Vehicle
64.00
1, 000.00
15. 68
29. 94
18.37
10.78
6.00
10.48
1, 108.00
726.
606.
8, 258.00
29.00
3, 193.44
600.00
5.00
75
06
The Finance Committee authorized the following transfers from the Reserve Fund during the year ended
December 31, 1970.
Appropriation
$ 30,000.00
Transfers:
Date
4/09/70
6/18/70
6/25/70
8/13/70
8/13/70
9/17/70
9/17/70
11/01/70
Town Report Committee
West Acton Library - Salaries
Recreation - Wages
Treasurer/Collector - Salary
Highway Department - Expense
Steam Boiler Insurance
Cemetery Department - Capital Outlay
Blanchard Auditorium
712.29
90.00
3, 900.00
612. 30
10, 000.00
20.00
136. 20
2, 577.00
126
11/01/70 Group Health Insurance
11/01/70 Vocational Regional School District Planning Committee
12/20/70 Pensions
12/20/70 Health Insurance
12/20/70 Veterans' Aid
12/20/70 Fire Hydrant Rental
12/20/70 Police Department - Expense
12/20/70 Building Maintenance - Expense
Balance Returned to Overlay Surplus
3,880.00
378.00
912.76
2,479. 31
894. 14
45.00
700.00
604.02
$ 27,941.02
2, 058.98
127
TREASURER
For the Year Ending December 31, 1970
Cash Balance January 1, 1970
$ 523, 123.86
STATE AND COUNTY RECEIPTS
State Treasurer
Disabled Veteran's
Veteran's Services
License
Teachers' Retirement
Medical Assistance - Federal
Adult Education Transportation
Public Welfare
Corporation Excises
Public Libraries
Snow Removal
Highways Chapter 90
Highways Chapter 81
Loss on Taxes
Education Chapter 69-71
Transportation Schools
Regional School Districts
School Aid Chapter 70
Valuation Basis
Land Acquisition Projects
Education -Handicapped
Occupational Education
Education Families Low Income
National Defense Education T-5
School Construction - McCarthy
School Construction - Douglas
School Construction - Merriam
School Construction - Gates
School Construction - Minot Avenue
Highway Improvement Loan C616-S5
County Treasurer
Dog Licenses, refund
Land Damage, recovery
Highways Chapter 90
$
172.
00
5,
839.
82
15.
00
46.
57
73.
50
53.
00
91.
81
8,
388.
87
3,
589.
36
1,
563.
00
7,
311.
54
36,
137.
44
3,
460.
28
40,
274.
00
33,
946.
59
110,
710.
00
847,
320.
43
42,
676.
14
10,
000.
00
4,
850.
00
998.
00
5,
590.
00
1,
523.
50
5,
567.
89
18,
750.
00
20,
057.
63
30,
236.
25
100,
000.
00
27,
408.
25
2,
086.
97
1,
917.
36
3,
655.
77
1,366,650.87
7, 660. 10
DEPARTMENTAL RECEIPTS
Town Collector
Personal Property Taxes 1966
Personel Property Taxes 1969
Personel Property Taxes 1970
Real Estate Taxes 1969
Real Estate Taxes 1970
Motor Vehicle & Trailer Excise - 1964
Motor Vehicle & Trailer Excise - 1967
Motor Vehicle & Trailer Excise - 1968
Motor Vehicle & Trailer Excise - 1969
Motor Vehicle & Trailer Excise - 1970
Farm Animal Excise 1970
Street Betterments 1970
Committed Interest 1970
Interest & Charges - All Taxes, etc.
Municipal Liens
Annual Care Cemetery Lots
Departmental Commitments
221.40
2,000.47
133,959. 79
101,199.06
3,878, 200.09
89.66
42.90
477.28
68, 545.48
365,277.69
246.75
709.95
122.33
8,980.62
1, 193.00
632.00
914.01
4, 562,812.48
128
Town Clerk
Business Certificates
Sporting License Fees
Dog License Fees
Vital Statistics
Miscellaneous
Mortgage Fee Recordings
Dog Licenses
Board of Assessors
Assessors Maps
Board of Selectmen
Miscellaneous
Property Rentals
Licenses
Board of Health
Miscellaneous
Gas Permits
Sewerage Permits
Plumbing Permits
Nurse's Services
Building Department
Miscellaneous
Wiring Permits
Building Permits
Board of Appeals
Hearings Legal
Planning Board
Miscellaneous
Hearings Legal
Employees Payroll Deductions
Federal Withholding
State Withholding
County Retirement
Teachers Retirement
Teachers Insurance
Teachers Annuities
Teachers Association
Group Insurance
Blue Cross - Blue Shield
Fire Fighters Association
Police Department
Bicycle Registrations
Dealers Firearm Permits
Miscellaneous
Pistol Permits
Firearm Registrations
Fire Department
Permits
Miscellaneous
Rentals of Stations
Sealer Weights & Measures
Sealers Fees
Highway Department
Miscellaneous
Machinery Account
56. 50
176.85
364. 00
738.00
626.75
1,245.00
3,234. 75
261. 50
573.00
1, 120.00
12,828.00
903. 36
2, 605. 50
2, 970.00
4,670. 50
8, 328.01
376. 25
3,674. 75
13,917.25
150.00
3.00
275. 00
336, 099.62
67,073. 18
33,881.03
57, 925. 18
1, 559. 75
8,358.00
5,263. 00
1, 190.00
7,250.70
441.00
35.00
55.00
59.00
378.00
210.00
73.00
115.00
136.00
278.80
50.00
850.05
6,441.85
261. 50
14, 521. 00
19,477. 37
17,968. 25
150.00
278.00
519, 041.46
737.00
324.00
278. 80
900.05
129
School Department
Miscellaneous
School Tuitions - Charges
Property Rentals
Adult Education Program
Public Law 874 Title 1
Blanchard Auditorium - Reimbursement
School Lunch Account
Cemetery Department
Chapel Fees
Miscellaneous
Sale of Lots
Burials
West Acton Library
Library Fines
Memorial Library
Mary Lothrop Fund - Bequest
Library Fines
Miscellaneous Receipts
Employees, Group Insurance
Employees, Blue Cross
Harvard University - Sale of Dogs
Recreation Miscellaneous
Nashoba Public Welfare - Medical Assistant
Concord District Court - Fines
Field & Cowles - Insurance Premiums
Insurance Company, N/A - Claim Recovery
Town of Bedford - Public Welfare
Enterprise Press, Inc. - Library
Theron A. Lowden - Insurance Premiums
Acton Medical Associates - Veteran's A/C
Kemper Insurance Company - Claim Recovery
Acton Minutemen, Inc. Insurance
Town of Concord - Lieu of Taxes
H.G. Davis, Inc. - Highway Department
Engineering Department - Maps
Assabet Savings - Interest Earned
Estate of Mary L. Desmond - Cemetery
Blue Cross - Blue Shield - Premiums
Arlington Trust Company - Interest Earned
Arlington Trust Company - Certificate of Deposit
National Shawmut Bank - Interest Earned
National Shawmut Bank - Certificate of Deposit
White Weld & Associates
Building Bonds
Minot School
Accrued Interest
Premium on Bonds
Union National Bank of Lowell - Revenue Note
National Shawmut Bank of Boston - Revenue Note
400.86
4, 147.85
1,292.26
2,903.00
22,685. 00
8,980.00
121, 503. 83
120.00
546.05
1, 150.00
2,875.00
191.04
100.00
5, 970.62
106.44
1, 180.06
36. 00
593. 50
10. 50
690.55
776.00
2,358.56
4,470.66
3. 75
1,943.00
151.00
426.00
152.00
270.90
24.21
20.00
2, 132. 52
3,000. 00
1,642.81
5,006. 25
300,000.00
16, 916.67
1,000, 000. 00
265,000.00
1,625,000.00
6, 583.50
11,453.40
600, 000.00
800,000.00
$ 161,912.80
4, 691. 05
191.04
6, 070. 62
4, 649, 948. 28
PERPETUAL CARE - MT. HOPE CEMETERY
Alice Wamboldt
Malcolm Perkins
Richard Munroe
F. A. Armstrong
George & Mabel Darrak
Pauline Allen
Accurico Catanese
Kathryn Peterson
Fred S. Kennedy
Raymond & Lillian Gallant
200.00
200.00
50.00
100.00
200.00
200.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
200.00
1,450.00
130
PERPETUAL CARE - WOODLAWN CEMETERY
Marshall Myers
Martin & Alvretta Duggan
Stanley Szidat
Ralph Cataldo
John W. Tierney
Edmond & Helen McNiff
Robert D. Brackett
Anne Rimbach
Estate of Charles Mills
James & Marie Feeney
Marie D. Hunt
Frederick & Eleanor Lawrence
Inga Frost
Estate of Augusta D. Robbins
100.00
100.00
400.00
35.00
50.00
100. 00
100.00
200.00
200.00
200.00
200.00
300.00
400. 00
500.00
2,885.00
TRUST FUND INCOME
Acton High School Library Fund
Acton Firemen's Relief Fund
George T. Ames Cemetery Fund
Arlette Appleyard Cemetery Fund
Betsey M. Ball Fund
Celebration 1975 Fund
Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund
A.B. Conant Cemetery Fund
Conservation Fund Investment
Dr. Robert I. Davis Cemetery Fund
Elbridge Jones Robbins & Descendents Fund
Elbridge Jones Robbins Cemetery Fund
Captain Robbins Cemetery Fund
Robbins -Ames Memorial Cemetery Fund
Elizabeth White Fund
Georgia E. Whitney Memorial Fund
Georgia E. Whitney Fund
Georgia E. Whitney Cemetery Fund
Frank C. Hayward Cemetery Fund
Hoit & Scott Cemetery Fund
Mrs. Harry O'Neil Cemetery Fund
Frank Knowlton Cemetery Fund
Luke Blanchard Cemetery Fund
Henry S. Raymond Monument Fund
Henry S. Raymond Cemetery Fund
Susan Noyes Hosmer Fund
Varnum Tuttle Memorial Fund
J. Roland Wetherbee Cemetery Fund
Memorial Library Fund
Memorial Library Tainter Fund
Sarah Watson Cemetery Fund
Stabilization Fund
Carrie E. Wells Cemetery Fund
220.00
522.64
22. 95
110.00
570.03
160.42
8, 538.86
55.00
2, 241. 75
55.00
55.00
82.48
137.48
1, 166. 56
1,409.00
825.00
769.32
82. 92
55. 00
27.48
18.37
64.84
131.01
36.01
173.09
5,746.61
550.00
550.00
806.26
655. 34
138.61
3,250. 00
165. 00
TRUST FUND TRANSFERS TO TOWN ACCOUNT
George T. Ames Cemetery Fund
Arlette Appleyard Cemetery Fund
Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund
A.B. Conant Cemetery Fund
Conservation Investment Fund
Dr. Robert I. Davis Cemetery Fund
Elbridge Jones Robbins Fund
Robbins -Ames Memorial Cemetery Fund
Elizabeth White Fund
Georgia E. Whitney Memorial Fund
Georgia E. Whitney Fund
Georgia E. Whitney Cemetery Fund
50.00
50.00
3,000.00
50.00
5,022.25
50.00
50.00
100.00
885.00
1,265. 62
800.00
50.00
29,392.03
131
Trust Fund Transfers to Town Account (cont'd)
Frank C. Hayward Cemetery Fund
Hoit & Scott Cemetery Fund
Mrs. Harry O'Neil Cemetery Fund
Frank R. Knowlton Cemetery Fund
Luke Blanchard Cemetery Fund
Henry S. Raymond Cemetery Fund
Susan Noyes Hosmer Fund
J. Roland Wetherbee Cemetery Fund
Memorial Library Fund
Sarah A. Watson Cemetery Fund
Carrie E. Wells Cemetery Fund
Stabilization Fund
Total Cash Receipts for the Year 1970
Cash Balance January 1, 1970
Paid Selectmen's Orders for the Year 1970
Cash Balance December 31, 1970
50. 00
50. 00
25.00
50.00
100.00
25. 00
2,500.00
150.00
1,088. 75
50.00
50.00
100,000.00
Year
Schools
1971
$ 230,000.00
1972
230,000.00
1973
220,000.00
1974
220,000.00
1975
220,000.00
1976
215,000.00
1977
210,000.00
1978
170,000.00
1979
170,000.00
1980
170,000.00
1981
170,000.00
1982
170,000.00
1983
170,000.00
1984
170,000. 00
1985
170,000.00
1986
135,000.00
1987
135,000.00
1988
80,000.00
1989
80,000.00
1990
80,000.00
$3,415,000.00
OUTSTANDING NOTES AND BONDS
Highway Building
$ 35,000.00
35,000.00
35,000.00
35,000.00
35,000.00
30,000.00
30,000.00
30,000.00
Library Addition
115, 511.62
511,489, 555. 17
523, 123,86
12,012,679.03
10, 334, 186. 08
1,678,492.95
Total
$265,000.00
$ 25,000.
00
$
290,000.00
25,000.
00
290,000.00
25,000.
00
280,000.00
25,000.
00
280,000. 00
255,000.00
245,000.00
240,000.00
200,000. 00
170,000. 00
170,000.00
170,000.00
170,000. 00
170,000. 00
170,000.00
170,000.00
135,000.00
135,000.00
80,000.00
80,000.00
$3
80,000. 00
$100,000.
00
780,000.00
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1970
On Deposit December 31, 1970
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1970
On Deposit December 31, 1970
132
ACTON HIGH SCHOOL LIBRARY FUND
Balance January 1, 1970
4,000.00
1, 162.98
ACTON FIREMEN'S RELIEF FUND
Balance January 1, 1970
9, 570.00
7,579.20
5, 162.58
282.90
5,445.
5,445.
17, 149. 20
918.68
18, 067.88
18,067. 88
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1970
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1970
GEORGE T. AMES CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1970
465.49
135.54
601.03
30.25
631.28
50.00
581.28
631.28
ARLETTA APPLEYARD CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1970
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1970
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1970
2,000.00
219.40
2,
219.
122.
40
77
2,
342.
17
2,
50.
292.
00
.17
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1970
On Deposit December 31, 1970
BETSEY M. BALL FUND
Balance January 1, 1970
10,095. 26
10,087. 24
20, 182. 50
1, 102. 71
21, 285. 21
21,285.21
TOWN CELEBRATION 1975 FUND
Balance January 1, 1970
Principal Fund
Received to Fund 1970, Article #50
Received Interest for 1970
On Deposit December 31, 1970
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received to Fund in 1970
Perpetual Care Bequests
Interest
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1970
CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1970
2,000.00
3,000.00
114,843.30
51,556.23
4,335.00
9, 193. 11
5,000.00
161. 17
5, 161. 17
5,161.17
166, 399. 53
13, 528. 11
179,927.64
3,000. 00
176,927.64
179,927.64
133
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1970
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1970
A. B. CONANT CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1970
1, 00.0. 00
328.37
1,328. 37
72.80
1,401. 17
50.00
1,351. 17
1,401. 17
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received to Fund in 1970
Article #40
Interest
Transfers to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1970
CONSERVATION INVESTMENT FUND
Balance January 1, 1970
48,471. 73
1, 584.89
100,000.00
2, 312.63
50,056. 62
102, 312.63
152, 369.25
7,653.85
144, 715. 40
152,369. 25
DR. ROBERT I. DAVIS CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1970
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1970
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1970
1, 000.. 00
372.04
1,372.04
74. 74
1,446. 78
50. 00
1,396. 78
1,446. 78
MARTHA L. DESMOND CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1970
Principal Fund - November 1970
On Deposit December 31, 1970
3,000. 00
3,000.00
ELRIDGE JONES ROBBINS & DESCENDENTS FUND
Balance January 1, 1970
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1970
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1970
1,000.00
127.94
1, 127. 94
62.31
1, 190.25
50.00
1, 140.25
1, 190.25
134
ELBRIDGE J. ROBBINS CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1970
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1970
On Deposit December 31, 1970
1, 50.0. 00
47. 05
1,
547.
05
85.
72
1,
632.
77
1,
632.
77
Prinicipal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1970
On Deposit December 31, 1970
CAPTAIN ROBBINS CEMETERY LOT
Balance January 1, 1970
2, 500.00
78.43
2, 578.43
142. 92
2, 721. 35
2, 721.35
ROBBINS-AMES MEMORIAL TRUST FUND
Balance January 1, 1970
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1970
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1970
21,210. 08
665.49
21,875. 57
1,212. 85
23,088.42
100.00
22,988.42
23,088.42
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1970
Trustee's Orders for 1970
On Deposit December 31, 1970
ELIZABETH WHITE FUND
Balance January 1, 1970
25,000. 00
5, 735.96
30, 735.96
1,687.48
32,423.44
885.00
31, 538.44
32, 423. 44
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1970
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1970
GEORGIA E. WHITNEY MEMORIAL FUND
Balance January 1, 1970
15,000. 00
5,466.94
20, 466.94
1,072.00
21, 538.94
1,265.62
20,273.32
21, 538. 94
135
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1970
Selectmen's Orders for 1970
On Deposit December 31, 1970
GEORGIA E. WHITNEY FUND
Balance January 1, 1970
14,073. 70
548. 48
14, 622. 18
807. 22
15,429.40
800. 00
14, 629. 40
15,429.40
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1970
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1970
GEORGIA E. WHITNEY CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1970
1, 500. 00
832. 95
2,332.95
126. 70
2,459.65
50.00
2, 409.65
2,459.65
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1970
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1970
FRANK C. HAYWARD CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1970
1,000.00
1,016.01
2, 016.01
122. 55
"2, 138. 56
50.00
2,088. 56
2, 138. 56
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1970
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1970
HO IT AND SCOTT CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1970
500.00
327. 27
827. 27
44. 83
872. 10
50.00
822. 10
872. 10
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1970
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1970
136
MRS. HARRY O'NEIL CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1970
372.39
109. 51
481. 90
24. 24
506. 14
25.00
481. 14
506. 14
FRANK R. KNOWLTON CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1970
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1970
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1970
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1970
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1970
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1970
On Deposit December 31, 1970
LUKE BLANCHARD CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1970
HENRY S. RAYMOND FUND
MONUMENT PERPETUAL CARE
Balance January 1, 1970
1,000.00
374. 71
2,419.24
798. 56
700. 00
821.35
1,374. 71
71.64
1,446. 35
50.00
1,396.35
1,446. 35
3,217.80
172. 81
3,390. 61
100.00
3,290.61
3,390.. 61
1, 521.35
56.62
1, 577.97
1, 577.97
HENRY S. RAYMOND CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1970
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1970
Transfer to Monument Fund (adjustment)
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1970
$
2,000.00
1, 197.78
$
3, 197.78
200. 31
3. 398. 09
27.22
25. 00
52. 22
3,345.87
3,398.09
137
SUSAN NOYES HOSMER CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1970
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1970
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1970
82, 238.95
24, 591.31
106, 830. 26
6,062. 78
112, 893.04
2, 500.00
110, 393. 04
112,893.04
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1970
On Deposit December 31, 1970
VARNUM TUTTLE MEMORIAL FUND
Balance January 1, 1970
10,000.00
5, 295.92
15,295.92
832.09
16, 128.01
16, 128.01
J. ROLAND WETHERBEE CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1970
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1970
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1970
10,000.00
6, 729. 57
16,729. 57
908.08
17,637. 65
150. 00
17,487.65
17,637.65
ACTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY FUND
Balance January 1, 1970
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received to Fund
Bequest
Interest for 1970
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1970
27, 583.67
5,250. 54
100.00
1,779.97
32,834. 21
1, 879. 97
34,714. 18
1,088. 75
33, 625.43
34, 714. 18
138
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1970
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1970
Principal Fund
Received Interest for 1970
On Deposit December 31, 1970
SARAH A. WATSON CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1970
2, 500. 00
1,018. 52
WEST ACTON FIREMEN'S RELIEF FUND
Balance January 1, 1970
3, 518. 52
193. 93
3, 712.45
50. 00
3,662.45
3, 712.45
1,483. 28
83. 25
1, 566.53
1, 566. 53
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1970
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1970
STABILIZATION FUND
Balance January 1, 1970
$ 80,000.00
26,423.80
106,423.80.
4, 594.63
111,018.43
100,000.00
11,018.43
111,018.43
CARRIE F. WELLS CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1970
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1970
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1970
3,000.00
1,311.24
Wm. Henry Soar
Town Treasurer
4, 311. 24
235.48
4, 546. 72
50.00
4,496. 72
4, 546. 72
139
COLLECTOR
For the Year Ending December 31, 1970
PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES - 1966
Outstanding January 1, 1970
Payments to Treasurer
Outstanding December 31, 1970
Outstanding January 1, 1970
Outstanding December 31, 1970
Outstanding January 1, 1970
Outstanding December 31, 1970
Outstanding January 1, 1970
Payments to Treasurer
Outstanding December 31, 1970
Commitment per Warrant
Payments to Treasurer
Abatements
Outstanding December 31, 1970
Outstanding January 1, 1970
Refunds
Payments to Treasurer
Abatements
Transferred to Tax Titles
Outstanding December 31, 1970
Commitment per Warrant
Refunds
Payments to Treasurer
Abatements
Transferred to Tax Titles
Outstanding December 31, 1970
221. .40
3, 473.61
PERSONEL PROPERTY TAXES - 1967
PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES - 1968
PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES - 1969
2,000.47
2, 186.80
PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES - 1970
REAL ESTATE TAXES - 1969
133,959. 79
221.45
4, 659.05
102, 731.21
882.47
101, 199.06
572.46
1,842. 16
0
REAL ESTATE TAXES - 1970
4,035, 956.97
11,499.94
3, 878, 200.09
44, 557.41
3,489.88
121,209. 53
MOTOR VEHICLE & TRAILER EXCISE TAXES - 1964
Abatements rescinded in 1970
Payments to Treasurer
MOTOR VEHICLE & TRAILER EXCISE TAXES - 1965
Outstanding January 1, 1970
Outstanding December 31, 1970
MOTOR VEHICLE & TRAILER EXCISE TAXES - 1966
Outstanding January 1, 1970
Outstanding December 31, 1970
140
$ 3,695.01
3,695. 01
2, 523.40
2,523.40
2,060.40
2,060.40
4, 187. 27
4, 187. 27
138,840.29
138,840.29
103,613.68
103, 613. 68
4, 047,456.91
4,047,
.456.
91
89.
66
89.
66
384.
00
384.
00
3,
604.
09
3,
604.
09
68,
545
48
14,
972.
34
8,
191.
53
MOTOR VEHICLE & TRAILER EXCISE TAXES - 1967
Outstanding January 1, 1970 $ 2,939.45
Payments to Treasurer $ 42.90
Outstanding December 31, 1970 2,896. 55 2,939.45
MOTOR VEHICLE & TRAILER EXCISE TAXES - 1968
Outstanding January 1, 1970 4,918.24
Payments to Treasurer 477. 28
Oustanding December 31, 1970 4,440.96 4,918.24
MOTOR VEHICLE & TRAILER EXCISE TAXES - 1969
Outstanding January 1, 1970 48,121.84
Commitment per Warrants 38, 814. 33
Refunds 4, 773. 18 91,709.35
Payments to Treasurer
Abatements
Outstanding December 31, 1970 8, 191. 53 91, 709. 35
MOTOR VEHICLE & TRAILER EXCISE TAXES - 1970
Commitment per Warrants
Refunds
Payments to Treasurer
Abatements
Outstanding December 31, 1970
FARM ANIMAL EXCISE TAXES - 1970
Commitment per Warrant
Payments to Treasurer
STREET BETTERMENTS ADDED TO TAXES - 1970
Commitment per Warrant
Payments to Treasurer 709.95
Outstanding December 31, 1970 65.61
COMMITTED INTEREST - 1970
Commitment per Warrant 135.45
Payments to Treasurer 122.33
Outstanding December 31, 1970 13. 12 135.45
ADDITIONAL INTEREST & COSTS ON ALL TAXES I- 1970
Collections for 1970 8,980.62
Payments to Treasurer 8, 980. 62
CERTIFICATES OF MUNICIPAL LIENS - 1970
Collections for 1970 1,193.00
Payments to Treasurer 1, 193. 00
460,
927.
31
6,
931.
50
365,
277,
69
29,
291.
16
73,
289.
96
467,
858.
81
467,
858.
81
246.
75
246.
75
775.
56
775.
56
141
APPORTIONED STREET ASSESSMENTS - NOT DUE
Balance due January 1, 1970 3,386.53
Added to Real Estate Taxes - 1970 377.94
Apportioned - Payments in Full 397.62
Balance December 31, 1970
Due 1971 to 1984 inclusive 2,610.97 3,386.53
CEMETERY DEPARTMENT - ANNUAL CARE OF LOTS
Outstanding January 1, 1970 $ 73.00
Commitments per Warrants 668. 45 $ 741.45
Payments to Treasurer 632.00
Abatements 51. 50
Outstanding December 31, 1970 57. 95 741.45
Wm. Henry Soar
Town Collector
142
ASSESSORS
The Board of Assessors have had a year of changes in 1970. In September the Town's first full time
Assistant Assessor was employed. Ralph Dodge of Saugus comes to Acton with twelve years background in
the Assessing Field in the Towns of Saugus and Wakefield. He is presently conducting a review of all real
estate in the Town. This program will take about two years and the updating of valuations will correct any
inequities that may exist.
In October, John Loring was appointed as a member of the Board of Assessors. This appointment is
an asset, as Mr. Loring, a former Selectman, comes to the Board with many years of experience in muni-
cipal government.
1970 has been an exceptionally busy year, in the Assessing Department with the increasing number of
multiple family apartments being constructed. There were 310 building permits reviewed and appraised
during the year.
The Assessors office staff has processed hundreds of real estate transfers as well as adjusting motor
vehicle excise abatements and handling of statutory exemptions as required by law.
Taxes Assessed as Follows:
Buildings exclusive of land
Land
Personal Property
Total Valuation January 1,
Valuation January 1, 1969
Increase in Valuation
1970
$74, 548,205.00
19, 311, 255. 00
3,228,844.00
$97, 088, 304. 00
88, 979, 095. 00
$ 8, 109, 209.00
Rate of Taxation - $43. 00 per $1000. 00
Real Estate
Personal Property
Total Taxes Assessed
4,035, 956. 97
138,840. 29
$ 4, 174, 797.26
Amount of Money Raised:
State Parks and Reservations $ 14, 555. 96
Audit of Municipal Accounts 4, 188. 58
Metropolitan District Area Planning Council 503. 88
Elderly Retiree Program 1, 599. 48
State Assessment System 407. 52
Motor Vehicle Excise Bills 1,374.45
County Tax 94,018.31
County Hospital 9, 760. 45
Town Grant 3,988,388.44
Overlay 60, 000. 19
$ 4, 174, 797.26
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise
Number of Vehicles Assessed - 9636
Commissioners Value of Motor Vehicles
and Trailers
$ 7, 741, 340.00
Rate of Excise - $66. 00 per $1000
Total Excise
Added Excise - 1969
Number of Vehicles added 1969 Excise
Value of Vehicles - added Excise
1094
460,927.31
38, 814.33
1, 345,985.00
Dewey E. Boatman, Chairman
Carl C. Flint
John H. Loring, Clerk
Board of Assessors
143
JURY LIST
PRECINCT 1
Carol H. Flagg, 70 Esterbrook Road, Home
A. Roy Fogelgren, 43 Alcott Street, Programmer
Donald Foster, 17 Davis Road, Physicist
Myron I. Holt, 121 Great Road, Quality Control
John C. Werrbach, 2 Evergreen Road, Sales Manager
Robert L, Brett, 358 Great Road, Merchant
Donald R, Burns, 10 Flagg Road, Maintenance Foreman
E. Wilson Bursaw, 23 Newtown Road, Oil Business
John L. Knight, 18 Pope Road, Electronic Technician
Victor Krea, 93 Concord Road, Sales
Wilson D. LeVan, 37 Old Village Road, Publishing Co. V. P.
Robert I. Miller, 23 Concord Road, Research Chemist
Willard A. Muir, 4 Green Wood Lane, Electrical Engineer
Billy G. Putnam, 15 Hemlock Lane, Engineer
Thomas J. Regan, Jr. , 99 Concord Road, Structural Engineer
Wallace A. Semple, 437 Main Street, Electronic Assembler
Carlyle J. Sletten, 106 Nagog Hill Road, Electronics Scientist
Raymond C. Stinson, 725 Main Street, Electronics
Eugene P. Tangney, 2 Magnolia Drive, Personnel Manager
Paul R. Vigliotti, 30 Carlisle Road, Shovel Operator
Robert A. Brown, 10 Thoreau Road, Salesman
Francis L. Carroll, 8 Wilson Lane, Engineer
Michael B. Cole, 84 Nagog Hill Road, Mechanical Engineer
Dorothy M. Dicicco, 67 Taylor Road, Secretary
Clayton L. Hagy, 15 Coughlin Street, Insurance
Paul C. Hamilton, 4 Wilson Lane, Engineer
William C. Holway, 48 Alcott Street, Mechanical Engineer
Stephen G. Lewis, 6 Whittier Drive, Engineer
Richard E. Loughlin, 7 Balsam Drive, Electrical Engineer
Richard C. Nylander, 144 Great Road, Museum Curatorial Assistant
John Ribeiro, 52 Alcott Street, Calibrating Instrument Engineer
Robert M. Richter, 16 Alcott Street, Sales Engineer
David L. Waddington, 143 Newtown Road, Engineer
Elwood S. Wood, III, 41 Washington Drive, General Manager
PRECINCT 2
Mary K. Hadley, 45 Martin Street, Consultant
Roland Boisvert, 40 Central Street, President - Digital
Morris Breslouf, 10 Beverly Road, Chemist
Ronald A. Cohen, 60 Conant Street, Scientist
Peter C. Corbett, 2 Oakwood Road, Physicist
Peter J. Cronin, 251 School Street, News Supervisor
John R. Folsom, 47 Piper Road, Draftsman
Charles R. Furlong, Jr. , 6 Valley Road, Supervisor
Stanley P. Garmon, 4 Russell Road, Lineman
Michael V. P. Grace, 10 Faulkner Hill Road, Staff Planner
Parker Harrison, Jr. , 22 Tuttle Drive, Insurance Agent
Maurice W. Kirby, Jr., 133 High Street, District Manager
Leonard L. Kreidermacher, 23 Brucewood Road, Computer Engineer
Walter Niskanen, 49 Main Street, Cook
Frank S. Passerello, 50 Maple Street, Foreman
Richard W. Ahart, 190 Main Street, Office Manager
Allan R. Amoling, 7 Gioconda Avenue, Assistant Analyst
Theodore J. Batulin, 9 Railroad Street, Painter
Harold D. Butts, 20 Brucewood Road, Manager - Tektronix
Edwin A. Carell, 9 Broadview Street, Engineer
James W. Carpenter, Crescent Street, Real Estate Broker
William L. Chipman, 46 High Street, Investments
John A. Coane, 78 Liberty Street, Electronic Engineer
Charles R. Fox, Jr. , 29 Martin Street, Auditor
Ole Garthe, 173 Main Street, Carpenter
Waino J. Kangas, 31 Parker Street, Maintenance
Edwin A. Mercer, Jr. , 38 Faulkner Hill Road, Data Processing Manager
Victor Oskirko, Jr. , 106 High Street, Electrical Assembler
144
PRECINCT 2 (continued)
Francis B. Parker, 85 Hosmer Street, Credit Manager
Robert P. Quebec, 25 Heritage Road, Engineer
Frederick J. Strate, 200 Main Street, Truck Driver
John V. Terry, 45 Faulkner Hill Road, Electrical Engineer
John A. Thompson, 65 High Street, Engineer
Paul G. Von Rhee, 20 Oakwood Road, Engineer
PRECINCT 3
Charles D. Driscoll, 7 Winter Street, Security Trader
Wilfred A. Fordon, 22 Orchard Drive, Electrical Engineer
Christopher C. Kellogg, 5 Orchard Drive, Assistant Manager
John E. Mutty, Jr., 21 Tuttle Drive, Electrical Engineer
Bruce B. Nesary, 16 Elm Street, Truck Driver
Benjamin F. Rice, 44 Nashoba Road, Maintenance Man
Douglas W. Whitcomb, 108 Summer Street, Draftsman
George S. Bryant, 6 Baxter Road, I. B. M. Operator
William A. Castner, 10 Deacon Hunt Drive, Engineering Manager
Cornelius E. Coughlin, 98 Summer Street, Comptroller
Flavil R. Edgin, 13 Duggan Road, Mngt. Engineer
John W. MacDonald, 17 Birch Ridge Road, Salesman
Wiley Mitchell, 285 Arlington Street, Journalist
Warren R. Peterson, 350 Arlington Street, Grocery Clerk
Ralph R. Rollins, 305 Central Street, Post Office
John W. Baker, 4 Wachusett Drive, Machinist
Eugene R. Buck, 3 Mohegan Road, Buyer
Philip G. Clemence, 38 Windsor Avenue, Clerk
Richard F. Croce, 19 Smart Road, Electrical Engineer
Grant M. Dodson, 377 Central Street, Salesman
David H. Donaldson, 28 Mohawk Drive, Purchasing Agent
John J. Foley, 1 Algonquin Road, Electrical Engineer
John W. Forrest, 6 Algonquin Road, Mechanical Engineer
George F. Geisenhainer, 5 Captain Forbush Lane, Sales Supervisor
James C. Lawson, 3 Betsy Ross Circle, Chemical Engineer
George H. Locke, Jr. , 235 Arlington Street, Assembly Man
Ernest F. O' Clair, 5 Seneca Road, Mechanic
Robert J. Purvis, 8 Ethan Allen Drive, Research Manager
Francis X. Quinn, 21 Oneida Road, Controller
John P. Russell, 378 Central Street, Marketing
Richard J. Scire, 305 Arlington Street, Cable Maker
Kenneth M. Simpson, 3 Agawam Road, Salesman
James W. Sweeney, 11 Notre Dame Road, Plant Engineer
David E. Worrall, 16 Mohawk Drive, Tube Grinder
145
INDEX
Page
ACCOUNTANT 112
ANIMALS, INSPECTOR OF 20
APPEALS, BOARD OF 9
APPOINTMENTS 107
ARCHIVES 52
ASSESSORS 143
BIRTHS 21
BUILDING COMMITTEE 14
BUILDING INSPECTOR 15
CEMETERY COMMISSION 55
CIVIL DEFENSE 8
COLLECTOR 140
CONCORD AREA COMPREHENSIVE MENTAL HEALTH CENTER 19
CONSERVATION COMMISSION Ill
DOG LICENSES 20
DOG OFFICER 19
ELECTION, TOWN 59
ELECTION, STATE '60
ELIZABETH WHITE FUND 15
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT 10
FINANCE COMMITTEE (See Warrant Supplement)
FIRE DEPARTMENT 4
GOODNOW FUND 56
HEALTH, BOARD OF 16
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT 12
HISTORICAL COMMISSION 51
HOUSING AUTHORITY , 54
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION 57
INSECT PEST CONTROL 54
JURY LIST 144
LIBRARY REPORTS 47
1975 CELEBRATION, ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON 51
OFFICERS 107
PLANNING BOARD 11
POLICE DEPARTMENT 3
PUBLIC CEREMONIES AND CELEBRATIONS COMMITTEE 53
RECREATION COMMISSION 50
SCHOOL REPORT 26
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 9
SELECTMEN-TOWN MANAGER 1
SEWERAGE STUDY COMMITTEE 57
STREET DIRECTORY AND MAP Center Fold
STREET LIGHT COMMITTEE 9
TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE 54
TOWN MEETING PROCEEDINGS:
March 9, 1970 62
March 16, 1970 104
June 29, 1970 104
September 28, 1970 106
TREASURER'S REPORT 128
TREE WARDEN 54
VETERANS' AGENT 58
VETERANS' GRAVES OFFICER 58
VOCATIONAL REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT PLANNING COMMITTEE 46
WIRES, INSPECTOR OF 8
WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION 56
147
POLICE EMERGENCY 263-2911
FIRE EMERGENCY 263-9191
(Emergency Only)
BE SURE TO GIVE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS AS WELL AS THE NATURE OF YOUR EMERGENCY CLEARLY.
DO NOT HANG UP UNTIL YOU ARE SURE THAT YOUR MESSAGE HAS BEEN UNDERSTOOD.
Town Office - Call 263-2761
FOR ANSWERS ON:
Assessments
Bills and Accounts, Taxes
Birth, Death, Marriage Certificates
Building
Cemeteries
Dog, Hunting, and Fishing Licenses
Dog Problems
Education Information
Elections, Voting, and Registration
Engineering
Fire (routine)
Garbage and Refuse, Health and Sanitation
Highways and Streets
Library
Licenses
Nurse (School)
Nurse (School)
Nurse (Town)
Oil Burner Permits
Permits for Burning
Plumbing Permits
Schools:
CALL THE
TELEPHONE
Veterans' Services
Water Problems
Welfare Questions
Zoning
Electrical Wiring
Electrical Wiring Permits
Board of Assessors 263-5012
Treasurer and Collector 263-7018
Town Clerk's Office 263-2761
Building Inspector 263-7545
Cemetery Superintendent 263-2240 or 263-4428
Town Clerk's Office 263-2761
Dog Officer 263-4979
School Superintendent 263-5737
Town Clerk's Office 263-2761
Town Engineer's Office 263-7545
Fire Department 263-4366
Board of Health 263-4736
Town Engineer 263-7545
Librarian 263-2232
Selectmen, Town Manager or 263-2761
Board of Health 263-4736
School Nurse, Junior High and High Schools 263-7738
Elementary Schools 263-4982
Town Nurse 263-4736
Fire Chief 263-4366
Fire Department 263-4366
Board of Health 263-4736
Carolyn T. Douglas School 263-2753
Julia L. McCarthy School 263-4982
Marion L. Towne School 263-2042
Florence A. Merriam School 263-2581
Paul P. Gates School 263-9162
Acton-Boxborough Regional Junior High School .... 263-7716
Acton-Boxborough Regional High School 263-7738
Veterans' Agent 263-4757
**— Water District (not part of Town of Acton) 263-5646
Welfare Board (Office in Bedford - Call Collect) . . . 275-6668
Zoning Enforcement Officer 263-7545
Wire Inspector 263-5555
Office - 69 Hayward Road 263-4736
MEETINGS
DAY & TIME
PLACE
Annual Town Election
Annual Town Meeting
Appeals Board
Assessors
Building Committee
Conservation Commission
Finance Committee
Health Board
Industrial Development Commission
Library Trustees
I 'la Lg I >i >.i r>
Recreation Commission
School Committee:
Regional
i oca]
Sele c tmen
1st Monday in March
2nd Monday in March
Meet when necessary
1st Tuesday ea. month, 7-8:30 p.m.
1st and 3rd Wed. ea. month, 7:30 p.m.
1st and 3rd Wed. ea. month, 8:00 p.m.
Oct. thru Feb., Thurs. at 8 p.m.
Rest of year, Thurs. on call
2nd and 4th Mon. ea. month, 7:30 p.m.
1st Wed. ea. month, 8 p.m.
1st Thurs. ea. month, 7:30 p. m.
2nd and 4th Mon. ea. month, 8 p.m.
2nd and 4th Tues. ea. month, 7:30 p.m.
2nd Mon. ea. month, 7:30 p.m.
3rd VI on. ea. month, 7:30 p.m.
I - rj Tues. at 7:30 p.m.
Precinct Fire Stations
Blanchard Auditorium
Town Hall
Town Hall
Town Hall
Center Fi re Station
South Acton Fire Station
Office at 69 lla\ ward Rd.
Town Hall
M emorial I .ibrarj
Office at '>'" Haj ward Rd.
Town Hall
I ibrar: U'JMIS
School ( omm. Rm. \ I SR I is
Town Hal]
3 wly?
ACTON
ANNUAL
REPORT
1 97 1
:;■:■:.■
OF GENERAL INTEREST
Incorporated as a Town: July 3, 1735
Type of Government: Open Town Meeting-Selectmen-Town Manager.
Location: Eastern Massachusetts, Middlesex County, bordered on
the east by Carlisle and Concord, on the west by B
borough, on the north by Westford and Littleton, on the
south by Sudbury, and on the southwest by Stow and'
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
1910
1950
1955
1960
1965
1970
2136
3510
4681
7238
10188
14770
Density
106 per sq.
175
233
361
507
739
Climate:
Public Education:
Tax Picture:
Normal January temperature 27.7° F.
Normal July temperature 72.0° F.
Normal annual precipitation 43.02 inches.
Pupil enrollment (October 1971):
Grades 1-6, 2437; Grades 7-12, 2290 (Regional)
Number of teachers and administrative staff: 291
Pupil-teacher ratio: 1 to 27 (avg. elementary grades)
1 to 20 (avg. Jr. and Sr. High)
Assessed Valuation
$70,309,795
74,262,745
79,513,915
88,979,095
97,088,304
104,939,555
United States Senators in Congress: Edward W. Brooke (R), Newton, Massachusetts
Edward M. Kennedy (D), Boston, Massachusetts
Representative in Congress, 3rd Congressional Dist: . Robert F. Drinan (D), Newton, Massachusetts
State Senator, 5th Middlesex District: James DeNormandie, Lincoln, Massachusetts
Representative, General Court, 33rd Middlesex Dist: . Chester G. Atkins, Acton, Massachusetts
Governor's Council, 3rd District: George F. Cronin, Jr., Boston, Massachusetts
Year
Tax Rate
1966
$29
1967
31
1968
34
1969
38.50
1970
43
1971
45
OFFICE HOURS
Town Office (Selectmen,
Town Manager, Clerk)
Treasurer and Collector
Assessors
School Superintendent
Asst. School Superintendent
Board of Health
Veterans' Agent
Library Hours:
Memorial Library
Citizens, West Acton
7:30 p.m. )
7:30-8:30 p.m. )
7:30-8:30 p.m. )
8-4:30 (Tues.
8-4:30 (Tues.
8-4:30 (Tues.
8-4:30
8-4:30
8-4:30
No Regular Hours
Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. -9 p.m.
Saturday, 9-5 p.m.
Mon., 7-9 p.m.
Tues.-Fri., 10-5 p.m.
Town Hall
Town Hall
Town Hall
A-B Regional H. S.
A-B Regional H. S.
Office at Forest Road
At Home
263-2761
263-7018
263-5012
263-9503
263-9503
263-4736
263-4757
263-2232
ANNUAL REPORTS
TOWN of ACTON
MASSACHUSETTS
TWO HUNDRED AND THIRTY-SIXTH
MUNICIPAL YEAR
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER THIRTY-FIRST
1971
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
SELECTMEN-TOWN MANAGER 3
FIRE 5
POLICE 9
CIVIL DEFENSE 10
STREET LIGHT 10
INSPECTOR OF WIRES 11
ENGINEERING 11
PLANNING BOARD 12
HIGHWAY. 14
BUILDING COMMITTEE 16
BUILDING INSPECTOR 17
BOARD OF APPEALS 18
WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION 18
GOODNOW FUND 18
HEALTH 19
ELIZABETH WHITE FUND 21
TOWN CLERK 22
DOG LICENSES 26
TOWN FOREST 27
TREE WARDEN 27
INSECT PEST CONTROL 27
DOG OFFICER 27
SEWERAGE STUDY 28
SEALER OF WEIGHTS 28
SCHOOL REPORT 29
Report of the Superintendent of Schools 30
Report of the High School Principal ' 32
Report of the Junior High School Principal 34
Pupil Personnel Services 38
Report of School Nurses 39
Report of the School Committee 40
School Finances 45
VOCATIONAL REGIONAL SCHOOL 49
INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS 49
LIBRARIES 50
HISTORICAL COMMISSION 52
YOUTH COMMISSION 53
RECREATION 56
1975 CELEBRATION 59
CONSERVATION COMMISSION 59
HOUSING AUTHORITY 61
CEMETERIES 61
VETERANS' AGENT 63
VETERANS' GRAVES 6 3
ARCHIVES 63
ASSESSORS 64
STREET DIRECTORY AND MAP (see Center fold)
TOWN MEETINGS 65
March 10, 1971 65
June 22, 1971 84
November 1, 1971 86
TOWN ELECTION 87
TOWN OFFICERS AND APPOINTMENTS 88
TOWN ACCOUNTANT 92
TOWN TREASURER 108
COLLECTOR 120
JURY LIST 124
INDEX 127
This Annual Report is respectfully dedicated to the late
CARL C. FLINT
"Mr. Acton"
He served the community well as Assessor from March 6,
1939 to November 15, 1971.
He was part of the Acton scene since 1892.
His contributions stem from an abiding respect for his fellow-
men and his devotion to his community and its people.
Carl Flint's years in Acton have become part of the tradition
and the progress of our community.
SELECTMEN-TOWN MANAGER
On March 23, 1971 the Board of Selectmen reorganized, welcoming Alfred F. Steinhauer as its newest
member. The Board elected Paul H. Lesure, Chairman; William C. Sawyer, Vice -Chairman; Alfred F.
Steinhauer, Clerk. The two additional members: William L. Chipman and Paul R. Nyquist.
The tenor of the 1971 Annual Town Meeting reflected a continuing increase in the size and complexity of
our community. Significant actions included:
1) our entrance into the Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical School District with eleven
other towns;
2) the establishment of a Youth Commission;
3) updating of our Building Code to require fire protection systems in all future construction;
4) appropriation of funds for the purchase of three parcels of land adjacent to our sanitary land-
fill site which will be used for future municipal use;
5) authorization to appoint three additional patrolmen as the first step in a three-year program
to bring our police force up to the recommended national standard of one patrolman per 500
population.
The Annual Town Meeting also overwhelmingly supported an amendment to our Protective Zoning Bylaw
which deleted the construction of apartment houses as a permitted use. This action was taken in the hope that
the apartment house construction boom which occurred in Acton during 1969 and 1970 could be curtailed. It is
our opinion that Acton has a more than adequate number of apartments at this time and for the foreseeable fu-
ture. Their impact upon our need for increased fire and police protection is only now becoming evident.
Our Town Bylaws were also amended to provide for newly elected town officials taking office at the ter-
mination of the Annual Town Meeting. This amendment was voted to make the provisions of our Bylaws and
Charter coincidental.
Moderator John W. Putnam concluded his term with this Annual Town Meeting and newly-elected Mod-
erator John W. Tierney assumed the position on March 17, 1971. We would like to thank Mr. Putnam for his
six years of dedicated service to the Town.
In June the Town Manager appointed John A. Duclos as our first year-round Director of Recreation.
Mr. Duclos and the Recreation Commission have formulated expanded recreation plans and programs which
will hopefully be implemented during 1972. An adult evening recreation program was initiated in 1971 and
numerous winter programs have recently begun.
Our Permanent Building Committee was exceptionally busy throughout the year with the construction of
the Public Works facility on Forest Road, the Luther Conant elementary school on Taylor Road, and the major
addition to the regional school complex on Charter Road.
In July the Commonwealth's "no burning" order became final and residents found themselves at the sani-
tary landfill site more frequently. Leaves, brush, and grass clippings, once burned in the backyard, now had
to be carried to the landfill site. The volume of material brought to the landfill site increased dramatically.
We are presently evaluating recommendations concerning a regional refuse disposal district, townwide refuse
pickup, combination trash-garbage pickup, new landfill sites, and improved equipment for the landfill. We
believe that every effort must be made during 1972 to resolve the refuse disposal problem which the Town will
be facing within the next two to three years.
Unauthorized filling of lowland areas continued to present frequent problems, and we are pleased to note
that the State Department of Natural Resources seems to have become more responsive to our requests for
enforcement of the "Hatch Act". For the most part, the Town's Flood Plain Zoning has proven itself effective
in preventing unwise new development in lowland areas. Beginning in 1972, our Conservation Commission
will, by law, assume our previous "Hatch Act" duties.
Some of Acton's most volatile issues involved the rapidly changing manners and mores of youth. Con-
troversy centered around the Teen Center which was established in the former Unitarian Church at the inter-
section of Main and Central Streets, the establishment in the same area of a private boarding school for youth
with special educational problems, and the loitering of youth and young adults in and around the Town Com-
mon. A great deal of time was spent by the Board of Selectmen, Town Manager, Police Chief and Youth Com-
mission in meeting with area residents and youth in an attempt to coalesce divergent attitudes and promote
mutual understanding. It is safe to say that this will continue to be a primary concern in 1972 and that a heavy
responsibility lies with our youth and young adult population in terms of appropriate self-discipline in public
activity.
During the first months of the year the Selectmen and other Town bodies met several times with State
Department of Public Works officials and Acton residents relative to the proposed reconstruction of Route 2.
After numerous revisions to the original plans presented by the State, the Selectmen and the Department of
Public Works reached agreement on pLans which reduced the size of large proposed interchanges at Ilosmer
Street and Taylor Road and reduced the area and number of eminent domain land takings. The suggestions,
ideas, and information presented to the Board by Route 2 area residents proved extremely valuable in assist-
ing the Board in its recommendations to the Department of Public Works.
Other problems which have consumed a great deal of effort and which have been approached by an un-
usually cooperative group of Town boards and committees include:
1) controls over and requirement of sewage treatment plant facilities for a major Route 2A
condominium development;
2) monitoring of site plans for new commercial and apartment construction (a very vital but
complicated process);
3) inspection of State plans for reconstruction of Route 111 (much of our serious concern here
will extend over into 1972);
4) the proposed development of both large apartment and residential areas in Boxborough im-
mediately adjoining the Acton Water Supply District's Whitcomb wells (provoking a joint study
of the impact on our water supply by the Selectmen of Boxborough and Acton, the Water Com-
missioners, the Acton Board of Health, and the Acton Planning Board);
5) the idling of railroad engines during winter months in South Acton with resultant air and noise
pollution overtones.
Simple and absolute answers in problem areas such as these just do not pop out of the woodwork. Much time
and much thought must be applied if we are to carry out our responsibilities to all of our citizens in an accept-
able fashion.
We note with sorrow the passing of Carl C. Flint, member of the Board of Assessors for the past 32
years. Not only did Carl serve the Town faithfully for a most extended period of time, but he had become a
friend to all those with whom he worked. Helen A. Wood, Trustee of the Elizabeth White Fund since 1953,
also passed away during 1971. Her service as a trustee benefited many of the town's needy during times of
hardship. It is always sad to bid a final goodbye to valued and dedicated associates.
In summary, 1971 has been another active year with your Selectmen meeting well in excess of 100 times.
The Selectmen, Town Manager, Department Heads and the various Town Boards and Committees have worked
closely together in an effort to better communication among Town entities, hence to carry out their duties
more efficiently. We should like to here extend our gratitude to all of the Town's employees and board and
committee members who have assisted us in attacking the many problems and challenges which were presented
during the year.
Paul H. Lesure, Chairman
William C. Sawyer, Vice-Chairman
Alfred F. Steinhauer, Clerk
William L. Chipman
Paul R. Nyquist
Board of Selectmen
and
Robert W. Dotson
Town Manager
FIRE
Total number of alarms responded to are as follows:
Residential
Churches and Schools
Mercantile
Manufacturing
Storage - Garages
Grass - Brush - Woods
Miscellaneous
Vehicle
False Alarms
Accidental Alarms and Smoke Scares
Emergencies
Investigation
Special Service
Mutual Aid Sent
Box Alarms
Still Alarms
Deaths by Fire
Fire Loss
Buildings and Contents
Vehicles
Miscellaneous
Assessed Value of Property Involved
Permits Issued
1970
1971
32
31
2
1
5
0
3
9
5
2
43
49
52
48
27
44
11
11
15
28
50
77
87
107
112
88
11
16
455
511
66
94
412
417
0
4
$12,114.00
5,425.00
$17,539.00
$2,220,779.00
$ 42,151.46
5,090.00
67,500.00
$114,741.46
$2,553,260.00
Oil and Power Burners
Blasting
Liquified Petroleum
Flammable Liquids
Miscellaneous
40
38
3
2
7
58
46
5
10
17
Monies Collected
Permits
Station Rental and Insurance Claims
Miscellaneous
$ 73.00
126.00
115.00
$314.00
$ 99.00
115.00
$214.00
Department Operations
Fire calls in 1971 were again on the increase after a respite in 1970. An increase of 16% was noted in
all calls with the only drop being in the number of building fires. Even with the drop in this category our fire
loss in this area was greater. Our largest loss of the year occurred when a helicopter crashed on Minute
Man Ridge. We were most fortunate that no one was killed as the aircraft missed the house by only 50 feet,
as well as some children playing nearby. Early in December, four children were killed in a fire on Railroad
Street. Quick work by the first two arriving Fire Fighters saved another youngster from the third floor but
efforts to save the others were in vain.
Our operation during the day with seven men on duty continues to perform well. The day men were able
to handle several house fires due to the quickness of their arrival. We do have trouble with back-up help dur-
ing the day due to Call Men not being available. This has led to apparatus not responding, due to this lack of
manpower. Fortunately we were not hit with any major problems during the days.
At night our problem is different but potentially more dangerous. During certain hours we have had
problems with the response of Call Men. After 4:30 P. M. when the paid men go off duty and until about 6:30
P. M. , when most of the Call Force returns to town, we have had trouble in manning apparatus in Center and
South. Late at night between 12 midnight and 7:00 A. M., the problem is the delay from the time the alarm
sounded until the apparatus responds with Call Men. West Acton has continued to cover the Town after 4:30
P. M. in regard to minor problems; however, I am concerned that this Engine will be out of quarters when a
serious fire strikes West Acton. At best our operations after 4:30 P. M. can only be called a patch job relying
on the availability and speed of the Call Force.
In other areas of operations such as Fire Prevention, Fire Alarm, Training and Maintenance, the four
Captains continue to do an excellent job. All areas have expanded their operations during the year with con-
siderable success. I am always amazed by the willingness of our Officers and Fire Fighters to assume new
and challenging responsibilities to carry out the Department's work.
In all fairness to the Call Men, their dedication must also be recognized as I am afraid that it may ap-
pear that they are to blame for the problems of the Fire Department. It is not easy for them to take on the
responsibilities of fire fighting and training in addition to their own work and family commitments. The Town
will need Call Men for some time to come and I only hope that we are blessed with the type of men we now have.
Training
The Department training program under the direction of Captain MacGregor, again recorded over 2,000
man hours in training. Over 1,000 hours were spent in training the Call Force alone. The full-time Officers
and men attended specialized courses in Bomb Incidents, Rescue, Emergency Transport of the Injured and
Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation.
Call Officers and men attended courses sponsored by the Massachusetts Fire Academy. In November of
this year a Special Fire Grounds operations course was conducted by the Fire Academy on an abandoned build-
ing on Route 2A. This course was attended by 12 of our regular and Call Fire Fighters.
Fire Fighters are continuing in the Fire Science Program at the Mass. Bay Community College.
Due to the water supply problems in North Acton, the training officer spent several hours in instructing
on the use of the Department's new 4" hose. This project involved instruction in pump operations, relay op-
erations and handling this large size hose.
Several training programs were offered at the Nursing Home in fire fighting and evacuation procedures.
Fire Prevention
During the year Captain Copeland programmed an expanded "In-service" inspection program that enabled
the Department not only to cover the businesses in town but also multiple inspections in special hazard areas.
This increased our "In-service" inspections by 50%. During the fall, at least one station was out on inspec-
tion at any given time. We must also recognize the cooperation of the business community in recognizing the
value received on these inspections. It is interesting to note that our losses in business property are far be-
low national averages.
Required inspections of schools, nursing homes and other places of public assembly were also carried
out. The school program was set up and carried out by Fire Fighter William Soar with over 2,000 children
taking part.
Fire Prevention Week was a great success with our new "Mascot", Sparky the Fire Dog, taking part in
all activities to the delight of the youngsters.
Our third Baby-Sitters Training Course was carried out with 70 youngsters completing the six -hour
course.
We have asked for funds to provide for additional work in Fire Prevention. This money will provide
time for special attention to apartment buildings and special programs for the Junior and Senior High Schools.
Fire Alarm
The new Fire Alarm Office went into full operation early in February. The changeover from the old to
the new system was completed without any interruption of service. Our dispatching and operations have been
greatly improved with the change.
Fire Alarm Superintendent Frost has reported a busy year with the installation of 18 new alarm boxes,
the extension of fire alarm lines on Main Street to North Street, and the adding of a new circuit to the Center
system.
Considerable work had to be done at the request of the Public Utilities. Our fire alarm lines are on
their poles and modification or improvement of the electric or telephone system usually require a relocation
of alarm wires and boxes.
The greatest impact on the Fire Alarm crew was the results of our Building Code requirements in the
area of Fire Protection Systems. Other than the installation of the equipment to tie into the municipal sys-
tem, many hours were spent in planning, approving and inspecting these systems.
A welcome addition to Fire Alarm Division was the acquisition of a used repair vehicle from the Town
of Framingham. This vehicle, which was authorized at the 1971 Town Meeting, was a tremendous assist in
carrying out the line work. Superintendent Frost estimates that the vehicle has enabled his crew to do about
40% more work than was possible when the poles had to be physically climbed.
Personnel
Although permanent personnel remained the same, the Call Force had many changes of personnel. Call
Fire Fighter Malcolm Fullonton retired after 40 years of service. Resignations due to moving out of town and
other commitments necessitated the appointment of eight new Call Fire Fighters. Five of the eight were ap-
pointed from the Auxiliary Department which gave them the benefit of some experience.
The Department has been fortunate to have a dedicated secretary in the person of Mrs. Barbara Bent-
sen. Mrs. Bentsen is only scheduled for 20 hours per week and the work load has increased to such a point
that the job definitely requires a minimum of 40 hours per week. Many projects have had to be postponed and
at the present, Company Inspection Reports are running two to three weeks behind.
Availability of Call Men through the day is becoming more and more of a problem. Our response during
this period has been cut in half in the last four years. A program, backed by the Board of Selectmen, will
attempt to recruit new personnel that will be available during the day.
The present Department personnel is as follows:
Permanent Paid Personnel
Fire Chief
4 Captains
12 Fire Fighters
Building and Grounds
Call (Part-Time) Personnel
2 Deputy Chiefs
2 Lieutenants
36 Call Fire Fighters
Interior painting was carried out in all three stations by the men on duty. All buildings are in good con-
dition. Station 1 in Acton Center will require painting of the trim next year. We are experiencing problems
with the deterioriation of the driveways at Center and South.
In the summer of this year the Recreation Department opened an office in the Center Station. This ne-
cessitated the restriction of the use of the station by outside groups. The only meeting area still available on
a limited basis is the South Acton Station,
Equipment
In August of 1971, Captain Edward Belmont was given the job of Maintenance Officer, as well as his
other duties. Captain Belmont has been able to schedule a preventative maintenance program, as well as up-
date our records in this field.
Used Fire Alarm Repair Vehicle authorized and
purchased in 1971. (Photo by G. B. Williams, Jr.)
New Dodge Pick-Up Truck delivered in
October 1971. (Photo by G. B. Williams, Jr.)
The used Fire Alarm Repair Truck was purchased from the Town of Framingham early in May of this
year. The vehicle was in very good condition and was immediately put into service. A new Dodge pick-up
was placed in service in the fall. This truck replaced the surplus vehicle that was put in service in 1968. The
new truck has performed well and has greatly assisted the Captains in carrying out their duties.
The new base radio was installed in the Fire Alarm Office and has worked fine. The old unit was kept
as a stand-by.
As of the first of the year, the Brush Truck ordered in August of 1970 had still not been delivered. De-
lays such as this raise havoc with our replacement plans, forcing us to move up purchasing dates to allow for
delayed delivery.
Increased runs have forced added repairs on our apparatus. This year major engine repairs were
needed on Engines 1 and 3. Due to the age of Engine 3 (36 years old) it required over three weeks of work to
just replace a head gasket. When repairs are required on our first-line Engines, these two 1936 pumpers
have to fill in as a replacement. These two trucks belong to a museum, not a Fire Department. I am asking
in 1972 that these two trucks be sold and that money be appropriated to add a Class A pump to the new Brush
Truck to provide us with a decent reserve pumper.
Also scheduled for replacement in 1972 are the Chief's car and Engine 7 in Acton Center. Engine 7 is
17 years old and will also go into reserve status on the arrival of its replacement. In looking at the problem
of apartment buildings in Acton Center, it was decided to purchase a pumper -snorkel combination. This unit
will combine a 1,000-gallon pumper with a 55-foot basket type boom. The City of Chicago has used these suc-
cessfully and we feel that it will do the job for us in servicing these garden apartments. The idea is to provide
the capability to pump water or provide means of rescue with the same manpower.
Our radio alert system is about 95% complete with about eight radios still lacking. With the purchase of
24 more units during 1971, we were able to actually count on these radios with favorable results. The main-
tenance records for the 46 units is very satisfying.
Program for 1972
As before mentioned, our apparatus requirements will be a replacement of the Chief's car, modifica-
tion to the new Brush Truck and the purchase of a pumper-snorkel to replace Engine 7.
We expect a busy year for Fire Alarm with the addition of new automatic alarm boxes, now required
under the Building Code. A further updating of the Code will be carried out with hopes that before the end of
the year the town will have a Fire Prevention Code to insure compliance with good safety practices.
The Department plans to aim for two in-service inspections on business, apartment and industrial prop-
erty, rather than the one we are now doing. Plans are being made for a "Home Inspection" program for those
residents who are concerned with possible fire hazards in their homes.
The future of the Fire Department and its ability to provide adequate protection to our citizens has been
my concern over the years. Each year I have expressed concern over our manpower and the growth of North
Acton area. In 1970-1971 the Board of Selectmen requested the Town Building and Land Acquisition Commit-
tee to review our problems and offer recommendations. I worked through early 1971 with TBLAC and a joint
report was submitted, but nothing was done. During the interim the old problems have increased and new
problems have appeared. There was never any doubt in my mind as to which direction the Fire Department
had to go to keep up with the growth of the Town.
I have always believed in planning. We have planned, had our plans checked by others in the Fire Ser-
vice, conducted surveys of other towns, and did an in-depth study of the problems in Acton Center. We offered
to work with anybody to see these plans become a reality. Unfortunately, I can only report that we have not
gained anything significant towards solving these problems. I have urgently requested that nine full-time Fire
Fighters be appointed in 1972 to cover the Center and South Stations on a 24-hour basis. As of this writing
the Board of Selectmen have voted against this request and postponed this action until 1973; the Finance Com-
mittee has taken no action. I agree that the citizen has had it with increased taxes. To this I can only answer
--What Price Public Safety?
I would like to thank the men of the Fire Department and the Auxiliary Department for their excellent
cooperation and support. I also wish to thank the several Boards and Town Departments for their assistance.
Thomas J. Barry, Jr.
Chief of Fire Department
POLICE
Arrests and Prosecutions for the Following Offenses
Assault and Battery 11
Being Present Where a Narcotic Drug is Found 2
Breaking and Entering and Larceny 14
Drunkenness 20
Failing to Cover Load 1
Failing to Keep Right 11
Failing to Use Care 14
Forgery 1
Indecent Exposure 1
Larceny 13
Leaving the Scene after Causing Property
Damage 2
Malicious Destruction 1
Minor Transporting Alcohol 1
No Inspection Sticker 13
Non- support 3
Operating Without a Valid License 8
Operating so as to Endanger 20
Operating a Motorcycle Without a License 6
Operating an Unregistered Motorcycle 1
Possession of a Harmful Drug 2
Possession of a Narcotic Drug 22
Red Light 13
School Bus Violation 5
Speeding 75
Unlawful Sale of a Harmful Drug 2
Unlawful Sale of a Narcotic Drug 18
Violation of Traffic Rules and Regulations 10
Juvenile Offenses
Arson 1
Breaking and Entering and Larceny 3
Being Present Where a Narcotic Drug is Found 1
Destruction of a Building 6
Habitual School Offender 2
Larceny 1
Total Number of Accidents Covered
by the Department
Total Number of Fatal Accidents
Possession of Marijuana
Malicious Damage
Shoplifting
Stubborn Child
Stolen Property - Receiving
Violation of Probation
Motor Vehicle Accident Report
1970 1971
320
274
4
Total Number of Pedestrians Injured
Total Number of Bicyclists Injured
1970
4
7
1971
Miscellaneous Statistics
Breaking and Entering and Larceny Reported 132
Bicycles Registered 156
iCars Checked by Patrol 409
[Cruiser Responses to Acton Medical Center 13
tCruiser Responses to Emerson Hospital 317
i Firearms ID Registrations 117
jHouse Checks for Vacationists 660
I Metropolitan State Hospital Trips 12
Motorists Assisted 76
! Phone Calls 8,876
iPistol Permits Issued 140
Radio Calls 8,553
Resuscitator Used 29
Summonses Served 219
Summonses Sent Out of Town for Service 129
Street Lights Reported Out 19
Telephone Wires Down 15
Town Radio Calls 32
Traffic Lights not Working 16
Wires Down, Light 8
Officers Time Spent in Court (hours) 964
Personnel
At present, our complement consists of the Chief, four Sergeants and thirteen Patrolmen. In 1971 we
added three Patrolmen to our staff- -Officers Lawrence A. DuPont, Edward R. Brooks and Robert L. Parisi.
These Officers have been doing. a good job. We are also in need of people in plain clothes to stem the tide of
crime.
Safety and Juvenile Officer
It is 1972, the population is approximately sixteen thousand, and we still lack a permanent Safety and
jJuvenile Officer.
Prosecuting Officer
Again, I want to thank Sergeant Scribner in his role as Prosecutor for taking many burdens off my
shoulders.
Training
In 1971 we sent two Officers to the State Police Academy--Officers Lawrence A. DuPont and Edward R.
Brooks. Both graduated with high honors.
10
Town Manager
I am making special note in relation to our Town Manager, Robert Dotson, who is an asset to the Town
and has made my job much easier due to his ability to handle personnel, etc.
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 my Secretary, and all others who assisted in any
way, I am grateful.
Edward J. Collins, Jr.
Chief of Police
CIVIL DEFENSE
In 1971 Walter Johnson was appointed Civil Defense Director, assuming the duties of John McLaughlin
who served so well in this capacity for the past 13 years.
An evaluation was made of existing facilities. The communications system was changed and updated to
reflect a savings to the town. A tentative headquarters was established in the upper floor of the Tree Depart-
ment building for office space, files and storage of equipment.
The fallout shelter at the Julia McCarthy School was cleaned up and emergency rations were stocked in
Woodlawn Chapel shelter. Three men attended a Shelter Management Course relating to operation of shelters
and fallout protection.
A tentative Natural Disaster Plan has been drafted which encompasses the functions of department heads,
personnel and equipment in times of emergencies such as flooding, loss of electrical power, hurricanes and
major conflagrations.
Many Civil Defense activities were carried out by the Auxiliary Fire Department by relieving the Acton
Fire Department on water problems and providing emergency lighting and crowd control. The Auxiliary re-
sponded to brush fires and assisted at multiple alarms where needed.
These men attended and participated in Acton Fire Department drills and assisted at stations during
fires and cleanup operations. In addition, two men attended a Firefighting Course held at the Civil Defense
Training Academy in Topsfield, and five men attended a course in Cardio- Pulmonary Resuscitation.
Upon examination of present turnout gear by the Director, it is felt that the Auxiliary Firemen do not
have adequate protective clothing to prevent the many types of injuries which can occur during the perfor-
mance of their duties.
In 1971, five pairs of boots and five coats were purchased as a start in properly equipping the men.
Funds have been requested for additional boots and coats in 1972.
Walter Johnson
Director
STREET LIGHT
We now have over 600 street lights within the Town of Acton.
Due to the long strike of Boston Edison, all street lights that were requested by the Committee were not
installed. These and others will be installed this year.
The Boston Edison informed the Committee of the high percentage of breakage in Acton compared to sur-
rounding areas and requests all efforts be made to remedy this situation.
In several instances, requests for street lights were not recommended by the Committee since the pro-
posed location would aid only the petitioner and not materially affect the overall lighting of the Town.
11
We subscribe to the policy adopted with the formation of the Committee that new street lights, in most
instances, will be installed only at street intersections, dangerous curves, fire alarm boxes and locations
designated as hazardous by the Fire Chief, Police Chief, or this Committee.
The Committee extends to the Town Manager and the Board of Selectmen their sincere appreciation for
their cooperation during the year 1971.
Leslie F. Parke, Chairman
Booth D. Jackson
H. Stuart MacGregor
INSPECTOR of WIRES
Two hundred fifty-four permits were issued and fees collected were turned over to the Treasurer.
Leslie F. Parke
ENGINEERING
During 1971 the Engineering Department offered its services to the many Town Committees, Commis-
sions, and Boards which requested assistance. We continue to provide the day-to-day service for the general
public seeking information pertaining to deeds, filed plans, zoning information, and other data available
through this office.
The Engineering Department became involved in many projects during 1971. The following is a partial
list:
Flood Plain Insurance: The Board of Selectmen requested that the Engineering Department obtain infor-
mation which could allow the Town to be eligible for Flood Plain Insurance. The project included the gather-
ing of information from the field, plotting this information on the Flood Plain maps. It has also required re-
search into legislation, both State and Local which would control activity in such areas. We are now prepared
to make application.
Hayward Road Layout: Field work over many months, office calculations, plottings, hearings and Town
Meeting acceptance completed the laying out of Hayward Road. This layout straightens the curves on Hayward
Road near Arlington Street. The relocation of this portion of the roadway will be accomplished in 1972.
The laying out of an existing roadway is very difficult. We have considered and achieved a balance so
as not to adversely affect the abutting properties, except in cases where drastic changes were necessary.
Bounds were set at points to delineate the new layout.
Adams Street: With the construction of Adams Street completed, bounds were set to delineate the new
layout.
New D. P. W. Facility: The Department engineered the grading plan for the new building, designed and
wrote specifications for the installation of gasoline and fuel tanks and the construction of a salt storage facility.
Dunn-Edney-Commonwealth of Massachusetts Property: A complete survey of this property was made
and a plan showing the parcels with accurate description was drawn. This was necessary prior to the purchase
of these properties, which was authorized at the 1971 Annual Town Meeting.
Forest Road-Taylor Road-Minot Avenue Layout: In conjunction with the survey process for the Dunn-
Edney-Commonwealth of Massachusetts properties, we were able to obtain sufficient information to provide
layouts for these streets. This will probably be done during 1972.
Richardson's Crossing Layout: Layout and construction of this section of Central Street was accom-
plished several years ago. This year we installed bounds to delineate the layout.
Town Bounds: The Engineering Department assisted the Board of Selectmen in the review of Town
Bounds. We also replaced the Maynard -Acton Town Bound on Conant Street. This bound had been removed
many years ago.
12
Prospect Street: A smaLl amount of survey remained to establish a layout. This survey was accom-
plished and a layout should be forthcoming during 1972.
Street Numbering System: Over the past few years, discrepancies have been noted in our street num-
bering system. We have updated the system so that we can now assign new street numbers without duplication.
Woodlawn Cemetery: We have made a traverse and obtained sufficient detail to design a small extension
to the cemetery. We started with this small area as an experiment as to our capability to perform this type
of work. We are very pleased with the results.
Traffic Counts: With the use of the traffic counter we have recorded traffic volume in several areas of
the Town.
During 1971 meetings were again held with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public
Works and Town Officials relative to the widening and reconstruction of Route 2. The Department of Public
Works, after review of their plans, accepted one of the alternatives suggested by the Town Engineering De-
partment and submitted by the Board of Selectmen.
The Engineering Department reviewed plans for nine subdivisions during 1971 and made engineering
comments and suggestions to the Planning Board. We also performed periodic inspections of subdivisions
during the construction season. Subdivision Approval not Required plans were also reviewed and comments
passed on to the Planning Board. I also submitted a draft revising the Subdivision Rules and Regulations.
In turn, the draft was sent to their consultant for use in their revision.
The Board of Assessors received its Atlas, revised and corrected to January 1, 1971. In conjunction
with the revisions, the Board was supplied with information necessary for updating the street and parcel
card file. Copies of all deeds for property transferred in 1970 were filed. Work has been started on revis-
ing the Town Atlas through 1971. Additional help was given to the Board in solving various problems related
to disputed land ownership and area. Sets and sheets of the Town Atlas, sold by the Assessors, were pre-
pared and sent out for printing.
In addition, the following routine work was done by this Department: maintaining and updating of Town
Street, Zoning, Fire and Police Maps; issuance of Street Cut Permits, numbering 160 and inspection of these
street cuts; supplying the general public with information about properties, roads, drainage and other related
matters.
During 1971, Mr. David Abbt and Mr. Richard Bailey continued their education at the Lowell Tech In-
Service Training Program. Both have achieved excellent academic ratings.
During 1971 we moved to our new facility on Forest Road. In my review of the past year and especially
of the last six months, I ha.ve observed better morale of the employees and a discernible increase in efficiency
and productivity. I think that the building will be an ongoing investment to the Town due to the above mentioned
observations.
I especially wish to extend my sincere thanks to every member of the Engineering Department, Highway
Department and secretarial staff, who have unselfishly given 110% of their effort.
Anthony L. Galeota, Jr.
Town Engineer
PLANNING BOARD
The major responsibilities of the Planning Board are establishing and regulating the layout and construc-
tion of ways in subdivisions, amending the zoning bylaws, and assisting the Selectmen in administering the
site plan bylaw. In order to fulfill its duties, the Planning Board held 45 open meetings, five public hearings,
made numerous inspection trips to proposed subdivisions and attended many Board of Appeal and Hatch Act
hearings. In 1971 the Board approved three definitive subdivision plans and disapproved preliminary plans
for six subdivisions. The Board also endorsed 68 so-called "subdivision not required" plans. These are
plans showing subdivision of a tract of land into several lots in which all of the lots have the required frontage
on existing ways and hence, are technically not subdivisions since no new roads are created.
In 1971, the Board also reviewed 28 site plans for the Selectmen. This work involved reviewing the
plans for parking, drainage, lighting, etc., of new sites in business and industrial zoned land. At the begin-
ning of 1972, there are two site plan's yet to be reviewed for the Selectmen.
The Planning Board sponsored eight articles to amend the Protective Zoning Bylaw at the three town
meetings held in 1971. These zoning bylaw changes were mostly concerned with allowed uses in the various
13
districts. One change eliminated apartment buildings in the business zone while another restricted the type
of restaurants allowed in the general business district. One change to the zoning map took place. A tract of
land in the center of town was changed from R-l designation to'R-3 designation.
In addition to its usual subdivision control and zoning amendment work, the Planning Board has under-
taken activities related to town long-range planning. A town-wide survey questionnaire was prepared and dis-
tributed in cooperation with the League of Women Voters. The results of this survey have been coded for ma-
chine processing and will be available shortly. The Planning Board undertook this survey to determine what
aspects of town growth were of most concern to the citizens and to obtain the feeling of how Acton should grow.
The present rules and regulations on land use in the business zone are appropriate for large, undeveloped
tracts of land and are less appropriate for our village centers. Therefore, the Planning Board has undertaken
a study of West Acton Village. We expect the results of this study will be applicable in whole or in part to the
other village centers in Acton. This study will be completed in 1972 and will result in proposed amendments
to the zoning bylaw.
The Planning Board is currently updating and recodifying its subdivision rules and regulations which
control the development of subdivisions. We will complete this work early in 1972.
The Planning Board recommended to the Board of Selectmen that they form an Historical District Study
Commission to consider establishment of an Historical District.
At the request of the Board of Selectmen, the Board drafted a new sign bylaw. The purpose of this pro-
posed bylaw is to provide improved administration and aesthetic control of signs.
Finally, the Planning Board has become concerned about the impact of new development on the Acton
water supply. The Planning Board, in several situations, has hired a geologist to assess the situation. In
one case, the geologist recommended a location and performance standards for a sewage treatment plant which
the developer agreed to build for an apartment complex.
In January 1971, Dr. George O. Gardner was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Board caused by the res-
ignation of Mr. James M. Coull. On March 22, 1971, the Board was reorganized; Mr. Pasieka was elected
Chairman and Mr. Gerhardt was elected Clerk. Mr. Chambers was reappointed to the Board.
On February 16, 1971, the Planning Board voted to take no action as a result of its 81W hearing on the
Minuteman Business and Industrial Park, and to approve and sign the plans and restrictive covenant developed
as a result of the 81W hearing.
This subdivision is a major element proposed development of North Acton by the Community Concepts
Corporation. This particular piece represents the land on which the condominiums are to be placed. The
Planning Board has previously approved this subdivision subject to receipt of a suitable covenant. Upon re-
view, the Board found insufficient information available upon which a suitable covenant could be instrumented.
Therefore, the Board voted affirmatively to hold a public hearing on its own motion to undertake an 81W action
on the subdivision. A hearing date of February 16, 1971 was set.
An 81W action refers to Article 81W of the State Subdivision Control Law (Chapter 40A of the General
Laws of Massachusetts) before a Planning Board is chartered with the capability to rescind, modify or amend
a prior approved subdivision as the result of a public hearing held on its own motion or petitioned. Such ac-
tions are advisably taken since the subdivision owner has the right to properly sue the Town for damages al-
legedly resulting from such actions.
At the public hearing on January 4, 1971, the Planning Board set forth proposed covenant terms and con-
ditions, and defined related data requirements which it judged as suitably assuring the health, safety and wel-
fare of the Town and its present and future residents. The Board and the Community Concepts Corporation,
working conjunctively, revised and/ or fulfilled these terms and conditions in the documents signed on Febru-
ary 16, 1971.
This covenant represented a landmark decision in local action control of land development. It contained
26 articles on 9 pages covering definitive limits on intensity of development, provisions for recreational land,
performance standards for sewage treatment facilities, protection of water and natural resources, as well as
the more standard development and financial guarantees. This was the result of the combined efforts of many
Town Boards, particularly the Selectmen, Board of Health, and Conservation Commission; supporting consul-
tants, such as Town Counsel, Dr. D. W. Caldwell of Boston University, Soil Conservation Service of the
U. S. Department of Agriculture, and the State Department of Public Health; as well as the developer, Com-
munity Concepts Corporation.
This was an action in which all involved may be well proud!
John F. Pasieka, Chairman
Robert H. Gerhardt, Clerk Eric D. Bradlee
Edward A. Chambers George O. Gardner, III
14
HIGHWAY
Chapter 81 - Maintenance: During the summer a number of streets were scraped, patched, swept, and
then resurfaced with oil and stone. We used stone this year for the first time with a very satisfactory result.
There were no complaints about dust, and the stone has made a much better wearing surface. The following
roads were done:
Orchard Drive
Mohawk Drive
Oneida. Road
Algonquin Road
Huron Road
Cherokee Road
Seneca Road
Seminole Road
Mohegan Road
Quaboag Road
Sioux Road
Agawam Road
Brucewood Road
Ashwood Road
Pinewood Road
Emerson Drive
Oakwood Road
Beverly Road
Doris Road
Francine Road
Kelley Road
Nadine Road
Durkee Road
Flint Road
Lothrop Road
Spencer Road
Tuttle Drive
Conant Street
Country Club Road
Fairway Road
Phalen Street
Wood Lane
Minot Avenue
Forest Road
Chadwick Street
Thoreau Road
Alcott Street
Hawthorne Street
Quarry Road
Wheeler Lane
Minuteman Road
School Street
Hosmer Street
General Highway: All of the developments were swept as were most of the town roads. All the roads
that were oiled were swept of the extra stone. Most of the roadsides were also mowed.
The Town Hall yard received its final coat of hot top. The Engineering Department laid out the parking
lot, and the parking spaces were striped.
A bluestone walk was put in place at the Library from the front walk to the side entrance.
A portion of Hosmer Street was scarified, reshaped with processed gravel, and drainage installed. A
dry field stone wall was erected at #11. The road was also widened considerably, and that section from #2 to
Concord Road was resurfaced with bituminous concrete.
Berms were replaced where the plows had hit them during the winter. Berms were placed on Joseph
Reed Lane and on a small section of downtown West Acton on #269 Central Street. A small section of sidewalk
was installed on Elm Street in front of the school.
This year one of our projects was moving from our old quarters on Hayward Road to our new Highway
Building on Forest Road. All the grading and landscaping were worked in by the Department.
Signs and Lines: All center lines were repainted and parking lots striped. Once again, the Lions Club
has generously donated the green paint for the crosswalks of the town. Stolen, broken, and defaced signs were
replaced. Wood beam guard rail was installed in the vicinity of 87 School Street. A great deal of guard rail
was straightened and repainted.
Care of Grounds: The grounds received the regular amount of fertilizer and care.
Chapter 90 - Construction: The portion of Central Street starting at the Boxboro line had 15 structures
raised and cemented. The binder and top course of Type I bituminous concrete were laid along with the berm.
All driveway approaches were completed. All the shoulders were graded, loamed, and seeded to complete
that section of Central Street.
Chapter 90 - Maintenance: This year's allotment went to the repairing of Main Street from Acton Sup-
ply to Route 2. A bituminous concrete berm and grass plot were installed in front of the Bowladrome.
Sanitary Landfill: This area is rapidly being filled. This year containers were placed in the landfill for
the collection of cans and assorted glass for recycling. Newspapers which are brought to the van should be
tied securely in an effort to keep this area neat.
Stickers for access to the Sanitary Landfill area have been available at the new D.P.W. Building since
October 1st. No charge is made for Acton residents or individuals operating a business within the Town. As
of December 31, 1971, 3250 residential stickers and 340 commercial stickers had been issued.
drain.
Drainage: A portion of Smart Road at the intersection of Marion Road received 150 feet of 6" perforated
Six hundred feet of 6" perforated drain with stone was installed on Duggan Road from Willow Street.
Duggan Road between Olde Lantern Road and Squirrel Hill Road received 380 feet of 6" perforated drain. The
Department started to install 12" pipe on Duggan Road at Olde Lantern Road. Because of the large boulders
in the road and gas leaks, we were forced to stop until spring. At that time we will finish this project and
continue in the rear of the homes.
15
One catch basin and 220 feet of 12" pipe were installed on Nagog Hill Road at Main Street. Also on Na-
gog Hill Road at Concord Road, three catch basins, 60 feet of 12-" pipe, and 275 feet of 6" sub-drains and stone
were put in place.
On Hosmer Street at Concord Road one catch basin and 250 feet of 12" pipe were installed. At the in-
tersection of Newtown Road and Main Street, 175 feet of 12" pipe was put in. Three hundred feet of 6" sub-
drain with stone was installed on Brucewood Road. On Oakwood Road 340 feet of 6" sub-drain with stone was
installed. Two catch basins and 100 feet of 12" pipe were put in on Francine Road. During the spring, 1350
catch basins and drop inlets were cleaned.
The above projects were loamed and seeded where needed.
New Equipment: The townspeople voted in March to buy us a much-needed pickup truck, a new snowplow,
and a new two-way radio. At a special town meeting they voted to buy a used Mack platform dump truck.
Snow: The salt and sand storage shed at the new Highway facility has worked out very well. It is very
well lighted, and the ramp is a great help. We are cutting down on the amount of salt being used. At the An-
nual Town Meeting in March, we hope the people will vote for a salt and sand blending machine which would
blend the salt and sand more evenly.
Snow fences were installed on Wetherbee Street, School Street, North Main Street, Summer Street,
Piper Road, and Central Street. Snow markers were placed in the troublesome areas and also made avail-
able to the townspeople as were sand and salt.
I wish to say thank you to the men of my department and to Mrs. Helen Mudgett, our secretary, for
their long devoted hours. My thanks to all the departments that helped us complete our projects during the
year.
Finally, thank you townspeople for giving us our new facility on Forest Road.
to come and inspect our new quarters.
I hope you will feel free
Allen H. Nelson
Superintendent
New Highway Department Facility on Forest Road
16
BUILDING COMMITTEE
During the year 1971, the Acton Permanent Building Committee worked on the following projects:
1. Public Works Building: Construction was completed and the building was accepted as substan-
tially complete in September. The contractor's retainage is being held until formal waivers
of lien are received from all subcontractors.
2. Luther B. Conant School: The building was accepted as substantially complete and school
opened in September. The contractor has minor items to complete and the retainage is being
held to cover these items. Funds remaining include a reserve fund representing the kitchen
equipment, which was deleted. This will be held until the town otherwise directs the Com-
mittee.
3. Regional High School Addition: Construction started in August and a Regional School. Building
Committee is administering the project for the Regional School Committee.
Following is a breakdown of expenditures and budget allowances for all three projects.
During the year, David Hurley resigned from the Committee and Eric Larson was appointed a member.
Public Works Building
Appropriation Art. 24 3-16-70
$275, 000.00
Expenditures to date:
Architect - Fenton G. Keyes Assoc.
Printing and advertising
Construction contract - W. E. Gerald Construction Co.
(including change orders 1 through 6)
Outstanding bills:
Contractor's retainage <5% of contract)
Funds remaining
Total
$ 10,000.00
942.49
250, 130.00
13, 164.00
763. 51
$275, 000. 00
Luther B. Conant School
Appropriations Art. 41 3-10-69
Art. 1 10-20-69
Art. 19 3-16-70
Total
$ 42,000.00
50, 000.00
1, 830, 000.00
$1,922,000.00
Expenditures to date:
Architect - Earl R. Flansburgh & Assoc.
Clerk of the works
Survey, borings, testing, printing advertising
Construction contract- John Tocci & Sons (including
change orders 1 through 6)
Equipment and furnishings
Outstanding bills:
Contractor's retainage
Change orders yet to be negotiated (estimated)
Equipment and furnishings (estimated)
Funds remaining:
Contingency
Reserve fund (from kitchen equipment)
; 101,675.65
19, 842. 13
12,990. 15
1, 590, 769.75
89,873.89
34,229. 60
6,000.00
5,000.00
11,618.83
50, 000.00
Total
$1, 922,000.00
17
Regional High School Addition
Appropriations Art. 8
Art. 12
9-28-70
6-22-71
School operating funds
$ 200, 000. 00
4,225, 000. 00
20, 000.00
395, 000.00
2,000.00
.$4,842, 000.00
Budget expenditures to January 1, 1972 are shown in parenthesis:
Architect - Perley F. Gilbert & Assoc.
- Equipment and furnishings
Clerk of the works
Survey, borings, testing, printing advertising
Construction contract - M. Spinelli & Sons (including
change orders 1 and 2)
Equipment and furnishings
Contingency
Totals
5 232,000.00
38, 000.00
25, 000.00
13, 000.00
3, 946, 132.90
480, 000.00
107, 867. 10
£4, 842, 000. 00
($196, 642. 89)
( (2,210.67)
( 7,213.95)
( 375, 702. 19)
($581, 769. 70)
Building Committee
Thomas J. Regan, Jr., Chairman
Wallace Everest Edward Morriil
Eric Larson Donald Perkins
Regional School Building Committee
Reginald Brown H. G. March
Raymond Grey
Porter Jenks
John Lyons
Robert Pilsbury
Walter Shaffer
Donald Westcott
BUILDING INSPECTOR
Nineteen seventy-one was another busy year for the Building Department. Construction is well under
way on Acton's first condominium units while shopping centers are in progress at three sites.
As construction methods continue to improve, it has become vital that 1 attend building conferences and
seminars in order to keep abreast. This I have done at various times throughout the year and have found these
courses most helpful.
As of July 15, 1971 all new single dwellings were required to be fully equipped with smoke and heat de-
tection systems. Hopefully, this action of the Town Meeting will provide greater security for the residents of
Acton.
I also extend my thanks to all who did so much to help while I was absent from my office due to proLonged
illness.
A complete list of permits for the year 1971 is listed below:
Area
Residential:
Single Dwellings
Multi-Family Dwellings
Additions, Repairs
Garages
Porches
Swimming Pools
Miscellaneous
Commercial: Business Buildings
Total
Receipts: Fees for Building Permits
Number of Permits
136 (+ 1 renewal)
11 (149 dwelling units)
47 (+ 1 renewal)
16 (+ 1 renewal)
33
23
67
16
349 (+ 3 renewals)
Estimated Cost
$4, 109,360. 00
1, 996, 160. 00
121, 250. 00
40, 125.00
33,820. 00
94, 294.00
85, 310. 00
2, 607, 100. 00
$9,086, 419. 00
$13,926. 00
Kenneth E. Jewell
Building Inspector
BOARD of APPEALS
The Acton Board of Appeals held 23 Public Hearings during the year 1971 on the following matters:
Petitions for specific uses and exceptions: Petitions for earth removal:
Granted 3; Denied 1; Withdrawn 1; Pending 1. Granted 4; Pending 1.
Variances from requirements of the Protec- Flood Plain Zoning:
tive Zoning Bylaw: Granted 1; Withdrawn 2; Pending 1.
Granted 5; Continued 1; No Authority 1; Pending 2.
John J. Bush, Jr., Chairman
H. W. Flood, Clerk
Edward G. Schwarm
WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION
For the year ending December 31, 1971, there were twelve (12) accidents reported from the following
departments:
School Department
Acton-Boxborough Regional High School 4
Acton Elementary - J-ulia L. McCarthy School 1
Acton Elementary - Paul Gates School 2
Highway Department 5
Eight of the injured required medical attention, no loss of time. Two required medical and hospital at-
tention, but no loss of time. Two required medical attention with loss of time; one of these still requires
medical attention.
Theron A. Lowden
Workmen's Compensation Agent
GOODNOW FUND
For the year ending December 31, 1971
INVESTMENTS
Concord Co-operative Bank
Concord Co-operative Bank
Treasurer of the Acton Congregational Church
Town of Acton for the perpetual care of the
Goodnow Lot in Woodlawn Cemetery
$3, 000. 00
$3, 000.00
RECEIPTS
$165.00
$165. 00
EXPENDITURES
.
$145.00
$145.00
$20.00
20.00
$165.00
Thelma L. Boatman, Tr.
Clark C. McElvein
James N. Gates
Trustees
19
HEALTH
Board of Health
This year, your Director spent a great deal of time with the work of inspecting the construction of indi-
vidual sanitary sewerage disposal systems. The administration of the Board of Health office and other vital
public health programs is becoming increasingly important to the health and welfare of the general public of
the Town of Acton.
I wish to thank the Board of Health, Town officials, and all the Town Departments for their support. Sin-
cere appreciation is extended to the Health Department staff, the physicians, and the citizens who have helped
make our programs possible.
The following report summarizes the services and activities of the Department for 1971.
Bradford S. Leach, C.H.O.
Director of Public Health
Septic Tank Care
All residents in the Town of Acton are reminded of their responsibility to maintain their septic tank and
underground leaching area.
A septic tank system will service a home satisfactorily only if it is properly located, designed, con-
structed and adequately maintained. Even a good system which does not have proper care and attention may
become a nuisance and a burdensome expense.
Neglect of the septic tank is the most frequent cause of damage to the leaching systems. When the tank
is not cleaned, solids build up until they are carried into the underground leaching pipe system, where they
block the flow of the liquid into the soil. When this happens, the leaching system must be rebuilt or relocated
--a costly undertaking. The precautions of periodic inspection and cleaning of the septic tank can prevent this
needless expense and work by extending the life of the leaching systems.
The frequency of cleaning depends on the size of the septic tank and the number of people it serves.
When a garbage grinder is used, more frequent cleaning will be required. With ordinary use and care, a sep- /^""
tic tank usually requires cleaning every two years. The homeowner can make measurements and decide for
himself when his tank needs cleaning. When the total depth of scums and solids exceeds one-half of the liquid
depth of the tank, the tank should be cleaned. The accumulated solids are ordinarily pumped out by companies
that make a business of cleaning septic tanks. Your local health department knows which local companies do
this work satisfactorily. The solids removed should be buried or disposed of in a manner approved by your
local health department to avoid obnoxious odors and health hazards.
There are no chemicals, yeasts, bacteria, enzymes or other substances capable of eliminating or re-
ducing the solids and scum in a septic tank so that periodic cleaning is unnecessary. Contrary to some beliefs,
the addition of such products is not necessary for the proper functioning of a septic tank disposal system and
can be harmful to the leaching field.
Garbage Collection
The Town of Acton maintains a municipal garbage collection and is based on a once-a-week collection.
All garbage shall be stored in a place convenient for removal. Garbage collectors are not allowed to enter
any building, breezeway, garage, etc., to pick up garbage. Rubbish must not be placed in with the garbage;
garbage cans should be of adequate size and have tight lids. Paper bags, paper wrapping or other trash shall
not be deposited with edible garbage. Paths and garbage pail areas must be free of ice and snow and paths
sanded for safe footing.
Sanitary Landfill
The Town of Acton maintains a sanitary landfill for rubbish and trash disposal. It is located on Route 2
just west of Hosmer Street, and is open six days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. and closed on Sundays
and Holidays. (Check schedule posted at entrance for summer hours.)
Mosquito Control Program
Mosquito control consisted of one abate larvicide aerial application in April, and two malathion fogging
applications for the control of adult mosquitoes during the summer. The exceptionally dry weather made it
possible to decrease the number of malathion applications from the four that are usually required.
A revised control program is contemplated, but is dependent upon a factual analysis of the problem and
a qualified evaluation of the various methods of control. The results of such an investigation are expected to
lead to the formulation of a control program to meet the specific needs of the Town of Acton.
20
Home Care Program
The Acton Public Health Nursing Service is available to all residents of Acton. The Home Care Nursing
Agency offers comprehensive nursing care to patients in their place of residence under the supervision of the
patient's physician. The public health nurse carries out part-time nursing care of the sick, including teaching
and supervision of that care and provision of other therapeutic services as indicated for the patient.
The goals of the Home Care Nursing Agency are prevention of disease and promotion of health by in-
creasing the capacity of patients, families, and the community to cope with problems of health and illness, by
supporting efforts of other professional workers or agencies in control of disease, restoration and preserva-
tion of health, by controlling and counteracting as much as possible physical and social environmental condi-
tions that threaten health, and to plan and evaluate nursing practice to ensure quality professional health ser-
vices to the community.
The delivery of health care services has assumed increased importance as the agency attempts to ex-
pand the scope of present health care programs and to add supportive services.
Supportive services provided through contractual agreement with Emerson Hospital are physical therapy
and social service. The Concord Family Service Association makes available the Homemaker Home Health
Aide Program. The staff of the Acton Public Health Nursing Agency supervises the care given by the Home
Health Aide in the patient's home.
The physical therapist provides home care services through consultation and direct service to the pa-
tient when prescribed by the physician.
The social service department of the Emerson Hospital also provides part-time services to the patients
of the Nursing Agency through assistance in placement of patients in nursing homes, financial assessment and
in referral to other social agencies.
The Home Health Aide Program provides personal care and related housekeeping services for the patient
in the home.
One of the problems encountered in 1971 was the decrease in reimbursement for maintenance care of
patients by third party payees. This group of patients included the chronically ill and the elderly patients
whose long-term care places considerable financial burden on the family.
The Acton Public Health Nursing Agency exists as a part of the community in which it operates. The
health programs evolve irt response to community health needs. Many of the Acton patients are in the middle
and older age groups. Some changes affecting this group were: earlier hospital discharge of patients, allow-
ing terminal patients to be at home, and through the use of supportive personnel as the physical therapist or
home health aide, to extend the care given by the public health nurse.
These are a few of the ways the Nursing Agency serves the community. We are looking forward to
strengthening and expanding our services to meet the challenge of nursing in the community.
The above services are available to all residents of Acton and are supported by town taxes under the
Board of Health, third party payees such as Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance programs and individual
fees.
Day Care Services
Day Care Centers in Acton are licensed by the Board of Health. They must comply with the Rules and
Regulations demanded by the State. Each year they are inspected by the Building Inspector, Director, and
Nurse of the Board of Health before a license is issued.
School Immunization Clinics (given by the Board of Health for the year 1971)
Tuberculin Screening (November) Mumps Immunization (May)
Grades 1-4-7-9 972 Grades 1-6 137
School volunteers and employees 163 Other 97
1,135 234
D. T. Booster (March) - Grade 9 375
Communicable Diseases Reported for 1971
Chicken Pox 15 Meningitis 0
Animal Bites 12 Encephalitis 0
Mumps 1 Tuberculosis 1
German Measles 2 Salmonella 1
Streptococcal Infections 6 Hepatitis 3
Measles 0
21
Chapter III, Section 111 of the General Laws, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, requires that all communi-
cable diseases must be reported to the Board of Health, 263-4736.
Births: Premature - 6
Preventive Bedside Nursing Program
Parkinson's
Anemia
Maternal and Child Health
Arthritis
Cardio -Vascular Disease
Cerebral Vascular Disease
Cancer
Multiple Sclerosis
Diabetes
Injuries
Other
Total
41
55
132
200
479
55
30
34
27
83
322
Under 28 days
28 days to 1 year
1 year to 4 years
5 years to 19 years
20 years
21 years to 44 years
45 years to 64 years
65 years and over
1,458
Plus
Total
19
28
5
31
5
119
432
779
1,418
40 not home
1,458
Total Individuals
Total Visits
Total Physical Therapy Visits -
Consultations
Total Social Worker Visits and/ or
Consultations
175
1,458
47
Medicare Reimbursement $6,671.80
All Others (Blue Cross, Patient
Veterans, Welfare) 3,162.81
Total for 1971 $9,834.61
Inspections
Food Handling Establishments 29
School and Kindergartens (+ Public Schools) 9
Swimming Pools 34
Nursing Homes 2
Permits and Licenses Issued
Burial or Removal Permits
Catering Permits
Kindergarten and Nursery Schools
Offal Transport
Milk Store
Milk Dealers
72
1
9
16
18
6
Permits and Dealers
Total Collected Misc. Items
Plumbing Permits
Gas Permits
Sewerage Permits
New - 180
Repair or Alterations - 21
Town Nurse Service
Total for 1971
915.70
3,892.00
2,261.50
4,805.00
$11,874.20
9,834.61
$21,708.81
Donald R. Gilberti, Chairman
Edwin Richter
John Rowse, M.D.
Board of Health Members
ELIZABETH WHITE FUND
The Trustees of the Elizabeth White Fund have signed requisitions to the Town Treasurer totaling $1,060.00.
* Deceased - April 1971
Hazel P. Vose
Eleanor P. Wilson
Helen B. Wood-
Trustees
22
TOWN CLERK
BIRTHS
Births recorded 283
Deaths recorded 118
Marriages recorded 144
IMPORTANT REQUEST
Please notify the Town Clerk immediately of any error or omission in the following list of Births.
Errors can be corrected only by sworn affidavit, as prescribed by the General Laws, and may cause yo
inconvenience which can be avoided by prompt attention.
Date
Place
BIRTHS REGISTERED IN 1971
Name of Child
Name of Parents
Jan.
1
Concord
Jan.
1
Concord
Jan.
4
Concord
Jan.
9
Lowell
Jan.
11
Concord
Jan.
12
Concord
Jan.
12
Natick
Jan.
14
Concord
Jan.
15
Boston
Jan.
15
Concord
Jan.
17
Marlborough
Jan.
19
Cambridge
Jan.
21
Weymouth
Jan.
21
Concord
Jan.
24
Concord
Jan.
25
Concord
Jan.
26
Concord
Jan.
27
Concord
Jan.
29
Concord
Jan.
29
Concord
Jan.
29
Concord
Jan.
30
Concord
Feb.
1
Concord
Feb.
2
Arlington
Feb.
4
Boston
Feb.
4
Waltham
Feb.
5
Concord
Feb.
7
Concord
Feb.
11
Concord
Feb.
11
Concord
Feb.
11
Concord
Feb.
12
Waltham
Feb.
15
Boston
Feb.
16
Marlborough
Feb.
19
Boston
Feb.
20
Concord
Feb.
20
Concord
Feb.
21
Concord
Feb.
21
Concord
Feb.
22
Acton
Feb.
24
Concord
Feb.
26
Concord
Feb.
27
Concord
Mar.
1
Concord
Mar.
1
Boston
Mar.
2
Concord
Mar.
2
Boston
Mar.
2
Concord
Mar.
2
Boston
Mar.
4
Concord
Frederick, John Vandyke
Briggs, Mark Richard
Whynock, Kimberly
Sullivan, Kathleen Marie
Beaudoin, Ronald Patrick
Murphy, Andrea Elizabeth
Korengel, Karen Denise
Cormier, Albert Gerard
Donald, Elliott Judson
Krebs, Justin Donald
Geaslen, Adam Kendrick
Licciardi, Michael Angelo, Jr.
Polsonetti, Karen
Gagne, Aimee Heath
Christian, , Michelle Ann
Hughes, Kara Elizabeth
Day, Sheryl Ann
Grallert, Sarah Ellen
Barber, Kevin Atkins
Bates, Sarah Blanchard
Kane, Gregory Brian
Dunlap, Amy Jeanne
Antonucci, Cheryl Susan
Palmer, Craig David
Potter, Stephen Kavanagh
Walline, Matthew Joseph
Brown, Clay Sheppard
McQuay, Tracey
Hobson, Jarrod Robert
Duren, Matthew Timothy
Berger, Mark Kagen
Bond, Pamela Jane
Zarin, Donna Geanne
Tuffin, John Barry
Barnett, Deborah Ann
Thornton, Mark Joseph
Auger, Bruce Alan
McBreen, Erin Murphy
Kelley, Sean Christopher
Willis, Alastair David Chartres
Robinson, Kelly Jean
Luosalo, Karen Elizabeth
Blue, Lara Dawn
Martin, Jennifer Shea
Reed, Thomas Charles
Nagy, Suzanne Michele
Allan, Greg Eduard
Saunders, Mark Francis
Gilfeather, Robert Charles, III
Hull, Sara Lynn
Thomas G. and Joan K. VanDyke
Richard F. and Iva M. Res
Richard H. and Tere A. Harinstein
Joseph E. and Genevieve E. Younie
Robert P. and Julia G. Lynch
David T. and Christine Barrie
James C. and Sandra J. Wilkinson
Gerard J. and Huberte M. LeBlanc
James C. and Mary E. May
Donald J. and Valerie E. West
Gary C. and Mary J. Nolan
Michael A. and Karen L. Kraus
Robert R. and Patricia A. Coutts
Kenneth W. and Kathleen A. Kelly
Theodore T. and Leona G. Meunier
John W. and Linda L. Munroe
Harold E., Jr. and Katherine A. Barry
Walter W. and Margot A. Graham
John B. and Sindra J. Barnhard
Myron B. and Jane C. Swanson
Francis X. and Bernice A. Scaring
John F., Ill and Jeanne E. Berard
George J., Jr. and Sheila A. Fleury
Craig D. and Beverly A. Celata
David C. and Dianne S. Kavanagh
James E., Sr. and Marjorie A. Caisse
William M., Jr. and Margaret D. Brittle
David D. and Kathleen Schmidt
Robert E. and Sharon M. Ryerson
Irving S. and Caroline V. Kangas
Henry and Sybil L. Kagen
Charles N. and Myrna G. Semple
Bernard H. and Sharon A. Walker
Wilson B. and Janice M. Goeke
Thomas O. and Elizabeth C. Bunting
John J. and Beverly J. Fowler
Edward A. and Maureen Bell
John E., Jr. and Arlene R. Murphy
Paul Jr. and Pennie L. Bella
David K. C. and Margaret E. Stillwell
George W. and Judith A. Kelly
Robert W. and Linda L. Christiansen
Robert E. and Suzanne M. Shepard
Peter D. and Sharon J. Polubinski
Walter A. and Nancy L. Cochran
Bela G. and Agatha M. Titz
George G. and Elvira Schneider
Francis S. and Eileen A. Hennessy
Robert C, Jr. and Kathleen T. Silva
Charles D. and Carol A. Pekar
23
Date
Place
Mar.
4
Concord
Mar.
7
Waltham
Mar.
9
Concord
Mar.
11
Boston
Mar.
12
Waltham
Mar.
13
Concord
Mar.
13
Concord
Mar.
16
Boston
Mar.
18
Concord
Mar.
19
Concord
Mar.
24
Concord
Mar.
24
Boston
Mar.
25
Shirley
Mar.
26
Concord
Mar.
30
Concord
Mar.
31
Concord
Apr.
2
Cambridge
Apr.
5
Concord
Apr.
5
Concord
Apr.
5
Concord
Apr.
9
Cambridge
Apr.
19
Concord
Apr.
19
Concord
Apr.
22
Concord
Apr.
24
Concord
Apr.
24
Boston
Apr.
24
Newton
Apr.
25
Concord
Apr.
26
Newton
Apr.
28
Framingham
Apr.
30
Concord
May
1
Concord
May-
3
Concord
May
5
Maiden
May
5
Concord
May
6
Concord
May
7
Concord
May
8
Concord
May
8
Concord
May
9
Concord
May
9
Concord
May
12
Boston
May
13
Cambridge
May
17
Concord
May
19
Concord
May
19
Concord
May
24
Concord
May
24
Waltham
May
26
Boston
May
26
Concord
May
26
Boston
May
27
Winchester
May
27
Concord
May
30
Concord
May
30
Concord
May
30
Concord
June
2
Concord
June
3
Boston
June
3
Concord
June
5
Concord
June
6
Newton
June
6
Concord
June
7
Concord
June
10
Boston
June
12
Chelsea
June
14
Concord
June
15
Concord
June
15
Concord
Name of Child
Musgrove, Byron Todd
Gollan, Jason William
Kirkland, Nicole Elise
Howe, Brooke Olmsted
Brooks, Laura Ellen
Blake, David Edward
Semple, Jesse B.
Winslow, Aiden Lassell
Murphy, Kyle Jason
Hitchcock, Anne Barrett
Vaughan, Jill Tolman
Larsen, Dana Britt
Collins, Christine Anne
Holway, Joanna Howland
West, Katherine Elizabeth
Burke, Thomas Francis, Jr.
Mason, Wallace Robinson, III
Sproul, Jennifer
Heitman, Andrew David
Rawson, Scott Matthew
Urda, William, III
Kennedy, Thomas Keith
Galland, Sasha Ann
Frost, Eric Philip
Gilbert, Ralph William
Hyman, Natasha Lynn
Troup, Elizabeth Page
Wang, Alicia Shoou-Yi
Zabierek, Neil Roy
Shurling, Wayne Michael
Morison, David Clayton
Scales, Sean Douglas
Korteling, Matthew Robert
Gagne, Robert Andre, Jr.
Richesson, Carrie Hope
Duncan, Julie Ann
Petersen, Scott Benjamin
Westphalen, Adam E.
Totillo, Jeffrey David
Bucknam, Kristen June
Budiansky, Rachel Anne
Constantine, Heather Ellen
Brown, Brendon Edward Olufemi
MacLeod, Susan Marie
Manion, Jeremy James
Boroski, Jo Ann
Atterbury, Neil Richard
Gilbert, Jeffrey Michael
Kraus, Pamela Cheryl
Chisholm, Anthony John
Jagel, Jason Weir
O'Brien, Michael Patrick
Faulkner, Brian Jordan
Campbell, Kirstie Lea
Barnes, Deborah
Englade, Alison Rima
Bukowski, Robert John
Hunscher, Karen Beth
Millett, Laura Adams
Tibbetts, Tiffany Anne
Rodger, Douglas Phillips
Pooler, David Howard
Garrity, Wendy Suzanne
Szafran, Jeffrey John
Davis, Pamela Elizabeth
Denneen, Matthew George
McWilliams, Kevin Michael
Kirby, Thomas Patrick
Name of Parents
Byron F. and Karen D. Sheets
William F. and Gloria L. Bry
James L. and Wendy L. Haas
John P., Ill and Jill B. Olmsted
Robert M. and Carol L. Kenney
James L. and Janice R. Gemborys
Eric A. and Paula J. Cavic
John A. and Elizabeth A. Lassell
George B. and Deborah A. Scott
Frank L. and Elizabeth Joyce
Laurence M. and Gail M. Tolman
James L. and Marie P. Dresser
James R. and Sharon A. McQuaig
William C, III and Ellen T. Hay
Joseph T. and Elizabeth A. Cohon
Thomas F. and Markey Pullen
Wallace R., Jr. and Mary E. Stanley
David A. and Janice Graham
Richard E. and Ann D. Reeves
Thomas M. and Carol A. Bryson
William, Jr. and Elaine Fedorchak
Ernest S. and Elizabeth M. Beavis
Peter M. and Sheila A. Edwards
Clarence G. and Diana P. McKinstry
Ralph H., Ill and Susan M. LaCount
Morris I. and Rochelle S. Gerratt
Kenneth F., Ill and Brenda P. Dill
Chi-Chung and Theresa Y. Teng
Roy J. and Mary A. Gorman
Wayne M. and Margaret A. Lombardi
John D. and Barbara J. Callahan
Albert A. and Paula L. Cousineau
Robert B. and Karyn F. Quebbeman
Robert A. and Rita M. Thomas
Maurice A. and Judith A. Herbert
John R. and Francine L. Amaral
Eric P. and Joan M. Brennan
Paul C. and Carole A. Franzosa
Frank A., Jr. and Marian T. Valade
David W. and Junellen F. Fraser
Gary P. and Judy Traugot
Larry L. and Joan M. Kangas
Edward W. and Nancy E. Sullivan
Robert P. and Janet K. Priest
Thomas J. and Nicola M. Hnatio
John F. and Jonell A. Fritsch
Gerald F. and Margaret J. Beeston
Ira H. and Verna L. Massell
Michael J. and Jane L. Frydman
Paul J. and Susan F. Garnache
John W. and Janina Mukerji
Richard P. and Ann L. McNiff
Larry R. and Mary A. Jordan
Melvin L. and Shirley S. Kolks
James C. and Ruth Vars
Ronald C. and Regina D. Pocius
Paul J. and Judith P. Wilcox
William H. and Anne L. Weadon
Robert E. and Carolyn J. Wiley
Theodore R. and Carol A. Wojsznis
Thomas P. and Carolyn D. Pfeiffer
Lawrence J. and Sarah A. MacManus
Michael N. and Judith B. Avia
John H. and Rosemary Larkin
Alfred W. and Marzell S. Cottingham
George F., Jr. and Wendy R. McWilliam
Eldon K. and Ruth I. Wolfe
Maurice W., Jr. and Pauline J. Morin
24
Date
PLace
Name of Child
Name of Parents
June
16
Marlborouj
June
16
Woburn
June
16
Concord
June
16
Concord
June
17
Concord
June
18
Concord
June
20
Boston
June
20
Concord
June
21
Concord
June
21
Concord
June
22
Concord
June
22
Concord
June
23
Boston
June
23
Chelsea
June
23
Concord
June
24
Concord
June
28
Concord
June
28
Concord
June
28
Concord
June
29
Concord.
June
29
Concord
July
1
Concord
July
3
Acton
July
4
Concord
July
5
Concord
July
8
Concord
July
8
Concord
July
8
Concord
July
9
Boston
July
10
Concord
July
11
Boston
July
13
Concord
July
14
Newton
July
17
Concord
July
19
Concord
July
23
Concord
July
24
Concord
July
27
Concord
July
28
Concord
July
28
Concord
July
31
Concord
Aug.
3
Concord
Aug.
3
Woburn
Aug.
6
Lowell
Aug.
7
Concord
Aug.
10
Concord
Aug.
10
Newton
Aug.
12
Concord
Aug.
13
Natick
Aug.
15
Concord
Aug.
19
Concord
Aug.
20
Cambridge
Aug.
20
Concord
Aug.
24
Concord
Aug.
24
Concord
Aug.
24
Concord
Aug.
26
Concord
Aug.
28
Concord
Aug.
29
Cambridge
Aug.
30
Concord
Aug.
31
Concord
Sept.
1
Newton
Sept.
3
Concord
Sept.
5
Concord
Sept.
6
Concord
Sept.
6
Newton
Sept.
6
Concord
Sept.
6
Concord
Catton, Christopher Andrew
MacNevin, Christopher John
Craig, Robert Carlton, Jr.
Howland, Jason Seymour
Trinque, Jason Matthew
McElman, Dennis George, Jr.
Robinson, David Winfield
Bean, Gregory Robert
Chautin, Barbara Alison
Scanlan, Liam Anthony
Ammendolia, Anthony Joseph
Rogers, Jennifer Lynn
Kivimaki, Lara Emilia
Shaughnessy, Linda Marie
Socash, Diana Lee
Campbell, Lynne Marie
Howard, Jeffrey David
Stott, Darby Ellen
Shelley, Dawn Marie
Talbot, Nicole Kenyatta
Bing, Stephanie Taylor
Galuhn, Anthony Patrick
Murray, Peter Sherman
Morehouse, Scott John
Santos, Heather Jane
Weber, Rachel Prudence
Smith, Tammy Jean
Brooks, Daniel John
Caras, Jennifer Robin
Brown, Sarah Virginia
Minichiello, Paul Nicholas, Jr.
Hammond, Melissa Louise
Piccirillo, Lee Nicole
Christensen, Karen Michele
Dangelmayer, Lori Kay
Demetrick, Joseph John
Hicks, Kevin Brian
Saganich, Leslie Marie
Witt, Stacy Leigh
Muldowney, Mark Matthew
Saunders, Todd Vincent
Osten, Timothy Charles
Ballou, Kristin Lynn
Malkowski, Peter Eric
Wardwell, Douglas Steven
Grinnell, Jennifer Johnson
Holly, Michael Patrick
Thompson, James Francis
White, Brett Andrew
■>. Rogers, Amy
Lee, Kristen Alison
Sher, Aaron Russell
Boothby, Jonathan Leslie
Mayall, Mark Andrew
Argento, Thomas Joseph, III
Mannion, Kristy Michele
tAnestis, George Henry
DeVivo, Andrew Frank
Wallace, Christopher James
Hess, Emily Martha
Mitrano, Melissa
Hodges, Catherine Eden
Kubatko, Justin Edward
Beers, Kimberley Christie
Basham, Laura Beth
James, Catherine Mary
Blaisdell, Matthew Carlton
Rosenthal, Michael Shawn
Gordon P., Jr. and Janice A. Williams
William A. and Joanne L. Campbell
Robert C. and Judith I. Mitchell
John S. and Jane H. Brigadier
Richard B. and Denise E. Duval
Dennis G. and Kathleen M. O'Brien
Winfield F., Jr. and Victoria A. Shellenberg
Robert G. and Joyce P. Lewis
Michael D. and Terry J. Hausner
James C. and Ann M. Finneran
Dominic J. and Barbara A. Nelson
John L. and Donna R. McCarthy
Larry J. and Emilia Walter
William J. and Paula M. Demers
Richard R. and Mary D. Graid
Douglas K. and Erlene J. Jarvi
Donald L. and Barbara J. Gutt
Jonathan and Patricia H. Burke
Robert N. C. and Betty A. Berger
Hugh J. and Janet K. McNamara
Stephen R. and Barbara T. McClarin
William E. and Laura F. Hasenyager
Paul J. and Carol E. Burger
Charles A. and Gertrude M. Hartmann
Paul S. and Amber J. Hayward
David C. and Mary V. Pasquantonio
Carl D. and Imogene J. Young
John D. and Lois A. Babcock
Robert B. and Joyce V. Parsons
Wilfred E., Ill and Karey B. Dudley
Paul N. and Donna C. Barnhart
Richard O. and Pamela L. Jordan
Nicholas P. and Patricia L. Gray
Frederick K. and Joanna Robinson
Robert R. and Vicki K. Hill
John, Jr. and Patricia A. Berend
Kendall B. and Marjorie E. Lukas
John P. and Mary E. Sexton
Steven L. and Nancy J. Trebendis
William J. and Marilyn S. Gornik
Robert V. and Susan H. MacLeod
Thomas E. and Patricia A. -Mahoney
Richard, Jr. and Donna N. Cutter
Peter C, Jr. and Charlene R. Nied
Clayton E. and Susan L. Denisevich
Kenneth L. and Donna M. Johnson
George R. and Mary A. Priest
John C. and Pauline F. Bourdeau
Freddie E. and Patricia C. Novick
Patrick R. and Andrea Rodday
Richard D. and Judith A. Smith
Lawrence D. and Stephanie B. Ellsworth
Peter C. and Joyce A. Tremblay
David A. and Marie J. Loughman
Thomas J., Jr. and Helen F. Ey
Joseph A. and Judith M. Vidito
George J. and Doreen Teele
Paul M. and Joyce D. Cottone
Richard C. and Dalene L. Wright
Frederick W. and Martha E. Bean
Salvatore and Patricia A. Patterson
Frederick J. and Sheila M. Hertslet
Edward J., Jr. and Martha K. Rafetto
Richard R. and Joan H. Fitzhugh
William M. and Rhonda K. Clingenpeel
David B. and Marianne N. Mezzanotte
Timothy R. and Doris A. Butler
Ronald H. and Patricia J. Merickel
25
Date
Place
13
Concord
13
Concord
14
Concord
15
Concord
19
Concord
19
Concord
20
Concord
21
Concord
22
Stoneham
22
Concord
23
Lynn
24
Concord
27
Concord
27
Boston
30
Concord
30
Concord
30
Concord
1
Shirley
1
Concord
1
Concord
2
Boston
3
Boston
6
Concord
10
Natick
12
Concord
12
Concord
16
Boston
20
Cambridge
22
Cambridge
22
Concord
23
Concord
25
Newton
25
Concord
28
Concord
1
Boston
1
Concord
2
Concord
2
Concord
2
Concord
4
Concord
4
Concord
8
Concord
8
Boston
10
Waltham
10
Newton
11
Concord
11
Concord
12
Boston
12
Concord
13
Concord
14
Shirley
14
Concord
15
Cambridge
15
Boston
15
Concord
16
Concord
19
Concord
19
Cambridge
22
Boston
22
Concord
23
Concord
24
Cambridge
24
Cambridge
25
Boston
27
Concord
29
Concord
30
Boston
Name of Child
Huntley, Rebecca Ann
Hynes, Kristen Renai
Tupper, David Arthur, Jr.
Jones, Jennifer Ellen
Troupe, Karl Arthur
Gaetano, Juliana Suzanne
^ Lee, Arthur William
Venditti, Erin Elizabeth
Dolgin, Craig Steven
Valiton, Serena
Feeney, Theresa Mary
White, James Patrick
Owens, James Matthew
Ryan, Jason Anthony
Bean, David James
Bilafer, Kevin Michael
Burton, Tara Jane
Parks, Jonathan Christopher
Aldrich, Linda Lisseth
Herlihy, David Matthew
Bacon, Victoria Catherine
Kennedy, Thomas Sean
O'Neil, James Michael
Giordano, Julie Ann
Owens, Michael William
Christian, Shirley ArLene
Kleinberg, Jon Michael
Pfischner, Robert John
Callahan, Robert Scott
Merrill, Mary Macaulay
Grant, Alvah Russell
Parello, Kristin Jon
Kranak, Patricia Maria
Donovan, Brian Michael
Newton, Christian Hudson
Nichols, Dana Gerard
Chapman, Claire Monique
Millen, Heidi Marie
Specht, Shawn Donald
DiMack, Christine Marie
Friis, Andrew Mogens
Flagg, Brenden Alden
Kuosmanen, Lisa Joanna
Scott, Kristine Marie
Goranson, Scott David
Durkee, Elizabeth Agnes
Dubois, Jeremy Harmon
Bushnell, Heather Davis
Sauve, Virginia Brady
O'Hara, Michael Joseph
Reinsprecht, Heather
Sisco, James Arthur, III
Freeman, Sharon Renee
Elmuts, Erika
MacGovern, Stephen Anderson
Louder, Gregory Bates
Carson, Michael Douglas
Bruce, Robert Douglas, Jr.
Morgan, Susan Eileen
McDonald, Anne Heather
Shedd, Diana Meyer
Reck, Jennifer Elizabeth
Molloy, John Joseph, Jr.
Levin, Jennifer Anne
Panetta, Kimberly Christine
Arnold, Tracy Romaine
Gould, Jonathan Bruce
Name of Parents
Edmund M. and Nancy K. Strate
Robert A. and Mary E. Thompson
David A. and Patricia A. Engebretson
Robert W. and Janet M. McMullen
Carleton N. and Linda A. Armstrong
Leonard F. and Suzanne E. Kenney
David A. and Susan E. North
Anthony F. and Jane E. Lee
Richard T. and Julia E. Supranovicz
Richard R. and Rosemary Kalich
Joseph F. and Kathleen M. Nash
Edward W. and Ann K. Kane
James M. and Sue A. Kelliher
William J., Jr. and Ellen M. Wedgeworth
Charles W. and Julia Y. Battite
Paul J. and Patricia M. Ryan
Peter W. and Valerie H. Hurst
Lawrence E . and Loanne M. Muise
Douglas M. and Mirtha E. Espinoza
Paul A. and Judith A. Dee
Robert W. and Nancy C. Warrington
David G. and Judith R. Ashe
James F. and Michele M. Green
Louis A. and Maywood M. Nisbet
Billy E. and Karen A. Jones
Joseph W., Jr. and Catherine A. Deimling
Eugene M. and Evelyn K. Galland
Frederick L., Jr. and Charlotte A. Urbanavage
Robert L. and Deborah J. Milton
Alan M. and Mary J. Firth
James L. and Alice I. Stronach
Ronald R. and Noella M. LeBlanc
John P. and Myriam H. Gaitan
Francis and Florence K. Pendleton
Edmund H. and Betsyan White
David G. and Mary E. Byrne
Wilson K. and Lucille J. Bail
Bruce E. and Deborah J. Aiton
Richard K. and Barbara L. Howell
John J. and Linda J. Mains
Mogens W. and Elizabeth R. de Castro
Peter H. and Wendie Whitcomb
Vesa M. and Miriam J. Koski
Deven L. and Judith A. Langowski
David A. and Jeanne M. Costello
Peter B. and Brenda A. Martens
John L. and Michelle Y. Bale
Henry D., II and Patricia M. Gray
Andrew J. and Linda A. Jamison
Charles F. and Carol A. Gulczynski
Rudolph and Margaret H. Randall
James A., Jr. and Elizabeth J. Fullonton
Ronald A . and Carol A. Glass
Gunars and Margareta Stromanis
Alan J. and Elizabeth C. Tweedy
Harold W. and Deborah S. Smith
William C, III and Trudi J. Davis
Robert D. and Lydia M. Meynig
Richard T. and Eileen A. Bumbly
Allan R. and Judith A. Morrison
Walter M. and Eileen M. Shaffery
Robert H. and Virginia A. Perry
John J. and Linda D. Dankese
Harold J. and Myrna Kachinsky
Salvatore, Jr. and Jean V. Dee
John W. and Lillian R. Blackwell
Bruce A. and Holly B. Nickerson
26
Date
Place
Name of Child
Name of Parents
Dec.
1
Concord
Dec.
3
Cambridge
Dec.
5
Concord
Dec.
5
Boston
Dec.
9
Boston
Dec.
10
Concord
Dec.
10
Concord
Dec.
13
Concord
Dec.
13
Concord
Dec.
15
Concord
Dec.
17
Boston
Dec.
18
Concord
Dec.
20
Concord
Dec.
20
Concord
Dec.
22
Concord
Dec.
26
Concord
Dec.
26
Concord
Dec.
26
Concord
Dec.
28
Concord
Dec.
28
Concord
Dec.
28
Concord
Dec.
28
Boston
Dec.
29
Concord
Dec.
29
Concord
Dec.
30
Concord
Dec.
30
Winchester
Dec.
31
Concord
Dec.
31
Concord
Courtright, Michael David
McSweeney, Keeffe David
Oliver, Christine Ellen
Harrington, Jennifer Rita
Fletcher, Alan Daland
Fisher, Carolyn Penelope
Vilela, Stephen Alberto
Page, Rebecca Ballou
Landau, Jeanne Marie
Falco, Elizabeth Anne
Harrington, Ryan John
Swick, John Thomas
Stover, Thomas Scott
Braman, Matthew Royce
Buchalter, Deborah Lynn
Srivastava, Sanjay
Bacon, Jeanne Ellen
Backus, David Kenneth
Baumeister, Jason Francis
-i Burlingame, Ellen Elizabeth
^Thatcher, Victoria Kristin
Bigelow, Alicia Catherine Saunders
VanValkenburg, Lisa Marie
Nutter, Scott Robert
Babcock, Robert Edward
Campbell, Karen Elizabeth
Bradlee, Matthew James
Landry, Wayne Alan
David J. and Nancy J. Bernier
David P. and Nora M. O'Keeffe
Donald S. and Elizabeth A. McCullough
Michael P. and Virginia King
Alan W. and Nancy Oldford
Charles P., Jr. and Kathleen P. O'Brien
Anthony L. and Elizabeth C. Gillbert
Robert E. and Barbara B. Heiligmann
Robert W. and Mary A. Willard
Vincent and Wendy E. Feldman
John J. and Lorraine A. Miller
Thomas J. and Julia A. Ciprotti
Frank T., Ill and Nola A. Martin
Walter R. and Ann M. Morgan
Bernard J. and Carole A. Muller
Sushanta and Sunita Sinha
Clyde J. and Catherine E. Reynolds
Gail H. and Marjorie A. Richards
Harry F. and Constance B. Labbe
Andrew F. and Mary L. Hunt
Robert M. and Ruth A. Harris
Louis K., Jr. and Helen P. Saunders
Earle P. and Sandra J. Cain
William R., Jr. and Carol A. Dee
William R. and Sue L. Porter
Thomas E., Ill and Sally A. Kimball
William J. and Margaret L. Graham
Charles J. and Carole L. Croft
DOG LICENSES
ALL DOG LICENSES EXPIRE MARCH 31, 1972.
DOGS MUST BE LICENSED ON OR BEFORE
APRIL 1ST OR THE OWNERS OR KEEPERS
THEREOF ARE LIABLE TO A FINE. THE LAW
APPLIES TO ALL DOGS THREE MONTHS OLD
OR OVER, REGARDLESS OF TIME OF YEAR
OWNERSHIP IS ACQUIRED. NO TAX BILLS ARE
SENT TO OWNERS OF DOGS.
REPORT OF DOG LICENSES
ISSUED IN 1971
8 Licenses
@
@
@
@
@
@
@
Tags @
reasurer
$ 2. 00
$ 16. 00
3 Licenses
5. 00
15.00
1251 Licenses
3. 00
3, 753. 00
176 Licenses
6.00
1, 056. 00
7 Licenses
10. 00
70. 00
4 Licenses
25.00
100. 00
2 Licenses
50. 00
100. 00
56 Duplicate
Paid to Town T
.25
14. 00
$5, 124.00
27
TOWN FOREST
This year the boundaries of both Town Forests were cleared of brush. The corner bounds and line trees
rere marked with orange paint. Trees were removed where they had fallen across access roads and fire lanes.
A number of groups and individuals are using these areas for hiking and other recreational uses. The
lurkee lot has now been in Town ownership for 45 years and the Texas lot for 25.
Franklin H. Charter Emery Nelson
George E. Neagle
Town Forest Committee
TREE WARDEN
The Tree Department planted 125 new trees this year. Most of these were planted off the town right of
ray on private property.
We continue to remove dying and dangerous trees along the town ways. Most of these are declining be-
ause of street widening, sidewalks and rock salt.
Pruning of dead and dangerous limbs was also done on several streets.
Franklin H. Charter
INSECT PEST CONTROL
The control of Dutch Elm disease continues to be the largest activity of this Department. Approximately
10 Elms are removed each year with this disease.
The Oak Skeletonizer was again serious in some sections of the town. The State Entomologist predicts
hat 1971 will be the last year this pest will be of much consequence.
The Gypsy Moth continues to build up as it has for about 10 years. Egg clusters have been observed in
nost sections of the town.
Franklin H. Charter
Superintendent
DOG OFFICER
Vly records show that in 1971:
1. 1425 dog licenses were issued (65 more than in 1970). 500 reminder cards were sent out.
2. 29 dogs were picked up, of which 10 were claimed by their owners, 3 were destroyed, and 16
were placed in homes.
3. 124 dogs were reported lost and 37 reported found.
4. 23 dog bites were investigated.
5. 69 complaints of various kinds were investigated, and most of the problems solved to the satis-
faction of those concerned.
Patrick Palmer
28
SEWERAGE STUDY
Several significant events have occurred during the past year which will have a profound effect on the
direction of Acton's water pollution abatement program and on the division of costs associated with required
facilities.
The Clean Waters Act of 1965, the Federal Law governing the implementation and funding of water pol-
lution abatement programs, expired on June 30, 1971. In the interim, Congress has voted several short-tern-
extensions but, as yet, has not formulated a replacement public law. A Senate bill, drafted primarily by
Senator Edmund Muskie, was passed unanimously by the Senate in November. However, the House Public
Works Committee and the Executive Branch both objected to several features of the Bill. Consequently, the
new law is presently stalled in a joint committee review. Indications are, however, that the water pollution
abatement program will be funded with $14 billion to $27 billion over the next four years. This is a signifi-
cant increase over the $3. 5 billion authorized by the Clean Waters Act of 1965. Additionally, Federal grant
participation may be increased to 75 percent, or 20 percent above present levels. Most significant of the
possible changes, however, is that the Senate bill now provides that sewage collection systems be eligible
for Federal funding at the same level as treatment facilities and interceptors. Should such financing and
funding procedures survive the joint committee review, the financial participation required of Acton could
change considerably.
Recently, the Massachusetts Water Resources Commission, Division of Water Pollution Control,
completed their sanitary analyses of the Assabet River of which Fort Pond Brook and Nashoba Brook are
tributary streams. The Report is addressed to defining the quality of all tributary water courses and to
identifying pollutional sources. Recommendations for corrective action have not been formulated. The SSC
has requested copies of this Report for review and evaluation.
As outlined in our last Annual Report, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council is concurrently formu-
lating recommendations for the implementation of regional water pollution abatement programs. Two
alternatives have been proposed for Acton, one encompassing a regional area of Concord, Acton, Littleton,
Wayland and Sudbury and the other encompassing Concord, Acton and Littleton. In both instances the recom-
mendations provide for either secondary or advanced waste-water treatment facilities in Concord. The SSC
reviewed an early draft of the MAPC Report and suggested that alternative procedures for formulating and
administering regional organizations be included in the final documents. The committee has also requested
copies of the Report for review and evaluation. The final documents are now expected in mid-1972.
A Federal directive issued in 1971 now requires the Division of Water Pollution Control to formulate
River Basin Water Pollution Abatement Programs. Such Basin Plans are intended to coordinate and define
the future efforts of all programs throughout the Commonwealth and to serve as the basis for both Federal
and State construction grants. It is the intent of the Division now to meld their study of the Assabet River
and the MAPC's Regional Report into one comprehensive River Basin Plan. Once the Basin Plans have been
resolved, firm implementation directives will be issued to individual communities as subsequently deemed
necessary by the Division. Presumably, Acton will receive such a directive. The SSC intends to maintain
close liaison with the Division during the formulation of the Basin Plans.
The SSC remains convinced that a comprehensive water pollution abatement program will be required
of Acton. When such a program will require implementation, however, still is rather obscure. In the
interim we will continue monitoring all local, regional, State and Federal activities and participating in
reviews and discussions as required.
Until Acton's water pollution abatement program is realized, however, it is imperative that all indi-
vidual sewerage systems be maintained properly. Booklets addressed to the installation, operation and
maintenance of septic tanks and leaching systems are available, free of charge, from the Board of Health.
Do yourself a good deed -- obtain a booklet and follow the recommendations outlined therein.
Bradford S. Leach David A. Manahan
Warren S. Orcutt Daniel J. Costello
SEALER of WEIGHTS
Total number of devices inspected - 210; condemned - 2; adjusted - 1; sealed - 207.
Sealing fees collected and paid to Town Treasurer - $366. 00.
George K. Hayward
29
SCHOOL REPORT
ACTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND ACTON-BOXBOROUGH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
ORGANIZATION
Acton School Committee
Term Expires
Edith D. Stowell, Chairman 1973
Beverly W. Lydiard, Secretary ..... 1972
Robert Evans 1974
-John A. Norris 1972
Donald E. Westcott 1973
Robert Pilsbury 1974
Acton-Boxborough Regional District School Committee
Term Expires
James L. Donovan, Chairman 1973
Donald E. Westcott, Vice Chairman . . . 1973
Beverly W. Lydiard 1972
John A. Norris 1972
Edith D. Stowell 1973
Reginald Brown 1974
John Steele 1972
Robert Evans 1974
Robert Pilsbury 1974
The Acton School Committee holds regular meetings on the third Monday of each month and the Regional
School Committee meets regularly on the second and fourth Mondays. Both groups convene at the Acton-
Boxborough Regional Junior High School Music Room at 7:30 P.M.
Telephone
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Norman D. Brust 263-9503
Assistant Superintendent, Alan M. White 263-9503
Administrative Assistants, Priscilla Felt 263-9503
Beatrice Perkins 263-9503
Principals: Conant School, Alice F. Hayes 263-7407
Douglas School, Robert C. Conroy 263-2753
Gates School, James Palavras 263-9162
Merriam School, William Sparks ,263-2581
McCarthy-Towne Schools, Parker Damon 263-4982
Acton-Boxborough Junior High School, Arthur J. Hayes 263-7716
Henry J. Wall, Vice-Principal 263-7716
Acton-Boxborough Senior High School, Raymond J. Grey 263-7738
Donald A. MacLeod, Vice-Principal 263-7738
Lawrence McNulty, Vice Principal ...... 263-7738
Director of Guidance, Ruth R. Proctor 263-2492
Head Counselor, William J. Petkewich 263-7718
Director of Music, Henry W. Wegiel 263-7738
SCHOOL CALENDAR 1972-1973
Reopening of All Schools
Winter Recess
Good Friday
Spring Recess
Memorial Day
Graduation
Close of School
Summer Recess
Teachers' Meetings
Reopening of All Schools
Columbus Day
January 3, 1972
February 21-25
March 31
April 17-21
May 29
June 9
June 22
September 5,
September 6
October 9
1972
Teachers' Convention
Veteran's Day
Thanksgiving Recess
Christmas Holiday
Reopening of All Schools
Winter Vacation
Good Friday
Spring Vacation
Memorial Day
Graduation
Close of Schools
October 18
October 23
Noon - Nov. 22, 23, 24
Noon - Dec. 22-Jan. 1
January 2, 1973
February 19-23
April 20
April 16-20
May 28
June 8
June 21
NO SCHOOL SIGNAL
1-1-1-1
2-2-2-2
7:15 A.M.
7:00 A.M.
No School Acton Public Schools, Grades K-6
No School All Schools All Day
Announcements aired on WBZ - 1030 mc. and WHDH - 850 mc. , starting at 7:00 A. M.
30
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
In the short time I have been in Acton as your Superintendent, I have learned a great deal about the Acton
and Acton-Boxborough Regional Schools, fully realizing that there is much more to be learned.
Acton is a community that has seen rapid growth in the past eight years and with this growth has come
many demands and problems. High on the list of priorities and problems has been the education of your chil-
dren. Education in recent years has become a complex matter at best and a town such as Acton, with all of
its growing pains and change from semi-rural to sophisticated suburban, has often found the process painful.
One of the exciting things about the town is its diversity of opinion on education. If we can pool our ideas and
exchange opinions in a meaningful way, we can't help but have successful schools. Acton and its sister town
of Boxborough have consistently shown a positive attitude in trying to promote the best in education in line with
sound fiscal policies.
Generally, I think there are four basic concerns to any taxpayer in a year-end report from the schools.
They are:
1. What kind of education are we now providing--does it meet the needs of the community?
Where will the future take us?
2. What are the costs of this education and what will the increases be?
3. How will the future growth of the town or towns affect our building program?
4. What are our costs for upkeep and repair of the physical plants? What are our costs for
lunches, transportation and janitorial services?
The past year has seen many changes. We opened the Conant School and began a 4.5 million dollar con-
struction on the addition to the Junior High. The so-called Pilot School, better known as the McCarthy -Towne
School, became a reality and making allowances for minor problems attendant with any new venture, we are
pleased that this school is meeting the needs of its students in a satisfactory manner. We have seen changes
in the structuring of the Junior High. We have initiated a volunteer system that is both popular and allows for
greater flexibility as well as providing many services at no cost to the town.
During this past year, we have opened classes for the emotionally disturbed children both in Boxborough
and Acton on a regional basis. We acquired Title 6 funding enabling us to start programs for the learning dis-
abled student at the secondary level and we have an agreement with Sudbury to send some of our students in
the Retarded Classes to that town, giving these students broader opportunities for development of their potential,
In March, the town voted to become part of the Minuteman Vocational Technical Region. Within five
years this will have a great significance not only on the total school population at secondary level but also in
terms of more opportunities for the vocationally or technically oriented student, as well as many of the handi-
capped. We have also expanded use of the Community Advisory Committee. These committees provide in-
valuable assistance to both the staff and the school committee in terms of research and future goals.
The biggest problem caused by Acton's fast growth as I see it, is that while we have provided for the
ever-increasing number of youngsters in the schools in terms of space, we have sacrificed in the area of co-
ordination and sequence from one level to the next. Our programs lack clearly defined goals, objectives and
standards. There is little continuity of objectives from primary through to secondary grades. I feel that we
must establish these goals in order to evaluate not only the performance of the student but the effectiveness of
our teachers and our programs.
We have in the past had long-range studies that have not been fully utilized and kept current. This year
the school committee has provided for an Administrative Assistant who will update and correlate past studies
and mesh them with newer studies from other town departments as well as the schools', so that we will begin
to have an on-going evaluation. The 1972 budget has been set up on a program as well as the usual line-item
basis to assist us in this area. You will note that a sum of money has been placed in each budget in the areas
of Evaluation Research and Development. We feel that this is a must if we are to bring about change in a de-
liberate, systematic manner. Ideally, we need a master long-range plan for the total community that would
involve the schools along with the various town agencies.
The cost of quality education, unhappily, is never cheap. We have had an increase, not considering
debt service, of about 18.7% at the local level and 12.9% at the Regional level. There will be a need for a sub-
stantial increase in operating costs at the High School level when the new building opens in 1973. On the plus
side, we have had a decrease in number of students per class over last year. At the primary level, we now
have approximately 27 children per class and at the secondary, about 24 per class. As the economic climate
becomes more positive, I would assume the student population will begin to increase at a more rapid rate.
Because of lack of space at the High School, the freshman class is on a staggered basis from the rest of the
student body. This has been a boon to the late sleepers, if not their parents. This condition will cease when
the new school opens.
There are two other factors that I think are of prime importance. One is the state mandate that all
schools shall have public Kindergarten by September of 1973, which will cause considerable increase in edu-
cational expenditures. The other is that Boxborough appears to be entering into a period of rapid growth that
31
could cause considerable impact in our Regional student population. This is a probability that must be faced
and only points up the increased need for greater coordination between both the towns and their respective
agencies.
Since at least four of the schools in Acton are quite new and in relatively good repair, they have not re-
quired much in the way of repairs and maintenance. However, this portion of the school budget will need to
be funded relatively higher than it has in the past.
The cost of transportation for our students is down and credit for this must go to Alan White who initi-
ated the program. Acton .was the first town in New England to use computerized bus service. The estimated
savings since the program has been in effect are the cost of two buses. Incidentally, the State has asked
Acton for our guidelines in setting up this program for use by other towns throughout the state.
For a number of years, our custodians have been poorly paid. We are now in the process of bringing
their salaries into line with other similar town personnel. We are also striving for greater cleanliness in the
buildings; however, this takes the full cooperation and appropriate attitudes from all students and staff mem-
bers.
Our lunch program has had several problems this past year, with numerous complaints from both types
of systems. Our aim is to provide the students with attractive, nutritious food at the lowest possible cost.
We have been on a cooperative program with Concord, using their central kitchen facilities. After a brief
hiatus, we have resumed this program, hopefully with better quality food and at a lower cost than our own
kitchens could manage. We are looking for increased efficiency and variety in the rest of our lunch program.
In the elementary schools that are not on the central kitchen, the program is considerably in the red. It is
certainly not our aim to make a profit, but we hope to find ways of breaking even in this area. At the Secon-
dary level, the High School lunch program is running in the black, while the Junior High shows a minor deficit.
In the area of Legislation, Chapter 1010 has provided welcome relief for the town on interest charges on
our Bond issue for the new high school. The new legislation provides 65% reimbursement. Of added interest
or concern are the recent State Supreme Court decisions in several states, notably California and New Jersey,
regarding the use of property taxes to finance education. This may have a great impact on the funding of edu-
cation in the near future.
It is certainly appropriate at this point to mention that recently Acton saw the retirement of William
O'Connell as Superintendent of Schools. Mr. O'Connell did a remarkable job for both Acton and Boxborough
in the time he served the towns. Following in his footsteps will certainly be a difficult task. Thanks also go
to Parker Harrison, Jr. and Harry Morse who served on the school committee for nine and four years re-
spectively. The town owes a great deal to all three of these gentlemen.
I would also like to express appreciation to both the Finance Committee and the Building Committee.
The Finance Committee members, chaired by Arthur Schene, have been invaluable in their expert knowledge
and assistance. The Building Committee, under the able leadership of Tom Regan, did a superb job in over-
seeing the construction of the Conant School and particularly in presenting a thorough, concise report to the
town on the Junior High School addition which is presently under construction. Without this kind of assistance,
we could not have made the progress we have.
A special note of thanks goes to the school commit-
tees who work long hours to serve a community of diverse
ideologies. They have shown a great capacity for hard
work and support. I would also state my appreciation to
the volunteers who so ably have helped at the administra-
tive level.
And last, but by no means least, I would like to
personally thank the members of the Administration and
the Acton Education Association for their support and
help, not only in the short time I have been in Acton but
for my predecessor. They are the mainstays of the
system.
A large vote of thanks for the supportive personnel
in the schools, the custodial staff, the secretaries and
the cafeteria workers who pick up the pieces and make
the system run a little more smoothly.
In closing, I would like to say that the door to my
office is always open. The staff and I welcome your
comments and concerns, and sincerely state that they
will be given every consideration.
Newly appointed
Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Norman D. Brust
(Photo by G. B. Williams, Jr. )
Dr. Norman D. Brust
32
REPORT OF THE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
irollment
statistics for the year
1971
were as follows:
Grade
January 1971
June 1971
September 1971
December 1971
September 1972*
9
370
370
406
399
438
10
347
338
371
370
402
11
311
302
340
331
370
12
269
267
309
306
333
1,297 1,277 1,426 1,406 1,543
* These figures do not allow for departing students or new students.
A careful examination of the above figures gives us a good indication of our growth. The big difference
in our operation in the year 1971 was the extended school day. The creation of a ten-period day enabled us to
accommodate 1,426 students in a school designed for 1,000. The cooperation from the students and staff has
been most gratifying and as a result, it is a successful operation. A special thank you should be extended to
grade 9 students and their parents.
We have been working with a "Student Rights and Responsibility" committee composed of adults from the
community, teachers and students. This committee is focusing its attention on the following areas:
1. School Governance
2. Curriculum Development
3. Extracurricular Activities
4. Utilization of Existing School Plant
Recommendations from this committee will be presented to the Student Council, Faculty, Principal, Superin-
tendent and to the School Committee for final approval. Weekly meetings are also being held by the Student
Council where issues important to the students are being discussed in great detail.
The addition of Mr. Lawrence McNulty as Vice Principal has really helped us to meet the needs of addi-
tional students. Mr. McNulty is responsible for grades 9 and 12, and Mr. MacLeod is concerned with grades
10 through 12.
The year 1972 will find us, i.e., students, teachers and administrators, looking forward to making our
move to a new senior high school complex. We shall be spending the year focusing our attention on the follow-
ing improvements:
1. Curriculum 6. Expanded Home Economics, Industrial Arts, Art,
-T Mechanical Drawing and Music
a. New courses b
b. New methods of teaching „ n
c. Deletion of courses
2. Time Schedule
Flexibile modular
a. New courses
Athletics
a. Addition of gymnastics, swimming, wrestling, golf
3. Team Teaching
0 ., 9. Physical Education
a. Small group — «
b. Independent study a. Electives and half-year courses
c. Open laboratories
10. Student Commons
11.
4.
Expanded Library Facilities
a.
Study carrels
b.
Listening areas
c.
Research areas
d.
Reading for leisure
e.
Filmstrips
f.
Films
g-
Records
5.
Expanded Business Department
a.
New courses
b.
Data center
a.
Its effective
use
b.
No study halls
Intramural s
a.
Swimming
b.
Volleyball
c.
Basketball
d.
Soccer
e.
Track
f.
Gymnastics,
etc
As Principal of the Senior High School, I realize we have a great deal of work to perform prior to our
entering the new school in 1973, but I feel that we shall meet our goal of providing the type of secondary school
33
that we all desire, i. e., a school for the students, a school that the parents will be proud of, and a school
which the staff and administration will find intellectually stimulating. All this can be achieved because we
know we have a great student body and an excellent staff.
Raymond J. Grey
CLASS OF 1971
Carl H. Adams
Sheila R. Adams
Naiem S. Ahmad
Linda S. Aldrich
Linda Susan Allen
Karen A. Alward
Willard A. Andersen
Pamela G. Anderson
Jorge A. Arias
Denice A. Bacher
Eileen M. Barry
Richard C. Bateman, Jr.
Susan M. Berg
Pamela A. Bergin
Christopher N. Berlied
Rebecca Lynn Beyer
James R. Bezanson
Cynthia Louise Blodgett
Nicholas Paul Boccio
Kathryn Marie Bolger
Patricia E. Boothby
Gary Paul Boothman
Elinor Gayle Boyden
Pamela Joan Bradley
Andrea Marion Breslouf
Debra J. Brine
Thomas Milton Brown
William P. Brown
Chandler K. Burns
Donna A. Burns
Diane J. Byers
Daniel Joseph Byrd
Ronald James Calkins
Thomas Edward Cann
Robert F. Carroll, Jr.
David George Casteline
Glenn C. Castner
Deborah Anne Ceglowski
Douglas John Chabinsky
Susan Carol Charter
Nina I. Chernak
Jerome Raymond Christian
Suzanne Esther Clewley
Brenda Lee Coffey
Lawrence Collins
Martin Joseph Conroy
Beth Anne Crosby
Elaine Charlene Cullinane
Deborah Jean Cummings
Edward J. Cummings
Paul R. Cuthbert
Karen A. Daigle
Lucy M. Dale
John Dargin
Gayle Anne Davis
Karl Richard Davis
Paula Evelyn Davis
Michael Day
Cynthia Jean Deacon
Robert Paul Delaney
Susan Marguerite Desjardins
David S. Deveau
Ellen Marie Dill
John F. DiMase
John Jeffrey Dodson
Kathleen Mary Dudziak
Lois Ann Durkin
Jon Russell Edwards
Curtis G. Emmons
Diane Carol Erikson
Mary B. Falvey
Lester L. Fanning
Janice Blair Finley
Randall F. Flerra
Steven Frederick Foote
Doyle R. Foster
Joyce Elizabeth Foster
Bruce Raymond Fox
Cynthia Marie Furlong
Marie Frances Galluzzo
Martha Jane Gates
Michael Rolin Gebelein
Cynthia Ann Glover
Brenda J. Goodwin
Mary Ann Gordon
Sharon Anne Grancey
Herbert Alfred Grekula
Norman Arthur Grekula
Pamela Rae Grey
Patricia Evelyne Grieve
Susan Mary Haley
James Edward Haller
Robert Philip Hamilton
Richard Hansen
Parker Harrison, III
David W. Hartwell
Gregory B. Haskell
Christopher L. Hatch
Robert Bennett Headley
Myies F. Heffernan, III
Timothy Charles Henderson
Roberta Lynn Henry
Jeffrey Erwin Hermes
Paul Richard Hess
Alice Cummings Heustis
Cynthia Marie Heyner
Dawn R. Hibbard
Charles R. Hillman
Maureen Ann Hitchins
Timothy J. Hoey
Kathryn Ann Hogle
Thomas Edward Hollywood
Susan Hooper
David James Home
Diann Howland
Rebecca Hryniewich
William J. Hryniewich
Jeffrey Paul Hugel
Sandra Lee Humphries
Thomas R. Illsley
Edward Jackson
Arthur S. Johnson
Barbara Jones
Gregory Jones
Robert Trela Jones
Laura Lee Kangas
Richard J. Kangas
Stephen Karr
Judy E. Kashuba
William L. Kendall
Josiah John Kirby, Jr.
Joanne Klauer
Carolyn Kondrat
William Kramer
Harry T. Ku
Joan LaFoley
Janice E. Lambert
Debra Anne Lanoue
Robert Dadman Leary
George P. LeGault
Mark Phillips Lindsay
Debra Jeanne Locke
Betsy Lee Look
Daniel J. Lord
Luellen M. Lougee
Stephen P. Lougee
Gregory Lucas
Douglas P. Lynn
Malcolm Stuart MacGregor, Jr.
Ralph L. MacLure
Ian MacPherson
Jean Elizabeth MacRae
David Madison
Richard Robinson Major, II
Joan Elisabeth Mason
Michael M. Mathews
Charles Joseph Mayer
Keven E. McCauley
Robert Forrest McCluer
Robert C. McFarland
Shauna Jean McGregor
Eileen Ann McKnight
Matthew Menapace
Stephanie Ann Merrill
Joan Carol Metzger
Vernon Lee Miller
David L. Moore
Janet M. Moore
Leslie Anne Morrison
Kathryn A. Moscariello
Sheila Joyce Mulvey
Deborah Ann Myers
Stephen R. Nelson
Glen L. Nichols
Loretta Kay Nichols
Barbara L. Nihen
Leena Nummela
Walter Edward O' Clair
Gregory Ohlson
Nancy L. Oman
Cynthia L. O'Neil
Susan Helen Osborn
James Nelson Page
Tenley A. Page
Wayne A. Page
Carol A. Palazzi
Steven C. Palmer
Susan Jane Panetta
John F. Perry
Doreen Peterson
Wendy Jane Peterson
Kimberley Ann Pivin
34
Catherine L. Platte
Ann Marie Polselli
Ashley R. Pomeroy
Deborah M. Portyrata
Colleen Ann Powers
Elizabeth Pratt
Rose L. Priest
Christine Pruneau
Sue Anne Rahaim
Celeste Ann Rejewski
Richard Ramos
William C. Rawson
Holly Anne Reagan
David Michael Regan
Karen L. Reichle
Kenneth B. Reidy
Stephen K. Richter
Debra G. Rimbach
Debra Kay Robinette
Karen Ann Roche
Karen W. Rogers
Michelle Ann Rollins
Francis Edward Roy, Jr.
Dana M. Sanford
Paul C. Sanford
Gregory Sariotis
Douglas B. Schad
Carl Peter Schell
Thornton C. Schoch, Jr.
Melissa M. Scott
Stephen W. Scribner, Jr.
Thomas C. Searle, Jr.
Cynthia Seward
Debra Arline Shaw
Stephen W. Shook
Kimberley C. Smith
John E. Snyer
Christopher M. Sorrentino
Kyle Anne Sprain
Thomas Hunt Stafford
Judith A. Stenzel
Donald M. Sturtevant
Janet L. Sullivan
Nancy Lee Suther
Eileen M. Sweeney
Robert B. Taber
Carol Jeanette Thompson
Erik S. Tolf
Melinda L. Tolley
Stephen Harrington Tolman
Keven Edward Tompkins
Steven Bengt Tornell
Rebecca S. Towne
Russell M. Turner
William Tuttle
Camille Twyford
Carolyn Joan Marie Vanaria
Kenneth C. Vettrus
Paul D. Vieira
Mary Ellen Vorce
C. Barry Walker
Richard B. Warren
Thomas E. Weeks
James Werrbach
Brandon B. Westley
Robert H. Wetherbee
JoAnne Whipple
Charles W. Whitehead
Constance A. Whitney
Julianne Beatrice Widmayer
Michael Alan Williams
Sandra E. Williamson
Joseph T. Wilson, Jr.
Juliana C. Wootton
Barry S. Worcester
Robert Alan Wright
Pamela Joyce Zimmer
CLASS OFFICERS
President
David Moore
Vice President
Janice Finley
Secretary
Sue Hooper
Treasurer
Stephanie Merrill
REPORT OF THE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Junior High School addition, which will become the new Senior High School when completed.
The Acton -Boxborough Junior High School is now completing its sixth year in the new building on Charter
Road. By the fall of 1973 the former A-B Regional Junior High School will become the new high school and
Grade 7 and 8 pupils will move into the former high school on the hill.
35
The Junior High School offers a fairly rich variety of subjects to students preparing for high school.
There are at this time no electives, but subjects available to all students at this time are crafts, graphic arts,
mechanical drawing, architectural drawing, foods, clothing, general music, woodworking, painting and draw-
ing, ceramics, metal enameling, band, string orchestra, chorus, orchestra, metalworking, welding, foundry
practice and silk screening of prints.
The required academic subjects are English, French, mathematics, science and social studies. In the
fall of 1972, Spanish will be offered to certain classes so that students may choose between French and another
language on entering junior high school.
It is hoped also that a course in crafts will be operating to accommodate those students not enrolled in a
language course.
Individualized instruction enters its third year with the continuance and expansion of the Intermediate
Science Curriculum Study to give science students a choice between general science and individual experimen-
tation.
Social studies has been completely revamped to concentrate on this hemisphere, the United States, Can-
ada, Mexico and South America in preparation for Grade 8 history. The latter subject is "sweetened" with
generous doses of material on anthropology, major social problems, landmark cases of the Supreme Court,
and pertinent outside reading to reinforce the texts.
In the fall of 1971, the whole academic program was strengthened and more tightly coordinated with the
high school by the appointment of the following Assistant Department Chairmen to work closely with the De-
partment Chairmen at ABRHS:
English - Mrs. Robert Nizel
French - Miss Dorothy Stewart
Mathematics - Mr. Robert Rooney
Science - Mr. Bert Hubley
Social Studies - Mr. Frank Blomberg
Mr. Arthur Hayes was appointed Principal in the fall of 1965 and was joined a year later by Mr. Henry
Wall as Assistant Principal. Both administrators have been blessed with the help and support of a first-rate
faculty and staff. The support of the various superintendents and school committees has been appreciated.
Arthur Hayes
REPORT OF THE CONANT SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
The Luther Conant School which was opened in September 1971.
Luther Conant School opened September 8, 1971, with an enrollment of 493 pupils in grades 1-6 with
Mrs. Alice Hayes as Principal. Dedication exercises were held October 3, 1971.
36
In addition to the regular classrooms, the Conant School houses a transition class which was established
for children lacking "readiness" for the usual first grade program. It is felt that special programming in the
transition class is the best means of getting them ready for first grade. This program will be evaluated in
the spring of 1972.
The Language Arts program has been updated and strengthened by the adoption of the new "Reading for
Meaning" program, published by Houghton Mifflin. This program constantly works toward two major goals:
(1) the development of an ever-increasing control of those specific skills that will enable the child to read well
independently, and (2) the development of an enthusiastic and ever-broadening interest in reading.
Spelling and Handwriting (1971 editions) by Noble and Noble is being piloted in grades 1-6 in view of
adoption. This is the first and only series that combines complete spelling and handwriting instruction in one
strikingly designed program. The program ensures high interest and guarantees success. An evaluation will
be done in the spring.
Science, Social Studies and Math are pilot programs--the outgrowth of research and development pro-
grams. Ongoing evaluations are being conducted in view of adopting the best programs in all subject areas.
Supplementary programs in all areas provide for enrichment for the children who need challenge, and
extra help for the slow learners.
Pupil personnel services - guidance, health, remedial reading, speech, and language disabilities - are
available for children who are in need of these services.
Tutorial programs, using volunteers, have been established to give extra help on the basic skills in an
attempt to prevent failure.
Our teachers have welcomed the opportunity to be part of a new program titled "Practicum in Education".
Eight students from State College at Framingham have participated. It is a laboratory experience which is
adjunct to the professional preparation courses. It enables the student to conceptualize the principles, tech-
niques and approaches presented in the professional preparation courses by direct application to classroom
practice.
We have had high school students helping in the classrooms. It has been a very satisfactory program- -
a big help to classroom teachers, and a means of helping young people to decide on a career in teaching.
Parents are encouraged to visit classrooms and to become involved as teacher, library and office aides.
Mrs. Alice Hayes
REPORT OF THE DOUGLAS SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
The Douglas School began the new school year with 498 pupils, a reduction in enrollmentof 128 pupils
from the 1970-71 school year. The number of classroom teachers was reduced to 19, including three classes
per grade level one through five and four sixth grade classes. A learning disability specialist was added to
the staff, while other special services available to meet the needs of the children include speech, remedial
reading, guidance, health, art, music and physical education.
The addition of MacMillan texts and the new Houghton Mifflin program to our reading materials gives us
a wide range of current instructional materials designed to meet the varying needs of the children.
In social studies the Laidlaw program has been adopted in the primary grades, while grades 4, 5 and 6
are piloting new programs for adoption next year.
In arithmetic, both the Addison-Wesley and Houghton Mifflin programs are being extensively tested and
evaluated with an adoption anticipated in the near future.
Science and social studies programs have both been strengthened by the supportive services of resource
teachers.
A motor training program has been instituted and remedial instruction is provided for students in need
of it.
In all areas of the curriculum, efforts are being made to develop more individualized instructional tech-
niques by organizing the programs and materials in a manner appropriate to such instruction.
The corps of volunteers has more than 30 members who perform a wide range of clerical, tutorial and
supportive services in the classrooms, library and school office. The Library -Learning Center continues as
another major resource to teachers and children by providing easy access to a wide variety of audio-visual
materials and equipment in addition to books and standard references.
37
Our major thrust this year is directed towards selecting new materials and adapting older materials for
use with instructional techniques that foster the personal and academic development of each child on an indi-
vidualized basis.
Robert Conroy
REPORT OF THE GATES SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Enrollment as of October 1, 1971 -- Grade 1 - 71; Grade 2 - 69; Grade 3 - 80; Grade 4 - 72; Grade 5 - 86;
Grade 6 - 91; Educable Mentally Retarded - 7; Trainable Mentally Retarded - 9; Total - 485.
Curriculum Changes
A. Language Arts
1. Introduction of new readiness program, Alpha One, in Grade 1.
2. Updating basal and supplementary reading programs in Grades 1-6.
3. Start in developing a language arts resource area.
B. Social Studies
1. Introduction of The Silver Burdett Primary Social Studies Program in Grades 1-3.
2. Piloting of programs in Grades 4-6.
3. Start in developing a social studies resource area.
C. Mathematics
1. Piloting of programs in Grades 1-6.
2. Inter-classroom grouping in Grades 1, 2, 3, 5.
3. Start in developing a mathematics resource area.
D. Other
1. Increased use of games as educational and recreational activities.
2. Introduction of Friday afternoon "Activity Period" for all students.
3. Library: Multi-media resource area.
We have increased the use of parent volunteers as tutors and clerical assistants.
James Palavras
REPORT OF THE MCCARTHY-TOWNE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
The McCarthy-Towne School has experienced a mixture of challenges, rewards, and frustrations. Al-
though seventeen of the twenty-seven full-time professional staff are new to the Acton Public School System,
only one is a first year teacher. The twenty classroom teachers have had to learn how to best use the Words
in Color and Algebricks materials from Educational Solutions (ESI) along with helping continue the development
of science and social studies programs begun in the other elementary schools. Unfortunately there have been
shortages of materials and supplies that have frustrated some of our efforts.
For the staff, the school year began in August with a three-week workshop to begin to learn how to use
the ESI materials. Since then, there have been a series of in-service workshops conducted by the two consul-
tants - one for reading and one for mathematics - for the staff, volunteers, and interested parents. There
has also been the first of three two-day workshops conducted by Dr. Gattegno. It should be noted that the cost
of the ESI programs and personnel are provided for by not having certain staffing arrangements which exist in
other elementary schools.
The McCarthy-Towne School began the school year with 495 students representing 306 families. By De-
cember 31, 1971, we had 486 students; 7 students were withdrawn from the r jhool and placed in other Acton
schools, and 8 students were withdrawn when the families moved away from Acton; 4 students were enrolled in
the school during this time; and 7 put on the waiting list for entrance in September 1972.
We have a very effective volunteer program comprised of parents and college, high school, and junior
high school students. In all, we have 180 volunteers working in the school each week. Our programs in the
following areas would not be possible without them: art curriculum, classroom individualization and attention,
library operation, lunchroom supervision, music curriculum, physical education curriculum and visiting day
program.
The parents and friends of the school have also shown their support through their donation of things and
services to the school, and by their attendance at the five morning "coffees" and the several P. T.O. evening
38
meetings. The school staff is very appreciative of this support and looks forward to a continuation and exten-
sion of working with everyone interested in improving education in Acton.
Parker Damon
REPORT OF THE F. A. MERRIAM SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
The Merriam School reopened in September, 1971, with an enrollment of 467 pupils, grades one through
six. There are three classrooms at each grade level, making a total of eighteen classrooms.
This year has seen the opening of a new library which has added greatly to the educational program. At
the present time, there are 4,000 volumes of books of varying interests available for pupil use. Audio-visual
materials to supplement subject areas have also been provided to be utilized by teachers on a loan basis. The
entire library program continues to grow not only in material value but in importance as concerns the overall
curriculum.
The installation of playground equipment for the primary grades by volunteer Merriam School parents
has provided the pupils a better opportunity to improve their physical skills as well as to allow more play-
ground enjoyment than heretofore.
A new program in social studies has been added to the primary grades of the school. (The same pro-
gram was introduced simultaneously in all elementary schools in the town.) It emphasizes the likes and dis-
likes of the diverse groups of people that comprise our country and the world with a particular concentration
on the comparisons of cultures of specific peoples in various regions and countries.
Teachers at all grade levels are in the process of "piloting" new arithmetic programs. Grades 4, 5 and
6 teachers continue to pilot social studies materials--a program to be decided upon for the entire elementary
school system by September, 1972.
The addition of new supplemental reading programs has added considerable strength to the reading
curriculum.
Classes of the school have adopted a weekly club activity period whereby pupils are encouraged to select
an interest or hobby which is pleasing to them. The clubs are supervised by faculty members. Teacher and
student aides have been of considerable service during class periods, recess and lunch periods.
The above, coupled with the many classroom activities, plays, field trips, art projects, music pro-
grams, physical education programs, pupil personnel programs, and the varied services provided by the 35
volunteer parents working in the library, classrooms, and office area have afforded the Merriam pupils and
staff a most productive year.
William V. Sparks
PUPIL PERSONNEL SERVICES
Administration
William Petkewich, who has assumed, under Ruth Proctor, responsibility for leadership in several of the
services, was granted a sabbatical leave for the period from September 1, 1971 to August 31, 1972. In his
absence, three members of the counseling staff- -Mrs. Martha Deraney, Charles Bennett, and Robert L.
Clever- -are ably assisting in the administration while also continuing actively in their role as counselors.
Guidance
In conjunction with ongoing evaluative efforts of the counseling staff, a survey of attitudes towards guid-
ance was completed last summer under an R & D grant. Consensus of the staff in the fall was that because of
the unrealistic number of students counselors were trying to see on an individual basis, they were "spreading
themselves too thin". Therefore, a general reordering of priorities took place, and currently there are four
areas of major emphasis, as follows:
1. Counseling of students identified as having the more severe problems who need to be seen
on a regular basis and around whom staffings and much consultation with teachers and par-
ents are indicated.
2. Counseling of other students in response to specific requests for help by the students them-
selves or by teachers, principals, or parents.
3. Group contacts to initiate communication and to develop familiarity with guidance services.
39
4. Group counseling to help certain students with similar special needs. All of these may in-
volve attention to personal, social, educational, or vocational matters or to a combination
of these.
Learning Disabilities
Full staffing of the consultant program was accomplished so that since September a specialist has been
available in'each of the four regular elementary schools. The importance of early identification led to exten-
sive screening of incoming first graders last fall. In addition, for individual children in all grades, diagnostic
evaluation is followed by practical assistance to teachers. Specific plans are offered for curriculum adjust-
ment and remediation within the classroom.
Federal Title VI funds made possible in September an additional program for those elementary chil-
dren whose problems were so severe that classroom instruction alone was not sufficient. These children
come to the especially equipped resource room for a part of each day in order to have remedial help from the
resource teacher or the volunteer aides working with her. Title VI funds also provided the impetus for a new
program approach at the secondary level as recommended in an R & D project last summer. One additional
specialist is working with two former staff members in resource room settings, where the emphasis is on
compensatory learning rather than remediation.
In the programs at all levels, close communication with teachers, other support personnel, and parents
is considered vital to success in meeting the special needs of the learning disabled students.
Reading
An evaluation of the reading program during the spring of 1971, together with the R&D project referred
to under learning disabilities (above), resulted in a rewriting of roles focusing on a team approach of the learn-
ing disabilities and reading specialists and certain changes in the reading program. Only at the primary level
(grades 1-3) are the reading teachers continuing to place emphasis on remediation to develop basic skills.
From grade 4 on, they are offering help primarily to students who want and need to improve reading rate and
comprehension. They are also available to teachers who request help in developing study skills in subject
areas. The inability to date to replace one reading specialist has resulted in curtailment of the program at
the secondary level.
Special Education
In September, a resource room program for the emotionally disturbed was added at the Junior High
School to fill the need of these students for help in the academic areas and in the development of a sense of
trust and of socialization skills.
The possibility of a regional program with other communities in the local mental health center area for
students in need of special education is currently being explored. Basic to the philosophy of the regionaliza-
tion committee is the thought that every student to the extent possible should participate in the "normal" activi-
ties of the school. In addition to the financial savings to member towns, it is felt that regionalization would
result in a narrower age range within classes and more relevance and continuity in curriculum. The Mental
Health Center would offer diagnostic and supportive services.
Finally, during the past year, the School Committees appointed the Advisory Committee on Special Edu-
cation composed of parents, administrators, teachers, and representatives of the Mental Health Center. Its
primary purpose is to assist in creating an atmosphere of mutual trust and in maintaining programs for chil-
dren with special needs in keeping with the high standards set forth for the total school population. Meetings
up to now have been devoted to discussions of current programs, concerns, and thought for the future, and to
the establishment of working sub -committees to seek, collect, and disseminate information which will be help-
ful to all concerned.
Speech Therapy
Highlight of the year was accreditation of the Acton speech therapy program by the American Speech and
Hearing Association. Few school systems in the country meet the standards of A. S.H. A., and the Acton pro-
gram was accepted after an extensive evaluation.
A new program was a "Teacher Workshop" held in the fall as in-service training for teachers. Other
"firsts" for speech therapy were the acceptance of a therapist in the exploratory school and a summer R&D
project through which new materials and an original speech test were developed.
Ruth R. Proctor
Director of Guidance
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSES
All the testing has been completed for the year 1971. From January to June, the vision and hearing
tests for all students were completed and referrals for corrections made.
40
There were two Tuberculin Testing Programs during 1971, February and November. Grades 1, 4, 7,
and 9 included 405 high school students receiving the test, 500 junior high school students, and 56 faculty
members. The elementary schools tested 1,128 students in the first and fourth grades and 141 adults. The
adults included school personnel and volunteers.
Mumps vaccine was offered to grades 1, 6, and 7 for a total of 341 recipients. The diphtheria tetanus
boosters were given to 142 ninth graders this year.
We were gratified by the parents' response to having their children's physical examinations completed
by their family physicians. We plan to continue sending out these requests for grades 1, 4, 7 and 10.
With the growth of the schools (we added the Conant School in September), scheduling is still a problem.
Mrs. Miller, R. N., joined the staff in September to give better coverage for the junior high and the split high
school schedules. We still find it difficult to attend meetings, staffings and at the same time cover the health
offices.
The description of the position and duties of the school nurse has been submitted for approval. The
nurses have attended the Massachusetts School Nurses Organization spring and fall meetings and are actively
involved with the Acton Education Association.
We wish to thank everyone who has helped us during the year, especially the secretaries.
Eileen Hale, R. N. Patricia Wilson, R. N.
Helen Rhodes, R.N. Nancy Miller, R.N.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The nationwide search for a Superintendent of Schools brought unexpected benefits to the School Commit-
tee in 1971. In the planning, screening, interviewing, and visiting process, the pattern for the growth and
direction of our schools began to emerge in greater detail than the Committee had ever had an opportunity to
define before. Armed with a strong sense of the appropriate direction for the school system, the finding of
just the right man to carry out our plans proved not to be as difficult as anticipated. We set our sights high;
we made no compromises; and we were unanimous in our final choice. We welcome Dr. Norman D. Brust to
this challenging position, and we look forward to a productive and exciting working relationship with him and,
through his leadership, with the entire staff. The Committee would like to take this opportunity to publicly
express its thanks and appreciation to Mr. Alan M. White, who so capably performed as Acting Superintendent
in the interim period, giving the Committee the needed time to make an unhurried and thoroughly considered
decision on the appointment of a Superintendent.
Some of the areas to which the School Committee and the administration have been and will continue to
be directing their thoughts and energies are briefly mentioned in the following paragraphs.
Encouragement of the Concept of Diversity
Realizing that Acton's children and their parents have many differing ideas about what constitutes a
"good education", the Committee authorized the establishment of McCarthy-Towne School as a pilot project,
where the testing of new ideas and approaches is facilitated by the fact that parents requested enrollment for
their children in the school and can themselves participate in the total program. An excellent start has been
made, and the Committee will soon explore the possibilities of open enrollment for all elementary schools as
a means of fostering diversity.
Establishment of Goals and Objectives
We have discussed this topic as it pertains to each child's individual progress, and behavioral goals and
objectives are to be set for each discipline. Also, they will be established for the staff and the administration
and finally, for the entire school system. Only when the latter has been accomplished will we be able to eval-
uate total program.
Need for Evaluation
We have already begun an evaluation by Boston College of the reading and math programs in all elemen-
tary schools. Additional money for Evaluation Research and Development has been budgeted--one of the few
categories to be increased appreciably in 1972. The first year of budgeting according to programs is also a
step toward better evaluation. The decision can now be made as to whether the expenditure of monies in a
specific area has produced the hoped-for returns.
Greater Student and Community Participation
A system -wide program for volunteers in the schools --volunteers not only in the libraries but in the
classrooms and offices--was started in 1971. A policy on Advisory Committees was voted by the School
41
Committee, and we now have committees working on Students' Rights and Responsibilities, Special Education,
and Centrally-prepared Lunches. At this writing, a Kindergarten Study Committee is also being formed. The
Regional Committee seats four student representatives at all public meetings, the students having no vote but
full rights to debate the issues.
Greater Decision-Making Powers at Lower Levels of Administration
A start was made in this area at budget time this year. With limited funds available, rather than making
a top level decision on how each school's share of the budget should be spent, the School Committee authorized
the principals to recommend any internal budgetary shifting they wished in order to spend allotted monies to
best benefit the individual schools. This procedure will not only give the principals a greater degree of auton-
omy, but it will also aid the concept of diversity, simply by giving each school staff an opportunity to establish
its own priorities which will inevitably differ somewhat from school to school. It should be noted, however,
that system -wide standards for curriculum content and academic proficiency will be maintained while methods
and procedures may vary.
Long-Range Planning
The School Committee has budgeted for an administrative assistant to the Superintendent, a large part
of whose job will be research oriented, gathering data and furnishing the Superintendent and the Committee
with vitally needed information to facilitate long-range planning.
The Acton School Committee looks forward enthusiastically and optimistically to further work in these
areas and in many others during the coming year.
ACTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND ACTON -BOXBOROUGH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
ENROLLMENTS AS OF JANUARY 1
Grade
1968-1969
1969-1970
1970-1971
1971-1972
1
2
3
4
5
6
Educable
Trainable
Total 1-6
377
350
396
369
390
340
6
8
459
374
371
437
390
407
8
11
2,236
2,457
390
436
385
379
438
399
11
U
2,449
411
365
438
386
388
443
9
7
2,447
9
10
11
12
Total 7-12
Grand Total
359
356
319
299
225
231
1,789
4,025
392
367
354
311
274
225
1,923
4,380
454
399
370
347
311
269
2,150
4,599
435
438
402
370
333
308
2,286
4,733
ACTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS FACULTY
YEARS OF SERVICE IN ACTON AS OF SCHOOL YEAR 1971-72
Helen deCoste 28
Madeleine Kingston 20
Salvatore Lipomi 18
Nancy Joslin 15
Alice F. Hayes 13
James Palavaras 13
Phyllis Foss 13
Louise Piper 12
Jennifer Johnson 12
Shirley Cahill 10
Dorothy Bunker 10
Patricia Davis 10
Agnes Manning 10
Lois Nichols 9
Anne Jones 8
George Revelas 8
Susan Melander 7
Mary Lou O'Connor 7
Richard Marion 7
Sally Strangman 7
Geraldine Farrell 7
Ann Jocobs 7
Helen Dooling 7
Edwin Zwicker 6
Robert C. Conroy 6
Marguerite Mazzone 6
Rebecca McCrudden 6
Mary Lou Parker 6
Charlene Imbernino 6
Doris Peterson 6
Karen Madaras 6
Suzanne Kissell 6
Nadine Yates 6
Joan Roche 6
Margaret Benoit 5
Bruce Byam 5
Mary Budge 5
Margot Romberg 5
Lynda Butt 5
42
Geraldine Healy
Edith Mason
Linda Telfer
Joyce Toomey
Margaret DesLauriers
Lenore Kahn
Margery Thurber
Sharon DeCaprio
Gladys Mason
William Sparks
Ursula Konde
Suzanne Ballantine
Charles Bennett
Mary Ann McGovern
Mary Ann Crosby
Elaine Graves
Alexandra Dwyer
Karen Napoli
Catherine Klinck
Josephine Carlson
Peter Hildebrand
Shirley Kosko
Elizabeth Eldridge
Evelyn Jones
Parker Damon
Jessica Doyle
Constance Hervey
Susan Page
Virginia McGrath
Ruth Rumage
Bonnie Cameron
Linda Chellis
Judith Hopkinson
Lauraine Riel
Matthew Grzyb
5
Judith Bernstein
2
5
Elizabeth Lucca
2
5
Joanne Morgan
2
5
Cynthia Popolizio
2
5
Jeanne Dadarria
2
5
Carole Powers
2
4
Judith Barboni
2
4
Janet Nedza
2
4
Linda Gould
2
4
Ellen Kramer
2
4
Berta Voorhees
2
4
Walter McGrail
2
4
Caroline Kettner
2
4
Linda MacDonald
2
4
Joy Ham el
2
4
Judith Leger
2
4
Susan McGrail
2
4
Jeanne Dagdigian
2
4
Rita McAvoy
2
4
Charlotte Pickowicz
2
4
Ellen Janerrico
2
4
Christine Walker
2
4
Deborah Panitch
2
4
Dewey White
2
3
Mary Reis
2
3
Elizabeth Cobery
2
3
Virginia LoDuca
2
3
Louise Chani
2
3
Susan Sawyer
2
3
Kathleen Long
2
3
Marilyn Donaldson
2
3
Barbara Cleary
2
3
Carol Meyer
2
3
Robert Blue
2
3
Jean Britton
1
Linda Moran
Charlotte Sidell
Charlene Twente
Sylvia Circo
Janet Efron
Mary Seager
Penny Schwanbeck
Steve Shuller
John Hall
Irene Herman
David Ackerman
Ann Harrington
Penny Dunning
Leslie Apt
Judith Lund
Linda DiMatteo
Michaeline DellaFera
Margery Lewis
Deborah Wesson
Suzanne Wren
Sister Ruth Ann Brighton
Marjorie Lewis
Joyce Koop
Margaret Roberts
Margaret Archie
Charles Bassett
Sheila Duffy
Loretta Grushecky
— John Diiclos
Rosemary White
Corinne LaRoche
Richard Bartolomeo
Howard Bassett
Susan Waterman
Catherine Marrone
ACTON-BOXBOROUGH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT FACULTY
YEARS OF SERVICE IN ACTON AS OF SCHOOL YEAR 1971-72
Ralph Stetson
Ruth Proctor
Isadore Stearns
Raymond Grey
James Dadoly
Arthur Hayes
Mary Campbell
Helen Detsch
Mason King
Henry Wall
Frances Boyle
Francis Pratt
Robert Morris
Charles Battit
Jacqueline Phaneuf
Barbara Parker
Daniel Boylen
Mary Keefe
William Petkewich
Francis Holahan
Joanne Garduno
Frank Blomberg
Donald MacLeod
Robert Mahoney
Bert Hubley
James Gifford
Robert Coan
Lawrence McNulty
Robert Clever
John Brodie
Joseph Flagg
Nancy Nizel
25
22
20
20
18
17
17
17
17
16
15
14
14
14
14
13
13
12
11
11
11
10
10
10
9
Frank Soracco 7
Janice Bacon 7
Edward Leary 7
Christine Cluney 6
Richard Gunzelmann 6
Robert Rooney 6
Elizabeth Washburn 6
Martha Deraney 6
Charles Gittins 6
Gerald Duggan 6
Nancy Ousley 6
Daniel Madden 6
Francis Riley 6
Elizabeth Alt 5
Anita Dodson 5
Florence Richman 5
Winslow Smith 5
Edward Buswick 5
Margaret Cullen 5
Joseph Devine 4
Dawn Evans 4
Janice Sproul 4
Dorothy Stewart 4
Edward White 4
Henry Wegiel 4
Robert Beauregard 4
Joan Canning 4
Iris Fordon 4
George Frost 4
Donald Gilberti 4
Susan Kaelin 4
Paul McDermott 4
Ruth Rose
Mary Jo Blanchard
Lois Hopper
Alice Palubinskas
Patricia Roberts
George Abodeely
William Berndt
Joan Bradley
Stephen Cornwall
Richard Dow
Catherine Ferry
Eleanor French
Edward Gruskowski
Mary Guerette
Thomas Hitchcock
Carol Maymom
Betsy McElvein
Bruce Parker
Elizabeth Rickert
Newton Saarinen
Virginia Skinger
Joanne Spicer
Armand Swajian
Joean Taschner
Denise Blumenthal
Carla Brockmeir
Ann Carpenter
Jacqueline Chisholm
Thomas Christie
John Furey
John Hughes
Marlene Loeb
43
Catherine McKay
Loretta Roscoe
Carol Schene
Margaret Schofield
Dorothy Werst
Susan Williams
Daniel Young
Grace Burke
LaVonne Wright
Judith Abrams
William Betourney
Frank Calore
Janet Celi
Mary Cormier
Roberta Doyle
Esther Folts
Steven Galper
2
Carol Maciorowski
2
Jean Peterson 1
2
John Nacke
2
Nancy Bates 1
2
Mary Paisley
2
Karen Bengston 1
2
Linda Paulson
2
Elian Budd 1
2
Rosemary Sheppard
2
Grace Day 1
2
Donna Sims
2
Debora Liebermann 1
2
Richard Tansey
2
Marie Linnell 1
2
Ellen Burke
Nancy Lotz 1
2
Kathleen Chick
Diane Porcari 1
2
Flavia Cigliano
Debora Price 1
2
David Emerson
Lorna Rush 1
2
Edward Gadbois
John Schofield 1
2
Antonia Lazott
David Snelson 1
2
Elizabeth McDonald
Jane Starr 1
2
Anne Recchio
Mary Sullivan 1
2
Marlene Smith
Grant Swenor 1
2
Gail Wells
ACTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
STAFF POSITIONS
Music
Physical Education
Art
McCarthy-Towne Special
Special Education
Speech
Emotionally Disturbed
Learning Disabilities
Remedial Reading
Guidance
1971-
72
1970-
71
1969-
70
1971-
72
1970-71
1969-70
8
7
7
Classroom Teachers:
4
5
6
Conant
20
-
-
4
4
4
Gates
18
18
18
2
-
-
Douglas
19
20
20
2
2
2
Merriam
18
19
19
3
3
3
McCarthy-Towne
20
12 M
12 M
2
2
-
12 T
12 T
5
2
-
Library
2
1
1
4
4
4
French
-
-
1
8
9
9
Perceptually Handicapped
-
-
1
ACTON-BOXBOROUGH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
STAFF POSITIONS
Junior High
Senior High
1971-72
1970-
71
1969-70
1971-72
1970-
71
1969-70
Art
2
3
2
2
2
2
Business
-
-
-
4
3
3
English
7
6
5
13
12
11
Emotionally Disturbed
1
-
-
-
-
-
General Music
3
2
2
2
1
2
Guidance
3
3
3
6
4
5
Home Economics
3
3
2
2
2
2
Industrial Arts
3
3
2
2
2
2
Learning Disabilities
2
-
-
-
-
-
Library
1
1
1
1
1
1
Math
7
6
5
13
10
10
Mechanical Drawing
-
-
-
1
1
1
Languages
6
6
4
11
11
11
Physical Education
3
2
2
4
4
4
Remedial Reading
1
2
2
-
1
1
Science
6
6
6
11
10
10
Social Studies
6
6
5
14
14
11
Speech
1
1
1
-
-
-
44
ACTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
BASE ANNUAL SALARY
January - August, 1972
Step
Bachelor's
Degree
Bachelor's
Degree + 15
$7, 750
Master's
(or Bachelor's
+ 36, 2/3 in
Major Subject)
$8, 150 (1)
Master's + 15
$8,350 (1)
Master's + 30
1
$7, 550 (1)
$8, 750 (1)
2
$7,950 (7)
$8, 150 (2)
$8, 550 (5)
$8,750
$9, 150
3
$8,450 (5)
$8,650 (2)
$9,050 (7)
$9, 250
$9,650
4
$8,850 (12)
(6 hours)
$9,050 (4)
(6 hours)
$9,450 (4)
(3 hours)
$9,650
(3 hours)
$10,050
(3 hours)
5
$9,250 (11)
$9,450 (1)
$9,850 (3)
$10,050
$10,450
6
$9,675 (11)
$9,875
$10,275 (5)
$10,475
$10,875
7
$10, 105 (3)
(3 hours)
$10,305 (1)
(3 hours)
$10, 705 (5)
(3 hours)
$10,905
(3 hours)
$11,305 (1)
(3 hours)
8
$10,615 (5)
$10,815 (1)
$11, 215 (1)
$11,415 (1)
$11,815
9
$11, 150 (3)
$11,350 (1)
$11, 750 (4)
$11,950
$12,350 (1)
10
$11,670 (2)
(3 hours)
$11,870 (2)
(3 hours)
$12, 270 (2)
(3 hours)
$12,470
(3 hours)
$12,870
(3 hours)
11
$12, 185 (1)
$12,385 (1)
$12, 785 (1)
$12,985
$13,385
12
$12, 750 (5)
$12,950 (3)
$13,350 (9)
$13, 550
$13,950 (2)
Doctorate
(or Master's
+ 60, 2/3 in
Major Subject)
$9,
350
$9,
750
$10,
250
$10,
650
$11,
050
$11,
475
$11,
905
$12,
415
$12,
950
$13,
4 70
$13,
985
$14,
550
ACTON-BOXBOROUGH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BASE ANNUAL SALARY
January - August, 1972
1
$7, 550 (9)
$7, 750 (2)
$8, 150 (3)
$8,350
$8, 750
$9,350
2
$7,950 (11)
$8, 150 (1)
$8, 550 (3)
$8, 750
$9, 150
$9,750
3
$8,450 (2)
$8,650 (2)
$9, 050 (5)
$9,250
$9,650
$10,250
4
$8,850 (14)
(6 hours)
$9,050 (1)
(6 hours)
$9,450 (3)
(3 hours)
$9,650 (1)
(3 hours)
$10,050
(3 hours)
$10,650
5
$9,250 (4)
$9,450 (1)
$9,850 (4)
$10,050
$10,450
$11,050
6
$9,675 (6)
$9,875 (1)
$10,275 (4)
$10,475 (2)
$10,875 (1)
$11,475(2)
7
$10, 105 (2)
(3 hours)
$10,305 (3)
(3 hours)
$10,705 (4)
(3 hours)
$10,905 (2)
(3 hours)
$11,305 (1)
(3 hours)
$11,905
8
$10, 615 (2)
$10,815 (1)
$11,215 (5)
$11,415 (1)
$11,815 (1)
$12,415
9
$11, 150
$11,350 (1)
$11, 750 (6)
$11,950 (1)
$12,350
$12,950(1)
10
$11,670 (2)
(3 hours)
$11,870 (1)
(3 hours)
$12,270 (1)
(3 hours)
$12,470 (1)
(3 hours)
$12,870 (1)
(3 hours)
$13,470
11
$12, 185
$12,385 (1)
$12, 785 (2)
$12, 985
$13,385
$13,985(1)
12
$12, 750 (2)
$12,950 (2)
$13,350 (4)
$13,550 (5)
$13,950 (5)
$14. 550(2)
45
SCHOOL FINANCES
Acton Public Schools
Received - To the Credit of Schools
State Aid for Public Schools, Chapter 70
State Aid for Transportation, Chapter 71
Special Education, Chapters 69 and 71
State Aid for Town in Regional School District
Federal Aid
>Jc jjc jj: % sfc sfc # ^ Hc &
Appropriated, March 1971
Federal Funds, Balance 12/31/70
Gross Operating Budget, 1971
$2,008,979.00
22,989. 00
$2,031,968. 00
# SJC S|C 5|C 5J: >£ >£ 5^ 5&C Sjc
Total Expended for Maintenance and Operation in 1971
Cost per Pupil (2438 as of 10/1/71)
$1,990,205.92
$816.33
PROPOSED BUDGET FOR 1972
January 1 - December 31, 1972
Acton Public Schools
By Line Item
Administration
Instruction
Plant Operation and Maintenance
Non-Instructional Services
Outlay
Transportation
Out-of-State Travel
Contingency
Total
School Committee and Central Office
Building Administration
Art
Contingency
Educable Mentally Retarded
Elementary
Emotionally Disturbed
Evaluation, Research and Development
General Music
Guidance
Health
Home Instruction
Industrial Arts
Learning Disabilities
Library
Lunch Program
Physical. Education
Remedial Reading
Science
Social Studies
Speech Therapy
Transportation
Building Maintenance
Building Operation
Intramurals
Total
$ 67,350.00
1,875,303.00
251,910.00
56, 186. 00
9,650.00
131,311. 00
1, 500. 00
25,000.00
$2,418,210.00
By Program
$ 71,
150.
00
157,
250.
00
42,
083.
00
25,
000.
00
38,
456.
00
1, 171,
737.
00
43,
222.
00
25,
000.
00
94,
805.
00
92,
519.
00
22,
336.
00
2,
991.
00
13,
511.
00
58,
162.
00
31,
350.
00
26,
264.
00
39,
304.
00
56,
237.
00
3,
000.
00
4,
000.
00
49,
977.
00
115,
000.
00
52,
110.
00
172,
500.
00
5,
000.
00
$2,412,
964.
00
46
Acton-Boxborough Regional School District
Received to the Credit of the District
State Aid for Transportation, Chapter 71 $ 97,959.00
Federal and State Aid 16, 215. 00
Appropriated for Maintenance and Operation, March 1971 $2, 026, 960. 00
Transfers and Anticipated Income:
Balance 1970 Operating Budget $ 51, 506. 00
1970-71 Transportation Reimbursement 113,291.00
Balance 12/31/70 Federal Funds 31,748.00
Special Education Reimbursement 1970 8,451.00
Miscellaneous Receipts, 1970 3,326. 00 208, 322. 00
Gross Operating Budget, 1971 $2,235,282.00
Total Expended for Maintenance and Operation in 1971 $2, 198, 926. 95
Cost per Pupil (2290 as of 10/1/71) $960. 23
PROPOSED BUDGET FOR 1972
January 1 - December 31, 1972
Acton-Boxborough Regional School District
Administration $ 72,850.00
Instruction 1,911,260.00
Plant Operation 202, 120. 00
Plant Maintenance 36, 586. 00
Non-Instructional Services 61, 011. 00
Outlay 15,335.00
Transportation 132,200.00
Special Charges 14, 047. 00
Out-of-State Travel 2, 400. 00
Contingency 25,000. 00
Total Maintenance and Operation $2, 472, 809. 00
Non-Classified, School Athletic Fund 76, 599. 00
Debt Service (Gross) 893,770. 00
Total Budget (Gross) $3, 443, 178. 00
By Program
School Committee and Central Office $ 76, 550. 00
Building Administration 267, 836. 00
Art 53,878.00
Business Education 41, 768. 00
English/ Language Arts 200,475.00
Dramatics and Yearbook 2, 280. 00
Emotionally Disturbed 20,415.00
Evaluation, Research and Development 30, 000. 00
General Music 66,111.00
Guidance 123, 505. 00
Health 25,237.00
Home Economics 58, 366. 00
Home Instruction 600. 00
Industrial Arts 66, 774. 00
Learning Disabilities 32,791.00
Library 46,254.00
Lunch Program 8, 964. 00
Mathematics 211, 198. 00
Mechanical Drawing 14, 735. 00
Modern Languages 172, 260. 00
Physical Education 84, 462. 00
47
Remedial Reading
Science
Social Studies
Speech Therapy
Transportation
Work Study
Building Maintenance
Building Operation
Special Charges - Blanchard Auditorium Rental
Intramurals
Athletics
Contingency
Debt Service (Net)
Total
$ 16,224.00
209, 516.00
231,086.00
11,609.00
131,200.00
3,287. 00
41,856.00
184,525.00
14,047.00
7,260. 00
69,339.00
25,000.00
406, 162.00
$2,955, 570.00
£ jje s|< % :fc
* * *
Gross Budget, 1972
Gross Operating Budget
Less: (1) Balance 1971 Operating Budget
(2) 1970-71 Transportation Reimbursement
(3) 1970-71 Transportation Reimbursement Balance
(4) 12/31/71 P. L. 874 Balance
(5) 12/31/71 Special Education Balance
(6) 1971 Miscellaneous Collections
Net Operating Budget
Debt Service
Interest
Less: Anticipated State Aid
Maturing Debt
Less: Anticipated State Aid
Premium on Bond Issue Balance
Net Debt Service
Non-Classified
School Athletic Fund
Total Net Budget
$3,443, 178.00
( )
Net Budget
Gross Budget
$ 670,813.00
2,772,365.00
$3,443, 178.00
$2,472,809.00
(15,070.00)
(97,959.00)
(40,011.00)
(16,215.00)
(10, 192.00)
(3,758.00)
238, 770.00
(67,678.00)
655,000.00
(413, 775.00)
(6, 155.00)
$2, 289,604. 00
171,092.00
235,070.00
76,599.00
$2, 772,365. 00
Apportionment of the Charges to be Assessed
Against the Towns of Acton and Boxborough
Year 1972
Acton *Operating Expenses, 91. 2% of $2, 289, 604. 00**
Debt Service, 95% of $406, 162. 00
Non-Classified, 91. 2% of $76, 599. 00
$2,088, 119.00
385,853.00
69,858.00
$2, 543,830. 00
Boxborough *Operating Expenses, 8. 8% of $2, 289, 603. 00
Debt Service, 5% of $406, 162. 00
Non-Classified, 8. 8% of $76, 599. 00
201,485.00
20,309.00
6,741.00
$ 228,535.00
*Student Enrollment 10/1/71
Acton
Boxborough
2088 (91.2%)
202 (8. 8%)
2290
**Gross Operating Budget $2, 472, 809. 00
Less: 1971 M & O Balance (15,070.00)
1971 Transportation Reimbursement Bal. (5,770.00)
1971 P. L. 874 Balance (16,215.00)
1971 SpeciaL Education Balance (10, 192. 00)
1971 Miscellaneous Collections (3,758.00)
Amount Budgeted for Transportation (132, 200. 00)
$2, 289, 604. 00
48
ACTON-BOXBOROUGH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Treasurer's Report
December 31, 1971
Balance, December 31, 1970
Receipts, 1971:
Town of Acton
Town of Boxborough
State Aid for Construction
Construction
Public Law 874
Public Law 89-10, Title I
Public Law 89-10, Title II
Title II Special Purpose Grant
Public Law 91-230, Title VI
Special Education
Transportation Reimbursement
Vocational Education, Chapter 74
School Lunch Fund
School Athletic Fund
Adult Education
Federal Taxes
State Taxes
Teachers' Retirement
County Retirement
Teachers' Insurance
Blue Cross-Blue Shield
Group Life Insurance
Acton Education Association
M. T. A. Credit Union
Tax Annuities
Premium on Bond
Earned Interest
Miscellaneous
$ 273,405.97
$2,001,958.00
194,926.00
111, 291. 32
4,690,000.00
16, 215.00
4,428. 00
2,377.90
4,000.00
10, 000. 00
10, 192. 00
97,959.00
7,951.00
112, 882.80
5,684.66
7, 721.00
234, 146. 99
57, 560.37
72, 513. 17
10, 212. 56
1, 165.69
5,652. 50
898. 10
6,988.65
1,370.00
10, 150.00
16, 589.95
627. 71
4,007. 72
Total Receipts
Total
$7, 699,470. 09
$7,972, 876. 06
Disbursements, 1971:
Maintenance and Operation
Construction
Land Acquisition
Title I
Title II
Title II Special Purpose Grant
Title VI, P. L. 91-230
Payment on Principal
Interest on Debt
School Lunch Fund
School Athletic Fund
Adult Education
Federal Taxes
State Taxes
Teachers' Retirement
County Retirement
Teachers' Insurance
Blue Cross-Blue Shield
Group Life Insurance
Acton Education Association
M. T. A. Credit Union
Tax Annuities
Premium on Bond
Total Disbursements
Balance, December 31, 1971
Total
$2, 198, 711.95
824, 772.49
7, 500.00
4,428.00
1, 720. 10
2,405. 55
7,000.97
185, 000. 00
54, 890.00
109, 700. 57
45,707.21
5, 901. 65
234, 146.99
57, 560. 37
72, 513. 17
10,212. 56
1, 165.69
5,672. 77
898. 10
6,988. 65
1, 370. 00
10, 150. 00
10, 434. 50
$3, 858, 851. 29
4, 114,024. 77
$7, 972, 876. 06
Priscilla Felt
Treasurer
49
VOCATIONAL REGIONAL SCHOOL
At the annual 1971 Town Meetings Acton, Arlington, Belmont, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Lexing-
ton, Lincoln, Stow, Sudbury, Wayland, and Weston ratified the Regionalization Agreement as prepared by the
Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical High School Planning Board. With this ratification the Minuteman
Regional Vocational Technical School District came into being.
The School Committee, composed of one representative appointed by the Town Moderator from each of
the member towns, established the regular meeting time to be the first and third Tuesdays of the month at
8:00 p.m. in Room S-17 of the Concord-Carlisle Regional High School.
The first order of business for the newly formed Committee was a search for a Superintendent-Director
of the District. After an intensive investigation of more than 75 applicants, the Committee selected Samuel
Sains of Long Island, New York, for this position. He assumed his duties as of September 1, 1971.
Another important charge to the Committee was to locate a suitable site for the proposed school. Al-
ready existing facilities as well as parcels of land suitable for constructing a 1500 pupil school were investi-
gated. With guidance from the State Department of Education, a minimum acreage requirement was estab-
lished at 45 acres with 60 acres representing the optimum amount. Location, availability of sewerage and
easy access to the site were other important considerations.
On October 5, 1971, the Committee voted to incur debt in the amount of $900,000 for the purpose of ac-
quiring land and preparing architectural and engineering plans and for other preliminary expenses in connec-
tion with constructing and equipping a regional vocational technical school. Each of the member towns had
30 days within which to hold a Town Meeting to approve or disapprove this debt. The towns of Acton, Arling-
ton, Boxborough, Concord, Lincoln, Stow, Sudbury and Wayland voted to approve the debt with the remaining
towns providing authorization by not holding meetings. With the authorization of debt monies became available
for final site analysis, site acquisition and architectural services.
An extensive search for an architect was undertaken with the intent of locating one who would be able to
translate the educational philosophy of the school into a workable facility within budget requirements. Fifty-
»six interested firms have submitted their qualifications to the Committee for evaluation.
During the year, to effectively accomplish its task, the School Committee has structured itself into the
following working committees: Superintendent Selection, Education Philosophy, Site and Architect Selection
and Budget. The School Committee created an Advisory Committee consisting of the Superintendents in the
member towns of the District. Their function is to recommend on educational matters. In addition, an Ad-
visory Committee was established with a representative from each of the member towns to assist and recom-
mend to the School Committee on matters concerning the selection of site, the architect and the building of the
school.
Marilyn Peterson, Secretary - Acton
, Walter Verney - Arlington
vHenry L. Hall, Jr., Chairman - Belmont
Roger H. Morse - Boxborough
Kenneth L. Bilodeau - Carlisle
Anna Manion - Concord
Erik Mollo-Christensen, Vice Chairman - Lexington
Ruth Wales - Lincoln
Glen F. Pippert - Stow
Alfred C. Cron - Sudbury
Paul Alphen - Wayland
Charles Sutherland - Weston
INSPECTOR of ANIMALS
Premises Inspected
30
Ponies
30
Horses
53
Cows over 2
92
Cows 1-2
56
Calves
28
Bulls
2
Beef Cattle
11
Swine
3
Sheep
3
Dog Bites
23
Dogs Quarantined
23
Patrick Palmer
Inspector of Animals
50
LIBRARIES
ACTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY
An all-time high of 15,500 books were circulated in the month of March, and the Acton Memorial Library
is now the tenth busiest medium-sized in the state.
Circulation:
Books:
Fiction
Non -fiction
Juvenile
Records
Prints
Total
Annual Library Statistics
1971
56, 602 Income:
Fines
$5,
74'7. 45
51, 880
Miscellaneous
541.03
45,912
Total
$6,
288.48
3,203
196
157, 793
Adult fiction added to collection
Adult non-fiction added to collection
Gifts added to collection
Total books added to adult collection
Total books discarded from adult collection
Juvenile fiction added to collection
Juvenile non-fiction added to collection
Gifts added to collection
Total books added to Juvenile collection
Total books discarded from Juvenile collection
Books in library January 1, 1971
Books added to collection during 1971
Books withdrawn from collection during 1971
Books in library as of January 1, 1972
Inter-library loan requests 632
626
1,478
183
2,
,287
1,
, 033
305
357
21
683
269
34,
225
2,
970
1,
299
35,896
Service to patrons continues to expand. In February the new microfilm reader arrived and back issues
of the New York Times and selected magazine titles have subsequently been purchased on microfilm. This is
the beginning of what we hope will be a very respectable microfilm collecticn.
The library rules were revised and published in an attractive orange folder entitled "User's Guide to Li-
brary Services". The inventory has been completed, after twenty-six months. After much diligent searching,
we have received ten matching chairs, which were badly needed, for the children's area. Useful as well as
beautiful is the new cemented flagstone walk around the library from the front to side doors, set in the fall.
Restoration and registering of the many historic items housed in the attic has begun and most of the
items have been recorded on beautiful colored slides. The refinishing of the storage area is proceeding very
well, thanks to the efforts of Custodian Bob Trafton.
This year was full of varied and interesting programs and events held at the library. A very timely
"Job Clinic", a lecture-discussion on how to find new employment, was held on two Sunday afternoons in Feb-
ruary. During Earth Week in April, the Audubon Society sponsored an educational exhibit. We are especially
grateful to the "Davis Blues" of the Acton Minutemen. under the direction of Col. Walter Johnson, who per-
formed for the April 19th program. The program was completed appropriately with a reading by Mr. Paul
Zimmer of Longfellow's poem "Paul Revere' s Ride".
The semi-monthly musical programs sponsored by the Sounds and Silences Committee continued through
June. Funds were not available for their continuance,
resumed in 1972, perhaps under private sponsorship,
for an environmental information file workshop. Mr.
the clipping service to which our library subscribes,
tions Day was held on October 23rd.
but it is hoped that similar musical programs can be
In August, librarians from Eastern Massachusetts met
John Putnam, from Boston Environment, Inc., explained
An International Reception in observance of United Na-
51
On November 4th, librarians from nine surrounding towns met here to initiate intra-subregional cooper-
ation. The Friends of the Acton Libraries held a reception on November 7th for all of the artists from the
community who had exhibited at the library throughout the year, and on November 19th and 20th sponsored a
very successful Paperback Book Fair,
The annual Campfire Girls Mitten Tree was on display during the first part of December, Three
Christmas concerts completed the year--the Acton-Boxboro Regional High School chorus and ensemble on
Sunday, December 12th; the "Polyphonic Singers" on Saturday, December 18th; and caroling by Brownie
Troop 1021 on Monday evening, December 20th.
Without the volunteers of the Friends of the Acton Libraries, the library could not function as effectively
or be open for so many hours. January through December, the Friends also sponsored weekly story hours
for four and five -year -olds which were very well attended. The Friends, in addition, are responsible for the
outstanding art exhibits which are lent by adults in the community and by children in the Acton Public Schools.
Our sincere thanks to all of the Friends.
Appreciation is also extended to the Acton Garden Club for the weekly flower arrangements and decora-
tions at Christmas time.
The Library Director, Mrs. Wanda Null, has been granted a leave of absence for the year 1972. Mrs.
Marion Armstrong has agreed to assume the duties of Acting Library Director during Mrs. Null's absence.
With constantly increasing circulation and a sixty-nine hour work week, the library must provide for more
staff coverage. The library is therefore asking for twenty more clerical hours a week and a new professional
position to help both the reference and children's librarians. These areas are now staffed only forty hours out
of the six days that the library is open.
The Trustee roster has changed slightly this year. In March, Mrs. Margaret Richter was reelected for
a three-year term. In October, the Board of Trustees accepted the resignation of Marvin L. Tolf with great
regret and sincere thanks for his able, loyal and effective service to the library for over seventeen years.
Mrs. Richter has now been appointed a permanent Trustee to replace Mr. Tolf. In December, Mrs. Doris
Peterson submitted her resignation. There are currently two vacancies on the Board, one elective and one
appointed.
During 1971, the greatest concern of both the Trustees and the staff has been the loitering of young peo-
ple in and around the library. Empty beer and wine containers left on the grounds and obstruction of the front
entry by prone bodies has all been .part of the problem. The library has suffered more malicious vandalism
in the last six months than it has during its entire history. The large panes of glass in back have been etched,
the library has been broken into and the stereo system stolen, screens on window wells have been cut, and
someone attempted to set the bookdrop on fire--not to mention eggs, apples, oranges and tomatoes thrown
against the building. On Wednesday morning, December 22nd, the effects of these activities were dramati-
cally felt when the wind blew out a large pane of glass at the rear of the building. This occurred, according
to the glass company, because the glass had been weakened by a rock which had been thrown at the window
sometime earlier.
The Revolutionary and Civil War plaques at the Main Street entrance have also suffered somewhat at the
hands of vandals. Through the aid and cooperation of the Town Public Ceremonies and Celebrations Commit-
tee, plans are in operation toward the reconditioning of the plaques and improvement of the lighting above them.
Brewster Conant James L. Parker
Hayward S. Houghton Margaret Richter
Florence L. Merriam Raymond A. Shamel
Mileva P. Brown, Chairman
Board of Trustees
REPORT OF THE CITIZENS LIBRARY ASSOCIATION OF WEST ACTON
Board of Trustees: Mrs. Betty Boothby, Chairman; Mrs. Joan Gardner, Secretary; Mrs. Barbara Nylander.
Library Hours: Monday: 7-9 P. M.; Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 10-5 P.M.
Accession: Number of volumes in the Library January 1, 1971 6, 847
Increase by purchase 1 193
Increase by gift 126
Withdrawn "" 309
Number of volumes in the Library January 1, 1972 6, 857
Circulation in 1971: Fiction 2, 967 Records - 163 Books borrowed from Bookmobile: 505
Juvenile 4,417 Circulation: 725
Non-fiction 2,093 Records received from Bookmobile: 90
Total 9,477 Circulation: 102
Fines Collected in 1971: $272.93
52
This was the first year the Library has been open 30 hours a week. This enabled kindergarten classes
to visit mornings, many new mothers and young children to browse, and business people to prepare work.
The longer hours benefited students, and with the increased use of the Library, circulation continued to rise.
Contributing to the success of the year were the regular visits of the Eastern Massachusetts Regional Book-
mobile which enabled the Library to offer many additional fine books and recordings, an increased book budget
permitting it to acquire a better selection of books in steady demand, improvements to the building and
grounds, and the cheerful help of many lunch hour and other volunteers to all the activities of the Library.
Thanks are due the Acton Boy Scout Troop 11 who rebuilt the Library lawn and to the Cadette Girl Scout
Troop 9 and many patrons who helped to make the Fair held in May a success. An air conditioner was pur-
chased with the proceeds. The Friends of the Acton Libraries continued their support with a Bake Sale, the
gift of many new books, volunteer help, and numerous items for the Fair. The Acton Garden Club provided a
handsome Christmas wreath; the Trustees and their families did maintenance work; and many townspeople
contributed books and periodicals.
The Trustees wish to remind people that their meetings are usually held on the fourth Thursday of the
month, at 7:30 P. M,, in the Citizens Library.
Books may be renewed by telephone.
Thelma C. Hermes
Librarian
HISTORICAL COMMISSION
During 1971, the Acton Historical Commission continued its work in the cataloging and preservation of
the historical assets of the Town.
Much time was spent by the Historical Commission in an effort to find a practical means of preserving
and using the Todd House. This building is now in the hands of the Regional School Committee, and many meet-
ings were held with the School Committee and Dr. Brust, Superintendent of Schools, seeking a solution to the
problem. In order to prevent further deterioration of the building from weather and vandalism, the doors and
windows have been boarded up by the School Department. Prior to this, much of the rubbish was cleaned out
by the Acton Minutemen, under direction of the Historical Commission, in order to reduce the fire hazard.
This house is important as one of a very few early salt-box types remaining in the area. Although much
work is necessary for restoration, the building is structurally sound.
Several meetings were held with the Town Engineering Department and with the Land Acquisition Com-
mittee in an effort to find a means of assuring that the Isaac Davis Homesite would be available in the future
to the Town for its Patriots' Day ceremonies. The house and land were up for sale at the time; however, no
definite conclusion has been reached.
The Historical Commission met with Acton's Representative in the State Legislature, Chester Atkins,
and discussed various efforts being made by the State concerning legislation for historical preservation, and
some of the things which might be done. Mr. Atkins offered his help in any way possible at the State level.
The Historical Commission recommended to the Board of Selectmen that a Historic District Study Com-
mittee be appointed, according to State law. This is a very important step in assuring that some of Acton's
historical and architectural heritage be preserved for the future. This is one means of acting before the bull-
dozers have done the damage.
During the year, Mr. Samuel Sutcliffe resigned from the Commission and was replaced by Mrs. Anita
Dodson. Mr. Sutcliffe spent many long hours working on the Historical Commission and its predecessor, the
Historical Advisory Committee, and his efforts will be missed. Mr. Jerry Ballantine moved out of state and
also resigned. He, too, was a member of the Historical Advisory Committee and was Chairman of the His-
torical Commission for the past two years. The Commission and the Town will miss the leadership and ser-
vice given by Mr. Ballantine in his efforts to preserve the Town's historical heritage.
The Acton Historical Commission meets at the Public Works Building on the second Wednesday of the
month at 8:00 P. M. , and welcomes attendance by all interested citizens.
Stanley L. Smith, Jr., Chairman
Marion E. H. Houghton, Clerk
Anita Dodson
Robert Nylander
53
YOUTH COMMISSION
Introduction
The Acton Youth Commission held its first formal meeting on May 20, 1971. The power to form the
commission and initial funding was provided by vote of the town at the previous .Town Meeting. Commission
members were appointed by the Town Manager with approval of the Board of Selectmen under the power as-
cribed to him in the Town Charter.
The Commission met on a weekly basis for the first three months of its existence, moving into an every
other week format at the end of that period. The purpose of this report is to describe the activities of the
Commission during the six-month period since its inception and to outline its plans for the coming year.
Membership
The members of the Commission at its incep-
tion were as follows: Bruce M. McCarthy, Alan B.
Flood, Ann T. Evans, Charles G. Kadison, Charles
D. MacPherson, and Nancy C. Howe. McCarthy was
elected Chairman, Flood -Vice President, and Evans -
Clerk. There was one vacancy.
Since then Howe and MacPherson have resigned
and been replaced by: Charles A. Schook and Ernst A.
Keppel. There continues to be one vacancy.
The Town Manager has experienced difficulty in
filling the seventh seat on the Commission. The Com-
mission has recommended that the vacancy be filled
by an individual who is twenty-one years of age or un-
der and has submitted the names of a number of can-
didates for consideration.
Identifying the Problem(s)
Dr. Charles A. Schook, Alan B. Flood,
and Chairman Bruce M. McCarthy meet with
School Committee Chairman Edith D. Stowell.
(Photo by G. B. Williams, Jr.)
Due to the absence of any specific job description or outline of direct responsibility, the Commission
decided at the outset to direct its energies to the gathering of pertinent information in an attempt to identify
specific youth-related problem areas in the town. The idea was to establish the most pressing areas of need
to which the Commission should address itself.
The vehicle adopted to develop the needed information was the open meeting. The Commission invited
to each meeting specific individuals or groups involved in and/ or knowledgeable of the problems of the young
in the community. In addition, the Commission extended an open invitation to any and all residents of the town
to attend and participate in open discussion of the problems of the young.
This approach proved fruitful throughout the summer months and many divergent groups participated in
the open meeting discussions. The following groups or individuals participated:
1. The Recreation Commission 12. Link-up
2. The Town Manager 13.
3. The Board of Selectmen 14.
4. The League of Women Voters 15.
5. The Clergy
6. CODE 16.
7. Living Alternatives 17.
8. The School Committee 18.
9. The Police Department 19.
10. Acton Medical Associates
11. The Teen Center
Interested Parents
Drug Users
The Massachusetts Committee on
Children and Youth
The Conservation Commission
Teachers
Student's Rights Leaders
Large numbers of young people repre-
senting many divergent points of
view.
The open meeting vehicle was extremely successful but is beginning to reach the point of diminishing re-
turns. It has become obvious that certain groups are unwilling to participate in such meetings and although
the meetings will continue to be held, the Commission plans to actively seek out reluctant groups and meet
with them on their own ground. This will be discussed more fully later in this report.
In a further attempt at gathering information, the Commission has corresponded with and received infor-
mation and/ or literature from:
1. Congressman Drinan
2. Massachusetts Committee on
Children and Youth
National Clearinghouse for Mental
Health Information
The Middlesex County District Attor-
ney's Office et al.
54
In addition, members of the Commission have spoken directly with:
1. The University of Massachusetts 3. The U. S. Department of Health,
2. Boston University Education and Welfare
4. The ABRHS Guidance Department
Programs, Projects, Activities
Based on the data gathered from the above sources of information, the Commission was able to establish
some specific areas of need to which it has addressed itself. The following is a description of the specific ac-
tions taken by the Commission since its inception:
1. Police-Youth Relations: Based on information gathered at open meetings during the
summer, the Commission identified a rapidly growing feeling of alienation between the
Acton Police Department and a certain segment of the young community. Acting to head
off a potentially explosive situation, the Commission sponsored an open discussion be-
tween the two groups.
It is the judgment of the Commission that the meeting was successful in opening channels
of communication between the two groups and in so doing establishing greater mutual
understanding.
2. Drug Education: It was established that drug abuse is a very real problem in the commun-
ity and the Commission has taken the following steps to alleviate the situation:
a. One member of the Commission has been assigned to follow-up on specific proposals
for both short and long-range drug education program proposals now before the
School Committee.
b. The Commission sponsored an open discussion between CODE, Acton Medical Asso-
ciates and Living Alternatives on the subject of pooling resources in the battle
against drug abuse. The meeting was moderately successful.
c. The Commission has agreed to support CODE by paying specific operating expenses
up to $500.
3. Disenfranchised Youth: It was established that many of the young people felt that they had
little or no rights as citizens. This feeling was prompted, in most cases, because of a
total ignorance of how to go about obtaining their rights, i. e. , how to work within the polit-
ical system to achieve their goals.
This belief that they had been disenfranchised led to apathy in some cases, frustration in
others, and the frustration was leading some to believe they should fight the system a la
the SDS. In this case the Commission took a dual approach:
a. The Commission formally proposed that the School Committee institute a course on
"practical politics" at the high school level. The course would emphasize methods
and techniques that can be used to attain specific goals by working within existing
governmental structure at all levels but with emphasis on local government. This
proposal has been passed on to the high school principal for study.
b. The Commission has voted to support the League of Women Voters' Voter Regis-
tration Drive among young people and has developed a plan of action in cooperation
with the League which will be discussed later in this report.
4. Youth Advisory Board: It was the judgment of the Commission that participation by young
people in the work of the Commission was vital to success. Such participation would pro-
vide the Commission with continual input from the young community and additional help
with the rapidly growing workload.
With these thoughts in mind the Commission formed a "youth advisory board" of four young
people who represent various groups within the young community. The members of the
board and the groups they represent are as follows:
a. Nancy Darlington - Student's Rights c. Heather Brunton - Student Council
b. Linda Starr - Teen Center d. Patrick Lawson - Young Adults
5. Youth Activities: One firmly established fact is that there is a woeful lack of constructive
out-of-school activities available to the young people of the town. In addressing itself to
this problem, the Commission has become involved in the following activities:
a. Town Swimming Pool: The Commission supported the construction of a town swim-
ming pool at the last town meeting.
b. Job Pool: The Commission has formally proposed to the School Committee that a
job placement service be instituted at the high school level. The proposal has been
turned over to the Guidance Department at the high school for implementation.
55
c. Acton Common Controversy: With little to do and no "acceptable" place to gather,
many young people began using the common as a hang-out during the summer. The
controversy over the use of the common reached Such a point that the Commission
felt a public meeting between all concerned parties might be helpful in cooling emo-
tions. The meeting met with little success.
d. Recreation Commission: The Youth Commission has gone on record as supporting
the efforts of the Recreation Commission in their attempts to provide constructive
outside activities for the young people of the community. The two commissions have
agreed to exchange minutes and to support each other in areas of mutual interest.
e. Teen Center: Because it provides one of the only places in town where young people
can gather and become involved in constructive outside activities, the Teen Center
has been of great interest to the Commission. The problems, activities and pro-
grams of the Teen Center have been followed closely and will continue to be. A spe-
cific proposal regarding the Teen Center will be discussed later in this report.
Future Plans
The more we learn, the more the job before us seems to grow. However, we are committed to directing
our energies toward the ultimate goal of making Acton a healthy, happy place for young people to grow and de-
velop. We have chosen to work on specific projects on a relatively small scale while continuing to study the
overall problem from all angles. The following is a brief description of the activities we intend to pursue dur-
ing the coming year:
1. The search for knowledge must continue. The Commission plans to continue its open meeting
concept but in addition to seek out those individuals who cannot or will not come to us. We hope
to attend meetings of other youth commissions, to visit with various church-sponsored youth
groups, to meet with the student council, the School Committee, the Recreation and Conserva-
tion Commissions, civic organizations and, of course, continue to meet with the Board of Se-
lectmen periodically.
In addition, we would hope to attend pertinent educational seminars and conferences and will
continue to solicit information and literature from the various private and public agencies con-
cerned with the problems of the young.
2. Continuing Projects: The Commission will continue its work on the proposed course on "prac-
tical politics" and the job pool, as well as the drug education programs for the schools.
3. Voter Registration: In cooperation with the League of Women Voters, the Commission plans
to sponsor a combination candidates night and voter registration night for the young people of
the town. Complete plans for this event will be made public in the near future.
4. Youth Day: At the urging of various town officials, the Commission has discussed with the
youth advisory board the possibility of sponsoring a Youth Day or Fair complete with pie -eating
contest, sack races, etc. The youth advisory board has reacted favorably to the proposal
prompting the Commission to give it serious consideration for the coming year.
5. Summer Job Program: During the summer months the combination of school vacation and high
unemployment among the young resulted in the creation of a large, unstructured group of young
people with no constructive outlet for their energies. The aimless activities of this group
caused considerable consternation among the adult citizens of the town.
In an attempt to provide the young people of the town with the opportunity to engage in construc-
tive summer activity, the Commission has developed plans for a town-supported summer job
program.
As a result of a recent meeting with the Recreation and Conservation Commissions, the Con-
servation Commission has agreed to fund summer jobs for ten young people who would be as-
signed the task of preparing conservation land for public use.
Similar meetings will be held with the other town commissions and departments. Those jobs
that are not covered by existing budgets will be funded through an article on the Town Warrant.
Further details on this proposal will be forthcoming soon.
6. Teen Center Proposal: It has been established that the Teen Center (The Church) provides one
of the only gathering places for Acton's young people - a gathering place where they can get in-
volved in constructive outside activity. Unfortunately, it is also true that the Teen Center is in
danger of closing due to financial difficulties.
These financial problems have caused those involved in the Teen Center operation to expend all
their energies in the direction of fund raising thus causing the vital work of developing programs
and activities to suffer.
56
Given these facts, the Commission has developed a three-pronged plan of action:
a. To keep the Teen Center operating for the present, the Commission proposes to rent
and maintain the Universalist Church building. This would at once relieve the finan-
cial burden on the Teen Center and provide a building open to all youth organizations
of the town including, of course, the Teen Center itself. The Commission proposes
to do this on a one-year trial basis.
b. During this trial period, the Commission proposes to carry out a complete study and
evaluation of the Teen Center operation. The information from this study would be
turned over to a professional youth agency for review and recommendations.
c. In addition, the Commission will use this trial period to evaluate all possible loca-
tions (including the present one) for a Teen Center in town.
At the end of the trial period, all of the collected data will be weighed and evaluated and the
Commission will come forth with its findings, including recommendations for further action, if
any, in this area. This approach to the Teen Center problem has the distinct advantage of al-
lowing the Teen Center board of directors to remain autonomous while effectively lessening the
heavy financial burden.
It is the hope of the Commission that the Teen Center board will use the time and energy pre-
viously expended in search of financial support to develop a complete program of activities to
offer the young people of the town.
Summary
It has been a difficult, often frustrating period of adjustment for the Youth Commission but, with it all,
it has been very rewarding. We have barely scratched the surface in our search to identify problems and
work towards their ultimate solution, and we are fully cognizant of the enormity of the job ahead.
We do feel that we have made a good start. We have been in existence for only six months and our scope
of activity, as described in this report, bears witness to this claim. We realize that not everyone will agree
with the direction we have chosen. To those who disagree, we offer an open mind and a willingness to listen.
Come work with us. We need and will accept all the help we can get.
We ask your support, both moral and financial, in our efforts to make Acton a better place for your
children.
Bruce M. McCarthy, Chairman Charles G. Kadison
Alan B. Flood, Vice-Chairman Charles A. Shook
Ann T. Evans, Clerk Ernst A. Keppel
Acton Youth Commission
RECREATION
A Master Recreation Plan is a primary goal for 1972. The plan will provide a scheme for an orderly
development in planning, financing, program coordination and development of facilities and maintenance. It
will lend direction towards redefining the purpose and function of the Department, as related to the year-round
needs of all children, young people, adults, and senior citizens. A list of priorities will evolve to meet im-
mediate and future needs of our growing community.
A special vote of appreciation goes to Gale Jarvis, who resigned from the Recreation Commission this
past year. Gale has contributed greatly to the development of the Babe Ruth and Little League Programs.
Serving for a period of eight years as a member, Gale Jarvis has given unselfishly of his time. Recognition
also goes to Mrs. Elinor White who resigned as commissioner this year. Both have made a real contribution
to the progress and excellence of our Recreation Program.
The Commission is always in search of actively concerned Actonians interested in serving in various
capacities within the scope of the Recreation Commission. The year 1972 will create a need for additional as-
sociate commissioners to establish special committees to fulfill special assignments. Reliable and conscien-
tious applicants ranging from young people to senior citizens will also be needed to fulfill current and future
vacancies on the Commission. The Commission needs your help.
The Recreation Commission and your Director have been meeting with many Town Committees during
1971. Among them are Selectmen, Finance Committee, Conservation Commission, Planning Board, and Re-
gional School Committee. It has been rewarding to see these committees working together to solve Recreation
problems while seeking to continue to improve our Recreation Programs.
57
Before I close this report, I should like to convey my whole-hearted appreciation to the Acton Recrea-
tion Commission and Associate Committees for their support in our effort to continue the betterment of the
Recreation Program for all Acton citizens. Special recognition goes to Charles Biechler, Chairman of the
Bikeways Planning and Development Committee; to William Lynch and Stephen Cornwall and the Acton-Boxboro
Cross-Country Ski Team for developing a Ski Touring Trail; to William Sparks, Principal of the Merriam
School, for his assistance in developing the Merriam School Playground; to Mrs. Richard Moore who coor-
dinated registration of the Swimming Program; and to Allen Flood for his enthusiastic volunteer assistance
with the reorganization of the Men's Basketball League.
In conclusion, I should like to express my sincere appreciation to various Town Department Supervisors
and Summer Staff, and to the many men and women and high school students behind the scenes. Their loyalty
and effort are deeply appreciated.
FACILITIES
Baseball Fields (available by permit): Jones Field; A. B. Regional High School (completion for 1973).
Little League Baseball Fields (available by permit): Jones Field; Goward Field, Gates School, Conant School
(completion for 1972); McCarthy-Towne School.
Softball Fields (available by permit): Elm Park (lighted); A. B. Regional High School (completion for 1973).
Basketball Courts: Gates (one court); Conant School (one court, completion for 1972); Merriam School (one
court); Elm Park (two courts proposed for 1972).
Soccer/ Football Fields: McCarthy-Towne School; Gates School; Elm Park (lighted); Conant School (comple-
tion for 1972); A. B. Regional High School (two fields, completion for 1973).
Tennis Courts (available by permit): Charter Road (four courts); Elm Park (two courts); A. B. Regional High
School (four courts to be completed for 1973).
Ice Skating Rinks : Charter Road Tennis Courts (two areas proposed for 1972); Elm Park (proposed for 1972);
Jones Field (proposed for 1972).
Hockey Rinks : A. B. Regional High School Tennis Courts (proposed for 1973).
Ski Touring Trails: Spring Hill Area (completion for December 1972).
Bikeway Trails: Newtown Road; Arlington Street; Massachusetts Avenue; Nagog Hill Road (completion for
1972).
Playgrounds: Merriam School; Goward Field; Jones Field; Elm Park; Conant School (proposed for 1973);
Gardner Field.
Swimming Pools: A. B. Regional High School (completion for late 1973).
At the present time the use of certain facilities can not meet the demand placed upon them by Acton resi-
dents. A permit system as well as rules and regulations in the use of various facilities have been instituted in
order to effectively control the efficient use of the areas. The following regulations will go into effect this
spring for all tennis courts:
1. Tennis shoes must be worn.
2. Street Hockey is prohibited.
3. Maximum playing time is one hour.
4. Adults 16 years and up have priority on holidays, weekends, and weekdays after 6:00 P.M.
5. Permits will be required for all Tournaments and private lessons.
Permits will also be required for the use of all Baseball, Little League, and Softball Fields.
Future of Recreation: The decision to place the Recreation Department on a part-time, year-round operation
will greatly affect the total Recreation picture.
PROGRAMS OFFERED DURING 1971
Winter/Spring Summer/ Kail
Alpine Skiing Supervised Playgrounds Swimming Soccer
Figure Skating Baseball Junior Tennis Junior Golf
Co-Ed Volleyball Special Events Adult Tennis Adult Golf
Men's Basketball Bowling Sports Clinics Men's Softball
Day Camp for Mentally Handicapped
58
MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS FOR 1971
1. Part-time, year-round professional leadership.
2. Development of three new skating areas.
3. New school use policy with the Acton-Boxboro School Committee.
4. Development of an Intramural Program for Acton and Acton-Boxboro students.
5. Development of a Bikeway Trail.
6. Development of a Ski Touring Trail.
7. Utilization of commercial recreational facilities for programs.
8. Increased development of self-supporting programs.
9. Passage of funds for the construction of an indoor Community Swimming Pool.
10. Installation of lighting and drainage at Elm Park.
11. Development of the Merriam School Playground.
Charter Road Tennis Courts were transformed into
30,000 sq. ft. of ice skating area. The area was open until
dusk due to a lack of lighting.
The new installation of lights at Elm Park next to the
Douglas School will be operative this spring when the
Acton Men's Softball League begin their season.
Janet Murphy, Chairman
Richard McCauley Thomas Burke
Harrington Moore, Jr. John Duclos, Director
Recreation Commission
f<->l
ACCESS
KEIZER
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59
1975 CELEBRATION
The Advisory Committee on the 1975 Celebration, appointed by the Selectmen, held nine meetings in
1971, its second year of operation. These meetings, scheduled for the last Monday of the month at 8:00 P, M,
in the Selectmen's offices at the Town Hall, are open meetings which citizens are invited to attend.
The Committee has been charged by the Selectmen with coordination of activities with surrounding towns.
Presently, minutes of meetings are being exchanged with Concord, Stow, and Lincoln. Contacts will soon be
initiated with newly appointed committees in other towns. The Maynard Centennial Committee has been con-
tacted to study finances and other facets of that event.
Subcommittees appointed in 1969 have been augmented by additional committees for specific program events.
Further efforts in historical research have been made both by the Advisory Committee and other organizations
in Acton. The winning design for letterhead or other purposes has been refined, and progress has been made
in determining what an official medallion should look like. A permanent memorial is still under discussion.
The program for 1975 has been determined, tentatively, as shown below. Generally speaking, activities
and events now celebrated will continue to be celebrated in 1975. The program is under constant review and
study.
Crown Resistance Day (September 27, 1974 - initial event)
February 23, 1975 - Isaac Davis' Birthday (pageant or ball)
April 18, 19, 20 (march to Concord, open house and other events)
Memorial Day
June 14 (Flag Day parade)
Crown Resistance Day (September 28, 1975 - closing event)
The sum of $4,000 was requested in the 1971 Town Warrant, and was voted by town meeting members.
These funds were added to the $5,000 previously deposited in a special bank account. The Committee seeks
$5,000 in 1972, according to a plan which anticipates raising funds so that the tax burden will not fall heavily
in any given year. A tentative budget totaling a net expenditure of about $26,500 has been drawn up for the
Celebration. Individual budgets for each event include added expense for police, fire, highway department
and other expenses occasioned by these events.
Mr. Ahti E. Autio (ex officio)
Mr. E. Wilson Bursaw
Col. Burton A. Davis
Mr. David H. Donaldson
Mr. Donald R. Gilberti
Mr. Russell D. Hayward
Mr. Hayward S. Houghton
Mrs. Hayward S. Houghton
Mr. Roger M. Huebsch
Mrs. Roger M. Huebsch
Mr. Mark A. Kahan
- Mr. T. Frederick S. Kennedy
Mrs. Donald R. Kinzie
Mr. Walter R. Laite
Mr. Malcolm S. MacGregor
Mrs. Malcolm S. MacGregor
- Miss Florence A. Merriam
Mr. Richmond P. Miller
Mr. Charles A. Morehouse
Mrs. Ronald N. Morris
Mr. Gilbert S. Osborn
Mr. Palo A. Peirce
Mr. Norman L. Roche
Mr. Raymond W. Spicer
Mrs. John W. Tierney
Mr. Earle W. Tuttle
Mr. Brewster Conant, Chm.
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
The objective of the Conservation Commission is to assist the Town in maintaining plentiful water sup-
plies, preventing future flooding, obtaining recreational areas, providing educational opportunities for children
of the area, and maintaining aesthetic values so that our Town remains a desirable place in which to live and
raise families.
In furtherance of this objective, the Conservation Commission continued in 1971 with its Master Plan for
land acquisition. At the March 1971 Town Meeting, the Town approved the action of the Conservation Com-
mission in purchasing the following:
1. Plamondon land, 3.4 acres, adjacent to Will's Hole Quaking Bog.
2. Martin land, 3.54 acres off Spring Hill Road.
3. Hollowell land, 10.33 acres off Spring Hill Road.
4. Waldo Wilson land, 15.39 acres off Spring Hill Road.
5. Monson land, 10 acres off Central Street.
6. 90 acres taken by eminent domain for conservation purposes by the Selectmen.
7. 5.8 acres transferred to us by Selectmen off Spring Hill Road.
Papers have been passed on this land, and it now belongs to the Town for conservation purposes.
60
At the March 1972 Town Meeting, approval, will
be requested of the Conservation Commission's action
in purchasing an additionaL 100 acres of land in South
Acton completing a 186-acre parcel for which we are
appLying to the Federal Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
for reimbursement. The total cost of all the land
mentioned here is $268,710.00, of which 75%, or
$134,355.00 is reimbursable by B.O.R., plus an addi-
tional 25%, or $67,177.00 is reimbursable by the
Massachusetts Department of Natural Resources.
Final approval will result in a total of $201,532.00 of
the purchase price of this land being returned to the
Town of Acton.
The Plamondon land is an addition to the Will's
Hole and Town Forest area which is used for passive
recreation and nature study. The Martin, Hollowell
and Wilson lands are additions to the Spring Hill Tract.
The Conservation Commission has worked closely with
the Recreation Commission on plans for recreation
here. Trails are being cleared and it wilL be available
for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Other uses
will include horseback riding, hiking, nature traiLs
and passive recreation. Plans are also being made
with the Recreation Commission for a majority of the
South Acton land to be used for active recreation such
as baseball and skiing.
Town Manager R. W. Dotson accepts reim-
bursement check from Dept. of Natural
Resources for Town Conservation purchase;
Conservation Commission Chairman Richard
Murphy indicates area purchased near Spring
Hill Road. (Photo by G. B. Williams, Jr. )
In addition to regularly scheduled meetings, the volunteer members of the Conservation Commission
attended Board of Selectmen Hatch Act Hearings, Board of Appeals Hearings, and meetings with the Planning
Board, Recreation Commission, Board of Health, and the Water District to support conservation measures.
They attended a series of Annual ConservatiorrSchools held during September and October in Northborough,
Charlton and Harvard. They supported the Nashoba Brook Project, Senate Bill No. 757, which was a proposal
to acquire and develop a major state recreation facility in the area for swimming, picnicking, fishing, hiking,
camping and winter sports.
In May 1971, the Conservation Commission sponsored a special pro-
gram at the ABRHS in conjunction with "Earth Week". Two conservation
films, "So Little Time" and "Air Pollution", were shown followed with a
discussion period. In August 1971, the Conservation Commission sup-
ported the Recycling Program of the Act for Ecology Committee of the
Conservation Trust by paying the cost of a rental container.
Cubs, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts on Town Clean-up. (Photos by G. B. Williams, Jr.)
Teacher's Curriculum Guides to Conservation Education, entitled "People and Their Environment",
were furnished to all 4th grade teachers in the Acton school system. This purchase supplemented similar
guides provided by the Acton Garden Club for teachers in grades 1, 2 and 3.
With the continued support of the Acton townspeople in 1972, the Conservation Commission will be work-
ing to help you maintain and preserve your environment.
Dorothy Stonecliffe, Clerk Chauncey Waldron
Brewster Conant Robert Ellis
Richard Murphy, Chairman
Bianca Chambers
Peter Jorrens
61
HOUSING AUTHORITY
This has been a busy year for the Authority as we have proceeded with the many necessary details which
have been preliminary to the actual construction of Acton's first housing units for elderly persons of low income.
Elected in March to a five-year term were Mary Laffin, Secretary; four-year term, Julia Stevens, Chair-
man; two-year term, Thomas Ahern, Treasurer; and one-year term, George Moulton, Vice-Chairman. Pa-^-'
tience MacPherson has continued in her three-year term as Governor's appointee.
We have chosen as our architects for the project the firm of Johnson-Hotvedt & Associates, 9 Park
Street, Boston. They have already been very helpful to us in choosing suitable land and in our discussions
with the Massachusetts Department of Community Affairs (DCA) which oversees all housing projects in the
State.
Thomas R. Morse of Parker, Coulter, Daley & White, 50 Congress Street, Boston, will represent us as
counselon this state-aided project.
As the Massachusetts General Court has recently voted $150,000,000 for the Housing for the Elderly con-
struction program, we have been assured that funding for Acton will be available soon. The DCA will there-
fore be able to purchase the property of our choice, and we will begin construction of at least 48 units in 1972.
In response to several inquiries, the Authority has also applied for state rental assistance funds, which
are available for elderly persons and large families of low income. Although it is mandatory for all Housing
Authorities to participate in this program, we have not as yet received funding from the DCA.
The Authority is now accepting applications for the proposed housing units. Applicants must be at least
65 years of age, citizens of the United States, with incomes totaling $2,500 a person or $3,000 a couple. Phys-
ically handicapped persons are also encouraged to apply, as several apartments will be especially designed
for them.
We are looking forward to actual construction of housing for the elderly during 1972 and hope that the
project will fulfill the housing needs of a vital segment of Acton's population.
Julia D. Stevens, Chairman
CEMETERIES
Mount Hope Cemetery
During the past year we have continued the project of removing corner posts in the old part of the ceme-
tery, thereby cutting down the cost of maintenance. Also, several old marble monuments were repaired and
placed in a cement foundation, and a number of Large monuments were cleaned as provided for in specific
funds.
In the fall most of the roads in the newer sections of the cemetery, along with some others near the
front, received coats of hard top. Unfortunately, the amount of money appropriated was not sufficient to com-
plete all of the roads; therefore, we have inserted an article for $2,500.00 to complete this work.
During the winter months another area will have to be cleared in Mount Hope Cemetery to complete the
planned extensions. This section will then be graded and seeded. Roads will be completed, and trees and
shrubs will be planted in this new area. Water pipes will be installed in the new section.
Woodlawn Cemetery
As in the other cemetery, we have, during the past year, continued the project of removing corner posts
in the old part of the cemetery, thereby cutting down the cost of maintenance. Also, several oLd marble mon-
uments were repaired and placed in a cement foundation, and a number of large monuments were cleaned as
provided for in specific funds.
Two catch basins were installed and drainage pipe was extended. The Highway Department supplied and
hauled gravel for a number of roads being graded in preparation for hard top. The roads were then completed
and paved.
32
A large area was graded, fertilized and seeded this past fall for future use. Trees and shrubs will be
planted in this area next spring. In addition to this particular section already completed, the Cemetery De-
partment plans to clear and grade another area this winter. This will then complete the current planned ex-
tensions for Woodlawn Cemetery.
During the night of July 19th, persons unknown broke into the building in this cemetery. They gained
entrance by cutting the locks off two metal doors to get to the garage downstairs. When the Superintendent
arrived for work in the morning, he found all the doors open. Two trucks, two tractors, a snowblower, gen-
erators, plus miscellaneous tools and equipment were taken.
The pickup truck was found a few days later in Hudson, Massachusetts, without any damage. The dump
truck was found twenty-eight days later in Carlisle, Massachusetts. It was left about a mile into the woods.
It had been stripped of wheels, tires, battery, etc. None of the other equipment has been recovered to date.
It became necessary to get a transfer of money to replace the equipment stolen. Since the theft we have been
locking the cemetery gates at sundown. We have taken steps with locking devices that we hope will prevent
future attempts at breaking into the building.
There seems to have been a rash of breaking and entering into cemeteries this past year. The following
cemeteries are a few of the ones broken into: Stow, Carlisle, Hudson, Lowell, Framingham, and several
others. In the Framingham cemetery, a building was set on fire.
The cemetery personnel have attended several conventions and seminars on grounds maintenance, as
well as a cemeteries' equipment show held last October at Mount Auburn Cemetery.
In February the Superintendent attended a seminar at the Waltham Motor. Inn on Management Labor Rela-
tions. The seminar was given by Mr. Nelson Ross, Attorney, a management consultant at Ropes and Gray,
Boston, Massachusetts. His address dealt with both the state and national laws regarding involvement with
union elections in any cemetery in the State.
At the annual meeting of the Massachusetts Cemetery Association, Mr. Robert L. Babis of J. C. Milne
Company gave a very interesting talk on the use of Mausoleums in New England. Many large cities are seri-
ously considering this method because of the lack of available land for cemetery use.
This last year the Commissioners had a Cemetery Consultant come in and make a general survey of
both cemeteries to determine the most practical and economical way to develop the remaining land in each
cemetery. The consultant was very surprised to see that the cemeteries had been so well developed without
a master plan; however, he very quickly pointed out some of the problems we were going to be faced with in
the near future.
He felt that the Commissioners would feel much more confident in making their plans for future de-
velopment of areas if they receive information from the following:
1. A topographical plan by a professional surveyor.
2. An indication of master planning by a competent landscape architect.
3. An idea of costs of development from a competent construction engineer and contractor.
4. Extension of cemetery roads and the location and width thereof. A minimum width of 20 feet
for all new roads has been approved by most cemeteries.
5. How much area is needed for burial space, how many square feet per grave space, double
burials, green belt buffer zone, and planting for scenic beauty?
6. Is the land covered with a growth of large diameter trees that will be costly to remove? Will
the total perimeter need a fence or wall; or will the existing cover act as a natural divider for
the area? Can existing trees be saved to provide good specimens? What type of top soil (from
analysis) exists, and how shall it be improved and at what cost?
Because of the above-mentioned problems which will have to be faced in the near future, the Cemetery
Board is requesting funds for development of a Master Plan for each cemetery which would enable us to better
understand future needs and costs.
The Board of Cemetery Commissioners wishes to extend their appreciation and thanks for the very gen-
erous gift of $26,000.00 from the Jenks Charitable Association. The income from this fund will be used for
improvement and beautification of Mount Hope Cemetery.
The Department wishes to express their thanks to the Engineering Department and the Highway Depart-
ment, as well as all others that assisted us during the year.
Harlan E. Tuttle Howard F. Jones T_ Frederick s> Kennedy
Charles F. Putnam
Cemetery Commissioners Superintendent
ACTON STREET DIRECTORY
Adams Street
A-2
Agawam Road
C-4
Alcott Street
D-2
Algonquin Road
D-5
Anne Avenue
C-3
Arlington Street
D-4
Ashwood Road
C-2
Azalea Court
D-l
Arborwood Road
C-l
Balsam Drive
D-3
Barker Road
C-3
Baxter Road
B-4
Bayberry Road
D-l
Berry Lane
D-2
Betsy Ross Circle
B-5
Beverly Road
C-3
Billings Street
A-4
Birch Ridge Road
B-5
Blackhorse Drive
A-5
Blanchard Street
A-4
Brabrook Road
D-l
Bridle Path Way
E-l
Broadview Street
B-2
Bromfield Drive
D-2
Brook Street
E-2
Brookside Circle
B-2
Brucewood Road
C-3
Bulette Road
D-5
Captain Brown's Lane
C-4
Captain Furbush's Lane
C-4
Carlisle Road
G-2
Carlton Drive
A-2
Carriage Drive
B-2
Cedar Terrace
C-4
Central Street
B-3,
Chadwick Street
B-2
Charter Road
C-4
Cherokee Road
D-5
Cherry Ridge Road
B-5
Church Street
B-4
Clover Hill Road
B-2
Conant Street
A-2
Concord Road
D-2
Coolidge Drive
D-4
Coughlin
D-3
Country Club Road
A-2
Cowdrey Lane
D-3
Craig Road
C-l
Cresent Street
B-2
Crestwood Lane
B-4
Crestwood Road
C-2
Cricket Way
D-2
Cross Street
G-2
Davis Road
E-2
Deacon Hunt Drive
C-4
Doris Road
C-3
Downey Road
B-4
Duggan Road
A-4
Durkee Road
B-4
Elm Court
C-4
Elm Street
C-5
Eliot Circle
D-3
D-5
Emerson Drive
D-2
Esterbrook Road
E-2
Ethan Allen Drive
B-5
Evergreen Road
D-3
Fairway Road
A-2
Faulkner Hill Road
B-3
Fernwood Road
C-2
Fife & Drum Road
D-3
Flagg Road
D-l
Fletcher Court
A- 3
Flint Road
B-4
Flintlock Drive
A-5
Foley Street
B-2
Forest Road
C-2
Fort Pond Road
E-4
Foster Street
C-2
Fox Hill Road
B-2
Franc ine Road
C-3
Fraser Drive
B-4
Garfield Lane
D-3
Giaconda Avenue
B-2
Grasshopper Lane
D-2
Great Road
D-l,
Greenwood Lane
D-3
Gristmill Road
A-5
Hammond Street
D-4
Harris Street
F-3
Hatch Road
B-2
Harvard Court
E-2
Haynes Court
B-5
Hawthorne Street
D-2
Hay ward Road
C-4
Heald Road
D-3
Hemlock Lane
D-3
Henley Road
F-3
Hennessey Drive
B-3
Heritage Road
C-2
High Street
A-2
Highland Road
A-5
Hillcrest Drive
C-2
Hillside Terrace
C-4
Homestead Street
B-4
Hickory Hill Trail
D-3
Hosmer Street
C-2
Houghton Lane
C-4
Huckleberry Lane
D-3
Huron Road
D-5
Independence Road
B-2
Iris Court
D-l
Isaac Davis Way
C-3
Jackson Drive
D-4
Jefferson Drive
D-3
John Swift Road
D-3
Joseph Reed Lane
C-4
Juniper Ridge Road
B-5
Karner Road
D-5
Keefe Road
D-l
Kelley Road
C-3
Kinsley Road
B-4
F-4
A
CONCORD
■KZbZ PR.IVATET ~/AY£
^aivATc, unacccotco
-:== QOAOb, APCCovU) unqlD TMC
SubOtvlsiOW COMTBOL LAW (CM A* ♦/
AS AMENDED TO JANUARY I. 1970
MAP OF
TOWN OF ACTON
MASSACHUSETTS
SHOWING LOCATION OF STREETS
FEBRUARY »57
SCAL£ IN FCET
ACTON STREET DIRECTORY (continued)
Larch Road
D-3
Laurel Court
B-3
Lawsbrook Road
C-l
Liberty Street
A-3
Lilac Court
B-3
Lillian Road
D-5
Lincoln Drive
D-4
Littlefield Road
C-5
Longfellow Park
D-2
Lothrop Road
B-4
Madison Lane
D-4
Magnolia Drive
D-l
Main Street
A-2,
Mallard Road
C-4
Maple Street
B-3
Marian Road
B-5
Martin Street
B-3
Massachusetts Avenue
D-l,
Mead Terrace
B-4
Meadow Brook Road
D-3
Merriam Lane
B-2
Minot Avenue
D-2
Minuteman Road
D-3
Mohawk Drive
C-5
Mohegan Road
C-4
Monroe Lane
D-4
Musket Drive
D-3
Myrtle Drive
D-l
Nadine Road
C-3
Nagog Hill Road
D-2
Nash Road
B-4
Nashoba Road
C-5
Newtown Road
D-3
North Street
G-2
Notre Dame Road
B-5
Noyes Street
A-4
Oakwood Road
C-2
Old Colony Lane
C-l
Olde Lantern Road
A-5
Old Meadow Lane
B-2
Old Village Road
D-2
Olde Surrey Drive
B-2
Oneida Road
D-5
Orchard Drive
C-5
Parker Street
A-2
Patrick Henry Circle
B-5
Patriots Road
D-3
Partridge Pond Road
C-3
Paul Revere Road
B-5
Pearl Street
B-4
Phalen Street
D-2
Phlox Lane
D-l
Pine Street
A-3
Pinewood Road
C-2
Piper Road
B-3
Piper Lane
B-3
Pond View Drive
B-2
Pope Road
D-l
Powder Horn Lane
A-5
Powder Mill Road
A-l
Proctor Street
E-l
H-3
B-5
U & V
Prospect Street
B-3
Putnam Road
D-3
Putter Drive
A-2
Quaboag Road
C-4
Quarry Road
F-3
Railroad Street
B-3
Redwood Road
C-2
Revolutionary Road
D-3
River Street
B-2
Robbins Street
A-3
Robinwood Road
C-2
Rose Court
D-l
Russell Road
C-2
Saint James Circle
C-3
Samuel Parlin Drive
D-4
Sandas Trail
C-4
School Street
B-3
Seminole Road
C-4
Seneca Road
C-5
Simon Hapgood Lane
E-l
Simon Willard Road
D-3
Sioux Street
C-4
Smart Road
A-4
Smith Street
E-l
South Street
G-2
Spencer Road
C-4
Spring Hill Road
F-l
Stoney Street
C-3
Stow Street
A-3
Strawberry Hill Road
E-2
Sudbury Road
A-l
Summer Street
B-5
Sylvia Street
A-3
Squirrel Hill Road
A-5
Taft Lane
D-4
Taylor Road
C-3
Thoreau Road
D-2
Ticonderoga Road
A-5
Townsend Road
B-4
Trask Road
D-3
Tuttle Drive
B-3
Valley Road
B-2
Vanderbelt Road
B-2
Wachusetts Drive
D-5
Wampus Avenue
F-3
Washington Drive
D-3
Wetherbee Street
D-l
West Road
C-4
Wheeler Lane
G-2
Whittier Drive
D-2
Willow Street
B-4
Wilson Lane
D-4
Windemere Drive
A-5
Windsor Avenue
B-5
Winter Street
B-5
Wood Lane
D-3
Woodbury Lane
D-3
Woodchester Drive
A-5
Wright Terrace
B-5
63
VETERANS' AGENT
For the year ending December 31, 1971, this department aided nine cases under Chapter 115 of the
General Laws at an expenditure of $23,911. 89. This represents a decrease of four cases from the previous
year. Unforeseen and extraordinary medical expenses account for the budget increase requested for 1972.
Contact Service with the Veterans' Administration was rendered to fifty veterans or their dependents
in obtaining various federal and state benefits to which they were entitled.
Norman L. Roche
Veterans' Agent
VETERANS' GRAVES
There have been two interments of United States War Veterans in the Acton Cemeteries during the year
1971. The names of the Veterans, the dates and places of burial are as follows-
Bernard Roger Slocomb W. W. II January 27, 1971 Mount Hope Cemetery
Albert I. Verchot Korean War August 21, 1971 Mount Hope Cemetery
Veterans' Flag Standards have been placed on these departed Veterans' graves and two bronze govern-
ment grave markers have been ordered for these Veterans.
T. Frederick S. Kennedy
Veterans' Graves Officer
ARCHIVES
During the past year Archives Committee has received several letters, requesting a list of the names
of the members of Captain Davis Company Minutemen who were at the battle of the North Bridge, April 19,
1775.
A letter was received requesting information on the depositions made in 1835 by Thomas Thorp, Charles
Handley and Soloman Smith in regard to what they saw happen that day at the battle of the North Bridge.
Another request was received from Mr. T. L. Tallentire of New York, who is gathering material for a
book on early fire fighting in New England, and he asked if we could give him some information in regard to
Acton Early Firefighting. A copy of H. S. MacGregor' s paper on the history of the Acton Fire Department
was forwarded to him.
In March of 1971, the Committee received a request from Early Massachusetts Records, of Boston,
Massachusetts, for permission to microfilm our records up to the year 1830. This same group microfilmed
records of the towns of Bedford, Carlisle, Concord, Lexington and Lincoln, Massachusetts. This project
was done to gather information in preparation for the 1975 celebration.
The Committee also received a request from the Genealogical Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-Day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah, to microfilm the town records up to a certain date. This Society
was interested in the following: vital records to 1840, probate records to 1865, Church records to 1850,
town records to 1850 and deed records to 1850.
The above projects were completed without cost to the town. The Church of Latter-Day Saints will fur-
nish the town, free, a positive film of the records microfilmed.
Frederick S. Kennedy
Minetta D. Lee
Joyce C. Woodhead
64
ASSESSORS
The Board of Assessors are continuing their program of assessing all new property and upgrading
assessments where necessary.
All apartment buildings in the Town have been assessed accordingly and the income method of assessing
has been used as a guide to determine these values. It is the opinion of the Board that the apartment owners
are paying their fair share of the cost of government.
There will be a considerable amount of work to be done in
shopping centers and the condominium project on Route 2A.
1972 with the construction of three new
The Board of Assessors and the Assessors staff were saddened with the loss of veteran Assessor Carl
Flint after thirty two years of dedicated service. We extend our deepest sympathy to his family.
Taxes Assessed as Follows:
Buildings Exclusive of Land
Land
Personal Property
Total Valuation January 1, 1971
Valuation January 1, 1970
Increase in Valuation
Rate of Taxation - $45. 00 per thousand
Real Estate
Personal Property
Total Taxes Assessed
Amount of Money to be Raised:
Town Charges
School Lunch Program
Free Public Libraries
Natural Resources-Self Help Program
Snow '& Ice (Chapt. 44 Sec. 31)
State Parks & Reservations
Metropolitan District Area Planning Council
Elderly Retiree Program
State Assessment System
Motor Vehicle Excise Bills
County Tax
County Hospital
Overlay
Total
Estimated Receipts and Available Funds
From Various Sources
Net Amount to be Raised by Taxation
80,917, 620.00
20, 189,970.00
3,831,965.00
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise
Number of Vehicles Assessed
Commissioners Value
Total Excise
10,356
4, 549,841. 55
172,438. 60
6, 592, 782. 67
15, 672. 76
1,809. 50
3,550.00
13,543.86
22,002.81
982.04
1,088.01
590.80
1, 660. 65
132,000.25
6,490.92
65,000. 17
36. 00 per thousand
7,882,978.00
488,861.87
$104,939, 555.00
97,088, 304.00
$ 7,851,251.00
$ 4,722,280.15
$ 6,857,174.44
2, 134,894.29
$ 4,722,280.15
Dewey E. Boatman, Chairman
John H. Loring, Clerk
Ralph Dodge, Ass't. Assessor
Board of Assessors
65
TOWN MEETINGS
ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
MARCH 8, 1971 AND ADJOURNED SESSIONS, MARCH 10, 1971, MARCH 15, 1971 AND MARCH 17, 1971
Moderator called the meeting to order at 7:33 P. M.
ADJOURNMENT
VOTED: That at the conclusion of the business pending before the meeting at eleven o'clock this evening this
meeting be adjourned to 7:30 o'clock P.M. on next Wednesday, March 10th, at this same place.
Article 1. OFFICERS
To choose all necessary Town Officers and Committees and fix the salaries and compensation of all the elec-
tive officers of the Town.
ELECTED
ELECTED
ELECTED
ELECTED
ELECTED
Hazel P. Vose Trustee of the Elizabeth White Fund for three years.
Betty L. Boothby Trustee of the Citizens Library Association of West Acton for three years.
T. Frederick S. Kennedy Trustee of the Acton Firemen's Relief Fund for three years.
James N. Gates Trustee of the Goodnow Fund for three years.
Frederick A. Harris Trustee of the West Acton Firemen's Relief Fund for three years.
(All above votes were unanimous.)
VOTED: That the 1971 compensation schedule of elected officers of the Town be adopted as follows:
Moderator $20.00 per each night per meeting
Board of Selectmen: Chairman $750.00
Clerk 650.00
Member 650.00
Article 2. REPORTS
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To accept the several reports of the Town Officers and Boards as submitted.
Article 3. REPORTS
To hear and act upon the report of any Committee chosen at any previous Town Meeting that has not already
reported.
No reports.
Article 4. PERSONNEL BYLAW
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To ratify the action of the Personnel Board on December 3, 1970 in reclassifying
the single position classes of Children's Librarian and Reference Librarian from Compensation Grade S-7, as
set forth in Schedule A, Section 15, of the Personnel Bylaw to Compensation Grade S-ll.
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To take up Articles 5, 6 and 13 together at this time.
Articles 5, 6 and 13. PERSONNEL BYLAW
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To take affirmative action under Articles 5, 6 and 13 by making the amendments in
the Personnel Bylaw indicated in Articles 5, 6 and 13, except that in Article 5 the class title Assistant Library
Director is deleted and the Grade for Public Health Nurse is E-l instead of E-2 as printed in Article 5.
Article 5. PERSONNEL BYLAW
Amend Schedule A (Alphabetical List of Position Classes and Allocation to Schedule and Compensation Grade
or designated Rate or Range) set forth in Section 15 of the Personnel Bylaw by changing the schedule designation
66
from "B" to "B-l" and by striking out the present grade designation and inserting therefor the new grade desig-
nation set forth below, for each of the following class titles:
Class Title Grade
Administrative Assistant E-12
Assistant Assessor E-7
Assistant Town Engineer E-9
Building Inspector E-6
Children's Librarian E-l
Director of Public Health E-7
Library Director E-7
Class Title Grade
Public Health Nurse E-l
Reference Librarian E-l
Superintendent (Cemeteries) E-4
Superintendent (Highways) E-7
Town Accountant (p. t.) E-9
Town Engineer E-13
Town Treasurer and Town Collector E-7
Article 6. PERSONNEL BYLAW
Amend the Personnel Bylaw by adding "B-l" following "B" in paragraph (b) of Section 4, in Clauses 4 and 8 of
paragraph (c) of Section 4 and in Clause 1 of paragraph (c) of Section 5.
Article 13. PERSONNEL BYLAW
Amend clause (a) of Section 4 (c) (10) of the Personnel Bylaw so as to require each full-time employee whose
position is allocated to Schedule B (except a department head, professional employee or employee providing
inspection duties as continuous service) to be paid for overtime work at 1-1/2 times the employee's regular
rate, by deleting the words "Compensation Grades S-l through S-9 inclusive" therefrom.
Article 7. PERSONNEL BYLAW
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To amend Section 7, Clause (b) of the Personnel Bylaw by striking out the word and
figure "ten (10)" and substituting therefor the word and figure "seven (7)" so that Clause (b) shall read as follows:
"(b) Vacation leave of two (2) weeks with full pay shall be granted to- any such employee who as of
June 1 has been employed by the Town for more than thirty (30) weeks but less than seven (7)
years."
Article 8. PERSONNEL BYLAW
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To amend the first sentence of the third paragraph of Section 8 of the Personnel By-
law, Section 8, third paragraph, by adding the words "or 1-1/2 times regular pay if in a position class allo-
cated to SCHEDULE E" so that the third paragraph shall read:
"When a Holiday falls on the employee's regularly scheduled work day and the employee is required
to work, he shall be paid Holiday pay, plus regular pay or 1-1/2 times regular pay if in a position
class allocated to SCHEDULE E for the hours actually worked. In no case will the number of vaca-
tion days plus the paid Holidays exceed thirty (30) days per year."
Article 9. PERSONNEL BYLAW
VOTED: To amend Section 9 (a) of the Personnel Bylaw by
(a) deleting "one (1) day" in the first sentence of Section 9 (a) and substituting therefor "one and
one-quarter (1-1/4) days", and
(b) deleting "twenty-four (24) days" in the fourth sentence of Section 9 (a) and substituting therefor
"one hundred (100) days",
and amend the fifth sentence of said Section 9 (a) so that said fifth sentence will read as follows:
"For each day accumulated at the start of a single continuous, prolonged illness, a regular full-
time employee or a regular part-time employee may receive three (3) days' sick leave, if neces-
sary, up to a maximum of one hundred (100) days on recommendation of the department head, with
a written statement from the employee's doctor of the nature of the illness and the probable dura-
tion thereof, with the approval of the Town Manager."
Article 10. PERSONNEL BYLAW
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To amend the Personnel Bylaw, Section 10, by adding the words "and all Permanent
Part-Time employees whose regularly established work week is 20 hours or more," so that Section 10 shall
read as follows:
67
"Section 10. GROUP LIFE INSURANCE
In accordance with Chapter 32B of the General Laws, as amended, and the terms of the in-
surance contract, all permanent full-time employees and all permanent part-time employees
whose regularly established work week is 20 hours or more, who shall have completed six (6)
months of continuous service for the Town shall be provided with Group Life Insurance coverage
not to exceed $2,000.00 of which the Town will pay 50% of the premium and the employee the other
50%."
Article 11. PERSONNEL BYLAW
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To amend Section 11 of the Personnel Bylaw by adding the words "and permanent
part-time employees whose regularly established work week is 20 hours or more" so that Section 11 shall
read as follows:
"Section 11. HOSPITALIZATION AND SURGICAL INSURANCE
For permanent full-time employees and permanent part-time employees whose regularly
established work week is 20 hours or more, who are, or become, members of the existing Blue
Cross -Blue Shield group, the Town will pay 90% of the cost of such membership and the employee
the other 10%. Coverage includes both individual and family basis."
Article 12. PERSONNEL BYLAW
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To amend the Personnel Bylaw by adding the following class title to Section- 15,
Schedule A (ALPHABETICAL LIST OF POSITION CLASSES AND ALLOCATION TO SCHEDULE AND COM-
PENSATION GRADE OR DESIGNATED RATE OR RANGE):
Library Assistant (Principal) B S-7
Article 14. PERSONNEL BYLAW
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To amend Schedule A of the Personnel Bylaw by adding a double asterisk after the
grade designation opposite Superintendent (Highways) and by adding the following footnote at the end of Sched-
ule A:
"**An additional $125.00 per month during the months of December, January, February and
March."
Article 15. PERSONNEL BYLAW
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To amend the Personnel Bylaw by deleting Schedules B, C, D, E, F and G of Section
15 and inserting therefor Schedules B, B-l, C, D, E, F and G as printed in the warrant with the following ad-
ditions to Schedule C relating to the Police Weekly Salary Schedule:
(1) Insert an asterisk at the end of the heading, and
(2) Place the following footnote at the end of Schedule C:
* The weekly and annual salaries shown above are for the shift from 8:00 A. M. to 4:00 P. M.
Such salaries for the shifts from 4:00 P.M. to 12:00 P.M. and from 12:00 P. M. to 8:00 A. M.
shall be at a rate of payment ten cents per hour higher.
SCHEDULE B - GENERAL WEEKLY SALARY SCHEDULE
(Annual rates computed by multiplying weekly rates by 52)
Compensation
Minimum
Intermediate Steps
Maximum
Grade
A
B_
C_
JD
_E
S-l
W
$ 90.33
$ 94.09
$
97. 85
$ 101.62
$
106.63
A
4697. 16
4892.68
5088. 20
5284.24
5544. 76
S-2
W
94.09
97.85
101. 62
106.63
111. 65
A
4892.68
5088.20
5284. 24
5544. 76
5805. 80
S-3
W
97.85
101.62
106. 63
111.65
116. 67
A
5088. 20
5284. 24
5544. 76
5805. 80
6066.84
S-4
W
101. 62
106.63
111. 65
116.67
121. 69
A
5284.24
5544. 76
5805. 80
6066.84
6327. 88
68
Compensation
Grade
W
A
Minimum
A_
$ 106.63
5544. 76
B_
$ 111.
5805.
65
80
Intermediat
C^
$ 116.
6066.
e Steps
67
84
_D
$ 121.
6327.
69
88
Maximum
_E
S-5
$ 126.71
6588.92
S-6
W
A
111. 65
5805.80
116.
6066.
67
84
121.
6327.
69
88
126.
6588.
71
92
131. 73
6849.96
S-7
W
A
116.67
6066.84
121.
6327.
69
88
126.
6588.
71
92
131.
6849.
73
96
133. 00
7176. 00
S-8
W
A
121. 69
6327.88
126.
6588.
71
92
131.
6849.
73
96
138.
7176.
00
00
144. 27
7502. 04
S-9
W
A
126. 71
6588.92
131.
6849.
73
96
138.
7176.
00
00
144.
7502.
27
04
150. 54
7828. 08
S-10
W
A
131. 73
6849.96
138.
7176.
00
00
144.
7502.
27
04
150.
7828.
54
08
158. 07
8219. 64
S-ll
W
A
138.00
7176.00
144.
7502.
27
04
150.
7828.
54
08
158.
8219.
07
64
165. 60
8611. 20
S-12
W
A
144.27
7502.04
150.
7828.
54
08
158.
8219.
07
64
165.
8611.
60
20
174.38
9067. 76
S-13
W
A
150. 54
7828.08
158.
8219.
07
64
165.
8611.
60
20
174.
9067.
38
76
183. 16
9524.32
SCHEDULE B-l - TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE WEEKLY SALARY SCHEDULE
(Annual rate computed by multiplying weekly rates by 52)
Compensation
Grade
W
A
Minimum
A_
$ 138.00
7176.00
$ 144.27
7502.04
Intermediate Steps
C^
$ 150.54
7828.08
JD
$ 158.07
8219.64
Maximum
E_
E-l
$ 165.60
8611. 20
E-2
W
A
144. 27
7502.04
150. 54
7828. 08
158.07
8219.64
165.60
8611.20
174. 38
9067. 76
E-3
W
A
150. 54
7828.08
158.07
8219. 64
165.60
8611.20
174. 38
9067. 76
183. 16
9524. 32
E-4
W
A
158.07
8219.64
165.60
8611.20
174. 38
9067. 76
183. 16
9524.32
191. 94
9980. 88
E-5
W
A
165.60
8611.20
174.38
9067. 76
183. 16
9524.32
191.94
9980.88
201.98
10502. 96
E-6
W
A
174. 38
9067.76
183. 16
9524.32
191. 94
9980. 88
201.98
10502.96
213.27
11090. 04
E-7
W
A
183. 16
9524.32
191.94
9980. 88
201. 98
10502. 96
213.27
11090. 04
225. 82
11742. 64
E-8
W
A
191.94
9980.88
201.98
10502.96
213. 27
11090. 04
225.82
11742.64
238.36
12394. 72
E-9
W
A
201.98
10502. 96
213. 27
11090.04
225.82
11742. 64
238.36
12394. 72
252. 16
13112. 32
E-10
W
A
213.27
11090.04
225. 82
11742.64
238.36
12394. 72
252. 16
13112.32
267. 21
13894. 92
E-ll
W
A
225.82
11742.64
238.36
12394. 72
252. 16
13112. 32
267.21
13894.92
284. 78
14808. 56
E-12
W
A
238. 36
12394. 72
252. 16
13112. 32
267. 21
13894.92
284. 7!)
14808. 56
302. 34
15721. 68
E-13
W
A
252. 16
13112.32
267.21
13894.92
284. 78
14808. 56
302.34
15721. 68
319. 90
16634. 80
69
SCHEDULE C - POLICE WEEKLY SALARY SCHEDULE*
(Annual rates computed by multiplying weekly rates by 52)
Compensation
Grade
W
A
Minimum
A_
$ 144.27
7502. 04
B_
$ 150. 54
7828. 08
Intermediate Steps
C_
$ 156.82
8154. 64
D^
$ 165.60
8611.20
Maximum
E
P-l
$ 174.38
9067. 76
P-2
W
A
165.60
8611.20
174.38
9067. 76
183. 16
9524.32
191.94
9980.88
203. 24
10568.48
P-3
W
A
174.38
9067. 76
183. 16
9524.32
191.94
9980. 88
203.24
10568.48
213. 27
11090. 04
P-4
W
A
213.27
11090. 04
225. 82
11742.64
238. 36
12394. 72
250.91
13047. 32
267. 21
13894. 92
* The weekly and annual salaries shown above are for the shift from 8:00 A. M. to 4:00 P. M. Such salaries
for the shifts from 4:00 P. M. to 12:00 P. M. and from 12:00 P. M. to 8:00 A. M. shall be at a rate of payment
ten cents per hour higher.
SCHEDULE D - FIRE WEEKLY SALARY SCHEDULE
(Annual rates computed by multiplying weekly rates by 52)
Compensation
Grade
W
A
Minimum
A.
$ 125.45
6523.40
$ 130.47
6784.44
Intermediate Steps
C^
$ 135.48
7044.96
D^
$ 141.76
7371. 52
Maximum
E
F-l
$ 148. 03
7697. 56
F-2
W
A
139.25
7241.00
145. 53
7567. 56
151. 80
7893. 60
159.33
8285. 16
168. 10
8741. 20
F-3
W
A
151. 80
7893.60
159.33
8285. 16
168. 10
8741.20
175. 63
9132.76
183. 16
9524.32
F-4
W
A
168. 10
8741.20
175.63
9132. 76
183. 16
9524.32
191.94
9980.88
203.24
10568.48
F-5
W
A
213.27
11090.04
225.82
11742.64
238.36
12394. 72
250.91
13047.32
267. 21
13894. 92
Compe
nsation
Minimum
Grade
H
A_
$ 3.
W-
-1
13
W
125.
20
A
6510.
40
W-
•2
H
3.
29
W
131.
60
A
6843.
20
w-
•3
H
3.
46
W
138.
40
A
7196.
80
w-
-4
H
3.
63
W
•145.
20
A
7550.
40
w-
•5
H
3.
80
W
152.
00
A
7904.
00
w-
■6
H
3.
97
W
158.
80
A
8257.
60
w-
■7
H
4.
14
W
165.
60
A
8611.
20
SCHEDULE E - HOURLY WAGE SCHEDULE
(Weekly rates computed by multiplying hourly rates by 40;
Annual rates computed by multiplying hourly rates by 2080)
Intermediate Step
B_
$ 3.29
131.60
6843.20
3.46
138.40
7196.80
3.63
145. 20
7550.40
3. 80
152. 00
7904.00
3.97
158.80
8257.60
4. 14
165. 60
8611.20
4.34
173.60
9027. 20
Maximum
_C
$ 3. 46
138.40
7196. 80
3. 63
145.20
7550. 40
3. 80
152.00
7904. 00
3. 97
158. 80
8257. 60
4. 14
165.60
8611. 20
4.34
173. 60
9027. 20
4. 54
181. 60
9443. 20
70
SCHEDULE F - MISCELLANEOUS COMPENSATION SCHEDULE FOR
DESIGNATED PART-TIME AND SEASONAL POSITIONS
Position
Arts and Crafts Supervisor
Assessor, Board Chairman
Assessor, Board Member
Board of Health Chairman
Board of Health Member
Deputy Building Inspector (p. t.)
Deputy Chief (Fire) (call)
Deputy Elections Clerk (p. t.)
Deputy Inspector (Elections)
Deputy Warden (Elections)
Elections Clerk
Fire Alarm Maintenance Man (p. t.)
Fire Alarm Superintendent
Fire Fighter
Fire Lieutenant
Inspector (Elections) (p. t.)
Library Page
Playground Instructor
Playground Supervisor
Plumbing Inspector
Police Matron
Recreation Director
Registrar of Voters
School Crossing Guard
Tennis Supervisor
Teller
Town Clerk
Warden (Elections)
Compensation
$75. 27 - 81. 54
3.01 - 3. 14 - 3. 26 - 3.39
1. 53 - 1. 58
22. 58 - 26. 35
50. 18 - 56.45
146. 78 - 153.06 -
31.36 - 34. 50 -
62. 73 - 69. 00 -
87.
Flat
Flat
Flat
Flat
Fee
3.
2.
2.
2.
2.
3.
4.
3.
3.
2.
1.
30.
62.
Fee
3.
160.
2.
37.
75.
2.
Flat
2.
82 per
Rate
Rate
Rate
Rate
Basis
95 per
82 per
57 per
82 per
82 per
54 per
75 per
51 per
63 per
57 per
64 per
11 per
73 per
Basis
14 per
58 per
82 per
64 per
27 per
57 per
Rate
82 per
week
hour
hour
hour
hour
hour
hour
hour
hour
hour
hour
hour
week
week
hour
week
hour
week
week
hour
hour
SCHEDULE G - ADMINISTRATION ANNUAL SALARY DETERMINATION
Position
Minimum
A
Intermediate Steps
C
D
Maximum
Town Manager
All Step Rates determined by the Board of Selectmen subject to the appro-
priation of necessary funds.
Article 16. BUDGET
To see what sums of money the Town will raise and appropriate to defray the necessary expenses of the sev-
eral departments of the Town and determine how the same shall be raised.
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: That the following 1971 Budget Schedule be raised and appropriated in its entirety
except that $1,809.50 be appropriated from Library Receipts reserved for appropriation for Memorial Library
use:
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Moderator:
1. Salary
2. Expenses
Finance Committee:
3. Expenses
Selectmen:
4. Salaries
5. Expenses
6. Capital Outlay
7. Legal Services
8. Legal Service Expenses
9. Appraisals and Surveys
10. Out-of-State Travel (All
Departments)
140. 00
20.00
70.00
20,980. 00
12, 585. 00
1,630. 00
13, 500.00
500. 00
1,000.00
1, 500.00
Town Office Clerical Staff:
11. Salaries
Engineering Department:
12. Salaries and Wages
13. Expenses
14. Capital Outlay
Town Accountant:
15. Salary
16. Expenses
Town Treasurer and Collector:
17. Salary
18. Expenses
19. Capital Outlay
$ 82,305.00
47, 160. 00
4,800. 00
150.00
4,355.00
160. 00
11, 590. 00
4, 800. 00
71
Town Assessors:
20. Salaries $ 13,940.00
21. Expenses 4,930.00
Town Clerk:
22. Salary 2, 550. 00
23. Expenses 800. 00
Elections and Registration:
24. Salaries and Wages 3, 720. 00
25. Expenses 3,850.00
26. Capital Outlay
Planning Board:
27. Expenses 9, 200. 00
Personnel Board:
28. Expenses 100.00
Board of Appeals:
29. Expenses
Industrial Development Commission:
30. Expenses
Conservation Commission:
31. Expenses
Archives Committee:
32. Expenses 60. 00
Public Ceremonies and Celebrations:
33. Expenses
Buildings and Maintenance:
34. Salaries and Wages
35. Expenses
36. Capital Outlay
Town Report Committee:
37. Expenses
TOTAL GENERAL GOVERNMENT
PROTECTION OF PERSONS AND
Police Department:
38. Salaries and Wages
39. Expenses
40. Capital Outlay
Fire Department:
41. Salaries and Wages
42. Expenses
43. Capital Outlay
Sealer of Weights and Measures:
44. Salary and Travel
45. Expenses
Insect Pest Control:
46. Wages
47. Expenses
Town Forest Committee:
48. Maintenance
Tree Department:
49. Wages
50. Expenses
Inspector of Wires:
51. Wages and Travel
52. Expenses
100.00
3,465. 00
8,480. 00
4,000. 00
Inspector of Gas Piping and
Appliances:
■53. Wages
54. Expenses
Building Inspector and Agent for
Enforcement of Zoning Bylaws:
55. Salary and Wages
56. Expenses
Dog Officer:
57. Wages and Travel
58. Expenses
Building Committee:
59. Expenses
Civil Defense:
60. Expenses
3,000. 00
11
1
345. 00
820. 00
100.00
500. 00
50. 00
750.00
165.
00
Town Utilities:
61. Hydrant Rental 21,
600.
00
62. Street Lighting 24,
030.
00
750.
00
TOTAL PROTECTION OF PERSONS
AND PROPERTY $ 536,
845.
00
500.
00
HIGHWAYS
Highway Department:
63. Salaries and Wages
$ 125,955.00
64. General Expenses
30,
000.
00
2, 100.
00
65. Drainage
20,
000.
00
66. Snow and Ice Control
70,
000.
00
67. Machinery Expenses
39,
080.
00
13, 740.
00
68. Chapter 81 Maintenance
25,
450.
00
36, 165.
00
69. Chapter 90 Maintenance
27,
500.
00
250.
00
70. Capital Outlay
TOTAL HIGHWAYS
3,
360.
00
$
341,
345.
00
4,300.
00
HEALTH AND SANITATION
$ 304,365.
00
Health and Sanitation:
PROPERTY
71. Salaries
72. Expenses
$
24,
25,
595.
700.
00
00
73. Garbage Collection
32,
300.
00
$ 197,645.
00
18, 540.
00
Inspector of Animals:
1, 500.
00
74. Wages
75. Expenses
170.
30.
00
00
200,995.
00
Plumbing Inspector:
23,200.
00
76. Wages
--
4,350.
00
77. Expenses
5,
000.
00
TOTAL HEALTH & SANITATION
$
87,
795.
00
510.
00
40.
00
VETERANS' AID
Veterans' Services:
3,465.
00
78. Salary
$
3,
240.
00
6,360.
00
79. Expenses
275.
00
80. Aid
20,
000.
00
TOTAL VETERANS' AID
EDUCATION
Local Schools:
81. Instruction
82. Plant Operation and
Maintenance
83. Transportation
$ 23, 515. 00
$1, 575,941.00
169,908. 00
126, 995. 00
72
84.
Non-Instructional Services
$ 36,664.00
117. Boiler and Machinery
$
1,600.
00
85.
Administration
44,977.00
118. Motor Vehicle Liability
6, 500.
00
86.
Out-of-State Travel
300.00
119. Group Health
50,000.
00
87.
Blanchard Auditorium
21,225.00
120. Fire Fighters Insurance
1, 100.
00
88.
Capital Outlay
29, 194.00
89.
otal
Contingency Fund
Local Schools
25,000. 00
$2,030,204.00
TOTAL INSURANCE
PENSIONS
$
90,875.
00
egional Schools:
Pension Fund:
90.
Instruction
$1, 505,234.00
121. Expense
$
50, 540.
00
91.
Plant Operation and
Maintenance
165,321.00
TOTAL PENSIONS
$
50, 540.
00
92.
Transportation
23,474. 00
93.
Non- Instructional Services
50,578.00
MATURING DEBT AND INTi;i J
94.
Administration
50,362. 00
95.
Out-of-State Travel
2, 184.00
Regional School:
96.
Blanchard Auditorium
11,442. 00
122. Maturing Debt
$
67, 735.
00
97.
Capital Outlay
28, 575.00
123. Interest
52, 145.
00
98.
Athletic Fund
37,978.00
99.
Adult Education
1,820.00
Julia McCarthy School:
100.
Contingency Fund
5, 110.00
124. Maturing Debt
10,000.
00
Total Regional Schools
TOTAL EDUCATION
LIBRARIES
Memorial Library:
101. Salary and Wages
102. Expenses
103. Books
104. Capital Outlay
West Acton Library:
105. Salary and Wages
106. Expenses
107. Capital Outlay
TOTAL LIBRARIES
RECREATION
Recreation:
108. Wages
109. Expenses
110. Capital Outlay
TOTAL RECREATION
CEMETERIES
Cemeteries:
111. Salaries and Wages
112. Expenses
113. Capital Outlay
TOTAL CEMETERIES
INSURANCE
Insurance:
114. Workmen's Compensation
115. Surety Bond
116. Fire and Public Liability In-
surance for Town Bldgs.
$1,882,078.00
$3,912,282.00
58,450.00
13,050.00
19,000.00
185.00
4,720.00
1,330.00
260.00
$ 96,995.00
17,310.00
5,375.00
950.00
Florence E. Merriam School:
126. Maturing Debt
127. Interest
Elm Street School #1 (Douglas):
128. Maturing Debt
129. Interest
Elm Street School #2 (Gates):
130. Maturing Debt
131. Interest
Police Station:
132. Maturing Debt
133. Interest
Library Addition:
134. Maturing Debt
135. Interest
Sanitary Land Fill Sites:
136. Maturing Debt
137. Interest
Minot Avenue School:
400. 00
40,
10,
35,
18,
60,
39,
000. 00
080.00
000.00
375.00
000. 00
565.00
25,
3,
000.00
150.00
$
23,635.
00
138. Maturing Debt
139. Interest
85,000.00
92,625.00
$
40,670.
9,000.
00
00
D. P. W. Building:
140. Maturing Debt
141. Interest
Anticipation of Revenue Notes:
142. Interest
35,000.00
15, 105.00
45,000.00
$
49,670.
00
TOTAL MATURING DEBT
AND INTEREST
$
634, 180.00
TOTAL BUDGET
$6,
152,042.00
$
15,000.
675.
00
00
Appropriated from Library
Receipts
1,809. 50
16,000.00
Amount to be raised and
appropriated
$6, 150, 232. 50
73
SPECIAL ARTICLES
Art. 33. Conservation Fund
35. Surplus Government
Property
36. Youth Commission
38. Purchase - State and Edney
Land
39. Purchase - Dunn Land
44. Council on Aging
45. 1975 Funds
47. Pick-up Truck (Highway)
49. Gasoline and Oil Storage
Tanks and Pumps
51. Resurfacing - High, Adams
and Parker Streets
53. Sidewalks
54. Central Street
56. Painting Inside Police Station
57. Police Cruisers
58. Fire Alarm Repair Truck
From:
Art. 16. Library Receipts
46. Art. 39 of 1970 Annual Town Meeting
48. Stabilization Fund
54. Surplus Revenue
55. Surplus Revenue
77. Free Cash
100,000.00
Art.
59.
60.
Pick-up Truck (Fire Dept.)
Base Radio, etc. (Fire
$ 3,300.
00
2,000.00
Dept.)
2,000.
00
1,000.00
61.
Paving Roads in Mount
Hope Cemetery
2,000.
00
12,000.00
62.
Regional Vocational School
1, 680.
00
30,000.00
63.
Swimming Program
5, 500.
00
1, 500. 00
64.
Picnic Facilities at
4,000.00
Town Forest
750.
00
3, 500.00
65.
Playground Equipment
(Charter Road)
1, 500.
00
8, 500.00
66.
67.
Vocational Tuition
Repair Roof (Blanchard
25,051.
00
6,500.00
Auditorium
8, 500.
00
29,000. 00
76.
Reserve Fund
40,000.
00
7, 700.00
3,000.00
TOTAL TO BE RAISED
4,500.00
AND APPROPRIATED UNDER
1, 500.00
SPECIAL ARTICLES
$304,981.
00
TRANSFERS
To:
Memorial Library
Land - Main Street to Pope Road
Salt Shed, etc.
Central Street
Highways
Budget
TOTAL TRANSFERS
$ 1,809.50
25,000. 00
10,300.00
23, 100.00
27, 100.00
200,000.00
$287,309. 50
SUMMARY
Budget (R. & A.)
Special Articles (R. & A.)
Special Articles (Transfers)
GRAND TOTAL
$6, 150,232. 50
304,981.00
287,309. 50
$6, 742, 523.00
Article 17. ADDITIONAL PATROLMEN
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To take no action.
VOTED: To take no action.
Article 18. UNPAID BILLS
Article 19. BORROWING
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, to
borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue for the financial years beginning January 1,
1971 and January 1, 1972, in accordance with the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 4, and to
renew any note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year, in accordance with the provisions
of General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 17.
VOTED: To adjourn at 10:47 P.M. to Wednesday, March 10 at 7:30 P.M.
Wednesday, March 10, 1971. Moderator called the meeting to order at 7:35 P.M.
ADJOURNMENT
VOTED: That at the conclusion of the business pending before the meeting at eleven o'clock this evening this
meeting be adjourned to 7:30 o'clock P.M. on next Monday, March 15, 1971, at this same place.
74
Article 20. ZONING BYLAW
VOTED: To delete clause (d) of Section IV-C(l) of the Protective Zoning Bylaw and substitute therefor the fol-
lowing new clause (d):
"d. Hotel or motel"
Total vote - 439. Yes - 358 No - 81 Needed to carry - 299+.
Article 21. ZONING BYLAW
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To delete clauses (a) through (i) of paragraph B-2 of Section IV of the Protective
Zoning Bylaw (but not the footnote) and substitute therefor clauses (a) through (f) as set forth in the Warrant
and the following new clause (g):
"g. Multiple dwelling units for the elderly operated under the jurisdiction of the Acton Housing
Authority."
Article 22. ZONING BYLAW
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To take no action.
Article 23. ZONING BYLAW
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To amend the Protective Zoning Bylaw by striking out paragraph V-B2 relating to
frontage exceptions for larger lots and by renumbering paragraph V-B3 to paragraph V-B2.
Article 24. ZONING BYLAW
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To amend the Protective Zoning Bylaw by striking out clause (c) of paragraph IV-E2
relating to lot coverage in a Light Industrial District (1-2) and substituting therefor the following new clause
(c):
"c. Lot Coverage: No building shall cover in excess of 35% of the land area. The area
covered by all buildings and parking areas shall not exceed 75% of the land area. Park-
ing areas include parking spaces, traffic lanes, maneuvering spaces, loading bays, but
exclude entrance and exit drives."
Article 25. ZONING BYLAW
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To strike out the first sentence of Section V-D of the Protective Zoning Bylaw and
substitute therefor the following new first sentence:
"No business, industrial or office building and no multiple -dwelling unit shall hereafter be
erected or externally enlarged, and no business, industrial, office or multiple dwelling use
shall hereafter be established or expanded in ground area except in conformity with a site
plan bearing an endorsement of approval by the Board of Selectmen."
Article 26. ZONING BYLAW
To see if the Town will amend the Protective Zoning Bylaw by striking out clause (a) of paragraph IV -B 1 and
substituting therefor the following new clause (a):
"a. A dwelling for one family, including garaging for not more than four private vehicles,
and an accessory apartment of not more than 600 square feet of floor area, which may
include separate kitchen and bath facilities, for the use by the family or its domestic
employees."
or take any other action relative thereto.
MOTION: To amend the Protective Zoning Bylaw by adding a new clause (h) to Section IV-B, paragraph 2
reading as follows:
"h. A dwelling for one family, including garaging for not more than four private vehicles,
with an accessory apartment of not more than 600 square feet of floor area which may
include separate kitchen and bath facilities for the use by the family or its domestic
employees."
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VOTED: To amend motion by striking out "or its domestic employees".
VOTED: To amend the Protective Zoning Bylaw by adding a new clause (h) to Section IV -B, paragraph 2 read-
ing as follows:
"h. A dwelling for one family, including garaging for not more than four private vehicles,
with an accessory apartment of not more than 600 square feet of floor area which may
include separate kitchen and bath facilities for the use by the family."
Total vote - 400. Yes - 375 No - 25 Needed to carry - 266+.
Article 27. ZONING BYLAW
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To take no action.
Article 28. MERRIAM LAND
VOTED: To authorize the purchase by the Conservation Commission, for conservation purposes, from
Florence A. Merriam and Irene E. Merriam of a parcel of land containing approximately 55 acres situated on
School Street, which parcel is the major portion of parcel 1 of plate H3-A of the Town Atlas (as amended to
January 1, 1970) and further to approve application by the Conservation Commission for reimbursement from
the Commonwealth under General Laws, Chapter 132A, Section 11 and from the Federal Government under
PL88, 578 (78 ST 897).
Article 29. PLAMONDON LAND
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To authorize the purchase by the Conservation Commission, for conservation pur-
poses, from Donat Plamondon of a parcel of land containing approximately 3.2 acres adjoining Wills Hole and
other land of the Town of Acton, said parcel being the most northerly part of parcel 10 of plate C-5 of the
Town Atlas (as amended to January 1, 1970) and further to approve application by the Conservation Commis-
sion, for reimbursement from the Commonwealth under General Laws, Chapter 132A, Section 11.
Article 30. MONSEN LAND
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To authorize the purchase by the Conservation Commission, for conservation pur-
poses, from Sally Monsen of six (6) adjoining parcels of land containing approximately 9.7 acres situated on
Central Street and described as parcels 164, 165, 172, 173, 178 and 179 of plate G-2 of the Town Atlas (as
amended to January 1, 1970) and further to approve application by the Conservation Commission for reimburse-
ment from the Commonwealth under General Laws, Chapter 132A, Section 11.
Article 31. MARTIN LAND
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To authorize the purchase by the Conservation Commission, for conservation pur-
poses, from Dorothy Wyman Martin of a parcel of land containing approximately 2.43 acres situated between
Spring Hill Road and Carlisle Road and described as parcel 23 of plate D-5 of the Town Atlas (as amended to
January 1, 1970) and further to approve application by the Conservation Commission for reimbursement from
the Commonwealth under General Laws, Chapter 132A, Section 11.
Article 32. HOLLOWELL LAND
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To authorize the purchase by the Conservation Commission, for conservation pur-
poses, from Elwin H. Hollowell of two (2) parcels of land containing approximately 10.33 acres situated be-
tween Spring Hill Road and Carlisle Road and described as parcels 38 and 24 of plate D-5 of the Town Atlas
(as amended to January 1, 1970) and further to approve application by the Conservation Commission for reim-
bursement from the Commonwealth under General Laws, Chapter 132A, Section 11.
Article 33. CONSERVATION FUND
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To raise and appropriate the sum of $100,000.00 for the Conservation Fund.
Article 34. REGIONAL VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
VOTED: To accept the provisions of sections sixteen to sixteen I, inclusive, of chapter seventy-one of the
General Laws, providing for the establishment of a regional vocational -technical school district, to consist of
the towns of Arlington, Belmont, Concord and Lexington, together with such of the towns of Acton, Boxborough,
76
Carlisle, Lincoln, Stow, Sudbury, Wayland and Weston as vote to accept such sections, and the construction,
maintenance and operation of a regional school by the said district in accordance with the provisions of a pro-
posed agreement filed with the Selectmen.
Ballot Vote. Total - 479. Yes - 457 No - 22.
Article 35. SURPLUS PROPERTY
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To raise and appropriate the sum of $2,000.00 to be used by the Town Manager for
the purchase and conditioning of surplus government property for the various town departments.
Article 36. YOUTH COMMISSION
VOTED: To accept Section 8E of Chapter 40 of the General Laws, and, effective April 1, 1971, establish a
Youth Commission consisting of seven members to be appointed for terms of three years by the Town Manager,
subject to the approval of the Selectmen, provided, however, that as of April 1, 1971, the Town Manager shall
appoint two members for a term of one year, two members for a term of two years, and three members for a
term of three years, and that the sum of $1,000.00 be raised and appropriated to be expended by the Youth
Commission for the purpose of carrying out programs designed or established to meet the opportunities, chal-
lenges and problems of the youth of the Town.
Article 37. JULY 4TH
MOTION: To raise and appropriate the sum of $2,000.00 to be expended for materials and expenses related to
a fireworks display to be held for the celebration of Independence Day in July, 1971.
MOTION LOST.
VOTED: To adjourn at 10:55 P.M. to Monday, March 15, 1971.
Monday, March 15, 1971. Moderator called the meeting to order at 7:32 P.M.
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To take up Article 44.
Article 44. COUNCIL ON AGING
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To raise and appropriate the sum of $1,500.00 to be expended by the Council on Aging
for the purpose of coordinating and conducting programs dealing with the problems of the aging and to promote
facilities for the health, education, welfare and recreation of the aging.
Article 45. 1975 CELEBRATION
VOTED: To raise and appropriate the sum of $4,000.00 to be placed in a separate account with the Town Trea-
surer to be expended for the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the battle between the citizens of Acton
and the British troops.
Article 38. STATE AND EDNEY LAND
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To authorize the Board of Selectmen to purchase, take by eminent domain or other-
wise acquire for municipal buildings the following described parcels of land located on Route 2 between Taylor
Road and Hosmer Street:
(a) a portion of parcel 75 shown on Map G-4 of the Town Atlas (as amended to January 1,
1970) believed to belong to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, containing approximately 8 acres
(See deeds recorded with the Middlesex South Registry of Deeds, in Book 7738, at Page 181 and in
Book 7763, at Page 234), and
(b) parcel 67 shown on Map G-3 of the Town Atlas (as amended to January 1, 1970) believed
to belong to James P. and Marion S. Edney, containing approximately 10 acres (See deed recorded
with said Deeds on May 28, 1953 in Book 9154, at Page 353),
and raise and appropriate therefor, and for expenses incidental thereto, the sum of $12,000.00.
77
Article 39. DUNN LAND
VOTED: To authorize the Board of Selectmen to purchase, take by eminent domain or otherwise acquire for
municipal, buildings the parcel of land shown as parcel 42 on Map G-3 of the Town Atlas (as amended to Janu-
ary 1, 1970) believed to belong to Malcolm R. and Judith Dunn, containing approximately 14 acres (See deed
recorded with the Middlesex South Registry of Deeds on July 5, 1956 in Book 8065, at Page 313), and raise
and appropriate therefor, and for expenses incidental thereto, the sum of $30,000.00.
Total vote - 263. Yes - 241 No - 24 Needed to carry - 175+.
Article 40. CLINICS
MOTION: To raise and appropriate the sum of $900.00 to be expended under the direction of the Board of
Health for providing cooperative or complementary facilities to out-patient clinics established, or to be estab-
lished in accordance with Chapter 19 of the General Laws, in cooperation with the Department of Mental
Health (including the therapeutic residence for adolescents of Living Alternatives, Incorporated) and for pro-
viding payment for services rendered or to be rendered by such public or private agencies.
MOTION LOST.
Article 41. TOWN BYLAWS
VOTED: To amend Article 1 of the Bylaws of the Town by adding to Section 1 of Article 1 a second sentence
concerning the terms of elected officers of the Town so that Section 1 of Article 1 will read as follows:
"Section 1. The annual Town meeting for the election of Town officers shall be held on the
first Monday of March in each year. The terms of elected officers shall be as stated in Section 1
of Chapter 255 of the Acts of 1966 (entitled an act establishing a selectmen-manager form of gov-
ernment for the Town of Acton). The term of each such officer shall commence upon the final ad-
journment of the annual town meeting at which he is elected and shall extend until the final adjourn-
ment of the annual town meeting at which his successor is elected."
Article 42. TOWN BYLAWS
VOTED: To amend Article 3 of the Bylaws of the Town of Acton by striking out "$1,000.00" in the first para-
graph of Article 3 and by substituting therefor "$2,000.00" and by conforming the language of Article 3 to Sec-
tion 39M of Chapter 30 of the General Laws, as recently amended, so that said Article 3 will read as follows:
"No contract for any work or service to be performed for the Town, other than professional ser-
vices performed by a person regularly employed by the Town as part of the duties of such em-
ployment, or for the purchase of materials, supplies or equipment, the actual or estimated cost
of which amounts to $2,000.00 or more, shall be awarded unless proposals for the same have
been invited by advertisement in at least one newspaper published in the Town, or, if there is no
such newspaper, in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, such publication to be at
least one week before the time specified for the opening of said proposals; such advertisement
shall state the time and place for opening the proposals in answer to said advertisement and shall
reserve to the Town the right to reject any or all such proposals. All such proposals shall be
opened in public. No bill or contract shall be split or divided for the purpose of evading any pro-
visions of this section."
Article 43. FOREST ROAD
MOTION: To accept the plan of the Selectmen to alter and partially to discontinue Forest Road as shown on a
plan which is on file with the Town Clerk.
MOTION LOST.
Article 46. CONSERVATION LAND
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To authorize the Board of Selectmen to purchase, take by eminent domain, or other-
wise acquire for the Town for conservation purposes certain parcels of land located between Main Street and
Pope Road in the northeast part of the Town, more particularly described as follows:
1. Land of the Heirs of Amasa Davies bounded and described as follows: Westerly by land of
Alden C. Flagg, six hundred fifty-nine and 64/100 feet; Northwesterly by land of John E.
Murphy, two thousand five hundred eighty-one and 75/100 feet; Northeasterly by land of
Mary Dobie and William J. Milligan, seven hundred six and 82/100 feet; and Southeasterly
by land of the devisees of Evelina White, two thousand eight hundred seventy-one and 53/100
78
feet. Said premises being shown as "Land of the Heirs of Amasa Davies" and containing
36.199 acres on a plan entitled "Plan of Land in Acton, Mass. showing land to be ac-
quired by the Town of Acton" dated November 16, 1970 by Acton Survey & Engineering,
Inc.
2. Land of the Devisees of Evelina White being bounded and described as follows: South-
westerly by land of Janet F. Turley, two hundred fifty-one and 13/100 feet; Westerly by
land of Alden C. Flagg, five hundred seventy-seven and 50/100 feet; Northwesterly by
land of the heirs of Amasa Davies, two thousand eight hundred seventy -one and 53/100
feet; Northeasterly by lands now or formerly of Mary Dobie and William J. Milligan,
Elwin H. Hollowell and land of Dorothy W. Martin, seven hundred twenty-three and
31/100 feet; and Southeasterly by land of Ethlyn E. Gerow and Waldo D. Wilson, the
Town of Acton and the heirs of Harriet Davis, three thousand sixteen and 22/100 feet.
Said premises being shown as "Land of the Devisees of Evelina White" and containing
49.651 acres on a plan entitled "Plan of Land in Acton, Mass. showing land to be ac-
quired by the Town of Acton" dated November 16, 1970 by Acton Survey & Engineering,
Inc.
3. Land of the Heirs of Harriet Davis being bounded and described as follows: Southwesterly
by land of Janet F. Turley, seven hundred sixty-two and 57/100 feet; Northwesterly by
land of the devisees of Evelina White, one thousand thirty-six and 22/100 feet; Northeast-
erly by land of the Town of Acton (formerly of Harold Reynolds) six hundred ninety-six and
36/100 feet; and Southeasterly by land of the Town of Acton (formerly of Laurence E.
Richardson) six hundred forty-seven and 06/100 feet. Said premises being shown as
"Land of the Heirs of Harriet Davis" and containing 13.369 acres on a plan entitled "Plan
of Land in Acton, Mass. showing land to be acquired by the Town of Acton" dated Novem-
ber 16, 1970 by Acton Survey & Engineering, Inc.
4. Land of the Heirs of William Livingston bounded and described as follows: Southwesterly
by land of John E. Murphy, two hundred thirty and 50/100 feet; Northerly and Northwest-
erly by Nashoba Brook; Northeasterly by land of Bellows Farm, Inc., one hundred thirty
and 11/ 100 feet; and Southeasterly by land of Mary Dobie and William J. Milligan, five
hundred fifty-three and 42/100 feet. Said premises being shown as "Land of the Heirs of
William Livingston" and containing 1.8 acres plus or minus on a plan entitled "Plan of
Land in Acton, Mass. showing land to be acquired by the Town of Acton" dated Novem-
ber 16, 1970 by Acton Survey & Engineering, Inc.
and that the sum of $25,000.00, which was appropriated from the Conservation Fund under Article 39 of the
Warrant for the 1970 Annual Town Meeting, be transferred for the aforesaid purpose.
Article 47. TRUCK - HIGHWAY
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To raise and appropriate the sum of $3,500.00 for the purchase of one pick-up truck
for the Highway Department and authorize the Town Manager to trade-in one existing pick-up truck.
Article 48. SALT SHED, ETC.
MOTION: To authorize the Town Manager to arrange for or to enter into contracts for the construction of a
salt shed at the site of the new public works facility, for paving and landscaping at the site of said facility, for
certain heating equipment in the new facility, and for accessory equipment and materials and for items inci-
dental to each of the foregoing at the facility, and to raise and appropriate the sum of $28,590.00 therefor.
VOTED: To delete previous motion and substitute the following: Authorize the Town Manager to arrange for
or to enter into contracts for the construction of a salt shed at the site of the new public works facility, in-
stalling a water line and hydrant, and constructing a partition for a tool shed, and transfer $8,700.00 from the
Stabilization Fund therefor.
VOTED: To amend substitute motion by deleting $8,700.00 and inserting $10,300.00.
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To authorize the Town Manager to arrange for or to enter into contracts for the con-
struction of a salt shed at the site of the new public works facility, installing a water line and hydrant, and
constructing a partition for a tool shed, and transfer $10,300.00 from the Stabilization Fund therefor.
ADJOURNMENT
VOTED: That at the completion of the article under discussion at 11:00 P. M. this meeting be adjourned to
Wednesday, March 17, 1971 at 7:30 P.M. at this same place.
79
Article 49. STORAGE TANKS, ETC.
VOTED: To raise and appropriate the sum of $8,500.00 to be expended by the Town Manager for the purchase
and installation of gasoline and diesel oil storage tanks and pumps for the new Town public works facility.
Article 50. TOWN COMMONS
To see if the Town will raise and appropriate, or appropriate from available funds, a sum of money, for the
renovation of the Town Center Common, the West Acton Center Common, and Quimby Square in South Acton,
or take any other action relative thereto.
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To take no action.
Article 51. HIGH AND PARKER STREETS
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To raise and appropriate the sum of $6,500.00 for the resurfacing of High Street
from Adams Street northerly for a distance of approximately 3000 feet and for the resurfacing of Parker
Street from Carlton Drive easterly for a distance of approximately 3600 feet.
Article 52. VEHICLE
To see if the Town will raise and appropriate, or appropriate from available funds, the sum of $3,300.00, or
any other sum, for the purchase of a utility vehicle for the Superintendent of Streets and authorize the Town
Manager to trade in the present vehicle, or take any other action relative thereto.
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To take no action.
Article 53. SIDEWALKS
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To raise and appropriate the sum of $29,000.00 for the construction of sidewalks.
VOTED: To adjourn at 10:54 P.M. to Wednesday, March 17, 1971.
Wednesday, March 17, 1971. Moderator called the meeting to order at 7:30 P. M.
Article 54. CENTRAL STREET
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To appropriate the sum of $30,800.00 for Chapter 90 Construction on Central Street
from approximately 1,500 feet southerly of Littlefield Road to approximately 2,000 feet southerly of Littlefield
Road, said money to be used in conjunction with funds to be allocated by the County and by the State, and to
meet the appropriation that the sum of $7,700.00 be raised and appropriated and that the sum of $23,100.00 be
transferred from Surplus Revenue.
Article 55. CHAPTERS 81 AND 90 ALLOTMENTS
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To appropriate from the Surplus Revenue Account the amount of $2,000.00 as the
State's allotment for highway maintenance under Chapter 90, $2,000.00 as the County's allotment for highway
maintenance under Chapter 90, and $23,100.00 as the State's allotment for highway maintenance under Chap-
ter 81, provided that any reimbursement be credited to the Surplus Revenue Account.
Article 56. PAINTING POLICE STATION
VOTED: To raise and appropriate the sum of $3,000.00 to be expended by the Town Manager for painting the
interior of the Police Station.
Article 57. POLICE CRUISERS
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To raise and appropriate the sum of $4,500.00 for the purchase of two new police
cruisers and that the Town Manager be authorized to trade in two of the present police cruisers.
Article 58. ALARM REPAIR TRUCK
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To raise and appropriate the sum of $1,500.00 for the purchase and reconditioning of
a used fire alarm repair truck and authorize the Town Manager to dispose of the present fire alarm repair
truck.
80
Article 59. PICK-UP TRUCK
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To raise and appropriate the sum of $3,300.00 for the purchase of a pick-up truck
for the Fire Department and authorize the Town Manager to trade in the existing pick-up truck.
Article 60. RADIO - FIRE DEPARTMENT
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To raise and appropriate the sum of $2,000.00 for the purchase and installation of a
new base radio and accessories for the Fire Department.
Article 61. MOUNT HOPE CEMETERY
VOTED: To raise and appropriate the sum of $2,000.00 for the purpose of paving certain roads and avenues in
Mount Hope Cemetery.
Article 62. REGIONAL VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To raise and appropriate the sum of $1,680.00 for the purpose of paying the Town's
apportioned share of the initial operating and maintenance costs of the proposed Regional Vocational Technical
School District.
Article 63. SWIMMING
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To raise and appropriate the sum of $5,500.00 for the swimming program at Waiden
Pond.
Article 64. TOWN FOREST
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To raise and appropriate the sum of $750.00 to be expended by the Town Manager for
the purchase and installation of picnic facilities at the Town Forest off Bulette Road.
Article 65. PLAYGROUND - CHARTER ROAD
VOTED: To raise and appropriate the sum of $1,500.00 to be expended by the Town Manager for the purchase
and installation of playground equipment at Charter Road.
Article 66. TUITION AND TRANSPORTATION
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To raise and appropriate the sum of $25,051.00 for the payment of vocational tuition
and transportation according to the provisions of Chapter 74 of the General Laws.
Article 67. BLANCHARD AUDITORIUM
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To raise and appropriate the sum of $8,500.00 to be expended by the Acton members
of the Regional School District Committee for the repair of the roof on the Blanchard Auditorium
Article 68. BUILDING CODE
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To amend the Building Code by making reference to "common stairways" and "com-
mon corridors" in the title and in the first sentence of Section 136.3 so that the title and the first sentence of
said section will read as follows:
"Section 136.3 COMMON STAIRWAYS AND COMMON CORRIDORS
Common stairways and common corridors shall be enclosed on both sides by masonry block
walls of not less than six (6) inches and thickness of equal fire rating. All stairways shall have
risers and treads. Block walls shall extend up to the roof boards. All doors in the above men-
tioned fire walls shall be one and three-quarter (1-3/4) inches solid flush doors or equal. Fire
rating doors will be equipped with self-closing mechanisms."
Article 69. BUILDING CODE
VOTED: To amend the Building Code by adding after Section 138.8 the following new section:
"Section 139. RIGHT OF ENTRANCE
The Chief of the Fire Department and/ or his designated representative shall have the right
of entrance to any building covered by Section 138 for the purpose of enforcement, inspection, test-
ing or any other matter concerned with compliance with this section."
Article 70. BUILDING CODE
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To amend the Building Code by adding the following paragraph to Section 124:
"On and after April 1, 1971, all mercantile buildings, places of public assembly and struc-
tures to be used for similar occupancy erected or remodeled, shall have installed in the floor
above any basement, suitable plates of glass, at least fifteen inches square, and spaced not over
fifteen feet apart in each aisle, or as specified by the Fire Department, and having a suitable open-
ing into said basement, for the purpose of proper fire fighting and ventilation operations in case of
fire in the basement. Basement glass plates shall not be covered with any material which would
prohibit their use."
Article 71. BUILDING CODE
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To amend the Building Code by striking out Section 127 in its entirety and substitut-
ing therefor the following new Section 127:
"Section 127. EGRESS
Every multiple -family dwelling house shall have a minimum of two (2) independent means of
egress, placed as far apart as practicable, both of which shall be not less than fifteen (15) square
feet in area and shall terminate at the outside of the building at ground level.
Each balcony shall have a total width at least four feet greater than the total width of all wall
openings leading to the balcony."
Article 72. BUILDING CODE
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To amend the Building Code by deleting Section 138 in its entirety and substituting
therefor the following:
"Section 138. FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
Any building in use as a multiple dwelling of more than six (6) units having a common base-
ment or common hallway or in use as a boarding or lodging house having more than 10 occupants
shall be protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler system which shall automatically trans-
mit an alarm to the Fire Alarm office through the municipal fire alarm system, or a Fire Detec-
tion system of a design approved by the Fire Chief and installed as specified under Sections 138.1
through 138.8 which will automatically transmit an alarm over the municipal fire alarm system to
the Fire Alarm Office. Any building existing and in use for any purpose specified in this paragraph
shall comply with this requirement not later than July 1, 1972.
Any new building or existing building hereafter converted for a business or industrial use
having more than three thousand (3000) square feet of floor area shall be protected by the owner
with a standard automatic sprinkler and alarm system or an automatic fire detection system and
alarm system as specified herein and shall be installed as specified in Section 138.1.
This section shall also apply to any existing buildings used for business or industrial pur-
poses whenever an addition is made thereto which has the effect of increasing the floor area so that
the total area, both old and new, is in excess of 3,000 square feet. Both the old and new section of
the building will be covered by the Fire Protection system as outlined in this section.
All schools, public or private, institutions, public buildings or places of assembly, con-
structed or converted after adoption of this section, shall be protected with a standard automatic
sprinkler and alarm system or an automatic fire detection system and alarm system as specified
in this section."
Article 73. BUILDING CODE
MOTION: To amend the Building Code by adding the following new section:
82
"Section 138.9 FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS - SINGLE DWELLINGS
All new dwellings shall be protected by smoke and heat detecting devices bearing the label
of approval by a nationally recognized testing agency. Materials and equipment shall be installed
in a neat and workmanlike manner in conformity with the requirements of the N. F. P. A. Standards
Nos. 72 and 74 and the Massachusetts Electrical Code. No electrical work in connection with the
installation of a system shall be installed or an original system expanded without first obtaining a
permit from the Inspector of Wires. All detection devices shall be connected to a local alarm so
located and sufficiently loud so as to arouse all persons residing in the dwelling."
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To amend original motion by adding the following words to the title: "AND MULTI-
PLE DWELLINGS OF SIX (6) OR LESS UNITS" and adding after the word "new" in the first sentence, the fol-
lowing: "single family dwellings and new multiple dwellings of six (6) or less units."
VOTED: To amend the Building Code by adding the following new section:
"Section 138.9 FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS - SINGLE DWELLINGS AND
MULTIPLE DWELLINGS OF SIX (6) OR LESS UNITS
All new single family dwellings and new multiple dwellings of six (6) or less units shall be
protected by smoke and heat detecting devices bearing the label of approval by a nationally recog-
nized testing agency. Materials and equipment shall be installed in a neat and workmanlike man-
ner in conformity with the requirements of the N. F. P. A. Standards Nos. 72 and 74 and the Massa-
chusetts Electrical Code. No electrical work in connection with the installation of a system shall
be installed or an original system expanded without first obtaining a permit from the Inspector of
Wires. All detection devises shall be connected to a local alarm so located and sufficiently loud so
as to arouse all persons residing in the dwelling."
Total vote: 172. Yes - 88 No - 84.
Article 74. BUILDING CODE
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To amend the Building Code as it relates to multiple dwelling buildings by adding the
following new Section 136.7:
"Section 136.7 EXTERIOR WALLS
All exterior walls shall be constructed of masonry or of materials, the combination of which,
offer the equivalent fire resistive rating of two (2) hours as tested under the provisions of ASTM-
E119 or NFPA-251 Standard Fire tests, except for window and door openings; provided, however,
that multiple dwelling buildings not exceeding two (2) stories in height above grade, containing not
more than ten (10) dwelling units, and separated by at least thirty (30) feet, may have exterior walls
of frame construction."
- Article 75. DRAINAGE EASEMENT
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To accept from Joseph A. and Nancy B. Nastasi a drainage easement granted by
deed dated July 8, 1970, shown on Plan 780 (A of 2) of 1970 recorded with the Middlesex South District Regis-
try of Deeds.
Article 76. RESERVE FUND
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To raise and appropriate the sum of $40,000.00 for the Reserve Fund, pursuant to
the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 40, Section 6.
Article 77. BUDGET
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To appropriate and transfer $200,000.00 from Free Cash to be used by the Assessors
in considering and fixing the tax rate for the current year.
Article 78. STABILIZATION FUND
To see if the Town will raise and appropriate, or appropriate from available funds, a sum of money for a sta-
bilization fund, pursuant to the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 40, Section 5B, or take any other action
relative thereto.
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To take no action.
83
The following served as tellers at the above meeting: Milford B.
Tuttle, Marianna E. Croy, Joan N. Gardner, Ann B. Evans.
VOTED: To adjourn at 9:31 P. M.
Bottomley, Walter J. Johnson, George F.
A true copy. Attest:
Charles M. MacRae
Town Clerk
Amendments to the Building Code (Articles 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73 and 74) and amendments to the Protective
Zoning Bylaw (Articles 20, 21, 23, 24, 25 and 26) voted in the affirmative at the Annual Town Meeting,
March 8, 1971 and adjourned sessions were approved by Attorney General Robert H. Quinn on June 11, 1971
and duly advertised as required by law.
Retiring Town Moderator John W. Putnam accepts plaque from
Chairman of the Board of Selectmen Vincent M. Russo
Newly elected Town Moderator John W. Tierney accepts Gavel from
retiring Moderator John W. Putnam at the adjournment of the Meeting.
(Photos by G. B. Williams, Jr. )
84
ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING, JUNE 22, 1971
Moderator called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M.
Article 1. PERSONNEL BYLAW
VOTED: To ratify the action of the Personnel Board on April 15, 1971 in reclassifying the position class of
Accounting Clerk from Compensation Grade S-5, as set forth in Schedule A, Section 15, of the Personnel By-
law, to Compensation Grade S-6 and amend the Personnel Bylaw accordingly.
Article 2. PERSONNEL BYLAW
VOTED: To ratify the action of the Personnel Board on May 6, 1971, in reclassifying the position class of
Recreation Director from Schedule F to Schedule B-l, Compensation Grade E-5, as set forth in Schedule A,
Section 15, of the Personnel Bylaw and amend the Personnel Bylaw accordingly.
Article 3. DRAINAGE EASEMENT
VOTED: To accept a perpetual easement for drainage purposes described in a deed from Robert E. Sweeney,
Trustee of Nashoba Realty Trust, dated March 12, 1971.
Article 4. TOWN BYLAWS
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To amend Section 2 of Article 9 of the Bylaws of the Town by deleting said Section 2
in its entirety and substituting therefor the following new Section 2:
"Section 2. The Town Manager shall appoint a public ceremonies and celebrations commit-
tee consisting of nine members. The terms of the committee members shall be for three years.
The term of three members shall expire on March 31st each year."
Article 5. CONSERVATION LAND
VOTED: To approve the purchase by the Conservation Commission from Ethyln E. Gerow and Waldo D. Wilson,
of a certain parcel of land containing approximately 15.39 acres described in a deed recorded with Middlesex
South District Registry of Deeds in Book 5475, at Page 205, said parcel being situated in North Acton adjoin-
ing the "Spring Hill Tract" conservation land and shown as Parcels 37 and 37-1 on sheet D5 of the Town Atlas,
and further to approve application by the Conservation Commission for reimbursement from the Commonwealth
under General Laws, Chapter 132A, Section 11.
Article 6. ZONING BYLAW
VOTED: To amend the Protective Zoning Bylaw and the Zoning Map of the Town by changing to R-3 the desig-
nation on the map applicable to all that land presently zoned R-l located within the area bounded as follows:
NORTHEASTERLY by Great Road (Route 2A),
SOUTHERLY by Brook Street, Main Street (Route 27), Nagog Hill Road, Hammond Street, Newtown
Road, and Arlington Street,
WESTERLY by Route 2, and
NORTHERLY by the Acton-Littleton Town Line.
Total vote - 505. Yes - 475 No - 30 Needed to carry - 336.
Article 7. ZONING BYLAW
VOTED: To amend the Protective Zoning Bylaw by striking out clause (f) of Paragraph (1) of Section IV-C,
which reads "f. Restaurant", and substituting therefor the following new clause (f):
"f. Restaurant where food and beverages are consumed indoors or, if consumed outdoors, are
consumed on a patio closed on all sides with entrance to the patio normally available only
from the building."
Total vote - 662. Yes - 448 No - 214 Needed to carry - 442.
85
Article 8. HIGHWAY FUNDS
VOTED: To accept the provisions of Chapter 616 of the Acts of 1967 relative to the accelerated highway pro-
gram and transfer from surplus revenue the sum of $10,693.30, which was received pursuant to section five
of said Chapter 616, to be expended for the highway purposes described in said section five.
Article 10. HIGHWAY TRUCK
VOTED: To appropriate from surplus revenue the sum of $2,500.00 for the purchase and reconditioning of a
used truck chassis and the reconditioning of a dump truck body for the Highway Department.
Article 9. HAYWARD ROAD
VOTED: To accept as a town way Hayward Road as laid out by the Board of Selectmen according to plans on
file with the Town Clerk, including the taking or acceptance of land and easements for drainage, utility, road
construction, and other purposes as shown on said plans or described in the order of layout and appropriate
$16,100.00 from surplus revenue for the purpose of acquiring said land, and easements and for expenses inci-
dental thereto, and name said street Hayward Road.
Article 11. PAVING AT PUBLIC WORKS
VOTED: To appropriate the sum of $10,000.00 from surplus revenue for paving at the Town public works
facility.
Total vote - 787. Yes - 413 No - 374.
Article 12. REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
VOTED: To approve the amount of debt authorized to be issued by Acton-Boxborough Regional School District
to finance the cost of constructing, equipping and furnishing additions to the existing junior high school, namely,
$4,225,000.00.
VOTED: To approve the amount of additional debt authorized to be issued by the Acton-Boxborough Regional
School District to finance the cost of air conditioning the auditorium and the exterior classrooms in the new
additions, namely, $20,000.00.
VOTED: To approve the amount of additional debt authorized to be issued by the Acton-Boxborough Regional
School District to finance the cost of a swimming pool, namely, $395,000.00.
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: Be it resolved that it is the desire of this meeting that the citizens of the Town of
Acton wish to be recorded as expressing their appreciation to those citizens of Acton and Boxborough who have,
during the past year, served as members of the Acton-Boxborough Regional School Building Committee.
Be it further resolved that this meeting wishes to be recorded as expressing a special note of apprecia-
tion to Thomas J. Regan, Jr., Chairman of Acton's Permanent Building Committee and Raymond J. Grey,
Principal of the Acton-Boxborough Senior High School for the extraordinary amount of time and effort which
they have expended in the planning for the new regional school addition which has come before this meeting
this evening.
VOTED: To adjourn at 10:45 P. M.
The Moderator appointed the following persons who served as tellers at the above meeting: Lyman H. Goff, Jr.,
Lorens A. A. Perssons, Charles G. Rogers, James F. Megee, Nancy R. Mutty, Katherine A. Meyer, Jane C.
Litchfield, Daniel J. O'Connor, Jr., B. David Deloury, Jr., Michael V. P. Grace, Suzanne E. Sandock,
William C. Ray.
A true copy. Attest: Charles M. MacRae
Town Clerk
Amendments to the Town Bylaws (Article 4) and Protective Zoning Bylaw (Articles 6 and 7) voted in the affir-
mative at the Special Town Meeting, June 22, 1971, were approved by Attorney General Robert H. Quinn on
September 14, 1971, and duly advertised as required by law.
86
ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING, NOVEMBER 1, 1971
Moderator called the meeting to order at 8:00 P. M.
Article 1. TRANSFER
VOTED: To transfer the sum of $526.45 from the Insurance Claims Recovery Fund to the Fire Department
Expense Account.
Article 2. TRANSFER
VOTED: To appropriate $8,000.00 from Surplus Revenue for the Group Health Insurance Account.
Article 3. ZONING BYLAW
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To amend the Protective Zoning Bylaw by deleting sub-clause dd. in Section VI B 3c
and substituting therefor the following:
"dd. In accordance with Chapter 40A, Section 20 of the General Laws, no appeal or petition for
a variance from the terms of this bylaw with respect to a particular parcel of land or the
building thereon, and no application for a special exception to the terms of this bylaw,
which has been unfavorably acted upon by the Board of Appeals, shall be considered on
its merits by the Board within two years after the date of such unfavorable action, except
with the consent of all but one of the members of the planning board; provided, however,
that an annulment of a favorable decision of the Board by a court shall not constitute un-
favorable action within the meaning of this section."
Article 4. TRANSFER
VOTED: To appropriate $9,700.00 from Surplus Revenue for the Highway Department Salary and Wages
Account.
Article 5. CONSERVATION LAND
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To transfer from the Board of Selectmen the care, custody, management and con-
trol of a parcel of land consisting of approximately 5.8 acres, located westerly of Spring Hill Road and abut-
ting land owned by the Town, more particularly described in a deed recorded with the Middlesex South Regis-
try of Deeds in Book 11270, at Page 552, to the Conservation Commission to be held for conservation purposes.
Article 6. MINUTEMAN REGIONAL VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To approve the $900,000.00 indebtedness authorized by the Regional District School
Committee of the Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical School District on October 5, 1971, for acquiring
land and preparing architectural and engineering plans and for other preliminary expenses, all in connection
with constructing and equipping a regional vocational technical school and, to the extent of any remaining bal-
ance, for constructing the school.
Article 7. STREETS
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To take no action.
Article 8. CONSERVATION LAND
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To approve the purchase from H. Daniel and Lenore S. Flanagan of a parcel of land
containing approximately 14.7 acres situated at 219-223 Main Street and described as parcel 124 of plate G-2
of the Town Atlas (as amended to January 1, 1970) and approve application by the Conservation Commission
for reimbursement from the Commonwealth and from the Federal Government under Public Law 68-578.
87
Article 9. CONSERVATION LAND
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To approve the purchase from Jenks Charitable Foundation of a parcel of land con-
taining approximately 16.8 acres situated on Main Street and described as parcel 152 of plate G-2 of the Town
Atlas (as amended to January 1, 1970) and approve application by the Conservation Commission for reimburse-
ment from the Commonwealth and from the Federal Government under Public Law 68-578.
RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION: The voters of Acton, assembled for the Special Town Meeting on Monday evening, November 1,
1971, know that Charles MacPherson would like most of all to be with us tonight. We remember his sincere
devotion to the interests of his community and we wish him a speedy recovery and a return to good health.
VOTED: To adjourn at 8:45 P.M.
A true copy. Attest: Charles M. MacRae
Town Clerk
An amendment to the Protective Zoning Bylaw (Article 3) voted in the affirmative at the Special Town Meeting,
November 1, 1971 was approved by Attorney General Robert H. Quinn on December 9, 1971 and duly adver-
tised as required by law.
TOWN ELECTION
March 1, 1971
Pet. 1 Pet. 2 Pet. 3 Total
Whole number of ballots cast 641 470 736 1847
MODERATOR, One Year
Richmond P. Miller
John W. Tierney
Blanks
SELECTMEN, Three Years (2)
Paul H. Lesure
Robert E. Parks
Alfred F. Steinhauer
Blanks
SCHOOL COMMITTEE, Three Years (2)
Robert Evans, Jr
Howard L. Parsons
Robert B. Pilsbury
Blanks
TRUSTEE OF MEMORIAL LIBRARY, Three Years
Margaret Richter
Blanks
HOUSING AUTHORITY (4)
Thomas J. Ahern, Jr
John R. Folsom
Mary M. Laffin
George W. Moulton
Raymond L. Page
Michael H. Pickowicz
Julia D. Stevens
Hugh J. Talbot
Blanks
191
131
205
527
433
325
515
1273
17
14
16
47
466
368
617
1451
361
212
299
872
325
250
459
1034
130
110
97
337
447
312
487
1246
263
170
341
774
392
300
432
1124
180
158
212
550
567
409
688
1664
74
61
48
183
355
214
343
912
231
184
224
639
394
264
512
1170
291
209
321
821
192
127
266
585
165
99
190
454
379
254
496
1129
165
173
183
521
392
356
409
1157
88
TOWN OFFICERS & APPOINTMENTS
ELECTED TOWN OFFICERS
APPOINTMENTS MADE BY MODERATOR
MODERATOR
John W. Tierney
SELECTMEN
William L. Chipman
William C. Sawyer
Paul R. Nyquist
Paul H. Lesure
Alfred F. Steinhauer
ACTON HOUSING AUTHORITY
George W. Moulton
Thomas J. Ahern, Jr.
* Patience H. MacPherson
Julia D. Stevens
Mary M. Laffin
Term
Term
Expires
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Expires
1972
Theodore Jarvis
1972
Arthur Schene
1972
Harold G. Marsh
1972
1972
Griffith L. Resor
1973
1972
Stephen G. Lewis
1973
1973
Ahti E. Autio
1973
1974
Edward W. Berriman
1974
1974
Robert Haeberle
1974
Martha L. Ring
1974
1972 REGIONAL REFUSE PLANNING COMMITTEE
1973 *James C. Donald 1972
1973 Frank B. Kaylor 1972
1975 **Wilfred A. Fordon 1973
1976 Paul F. Gilbson 1974
LOCAL AND REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEES
Beverly W. Lydiard 1972
John A. Norris 1972
Edith D. Stowell 1973
Donald E. Westcott 1973
Robert Evans, Jr.
Robert B. Pilsbury
TRUSTEES OF ACTON FIREMEN'S .
RELIEF FUND
John F. McLaughlin
Richard A. Lowden
T. Frederick S. Kennedy
TRUSTEES OF THE CITIZENS LIBRARY
ASSOCIATION OF WEST ACTON
Joan N. Gardner
Barbara Nylander
Betty L. Boothby
TRUSTEES OF ELIZABETH WHITE FUND
Eleanor P. Wilson
:=*Helen B. Wood
Hazel P. Vose
TRUSTEES OF GOOD NOW FUND
Clark C. McElvein
Thelma L. Boatman
James N. Gates
TRUSTEES OF MEMORIAL LIBRARY
James L. Parker
Mileva Brown
Margaret Richter
TRUSTEES OF WEST ACTON FIREMEN'S
RELIEF FUND
H. Stuart MacGregor 1972
James B. Wilson 1973
Frederick A. Harris 1974
MINUTEMEN REGIONAL VOCATIONAL
TECHNICAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Marilyn Peterson 1974
APPOINTMENTS MADE BY SELECTMEN
1974
1974
ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON THE
1975 CELEBRATION
E. Wilson Bursaw
1972
Brewster Conant
1971
1972
Col. Burton A. Davis
1972
1973
David H. Donaldson
1972
1974
Donald R. Gilberti
1972
Hayward S. Houghton
1972
Roger M. Huebsch
1972
Susan F. Huebsch
1972
1972
Mark A. Kahan
1972
1973
T. Frederick S. Kennedy
1972
1974
**Margaret B. Kinzie
1972
Walter R. Laite
1972
Malcolm S. MacGregor
1972
1972
Natacha F. MacGregor
1972
1973
Florence A. Merriam
1972
1974
Richmond P. Miller, Jr.
1972
Charles A. Morehouse
1972
Linda A. Morris
1972
1972
** Marion E. H. Houghton
1972
1973
Gilbert S. Osburn
1972
1974
Palo A. Peirce
1972
Norman L. Roche
1972
Raymond Spicer
1972
1972
**Mary S. Tierney
1972
1973
**Earle W. Tuttle
1972
1974
*Jerry T. Ballantine
1972
^Patience H. MacPherson
1972
*Minetta D. Lee
1972
H. Bradford Sturtevant
1972
ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Philip G. Watts 1972
* Resigned
;* Replacing*
-* Deceased
:* Appointed by Department of Community Affairs
89
ARCHIVES
Joyce C. Woodhead
Minetta D. Lee
T. Frederick S. Kennedy
BOARD OF APPEALS
John J. Bush
Edward G. Schwarm
Harold W. Flood
Associate Members:
Herman Vanderwart
*Robert Orner
Term
Term
Expires
REGISTRAR OF VOTERS
Expires
1972
Thomas R. Murphy
1972
1973
David E. Driscoll
1973
1974
James B. Wilson
TOWN ACCOUNTANT
1974
1972
Donald O. Nylander
1972
1973
1974
TOWN MANAGER
Robert W. Dotson
1972
1972
APPOINTMENTS MADE BY TOWN MANAGER
1974
REQUIRING APPROVAL OF THE
ELECTION OFFICERS
Precinct I
Warden Irene F. McLaughlin
Deputy Warden John F. McLaughlin
Clerk Barbara N. Mulvey
Deputy Clerk Violet Perry
Inspectors Barbara Nylander, Margaret Schene
Deputy Inspectors Muriel F. Miller, Helen G. May
Tellers Frances L. Collins, Marion F. Driscoll
Lela Balcom, Frances Hirsch
Mona V. Melymuka, Nancy L. Miller
Precinct II
Warden
Deputy Warden
Clerk
Deputy Clerk
Inspectors Martha I
Margaret Larsen
Elsie T. Winslow
Bertha Carr Tucker
Irene Young
Lowden, Michael J. Walsh
Deputy Inspectors Hazel P. Vose, Helen M. Young
Tellers Ruth R. Phelps, Barbara V. Woodward
Charlotte E. Wetherbee, Joan E. Nelson
Jean Ann Dingee, Lorraine O. Condon
Warden
Clerk
Inspectors Martin J
Deputy Warden
Deputy Clerk
Deputy Inspectors
Tellers
Precinct III
Barbara J. McPhee
Phyllis K. Sprague
Duggan, Elsie M. Godfrey
Katherine E. Nedza
Mary H. Prentice
Genevieve L. Hatch
Elizabeth Charter
Minnie C. Veasie, Esther Perry
Anna G. Mahar, Lydia R. Lesure
Carl R. Godfrey, Marian J. Meigs
INSURANCE AUDITING COMMITTEE
Raymond L. Page 1972
*Roger Crafts 1972
*Allan G. Thompson 1972
PERSONNEL BOARD
Mary K. Hadley 1972
Donald MacKenzie 1972
Richard P. O'Brien 1973
Henry M. Young 1973
Donald McNeish 1974
PLANNING BOARD
Robert H. Gerhardt 1972
Eric D. Bradlee 1973
George O. Gardner 1974
John F. Pasieka 1975
Edward A. Chambers 1976
* Resigned
**# Deceased
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
BOARD OF ASSESSORS
John H. Loring
-Carl C. Flint
Dewey E. Boatman
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Dorothy B. Stonecliffe
Peter P. Jorrens
Brewster Conant
Richard H. Murphy
Bianca M. Chambers
Robert J. Ellis
Chauncey W. Waldron, Jr.
HISTORICAL COMMISSION
Anita E. Dodson
Robert H. Nylander
Stanley L. Smith
Marian E. H. Houghton
;:Samuel Sutcliffe
lcJerry Ballantine
Charles M.
TOWN CLERK
MacRae
TOWN TREASURER AND COLLECTOR
Wm. Henry Soar
YOUTH COMMISSION
Alan B. Flood
Charles A. Schook
Ernest A. Keppel
Ann T. Evans
Charles G. Kadison
Bruce M. McCarthy
;=Charles D. MacPherson
'•' Nancy C. Howe
1972
1973
1974
1972
1972
1973
1973
1973
1974
1974
1972
1973
1973
1974
1972
1974
1972
1972
1972
1973
1973
1974
1974
1974
1972
1973
APPOINTMENTS MADE BY TOWN MANAGER
ASSISTANT ASSESSOR
Ralph E. Dodge
BOARD OF HEALTH
Edwin Richter
Dr. John E. Rowse
Donald R. Gilbert!
Kenneth E.
BUILDING INSPECTOR
Jewell
1972
1972
1973
1974
1972
90
Term
Expires
CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
Harlan E. Tuttle
1972
Howard F. Jones
1973
Charles F. Putnam
1974
1971-1972 COLLECTIVE BARGAINING COMMITTEE
REPRESENTING TOWN MANAGER
Donald MacKenzie
Richard P. O'Brien
Henry M. Young
CONSTABLES
David J. Allen
Frederick J. Hryniewich
T. Frederick S. Kennedy
Charles A. Morehouse
Robert S. Rhodes
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
CONSTABLE - SPECIAL - DEPUTY COLLECTOR
William F. Egar 1972
COUNCIL ON AGING
Vincent G. Gavin
Donald R. Gilberti
E. June Hill
Patience H. MacPherson
Norman L. Roche
Peter M. Smoltees
Carol R. Major
DEPUTY BUILDING INSPECTOR
Anthony L. Galeota, Jr.
H. Stuart MacGregor
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
DEPUTY CHIEF OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
Frederick A. Harris 1972
Richard L. Lowden 1972
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF CIVIL DEFENSE
Robert F. Guba 1972
DEPUTY FOREST WARDEN
Richard A. Lowden
Frederick A. Harris
DEPUTY INSPECTOR OF GAS PIPING
AND GAS APPLIANCES
Warren E. Bemis
DEPUTY INSPECTOR OF WIRES
Lawrence I. Tucker
DIRECTOR OF CIVIL DEFENSE
Walter J. Johnson
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Bradford S. Leach
Patrick Palmer
David Abbt
DOG OFFICER
FENCE VIEWER
FIELD DRIVERS
James Kazokas
William J. Durkin, Jr.
* Resigned
*#* Deceased
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
FIRE CHIEF
Thomas J. Barry, Jr.
FIREMEN
(Standing Appointments)
Term i
Expires'
1972
Edward Belmont
Donald Copeland
Charles Sweet
Hobart King
David Spinney
Malcolm Perkins
Wm. H. Soar, Jr.
Joseph Conquest
Captains
Firefighters
Hobart King
Call Men
Lieutenants
Clarence G. Frost
Malcolm MacGregor
Stephen Huntley
Milton Hart
Bernard Caouette
David Calkins
John Tobin
Robert Craig
Richard Gallant
Carl Simeone
Acton Center Station
Forrest Bean, III ~
Gilmore Buzzell, Jr.
Ronald Calkins
Philip Harris
Everett Putnam
Frank Putnam
John Bushek
Charles Hillman
Stewart Kennedy
William Klauer
Allen Nelson
Fisher Hills
South Acton Station
Robert Reynolds
John Richardson
George Sloane
Gordon Smart
Richard Swenson
Norman C. Taylor
George Pederson
Robert Puffer
Paul Simeone
Wm. Henry Soar
Alan J. Waters
Robert Wetherbee
West Acton Station
Edward Bennett
Timothy Blaisdell
Arthur Decker
Martin Duggan
Gordon Gravlin
Francis Malson
FOREST WARDEN
Thomas J. Barry, Jr.
James Kazokas
David Nichols
Timothy Pattee
Armand Riendeau
Stephen Tolman
1972
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Josiah Kirby 1972
Richard J. O'Neil 1972
Mark Imbimbo 1973
Edward W. Flannery 1975
Stephen E. Lord 1975
*John W. Tierney 1974
***Albert I. Verchot 1974
*William P. McDonald 1973
INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
Patrick Palmer
1972
INSPECTOR OF GAS PIPING AND GAS APPLIANCES
Joseph G. Perry 1972
91
INSPECTOR OF WIRES
Leslie F. Parke
Edward J.
KEEPER OF THE LOCKUP
Collins, Jr.
Term
Expires
1972
1972
Term
Expires
METROPOLITAN AREA PLANNING COUNCIL
William C. Sawyer 1972
*John H. Loring 1972
PERMANENT BUILDING COMMITTEE
Wallie Everest 1972
**Eric L. Larson 1972
Thomas J. Regan, Jr. 1973
Edward L. Morrill 1973
Donald M. Perkins 1974
*David G. Hurley 1972
POLICE DEPARTMENT
(Civil Service - Standing Appointments)
Chief
Edward J. Collins, Jr.
Sergeants
Chauncey R. Fenton, Jr.
David W. Scribner
Norman L. Roche
Robert S. Rhodes
Patrolmen
William J. Durkin, Jr.
Bernard W. Harrison
William N. Hayes
Joseph P. Sansone
George W. Robinson
Donald M. Bresnick
John T. McNiff
Robert P. MacLeod
Brian R. Goodman
David C. Flint
Lawrence A. Dupont
Edward R. Brooks
Robert L. Parisi
Special Officers
William D. Kendall, Jr. James P. Conheeney
T. Frederick S. Kennedy John E. MacLeod
Robert P. Beaudoin Oiva T. Kallio
Edmond Daigneault
Matrons
Marjory J. Davis
Muriel B. Flannery
Crossing Guards
Natacha MacGregor ~ *Charles R. Quinn
Marian E. Quinn
Special Police Officer for Edward Square
Cedric Thatcher
Acton Schools Only
Edmund J. McNiff Robert Graham
PUBLIC CEREMONIES AND
CELEBRATIONS COMMITTEE
David H. Donaldson 1972
-*Robert M. Huebsch 1972
Burton A. Davis 1973
Walter R. Laite 1974
Richard P. Miller, Jr. 1974
*Robert E. Nelson 1972
*John W. Tierney
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
George K. Hayward 1971
* Resigned
** Replacing*
PUBLIC WEIGHERS
William J. Durkin, Jr.
Bernard W. Harrison
Robert S. Rhodes
George W. Robinson
RECREATION COMMISSION
Janet W. Murphy
Elinor White
Richard McCauley
♦♦Harrington Moore, Jr.
Thomas F. Burke
-'Gale Jarvis
*James Maclntyre, 3rd
SEWERAGE STUDY COMMITTEE
Daniel J. Costello
Bradford S. Leach
David A. Manlan
Warren S. Orcutt
STREET LIGHTING COMMITTEE
Booth D. Jackson
H. Stuart MacGregor
Leslie F. Parke
SUPERINTENDENT OF CEMETERIES
T. Frederick S. Kennedy
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1973
1973
1974
1975
1973
1974
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
SUPERINTENDENT OF INSECT PEST CONTROL
Franklin H. Charter 1972
SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS
Allen H. Nelson
1972
TOWN BUILDING-LAND ACQUISITION COMMITTEE
David Abbt
Paul D. Hamilton
Roger M. Huebsch
Richmond P. Miller, Jr.
Joseph W. Stevens
TOWN COUNSEL
Herbert P. Wilkins
TOWN ENGINEER
Anthony L. Galeota, Jr.
TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
George E. Neagle
Emery D. Nelson
TOWN REPORT COMMITTEE
Christopher C. Kellogg
Nancy Gay Browne
John Gourgas
TREE WARDEN
Franklin H. Charter
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1973
1974
1972
VETERANS' AGENT AND DIRECTOR OF
VETERANS' SERVICES
Norman L. Roche 1972
VETERANS' BURIAL AGENT
Norman L. Roche 1972
VETERANS' GRAVES OFFICER
T. Frederick S. Kennedy 1972
WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION AGENT
Theron A. Lowden 1972
92
TOWN ACCOUNTANT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The reports which are submitted herewith represent a statement of the cash disbursements authorized
during the year ended December 31, 1971, and a Balance Sheet of the Town of Acton as of December 31, 1971.
The 1972 appropriation for amortization of the bonded indebtedness of the Town will include the final
amount for the Julia McCarthy Elementary School. The complete amortization requirements are as follows:
Schools:
Florence A. Merriam Elementary School
Julia McCarthy Elementary School
Carolyn Douglas Elementary School
Paul P. Gates Elementary School
Luther B. Conant Elementary School
Regional School District
Total Schools
Acton Memorial Library Addition
Public Works Facility
Amortization of bonded indebtedness
$ 40,000.00
10,000.00
35,000.00
60, 000. 00
85, 000.00
223,316.00
$453,316.00
25,000. 00
35,000.00
$513,316.00
The accounts of the Treasurer and Collector have been verified, and I have reviewed the various trust
funds in the custody of the Treasurer and the Trustees.
Donald O. Nylander
Town Accountant
STATEMENT OF APPROPRIATIONS AND DISBURSEMENTS
January!, 1971 to December 31, 1971
Warrant
Budget Item
General Government:
Moderator:
1. Salary
2. Expenses
Finance Committee:
3. Expenses
Appropriated
or
Available
140.00
20.00
70.00
Disbursed
140.00
70.00
Balance
20.00
Selectmen:
4.
Salaries
5.
6.
Expenses
Capital Outlay -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
7.
8.
9.
10.
Legal Services
Legal Service Expenses
Appraisals and Surveys
Out-of-State Travel
Town Office Clerical Staff:
11. Salaries
Engineering Department:
12. Salaries and Wages
13. Expenses
14. Capital Outlay
Town Accountant:
15. Salary
16. Expenses
20,980.00
20,972. 63
7.37
12, 585.00
10,921.91
1,663.09
1,630.00
655.00
2,273.60
11.40
13, 500.00
12,618.75
881.25
500.00
500.00
--
1,000.00
--
1,000.00
1, 500.00
859. 15
640.85
82,305.00
79, 757. 51
2,547.49
47, 160.00
46,925.26
234. 74
4,800.00
4, 785.42
14.58
150.00
135.00
15.00
4,355.00
4,355.00
160.00
158.90
1. 10
93
Warrant
Budget Item
Town Treasurer and Collector:
17. Salary
18. Expenses -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
19. Capital Outlay
Town Assessors:
20. Salaries
21. Expenses
Town Clerk:
22. Salary
23. Expenses
Elections and Registration:
24. Salaries and Wages -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
25. Expenses
26. Capital Outlay
Planning Board:
27. Expenses
Personnel Board:
28. Expenses
Board of Appeals:
29. Expenses
Industrial Development Commission:
30. Expenses
Conservation Commission:
31. Expenses
Archives Committee:
32. Expenses
Public Ceremonies and Celebrations:
33. Expenses
Buildings and Maintenance:
34. Salaries and Wages
35. Expenses
36. Capital Outlay
Town Report Committee:
37. Expenses
Total General Government -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
Appropriated
or
Available
$ 11,590.00
4,800.00
400. 00
13,940. 00
4,930. 00
2,550.00
800.00
Disbursed
11, 590.00
5,200.00
13,874.40
3,450.25
2, 550.00
726.09
Balance
65.60
1,479. 75
73. 91
3, 720.00
2,213.20
5, 518.63
414. 57
3,850. 00
2,954.35
895. 65
9,200.00
9,050.96
149.04
100.00
40.00
60.00
165.00
73.20
91. 80
750. 00
272. 62
477. 38
500. 00
500. 00
--
60.00
25.00
35.00
2, 100.00
1,835.81
264. 19
13, 740.00
13,373.27
366. 73
36, 165.00
36, 164. 74
. 26
250.00
248.00
2.00
4,300.00
3,640.48
659. 52
304,365.00
3,268. 20
295, 560.93
12, 072. 27
Protection of Persons and Property:
Police Department:
38. Salaries and Wages
39. Expenses -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
40. Capital Outlay
Fire Department:
41. Salaries and Wages -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
197,645.00
194, 144.62
3, 500. 38
18, 540.00
2, 580.00
21, 114. 06
5.94
1, 500.00
1, 492. 00
8. 00
200,995.00
4,000.00
204, 508. 89
486. 11
94
Warrant
Budget Item
42. Expenses -
Appropriated
Special Town Meeting 11/ 1/71
43. Capital Outlay
Sealer of Weights and Measures:
44. Salary and Travel
45. Expenses
Insect Pest Control:
46. Wages
47. Expenses
Town Forest Committee:
48. Maintenance
Tree Department:
49. Wages
50. Expenses
Inspector of Wires:
51. Wages and Travel
52. Expenses -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
Inspector of Gas Piping and Appliances:
53. Wages
54. Expenses
Building Inspector and Agent for Enforce-
ment of Zoning Bylaws:
55. Salary and Wages -
Appropriated
or
Available
D
isbursed
Bal.
ance
5 23,200.00
$
$
526. 45
23, 723. 88
2. 57
4,350. 00
4,298.00
52.00
510.00
510.00
40.00
32. 52
7. 43
3,465.00
3,376. 84
88. 16
6,360.00
6,346. 65
13.35
100. 00
3,465.00
8,480. 00
4,000. 00
69.25
3,000.00
51.36
3, 131.43
8,219.86
4,069.25
2,396.00
48.64
333. 57
260. 14
604.00
Appropriated
11,345.00
Reserve Fund Transfer
700.00
12,028.01
16.99
56.
Expenses
1,820.00
1,376.33
443. 67
Dog Officer:
57.
Wages and Travel
1, 100.00
1, 100.00
--
58.
Expenses
500. 00
500.00
--
Building
Committee:
59.
Expenses
50.00
--
50.00
Civil Defense:
60.
Expenses
750.00
750.00
—
Town Utilities:
61.
Hydrant Rental
21,600.00
21, 595.00
5.00
62.
Street Lighting
otection of Persons and Property -
24,030.00
23, 559. 53
470.47
Total Pr>
Appropriated
536,845.00
Reserve Fund Transfer
7,349.25
Special Town Meeting
526.45
538,324.23
6,396.47
Highways:
Highway
Department:
63.
Salaries and Wages -
Appropriated
125,955.00
Special Town Meeting 11/ 1/71
9,700.00
129,494. 72
6, 160.28
64.
General Expenses
30,000.00
29,808.28
191.72
65.
Drainage
20,000.00
19,990. 56
9.44
66.
Snow and Ice Control -
Appropriated
70,000.00
Reserve Fund Transfer
1,737. 15
71,342. 19
394.96
67.
Machinery Expenses -
Appropriated
39,080.00
Reserve Fund Transfer
4,600.00
43,675.68
4.32
95
Warrant
Budget Item
68. Chapter 81 Maintenance
69. Chapter 90 Maintenance
70. Capital Outlay
Total Highways -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
Special Town Meeting
Health and Sanitation:
Health and Sanitation :
Appropriated
or
Available
$ 25,450.00
27, 500.00
3,360.00
341,345.00
6,337. 15
9,700.00
Disbursec
1
$
25,
074.
83
27,
497.
27
2,
585.
95
BaLance
349,469.48
375. 17
2. 73
774.05
7,912.67
71. Salaries
24,595.00
23,856.26
738.
74
72. Expenses
25,700.00
24,056.90
1,
643.
10
73. Garbage Collection
32,300.00
31, 168.65
1,
131.
35
Inspector of Animals:
74. Wages
170.00
170.00
--
75. Expenses
30.00
30.00
--
Plumbing Inspector:
76. Wages
--
--
--
77. Expenses
5,000.00
87,795.00
4,010. 50
83,292.31
989.
50
Total Health and Sanitation
4,
502.
69
Veterans' Aid:
Veterans' Services:
78. Salary
3,240.00
3,240.00
--
79. Expenses
275.00
275.00
--
80. Aid -
Appropriated
20,000.00
Reserve Fund Transfer
4, 000. 00
23,911.89
88.
11
Total Veterans' Aid -
Appropriated
23,515.00
Reserve Fund Transfer
4, 000. 00
27,426.89
88.
11
Education:
Local Schools:
81. Instruction
1,575,941.00
1,556, 538.28
19,
402.
72
82. Plant Operation and Maintenance
169,908.00
169,908.00
--
83. Transportation
126,995.00
126,901.44
93.
56
84. Non-Instructional Services
36,664.00
36,664.00
--
85. Administration
44,977.00
41,521.30
3,
455.
70
86. Out-of-State Travel
300.00
269.31
30.
69
87. Blanchard Auditorium -
Appropriated
21,225.00
Reserve Fund Transfer
3, 040. 00
23, 106.67
1,
158.
33
88. Capital Outlay
29, 194. 00
9,948.62
19,
245.
38
89. Contingency Fund
25, 000. 00
25,000.00
--
Regional Schools:
90. Instruction
1,505,234.00
1, 505,234.00
--
91. Plant Operation and Maintenance
165,321.00
165,321.00
--
92. Transportation
23,474.00
23,474.00
--
93. Non-Instructional Services
50,578.00
50,578.00
--
94. Administration
50,362.00
50,362.00
--
95. Out-of-State Travel
2, 184.00
2, 184.00
--
96. Blanchard Auditorium
11,442.00
11,442.00
--
97. Capital Outlay
28,575.00
28, 575.00
--
98. Athletic Fund
37,978.00
37,978.00
--
99. Adult Education
1,820.00
1,820.00
--
100. Contingency Fund
5, 110.00
5, 110.00
--
Total Education -
Appropriated
3,912,282.00
Reserve Fund Transfer
3,040. 00
3,871,935. 62
43,
386.
38
96
Warrant
Budget Item
Libraries:
Memorial Library:
101. Salary and Wages
102. Expenses -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
103. Books
104. Capital Outlay
West Acton Library:
105. Salary and Wages
106. Expenses
107. Capital Outlay
Total Libraries -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
Appropriated
or
Available
Disbursed
Balance
$
58,450. 00
13.050.00
$ 56,904.20
$
1,
545.80
1. 545.00
14.490. 10
104.90
19.000.00
18.955.06
44.94
185. 00
175.30
9. 70
4.720.00
4. 114.44
605. 56
1,330. 00
1.281. 64
48. 36
260. 00
96,995.00
--
260. 00
1, 545.00
95.920.74
2,
,619. 26
Recreation:
Recreation:
108. Wages
109. Expenses -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
110. Capital Outlay
Total Recreation -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
17.310.00
5.375.00
2, 191.24
950.00
13, 520.39
7, 566.08
950.00
22,036.47
3, 789. 61
. 16
23,635.00
2, 191.24
3,789. 77
Cemeteries:
Cemeteries:
111. Salaries and Wages
112. Expenses -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
113. Capital Outlay -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
Total Cemeteries -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
40,670.00
9,000.00
645.00
3,965.00
49, 670. 00
4,610. 00
40,605. 10
9, 566.72
3,947.85
54, 119.67
64.90
78. 28
17. 15
160.33
Insurance:
Insurance:
114. Workmen's Compensation
Surety Bond
Fire and Public Liability Insur-
ance for Town Buildings
Boiler and Machinery
Motor Vehicle Liability -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
Group Health -
Appropriated
Special Town Meeting 11/ 1/71
Fire Fighters
115.
116.
117.
118.
119.
120.
Total Insurance -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
Special Town Meeting
15,000.00
15,
000.00
--
675.00
497.00
178. 00
16,000.00
16,
000.00
__
1,600.00
1,
247.00
353. 00
6, 500. 00
275.00
6.
764. 54
10.46
50, 000. 00
8, 000.00
57,
720. 13
279. 87
1, 100.00
941.06
158.94
90,875.00
275.00
8,000.00
98,
169.73
980. 27
97
Warrant
Budget Item
Pensions:
Pension Fund:
121. Expense
Total Pensions
Appropriated
or
Available
$ 50, 540. 00
50, 540. 00
Disbursed
$ 50,538.21
50, 538.21
Balance
1. 79
1. 79
Maturing Debt and Interest:
Regional School:
122. Maturing Debt
123. Interest
Julia McCarthy SchooL:
124. Maturing Debt
125. Interest
67, 735.00
52, 145. 00
10,000.00
400.00
67, 735.00
52, 145.00
10,000.00
400.00
Florence E. Merriam School:
126. Maturing Debt
127. Interest
Elm Street School #1 (Douglas);
128. Maturing Debt
129. Interest
Elm Street School #2 (Gates):
130. Maturing Debt
131. Interest
Police Station:
132. Maturing Debt
133. Interest
40, 000. 00
10,080.00
35,000.00
18,375.00
60,000.00
39,565.00
40,000.00
10,080.00
35,000.00
18,375.00
60,000.00
39, 565.00
Library Addition:
134. Maturing Debt
135. Interest
Sanitary Landfill Sites:
136. Maturing Debt
137. Interest
Minot Avenue School:
138. Maturing Debt
139. Interest
D.P.W. Building:
140. Maturing Debt
141. Interest
Anticipation of Revenue Notes:
142. Interest
Total Maturing Debt and Interest
25,000.00
3, 150.00
85,000.00
92,625.00
35,000.00
15, 105.00
45,000.00
634, 180.00
25,000.00
3, 150.00
85,000.00
92, 625. 00
35,000.00
15, 105.00
17,911. 17
607,091. 17
27,088.83
27,088. 83
Grand Totals of Appropriations, Reserve Fund
Transfers, Disbursements and Unexpended
Balances of Budget Items:
Appropriated:
Annual Town Meeting
Special Town Meetings
Reserve Fund Transfers
$6, 152,042.00
18,226.45
32,615.84
Totals
$6, 202,884. 29
$6,093,885.45
$ 108,998. 84
98
Education:
Cafeteria - Revolving Fund
Federal. Grants:
Title 2
Public Law 864 - Title
Public Law 874 - Title
Cornerstone - Title 1
Appropriated
or
Available
Disbursed
BaLance
B 130,988.84
$ 130,671.68
$ 317.
16
6,026.97
304.62
34,965.79
6,389. 58
5,902, 60
304.00
22,685.00
5, 193.00
124.
12,280.
1, 196.
37
62
79
58
Special Articles
Town
Meeting Article
Date No,
Schools:
Purpose
10/19/64
2
3/13/67
10
3/09/70
18
3/09/70
19
3/09/70
20
3/08/71
62
3/08/71
66
3/08/71
67
Highways :
3/10/69
25
3/09/70
15
3/09/70
43
3/09/70
44
3/09/70
48
3/08/71
47
3/08/71
48
3/08/71
49
3/08/71
53
3/08/71
55
3/08/71
55
6/22/71
8
6/22/71
9
6/22/71
10
Various Purposes:
12/05/66
12
12/05/66
19
3/13/67
30
3/13/67
49
3/10/69
33
3/10/69
46
3/09/70
14
3/09/70
24
3/09/70
49
3/09/70
51
3/09/70
52
3/09/70
53
3/09/70
54
3/09/70
62
3/09/70
63
6/29/70
4
Douglas School
Gates School
Vocational Regional School Dis-
trict Planning Committee
Minot Avenue School Construction 1,
Adult Education
Regional Vocational School
Tuition
Blanchard Auditorium Roof
Chapter 90 Construction
Chapter 90 Construction
Adams Street Takings
Adams Street Reconstruction
Street Sweeper
Pick-up Truck
Salt Shed -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
Gasoline and Oil- Storage Tanks/ Pump
Sidewalks
Chapter 81 Maintenance
Chapter 90 Maintenance
Chapter 616 - Section 5
Hayward Road Layout
Used Truck and Dump Body
Regional Refuse Disposal Plan-
ning Committee
Cemetery Building
Tennis Courts
Woodlawn Cemetery
Town Forest Access
Fire Rescue Truck
Surplus Government Property
Public Works Facility
Tree Department Cab & Chassis
Forest Fire Truck
Fire Alarm Equipment
Elm Street Playground Lighting
Elm Street Playground Backstop
and Bleachers
Mount Hope Cemetery Improve-
ments for New Section
Mount Hope Cemetery Paving Roads
Assabet Regional Refuse Disposal
Planning Board
2,340.91
1. 599.26
741. 65
38,348. 55
21, 638. 58
16,709.97
250.00
130. 77
119.23
138,412.40
1.021,244.24
117, 168. 16
1, 619. 71
1,619. 55
. 16
1,680.00
1,494.00
186.00
25,051.00
25,047.67
3.33
8,500.00
304. 15
8,195. 85
11,951. 73
11,951. 73
30,800.00
10,370.31
20,429.69
1,408.20
550.00
858.20
1,756.98
1, 749. 63
7.35
1,042.50
1,023.40
19. 10
3,500.00
3,434. 50
65.50
10,300.00
600. 00
10,575.00
325.00
8, 500. 00
8, 094. 64
405.36
29, 000. 00
2,563.82
26,436. 18
23, 100.00
23, 100.00
--
4.000.00
4, 000. 00
--
10,693.30
3,528.00
7,165.30
16, 100.00
16, 100.00
--
2,500.00
2,465.00
35.00
40.19
11.82
28.37
27.62
27. 50
. 12
107.76
107.76
--
967. 50
965.00
2.50
1,081.47
135. 18
946.29
501.57
500.00
1.57
288.90
288.90
--
222,647.00
208, 719.49
13,927.51
261.00
62.40
198.60
16, 500.00
7, 664. 00
8,836.00
10,438. 14
10,313.25
124. 89
17,992.40
17,071. 50
920.90
193.35
193.35
--
1,052.00
160.00
892.00
3,000.00
2,996.40
3.60
4,760.00
3,805.80
954.20
99
Town
Meeting
Article
Date
No.
9/28/70
6
3/08/71
33
3/08/71
35
3/08/71
36
3/08/71
44
3/08/71
45
3/08/71
46
3/08/71
57
3/08/71
58
3/08/71
59
3/08/71
60
3/08/71
61
3/08/71
63
3/08/71
65
6/22/71
11
Purpose
West Acton Library Salaries
and Expenses
Conservation Fund
Surplus Government Property
Youth Commission
Council on Aging
1975 Town Celebration Fund
Land - Main Street to Pope Road
Police Cruisers -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
Fire Alarm Repair Truck
Fire Department Pick-up Truck
Fire Department Base Radio
Mount Hope Cemetery Paving Roads
Swimming Program
Charter Road Playground Equipment
Public Works Facility Paving
Appropriated or Available
Reserve Fund Transfers
Cemetery Department - Various Trust Funds
Conservation Commission - Various Properties
Library Department
1975 Town Celebration
Total Operating Disbursements
Other Cash Disbursements:
Appropriated
or
Available
Disbursed
Balance
$ 1,375.07
$ 1,375.07
$
100,000.00
100,000.00
--
2,000.00
1, 585.44
414.
56
1,000.00
7. 14
992.
86
1, 500. 00
969.00
531.
00
4,000. 00
4,000. 00
--
25,000.00
20,994.00
4,
006.
00
4, 500. 00
899.00
5,399.00
--
1, 500.00
1, 500.00
--
3,300. 00
3,292. 50
7.
50
2,000.00
1,994. 15
5.
85
2,000.00
1,999. 51
49
5,500.00
5, 500. 00
--
1, 500.00
1, 500. 00
--
10,000. 00
10, 000.00
--
$8, 164,833.50
34, 114.84
$7,844,364. 14
12,631. 60
$ 354,
584.
20
40,546. 14
1,992. 19
18. 75
$7, 899, 552. 82
Agency:
Middlesex County Assessment
State Parks and Recreation Areas
Metropolitan Planning Area Council
Metropolitan Air Pollution Assessment
State Motor Vehicle Excise Bills
Middlesex County Hospital Assessment
Elderly Retiree Program
State Assessment System
Blanchard Foundation/ Church Teen Center
Middlesex County Dog Licenses, etc.
Board of Appeals Guarantee Deposits
Guarantee Deposit - Adams Street Betterment
Federal Income Taxes Withheld
Massachusetts Income Taxes Withheld
Acton Teachers' Retirement
Middlesex County Retirement
Acton Teachers' Association
Acton Teachers' Annuities
Blue Cross-Blue Shield Deductions
Acton Teachers' Insurance
Group Life Insurance Deductions
Fire Department Union Dues
Refunds:
Taxes
Trust:
Trust Fund Income
Perpetual Care
Charity
Library
Repayment of Loans in Anticipation of Revenue
Investment:
Certificates of Deposit
114,926.73
17,300.39
738.35
441. 99
1,660. 65
6,490.90
1,088.01
590. 80
1,929. 79
4,654. 15
202. 59
913.69
378,376. 98
94,849.95
66, 118.09
41, 688. 90
10,305.85
9,054.00
8, 017.48
2,054. 14
1,374.96
752. 00
21,375.90
31,922.39
4, 725. 00
2, 110.00
100.00
1, 800, 000. 00
Add - Refund Adjustments
Total Disbursements per Treasurer
1,
300,
000.
00
11,
823,
21,
316.
592.
50
44
$11,
844,
908.
94
100
Cash:
Petty Cash Funds
General Funds
ASSETS
70. 00
795, 176.28
TOWN OF
BALANCE
DECEMBER
$ 795,246.28
Accounts Receivable:
Tax Levies:
1966 Personal Property
1967 Personal Property
1968 Personal Property
1969 Personal Property
1970 Personal Property
1971 Personal Property
1971 Real Estate
Special Assessment -
Street Betterments
2,208.60
150,316.49
3,362. 86
2, 523.40
2,060.40
2, 186.80
946.00
152, 525.09
163,604. 55
24,681.61
Motor Vehicle Excise
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
384.00
3,604.09
2,896. 55
4,331.71
7, 106. 19
13,396.35
75, 126. 12
106, 845.01
Tax Titles
Tax Possessions
Taxes in Litigation
2,964. 15
793.72
3,757.87
449. 42
Departmental -
Cemetery
Fire
School
Aid to Highways -
Middlesex County
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Total Accounts Receivable
Underestimate of Assessments -
Metropolitan Area Planning Council
Metropolitan Air Pollution
74.45
880. 00
1,600.00
2, 554.45
32,000.00
83,312. 56
115,312. 56
9.89
417,205.47
441.99
451.88
Total Assets
$1,212,903. 63
DEFERRED REVENUE ACCOUNTS
Apportioned Street Assessments Not Due
$ 1, 167. 10
101
ACTON
SHEET
31, 1971
LIABILITIES, RESERVES AND SURPLUS
Employees' Payroll Deductions -
See Schedule 1
Guarantee Deposits -
Board of Appeals
Unclaimed Checks
Trust Fund Income Transfer Balances
Unexpended - See Schedule 2
Federal Grants - See Schedule 3
Revolving Fund - School Cafeteria
Old Age Assistance Recovery Not Allocated
Unexpended Article Appropriation Balances -
See Schedule 4
Reserve for Petty Cash Funds
Overestimates of Assessments -
Middlesex County Tax
State Parks and Recreation Areas
Court Judgment, Land Damage for Reloca-
tion of Central Street
Cemetery Land Fund
Receipts Reserved for Appropriation - County Dog Fund
Premium on Bonds
Receipts Reserved for Appropriation - Library
Road Machinery Fund
Tax Title Foreclosure
Middlesex County Dog Licenses
Beautification of Mount Hope Cemetery - Jenks Charitable Fund
The Church Teen Center - Blanchard Foundation
Overlays Reserved for Abatements of Tax Levies -
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
Revenue Reserved Until Collected -
Special Assessments - Street Betterments
Motor Vehicle Excise
Tax Titles and Possessions
Taxes in Litigation
Departmental Revenue
Aid to Highways
Overlay Surplus - Reserve Fund
Surplus Revenue
Total Liabilities, Reserves and Surplus
DEFERRED REVENUE ACCOUNTS
Street Assessments and Betterments $ 1, 167. 10
$ 4,623.22
100.21
1, 152. 75
6,286. 15
16, 190. 16
317. 16
13,600. 00
312,747.40
70. 00
$ 3,796.67
3,559.02
82.64
7,438.33
7,605.35
6,282. 37
5, 534.45
1,809. 50
1, 167.02
335.00
119. 05
26,000. 00
70. 21
259. 19
126.87
333.32
109.69
946.00
24, 182.60
25,957. 67
24,681.61
106,845.01
3, 757.87
449. 42
2, 554.45
115,312. 56
253,600.92
16, 122.07
505,774.64
$1, 212,903. 63
102
LOANS AUTHORIZED - NOT ISSUED
Douglas Elementary School
Minot Avenue Elementary School
79,450. 00
103,347. 21
$ 182, 797. 21
DEBT ACCOUNTS
Net Funded or Fixed Debt
$3,490,000. 00
TRUST ACCOUNTS
Trust Funds - Cash and Securities
In Custody of Town Treasurer
In Custody of Trustees
762,387. 74
3,000.00
$ 765,387.74
103
LOANS AUTHORIZED - NOT ISSUED
Douglas Elementary School
Minot Avenue Elementary School
79,450.00
103,347.21
$ 182,797.21
DEBT ACCOUNTS
Inside Debt Limit -
Florence A. Merriam Elementary School
Acton Memorial Library Addition
Public Works Facility
Outside Debt Limit -
Florence A. Merriam Elementary School
Julia McCarthy Elementary School
Carolyn Douglas Elementary School
Paul P. Gates Elementary School
Luther B. Conant Elementary School
60,000. 00
75,000.00
230,000.00
180,000.00
10,000.00
490,000.00
905,000.00
1, 540,000.00
$ 365,000.00
3, 125,000.00
$3,490, 000. 00
TRUST ACCOUNTS
In Custody of Town Treasurer
See Schedule 5
In Custody of Trustees
Charlotte Goodnow Fund
$ 762,387.74
3,000. 00 $ 765,387.74
104
BALANCE SHEET
Supporting Schedules
December 31, 1971
ScheduLe 1
EmpLoyees' Payroll Deductions
Middlesex County Retirement System $ 3, 543. 35
Blue Cross-Blue Shield 770. 47
Group Life Insurance 173. 40
Acton Teachers' Annuities 136. 00
4,623. 22
Schedule 2
Unexpended Trust Fund Income Balances
Susan Noyes Hosmer $ 3, 108. 93
Perpetual Care 2, 309. 63
Ethel Robbins, Fred Robbins and George T. Ames Memorial 100. 00
J. Roland Wetherbee ' 78.91
Elbridge J. Robbins 59. 28
Elbridge Jones Robbins and Descendents 58. 20
Frank. Knowlton 56. 84
Luke Blanchard , 53. 19
Georgia E. Whitney 51. 27
Henry S. Raymond 50. 00
Frank C. Hayward 49. 08
George T. Ames 46. 70
A. B. Conant Family 37. 24
Carrie E. Wells 35.38
Henry S. Raymond 32. 32
Hoit and Scott 31. 30
Dr. Robert I. Davis 29. 97
Sarah A. Watson 28. 54
Mary Desmond 25. 59
Arlette Appleyard 22. 18
Mrs. Henry O'Neil 21. 60
$ 6,286.15
Schedule 3
Federal Grants
Welfare Administration:
Medical Assistance $ 83. 34
Medical Assistance 878. 15
Old Age Assistance:
Grant $ 156.63
Recovery - Repayable to Federal 150. 00 306. 63
Disability Assistance
Aid to Dependent Children
Total Welfare Grants
School Grants:
Public Law 815
Public Law 864 - Title 5
Public Law 874 - Title 1
Title 2 - Library
Cornerstone - Title 1
250.00
250.00
819.68
.62
12,280. 79
124.37
1,196. 58
1, 768. 12
14,422.04
$ 16, 190. 16
Schedule 4
Unexpended Article Appropriation Balances
105
Town
Meeting
Article
Date
No.
6/24/57
6
3/09/58
39
10/19/64
2
12/05/66
12
3/13/67
10
3/13/67
32
11/18/68
11
3/10/69
33
3/10/69
39
3/09/70
15
3/09/70
18
3/09/70
19
3/09/70
21
3/09/70
23
3/09/70
24
3/09/70
51
3/09/70
53
3/09/70
55
3/09/70
57
3/09/70
59
3/09/70
62
6/29/70
4
6/29/70
7
3/08/71
35
3/08/71
36
3/08/71
38
3/08/71
39
3/08/71
44 -
3/08/71
46
3/08/71
48
3/08/71
49
3/08/71
51
3/08/71
53
3/08/71
54
3/08/71
56
3/08/71
62
3/08/71
64
6/22/71
8
Purpose
Civil Defense Power Unit
Archives Committee
Douglas School
Regional Refuse Disposal Committee
Gates School
Emergency Operating Center
Water District Land Lease
Town Forest Access Construction
Vocational Regional School District Planning Committee
Chapter 90 Construction
Vocational Regional School District Planning Committee
Minot Avenue School Construction
Kennedy Land Lease
Highways - Chapter 768, Acts of 1969
Public Works Facility
Forest Fire Truck
Lighting - Elm Street Playground
Tot-Lot Equipment - Goward Field
Painting Town Hall Offices
Air Conditioning Memorial Library
Mount Hope Cemetery - New Section
Assabet Regional Refuse Disposal Planning Board
Highways - Chapter 768, Section 4, 1969
Government Surplus Property
Youth Commission
State and Edney Land Purchase
Dunn Land Purchase
Council on Aging
Main Street to Pope Road Land
Salt Shed
Gasoline and Oil Storage Tanks and Pumps
High, Adams and Parker Streets Resurfacing
Sidewalks
Chapter 90 Construction
Painting Inside Police Station
Regional Vocational School
Picnic Facilities at Town Forest
Highways - Chapter 616, Section 5, 1967
$ 300. 00
792. 75
741. 65
28. 37
16,709.97
1,000.00
5.00
946. 29
41.47
20, 429. 69
119. 23
117, 168. 16
10. 00
2,035. 04
13,927. 51
8, 836.00
920. 90
199. 30
2, 500. 00
200.00
892.00
954. 20
477.61
414. 56
992. 86
12, 000. 00
30,000. 00
531. 00-
4,006.00
325. 00
405. 36
6, 500. 00
26,436. 18
30,800.00
3,000.00
186. 00
750. 00
7, 165. 30
$ 312, 747.40
Schedule 5
Trust Accounts in Custody of Town Treasurer
Charity Funds:
Elizabeth M. White
Georgia E. Whitney
Betsey M. Ball
Varnum Tuttle Memorial
32,339. 31
14, 559. 71
22,497.88
17, 059. 98
Cemetery Funds:
Perpetual Care
Susan Noyes Hosmer
Arlette Appleyard
Henry S. Raymond - Monument
Henry S. Raymond - Care
Hoit and Scott
J. Roland Wetherbee
Luke Blanchard
Frank C. Hayward
Georgia E. Whitney
Dr. Robert I. Davis
» Frank R. Knowlton
George T. Ames
Mrs. Harry I. O'Neil
186, 110. 95
109, 193.98
2,378.82
1, 724.45
3,478. 30
867. 20
18,242. 36
3,419.37
2, 157. 07
2,491. 73
1,473. 33
1,409. 84
611. 61
506. 26
106
Cemetery Funds (continued):
Sarah A. Watson
Carrie F. Wells
A. B. Conant
Elbridge Jones Robbins and Descendents
Captain Robbins Lot
Elbridge J. Robbins Lot
Ethel R. Robbins, Fred Robbins and George T.
Martha L. Desmond
Library and Educational Funds:
Acton High School
Wilde Memorial
Georgia E. Whitney Memorial
Firemen's Relief Funds:
Acton
West Acton
Conservation Fund
Stabilization Fund
1975 Celebration Fund
Eminent Domain Deposits:
Heirs of William Livingston
Heirs of Harriet Davis
Heirs of Amasa Davies
Devisees of Evelina White
Ames Memorial
3, 710. 20
4, 759. 24
1,430.48
1, 107. 60
2,884. 14
1, 680. 44
24,359. 68
3, 113.08
5,764.82
33,566. 24
21,461.48
19, 100. 78
1,654.45
185,305. 11
1,448. 13
9,525.72
365.00
2,551.00
9, 130.00
8,948. 00
$ 762,387. 74
Supplementary Financial Data
The unexpended balances of the following Articles were closed out during the year and transferred to
Surplus Revenue.
Town
Meeting
Article
Date
No.
12/05/66
19
3/13/67
49
3/10/69
27
3/10/69
46
3/09/70
20
3/09/70
43
3/09/70
44
3/09/70
48
3/09/70
49
3/09/70
52
3/09/70
63
3/08/71
47
3/08/71
59
3/08/71
60
3/08/71
61
3/08/71
66
3/08/71
67
6/22/71
10
Description
Cemetery Building
Woodlawn Cemetery
Street Lights - Main Street
Fire Rescue Truck
Adult Education
Adams Street Takings
Adams Street Reconstruction
Street Sweeper
Tree Department - Cab, Chassis, etc.
Fire Alarm Equipment
Mount Hope Cemetery - Paving Roads
Highway Department - Pick-up Truck
Fire Department - Pick-up Truck
Fire Department - Pick-up Truck
Mount Hope Cemetery - Paving Roads
School Tuition
Blanchard Auditorium - Roof Repairs
Used Truck and Dump Body
. 12
2. 50
2, 500.00
1.57
. 16
858.20
7.35
19. 10
198. 60
124. 89
3.60
65. 50
7. 50
5.85
.49
3.33
8, 195.85
35.00
$ 12,029.61
The Finance Committee authorized the following transfers from the Reserve Fund during the year ended
December 31, 1971:
Appropriation
$ 40,000.00
Transfers:
Date
5/27/71
6/01/71
Account
Article 57 - Police Cruisers
Cemetery Department - Capital Outlay
899. 00
315. 00
107
Transfers:
Date Account
7/21/71 Article 48 - Public Works Facility
9/09/71 Elections and Registrations - Salaries and Wages
9/09/71 Cemetery Department - Expense
9/09/71 Cemetery Department - Capital Outlay
10/07/71 Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance
10/25/71 Treasurer/ Collector - Expense
11/22/71 — Veterans' Aid
11/22/71 Highway Department - Machinery
12/01/71 Memorial Library - Expense
12/01/71 Building Inspector - Salary
12/01/71 Police Department - Expense
12/08/71 Fire Department - Salaries
12/15/71 Building Inspector - Salary
12/29/71 Recreation - Expense
12/29/71 Memorial Library - Expense
12/29/71 Selectmen - Capital Outlay
12/31/71 Blanchard Auditorium
12/31/71 Highway Department - Snow and Ice Control
12/31/71 Inspector of Wires - Expense
600.00
2,213.20
645.00
3,650.00
275.00
400.00
4,000.00
4,600. 00
1,070.00
600.00
2, 580.00
4, 000. 00
100.00
2, 191.24
475. 00
655.00
3,040.00
1, 737. 15
69.25
$ 34,114.84
Balance Returned to Surplus Revenue
5,885. 16
108
TOWN TREASURER
For the Year Ending December 31, 1971
Cash Balance January 1, 1971
$1, 678,492.95
STATE AND COUNTY RECEIPTS
State Treasurer:
Concrete Pipe Antitrust
Transportation - Vocational
Tuition - Vocational
Transportation - Children
Snow Removal
Education - Cornerstone T-2
Library Public - Title 2
Land Acquisition Projects
Veterans' Services Recovery
Veterans' Benefits
Lieu of Taxes, Chapter 58, Section 7
Highways #25730
Highways #24109 - 1966
Highways - Chapter 81
Highways #081201
Highway Improvement Loan - 1969
Highways - Chapter 90
Corporation Excises - Machinery
Valuation Basis
Education - Chapter 69-71
Regional School Districts
School Aid - Chapter 70
School Construction - McCarthy
School Construction - Douglas
School Construction - Merriam
School Construction - Gates
School Construction - Conant
State
36.90
1,677.00
2, 101.00
710. 12
1, 721.00
5, 193.00
6,056. 61
7,992.00
4,642.05
3,692.71
3,276. 22
2,000.00
6,900.00
23,375.00
13,670.39
5,481.65
129.61
8, 388. 87
46, 555.40
57,805.00
176, 231. 80
887, 090. 19
5, 567.89
18, 750.00
20,057. 63
30,236.25
43,000.00
$1,382,338. 29
County Treasurer:
Dog Licenses - Refund
Highways #24191 - 1966
1,490. 62
6,900.00
8,390. 62
DEPARTMENTAL RECEIPTS
Town Collector:
Personal Property Taxes 1966
Personal Property Taxes 1970
Personal Property Taxes 1971
Real Estate Taxes 1970
Real Estate Taxes 1971
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise Taxes 1962
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise Taxes 1968
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise Taxes 1969
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise Taxes 1970
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise Taxes 1971
Farm Animal Excise Taxes 1971
Street Betterments - North 1970
Committed Interest - North 1970
Street Betterments - North 1971
Committed Interest - North 1971
Street Betterments - Adams 1971
Street Betterments - Minot 1971
Betterment Interest Added
Annual Care of Cemetery Lots
Special Taxes - Watershed and Forest
Municipal Liens
Interest and Charges - All Taxes
110. 75
3,394. 85
169,546.29
118, 705. 84
4,369, 199.29
36.30
109.25
1,085.34
87,456. 15
367,038.89
259. 75
65.61
13.20
258. 10
93.94
1,016.93
5,314.95
60.44
730.00
326. 70
2,208.00
10, 726.02
5, 137,756. 59
109
Town Clerk:
Business Certificates
Sporting License Fees
Dog License Fees
Vital Statistics
Miscellaneous
Mortgage Fee Recordings
Dog Licenses
Board of Assessors:
Assessors Maps
Board of Selectmen:
Miscellaneous
Property Rentals
Licenses
Board of Health:
Miscellaneous
Gas Permits
Sewerage Permits
Plumbing Permits
Nurse Services
Building Department:
Miscellaneous
Wiring Permits
Building Permits
Board of Appeals:
Hearings - Legal
Employees' Payroll Deductions:
Federal Withholding Taxes
State Withholding Taxes
County Retirement
Teachers' Retirement
Teachers' Insurance
Teachers' Annuities
Teachers Association - Dues
Group Insurance
Blue Cross-Blue Shield
Fire Fighters Association - Dues
Police Department:
Bicycle Registrations
Dealers Firearm Permits
Miscellaneous
Pistol Permits
Firearm Licenses
Firearm Registrations
Fire Department:
Permits
Miscellaneous
Rental of Stations
Sealer of Weights and Measures:
Sealer's Fees
School Department:
Miscellaneous
Vandalism - McCarthy-Towne School
Property Rentals
Public Law 874 - Title 1
School Tuition Charges
Blanchard Auditorium - Reimbursement
School Lunch Account
Cemetery Department:
Chapel Rentals
Miscellaneous
Sale of Lots
Burials
66.00
164.85
416. 05
881. 00
648. 00
1, 536.00
4,707.95
86.00
1,033. 61
735.00
12,649.00
1,073.20
2,229.00
4,837. 50
3, 892. 00
9,665.81
291. 75
4, 102.40
14, 562. 50
230.00
359,
539.
23
87,
941.
15
42,
139.
00
66,
118.
09
2,
054.
14
7,
968.
00
9.
366.
85
1,
281.
70
6,
629.
99
752.
00
43.
00
33.
00
66.
12
284.
00
44.
00
210.
00
83.
50
5.
66
95.
00
366.00
98. 66
750.00
935.00
12, 280. 00
3,452. 15
12, 573.00
123, 721. 72
40. 00
747. 60
1, 100.00
3,340.00
8,419. 85
86. 00
14,417. 61
21, 697. 51
18, 956. 65
230. 00
583, 790. 15
680. 12
184. 16
366.00
153,810. 53
5, 227. 60
110
West Acton Library:
Library Fines
Memorial Library:
Mary Lothrop Fund - Bequest
Library Fines
Miscellaneous Receipts:
Employees' Group Insurance
Employees' Blue Cross
Concord District Court - Fines
Recreation Department - Miscellaneous
Recreation Department - Bus Service
Veterans' Aid Recovery
Norfolk Agricultural School - Tuition
Engineering Department - Maps
Wheeler Recreation Area - Rental
Fire Department - Services
Registrar of Deeds - Treasurer Refund
Tackney' s Express - Treasurer Refund
Acton Supply Inc. - Celebrations
Cemetery Department - Auto Machine Service
Planning Board - Miscellaneous
Leo Allen Inc. - Contract Adjustment
Blue Cross-Blue Shield - Premiums
Minuteman Regional Vocational School - Refund
School Department - Vandalism
Wilson & Orcutt - Adams Street Betterment
Patrick Palmer, Dog Officer
Kemper Insurance Co. - Claim Recovery
American Motors Insurance Co. - Highway
Town of Concord - School Lunch Account
School Instruction #81 - Adjustment
Teachers' Annuities - Adjustment
Theron A. Lowden, Workmen's Compensation Agent
Boston Mutual Life Insurance - Premiums
Thomas F. Garrity - Veterans' Services
Blanchard Foundation - Teen Center
Jenks Charitable Fund - Mt. Hope Cemetery
Assabet Savings - Investment
Assabet Savings - Interest Earned
Arlington Trust Company - Certificate of Deposit
Arlington Trust Company - Interest Earned
Union National Bank - Certificate of Deposit
Union National Bank - Interest Earned
National Shawmut Bank - Certificate of Deposit
National Shawmut Bank - Interest Earned
National Shawmut Bank - Notes 472-473 Revenue
Middlesex Bank, N.A. - Note 474 Revenue
Lexington Trust Company - Notes 475-476 Revenue
Paul and Jean Bernard - Tax Title
272. 93
100.00
6,299.48
Assabet Valley Estate -
John and Greta Fisher
Nashoba Enterprises
Kenneth E. Davis
Armando Porrazzo
Interest
Tax Title
Interest
Charges
Tax Title
Interest
Charges
Tax Title
Interest
Charges
Tax Title
Interest
Charges
Tax Title
Interest
Charges
145.68
1, 745.45
578.20
614.50
355.25
119.00
437. 50
4.00
15.00
50.00
4.72
2. 58
2.00
22.59
28.25
42.00
316.00
145.99
250.00
913.69
3.00
296.45
95.05
3,713.36
17,266.60
686.00
1,723.00
1,499.00
4,335.00
2,000.00
26,000.00
100,000.00
2,407.25
200,000.00
1,916.67
200,000.00
1,833.33
1, 100,000.00
8,458.33
600,000.00
600,000.00
600,000.00
2,330. 71
35.80
413.40
42.15
4.00
1,368. 57
216.00
4.00
405.60
53.85
8.00
1,592.24
141.73
4.00
2,899. 52
9. 70
24.00
$ 272.93
6,399.48
3,487, 578. 71
PERPETUAL CARE - MT. HOPE CEMETERY
Helen L. DeGryse
W. Henry Teele
100.00
800.00
Ill
Perpetual Care - Mt.
Frank M. O'Connell
Earle R. Spinney
Richard P. Bursaw
Nathan R. Roberts
Albert I. Verchot
William M. Hansen
Jay A. Gibbs
Hope Cemetery (continued)
PERPETUAL CARE - WOODLAWN CEMETERY
Margaret Cox
Paul J. Chisholm
Estate of David and Julia Barry
Richard I. Knowles
Robert M. Kelly, Jr.
Robert G. Willett
Ursula M. Goerigk
Robert M. McGarigle
Ralph F. Cataldo
Alice T. Fairbanks
Bettena H. Straw
Amleta Miccoli
Mrs. W. L. Prowse
Mrs. Kenneth V. Kimball
James E. Bell
Winslow H. Smith
George W. Turner
100.00
200.00
150. 00
150.00
150.00
75.00
75.00
200.00
200.00
200.00
200.00
200.00
200. 00
50.00
100.00
15.00
110.00
200. 00
75. 00
200. 00
200.00
75.00
300. 00
400.00
1, 800.00
2,925.00
TRUST FUND INCOME
Acton High School Library Fund
Acton Firemen's Relief Fund
George T. Ames Cemetery Fund
Arlette Appleyard Cemetery Fund
Betsey M. Ball Fund
1975 Celebration Fund
I? Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund
A. B. Conant Cemetery Fund
Conservation Fund Investment
Dr. Robert I. Davis Cemetery Fund
Elbridge J. Robbins and Descendents Fund
Elbridge Jones Robbins Cemetery Fund
Captain Robbins Cemetery Fund
Robbins-Ames Memorial Cemetery Fund
Martha Desmond Cemetery Fund
Elizabeth White Fund
Georgia E. Whitney Memorial Fund
Georgia E. Whitney Fund
Georgia E. Whitney Cemetery Fund
Frank C. Hayward Cemetery Fund
Hoit and Scott Cemetery Fund
Mrs. Harry O'Neil Cemetery Fund
v Frank Knowlton Cemetery Fund
VLuke Blanchard Cemetery Fund
Henry S. Raymond Monument Fund
Henry S. Raymond Cemetery Fund
Susan Noyes Hosmer Fund
Varnum Tuttle Memorial Fund
J. Roland Wetherbee Cemetery Fund
Memorial Library Fund
Memorial Library Tainter Fund
Sarah Watson Cemetery Fund
Stabilization Fund
Carrie E. Wells Cemetery Fund
238.
570.
23.
119.
606.
371.
9,393.
59.
6,099.
55.
59.
89.
149.
1, 259.
161.
1, 533.
895.
838.
83.
59.
27.
19.
41.
131.
131.
191.
5,794.
596.
596.
813.
697.
34.
67
86
82
33
23
66
24*-
67
78
00
67
50
17
89
50
29
00
97
04
67
48
06
40
66 '
62
64
00
67
67
26
02
12
179. 83
31,922. 39
TRUST FUND TRANSFERS TO TOWN ACCOUNT
Arlette Appleyard Cemetery Fund
1975 Celebration Fund
50. 00
18. 75
112
Trust Fund Transfers to Town Account (continued)
Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund
Conservation Fund Investment
Elbridge J. Robbins and Descendents Fund
Elbridge J. Robbins Cemetery Fund
Elizabeth White Fund
Georgia E. Whitney Fund
Georgia E. Whitney Cemetery Fund
Martha Desmond Cemetery Fund
Frank Knowlton Cemetery Fund
Luke Blanchard Cemetery Fund
Frank C. Hayward Cemetery Fund
Henry S. Raymond Monument Fund
Henry S. Raymond Cemetery Fund
Susan Noyes Hosmer Fund
J. Roland Wetherbee Cemetery Fund
Memorial Library Tainter Fund
Memorial Library Fund
Memorial Library Building Fund
Sarah Watson Cemetery Fund
Stabilization Fund
Total Cash Receipts for the Year 1971
Cash Balance January 1, 1971
Paid Selectmen's Orders for the Year 1971
Cash Balance December 31, 1971
6,000. 00
65, 546. 14
100. 00
50. 00
1, 160.00
950. 00
50. 00
50. 00
50. 00
50. 00
50. 00
75. 00
50. 00
7, 500. 00
250. 00
340. 00
1,229. 50
422. 69
50.00
10,300.00
94,342.08
$10,
961,
592.
27
1,
678,
492.
95
$12,
640,
085.
22
11,
844,
908.
94
$ 795,176.28
OUTSTANDING NOTES AND BONDS
Year
Schools
1972
$ 230,000.
00
1973
220,000.
00
1974
220,000.
00
1975
220,000.
00
1976
215,000.
00
1977
210,000.
00
1978
170,000.
00
1979
170,000.
00
1980
170,000.
00
1981
170,000.
00
1982
170,000.
00
1983
170,000.
00
1984
170,000.
00
1985
170,000.
00
1986
135,000.
00
1987
135,000.
00
1988
80,000.
00
1989
80,000.
00
1990
80,000.
00
Highway Building
$ 35,000.00
35,000.00
35,000.00
35,000.00
30,000.00
30,000.00
30,000.00
Library Addition
$25,000.00
25,000.00
25,000.00
$3, 185,000.00
$230,000.00
$75,000. 00
Total
$ 290,000.00
280,000.00
280,000.00
255,000.00
245,000. 00
240,000.00
200,000.00
170,000.00
170,000. 00
170, 000. 00
170, 000. 00
170,000.00
170,000. 00
170,000.00
135,000.00
135,000.00
80,000.00
80,000.00
80,000.00
$3, 490,000.00
ACTON HIGH SCHOOL LIBRARY FUND
Balance January 1, 1971
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1971
On Deposit December 31, 1971
4,000.00
1,445.88
5,445.88
318.94
5,764. 82
5,764.82
113
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1971
On Deposit December 31, 1971
ACTON FIREMEN'S RELIEF FUND
Balance January 1, 1971
9, 570.00
8,497. 88
18, 067. 88
1.032.90
19, 100. 78
19, 100. 78
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1971
On Deposit December 31, 1971
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1971
On Deposit December 31, 1971
GEORGE T. AMES CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1971
ARLETTE APPLEYARD CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1971
465.49
115.79
2,000.00
292. 17
581. 28
30.33
611.61
611. 61
2, 292. 17
136. 65
2,428.82
2,428. 82
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1971
On Deposit December 31, 1971
BETSEY M. BALL FUND
Balance January 1, 1971
10,095. 26
11, 189.95
21, 285. 21
1,212.67
22,497. 88
22,497. 88
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1971
Received to Fund, Article #45
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1971
TOWN CELEBRATION 1975 FUND
Balance January 1, 1971
5,000.00
161. 17
383. 30
4,000. 00
5, 161. 17
4,
383. 30
9,
9,
544.47
18. 75
525. 72
$
9,
544.47
114
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1971
Perpetual Care Bequests
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1971
CEMETERY PERPETUAL CARE FUND
Balance January 1, 1971
$ 119,159.92
57, 767. 72
10,458. 31
4, 725. 00
$ 176,927.64
15, 183. 31
192, 110. 95
6,000.00
186, 110. 95
$ 192, 110.95
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1971
On Deposit December 31, 1971
A. B. CONANT CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1971
1,000.00
351. 17
1,351. 17
79.31
1,430.48
1,430. 48
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1971
Received to Fund, Article #33
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1971
CONSERVATION INVESTMENT FUND
Balance January 1, 1971
$ 143,967.73
747. 67
6,215. 50
100, 000. 00
$ 144,715.40
106.215. 50
250,930. 90
65,625. 79
185,305. 11
$ 250,930.90
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1971
On Deposit December 31, 1971
DR. ROBERT I. DAVIS CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1971
1,000. 00
396. 78
1,396. 78
76. 55
1,473.33
1,473. 33
Principal Fund
Received Interest for 1971
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1971
MARTHA L. DESMOND CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1971
3,000.00
163.08
3, 163.08
50.00
3,113. 08
3, 163. 08
115
ELBRLDGE JONES ROBBINS & DESCENDENTS FUND
BaLance January 1, 1971
Principal Fund
Income BaLance
Received Interest for 1971
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1971
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1971
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1971
PrincipaL Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1971
On Deposit December 31, 1971
1,000. 00
140. 25
ELBRIDGE J. ROBBINS CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1971
1, 500.00
132. 77
CAPTAIN ROBBINS CEMETERY LOT
Balance January 1, 1971
2, 500. 00
221.35
1, 140. 25
67. 35
1,207. 60
100.00
1, 107. 60
1, 207. 60
1,632. 77
97. 67
1, 730. 44
50. 00
1, 680. 44
1, 730. 44
2, 721. 35
162. 79
2, 884. 14
2, 884. 14
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1971
On Deposit December 31, 1971
ROBBINS-AMES MEMORIAL TRUST FUND
BaLance January 1, 1971
$ 21,210.08
1, 778.34
22, 988. 42
1.371. 26
24, 359. 68
24,359. 68
PrincipaL Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1971
Trustee's Orders for 1971
On Deposit December 31, 1971
ELIZABETH WHITE FUND
Balance January 1, 1971
$ 25,000.00
6,538.44
$ 31,538.44
1. 960. 37
33, 499. 31
1, 160. 00
32, 339. 31
499. 31
116
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1971
On Deposit December 31, 1971
GEORGIA E. WHITNEY MEMORIAL FUND
Balance January 1, 1971
$ 15,000.00
5,273.32
20, 273. 32
1. 188. 16
21,461. 48
21,461.48
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1971
Selectmen's Orders for 1971
On Deposit December 31, 1971
GEORGIA E. WHITNEY FUND
Balance January 1, 1971
14,073. 70
555. 70
$ 14,629.40
880. 31
15,509.71
950. 00
14, 559. 71
$ 15, 509. 71
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1971
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1971
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1971
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1971
GEORGIA E. WHITNEY CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1971
1, 500. 00
909.65
FRANK C. HAYWARD CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1971
1,000.00
1, 088. 56
2,409. 65
132. 08
2, 541. 73
50. 00
2,491. 73
2,541. 73
2, 088; 56
118. 51
2,207.07
50.00
2, 157. 07
2,207. 07
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1971
On Deposit December 31, 1971
HOIT AND SCOTT CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1971
500. 00
322. 10
822. 10
45. 10
867.20
867. 20
117
MRS. HARRY O' NEIL CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1971
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1971
On Deposit December 31, 1971
$
372.
39
108.
75
$
481.
25.
14
12
506.
26
$
506.
26
FRANK R. KNOWLTON CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1971
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1971
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1971
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1971
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1971
1,000. 00
396. 35
LUKE BLANCHARD CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1971
2,419.24
871. 37
1, 396. 35
63.49
1,459. 84
50.00
1,409. 84
1,459. 84
3,290. 61
178. 76
3,469. 37
50. 00
3,419. 37
3,469. 37
HENRY S. RAYMOND FUND
MONUMENT PERPETUAL CARE
Balance January 1, 1971
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1971
Transfer to Town Account
Transfer to H. S. Raymond Cemetery Fund
On Deposit December 31, 1971
700.00
877.97
1, 577. 97
239. 01
1,
816.
98
75.
00
17.
53
1,
724.
45
$
1,
816.
98
118
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1971
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1971
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1971
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1971
HENRY S. RAYMOND CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1971
2,000. 00
1,345.87
SUSAN NOYES HOSMER CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1971
82,238. 95
28, 154.09
3, 345. 87
182.43
3, 528. 30
50. 00
3,478.30
3, 528. 30
$ 110,393.04
6,300. 94
116,693.98
7, 500. 00
109, 193. 98
$ 116,693.98
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1971
On Deposit December 31, 1971
VARNUM TUTTLE MEMORIAL FUND
Balance January 1, 1971
10,000. 00
6, 128.01
16, 128. 01
931.97
17,059.98
17,059.98
J. ROLAND WETHERBEE CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1971
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1971
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1971
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received to Fund:
Bequest Mary Lothrop Fund
Interest for 1971
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1971
$ 10,000.00
7,487. 65
ACTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY FUND
Balance January 1, 1971
27,213.94
6,411.49
100.00
1,833.00
$ 17,487.65
1.004. 71
18,492.36
250.00
18,242.36
$ 18,492. 36
$ 33,625.43
1,933.00
35, 558.43
1,992. 19
33,566. 24
$ 35,558.43
119
SARAH ALBERTIE WATSON CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1971
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1971
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1971
Principal Fund
Received Interest for 1971
On Deposit December 31, 1971
2,500. 00
1, 162.45
WEST ACTON FIREMEN'S RELIEF FUND
Balance January 1, 1971
3,662.45
97. 75
3,760.20
50.00
3, 710.20
3, 760. 20
1, 566. 53
87. 92
1,654.45
1,654.45
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1971
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1971
STABILIZATION FUND
Balance January 1, 1971
11,018.43
$ 11,018.43
729. 70
11,748.13
10,300. 00
1,448. 13
$ 11,748. 13
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1971
On Deposit December 31, 1971
Principal Fund December
On Deposit December 31, 1971
CARRIE F. WELLS CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1971
THE HEIRS OF WILLIAM LIVINGSTON
EMINENT DOMAIN FUNDS
3,000.00
1,496. 72
4,496. 72
262. 52
4,759. 24
4, 759.24
365. 00
365. 00
Principal Fund December
On Deposit December 31, 1971
THE HEIRS OF HARRIET DAVIS
EMINENT DOMAIN FUNDS
2, 551. 00
2, 551. 00
120
Principal Fund December
On Deposit December 31, 1971
Principal. Fund December
On Deposit December 31, 1971
THE DEVISEES OF EVELINA WHITE
EMINENT DOMAIN FUNDS
THE HEIRS OF AMASA DAVIES
EMINENT DOMAIN FUNDS
Wm. Henry Soar
Town Treasurer
COLLECTOR
For the Year Ending December 31, 1971
8, 948. 00
8,948. 00
9, 130. 00
9, 130. 00
PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES 1966
Outstanding January 1, 1971
Payments to Treasurer
Outstanding December 31, 1971
Outstanding January 1, 1971
Outstanding December 31, 1971
Outstanding January 1, 1971
Outstanding December 31, 1971
Outstanding January 1, 1971
Outstanding December 31, 1971
Outstanding January 1, 1971
Payments to Treasurer
Abatements
Outstanding December 31, 1971
Commitment per Warrant
Payments to Treasurer
Abatements
Outstanding December 31, 1971
PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES 1967
PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES 1968
PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES 1969
PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES 1970
PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES 1971
110. 75
3,362. 86
3,394.85
318.20
946.00
169,546.29
683. 55
2,208.60
3,473. 61
3,473. 61
2, 523.40
2,523.40
2,060.40
2,060.40
2, 186.80
2, 186.80
$ 4,659.05
$ 4,659. 05
$ 172,438.44
$ 172,438.44
121
REAL ESTATE TAXES 1970
Outstanding January 1, 1971 $ 121,209.53
Refunds 509.33 $ 121,718.35
Payments to Treasurer 118, 705. 84
Abatements 105. 35
To Taxes in Litigation - Chapter 60, Section 95 152. 22
Transferred to Tax Titles 2, 755. 44
Outstanding December 31, 1971 -- $ 121,718.35
REAL ESTATE TAXES 1971
Commitment per Warrant $4, 549, 841. 71
Refunds 10, 700. 44 $4,560,542.15
Payments to Treasurer 4, 369, 199. 29
Abatements 40, 134. 02
Transferred to Tax Titles 892. 35
Outstanding December 31, 1971 150,316.49 $4, 560,542. 15
SPECIAL TAXES - WATERSHED AND FOREST LAND
Commitment per Warrant $ 326. 70
Payments to Treasurer $ 326. 70
Outstanding December 31, 1971 -- $ 326. 70
FARM ANIMAL EXCISE TAXES - 1971
Commitment per Warrant $ 259. 75
Payments to Treasurer $ 259. 75
Outstanding December 31, 1971 -- $ 259. 75
MOTOR VEHICLE & TRAILER EXCISE TAXES - 1965
Outstanding January 1, 1971 $ 384. 00
Outstanding December 31, 1971 $ 384. 00
MOTOR VEHICLE & TRAILER EXCISE TAXES - 1966
Outstanding January 1, 1971 $ 3,604.09
Outstanding December 31, 1971 $ 3,604.09
MOTOR VEHICLE & TRAILER EXCISE TAXES - 1967
Outstanding January 1, 1971 $ 2, 896. 55
Outstanding December 31, 1971 $ 2,896.55
MOTOR VEHICLE & TRAILER EXCISE TAXES - 1968
Outstanding January 1, 1971 $ 4,440.96
Payments to Treasurer $ 109. 25
Outstanding December 31, 1971 4,331. 71 $ 4,440.96
MOTOR VEHICLE & TRAILER EXCISE TAXES - 1969
Outstanding January 1, 1971 $ 8,191.53
Payments to Treasurer $ 1, 085. 34
Outstanding December 31, 1971 7, 106. 19 $ 8, 191. 53
367,
038.
89
52,
825.
06
75,
126.
12
122
MOTOR VEHICLE & TRAILER EXCISE TAXES - 1970
Outstanding January 1, 1971 $ 73,289.96
Commitments per Warrants 36,447. 53
Refunds 3, 784. 36 $ 113,521.85
Payments to Treasurer 87,456. 15
Abatements 12,669.35
Outstanding December 31, 1971 13, 396. 35 $ 113,521.85
MOTOR VEHICLE & TRAILER EXCISE TAXES - 1971
Commitment per Warrant $ 488,861.87
Refunds 6, 128. 20 $ 494, 990. 07
Payments to Treasurer
Abatements
Outstanding December 31, 1971 75, 126. 12 $ 494, 990. 07
STREET BETTERMENTS ADDED TO TAXES - 1971
Commitment per Warrant $ 323. 71
Payments to Treasurer $ 258. 10
Outstanding December 31, 1971 65.61 $ 323. 71
COMMITTED INTEREST ON STREET BETTERMENTS - 1971
Commitment per Warrant $ 104. 43
Payments to Treasurer $ 93. 94
Outstanding December 31, 1971 10. 49 $ 104. 43
STREET BETTERMENTS - MINOT AVENUE - 1971
Commitment per Warrant $ 17,818.38
Payments to Treasurer $ 5,314.95
Abatements 1, 120. 16
Outstanding December 31, 1971 11,383.27 $ 17,818.38
STREET BETTERMENTS - ADAMS STREET - 1971
Commitment per Warrant $ 27, 374. 93
Payments to Treasurer $ 1, 016. 93
Abatements 14,255.92
Outstanding December 31, 1971 12, 102. 08 $ 27,374.93
ADDITIONAL INTEREST COSTS - ALL TAXES - 1971
Collections for 1971 $ 10,726.02
Payments to Treasurer $ 10,726.02
CERTIFICATES OF MUNICIPAL LIENS - 1971
Collections for 1971 $ 2,208.00
Payments to Treasurer $ 2, 208. 00
APPORTIONED STREET ASSESSMENTS - NOT DUE
Balance January 1, 1971 $ 2,610.97
Payments to Treasurer $
Added to Real Estate Taxes 1971 258. 10
Balance December 31, 1971
Due 1972 to 1984 Inclusive 2,352. 87 $ 2,610.97
123
CEMETERY DEPARTMENT - ANNUAL CARE OF LOTS
Outstanding January 1, 1971 $ 57.95
Commitment per Warrant 746. 50 $ 804. 45
Payments to Treasurer 730. 00
Outstanding December 31, 1971 74. 45 $ 804. 45
Wm. Henry Soar
Town Collector
124
JURY LIST
PRECINCT 1
Robert L. Brett, 358 Great Road, Merchant
Donald R. Burns, 10 Flagg Road, Employment Agency Owner
■* E. Wilson Bursaw, 23 Newtown Road, Oil Business
Peter J. Cronin, 90 Nagog Hill Road, News Supervisor
John L. Knight, 18 Pope Road, Real Estate
Victor Krea, 93 Concord Road, Sales
Wilson D. LeVan, 37 Old Village Road, Retired
Willard A. Muir, 4 Green Wood Lane, Electrical Engineer
Billy G. Putnam, 15 Hemlock Lane, Engineer
Wallace A. Semple, 437 Main Street, Electronic Assembler
Paul R. Vigliotti, 30 Carlisle Road, Shovel Operator
Francis L. Carroll, 8 Wilson Lane, Engineer
Michael B. Cole, 84 Nagog Hill Road, Mechanical Engineer
Dorothy M. DiCicco, 67 Taylor Road, Secretary
Clayton L. Hagy, 15 Coughlin Street, Self-employed
Stephen G. Lewis, 6 Whittier Drive, Engineer
- Richard C. Nylander, 144 Great Road, Museum Curatorial Assistant
Robert M. Richter, 16 Alcott Street, Sales Engineer
Elwood S. Wood, III, 41 Washington Drive, Vice-President
Richard C. Bateman, 32 Concord Road, Engineer
Forrest E. Bean, Jr. , 40 Wood Lane, Beef Merchandiser
Allen C. Brown, 25 Keefe Road, Engineer
Daniel C. Buchnam, 9 Wampus Avenue, Marketing -Sales
Frank J. Clerico, 6 Jefferson Drive, Salesman
John C. Dawson, 19 John Swift Road, Car Dealer
Robert F. Driscoll, 69 Taylor Road, Data Management
Henry J. Frederickson, 12 Bayberry Road, Engineer
J. Bradley Fuller, Jr. , 14 Thoreau Road, Engineer
Walter B. Gates, 10 Wood Lane, Treasurer
I. Lee Gelles, 179 Great Road, Scientist
Alden R. Gilman, 15 Musket Drive, Chemist
Walter S. Harrington, 15 Evergreen Road, Mechanical Engineer
Glenn L. Hermansen, 6 Phlox Lane, Management
Frank L. Hitchcock, 8 Jefferson Drive, Salesman
Harlan Howe, Jr., 83 Concord Road, Engineer
Alex Ivanov, 63 Hammond Street, Electrical Engineer
Peter P. Jorrens, 107 Newtown Road, Engineer
William L. Kingman, 65 Esterbrook Road, Investment Counsellor
Josiah J. Kirby, 7 Thoreau Road, Manager
Peter F. Lipari, 18 Patriots Road, Engineer
-. W. Lawrence Marshall, Jr. , 42 Carlisle Road, Banker
Paul M. McPherson, 527 Main Street, Precision Instruments
Edward L. Morrill, 16 Pope Road, General Contractor
Earl Nadeau, 54 Pope Road, Carpenter
Harold F. Ordway, 83 Hammond Street, Credit Manager
Edward A. Poor, 9 Wheeler Lane, Advertising
Paul K. Shefsiek, 10 Minot Avenue, Physicist
William H. Shenk, 14 Town House Lane, Engineer
- Dorothy B. Stonecliffe, 6 Phalen Street, Home
John S. Wollam, 53 Alcott Street, Research Scientist
PRECINCT 2
Roland Boisvert, 40 Central Street, President - Digital
Morris Breslouf, 10 Beverly Road, Chemist
Ronald A. Cohen, 60 Conant Street, Scientist
John R. Folsom, 47 Piper Road, Draftsman
Charles R. Furlong, Jr. , 6 Valley Road, Supervisor
Stanley P. Garmon, 4 Russell Road, Lineman
Michael V. P. Grace, 10 Faulkner Hill Road, Staff Planner
Parker Harrison, Jr. , 22 Tuttle Drive, Insurance Agent
Leonard L. Kreidermacher, 23 Brucewood Road, Engineer
Walter Niskanen, 49 Main Street, Cook
Richard W. Ahart, 190 Main Street, Inventory Control
Allan R. Amoling, 7 Gioconda Avenue, Assistant Analyst
125
Theodore J. Batulin, 9 Railroad Street, Painter
Edwin A. Carell, 9 Broadview Street, Engineer
James W. Carpenter, 140 Parker Street, Real Estate Broker
Ole Garthe, 173 Main Street, Carpenter
Waino J. Kangas, 31 Parker Street, Maintenance
Victor Oskirko, Jr., 106 High Street, Electrical Assembler
Francis B. Parker, 85 Hosmer Street, Credit Manager
Robert P. Quebec, 25 Heritage Road, Engineer
John V. Terrey, 45 Faulkner Hill Road, Electrical Engineer
John A. Thompson, 65 High Street, Engineer
Walter O. Barron, 20 Billings Street, Printer
Thomas J. Burke, 229 School Street, Truck Driver
John H. Bushek, 8 Tuttle Drive, Insurance Inspector
James A. Carlan, Jr. , 7 Fairway Road, Auditor
David T. Chang, 8 Billings Street, Research Scientist
Robert J. Collagan, 17 Carriage Drive, Cost Programmer
Stanley Driban, 6 Carriage Drive, Engineer
John F. Dunlap, III, 192 Parker Street, Insurance
Harold W. Flood, 183 Main Street, Chemical Engineer
Paul M. Haskell, 101 Stow Street, Technical Writer
Richard J. Heffernan, 34 Central Street, Assigner
William T. Kendrick, 9 Hillcrest Drive, Purchasing Agent
Walter J. Klappich, 6 Beverly Road, Engineer
James R. Kostas, 56 Main Street, Computer Operator
Richard A. LaFrance, 18 Pond View Drive, Insurance Agent
Richard P. LaJuenesse, 45 Parker Street, Advertising Engineer
William P. Lynch, 57 Robbins Street, Engineer
Lome R. MacLure, 153 Main Street, Machinist
Robert B. Menapace, Jr., 34 Conant Street, District Sales Manager
Charles A. Morehouse, 5 Oakwood Road, Service Manager
George W. Moulton, 6 Redwood Road, Systems Engineer
William M. Progen, 8 Lilac Court, Shipping Inspector
Helen E. Pyrro, 110 Stow Street, Home
Lawrence Schwartz, 13 Oakwood Road, Contract Manager
David P. Tinker, 90 School Street, Insurance Broker
Alan J. Waters, 4 Broadview Street, Sales Manager
Thomas E. Wetherbee, 44 Prospect Street, Real Estate
Paul K. Zimmer, 12 Billings Street, Maintenance
PRECINCT 3
George S. Bryant, 6 Baxter Road, Computer Operator
Cornelius E. Coughlin, 98 Summer Street, Comptroller
Flavil R. Edgin, 13 Duggan Road, Management
John W. MacDonald, 17 Birch Ridge Road, Salesman
Warren R. Peterson, 350 Arlington Street, Grocery Clerk
John W. Baker, 4 Wachusett Drive, Machinist
Eugene R. Buck, 3 Mohegan Road, Buyer
Philip G. Clemence, 38 Windsor Avenue, Clerk
Grant W. Dodson, 377 Central Street, Salesman
John J. Foley, 1 Algonquin Road, Electrical Engineer
John W. Forrest, 6 Algonquin Road, Mechanical Engineer
George F. Geisenhainer, 5 Capt. Forbush Lane, Sales Supervisor
George H. Locke, Jr., 235 Arlington Street, Shipper-Receiver
Ernest F. O' Clair, 5 Seneca Road, Mechanic
Richard J. Scire, 305 Arlington Street, Cable Maker
Kenneth M. Simpson, 3 Agawam Road, Salesman
David E. Worrall, 16 Mohawk Drive, Tool Grinder
Arthur H. Anderson, 9 Lillian Road, Architectural Draftsman
Jerry T. Ballantine, 57 Mohawk Drive, Film Producer
Eric D. Bradlee, 13 Tuttle Drive, Banker
-Victor E. Cornellier, 68 Willow Street, Salesman
Kenneth A. Goff, 10 Mohawk Drive, Civil Engineer
Robert C. Green, 31 Oneida Road, Engineer
Charles R. Husbands, 24 Black Horse Drive, Electrical Engineer
John C. Inman, 15 Birch Ridge Road, Insurance Adjuster
Leon Jones, 142 Central Street, Millwright
-,Ruth T. Kretschmar, 46 Summer Street, Home
Stephen A. Kallis, 112 Central Street, Public Relations
Richard J. Makin, 31 Ethan Allen Drive, Marketing Manager
Charles J. Marsden, 40 Mohawk Drive, Treasurer
126
Roscoe D. McDaniel, 5 Lillian Road, Field Engineer
R. Dana McPherson, 19 Oneida Road, Electronics Engineer
David S. Nixon, Jr. , 6 Black Horse Drive, Electrical Engineer
Juergen H. Nordhausen, 92 Arlington Street, Electrical Engineer
Donald S. Oliver, 19 Capt. Brown's Lane, Engineer
Robert D. Olthoff, 3 Cherry Ridge Road, Salesman
Warren S. Orcutt, 33 Nashoba Road, Insurance Broker
John P. Perry, 12 Mohegan Road, Physicist
K. Gordon Platine, 339 Arlington Street, Contractor
Brian A. Prentiss, 215 Arlington Street, Welder
Frank Primiano, 387 Central Street, Plant Engineer
Paul Revere, 35 Agawam Road, Salesman
Bernard H. Reynholds, 20 Capt. Brown's Lane, Sales Manager
Lloyd C. Sanford, 5 Townsend Road, Photo Optical
Francis W. Seller, 24 Orchard Drive, Meat Cutter
Eugene G. Spurr, 16 Juniper Ridge Road, Banker
Joseph V. Stuart, 5 Powder Home Lane, Insurance Representative
Roger L. Towne, 601 Massachusetts Avenue, Instructor
John J. Trebendis, 62 Nashoba Road, Supervisor of Silk Screening
Peter R. Whitcomb, 144 Hayward Road, Carpenter
127
INDEX
Page
ACCOUNTANT. 92
ANIMALS, INSPECTOR OF 49
APPEALS, BOARD OF 18
APPOINTMENTS 88
ARCHIVES 63
ASSESSORS 64
BIRTHS 22
BUILDING COMMITTEE 16
BUILDING INSPECTOR 17
CEMETERY COMMISSION 61
CIVIL DEFENSE 10
COLLECTOR 120
CONSERVATION COMMISSION 59
DOG LICENSES 26
DOG OFFICER 27
ELECTION, TOWN 87
ELIZABETH WHITE FUND 21
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT 11
FINANCE COMMITTEE (See Warrant Supplement)
FIRE DEPARTMENT 5
GOODNOW FUND 18
HEALTH, BOARD OF 19
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT 14
HISTORICAL COMMISSION 52
HOUSING AUTHORITY 61
INSECT PEST CONTROL 27
JURY LIST 124
LIBRARY REPORTS 50
1975 CELEBRATION, ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON 59
OFFICERS 88
PLANNING BOARD 12
POLICE DEPARTMENT 9
RECREATION COMMISSION 56
SCHOOL REPORT 29
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 28
SELECTMEN -TOWN MANAGER 3
SEWERAGE STUDY COMMITTEE 28
STREET DIRECTORY AND MAP Center Fold
STREET LIGHT COMMITTEE 10
TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE 27
TOWN MEETING PROCEEDINGS:
March 10, 1971 65
June 22, 1971 84
November 1, 1971 86
TREASURER'S REPORT 108
TREE WARDEN 27
VETERANS' AGENT 6 3
VETERANS' GRAVES OFFICER 6 3
VOCATIONAL REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT PLANNING COMMITTEE 49
WIRES, INSPECTOR OF 11
WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION 18
YOUTH COMMISSION 53
POLICE EMERGENCY 263-2911
FIRE EMERGENCY 263-9191
(Emergency Only)
BE SURE TO GIVE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS AS WELL AS THE NATURE OF YOUR EMERGENCY CLEARLY.
DO NOT HANG UP UNTIL YOU ARE SURE THAT YOUR MESSAGE HAS BEEN UNDERSTOOD.
Town Office - Call 263-2761
FOR ANSWERS ON:
Assessments
Bills and Accounts, Taxes
Birth, Death, Marriage Certificates
Building
Cemeteries
Dog, Hunting, and Fishing Licenses
Dog Problems
Education Information
Elections, Voting, and Registration
Engineering
Fire (routine)
Garbage and Refuse, Health and Sanitation
Highways and Streets
Library
Licenses:
Nurse (School)
Nurse (School)
Nurse (Town)
Oil Burner Permits
Permits for Burning
Plumbing Permits
Schools:
CALL THE
TELEPHONE
Veterans' Services
Water Problems
Welfare Questions
Zoning
Electrical Wiring
Electrical Wiring Permits
Board of Assessors 263-5012
Treasurer and Collector 263-7018
Town Clerk's Office 263-2761
Building Inspector 263-7545
Cemetery Superintendent 263-2240 or 263-4428
Town Clerk's Office 263-2761
Dog Officer 263-4979
School Superintendent 263-9503
Town Clerk's Office 263-2761
Town Engineer's Office 263-7545
Fire Department 263-4366
Board of Health 263-4736
Town Engineer 263-7545
Librarian 263-2232
Selectmen-Town Manager 263-2761
Board of Health 263-4736
School Nurse, Junior High and High Schools 263-7738
Elementary Schools 263-4982
Town Nurse 263-4736
Fire Chief 263-4366
Fire Department 263-4366
Board of Health 263-4736
Carolyn T. Douglas School 263-2753
Julia L. McCarthy-Marion L. Towne School 263-4982
Florence A. Merriam School 263-2581
Paul P. Gates School 263-9162
Luther B. Conant School 263-7407
Acton-Boxborough Regional Junior High School . . . 263-7716
Acton-Boxborough Regional High School 263-7738
Veterans' Agent 263-4757
Water District (not part of Town of Acton) 263-5646
Welfare Board (Office in Concord) 369-1290
Zoning Enforcement Officer 263-7545
Wire Inspector 263-5555
Office - Forest Road 263-4736
MEETINGS
DAY & TIME
PLACE
inual Town Election
Annual Town Meeting
Appeals Board
Assessors
Building Committee
iservation Commission
Finance Committee
Health Board
Industrial Development Commission
Library Trustees
Planning Board
Recreation Commission
School Committee:
Regional
Local
•etmen
1st Monday in March
2nd Monday in March
2nd Mon. ea. month or when necessary
1st Tuesday ea. month, 7-8:30 p.m.
1st and 3rd Wed. ea. month, 7:30 p.m.
1st and 3rd Wed. ea. month, 8:00 p.m.
Oct. thru Feb., Thurs. at 8:00 p.m.
Rest of year, Thurs. on call
1st and 3rd Tues. ea. month, 7:30 p.m.
1st Wed. ea. month, 8:00 p.m.
1st Thurs. ea. month, 7:45 p.m.
2nd and 4th Mon. ea. month, 8:00 p. m.
2nd and 4th Tues. ea. month, 7:30 p. m.
2nd and 4th Mon. ea. month, 7:30 p. m.
3rd Mon. ea. month, 7:30 p.m.
Every Tues. at 7:30 p.m.
Precinct Fire Stations
Elanchard Auditorium
Town Hall
Town Hall
Hearing Room at Forest Road
Center Fire Station
South Acton Fire Station
Hearing Room at Forest Road
Town Hall
Memorial Library
Hearing Room at Forest Road
Center Fire Station
Jr. High School Music Room
Jr. High School Music Koom
Town Hall
1972 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN OF ACTON
ACTON, MASSACHUSETTS
3'r'
->. •? ** ' ' .:.:
. ._-
I fa
HI
,*-w
3* ■ \^
AT YOUR SERVICE
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
POLICE 263-2911
FIRE 263-9191
AMBULANCE 263-2911
Be sure to give your name and address as well as the nature of your emergency clearly,
until you are sure your message has been understood.
Do not hang up
FOR ANSWERS ON:
Assessments
Bills and Accounts
Birth, Death, Marriage Certificates
Building
Cemeteries
Dog Licenses
Dog Problems
Education Information
Elections, Voting and Registration
Engineering
Finance
Fire (Routine and Permits)
Garbage and Refuse
Health and Sanitation
Highways and Streets
Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Library
Licenses
Mosquito Control
Nurses (School)
Nurses (School)
Nurses (Town)
Oil Burner Permits
Planning
Plumbing Permits
Public Works
Schools
263-2240
Selectmen
Snow Removal
Tax Collections
Veterans' Services
Water Problems
Welfare Questions
Wiring
Wiring Permits
Zoning
CALL THE:
Board of Assessors
Town Treasurer and Collector
Town Clerk's Office
Building Inspector
Cemetery Superintendent
Town Clerk's Office
Dog Officer
School Superintendent
Town Clerk's Office
Town Engineer's Office
Chairman of the Finance Committee
Fire Department
Board of Health
Board of Health
Town Engineer
Town Clerk's Office
Librarian
Selectmen-Town Manager
Board of Health
Board of Health
School Nurse, Junior High and High Schools
Elementary Schools
Town Nurse
Fire Chief
Chairman of the Planning Board
Board of Health
Office - Forest Road
Carolyn T. Douglas School
Julia L. McCarthy-Marion L. Towne School
Florence A. Merriam School
Paul P. Gates School
Luther B. Constat School
Acton- Boxborough Regional Junior High School
Acton-Boxborough Regional High School
Town Office
Highway Department
Treasurer and Collector
Veterans' Agent
Water District (Not part of the Town of Acton)
Welfare Board (Office in Concord)
Wire Inspector
Office - Forest Road
Zoning Enforcement Officer
TELEPHONE:
263-
263-
263-
263-
or 263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263'-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
369-
263-
263-
263-
2966
•7018
2761
7545
•4428
•2761
4979
9503
•2761
7545
•5510
4366
4736
■4736
7545
2761
2232
2761
4736
4736
7738
4982
4736
4366
•7545
4736
■4736
2753
4982
2581
9162
7407
7716
7738
2761
5332
7018
4757
5646
1290
5555
4736
7545
1972
ANNUAL REPORTS
TOWN of ACTON
MASSACHUSETTS
TWO HUNDRED AND THIRTY-SEVENTH
MUNICIPAL YEAR
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER THIRTY-FIRST
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
NATIONAL, STATE AND COUNTY OFFICIALS 1
ACTON: STURDY AND PROUD ! 3
ADMINISTRATION
BOARD OF SELECTMEN AND TOWN MANAGER 5
TOWN GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONAL CHART 8
TOWN OFFICIALS AND APPOINTMENTS 9
TOWN SERVICES
BUILDING COMMITTEE 19
BOARD OF APPEALS 21
CEMETERY COMMISSION 21
ELIZABETH WHITE FUND 22
GOODNOW FUND 23
HOUSING AUTHORITY 23
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT 24
LIBRARY REPORTS 26
PLANNING BOARD 28
RECREATION COMMITTEE 30
SEWERAGE STUDY 43
STREET LIGHT COMMITTEE 44
TOWN ENGINEER 44
TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE 46
TOWN GOVERNMENT WATER DISTRICT STUDY COMMITTEE 46
TREE WARDEN 49
YOUTH COMMISSION 49
PROTECTION OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY
ANIMAL INSPECTOR 53
BOARD OF HEALTH 53
BUILDING INSPECTOR 57
CIVIL DEFENSE 58
CONSERVATION COMMISSION 58
DOG OFFICER 59
INSECT PEST CONTROL 59
FIRE DEPARTMENT 60
POLICE DEPARTMENT 64
HOMEOWNER'S INVENTORY 67
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 6 9
VETERANS' AGENT 6 9
VETERANS' GRAVES 70
INSPECTOR OF WIRES 70
WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION 70
Page
OUR HERITAGE
ACTON HISTORICAL DISTRICT STUDY COMMISSION 71
ARCHIVES 71
HISTORICAL COMMISSION 72
1975 CELEBRATION COMMITTEE 73
THE OFFICE OF TOWN CLERK
BIRTHS 7 5
DOG LICENSES 79
ELECTIONS AND TOWN MEETINGS 80
JURY LIST 113
EDUCATIONAL REPORTS
ACTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS 116
ADULT EDUCATION 121
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS 123
DEPARTMENT OF FINE ARTS 123
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL 125
PUPIL PERSONNEL SERVICES 125
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 128
SCHOOL FINANCES 133
ORGANIZATION 138
CALENDAR 138
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT 139
VOCATIONAL REGIONAL SCHOOL 141
FINANCES
BOARD OF ASSESSORS 143
FINANCE COMMITTEE (See Warrant Supplement)
OFFICE OF THE TAX COLLECTOR 145
TOWN TREASURER 149
TOWN ACCOUNTANT 164
STREET DIRECTORY AND MAP 182
INDEX 186
Credits
Cover: Acton Town Hall pencil sketch by Mary P. Wootton, a Freshman at Acton- Boxborough
Regional High School.
Photos: Courtesy of Mr. G. B. Williams, Jr. and Patrolman Robert P. MacLeod, Acton Police
Department.
NATIONAL, STATE AND COUNTY OFFICIALS
President
RICHARD M. NIXON
Vice-President
SPIRO T. AGNEW
Governor
of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
FRANCIS W. SARGENT
Dover
Lieutenant Governor
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Treasurer and Receiver General
Auditor of the Commonwealth
Attorney General
Senators in Congress
Representative in Congress
3rd Congressional District
Councillor, 3rd Councillor District
Senator 5th Middlesex District
Representative in General Court
38th Middlesex Representative District
County Commissioners
Clerk of Courts, Middlesex County
Register of Deeds, Middlesex South District
County Treasurer
Register of Probate and Insolvency
District Attorney
County Sheriff
Donald R. Dwight, Wayland
John F. X. Davoren, Milford
Robert Q. Crane, Boston
Thaddeus Buczko, Salem
Robert H. Quinn, Dorchester
Edward W. Brooke, Boston
Edward M. Kennedy, Boston
Robert F. Drinan, Newton
George F. Cronin, Jr., Boston
James DeNormandie, Lincoln
Ann C. Gannett, Wayland
John F. Dever, Jr., Woburn
Frederick J. Connors, Somerville
John L. Danehy, Cambridge
Edward J. Sullivan, Cambridge
John F. Zamparelli, Medford
Thomas B. Brennan, Medford
John V. Harvey, Belmont
John J. Droney, Cambridge
John J. Buckley, Belmont
Effective, 1973
Representative in Congress
5th Congressional District
State Senator
5th Middlesex District
Representative in General Court
33rd Middlesex District
County Commissioners
Paul Cronin, Dover
Chester G. Atkins, Acton
John H. Loring, Acton
S. Lester Ralph, Somerville
Paul Tsongas, Lowell
John L. Danehy, Cambridge
CHARTER OF THE UNITED NATIONS
We, the peoples of the United Nations, determined to save
succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our
lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind, and to reaffirm faith
in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human
person, in the equal right of men and women and of nations large and
small. . .
And for these ends to practice tolerance and live together in
peace with one another as good neighbors. . .
Have resolved to combine our efforts to accomplish these
aims.
Preamble (June 1945)
based on the draft written by
Jans Christian Smuts 1870-1950
ACTON: STURDY AND PROUD!
"We, the people. . . " have again spoken. On November 7, 1972, by a process that has been in
practice for nearly 200 years, we elected county, state and federal officers. We do likewise for Acton;
by a process that has been in practice here for 237 years.
Do "we, the people" ever pause for a moment to be grateful for the goodly number of capable,
outstanding men who have carried the burden of governing Acton? The written records which they left
behind, attest not only to initiative, integrity, and a keen sense of civic responsibility but also show
that these men gave years of faithful service to both town and state government. Acton is indeed for-
tunate to have Town Meeting records that are not only well-preserved and legible but also quite com-
plete. The first records were from the church. They were written in longhand on sheets of paper -
sometimes three or four sheets fastened together - and posted in a conspicuous place. (Remarkable
that so many survived the years ! ) The first printing of the reports of the Selectmen and Overseers of
the Poor was attempted in one booklet in 1853. The first School Committee report was given orally in
1836. In 1837, it also was printed in booklet form; a custom which was followed until the early 1860's
when all annual reports were bound in one book.
The first Town Meeting, October 13, 1735, easily settled two of its four articles: one, to have
its land taxed, and two, to choose John Heald to petition the General Court for a tax rate and to vote
30 pounds for the first budget. However, articles three and four - to build their church and to decide
where "to pitch a place to set it on" - was a different matter! That took many meetings beset with
many opposing opinions and strong arguments before the church became a reality.
At this first Town Meeting, twenty town officers were chosen to manage town affairs. Their titles
sound strange and their services have long been forgotten. There were five Surveyors of Highways,
three Hogreeves, two Fence Viewers, one Surveyor of Hemp and Flax, two Constables, and one Tything-
man. Three Selectmen served as Assessors. The remaining three officers were the same as today -
Moderator, Clerk and Town Treasurer. The Officers and Committees listed in successive Town Reports
give a history of town services rendered as the town grew. Twelve Surveyors of Lumber and seven Sur-
veyors of Wood were added about 1880. Later, Surveyors of Hoops and Stayes, and Field Drivers, etc.,
were added. For many years, Town Meetings were held during the daytime upstairs in the Town Hall.
Dinner was served at noon by the women in the lower hall. Schools were closed and it was a day for
social enjoyment as well as for town business.
The following give an idea of the earliest problems. The form of expression is quaint.
1735-36 - To see if the town will build a bridge at or near John Shepard's and Jones sawmill
to accommodate Dr. Shepard. Voted to build.
1738 - Voted to keep the bridge over Law's Brook in repair.
1739-40 - To know whether ye town will insist on Mr. Faulkner opening his dam thirty
days in a year as the law directs where alewives and other fish pass in plenty.
1762 - To see if the town will accept the way from the great stump at the corner of the
iron work farm through the Rev. John Swift's farm to the meeting house.
The following brief statements of town proposals and events show progress in various areas:
1774 - Company of Minute Men formed under Isaac Davis.
First proposal for a poorhouse.
1780 - Voted to adjourn the meeting to the residence of Caroline Brooks because of
severe weather. (There was no heat in the church.)
1781 - First resident physician from without the town - Dr. Abraham Skinner.
1791 - Voted to build a workhouse to support the poor.
1802 - Voted NOT to permit hogs to run at large.
1828 - First town Post Office - Silas Jones is the first Postmaster.
1842 - Voted to supply heat and light for town affairs only.
1859 - Purchase of the church for town meetings and armory.
1862 - Great fire at Acton Center.
1863 - Present Town Hall, with armory facilities, erected.
1866 - Town bought a new hearse.
1882 - Voted to provide pails, ladders, fire hooks for each of the five villages and pay
half the expense for buying hand pumps for any citizen wanting one.
1884 - First recognition of street lighting problem. . . .lamplighters.
1889 - Voted to discontinue use of oxen on road work.
1890 - Voted to accept the Public Library given by William A. Wilde, a native of Acton,
born in South Acton.
1894 - Town laid out in three precincts.
1895 - First interest in Nagog Pond for a water supply.
1901 - Voted more fire protection.
First tree warden appointed.
First Board of Health appointed.
1902 - Alvin Lothrop gave the town a stone crusher.
1903 - Voted $100 for a Peace Celebration, April 19th.
1905 - Voted to instruct the Selectmen to enforce the State Law relative to the speed of
automobiles.
1907 - Electricity put in the Town Hall and Acton Memorial Library.
1910 - Town accepted the Chapel in Mt. Hope Cemetery, erected by George C. Wright of
West Acton.
1917 - Voted that a committee of five be chosen to consider the matter of military pre-
paredness.
1919 - Voted unanimously that a committee of fifteen, five from each precinct, be chosen
to make arrangements for "a welcome home" to all from this town who served in
the "Great War".
1934 - Voted that the Selectmen and six others be appointed by the Moderator as the com-
mittee to make arrangements for observance of the 200th anniversary of the incor-
poration of the town, in July.
The 1934 vote resulted in an enthusiastic three day celebration on the Town's birthday in 1935.
Leading newspapers began their publicity with. . . . "The little town of Acton, almost forgotten but sturdy
and proud;" "Little Acton, the peaceful, pleasant Middlesex County Town that looms so large in Ameri-
can history." One newspaper even referred to the. . . . "sleepy little town of Acton."
Acton has since progressed into the 37th year of its next one hundred. It is neither "little" nor
"sleepy". It is a large town which is very much alive with the problems of keeping up with the needs
and activities of its fast-growing population. Let "we the people" remember to keep Acton "stury and
proud" - a fitting tribute to the years of dedication each generation contributes to the welfare of our
town.
Miss Florence A. Merriam
BOARD OF SELECTMEN AND TOWN MANAGER
Paul R. Nyquist, Chairman Robert W. Dotson, Town Manager
Paul H. Lesure Stephen G. Lewis Paul R. Nyquist William C. Sawyer Alfred F. Steinhauer
Robert W. Dotson
On April 11, 1972 the Board of Selectmen reorganized, welcoming Stephen G. Lewis as its newest
member. The Board elected Paul R. Nyquist, Chairman; Alfred F. Steinhauer, Vice-Chairman; Stephen
G. Lewis, Clerk. The two additional members are Paul H. Lesure and William C. Sawyer. The Board's
first action was the reappointment of Robert W. Dotson to his second three -year term as Town Manager.
The 1972 Annual Town meeting reflected increased voter interest in municipal affairs. The busi-
ness sessions which initially convened on March 13, 1972 were finally adjourned with the seventh session
on April 5, 1972. Record attendance of close to 1300 voters required the use of both the Blanchard Audi-
torium and the auditorium of the Regional High School during the early sessions. Moderator John W.
Tierney arranged for a professional sound system service to be used at all sessions of Town Meeting;
the service has proven invaluable during 1972.
Among the many issues considered, the Annual Town Meeting authorized funds for nine additional
firefighters to provide for around-the-clock coverage at all three fire stations, rejected proposal to
fund a kindergarten program in September 1972, authorized funding of a Summer Youth Employment Pro-
gram sponsored by the Youth Commission, adopted a definitive sign bylaw for better control of signs and
advertising devices in the Town and authorized the formation of the Town Government-Water District
Committee to devise a plan for the closer coordination of the Acton Water District and the Government
of the Town of Acton and to submit such plan, together with appropriate organizational and financial
studies and drafts of any required Warrant articles, to the Board of Selectmen and the Water Commis-
sioners prior to December 15, 1972.
The rapid growth of the Town continued during 1972 with an increase in the construction of business
establishments, apartments and condominium units. Three large shopping centers were opened, a fourth
containing two motion picture theatres is presently under construction, a condominium complex contain-
ing approximately 500 units continues under construction on Route 2A across from Nagog Pond and a
large apartment development is being constructed on the site of the former Bellows Farms on Route 2A.
A trend toward construction of private recreational facilities also has evidenced itself. Private
enterprise completed an indoor tennis facility in North Acton, approval was given for the construction
of an ice skating rink on Powdermill Road in South .Acton and plans are now under consideration for a
privately owned public golf course to he constructed on Route 2A in East Acton.
One of the major concerns of Town officials is that of solid waste disposal. The existing sanitary
landfill site located on Route 2 is filling rapidly and it is estimated that the life of the landfill site will
end duririg the latter half of 1973. The Selectmen, Planning Board, Solid Waste Disposal Committee,
Town Building-Land Acquisition Committee and other Town officials have been working throughout the
year on the acquisition of a new landfill site which would be suitable. Several sites are under consider-
ation at the time of this writing and it is hoped that a recommendation for the acquisition of a new site
will be presented to the Town at a special town meeting in early 1973.
The problems related to the reconstruction of Route 2 continued throughout the year. Numerous
meetings were held between officials of the Massachusetts Department of Public Works and the Board of
Selectmen. The opening of a large shopping center at the intersection of Route 2 and Piper Road com-
pounded the traffic problems. During the year several accidents occurred at the Route 2 intersections
at Weatherbee Street-School Street, Hosmer Street and Piper Road-Taylor Road resulting in 3 deaths
and 11 injuries. The Board of Selectmen has urged the Massachusetts Department of Public Works to
take all steps necessary to proceed on the reconstruction of Route 2 and to provide traffic safety devices'
immediately. The Department has initiated action to rectify, on a permanent basis, the hazardous traf-
fic situation which exists on Route 2 at Piper Road. The project was halted with the winter weather con-
ditions.
Plans for the reconstruction of Route 111 (Massachusetts Avenue) were under discussion through-
out the year. The proposal of the Massachusetts Department of Public Works for reconstruction of the
road from its present width of 24 feet to that of 44 feet met strong opposition by residents. The Boards
of Selectmen in Acton and Boxborough have appointed a committee to investigate the possibilities of
alternative proposals. The Acton Board of Selectmen believes that reconstruction of Route 111 is neces-
sary, however, a width of 44 feet appears excessive and the Board suspects that should the road be so
widened heavy trucking traffic would tend to funnel from Route 495 onto Route 111 on its way to Concord
and Boston. As a temporary measure, the Massachusetts Department of Public Works repaved the road
surface in November. Agreement on the width of the road is presently under discussion.
Due to litigation which was brought against the Massachusetts Department of Civil Service relative
to alleged discriminatory practices in Civil Service testing for police examinations, the Town Manager
has been unable to hire the three additional full-time permanent patrolmen authorized at the 1972 Annual
Town Meeting. The United States Court of Appeals has recently ruled on the case and a revised exam-
ination has been held; the Manager expects to be able to appoint the additional men as soon as the Massa-
chusetts Department of Civil Service has issued an eligible list of those who have taken the examination.
The need for a larger police force has become increasingly evident with the rapid increase in the Town's
population.
The workload of the Personnel Board increased considerably during 1972. Aside from routine
matters associated with revaluation of job positions, the Personnel Board negotiated three union con-
tracts within the "wage-price" guidelines of the Federal Government. In connection with personnel mat-
ters and collective bargaining, the Board of Selectmen strongly opposed State legislative bills which
would have mandated cities and towns to implement certain personnel practices or pay scales. A bind-
ing arbitration bill was eventually vetoed by the Governor, however, a State statute which effectively
sets the salary of Fire and Police Chiefs was passed. The Board of Selectmen continues to oppose legis-
lation of this nature which completely negates the "home rule" concept.
A thorough inventory of capital equipment for all Town departments exclusive of Schools was com-
pleted in November for planning and insurance purposes. It is anticipated that the inventory will prove
quite valuable in programming future capital outlay expenditures.
At the time of this writing Town officials are preparing an eighteen month budget to cover a period
commencing on January 1, 1973 and ending on June 30, 1974. The eighteen month budget is being pre-
pared in accordance with the requirements of the "Fiscal Year" law which takes effect on January 1,
1973. In effect the "Fiscal Year" law will change the existing fiscal year cycle from the January 1-
December 31 calendar year to a July 1-June 30 fiscal year. Taxpayers will receive two tax bills during
the eighteen month period; one bill for a twelve month period shall be due and payable on November 1,
1973, and one bill for a six month period shall be due and payable on May 1, 1974. The Board believes
that the implementation of this bill may confuse the fiscal operation of the Town and. has consisiently
opposed it.
In 1972 the Massachusetts Legislature passed a'bill which will require all municipalities to con-
form to a State-wide building code by 1975. The proposed State code will standardize and improve the
quality of construction throughout the Commonwealth. The Board believes that the State code will prove
extremely beneficial to all Massachusetts communities.
The Selectmen held several hearings during the latter half of 1972 on petition of business, com-
mercial and industrial firms for installation of aboveground propane tanks at newly constructed buildings.
A shortage of natural gas has required the Boston Gas Cdmpany to limit new installations to residential
development only. Officials of the Boston Gas Company believe that normal service will be resumed by
the end of 1973.
During 1972 numerous Town officials retired or resigned from public office. Most notable were
the resignations of Dewey Boatman from the Board of Assessors, Edward J. Collins, Jr. as Chief of
Police, Anthony L. Galeota, Jr. as Town Engineer, Kenneth E. Jewell as Building Inspector, Bradford
S. Leach as Director of Public Health, James B. Wilson as Registrar of Voters and Herbert P. Wilkins
as Town Counsel. Most of those who left Town office had served the Town for many years and both the
Board of Selectmen and the Town Manager wish to take this opportunity to express their gratitude for
the many years of dedicated service which these officials have given to the Town. Although the resigna-
tion of Town Counsel Herbert P. Wilkins was accepted with regret, we are pleased to congratulate Mr.
Wilkins on his appointment to the Supreme Court of the Commonwealth.
The November State Elections placed two Acton residents in State office. Chester G. Atkins, our
present representative in the House of Representatives was elected State Senator for the 5th Middlesex
District and John H. Loring, former member of the Board of Selectmen and present Chairman of the
Board of Assessors, was elected Representative for the 33rd Middlesex District.
We would finally note with sorrow the passing of our friend and associate, Porter G. Jenks,
former member of the Finance Committee, the School Building Committee and the Town Administration
Study Committee.. Porter Jenks' knowledge and expertise proved invaluable in assisting Town officials
over the years.
*********************
Acton Fire Department
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TOWN OFFICIALS AND APPOINTMENTS
ELECTED TOWN OFFICERS
John W. Tierney
MODERATOR
SELECTMEN
Term
Expires
1973
Paul R. Nyquist
1973
Paul H. Lesure
1974
Alfred F. Steinhauer
1974
Stephen G. Lewis
1975
William C. Sawyer
1975
LOCAL AND REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEES
Edith D. Stowell
1973
Donald E. Westcott
1973
Robert W. Haeberle
1973
Robert Evans, Jr.
1974
James T. O'Rourke
1973
Robert B. Pilsbury
1974
Edgar B. Gravette
1975
Helen K. Ray
1975
TRUSTEES OF MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Mileva Brown
1973
Nancy K. Gerhardt
1974
Robert J. Brandon
1975
ACTON HOUSING AUTHORITY
Thomas J. Ahern, Jr.
1973
Patience H. MacPherson
1973
Julia D. Stevens
1975
Mary M. Laffin
1976
Kenneth C. Stowell
1977
TRUSTEES OF ELIZABETH WHITE FUND
Helen B. Allen
1973
Hazel P. Vose
1974
Eleanor P. Wilson
1975
TRUSTEES OF WEST ACTON FIREMEN'S RELIEF FUND
James B. Wilson
1973
Frederick A. Harris
1974
H. Stuart MacGregor
1975
TRUSTEES OF ACTON FIREMEN'S RELIEF FUND
Richard A. Lowden
1973
T. Frederick S. Kennedy
1974
John F. McLaughlin
1975
TRUSTEES OF GOODNOW FUND
Thelma L. Boatman
1973
James N. Gates
1974
Clark C. McElvein
1975
Resigned
^-Replacing
Appointed by Department of Community Affairs
10
Term
Expires
TRUSTEES OF THE CITIZENS LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
OF WEST ACTON
Barbara Nylander 1973
Betty L. Boothby 1974
-Joan N. Gardner 1975
"Evelyn W. Lapierre 1973
APPOINTMENTS MADE BY MODERATOR
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Griffith L. Resor 1973
Harold G. Marsh 1973
Ahti E. Autio 1973
Edward W. Berriman 1974
Theodore Jarvis 1974
**William L. Kingman 1974
Joan L. Gardner 1975
Arthur Schene 1975
Thomas E. Wetherbee 1975
*Robert W. Haeberle 1974
REGIONAL REFUSE PLANNING COMMITTEE
Wilfred A. Fordon 1973
*Paul F. Gibson 1974
*Frank B. Kaylor 1975
**Oscar Kress 1974
**Alan J. Waters 1975
MINUTEMAN REGIONAL VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL
SCHOOL DISTRICT
-"Marilyn Peterson 1974
**Charles E. Courtright 1974
APPOINTMENTS MADE BY SELECTMEN
ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON THE 1975 CELEBRATION
E. Wilson Bursaw 1973
Brewster Conant 1973
Col. Burton A. Davis 1973
Davis H. Donaldson 1973
Donald R. Gilberti 1973
Hay ward S. Houghton 1973
Roger M. Huebsch 1973
Susan F. Huebsch 1973
Mark A. Kahan 1973
T. Fredericks. Kennedy 1973
Margaret B. Kinzie 1973
Walter R. Laite 1973
MalcolmS. MacGregor 1973
Natacha F. MacGregor 1973
Richmond P. Miller, Jr. 1973
Charles A. Morehouse 1973
Linda A. Morris 1973
Marion E. H. Houghton 1973
Gilbert S. Osborn 1973
Palo A. Peirce 1973
Norman L. Roche 1973
11
Term
Expires
ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON THE 1975 CELEBRATION (cont'd.)
Raymond Spicer 1973
Mary S. Tierney 1973
Earle W. Tuttle 1973
ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Philip G. Watts 1973
ANCILLARY MANPOWER PLANNING BOARD
Raymond A. Shamel Standing Appointment
ARCHIVES COMMITTEE
Minetta D. Lee 1973
T. Frederick S. Kennedy 1974
Joyce C. Woodhead 1975
BOARD OF APPEALS
Edward G. Schwann 1973
Harold W. Flood 1974
John J. Bush 1975
Associate Members
Herman Vanderwart 1973
William B. Allred 1974
ELECTION OFFICERS
Precinct I
Warden Irene F. McLaughlin
Deputy Warden John F. McLaughlin
Clerk Barbara N. Mulvey
Deputy Clerk Violet Perry
Inspectors Barbara Nylander, Margaret Schene
Deputy Inspectors Theresa M. Carroll, Gail Roche
Tellers Frances L. Collins, Marion F. Driscoll
Lela Balcom, Frances Hirsch
Mona V. Melymuka, Nancy L. Miller
Precinct II
Warden Margaret Larsen
Deputy Warden Elsie T. Winslow
Clerk Bertha Carr Tucker
Deputy Clerk Irene Young
Inspectors Martha I. Lowden, Michael J. Walsh
Deputy Inspectors Hazel P. Vose, Helen M. Young
Tellers Ruth R. Phelps, Barbara V. Woodward
Charlotte E. Wetherbee, Joan E. Nelson
Jean Ann Dingee, Lorraine O. Condon
Precinct III
Warden Barbara J. McPhee
Deputy Warden Katherine E. Nedza
Clerk Phyllis K. Sprague
Deputy Clerk Mary H. Prentice
Inspectors Martin J. Duggan, Elsie M. Godfrey
Deputy Inspectors Genevieve L. Hatch, Elizabeth Charter
Tellers Minnie C. Veasie, Esther Perry
Anna G. Mahar, Lydia R. Lesure
Carl R. Godfrey, Marian J. Meigs
12
HISTORIC DISTRICT STUDY COMMITTEE
:<Robert W. Parks
Robert H. Nylander
Katherine B. Crafts
Norman R. Veenstra
Dorothea Harrison
PERSONNEL BOARD
Richard P. O'Brien
Henry M. Young
-Donald McNeish
Donald MacKenzie
Norman J. Magnussen
PLANNING BOARD
Eric D. Bradlee
George O. Gardner
John F. Pasieka
Edward A. Chambers
Robert H* Gerhardt
REGISTRAR OF VOTERS
David E. Driscoll
-James B. Wilson
Elizabeth A. Barbadoro
Term
Expires
1973
1974
1974
1975
1975
1973
1973
1974
1975
1975
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1973
1974
1975
SUBREGION INTERTOWN LIAISON COMMITTEE
Vincent H. Corbett
1973
Donald O. Nylander
Robert W. Dotson
TOWN ACCOUNTANT
TOWN MANAGER
1975
1975
TOWN GOVERNMENT - WATER DISTRICT COMMITTEE
Frederick H. Bubier (Nominee of Water District) 1973
Edward H. Berriman (Nominee of Selectmen) 1973
Dana B. Hinckley (Nominee of Petitioners) 1973
William A. Deutschman 1973
:=Daniel J. O'Connor 1973
*John C. Dalton 1973
APPOINTMENTS MADE BY TOWN MANAGER
REQUIRING APPROVAL OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
BOARD OF ASSESSORS
Richard W. Remmy
-Lorens A. A. Persson
John H. Loring
-Dewey E. Boatman
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Brewster Conant
Richard H. Murphy
-Ragner Gustafson
Robert J. Ellis
Chauncey W. Waldron, Jr.
Dorothy B. Stonecliffe
1973
1974
1975
1974
1973
1973
1973
1974
1974
1975
13
Term
Expires
CONSERVATION COMMISSION (cont'd.)
Peter P. Jorrens 1975
-Bianca M. Chambers 1973
HISTORICAL COMMISSION
Robert H. Nylander 1973
Stanley L. Smith 1973
Marian E. H. Houghton 1974
William Klauer 1975
Anita E. Dodson 1975
TOWN C LERK
Charles M. MacRae 1973
TOWN COUNSEL
*Acheson H. Callaghan, Jr. 1973
^Herbert P. Wilkins 1973
TOWN TREASURER & COLLECTOR
Wm. Henry Soar 1973
YOUTH COMMISSION
^Leonard S. Selman 1973
^Kathleen K. Barger 1973
Ann T. Evans 1974
Charles G. Kadison 1974
Bruce M. McCarthy 1974
Stephen R. Bing 1975
Alan B. Flood 1975
*Charles A. Schook 1973
* Ernest A. Keppel 1973
APPOINTMENTS MADE BY TOWN MANAGER
ASSISTANT ASSESSOR
Ralph E. Dodge 1973
BOARD OF HEALTH
Dr. John C. Rowse 1973
Donald R. Gilberti 1974
Edwin Richter 1975
BUILDING INSPECTOR
:;Don P. Johnson 1973
:=Kenneth E. Jewell 1973
CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
Howard F. Jones 1973
Charles F. Putnam 1974
Harlan E. Tuttle 1975
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING COMMITTEE
Richard P. O'Brien 1974
Henry M. Young 1974
Norman J. Magnussen 1974
14
Term
Expires
CONSTABLES
David J. Allen 1973
Frederick J. Hryniewich 1973
T. Fredericks. Kennedy 1973
Charles A. Morehouse ' 1973
Robert S. Rhodes 1973
CONSTABLE - SPECIAL - DEPUTY COLLECTOR
William F. Egar 1973
COUNCIL ON AGING
Vincent G. Gavin 1973
Patience H. MacPherson 1973
Josephs. Mercurio 1973
Vincent M. Polo 1973
Sylvia A. Remmy 1973
Norman L. Roche 1973
DEPUTY BUILDING INSPECTOR
**John T. Condon 1973
**David F. Abbt 1973
*H. Stuart MacGregor 1973
^Anthony L. Galeota, Jr.
DEPUTY CHIEF OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
Frederick A. Harris 1973
Richard A. Lowden 1973
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF CIVIL DEFENSE
Robert F. Guba 1973
DEPUTY FOREST WARDEN
Richard A. Lowden 1973
Frederick A. Harris 1973
DEPUTY INSPECTOR OF GAS PIPING & GAS APPLIANCES
Warren E. Bemis 1973
DEPUTY INSPECTOR OF WIRES
Lawrence I. Tucker 1973
DIRECTOR OF CIVIL DEFENSE
*Walter J. Johnson 1973
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Steven Calichman 1973
DOG OFFICER
Patrick Palmer 1973
FENCE VIEWER
David Abbt 1973
FIELD DRIVER
James Kazokas 1973
William J. Durkin, Jr. 1973
FIRE CHIEF
Thomas J. Barry, Jr. 1973
15
Edward Belmont
Donald Copeland
Charles Sweet
Hobart King
David Spinney
Malcolm Perkins
Wm. H. Soar, Jr.
Joseph Conquest
Timothy Blaisdel
William F. Murphy
Timothy Pattee
Paul Simeone
FIREMEN
(Standing Appointment)
Captains
Firefighters
Term
Expires
Clarence G. Frost
Malcolm MacGregor
Stephen Huntley
Milton Hart
Bernard Caouette
David Calkins
John Tobin
Robert C. Craig
William Klauer
David G. Nichols
Carl Robinson
Robert Wetherbee
Richard Gallant
Forrest Bean
Philip Hills, Jr.
Robert W. Reynolds,
Gordon Smart
George B. Williams, III
CALL FIREMEN
Lieutenant
Firefighters
Acton Center Station
Jr.
James D. Young
South Acton Station
John Bushek
Frederick L. Harris
Stewart Kennedy
Allen Nelson
Robert W. Puffer, III
Edward M. Bennett
Steven Foote
Francis Malson
Thomas J. Barry, Jr.
Alan J. Waters
West Acton Station
George Sloane
FOREST WARDEN
Carl Simeone
Ronald Calkins
Everett Putnam
Alan B. Davis
Richard Swenson
Wayne Decker
Charles Hillman
Richard Lowden
James Patton
Carl Simeone
Arthur Decker
Gordon Gravlin
Peter A. Robinson
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Mark Imbimbo
Edward W. Flannery
Stephen E. Lord
Josiah Kirby
Richard J. O'Neil
INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
Patrick Palmer
1973
1973
1975
1975
1977
1977
1973
16
INSPECTOR OF GAS PIPING & GAS APPLIANCES
Joseph G. Perry
Leslie F. Parke
Norman L. Roche
INSPECTOR OF WIRES
KEEPER OF THE LOCKUP
METROPOLITAN AREA PLANNING COUNCIL
William C. Sawyer
PERMANENT BUILDING COMMITTEE
Thomas J. Regan, Jr.
Edward L. Morrill
Donald M. Perkins
Wallace Everest
Eric L. Larson
POLICE DEPARTMENT
(Civil Service - Standing Appointments)
Term
Expires
1973
1973
1973
1973
1973
1973
1974
1975
1975
*Edward J. Collins, Jr.
Norman L. Roche
Chauncey R. Fenton, Jr
William J. Durkin, Jr.
William N. Hayes
George W. Robinson
John T. McNiff
Brian R. Goodman
Lawrence A. Dupont
Chief
Acting Police Chief
Sergeants
Robert S. Rhodes
Patrolmen
William D. Kendall, Jr.
T. Frederick S. Kennedy
James P. Conheeney
Oiva T. Kallio
Robert L. Parisi
Special Officers
Marjory J. Davis
Natacha MacGregor
Matron
Crossing Guard
Marian E. Quinn
David W. Scribner
Bernard W. Harrison
Joseph P. Sansone
Donald M. Bresnick
Robert P. MacLeod
David C. Flint
Edward R. Brooks
John V. Gregory
Robert P. Beaudoin
John E. MacLeod
Edmond Daigneault
Muriel B. Flannery
Mary E. Hynes
Edmund J. McNiff
Special Police Officer for Edwards Square
Cedric Thatcher
Speo.al Police Officer - Acton Schools Only
Robert Graham
17
Term
Expires
PUBLIC CEREMONIES & CELEBRATIONS COMMITTEE
Burton A. Davis 1973
Patricia McMillan 1973
Linda A. Morris 1973
Walter R. Laite 1974
Richmond P. Miller, Jr. 1974
David H. Donaldson 1975
Robert M. Huebsch 1975
Mary K. Donnelly 1975
PUBLIC WEIGHERS
William J. Durkin, Jr. 1973
Bernard W. Harrison 1973
Robert S. Rhodes 1973
George W. Robinson 1973
RECREATION COMMISSION
William P. Lynch 1973
Charles A. Morehouse 1973
"Warren Orcutt 1974
Thomas F. Burke 1975
Janet W. Murphy 1976
"Harrington Moore, Jr. 1974
SEALER OF WEIGHTS & MEASURES
George K. Hayward 1973
SEWERAGE STUDY COMMITTEE
Daniel J. Costello 1973
David A. Manalan 1973
STREET LIGHTING COMMITTEE
Booth D. Jackson
H. Stuart MacGregor
Leslie F. Parke
1973
1973
1973
SUPERINTENDENT OF CEMETERIES
T. Fredericks. Kennedy 1973
SUPERINTENDENT OF INSECT PEST CONTROL
Franklin H. Charter 1975
SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS
Allen H. Nelson
1973
TOWN BUILDING -
David Abbt
Roger M. Huebsch
Richmond P. Miller, Jr.
Joseph W. Stevens
"Paul D. Hamilton
LAND ACQUISITION COMMITTEE
1973
1973
1973
1973
1973
"John T. Condon
"Anthony L. Galeota
TOWN ENGINEER
1975
1975
TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
George E. Neagle
Emery D. Nelson
Franklin H. Charter
1973
1973
1973
18
Term
Expires
TOWN REPORT COMMITTEE
-Nancy Gay Browne 1973
:*Ann G. Hosmer 1974
Betsyan Newton 1975
-John Gourgas 1974
TREE WARDEN
Franklin H. Charter 1973
VETERANS' AGENT & DIRECTOR OF VETERANS' SERVICES
Norman L. Roche 1973
VETERANS' BURIAL AGENT
Norman L. Roche 1973
VETERANS' GRAVES OFFICER
T. Fredericks. Kennedy 1973
WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION AGENT
Theron A. Lowden 1973
-Resigned
-^Replacing
:-*Appointed by Department of Community Affairs
BUILDING COMMITTEE
Thomas J. Regan, Chairman
During the year 1972 the Acton Permanent Building Committee worked on the following projects:
1. Public Works Building : Final payment was made on all outstanding bills, the Contractors
retainage was released and several small items were added. There are no funds remaining of the
original appropriation of $275, 000.00 and the account is closed.
2. Luther
tractor,
planned
B. Conant School : Items still remain which have not been completed by the Con-
In early summer the school committee elected to install the kitchen essentially as originally
Plans and specifications were prepared and put out to bid and a contract awarded to the
low bidder. The total installed cost was slightly less than the amount of credit received in 1971.
The appropriated funds have been essentially used; an accounting of all expenditures is presented
below.
3. Repair Projects: During the year the Committee assisted in preparing plans and specifica-
tions and the awarding of contracts for replacement of the leeching field at the Senior High and for
roof reparis at the Merriam, Town, Senior High and Junior High Schools. A settlement was negotiated
whereby Johns Manville Company agreed to pay $12, 000 towards the repair of the Junior High School
roof.
4. Regional High School Addition: This project started in August 1971, is scheduled for com-
pletion by early summer. The academic building will be complete early in 1973 and the gymnasium-
swimming pool later in the spring. Bids for all equipment and furnishings are being taken on a
scheduled basis to allow installation after the general construction. At this time it does not appear
that there will be any problem in opening complete in September 1973. The appropriated funds
also appear to be sufficient to complete the project. The breakdown of budget items and expenditures
is given below.
During the year Robert Pilsbury and Donald Wescott were replaced as representatives from
the Regional School Committee by James O'Rourke. We were all saddened by the death of Porter
Jenks. No member of the Committee worked harder and gave more of himself to the town of Acton
than did Porter.
Luther B. Conant School
Appropriations Art. 41
Art. 1
Art. 19
Expenditures:
3-10-69
10-20-69
3-16-70
Total
$ 42,000.00
50, 000.00
183,000.00
$1, 922, 000.00
Architect - Earl R. Flansburgh & Assoc.
Clerk of the Works
Survey, borings, testing, printing & advertising
Construction contract - John Tocci & Sons
Equipment and furnishings
Kitchen - Jacob Licht, Inc.
Kitchen - Dawson Michaels & Assoc.
Kitchen equipment and furnishings
Outstanding bills:
John Tocci & Sons retainage
Architect - E. R. Flansburgh
Jacob Licht, Inc.
Outstanding purchase orders
Funds remaining:
Total
i 102,236.85
19,842.13
12, 990. 15
1,617, 769.75
105, 561.36
30, 870.00
750.00
6, 807.41
15, 164. 10
369.37
6, 625.00
1, 034.02
1, 979.86
$1, 922, 000.00
20
Regional High School Addition
Appropriations Art. 8 9-28-70
Art. 12 6-22-71
School operating funds
$ 200,000.00
4, 225, 000.00
20, 000.00
395,000.00
2, 000.00
$4, 842, 000.00
Expenditures :
Architect - Perley F. Gilbert, services
- Furnishings and equipment
Clerk of the works
Other Costs : Survey, borings, testing,
printing, etc.
Contractor :
M. Spinelli & Sons
Change Orders 1 thru 19
Revised Contract Total
Equipment and furnishings
Sub -total
Contingency
Remarks: $251, 445 Under Contract
Change Orders
Totals
1.
Le'dge 143 c.y.
$ 2,
831.
40
2.
Blacktop walk
1,
612.
50
3.
Ledge 14 c.y.
277.
20
4.
Boulders 192 c.y.
3,
439.
66
5.
Ledge (trench) 147 c.y.
4,
204,
20
6.
Boulders 20 c. y.
199.
70
7.
Tree stumps
2,
500.
00
8.
Exhaust - Room 214
1,
343.
97
9.
Ledge 1221 c.y.
24,
175.
80
10.
Piping - Laundry Room
534.
09
11.
Additional Ceramic Tile
279.
50
12.
Additional Resilient Tile
456.
88
13.
Electrical conduit
412.
16
14.
Change Bus Duct
-4,
000.
00
15.
Plumbing-Teachers Dining
1,
087.
52
16.
Gas Connections
1,
048.
79
17.
Plumbing-Swimming Pool
-581.
44
18.
Neutralizing Tank
2,
701.
88
19.
Duct Insulation
1,
733.
44
221, 539.89
9, 674.81
22, 642.62
10, 790.27
$2,471, 288.76
$2, 735, 936.35
Total
*Not accepted as of 12-31-72
$44, 257.25
232, 000.00
38,000.00
25, 000.00
13, 000.00
$3, 941, 689.00
44, 257.25
3, 985, 956.25
480, 000.00
$4, 773, 946.25
68,053.75
$4, 842, 000.00
Equipment and Furnishings
Metal Cabinets
Grade-Aid Mfg. Co. $ 99,719.00
Stage rigging & draperies
Capron Lighting Co. 18, 983. 00
Steel Lockers
Lyon Metal Products 13, 964. 00
Gymnasium Seating
Hussey Products Co. 21, 000. 00
Lecture Room Seating
Henry S. Walkins Co. 4,400.00
Auditorium Seating
American Seating Co. 40, 296. 00
Science Lab. Equipment
Nil 12,202.00
Hampden 5, 270. 00
Kitchen Equipment
United Restaurant Equip. 9, 800. 00
Gym Equipment
Hampden 3, 133. 00
Modernfold 6,826.00
Porter Equipment Co. 15, 852. 00
Total $251,445.00
Building Committee
Wallace Everest
Eric Larson
Edward Morrill
Donald Perkins
Regional School Building Committee
Reginald Brown
Raymond Grey
John Lyons
H. G. Marsh
James O'Rourke
Walter Shaffer
21
BOARD OF APPEALS
John J. Bush, Jr., Chairman
H. W. Flood, Clerk Edward G. Schwarm
The Acton Board of Appeals held 22 Public Hearings during the year 1972 on the following matters:
Petitions for earth removal: Granted 1.
Petitions for specific uses and exceptions: Granted 2; Denied 2.
Variances from requirements of the Protective Zoning Bylaw: Granted 6;
Denied 3; Withdrawn 1.
Flood Plain Zoning: Granted 3; Denied 1.
Petition for comprehensive permit: Denied 1.
Petition for review of Selectmen's decision: Pending 1.
CEMETERY COMMISSION
T. Frederick S. Kennedy, Superintendent
MOUNT HOPE CEMETERY
During the past year we have continued the project of removing corner posts in, the lower part of
the older section of the cemetery as well as removing several built up lots and the curbing around them.
Several old marble monuments were repaired and reset. Several of the larger monuments had to be
straightened and cleaned, the expense for this work was covered by specific funds.
In the fall the Engineering Department laid out a new section into lots, and also made some very
good suggestions for future expansion. Also, this fall a large amount of fill was hauled in and leveled
off to make another single grave section, and in the spring it will be loamed over and seeded.
It was necessary to remove several large trees, which were dangerous to the surrounding
monuments and this coming year several other large pine trees will have to be taken down.
The Commissioners have been working on plans for making further improvements in this
cemetery this coming year.
WOOD LAWN CEMETERY
It was necessary in this cemetery, to remove three very large pines and two large maple trees,
that were dying. The stumps were ground out by a stump machine. Also a number of large oak trees
were pruned. A retaining wall of field stone a hundred foot long was laid along the side of a steep
embankment, to improve the appearance of this part of the cemetery. The expense of the above work
was covered by cemetery funds.
In the fall the large hill of sand was leveled off and in the spring the pile of loam will be spread
over this area and then seeded. When the roads are laid out by the Engineering Department, the pile
of gravel salvaged from the hill will be used to make the road beds ready for paving, in this section.
22
Plans have been made for the Superintendent to attend the New England Cemetery Association
Convention to be held in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and in the fall a seminar to be held at the New
England Center for Continuing Education at the University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire.
The cemetery personnel have attended several conventions and seminars on cemetery main-
tenance, as well as a cemetery equipment show held at the Newton Cemetery in the fall.
In November the Superintendent attended a seminar, which dealt with some of the following subjects.
The effects of an eighteen month budget, labor contracts, federal and state laws, concerning municipal
cemeteries. Also improving the cemetery's public image, care of trees and shrubs, reclaiming waste
land, preventive maintenance of light equipment.
Due to the increased interest in stone rubbing of old slate monuments in the Revolutionary section
in Woodlawn Cemetery, the Commissioners have made a ruling that any person that desires to do rubb-
ings, obtain a permit at the cemetery office. This action was taken due to the fact that in several
instances, persons not using the proper material, left marks and scratches on the slate monuments which
were very difficult to remove.
The Cemetery Board has submitted two articles in the annual Town Warrant: one requesting funds
for development of a master plan for each cemetery which would enable us to better understand future
needs and the cost; and the other for money to replace a 1961 International Truck which has seen a lot of
use and needs to be replaced.
The department wishes to express its thanks to the Engineering Department, the Highway Depart-
ment, as well as all others that assisted us during the year.
Harlan E. Tuttle )
Howard F. Jones ) Cemetery Commissioners
Charles F. Putnam)
ELIZABETH WHITE FUND
Hazel P. Vose, Trustee Eleanor P. Wilson, Trustee
Helen B. Allen, Trustee
The Trustees of the Elizabeth White Fund have met several times during 1972 to discuss referrals
and to sign requisitions to the Town Treasurer totaling $1,000.00.
We are happy to report the acceptance of Helen B. Allen to serve on the Board replacing Helen B.
Wood who passed away in April of 1971.
(Note of Interest: This fund, the 1923 legacy of George R. White, in memory of his mother Elizabeth,
is set up. . . "to aid the unfortunate of Acton." The principal has been invested and the Trustees use the
interest to aid. . . "widows, orphans or the elderly" or any case "in which the town is morally obligated."
Cases can be referred to the Trustees by the Public Health Office, a clergyman, a physician or even a
concerned neighbor. In 1972, fifteen Acton residents received aid from the Elizabeth White Fund.)
23
GOODNOW FUND
Thelma L. Boatman, Trustee
INVESTMENTS
Concord Cooperative Bank $3,000.00 $3,000.00
RECEIPTS
Concord Cooperative Bank $ 165.68 $ 165.68
EXPENDITURES
Treasurer of the Acton Congregational Church $ 145.68 $ 145.68
Town of Acton for the perpetual care of the
Goodnow Lot in Woodlawn Cemetery $ 20. 00 $ 20. 00
$~ 165.68
Clark C. McElvein
James N. Gates
HOUSING AUTHORITY
Thomas J. Ahern, Jr., Chairman
This year the Legislature finally made funding credit available for low-income housing for the
elderly in Acton. Accordingly our focus of attention has been on completing site development plans
in connection with a 5. 5 acre site near Elm Court, selected by us and approved by the Department
of Community Affairs of the Commonwealth. Upon our Application and with the approval of the Town
Meeting, the scope of the project was increased from 48 to 68 units.
After our engineers and architects had completed the necessary site and design plans, we
filed an application for Comprehensive Permit with the Acton Board of Appeals. Prior to the public
hearings before the Board, numerous meetings were held with the Town Board and officials affected
by the Application. The Application was formally presented to the Board of Appeals in public hear-
ings which occurred in June and July. In September the Board of Appeals disapproved the Application
and after consulting with counsel, the Housing Authority appealed the decision to the Housing Appeals
Committee. Evidentiary hearings have been completed and a decision is expected from the Housing
Appeals Committee early in 1973.
Limited funding was made available this year to the Housing Authority through the State Rental
Assistance Program. After screening applicants and negotiating with landlords, a lease was executed
and the funds committed to aid a qualified family.
Joint meetings have been held with the Council on Aging to explore areas of mutual concern and
particularly the creation of a shuttle service for the elderly of the Town.
We look forward to 1973 with the hope that our appeal will have an early and favorable termina-
tion so that we can proceed to make housing for the elderly a reality in Acton.
Julia D. Stevens, Vice Chairman
Mary Laffin, Secretary
Kenneth C. Stowell, Treasurer
Patience MacPherson
24
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
Allen H. Nelson, Superintendent
I herewith submit the annual report of the Highway Department for the year 1972, categorized
as follows :
General Highway: During the spring, the sidewalks were swept, lawn damages were loamed
and seeded, and the road sides were swept free of the winters sand.
The Town Common and other grounds were raked and fertilized.
Hayward Road, at the intersection of Arlington Street, was completed with the installation
of a large culvert. A drainage system was installed and a portion of the street was relocated,
graveled, hot-topped, and then the slopes were loamed and seeded.
A walk-way was installed between the Acton- Boxborough Regional High School and Capt.
Brown's Lane. This was made with a gravel base and covered with stone dust.
On Hayward Road a sidewalk was placed. Some trees had to be removed, but the majority
of them were left. Berm had to be placed where the walk was next to the road surface. Three
culverts were extended. Some guardrail had to be removed and the slopes widened and rip -rapped.
Then a guardrail was installed and painted. Driveways were regraded and the slopes and lawns
were loamed and seeded. The island at Hayward Road and Main Street will be loamed and seeded
come spring.
Most berms were replaced where the snow plows had damaged them. New berm was added
along Concord Road in front of the cemetery chapel.
Chapter 81 -Maintenance: The summer months brought us into our oiling and hot-topping.
All of the following streets were scraped, patched, swept and then resurfaced with oil and stone:
Arlington Street Martin Street
Billings Street Maple Street
Bulette Road Liberty Street
Central Street Nash Road
Charter Road Nashoba Road
Downey Road Norte Dame Road
Duggan Road Robbins Street
Esterbrook Road Smart Road
Haynes Court Stow Road
Homestead Road Strawberry Hill Road
Lillian Road Taylor Road
Littlefield Road Townsend Road
Marion Road Willow Street
Hot-top of 1 1/2" was placed on 6, 200 feet of Parker Street and 3, 600 feet of High Street in
conjunction with the Water District and the Boston Edison Company.
On all the streets that were sealed, the excess stone was swept up.
Pope Road from Strawberry Hill Road to Braebrook Road - a distance of 4, 900 feet - had a
cold machine mix of stone placed on it, which will be sealed in 1973.
Signs and Lines: All center lines were repainted and parking lots striped. Center lines were
added to Willow Street this year. The crosswalks were also painted green on the streets.
The guard-rail on High Street and Route 62 was scraped and painted with the help of the Neighbor-
hood, Youth Corps.
A section of Hosmer Street had a steel beam guard-rail installed. Also, a section of Parker
Street, had a wood beam guard-rail placed there.
25
Chapter 9Q -Maintenance: A section of North Main Street, from Newtown Road to the Water
District Pumping Station (a distance of 4, 600 feet), received a good leveling coarse and a top course
of 1 1/2" of Type I bituminous concrete. This was accomplished with the assistance of the Water
District and the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company. There is a small portion left
from the pumping station to Route #2A, which will be done in 1973.
Drainage: A drainage system was installed on a portion of High Street between Parker Street
and 201 High Street. The drainage system was improved at the intersection of Arlington and Summer
Streets. A structure and additional pipe was. placed on a small portion of Nashoba Road.
A catch basin and pipe was installed at the intersection of Hayward and Charter Roads. On
Evergreen Road a sub-drain was installed; as were catch basins and sub-drains at the intersection
of Concord and Nagog Hill Roads.
During the spring, 1, 300 catch basins and drop inlets were cleaned.
Sanitary Land Fill: This is an area that is growing by leaps and bounds. More re-cycling
is being done. Glass, iron, tires, paper and plastics are welcome at the sight. Under the watchful
eye of "Westy", the land fill area is kept in top shape.
New Equipment: Through the annual Town Meeting, our department received a much needed
bulldozer for the land fill sight, which is working out well. A new 5 ton dump truck was ordered,
but has not been delivered as yet.
We have received one of our two new sand spreaders, which works fine and is much needed.
One new snow plow, a power reverse type, is working very well.
A new base station, which replaced the old antique one, and two remote radios are being used
constantly.
Our salt blender is not operating as yet, but will be in mid-January of 1973. This will show a
great reduction in the amount of salt used with the sand.
Snow: Snow markers were placed around town in the curbed areas that give us problems.
Snow fence was put up on Central Street, Piper Road, Summer Street, North Main Street, School
Street and Wetherbee Street.
Salt and sand is available to all townspeople at the rear of our facility.
I want to thank our two mechanics, Pete and Jimmy, for holding together our antique equipment.
Also, thanks to the rest of the men for their long and devoted hours. My thanks to our secretary,
Mrs. Helen Mudgett, for keeping the books and reports, and to all other departments who helped us
through the year.
26
LIBRARY REPORTS
ACTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Brewster Conant, Chairman
A
. •** *
j*,.
iif
tJ
Mrs. Marion Armstrong
This annual report is dedicated to Mrs. Marion Armstrong, who
is retiring December 31, 1972 after nearly thirteen years of service
to the Acton Memorial Library. Mrs. Armstrong has been Acting
Library Director for the past year. The Trustees which to thank her
for her loyal, effective, and pleasant association over the years, and
hope that they will see her many times again in the future.
Welcomed to the staff this year were Mrs. Janet Smith, Assist-
and Library Director, Mr. Thomas N. Jewell, Reference Librarian,
and Mrs. Winnie Woo, Cataloger. Mrs. Francis Moretti has been
appointed Assistant Reference Librarian, and Miss Debra McMullen
has been appointed Assistant Children's Librarian. Also, a welcome
back to Mrs. Wanda Null, our Library Director, after a year's leave
of absence.
Your Library could never function as it does without the volun-
tary help of many in the community in addition to the fine staff. Again
this year, sincere thanks to the Friends of the Acton Libraries for
giving freely of their time and finances. The Friends have sponsored
story hours given weekly for four and five -year -olds. A much needed
vacuum sweeper was purchased in part from proceeds from the annual
Book Fair held by the Friends, April 14th and 15th. Appreciation is
due the Acton Garden Club for maintaining the fine iris bed at the building entrance, adding a cotoneaster
further enhancing the planting, and providing weekly flower arrangements and Christmas decorations.
Thanks also to the Boy Scouts, who have helped to keep the grounds presentable.
Changes to the building and grounds this year have not been extensive. Special mention should be
made, however, of great progress in construction of a much needed storage room in the attic, thanks
to the diligent effort of our Custodian, Bob Trafton. Better outside lighting has been installed. With
the assistance of the Public Ceremonies and Celebrations Committee, the memorial plaques have been
cleaned and refinished. A new card catalog section and a new borrower's file have been added in the
main Library. The League of Women Voters has deposited and will maintain a file of current Acton
Elementary and High School information.
The problems of loitering and vandalism have abated. The Trustees wish to thank the Selectmen
and Police Department for their assistance in controlling these problems.
Functions this year at the Library include continuous art displays under the auspices of the Friends
of the Acton Libraries, a concert given December 17th by students of the Acton- Boxborough Regional
High School under the direction of Mr. Henry Wegiel, and the Mitten Tree displayed at Christmas time
by the Campfire Girls.
Two new members were elected to the Board of Trustees in 1972. Welcomed are Mrs. Nancy
Gerhardt and Mr. Robert Brandon. Mr. James Parker was elected a Corporate Trustee.
Circulation:
Fiction
55, 526
Non -fiction
51, 240
Juvenile
42, 813
Records
5, 737
Prints
206
Total
Annual Library Statistics - 1972
Income:
155, 522
Fines
Miscellaneous
Total
$5, 703. 93
640.79
$6, 344. 72
27
Books: Adult fiction added to collection 522
Adult non-fiction added to collection 1,413
Gifts added to collection 92
Total added to adult collection 2,027
Total discarded from adult collection 106
Juvenile fiction added to collection
Juvenile non-fiction added to collection
Gifts added to collection
Total added to Juvenile collection
Total discarded from Juvenile collection
Books in Library January 1, 1972
Books added to collection during 1972
Books withdrawn from collection during 1972
Books in Library as of January 1, 1973
Inter-library loan requests - 628
35, 896
2, 509
141
38, 264
Board of Trustees
206
259
17
482
35
Robert Brandon
Mileva P. Brown
Nancy Gerhardt
Hayward S. Houghton
Florence A. Merriam
James L. Parker
Margaret Richter
Raymond A. Shamel
CITIZENS LIBRARY ASSOCIATION OF WEST ACTON
Thelma C. Hermes, Librarian
During the year, Mrs. Joan Gardner resigned from the Board of Trustees upon her appointment
to the Finance Committee. Sincere thanks are extended for her effective and able service as
Secretary for several years. Mrs. Evelyn Lapierre was elected to serve the remainder of her term.
Circulation of books and records continued to rise. Much credit must be given to the Friends
of the Acton Libraries for the gift of many new books and to the visits of the Eastern Massachusetts
Regional Bookmobile which enabled the Library to offer many additional fine books and recordings.
The Board has many plans for the improvement of the property and facilities and had new lighting
fixtures installed in 197 2.
Without the volunteer services of many patrons, the Library could not be open as many hours.
The Friends of the Acton Libraries continued their support at annual Fair time with contributions
and volunteer help. Thanks are also due the Acton Garden Club, who provided a handsome Christmas
wreath, the Trustees and their families for loyal, unpaid services, and many townspeople for
contributing books and periodicals throughout the fiscal year.
Board of Trustees:
Library Hours:
Accession:
Circulation in 1972:
Mrs. Betty Boothby, Chairman; Mrs. Barbara Nylander, Mrs. Jean
Gardner, and Mrs. Evelyn Lapierre, Secretary
Monday, 7-9 P.M., Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 1Q-5 P.M.
Number of volumes in the Library, January 1, 1972
Increase by purchase
Increase by gift
Withdrawn
Number of volumes in the Library, January 1, 1972
Records: 190 Books: 10,097
(Fiction - 3,437; Juvenile - 4,313; Non-fiction - 2,347)
Books borrowed from Bookmobile: 628; Circulation: 826
Records received from Bookmobile: 66; Circulation: 25
Records presented to Library: 98
Fines collected in 1972: $239.20
6, 857
141
218
284
6, 932
28
PLANNING BOARD
Robert H. Gerhardt, Chairman
The Planning Board's responsibilities and duties include zoning, minicipal planning and sub-
division control which are defined by state statute. In addition certain specific responsibilities and
duties are assigned under the Protective Zoning Bylaw adopted by the Town. In fulfillment of these
duites, the Planning Board has held 47 regular meetings and five public hearings, made numerous
inspections of subdivision roads and either attended or provided written comment to many Board
of Appeals and Hatch Act hearings.
Under Subdivision Control the Board approved one business and industrial subdivision and
disapproved preliminary plans for one residential and one industrial subdivision. A definitive plan
for a residential subdivision (Central Estates) was disapproved and a revised definitive plan is under
review at this time.
In addition to review of plans, the Board has inspected and recommended acceptance of the
following roads:
Vanderbelt Road in Chadwick Estates Subdivision
Washington Drive in Patriots Hill Section IV Subdivision
Minuteman Road extension in Deacon W.W. Davis Farm Subdivision
Highland Road in Colonial Acres Subdivision
These roads were accepted at the special town meeting of October 11, 1972.
In 1972 the Board also reviewed 23 site plans and provided comments to the Selectmen. This
work involved reviewing the plans for parking, drainage, lighting, etc., of new sites in business and
industrial zoned land. Special attention was given to the Bellow Farm 400 unit apartment complex
because of its potential impact on town roads and the water supply.
The Planning Board sponsored articles to ammend the Protective Zoning Bylaw to provide
further restrictions for trailers, to provide further definition of yard requirements, and to require
a special permit or exception from the Board of Appeals for a place of amusement or assembly
of more than 500 persons. These provisions were accepted by the Town at the Annual and Special Town
Meetings last year.
Under its responsibility for planning, the Board in cooperation with the League of Women Voters
undertook a town-wide survey of the townspeople's thoughts, opinions, and desires with respect
to current operations and future growth of the Town. The results were tabulated and printed in the
newspapers.
Some of the major conclusions are that many of the townspeople wish to retain the rural character
of the town and to slow its rapid development.
The present Protective Zoning Bylaws appear to be overly restrictive with respect to our village
centers. Most of the business within the West Acton Center are "non conforming" in that they do not
conform to the setback and off-street parking requirements. These businesses were established
prior to adoption of the zoning within the town and as a "non conforming use" can only be maintained
in their present state. They cannot be rebuilt or enlarged without conforming to present bylaws.
In 1971 the Planning Board undertook a study of the West Acton Village Center and in 1972 have pre-
pared changes to the zoning bylaw which will be proposed at the Annual Town Meeting in March. It
is hoped that these new laws will encourage development and redevelopment of small businesses
into a New England style village center meeting the needs of the surrounding community. The pro-
posed changes have been discussed with concerned residents, businessmen and the Selectmen.
The Board has engaged consultants from the Geological Department of Boston University to
perform a geological survey of the Town. The principal purpose of this survey is to determine areas
within the Town which exhibit geological characteristics such that there is a high probability of
29
bacteriological or chemical pollution of underground water. Chemical pollution may effect ground
water over a far wider range than bacterial pollution. Dissolved chemicals are generally unaffected
by passage through the soils while bacteria may be removed by the filtering action of some soils,
This may eventually cause pollution of our water supply. With this information we expect to develop
regulations which will restrict development of these areas while allowing normal development in
other areas.
At the request of the Selectmen our consultants have temporarily directed their efforts toward
finding suitable sites for a sanitary land fill. Several possible sites were considered. A number
of these sites were excluded from further consideration because they have already been developed
or were located poorly. Seismic studies to determine the geological characteristics of the two
remaining sites were conducted. Our recommendations were given to Selectmen and Refuse
Disposal Planning Committee. Ultimate selection of a site will depend on numerous other factors
such as capital and operating costs and are being studied by the Refuse Disposal Planning Committee.
During the year the Board appointed a Watershed Protection Subcommittee. The purpose of
this group is to work with the Planning Board to develop zoning bylaws which will provide protection
of the entire watershed area in addition to those areas subjected to periodic or seasonal flooding
now protected under Flood Plain Zoning.
Because of the work load presented under Subdivision Control Law and Site Plan review, the
Board is proposing to hire a full-time assistant. We are proposing that this assistant assume the
ministerial duties of the Planning Board. He would be responsible for reviewing and preparing
comments on a subdivision and site plans for approval by the Planning Board, researching zoning
practices in other towns, and preparing legislation for eventual adoption by the Town.
Planning Board members also attend several conferences sponsored by the Massachusetts
Association of Planning Board Members. These conferences primarily were concerned with the
potential impact of proposed state legislation changing the Zoning Enabling Act as well as how the
new Wetlands Protection Laws could be administered. The Planning Board met with the Conservation
Commission regarding their new responsibilities with respect to enforcing Wetland Protection Laws.
On May 1, 1972 the Board elected to reorganize and at that time Mr. Gerhardt was elected
Chairman; Mr. Bradlee, Vice -Chairman; and Mr. Gardner, Clerk. During 1972 Mr. Gerhardt
was also reappointed for another five-year term.
Mr. Bradlee, Vice -Chairman
Mr. Gardner, Clerk
30
RECREATION COMMISSION
Thomas F. Burke, Chairman
RECREATION MASTER PLAN
Synopsis
Recreational Areas
Existing (includes schools)
Proposed
Acton Recreation Commission
December 1972
A.
Introduction
It seems somewhat paradoxical that recreation in Acton has operated as a Town Department for
more than ten years without guidance from a long-range or "master" plan. Conceptually, at least, such
a plan would appear to be fundamentally no different from any other scheme one might devise for advanc-
ing from one point to another. Furthermore, almost no one disputes the notion that recreation should
play an important role in the development of any well-rounded community. Nevertheless, past Recrea-
tion Commissions have found the long-range planning task an exercise in frustration; moreover, a sur-
vey of similar communities in this area reveals that Acton's experience in this regard is not unique.
In retrospect, most efforts to produce a long-range plan appear to have failed, not for. lack of
method or enthusiasm, but for lack of consensus or agreement regarding what the plan should accom-
plish. Disagreement and, subsequently, frustration seem to derive from certain concepts which have
shaped public attitudes toward recreation in general.
(1) Recreation is highly individualized - in fact, apparent community enthusiasm for
recreation is really little more than a vast collection of enthusiasms for personal
preferences.
(2) Suburban locations tend to reinforce the notion that individual enthusiasms can be
freely pursued - almost without regard or sensitivity to the interests of others.
(3) By and large, therefore, individuals tend to approve of expenditures for their own
recreation interests - but not for those of others.
That these attitudes would conspire to defeat any community-wide recreation plan is self-evident. This
is not, however, to dismiss them as invalid. To the contrary, if these attitudes constitute the consen-
sus of the community regarding recreation, then it is the task of planners to devise programs and con-
truct facilities which conform to this mandate.
31
What is worth examining is the degree to which the community as a whole can afford to cherish
and exercise their strict interpretation. Consider, forexample, how workable these attitudes would be
if strictly interpreted and applied to recreation in the heart of a large metropolitan area; clearly, only
wealthy residents would be able to pursue their recreational interests. Progressive attitudes toward
recreation, then, are shaped by the community as a whole, specifically, its size and character. When-
ever these elements change, attitudes must be modified in proporation.
Acton is changing very rapidly from a small, rural farming community to a medium-sized, middle-
class residential suburb. The development of recreation in Acton, however, has not kept pace with this
rate of change - in fact, the status of recreational programs and facilities in the Town has not progress-
ed much beyond what it was ten years ago. One of the basic tenets of this plan, therefore, is that unless
the Town is willing to change the collective attitudes that have shaped its perspective on recreation in
the past, the community will, at some point in the not -too-distant future, find itself in the position of
having only a few high-cost alternatives from which to choose in meeting its recreational needs.
Fortunately, as this plan will show, Acton still has a variety of relatively low-cost alternatives
available to meet its present and projected recreational requirements. This plan synopsis is intended
to outline what these alternatives are, how they might be developed, what policies are suggested as
guidelines for this development effort and, finally, what recreation in Acton will look like if this plan is
carried out over the next five years.
B. Planning Guidelines
Ten or fifteen years ago, recreation objectives were relatively easy to articulate: recreation
meant "sports" in those days and planning was directed at providing suitable outlets for organized, team-
oriented activities such as baseball, basketball and football. A plan based exclusively on "traditional"
programs of this type would almost certainly be universally rejected today and this can be attributed to
the fact that recreation has evolved from a narrow, almost parochial, "sports" concept to a broader con-
cept better classified as "leisure time activity". As far as a Master Plan is concerned, acceptance of
this broader meaning has important implications, the most significant of which is that a plan of this type
must, above all, be both comprehensive and flexible if it is to address
(1) the incredible variety of leisure time activities that individuals within a community
routinely pursue and
(2) the fact that these activities are constantly changing in popularity, emphasis, etc.
It is also useful to recognize that "activities" imply "facilities" and that both are related to each
other through "costs". This interrelationship and the balance that must prevail between them is illus-
trated in Figure 1. Thus, to the extent that a variety of activities and programs are provided or planned,
flexibility must be built into the facilities/ sites for these activities and into the means of building and
supporting them as well. The planning guidelines set forth in Figure 2 are designed to reflect these con-
siderations and to serve as a frame of reference for specific tasks outlined in the balance of the plan.
Figure 1.
ACTIVITIES /PROGRAMS
FACILITIES /SITES
I
32
C. Activities /Programs
Over the past ten years, a census of recreation interests has been included in a number of general
surveys conducted by civic organizations within the town. Figure 3 presents a combined summary of the
most popular youth and adult recreational preferences expressed in these surveys along with the status
of programs designed to address these interests. The relative importance of each interest is indicated
by the "score" it achieved on an arbitrary rating scale devised to interpret the results of the surveys.
Several important conclusions can be drawn from this chart.
(1) Although private or commercial outlets are available in the area for those wishing to
pursue the four most popular interests, the Town of Acton itself provides no publicly-
sponsored programs which address these interests. The reason for this is quite
straightforward: the Town simply has no facilities or sites where such activities
33
might be carried out. Thus, if the Recreation Master Plan accomplishes nothing else,
it must address the task of identifying and developing land areas that at least partially
respond to these four recreational interests.
(2) Swimming has consistently ranked more than twice as important as any other activity
(the aspect of personal safety probably contributes to the very high preference for this
particular activity). Of greater significance, however, is the observation that the two
most popular activities, swimming and skating, are "water" sports. In fact, incredi-
ble as it may seem, Acton presently has no water resources available for recreational
purposes - despite the fact that this very point was emphasized in a special section of
the Master Plan developed for the Planning Board ten years ago ! The seriousness of
this deficiency is only reinforced by further observing that lack of recreation-oriented
water resources impacts items 10 and 14 as well.
Figure 3
SUMMARY OF YOUTH AND ADULT RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY PREFERENCES
Scale of Relative Importance
Rank
Activity
1
Swimming
2
Skating
3
Skiing
4
Sledding
5
Tennis
6
Horseback
7
Adult Educa.
8
Baseball
9
Biking
10
Boating
11
Playgrounds
12
Arts /Crafts
13
Bowling
14
Fishing
15
Picnicking
16
Hiking
17
Golf
18
Camping
Presently
Available
in Acton
34
(3) While the list as a whole represents a healthy mix of year-round and passive as well as
active interests, the majority of activities listed reveal several characteristics in com-
mon:
(a) All but three are classified as outdoor activities;
(b) The list contains a high proportion of individual or pairs activities and very
little emphasis on team-oriented activities.
None of these observations, of course, make the task of planning for adequate facilities any easier.
What they do suggest, however, is that the main thrust of this plan must lie in the development of a vari-
ety of multi-purpose recreational sites so that over the next five-year period proper balance between
activities and facilities can be restored. In fact, the character of this plan will necessarily have to be
facilities -oriented, not programs -oriented.
Although most of the long-range planning effort will be focussed on site development, programs in
several important areas will be developed or improved. Fundamentally, program plans call for contin-
uing along the course established two years ago, i.e., that of evolving a program of year-round activi-
ties. The thrust of this portion of the plan is illustrated in Figure 4. Within this framework, emphasis
will be placed on consolidating and improving existing programs (rather than introducing many new ones)
in the following areas.
Figure 4. Illustration of the Gradual Evolution of Recreation
Department Sponsored Programs
rts/Cratts ^^
laygrouhd's"'
1973
(Swim^ning)
(La'cros1
kating
Gynjnastics . -■'
(Wrestling)
Existing
(Planned)
Ski. Touriftg- . ___
Youth Basketball
" "-"— -- ...„J,A4»tr'fiasketball
(Swimming)
35
Swimming. With the completion of the regional high school in the fall of 1973, the
swimming pool and gymnasium facilities will be made available to the Acton- Boxborough
public on weekends and after school hours during the week. In effect, the Town has made
an investment in, not just a school, but a community center as well and every effort will
be made to allow the public to exercise, this concept. A specific plan to accomplish this
objective is being developed by the Recreation Commission and will be presented later in
the year.
Summer Playground Program. This program will be concentrated in four locations
and hours of operation extended to 9-3 daily during a six-week period in July and August.
Emphasis will be placed on providing more learning and instructional activities, such as
arts/crafts and field trips, so as to develop a better balance with the predominantly sports-
oriented activities presently offered.
School Intermural Programs. The role that the Recreation Department plays in
offering a series of intermural programs for elementary school schildren is illustrated in
Figure 5. A typical program is "biddy-basketball". The purpose of these programs is to
offer a low-level competitive outlet for youngsters whose main recreational interests lie
outside the intramural programs offered at their respective school locations.
Figure 5. Illustration of the Recreation Department's Role in Planning
Programs for Participants of All Ages and Skill Levels.
Programs
Youth
Adult
c
o
■-*
-*-J
ert
.— <
3
t—i
Q,
a>
£
>
0)
<M
o
X!
c
CI
M
W
u
«w
o
o
a
o
u
PLh
Inter -
Scholastic
High level
Competition
Low-Medium
Competition
Participation in
Organized Activity
Develop Motor Skills
Advanced
Intermediate
Beginner
Responsibility
School Programs
j j Recreation Dept. (and
' other civic organizations)
D.
Facilities/Sites
Although it is obvious that the Town must set aside and develop more land for recreational pur-
poses, it is not at all clear how much, what kind or where. As a starting point, the Recreation Com-
mission has adopted the land use standards recommended by the National Recreation and Parks Asso-
ciation. These guidelines, developed by professionals in the recreation field, are detailed in Figure 6.
The illustration in Figure 7 was then developed as a means of comparing recreational land-use in
Acton today to what would be needed five years from now in order for the Town to comply with the
36
minimum standards set forth in Figure 6. The total area of the square represents a requirement of
roughly 120 acres, divided into 20 acres of small, locally-distributed sites and 100 acres of large
centrally-located sites. The shaded areas indicate existing land-use in each category.
Figure 6. Summary of NRPA Standards for Recreation Land
Use by Classification and Population Ratio.
Classification
Playlots
Vest pocket parks
Neighborhood parks
District parks
*Note applicable
Acres/
Size
Population
1000 People
Range
Served
Service Area
*
2500 sq. ft.
500-2500
Sub -neighborhood
to 1 acre
*
2500 sq. ft.
to 1 acre
500-2500
Sub -neighborhood
2.5
Min. 5 acres
up to 20 acres
2000-10,000
1/4-1/2 mile
2.5
20-100 acres
10,000-
50,000
1/2-3 miles
Figure 7.
Illustration of NRPA (Minimum) Standards Applied
to 1977 Acton Population of 20, 000.
Goward
Jones
Elm
Gardner
Total Projected Land Area: 120 Acres
Local Sites
( < 1 acre)
Central Sites
( > 5 acres)
Projected Requirement
/\ Existing
37
Faced with the prospect of both acquiring and developing a sufficient acreage to meet these mini-
mum standards, the community might properly consider whether it wanted to support any recreation at
all! Fortunately, such was not the case. Over the past five years, largely through the efforts of the
Conservation Commission, the Town has been making an investment in "open areas". For the most
part, the objectives of this land investment program have been conservation-oriented, not recreation-
oriented, and most of the property acquired as a result of this program is not suitable for recreational
purposes. Nevertheless, among the parcels purchased thus far, several sites have portions suitable
for development as recreation sites. In effect, this portion of the Recreation Master Plan may be con-
sidered by the community as a second phase in the land investment program initiated by the Conserva-
tion Commission.
Spring Hill Site. Working with the Conservation Commission, the Recreation Department has
laid out a 3-mile path through this woodland area depicted in Figure 8. This effort was accomplished
primarily by volunteers including the high school ski team; town funds accounted for only a small por-
tion of the effort. In the winter, ski enthusiasts can participate in one of the fastest growing sports in
this part of the country: ski touring. (The site is not suitable for alpine skiing.) During the rest of the
year the site offers a variety of active and passive recreation outlets, among them hiking, camping,
horseback riding, and picnicking.
Figure 8. Spring Hill Site
Property: Conservation Commission
Description: Heavily wooded; rolling terrain
Activities
Winter:
Spring
Summer
Fall
Ski touring
Hiking
Horseback riding
Picnicking
Camping
n
W
S4£
■j -9%
3 Mile Trail
Y-'S' (r^::\
ffr
M?
Spring Hill
Road
Great Hill Site. In contrast to the Spring Hill Site, Great Hill is a more general-purpose and
centrally located site and, as such, has potential for satisfying a wider variety of recreational interests.
These interests, many of which were suggested to the community by the Conservation Commission as
38
part of the basis for purchasing the property, are illustrated in Figure 9. The first phase of develop-
ment of this property will consist of clearing trails suitable for hiking, biking, horseback riding, etc.,
and conducting professional surveys of the area to determine its potential as a possible alpine skiing
site. Subsequent phases will involve development of flat playing areas and, if feasible, construction of
a modest alpine skiing run. The upper portion of the area will be reserved as a nature trail area.
Figure 9. Great Hill Site
Great Hill Site
Property: 185 acres (Conservation
Commission)
Description: Wooded hills and flat open
spaces; scattered wetland areas.
Activities
Possible alpine skiing
Ski touring
Ice skating
Walking /nature trail
Camping
Playgrounds
Horseback
etc.
39
Taylor Road-Landfill Site. This site, illustrated in Figure 10, is appealing because it is cen-
trally located on the north side of Route 2 and contains large flat areas which would cost very little to
convert into multi-purpose playing fields. Plans for the first phase of development call for creating a
15 -acre site in the lower portion of this tract adjacent to the Conant School. The development of this
parcel of land would almost immediately alleviate the field-availability pressure which has built up in
Figure 10. Taylor Road-Landfill Site
Property: 25 Acres (Selectmen;
Commonwealth)
Description: Two large relatively flat
plains separated by 50 ft.
in elevation and connected
by a gradually sloping,
heavily wooded area.
Conant
Expans
Buffer
Activities
Spring, Summer, Fall
Field Sports
Baseball
Football
Soccer
Field Hockey
Fairs and Town Celebrations
Campsite
Winter
Nature Trails
Picnicking
etc.
Skating
Snowmobile Gymkhana
etc.
40
the Little League program. Activities requiring any large open area - including Town functions such
as fairs, etc. - could be scheduled in this area. Because the land has some wet portions within it, plans
call for draining one end of the property into a shallow pond which would be maintained as a publis skat-
ing area during the winter months. In subsequent phases of development, the upper portion which is now
the Sanitary Landfill, would be converted to a similar large flat area suitable for a variety of team and
ball-oriented sports. Eventually, plans call for acquiring the heavily-wooded intermediate parcel of land
which is presently owned by the Commonwealth and developing an interconnecting, passive recreation-
oriented site between these two "active" areas.
Neighborhood Playgrounds. At the present time there are four playgrounds that constitute neigh-
borhood playgrounds in either the "play lot" or "vest pocket" sense described by the NRPA. These sites
are depicted in Figure 11 along with the centers of population density that currently exist in Acton.
Figure 11. Town Parks and Playgrounds
Existing Playgrounds: <-*» 8 Acres
Areas of Highest Population Density
41
It is immediately obvious that, while neighborhood playgrounds have been allocated, they have not been
allocated in areas of greatest need. Unfortunately, ft is equally obvious that it is difficult to acquire
and develop one ortwo acre sites in residential areas which are already well-developed. Nevertheless,
one of the long range objectives of this plan is the development of scattered neighborhood playgrounds,
typically one or two acres in size and suitable for a variety of pick-up games as well as activities for
preschool youngsters. Cooperative policy from the Planning Board regarding land-use in future hous-
ing development areas has given this portion ofthe plan a strong start.
School Playgrounds. School playgrounds constitute a major portion of the large centrally -located
recreational sites which Acton now has. For the most part, however, these sites have not been fully
developed and plans call for the Recreation Commission to work with the School Committee in an advi-
sory capacity to bring these sites up to their full potential.
Town Forests. Many residents are apparently unaware that the Town owns two forest area pre-
serves in the northwest section of Acton. These sites are presently suitable for passive recreation
interests such as walking and picnicking; there are no plans to change the character of these natural
locations.
E. Costs
This plan is' designed to be executed in annual phases corresponding to the Town's fiscal year.
As illustrated in Figure 12, a capital appropriation of approximately $25,000 will be requested to imple-
ment Phase I which covers the first stages of development of the Great Hill and Taylor- Landfill Sites.
The costs of subsequent phases cannot be determined at this point, of course, because they are for the
most part contingent upon results achieved in Phase I, i.e., the findings of the alpine skiing survey at
Great Hill. Nevertheless, to the extent possible, the Commission plans to organize future development
of these sites in such a way as to restrict requests for annual capital appropriations to the $25-35,000
range.
Figure 12. Illustration of Proposed Phases of Development
for Recreation Land Sites.
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
Great Hill Site
Taylor-Landfill
Site
Vest-Pocket
Playgrounds
Existing
Playgrounds
'aV>ViV»*aViV-*,**** Wt!iVi'iViVtV.'iV .v.v.*.,.*.*I*.»X'.,!*.*j l'!*.yv*!*.**'V*v.''*.y
***** .'. .. i.
'.'.V.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'
**■**« VaYi '*•*-*-*-* .'-'-*-'-'-'.'- y,*,
Cost Projections
£"*• 25 -
nj to ^o -
/ y
£ v,
3 5
s .
/ ,
-H 3
yS
ctl O
' y
.t; j=
s^
a H
U~ -
' y
V,
Undetermined
-L^L
LESS - B.O. R. Funds
Volunteer Support (labor and materials) from other
civic organizations.
42
To accomplish this objective of limiting tax-base supported development costs, the Recreation
Commission will actively solicit the volunteer support of various civic organizations, particularly those
groups who would be in a position to benefit directly from the development of these sites. Certain gov-
ernment funds are also available on a cost-sharing basis so that the ultimate net cost to the community
will be substantially less than the capital appropriations requested as part of the Town budget.
Summary
If all elements of this plan are carried out according to schedules presently conceived, the distri-
bution of recreational facilities and sites in the Town of Acton will look something like Figure 13 by the
year 1977. By NRPA standards, Acton would be a wealthy community indeed, with recreational proper-
ties exceeding standards for a population of 20,000 by a comfortable margin. In fact, it seems probable
that no additional investments in land for recreational purposes alone would be required until well into
the next decade.
Figure 13. Long Range Overall Park Development Program
Key to Recreation Areas
1. Jones Field - Playground
2. Gardner - "Vest Pocket" Playground
3. Elm St. Complex - including Gates and Douglas Schools
4. High School - Merriam-Towne -McCarthy Complex
5. Great Hill Site
6. Taylor Road-Conant-Landfill Site
7. Goward - "Vest Pocket" Playground
8. Spring Hill Site
9. Golf Course (Apartment Complex)
10. Town Forests
43
In actuality, of course, almost no plan proceeds over a period of time without some modification
or revision. At the outset, therefore, this development plan was conceived as a flexible instrument
capable of providing a variety of alternatives to meet whatever patterns of change in community inter-
ests evolve over the next five years. Thus, for example, should the community decide in 1975 that it
wanted a large outdoor swimming pool, several alternative locations will be available in the Great Hill
Site, the Taylor -Landfill Site or other locations. The plan's schedule is flexible as well: phases -of
development can proceed at whatever pace the Town wishes and believes it can afford.
The Recreation Commission does feel, however, that the plan should be inflexible in one aspect:
its implementation should begin in 1973. We hope that this synopsis presents the community with suffi-
cient reason to support this view.
William Lynch, Vice-Chairman Charles Morehouse
Janet Murphy Warren Orcutt
SEWERAGE STUDY
Daniel J. Costello, P.E., Chairman
On October 18, 1972, Congress enacted Public Law 92-500, the Federal Water Pollution Control
Act, Amendments of 1972. This legislation, which sets as a national goal the elimination of the dis-
charge of pollutants by 1985, is expected to influence significantly the direction of Acton's Water Pollu-
tion Abatement Program.
The legislation authorizes expenditures of up to $5, $6, and $7 billion for fiscal years 1973, 1974,
and 1975, respectively. However, to date, Congress has appropriated only $2 billion for fiscal year
1973. The old fund allocation procedures based on population and per capita income have been changed
to an allocation on the basis of need. For Massachusetts, this means an increase of Federal funding
from $54 to $75 million, if authorized funds are appropriated.
The major features of PL 92-500 include:
1. Federal participation in eligible components has been increased from 55% to 75%, the remain-
ing 25% to be provided by the State and community. In Massachusetts, we expect a 15% State contribu-
tion and a 10% local contribution. However, the new law does not require a State grant program.
2. Eligible components for Federal participation now include all components of the sewerage
system. However, because of limited funding, a priority system has been established which now con-
siders that collection systems have last priority after treatment facilities and interceptor systems.
3. All systems must conform to established regional basin plans.
4. All grant agreements must include equitable cost recovery programs which provide that the
municipality's share of construction plus operation and maintenance costs be recovered through user
costs and, further, that all industrial users of municipal treatment plants must pay, also, their propor-
tional share of the capital cost of the Federal share of the complete treatment facilities.
During the course of the year a meeting was held with officials of the Division of Water Pollution
Control, Town of Concord, and Town of Littleton regarding initiating discussions for forming regional
facilities conforming to the recommendations of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. However, be-
fore one of the participating communities can apply to the Division of Water Pollution Control for grant
funds to study such a system in detail, it will be necessary for Concord and Littleton to complete their
respective engineering reports, similar to that completed for Acton several years ago. To date, such
reports have not been completed - however, the SSC will continue participation in the discussions regard-
ing regional plans.
To date, the Division of Water Pollution Control has not notified the Town of a new implementation
schedule for initiating our Water Pollution Abatement Program, so construction still remains obscure.
44
In the interim, it still is imperative that all individual sewerage systems be maintained properly.
Periodic inspection and cleaning of septic tanks will prevent the costly expense of replacing your sys-
tem. The Board of Health has free booklets available on the proper care and maintenance of septic
systems.
STREET LIGHT COMMITTEE
Leslie F. Parke, Chairman
Booth D. Jackson H. Stuart MacGregor
The Street Lighting Committee continued its program of adding new installations where needed and
the changeover to the new Mercury Vapor Lamps. In the coming year we hope to complete those instal-
lations that were not fulfilled this past year.
The Boston Edison informed the Committee of the high percentage of breakage in Acton and requests
all efforts be made to remedy this situation.
We subscribe to the policy adopted with the formation of the Committee that new street lights, in
most instances, will be installed only at street intersections, dangerous curves, fire alarm boxes and
locations designated as hazardous by the Fire Chief, Police Chief or this Committee.
The Committee extends to the Town Manager and the Board of Selectmen their sincere appreciation
for their cooperation during the year 1972.
TOWN ENGINEER
John T. Condon, Town Engineer
Major personnel changes occurred in the Engineering Department during the year 1972. In July,
I was appointed Town Engineer replacing Mr. Anthony L. Galeota, Jr. who resigned for outside employ-
ment. Mr. Galeota served the town in many capacities during a tenure of about five years and we wish
him success in his new career. Subsequently, the Assistant Town Engineer and an Engineering Assist -
and also resigned leaving Mr. David Abbt, having served the town in the capacity of Engineering Assist-
ant for eight years, was promoted to Assistant Town Engineer'in August.
In November, Eric K. Durling was hired as an Engineering Assistant. Mr. Durling is a graduate
of Worcester Polytechnic Institute with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. He is pres-
ently pursuing a Master's Degree in Sanitary Engineering at WPI in the evening division.
On January 2, 1973 William D. Boston was hired as Engineering Assistant. Mr. Boston is pres-
ently attending Northeastern University and is a fourth year Civil Engineering student participating in
the cooperative plan of education which includes alternate periods of class study with outside employ-
ment.
The present staff in the Engineering Department consists of:
John T. Condon, P. E., Town Engineer Eric K. Durling, Engineering Assistant
David Abbt, Assistant Town Engineer William D. Boston, Engineering Assistant
Norine Christian, Secretary
45
Because of the many personnel changes and especially due to a limited staff the Engineering De-
partment did not undertake a number of projects that were scheduled during the past year. With the
proper administration we propose to reschedule these postponed projects in 1973, and to resume
projects that have been delayed because of insufficient manpower.
Many factors contributed to an unusual workload on the limited staff during the past year. During
the absence of a Building Inspector the Engineering Department assumed the additional duties of this
office which included the inspection of the construction of new homes, condominiums, apartments, shop-
ping centers and other business establishments, as well as review of permit applications and plans.
However, despite the workload and the turnover of personnel a number of significant projects were com-
pleted in 1972 and these include:
Hayward Road: Reconstruction of this road in the vicinity of Arlington Street was completed
including the installation of drainage and sidewalks.
Patriots Road: Installation of subsurface drainage.
Sanitary Land- Contours of the landfill site were established in order to estimate the re-
fill Site: maining life of this area for solid waste disposal.
North Main Design of a culvert at Nonset Brook to eliminate the restriction in the road-
Street: way and replace the existing culvert which is inadequate and in poor condition.
DPW Facility: The foundation was placed for the installation of the sand/ salt conveyor sys-
tem purchased for the purpose of obtaining a more uniform blending of these
materials.
Woodlawn & Designed and surveyed a system of roads for the necessary extention of
Mt. Hope these cemeteries.
Cemeteries:
Taylor Road & Additional survey of the road layouts was obtained and calculations continued
Minot Avenue: for the layout of portions of Taylor Road and Minot Avenue.
Jackson Land: A survey was made and a plan drawn for the purchase of this property.
Subdivision plans and site plans were reviewed and comments submitted to the Planning Board and
Board of Selectmen respectively for their consideration. The Town Atlas, Flood Plain Maps, Street
Numbering Maps, Zoning Maps, Highway Maps and "Town Owned Land" Maps were updated to reflect
all new developments and property transfers. As requested, the Engineering Department was repre-
sented at various board meetings to provide engineering assistance and advice. One of the ongoing
studies is the selection of a new sanitary landfill site and its proposed operation.
A considerable amount of time is devoted to inspection of new subdivisions at various stages of
construction. The installation of drainage facilities, underground utilities, roadbed construction and
appurtenant features were inspected to insure compliance with the Town's requirements. Routine tasks
performed throughout the year consisted of issuing and follow-up inspections of Street Cut Permits,
providing the general public with information, responding to requests for inspection of minor problems
related to drainage, road conditions and new construction. We inspected roads and prepared the neces-
sary documents for the roads accepted at the two Town Meetings this past year.
During the forthcoming year a number of projects are scheduled and with the proper staff and
equipment budgeted the Engineering Department will renew its efforts to accomplish several outstanding
projects. A partial list of the activities scheduled are:
Prepare plans for renovation of Town Common — prepare plans for construction of drainage
projects scheduled this year — prepare the layout for improvement of Davis Road — complete
the bounding of Edney-Dunn property, Jackson property and Hayward Road — prepare the
layout of Piper Road adjacent to the shopping center — prepare plans for sidewalk construc-
tion — prepare plan and field layout of additional roads and lots at the cemeteries.
46
The past six months have been very interesting in my career as a Civil Engineer. The Town offers
many challenges that remain to be resolved and significant problems are coming into focus that will re-
quire an active part by the Engineering Department. We find ourselves involved in the investigation of a
suitable new sanitary landfill site, the development of engineering information to assist in the decision-
making process for improving unsafe road conditions related to poor intersections, sight distance and
poor alignment; the future reconstruction of Route 2 through Acton, the preparation of a master plan
showing all existing drainage facilities in the town for the purpose of expanding and improving the sys-
tems in the future and traffic studies to assist in the establishment of priorities.
As in the past, we will continue to make the resources of this department available to meet the
needs of the town.
TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
The bounds of both Town Forests were marked by blazing and painting of trees and the fire lanes
cleared of brush.
The areas were used by the Boy Scouts and by classes from the Boston Mycological Society.
George E. Neagle
Emery Nelson
(Note of Interest: The Acton Town Forests are: (1) off of Bulette Road and (2) off of Quarry Road in
North Acton. )
TOWN GOVERNMENT - WATER DISTRICT STUDY COMMITTEE
W. A. Deutschman, Chairman
The Town Government -Water District Study Committee was formed in May of this year as a result
of passage of Warrent Article 24 at the annual Town Meeting. We were charged with finding ways for
better coordination between the Water Supply District of Acton and the Town of Acton. In order to achieve
this goal, we met with the Selectmen, the Commissioners of the Water District, the petitioners for Articl
24, the major Boards in the Town, persons recommended by either the Selectmen or the Commissioners,
and any citizens interested in discussing the problem. We listened to all suggestions and comments from
these persons and after much discussion, we reached the following conclusions.
1. The general operation and "esprit de corps" of the Water District is excellent, and the service
that it is now providing is equal to that of any of the surrounding towns.
2. The future plans of the Water District, as stated in the Dufresne -Henry Report, appear to be
adequate to supply the short-term (10 year) needs for Acton; but the potential for long-range planning for
the development of the water system in Acton (20-50 years) is hampered by lack of meaningful communica
tion between the Selectmen and the Commissioners.
3. The apparent lack of coordination between the two groups does not occur in their day-to-day wor
ing relations; it only appears in the long-range planning efforts of the two groups.
47
4. The attendance at the annual Water Meeting is very poor when compared to the annual Town Meeting
attendance this lack of participation results either from general satisfaction with the operation of the
Water District or from the inconvenience of attending a separate meeting at a different time and place than
the Town Meeting.
5. One Commissioner and all of the Water District Officers are elected at the annual Meeting by a
small fraction of the eligible voting members of the district. A larger number of voters should participate
in the election.
We, therefore, recommend that the Town of Acton take no action to merge with the Water Supply
District of Acton. This recommendation is subject to implementation of the following:
a) the annual meeting of the Water District be changed to the first Wednesday following the first full
meeting of the annual Town Meeting (Note: we realize that the first session of the annual Town Meeting
is the election), and that the annual Town Meeting re -convenes following the adjournment of the Water
District meeting. (If the town moves the date of the annual Town Meeting then the Water District should
also move its meeting. )
b) the Water District election take place at the same time and place as the annual town elections.
c) the legal notification procedures for calling a Water District Meeting be changed to conform to
those used by the Town of Acton.
d) The Commissioners must meet with the Selectmen at least once a year, well in advance of the
annual Water District Meeting, to give the Selectmen sufficient information so that the Selectmen can
place their recommendations (in the printed Water District Warrant) on all Water District Articles
except the Water District Budget. Additionally, we suggest more frequent meetings, perhaps regularly
scheduled, between the Selectmen and Commissioners.
We also feel strongly that we should recommend another step for the coordination of the various
authorities and boards in the Town of Acton, including the Water District. It became apparent during
our study that no long-range unified plan for the development of Acton exists nor was there one group
looking out for the future of Acton. Many groups have ideas on the way Acton should develop and the way
that they can shape this development. Furthermore, several Boards suggested that information flow
between the Town Boards was not as good as it should be, and that many Boards were not using their
full capabilities to regulate the orderly development of Acton.
The Planning Board, while trying to fulfill this function, is over-committed to their day-to-day
tasks. They are solving the specific and not the strategic problems for Acton.
We further recommend,
e) that the Selectmen create a new Committee to map a coordinated land -use plan for the Town of
Acton. This group should quickly formulate a policy statement for the growth of Acton, then generate a
long-range land use plan, and finally concentrate on marshalling the Town's resources to ensure the
implementation of this plan. We recommend that this Committee be formed by the Town by favorable
action on the following proposed Warrant Article:
Land Use Planning Committee: To see if the Town will raise and appropriate, or appropriate
from available funds a sum of money and will vote to authorize the Selectmen to appoint a permanent
Land Use Planning Committee to define long range land use policy for the Town of Acton, such
Committee to be responsible for completion of the following program within two years.
1. The development of a policy statement and land use plan based on an inventory and evaluation
of present land use, to serve as a guide-line for future Town development and decisions concerning
community problems;
2. the preparation of a long range Land Use Plan with details and recommended program rela-
ting to specific community priorities and needs, as expansions of the initial policy statement and plan;
3. the development of long range fiscal, legal and community action procedures to carry out
this plan and the initiation of steps to provide the feed-back necessary to maintain a continuing long
range plan.
48
The Committee shall consist of seven members to be appointed by the Selectmen as follows:
a) one member shall be appointed from each list of nominees submitted by each of the following:
Conservation Commission
Board of Health
Planning Board
b) two members shall be appointed from the business - commercial - industrial interests within
the Town.
c) two members shall be appointed from the Town at large.
These conclusions were reached as a result of our six-month study. The remainder of this report
discusses the positive and negative aspects of a merger between the Water District and the Town of Acton.
Two appendices are included: one contains all documents that we received during our study, and the other
contains condensed minutes of our meetings. (Note: the appendices are available for reading at the Town
Hall. )
There are many arguments for merger and all involve closer coordination of the Water District
and the various boards of the Town Government. Of particular concern are the areas of land use,
future water supply, water costs, orderly growth of the Town and questions of abundance of water for
fire fighting and avoidance of water bans.
The arguments against merger were also many and tended to stress the advantages of autonomy
for the Water Commissioners. Past performance of the Water District was defended spiritedly". The
quality of water, continuity of service, acquisition of new wells and particularly the advantageous arrange-
ments pertaining to the Lawsbrook Road well, the reasonable and competitive cost of water in Acton,
esprit of staff and satisfaction of customers were all cited as reasons against merger.
Acquisition of land for future wells is critically important. The record of the Water District in
this respect is satisfactory to date. Future, needs may well require well sites be located beyond Acton's
boundaries in neighboring towns. Question has been raised that outside land acquisitions would be more
difficult if not impossible to accomplish were the District to merge with the Town. In any event, no evi-
dence was produced to show that future land or well site acquisitions would be eased by merger.
The problem of temporary water bans during recent dry summers resulted primarily from flow
restrictions in narrow trunk lines. Development of anew standpipe and replacement of existing lines
with larger bore lines should effectively address the questions of temporary bans.
The recent Dufresne -Henry report will have a major impact on future plans and operations. Inter-
views with Commissioners, Counsel, Engineering Consultant and Staff indicate the District's agreement
with Dufresne -Henry report and specific provisions to comply with its recommendations.
Testimony by witnesses both pro and con merger failed to impress the committee that day to day
operations of the Water District would be improved by merger. Operations are now conducted by com-
petent and generally esteemed staff with a reasonable overhead. It is extremely doubtful that merger
could reduce the cost or efficiency of daily operations.
In the matter of operations, then, there are no strong or compelling arguments for merger.
Indeed, the weight of testimony would favor, however closely, the position against merger.
The committee feels that there are areas for potential improvement. Sparsely attended Water Dis-
trict meetings are the rule and not exception and could hardly be cited as examples of 'democracy in
action' ! Increased citizen participation is encouraged and meetings should be arranged to attract maxi-
mum attendance and comment. Responsibility for participation rests with the citizen and not with the
Commissioners !
Implicit in the call to merger is the assumption that merger would, in fact, produce a more coor-
dinated effort for planning and operations. Testimony before the committee refuted this critical assump-
tion. Most witnesses conceded that their respective boards were so engrossed with the demands of today
that they lacked the capacity to engage in meaningful long range planning. Further, the patterns of activ-
ity of the boards already under the Town umbrella do not indicate, at present, that integrated effort is a
primary concern or perhaps, possibility.
49
One theme persisted throughout all of the hearings and discussions, and the committee
feels that the proposed merger is an incomplete attempt to confront this theme of long range
planning. The committee further feels that the Town should address and answer this question
of long range planning and have made recommendations to this end.
F. H. Bubier, Secretary
E. W. Berriman
D. B. Hinckley
D. J. O'Connor
TREE WARDEN
Franklin H. Charter
The Department has continued its program of using outside contractors for most all tree removals
and pruning. This type of work requires specialized equipment which the Department does not have.
Over 125 new trees were planted this year. Most of these were planted on private property adja-
cent to the street. This work is also done by private contractors.
YOUTH COMMISSION
Bruce McCarthy, Chairman
Introduction
1972 marks the first full year of operation for the Acton Youth Commission. The Commission's
first report to the Town (December 1971) outlined the course of action taken in the previous six months
to identify specific problem areas relating to the youth population of Acton. In addition, the. report
described some specific objectives the Commission intended to pursue during 1972.
The purpose of this report is threefold: to describe the structure and organization of the
Commission established during 1972, to advise the citizens of Acton of the progress the Commission
has made in regard to its established objectives and to outline the direction the Commission intends
to take in 1973. Reference will be made to two Commission studies nearing completion. These studies
will be published and available to the public prior to the March Town Meeting.
Structure and Organization
Because of the increasing workload, the seven-man Youth Commission decided early in 1972
to define specific areas of responsibility for each of its members. This exercise resulted in the
development of a committee structure. Each committee was charged with the responsibility of defining
its own objectives within its area of interest.
In addition, the committees carry the responsibility of developing a plan of action geared to achieve
the stated objectives. It was agreed that both the objectives and plans of action" had to receive the approval
of the full Commission. Each of the seven Commission members took on the chairmanship of a committee
and with it the responsibility of recruiting volunteers to fill out individual committe membership.
50
The nine committees and their responsibilities are as follows:
1. Education Committee: Charged with establishing and maintaining an effective
working relationship with the Acton-Boxboro School Committee, the school
administration and staff, the Committee on Drug Education and the medical
community. Specific objectives- are to develop an effective Drug Education
Program, a Voter Registration Program aimed at new voters and a course
on "Practical Politics" to be included in the ABRHS curriculum.
2. Recreation Committee: Charged with establishing and maintaining an effec-
tive working relationship with the Acton Recreation Commission. Specific
objectives are to provide pertinent information to the Recreation Commission
to be used in the development of the Master Plan for recreation and to co-
ordinate activities of the two commissions in areas of mutual concern.
3. Youth Employment Committee: Charged with organizing and managing a job
placement service for the young people of Acton and to aid in the develop-
ment of an effective career guidance program.
4. Teen Center Committee: Charged with establishing and maintaining an
effective working relationship with the Teen Center Board, the Friends
of the Teen Center and the Acton Boxboro Lay Ecumenical Group.
Specific objectives are to administer Commission funds slated for Teen
Center Support, to carry out a study of the Teen Center operation in con-
junction with the Massachusetts Committee on Children and Youth, and to
survey the Town for the best possible location of a Teen Center.
5. Police-Youth Relations Committee: Charged with establishing and main-
taining an effective working relationship with the Acton Police Department.
Specific objectives are to develop programs relating to juvenile delinquency
and police -youth relations.
6. Funding Committee: Charged with establishing and maintaining an effective
working relationship with state, federal and private funding agencies.
Specific responsibilities include the preparation and submission of applica-
tions for funds to these agencies and the development of alternative methods
of funding Commission projects.
7. Public Relations Committee: Charged with the responsibility of developing
programs designed to inofrm the various public groups of the progress and
activities of the Acton Youth Commission and to establish and maintain a
good working relationship with the newspapers and other publications serving
the Town.
8. Executive Committee: Charged with the overall organization and administra-
tion of business of the Commission, the preparation of the Commission's
Annual Report and establishing and maintaining an effective working relation-
ship with the Town Manager, Selectmen and the Acton Finance Committee.
9. Youth Advisory Committee: Charged with establishing and maintaining
effective communications between the Commission and the youth population
of Acton.
Identifying the Problem(s)
The Youth Commission's 1971 report to the Town describes in detail the effort expended to identify
and define specific problem areas relating to Acton's youth population. The process followed emphasized
the open meeting concept wherein interested individuals and groups met with the Commission to share
ideas and information, register complaints and offer suggestions.
During 1972 the Commission continued to seek information and ideas but followed a somewhat
different course of action. The data gathering process became more structured with two formal studies
carried out during the year. In addition, arrangements were made with the Acton Police Department
to receive pertinent data on a regular basis.
De-emphasizing the open meeting concept was a decision based on necessity rather than any
desire of the Commission. The size of the workload and the time available to handle it dictated that
meetings be spent handling the week to week business of the Commission. Although the workload
continues to grow, the Commission sees a need to reinstitute the open meetings and plans are now
underway to do so - perhaps on a monthly basis. These meetings will be in addition to the twice a
month business meetings.
51
Programs, Projects, Activities
The following is a brief summary of the activities of the Commission during 1972 broken down by
Committee. This summary will not cover all the objectives of each Committee, but only those where
specific progress has been made.
1. Education Committee: As reported earlier, this Committee has spent con-
siderable time and energy conducting a study of the needs of Acton's young
people that can be best met through the school system. In the course of
their study they solicited information from public and private social agencies
the medical community, students, teachers, counselors and school adminis-
trative personnel.
Preliminary results of their study show Drug and Health Education as two major
areas of concern. As a first step in dealing with these problems, the Commission,
on the Committee's recommendation, has elected to support the hiring of a
Health -Physical Education Coordinator for the Acton-Boxboro School System.
The Education Committee is chaired by Ann Evans. The members of the Com-
mittee are Sally Hinckley and Eleanor Phillips.
2. Recreation Committee: This Committee prepared a report containing suggested
activities to be included in the Master Plan for recreation. Based on the infor-
mation available to. and developed by, the Youth Commission, this committee's
suggestions emphasized non-organized sports facilities which would lend them-
selves to individual and family activities. The report was submitted to the
Recreation Commission.
In addition this Committee will study all Recreation Commission proposals
to the Town in order to identify those of mutual concern that can be officially
supported by the Youth Commission at the Town Meeting.
The Recreation Committee is chaired by Bruce McCarthy. The members
of the Committee are Brian Richter, Nancy Darlington and Paul Viera.
3. Youth Employment Committee: This Committee organized and ran the Youth
Commission's Summer Employment Program. It was generally agreed
that this Program was a success and the Commission has decided to begin
the Program again early in 1973 to run on a year-round basis.
A booklet has been prepared detailing the results of the Summer Employ-
ment Program and will have been distributed to the citizens of Acton by
the time this report is published.
The Youth Employment Committee is chaired by Charles Kadison.
4. Teen Center Committee: This Committee carried a very heavy workload
during 1972. In addition to administering Commission funds ear-marked
for support of the Teen Center they worked closely with the Massachusetts
Committee on Children and Youth in the research stage of their study,
doing most of the gathering of data themselves.
The Commission's recommendations to the Town concerning future support
for the Teen Center will be based on the recommendations outlined in this
report.
The Teen Center Committee was co -chaired by Leonard Selman and
Kathleen Barger. Mr. Selman was responsible for the administration
of .Commission funds used to support the Teen Center and Mrs. Barger
worked with the Massachusetts Committee on Children and Youth on the
Teen Center Study. The members of Mrs. Barger1 s Committee were
Catherine Ricci, Gayle Phillips, Jean Lane, Bryan Barlow, Joan Selman
and Jacqueline Mapletoft.
52
5. Police Youth ReLations Committee: This Committee has established a
working relationship with the Acton Police Department and has arranged
to receive periodic reports on incidents involving youthful Acton
citizens. These reports will form the basis of any programs recommended
by this Committee relating to juvenile delinquency and/or police -community
relations.
Alan Flood and Stephen Bing are co-chairmen of the Police -Youth Relations
Committee.
6. Funding Committee: This Committee has developed a complete funding
proposal to pay the salary of a full-time, professional Youth Director
for the Teen Center. The proposal was submitted to the Commonwealth
through its Department of Youth Services. The Commission is presently
awaiting word as to the disposition of the proposal.
The Committee has further plans to seek funds through private foundations
as well as other public agencies. The Funding Committee is chaired by
Stephen Bing.
7. Public Relations Committee: This Committee has handled the preparation
of all news releases from the Commission during 1972 doing an especially
good job in publicizing the Summer Employment Program. It has handled
the production and distribution of the booklet explaining the results of the
Program as well as the week to week news articles that appeared in the
local newspapers.
The Public Relations Committee is chaired by Kathleen Barger.
8. Executive Committee: This Committee developed and implemented the
Committee structure presently in use by the Commission. It developed
the agendas for Commission meetings and produced this report. This
Committee will handle all deliberations with the Acton Finance Committee,
Board of Selectmen and Town Manager relative to the Commission's pro-
posed budget for 1973 and any Commission-sponsored Articles appearing
on the Warrent for the March Town Meeting.
The Executive Committee is chaired by Bruce McCarthy. He is assisted
by Marion Maxwell, the Clerk of the Commission.
9. Youth Advisory Committee: This Committee has recently been re-instituted
and will be responsible for developing and making the necessary arrangements
for a series of open-meetings to be held during 1973.
Co-chairmen of the Committee are Stephen Bing and Kathleen Barger. The
members of the Committee are Nancy Darlington, Brian Richter and Brian
Barlow.
Future Plans
The more research and study the Commission-does in an attempt to identify and define problems,
the more apparent it becomes that this process can never end. Basic problem areas have emerged
but there is a constant shifting of emphasis requiring re -examination and a fresh outlook. Because
of this the Commission will continue its efforts in this area through the various means available to it.
While research and study must continue, the Commission must remain actively involved in
developing and implementing new programs in an attempt to help the young people of Acton. 1973
will see a greater emphasis on Commission activity in the areas of Drug and Health Education,
Youth Employment and Police -Youth Relations.
Based on the preliminary results of the Massachusetts Committee on Children and Youth Study,
the Commission will continue to support the Teen Center and CODE pending Town approval of the
1973-74 budget request. The Teen Center will be supported at least at the same level as at present
while support of CODE will be increased to allow them to expand their services. Funds for con-
53
tinuing the Youth Employment Program on a year-round basis will be requested through a separate
article on the Warrant. If the article is passed that program will also be continued.
Summary
The Commission members remain committed to the difficult task of easing the transition of
Acton's young people into a fast moving, often difficult adult world. While the problems continue to
exist, progress is being made if ever so slowly.
The Commission wishes to thank all those groups and individuals who have maintained an interest
in its activities during these past 18 months. The Commission remains committed to an open-door
policy and continues its standing invitation to all the citizens of Acton to attend and participate in it's
regular meetings.
Alan Flood, Vice -Chairman
Kathleen Barger
Stephen Bing
Ann Evans
Charles Kadison
Leonard Selman
ANIMAL INSPECTOR
Patrick Palmer
Premises Inspected
34
Ponies
24
Horses
52
Cows 2 years and over
95
Cows 1-2 years
15
Calves
17
Bulls
2
Beef Cattle
4
Goats
6
Sheep
8
Swine
5
Mules
2
Dogs quarantined:
for biting
10
for chasing cars and going
on school grounds
15
BOARD OF HEALTH
Steven Calichman, Director
This year, your Director spent a great deal of time with the work of inspecting the construction of
individual sanitary sewerage disposal systems. The administration of the Board of Health office and
other vital Public Health programs is becoming increasingly important to the health and welfare of the
general public of the Town of Acton.
I wish to thank the Board of Health, Town officials, and all the Town Departments for their sup-
port. Sincere appreciation is extended to the Health Department staff, the Physicians, and the citizens
who have helped make our programs possible.
The following report summarizes the services and activities of the Department for 1972.
Septic Tank Cafe
All residents in the Town of Acton are reminded of their responsibility to maintain their se"ptic
tanks and underground leaching areas.
54
A septic tank system will service a home satisfactorily only if it is properly located, designed,
constructed and adequately maintained. Even a good system which does not have proper care and atten-
tion may become a nuisance and a burdensome expense.
Neglect of the septic tank is the most frequent cause of damage to the leaching systems. When the
tank is not cleaned, solids build up until they are carried into the underground leaching pipe system,
where they block the flow of the liquid into the soil. When this happens, the leaching system must be
rebuilt or relocated - a costly undertaking. The precautions of periodic inspection and cleaning of the
septic tank can prevent this needless expense and work by extending the life of the leaching systems.
The frequency of cleaning depends on the size of the septic tank and the number of people is serves.
When a garbage grinder is used, more frequent cleaning will be required. With ordinary use and care,
a septic tank usually requires cleaning every two years. The homeowner can make measurements and
decide for himself when his tank needs cleaning. When the total depth of scums and solids exceeds one-
half of the liquid depth of the tank, the tank should be cleaned. The accumulated solids are ordinarily
pumped out by companies that make a business of cleaning septic tanks. Your local Health Department
knows which local companies do this work satisfactorily. The solids removed should be buried or dis-
posed of in a manner approved by your local Health Department to avoid obnoxious odors and health
hazards.
There are no chemicals, yeasts, bacteria, enzymes or other substances capable of eliminating
or reducing the solids and scum in a septic tank so that periodic cleaning is unnecessary. Contrary to
some beliefs, the addition of such products is not necessary for the proper functioning of a septic tank
disposal system and can be harmful to the leaching field.
Garbage Collection
The Town of Acton maintains a municipal garbage collection and is based on a once-a-week collec-
tion. All garbage shall be stored in a place convenient for removal. Garbage collectors are not allowed
to enter any building, breezeway, garage, etc., to pick up garbage. Rubbish must not be placed in with
the garbage; garbage cans should be of adequate size and have tight lids. Paper bags, paper wrapping
or other trash shall not be deposited with edible garbage. Paths and garbage pail areas must be free of
ice and snow and paths sanded for safe footing. All garbage complaints shall be directed to Mr. Dear-
born's Enterprise number. To get this number, contact the operator and ask for Enterprise Number
0364. There is no charge on Enterprise calls. If you do not have satisfaction after contacting Mr. Dear-
born, call the Board of Health at 263-4736, and we will try to remedy the situation.
Sanitary Landfill
The Town of Acton maintains a sanitary landfill for rubbish and trash disposal. It is located on
Route 2 just West of Hosmer Street, and it is open six days a week from 8:00 a. m. to 3:45 p. m. and
closed on Sundays and Holidays. (Check schedule posted at entrance for summer hours.)
Mosquito Control Program
Mosquito control consisted of one Abate larvicide aerial application in May, and four malathion
fogging applications for the control of adult mosquitos during the summer.
Due to the extremely wet spring and summer, we had a tremendous increase in the mosquito pop-
ulation. According to State entomologists, mosquito eggs that were dormant for up to 12 years hatched
during the high water period last season.
The Board of Health hired a Biological Consultant to study the problem of effective mosquito con-
trol measures that would not degrade the environmental quality of life. The report is forthcoming, and
we hope to incorporate the suggestions into an effective, ecologically sound control program.
Day Care Services
Day Care Centers in Acton are licensed by the Board of Health. They must comply with the Rules
and Regulations demanded by the State. Each year they are inspected by the Building Inspector, Director,
and Nurse of the Board of Health before a license is issued.
55
Communicable Disease Control Program
D. T. Booster: Grade 9 - April - 182 children
Tuberculin Screening: Grade 1 - 233 children; Faculty - 118
Flu Clinic for the elderly: November - 1st Clinic - 76; 2nd Clinic - 74
Rubella (German Measles) Vaccine Program: February - 1st Grade - 138 children
Other Clinics
Lazy Eye Clinic: September - 22 children referred
Premature Births: 15
Communicable Diseases Reported for 1972
Measles 4
Salmonella 3
Syphillis 1
Amebic Dysentery 1
Meningitis 1
Chapter III, Section 111 of the General Laws, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, requires that all
communicable diseases must be reported to the Board of Health, 263-4736.
Animal Bites
43
Chicken Pox
39
German Measles
2
Gonorrhea
3
Mumps
2
Strep
3
Permits and Licenses Issued
Installers Permits 22
Sewerage Disposal Permits 114
Food Establishments 14
Retail Food Establishments 9
Milk and Cream Licenses 33
Mobile Food Server Permits 1
Oleomargarine License 10
Milk Dealers 6
Acton Day Care Centers 9
Offal Transport 1
Commercial Haulers Permit 6
Well Permits 21
Public and Semi-Public
Swimming Facilities 19
Sewerage Transporter Permit 4
Burial or Removal Permits 95
Public Health Nursing Service
The presentation of this report is primarily to summarize as concisely as possible the nature and
availability of the "Acton Public Health Nurses' Services".
The purpose of the "Home Care Nursing Service" is to meet the challenge of quality nursing which
provides opportunities for a patient to function at his optimum level of health, within his particular dis-
ease category, age level, and home environment.
Acton Public Health Nursing Service has demonstrated the effectiveness of the Public Health Ser-
vice by:
Casefinding: Preschool vision program and nursery school inspections
Preventive Services: Available through immunization programs for communicable diseases -
1. Diphtheria-Tetanus -Whooping Cough
2. Influenza vaccine for elderly
3. Measles vaccine
4. Polio vaccine
5. Rubella vaccine
Direct Services: Carries out nursing skills contributing to treatment and rehabilitation.
Teaching and Supervision of: Family members of home health aides to provide service
Follow-up: Postoperative patients, chronic disease patients, high risk groups as premature
infants
56
The goal is to point the way for the establishment of additional services to prove that prevention
of illness is a wide investment.
Service Support: Town Taxes, Board of Health
Third Party Payees: Medicare, Medicaid, Private Insurance Programs
Individual Fees
The Future: To increase the use of supportive services: (a) home health aides; (b) physical
therapy, and (c) social service.
To continue follow-up of high risk groups: (a) premature infants; (b) the elderly;
(c) the mentally retarded; and (d) maternal and child care.
To continue work with other agencies to identify: (a) alcoholism; (b) child abuse;
(c) drug addiction; and (d) venereal disease.
To be alert to all health related needs within the community of Acton.
For further information regarding the Acton Public Health Nursing Service, please call the Acton
Board of Health at 263-4736.
Preventive Bedside Nursing Program
Parkinson's
53
Anemia
39
Maternal and Child Health
103
Arthritis
140
Cardio-Vascular Disease
518
Cerebral Vascular Disease
78
Cancer
52
Multiple Sclerosis
6
Diabetes
40
Injuries
88
Other
2 96
Total
1,413
Total Individuals
154
Total Visits
1,413
Total Physical Therapy
Visits - Consultations
Total Social Worker Visits
and/ or Consultations
Total Home Health Aide Visits
Under 28 days
28 days to 1 year
1 year to 4 years
5 years to 19 years
20 years
21 years to 44 years
45 years to 64 years
6 5 years and over
Total
19
27
4
29
2
138
235
959
1,413
34
13
Medicare
All Others
$5, 541.21
3, 092.67
$8,633.88
Permits and Dealers
Total collected - Miscellaneous Items
Plumbing Permits
Gas Permits
Sewerage Permits - New - 114; Repair or Alterations - 38
$1, 013.00
4, 233.50
2, 319.00
4, 532.00
$12, 097.50
On behalf of the Board of Health, we would like to thank the ladies of "Fish", especially Mrs.
Anne Davis, who have given us a great deal of time and assistance in many situations. The service
they render by visiting shut-ins, preparing meals and providing transportation has been invaluable
to us. "Fish" is an outstanding ladies service organization in this community.
57
BUILDING INSPECTOR
Don P. Johnson, Inspector
As your new Building Inspector, having been
appointed in late August of this year, I have found the
last four months to be extremely demanding, though
equally satisfying. Living in town for five years as a
private citizen (as I have) gives little insight into the
workings, obligations, responsibilities and activities
which must be performed in order that a town might
function.
Shortly after assuming my new responsibilities
I was fortunate to attend a conference of New England
Building Officials which I found to be very informative.
Although I have been unable to attend subsequent semi-
nars due to the work load, I hope to participate in sev-
eral during the coming year. Conferences of this type
are conducted on a technical level and primarily involve
building code and zoning studies and interpretations.
In addition to building code and zoning regulations,
this department is now charged with enforcement of the
new sign bylaw, thereby freeing the Selectmen for more
important administrative functions.
Don P. Johnson
I am presently reviewing policies and procedures with all other applicable departments and boards,
as they relate to the Building Department, in an attempt to streamline our efforts to provide maximum
efficiency.
It is a pleasure to be an employee of the Town of Acton and I pledge my efforts toward the better-
ment of our community for our children and ourselves.
A complete list of Building Permits for the year 1972 is below:
Area Number of Permits
Residential: Single Dwellings
Mult i- Family Dwellings
Additions, Repairs
Garages
Porches
Swimming Pools
Miscellaneous
Commercial: Business Buildings
Total
Estimated Cost
Receipts: Fees for Building Permits
104
$3,478, 045.00
10 (129 D. U.)
1, 646,360.00
46
153, 314.00
6 (+ 1 renewal)
15, 600.00
34
41, 800.00
17
87, 245.00
35
462, 171.00
16
1,344, 562.00
349 (+ 1 renewal)
$7, 229, 097.00
$ 11, 137.25
CIVIL DEFENSE
Walter Johnson, Director
Many citizens believe that Civil Defense is set up only for Nuclear Warfare and Fallout Shelter
Programs. This is not so. The four major responsibilities of Civil Defense are:
1. To provide for education about disasters.
2. To provide means for warning the public in case of approaching disasters.
3. To provide the basis for the continuity of local government during and after a
disaster.
4. To provide skilled manpower, materials, and equipment to alleviate or ease
after effects.
Although there have been no major disasters in Acton, on February 19, 1972 our coastal areas
were declared a disaster area by the Federal Government. At this time 'Acton's Auxiliary Firemen
volunteered their services. They went immediately to Revere, Massachusetts where they spent long
hours evacuating endangered families and pumping out homes. They later received an official letter
of commendation from the Chief of the Revere Fire Department.
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Dorothy Stonecliffe, Chairman
After years of planning and paperwork, Phases I and II of the Great Hill Project are completed and
we can now offer 185 additional acres of land for conservation and recreation to the people of Acton. This
land is located in South Acton and is generally bounded by School Street on the south, Piper Road on the east,'
Massachusetts Avenue on the north and Main Street on the west. Through the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation,'
federal and state reimbursements returned to the town on Great Hill are expected to be 75<p on every $1. 00
spent.
The Middlesex Soil Conservation Service was asked to develop a resource analysis of all town lands in
cooperation with the Recreation Commission and the Conservation Commission. Potentials for camping,
bridal paths, ice skating, skiing, sledding, togogganing, field sports, hiking, nature study, picnicking,
playground and wild life preservation were the items selected for study.
Permanent granite markers have been placed on cement to identify the entrances to town land at
Grassy Pond, Wills Hold, Bulette Road and Great Hill.
Chemical supplies were purchased for a selected group of supervised chemistry student volunteers
to do water quality monitoring along selected portions of Acton streams.
Commissioners volunteered when requested for the recycling program at the Sanitary Landfill
and presented a program at school during Earth Week.
Scout Kenneth Dodson earned conservation credits by organizing and leading a group to clear a trail
to conservation land.
59
The Wetlands Protection Act, which combines the Hatch Act and Jones Act into one comprehensive
piece of legislation for the protection of wetlands, became effective October 16, 1972. There are many
interesting changes in the' new law which will provide a new impetus in regulation and protection of our
coastal and inland areas. The most salient change is that the responsibility for wetland protection and
the legal authority to issue orders of condition now rest with the Conservation Commission. We plan to
exercise this new responsibility with great care and the cooperation of other town officials and agencies.
Lack of funds sharply curtailed our land acquisition plans in 1972. A sub -committee of members
of the Conservation Commission and the Finance Committee was formed to investigate financing alternatives
for conservation land purchases. A plan for a five year minimum essential acquisition program has been
discussed.
This year our 1973 Warrant articles ask your continued support for land acquisition in South Acton
and West Acton.
Brewster Conant Peter Jorrens
Robert Ellis Richard Murphy
Ragnar Gustafson Chauncey Waldron
DOG OFFICER
Patrick Palmer
My records show that:
1. 1407 licenses were issued (18 less than in 1971). 600 reminder cards were
sent out.
2. 99 dogs were picked up, 60 of which were claimed by their owners, 30 were
placed in homes, and 9 were destroyed.
3. 10 dogs were quarantined for biting, and the circumstances investigated.
4. 43 complaints were registered with this office, most of which concerned
barking dogs, dogs at schools, and dogs chasing cars and bicycles. All
of these complaints were investigated and we hope that satisfactory solu-
tions were found.
INSECT PEST CONTROL
Franklin H. Charter, Superintendent
The Department removed 75 diseased Elms in 1972. Private contractors were used for most of
this work. The stumps were ground out below ground for greater safety.
The Gypsy Moth continues to build up in Crested areas. Most of the damage is done in May and
June and should not be confused with later infestations of Tent Caterpillar or Fall Webworm.
60
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Thomas J. Barry, Chief
School Street Barn - December 21, 1972
The year 1972 brought increases again in the number of all calls particularly building fires and
their associated losses. A new dimension was added with Arson and Malicious False Alarms. The
False Alarms started early in the year and reached a peak in September when 18 False Alarms were
received in a 48 hour period. This continual harassment required the Department to reduce the response
of apparatus on Box Alarms received from the street. Although arrests were made, the problems have
continued.
There were 10 fires directly attributed to Arson. Three buildings were completely destroyed and
several were heavily damaged. Although the loss in this area was fairly low, the indirect cost due to
lost services and manpower was tremendous. Not only the cost of the actual firefighting was heavy but
expenses for investigation, surveillance and extra men on duty raised havoc with our budget.
The big change in Fire Department operations came in June when we went on full 24 haur opera-
tions as a result of the adding of nine new men. These men in both the Center and South Stations were
able to prevent several fires from getting out of hand with their quick response and positive action. We
hate to think of what this year would have brought without this change.
Early in December the Insurance Services Office started a complete survey of the Fire Protection
System in Acton. The survey will terminate in April of 1973 with a final report available in the summer.
The results of this survey will be used by the Insurance Company to determine the insurance rate for
property in the Town and it will be used by the Fire Department as a planning guide for future develop-
ment.
Fire Prevention
The Fire Prevention Division was- reorganized in July. In the past it was the responsibility of one
Officer to coordinate the Fire Prevention activities of the entire Department. After the reorganization,
the Division was established around a three-man unit working on a part-time basis. Definite responsi-
bilities in the area of commercial inspections, special hazard inspections,, arson and photography and
finally school programs were assigned to the Division. In the six months of operation overall improve-
ment has been shown in all areas and many loose ends were finally tied together. With three major
shopping centers opening in 1972 and with the Nagog Woods project fully under way, the work load
increased in all areas of the Division.
61
The Present Department Personnel is as follows:
Permanent Personnel - 1 Chief
4 Captains
21 Firefighters
Call (Part-Time) Personnel - 2 Deputy Chiefs
2 Lieutenants
26 Call Firefighters
Station Coverage with Paid Men - 24 hours per day - Station 1 (Center) - 2 Firefighters
Station 2 (South) - 2 Firefighters
Station 3 (West) - 1 Officer
1 Firefighter
1 Dispatcher
Equipment
Two new pieces of equipment were delivered this year. Engine 5 (Forest Fire Truck) was put
into service late in October. This is the truck that had been on order since August of 1970. A new
Chief's Car was delivered and put into service on June 1.
The contract for the Snorkel-Pumper was signed in August and delivery is expected in April 1973.
A complete pump replacement was necessary on Engine 6, a 1961 model. The truck normally
stationed in South Acton was at the factory for 2 months. During this period we had to "borrow" a
Fire Truck from the Town of Maynard to provide coverage for South Acton. This points out our continued
lack of reserve or, stand-by apparatus.
I requested in 1972 that funds be appropriated to add a 750 gallon per minute pump to the new Engine 5,
to make it available as an additional engine. Needless to say the money was not forth-coming and the
Engine cannot be used for a back-up. The request has been made again for 1973.
Program for 1973-74
The arrival of the 18 month Budget has forced a hard look at Fire Department plans for this
period. With the realization that the 73 Town Meeting would have to hold until July 1974, careful planning
had to be carried out in all areas.
Additional Men Requested
April 1, 1973 - 3 men to maintain coverage with reduction in work week, 48 hrs. to 42 hrs.
January 1, 1974 - 4 men to add 1 man to each shift in West Acton.
Additional Equipment
750 GPM pump to be installed on Engine 6.
Due to the forecasted rapid delivery of the Snorkel-Pumper we feel safe in putting off the
replacement of Engine 1 until after July 74.
I have nothing to report on progress locating a station in the Great Road area. We are still at
the same stage as we were in 1970. We expect the results of the Survey being conducted to greatly
aid in getting this station program off the ground. We have already lost out Target Date of 1975.
Unfortunately the development of Route 2A has continued on.
Since 1968 the Town had expended many thousands of dollars in improvements or building the Fire
Department. Three new pieces of apparatus, full time men and several capital projects were necessary
to match the growth of the town. A look back through the past five years shows a growth that few towns
have had to cope with. This growth can be realized with a look at Building Permits issued from 1968 to
1972. Single residence 635, Apartment Building 101, Multi Units 1353, Commercial Buildings 76. This
increase in both number of building and the resulting population increase has resulted in 100% increase
in alarms over the five year period. Although growth is hard to predict, impact of growth is not. Problems
and solutions have been found in other towns faced with these same facts. We must continue to identify these
problems and seek the solutions through planning and implementation. This takes time and involvement
62
at all levels of Town Government and'must be looked at with a realistic attitude.
I would like to thank the men of the Fire Department, the Auxiliary Department for the excellent
cooperation and support. I also wish to thank the several Boards and Town Departments for their
assistance.
Total number of alarms responded to. are as follows:
Residential
Churches and Schools
Mercantile
Manufacturing
Storage - Garages
Grass - Brush -Woods
Miscellaneous
Vehicle
False Alarms
Accidental Alarms and Smoke Scares
Emergencies
Investigation
Special Service
Mutual Aid Sent
1971
31
1
0
9
2
49
48
44
11
28
77
107
88
16
511
1972
46
7
3
5
4
44
50
32
49
28
178
122
114
13
695
Box Alarms
Still Alarms
Deaths by Fire
Fire Loss
94
417
4
149
446
0
Building and Contents
Vehicles
Miscellaneous
Assessed Value of Property Involved
Permits Issued
Oil and Power Burners
Blasting
Liquified Petroleum
Flammable Liquids
Miscellaneous
Monies Collected
Permits
Station Rental and Insurance Claims
Miscellaneous
$ 42,
151.
.46
$78.
249.
,00
5,
090.
00
9,
185.
,00
67,
500.
741.
00
46
--
$114,
$87,
434.
,00
$2, 553,
260.
do
58
46
5
10
17
$5,
585,
630.
,00
75
49
14
11
44
$ 99.
00
$153.
,50
115.
.00
65.
,00
--
332.
,17
$214.00
$550.67
63
Fire -Prevention Week Exhibition at
Conant School - October 1972
Stolen car is retrieved from Clearview
Pond - October 1972
Training
The Department Training Program was expanded in the areas of on-duty training for the paid men.
This was accomplished by adding an Institution Drill as well as the combined operations drill carried
out at the McCarthy -Towne School during the summer months.
We were fortunate to have our new recruits attend the 6 weeks basic Firefighter's Course at the
Massachusetts Fire Academy in Stow. This training was accomplished before the men were assigned
to their stations. Severe cutbacks in State funds have curtailed the Academy thereby' shutting off our
source of specialized training for both the Paid and Call Departments. It does not look like there will
be any help in this area for quite some time.
Fire Alarms
The Fire Alarm Division had another busy year with the addition of 28 new alarm boxes. Nineteen
of these boxes were the automatic type connected to building Fire Protection Systems. Other work was
still carried out, such as line repairs, alarm box testing, subdivision installations, and plan approval
on new buildings.
Inspections in association with our Building Code requirements took considerable time and
reached the point where it has become necessary to use an additional man to inspect just the single
dwellings. Over 200 inspections were necessary in this area alone. The increased number of alarm
boxes associated with the Great Road area has forced a redesigning of the circuits in this area. Money
has been requested for 1973 to carry out these improvements.
Personnel
The Department personnel saw many changes during 1972. The addition of 9 full-time men in-
creased the paid force to 25. Of the new men appointed, 8 came from the Call Force and the others had
extensive military experience.
Call Firefighters Henry Soar and Martin Duggan retired after many years of service to the Town.
These men will be missed for their experience and reliability.
A survey of out response by Call men and off-duty men showed another drop in the number of men
responding to alarms. This has become a matter of great concern. We can only rely on adequate man-
power between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. The rest of the time we are dealing with an un-
known quantity.
64
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Norman L. Roche, Acting Chief of Police
Airplane Crash - 1972
Adequate police manpower requirements for a specific city or town can only be determined follow-
ing careful study and analysis of the local stiuation, together with a thorough evaluation of the numerous
factors which effect police needs. With this in mind, I recommend the addition of six patrolmen to the
force during the next two years. This would bring our strength up to twenty-seven officers.
At the present time we are short four men from our allocated strength of twenty-one men due to a
Federal Court injunction against the Massachusetts Department of Civil Service and to the retirement of
Chief Collins. Until the Department of Civil Service establishes an eligible list of candidates, the Town
is unable to employ permanent full time officers for these four vacant positions.
As the Department is growing to meet the demands of an
expanding population there is now a need for another level of
supervision above that of Sargeant as well as a full-time Juven-
ile/Safety Officer.
I have recommended in my 1973-74 budget request that
promotions be made to establish the position of Lieutenant so
that an improved chain of command could be implemented in
the Department and detail work delegated.
On September 30, 1972, Chief Edward J. Collins, Jr.
retired from the Department after having served over 23 years.
Chief Collins joined the Acton Police Department on December
8, 1948 as a patrolman. In November of 1956 he was promoted
to the rank of Sergeant, and on October 1, 1957 was appointed
Chief of Police. Chief Collins served the Town long and faith-
fully and the Department extends a sincere wish for every
happiness in his well-earned retirement.
P ^
v
Safety Officer: Wm. J. Durkin, Jr.
65
Education
Sergeant Robert Rhodes, Patrolmen William N. Hayes, George W. Robinson, John T. McNiff,
David C. Flint, Edward R. Brooks and Robert L. Parisi are all enrolled in Law Enforcement programs
of study on a part-time basis at local colleges, on their own time and at their own expense. This repre-
sents many hours of valuable police training that these men are returning to the Department without cost
to the Town.
Officers McNiff and Robinson have been members of the force for the past four and one -half years
and will receive their Associate degree in Law Enforcement this June.
Patrolmen/Scholars - George Robinson, left,
and John McNiff, right, with Northeastern
University's Cooperative Educational Coor-
dinator for Law Enforcement, Hugh Talbot.
Instruction in First Aid - Patrolman G. W.
Robinson (left) and Captain Donald Copeland
of the Acton Fire Department (right), with
Resuscitator Annie.
Training
Sergeant David W. Scribner and Patrolman George W. Robinson completed a two-week training
course in Basic Crime Scene Search Techniques at the State Police Academy in Framingham, Massa-
chusetts.
Patrolman Robert L. Parisi graduated from an eight -week intensive Basic Police Training Course
conducted at the Medford Police Academy.
Patrolman Bernard W. Harrison completed a two-week in-service training program on Drug Abuse
conducted by the Attorney General's Office.
Patrolman Brian R. Goodman completed a forty-hour course in chemical testing for analysis of
blood alcohol through the use of breath testing equipment conducted by the Massachusetts State Police.
Crimes or Complaints Reported
Breaking and Entering and Larceny 137
Miscellaneous Complaints 97
Larcenies 190
Malicious Damage (Vandalism) 105
Stolen Motor Vehicles 50
Armed Robberies 5
Armed Bank Robbery 1
Indecent Assault 14
Annoying Phone Calls
Narcotics
Town Junk Car Bylaw
Suicides
Counterfeit Money
Indecent Exposure
Missing Persons
Arson and Related Offenses
24
15
10
3
1
1
2
11
66
Adult Arrests or Prosecutions
Manslaughter
Forcible Rape
Robbery
Aggravated Assault
Breaking and Entering and Larceny
Larceny
1
1
1
2
15
27
Other Assaults 5
Narcotic Drug Laws 27
Driving Under Influence of Liquor 26
Liquor Laws 8
Drunkeness 35
Disorderly Conduct 4
Juvenile Arrests or Prosecutions (under seventeen)
Aggravated Assault
Breaking and Entering and Larceny
Larceny
Auto Theft
Arson
Motor Vehicle Statistics
Total Number of Accidents
Covered by the Department
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Involving Personal Injury
Total Number of Fatal
Accidents
rceny
1
14
2
5
1
Vandalism
Sex Offenses
Narcotic Drug Laws
Run- away s
26
2
6
2
1971
1972
1971
1972
274
90
4
384
85
4
Total Number Fatal Injuries
Total Number Pedestrians
Injured
Total Number Bicyclists
Injured
Total Number Motorcyclists
Injured
5
1
2
0
7
1
1
1
Traffic Arrests
Physical Custody
Miscellaneous Statistics
12
Citations
410
Emergency Trips to Acton Medical 12
Unlocked Doors Checked (found open) 72
Cars Checked by Patrol 413
Emerson Hospital Emergency Runs 307
Fir Alarms 115
Juveniles Arrested 66
House Checks (vacations, etc.) 683
Bank Escorts (30 per week) 1,560
Trips to Metropolitan State Hosp. 9
Motorists Assisted 73
Telephone Calls Incoming 6,535
Telephone Calls Outgoing 2,268
Radio Calls 8,223
Town Radio Calls 31
Telephone Wires Down 5
Resuscitator Used 31
Street Lights Out 13
Traffic Lights Not Working 19
Electric Wires Down 6
Bicycles Registered 256
Summons Served 412
Summons Sent Out of Town for Service 221
Pistol Permits Issued 167
Firearm I.D. Cards Issued 103
Officers Court Time 882 hrs.
Sergeants
Chauncey R. Fenton, Jr.
David W. Scribner
Robert S. Rhodes
Patrolmen
William J. Durkin, Jr.
Bernard W. Harrison
William N. Hayes
Joseph P. Sansone
George W. Robinson
Donald M. Bresnick
Robert L.
John T. McNiff
Robert P. MacLeod
Brian R. Goodman
David C. Flint
Lawrence A. DuPont
Edward R. Brooks
Parisi
67
ACTON HOMEOWNER'S INVENTORY
In the last few years, the number of home burglaries in Acton has increased. As a result,
homeowners have lost color TV and stereo sets, appliances, furniture, guns, silverware, jewelry,
watches, cameras, and other possessions -- as well as money.
We recommend that each homeowner keep an inventory of the furnishings of his house. In the
event of burglary or fire, it will be an invaluable aid -- particularly serial numbers of appliances
and guns. This will also assist your police department in apprehending the criminals involved. As
far as money is concerned, do not leave it in your house --a bank or on your person is much safer.
The inventory form below and on the other side of this page is for your convenience,
out, fill it out, and then put it away in a safe place, preferably one that is fireproof.
Tear it
A further precaution is to "personalize" your appliances and similar metal items with an etching
pencil. Use it to put your name or Social Security number on your TV and hi-fi sets, etc.
One other thing you can do to help prevent home burglaries in Acton -- call the Police on 263-2911
immediately if you notice any suspicious activity in your neighborhood. We don't mind the "false alarms"
and we may be able to nip a burglary in the bud.
Norman L. Roche
Acting Chief of Police
ITEM
BRAND NAME
YEAR
COST
SERIAL NUMBER
T.V.
STEREO
CAMERA
PROJECTOR
BICYCLE
POWER TOOL
AIR CONDITIONER
PAINTING
FUR
RADIO
MUSIC INST.
Use other side for further space or complete inventory if desired.
68
ACTON HOMEOWNER'S INVENTORY
ITEM
BRAND NAME
YEAR
COST
SERIAL NUMBER
69
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
George K. Hayward
I herewith submit my fourteenth report as Sealer of Weights and Measures for the Town of
Acton:
Total number devices inspected and sealed 249
Fees paid to Town Treasurer $366.40
(Note of Interest: On behalf of the Acton public Mr. Hayward "Tests and Seals" weighing or measur-
ing devices to conform to the standards provided by the Commonwealth. If he finds a device inaccurate,
he may condemn it or issue a certificate indicating the amount or direction of any errors found by him.)
VETERANS' AGENT
Norman L. Roche, Agent
For the year ending December 31, 1972, nine cases were aided under Chapter 115 of the General
Laws at an expenditure of $28,893.44.
Although the case load remained the same over the previous year, unforeseen and extraordinary
medical expenses account for the increased expenditure.
Contact service with the Veterans' Administration was rendered to seventy-five veterans or their
dependents in obtaining various federal and state benefits to which they were entitled.
70
VETERANS' GRAVES
T. Frederick S. Kennedy, Veterans Graves Officer
There have been nine interments of United States War Veterans in the Acton Cemeteries during
the year 1972. The names of the Veterans, and dates and places of burial are as follows:
James H. Wilson
Michael Barry
William Deane
John Clayton, Sr.
Joseph F. Donnelly
Charles E. Bursaw
Daniel Sweeney
Frederick R. Laite
Ernest J. Boucher
Korean War
U.S. Army
W.W. II
W.W. I
W.W. II
Vietnam War
W.W. I
W.W. II
W.W. I
January 24, 1972
March 11, 1972
March 11, 1972
March 27, 1972
April 19, 1972
May 3, 1972
September 18, 1972
November 6, 1972
November 24, 1972
Mount Hope Cemetery
Woodlawn Cemetery
Woodlawn Cemetery
Mount Hope Cemetery
Woodlawn Cemetery
Woodlawn Cemetery
Mount Hope Cemetery
Woodlawn Cemetery
Woodlawn Cemetery
Veteran's Flag Standards have been placed on these departed Veterans graves and government grave
markers have been ordered for these Veterans.
INSPECTOR OF WIRES
Leslie F. Parke, Inspector
I herewith submit my report as Inspector of Wires for the year ending December 31, 1972.
Three Hundred One permits were issued and fees collected were turned over to the Treasurer.
WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION
Theron A. Lowden, Agent
For the year ending December 31, 1972 there-were eleven (11) accidents reported by the following
departments:
School Department: Acton Elementary - Gates School
- McCarthy -Towne School
Highway Department:
All eleven of the injured required medical attention. Four (4) required medical attention with loss
of time; seven (7) required medical attention with no loss of time.
71
ACTON HISTORICAL DISTRICT
Norman R. Veenstra, Chairman
Our Committee was appointed March 1, 1972, in conformity with the General Laws of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts by Acton Selectmen.
We have held periodic meetings during the year and are presently engaged in tabulating a
list of historic (previous to 1850) homes in Acton.
We anticipate completing our study in 1972 and presenting a formal report of our conclusions
to the Selectmen sometime in the latter part of the year.
ARCHIVES
Minetta D. Lee T. Frederick S. Kennedy, Chairman Joyce C. Woodhead
This past year the Archives Committee has received many letters, from the following groups:
School Children and several out of State Boy Scout Troops, requesting information in regards to the
life of Captain Isaac Davis and his family.
Near the end of the year the Committee received notice from the Ultra Security Records Vault
Inc. of Hull, Massachusetts due to the death of the Treasurer of the Corporation, they were forced
to close out the Micro -Record Storage Center.
It became necessary for this Committee to make other arrangements, for a safe storage center
for the Town Microfilms.
After conferring with the Manager of the Ultra Security Record Corporation and the President
of Graphic Microfilm of New England Inc. , and acting on their recommendation, arrangements are
being made for the transfer of the Town Microfilms to another safe and reliable storage place for
the safe keeping of the Town Microfilms.
72
HISTORICAL COMMISSION
Marion E. H. Houghton, Chairman
The Acton Historical Commission continued to meet monthly at 8 P.M. on the second Wednesday
in the Public Works Building. These meetings are open to the public and any interested observer will
be welcome.
Mr. William Klauer was appointed to the Commission as its fifth member.
Some work was done on the cataloguing of old houses, but lack of money for pictures has prevented
any further progress.
The Todd house continued to hold our attention. Mr. Stanley Smith was chosen to a subcommittee
of the School Department to explore possible solutions for its future. To use the house in any public
capacity would require so much strengthening of the frame to meet the building code that it was decided
it could best be used as a dwelling with restrictions. In spite of the recent fire the frame is still sturdy.
The Acton Historical Commission accepted an invitation to join the Massachusetts Federation of
Historical Commissions.
Mr. Smith represented the Historical Commission at a joint meeting of town boards. As a result of
the meeting, the Planning Board suggested a combined meeting in July to discuss how we could be of
assistance to one another. The Planning Board requested information on any old house that might be
threatened by proposed development and agreed to keep the Historical Commission informed of new
development projects.
The Recreation Commission requested that a member of the Historical Commission be appointed
to act as liaison with them. Mr. William Klauer accepted the appointment.
The Historical Commission received word from Mr. John F. Davoren, Secretary of the Common-
wealth, advising that the U. S. Department of the Interior has placed the Isaac Davis Trail on the National
Register of Historic Places. The Isaac Davis Trail is under the supervision of the Historical Commission
Complaints of neighbors about the noise of minibikes on the Isaac Davis Trail land resulted in an
article in the Warrant of the October Town Meeting forbidding recreational motor vehicles on public
land. The article passed. It is now possible for the police to take action against trespassers.
At the request of the Historic District Study Committee for a list of houses built in Acton b&fore
1850, the Historical Commission scheduled several extra work sessions to compile one. This listing
is required by the State as a part of the study determining the proper location of an Historic District.
This year marked increased cooperation between town boards, a welcome development. The
Historical Commission hopes that it can continue to be of service to other town boards.
Anita Dodson, Clerk
Stanley L. Smith, Jr.
William Klauer
Robert Nylander
73
1975 CELEBRATION COMMITTEE
Burton A. Davis, Chairman
The 1975 Celebration Advisory Committee continued to meet on the last Monday of each month in
the Selectmen's Office in the Town Hall. Long range planning for design of a suitable memorial medal-
lion culminated in Selectmen's approval in November 1972, with authorization to proceed with the prepa-
ration of the dies and delivery of initial quantities.
Memorial Medallions
Analysis of the problems and responsibilities now evident resulted in realignment of tasks and
assignments. Planning previously accomplished in meetings attended by the entire committee is now
delegated to smaller, specialized subcommittees. Tasks have been divided into four major categories
as follows:
Finance - Hayward Houghton
Federal/State Liaison - Richmond Miller
Medallion/ Marketing - Natacha MacGregor
Program - Brewster Conant
Ball/Dances - Palo Pierce
Crown Resistance Day - Charles Morehouse
Parade - Earl Tuttle
Education Liaison - Peg Kinsey
Area Coordination - Brewster Conant
Patriots' Day - Roger Huebsch
Staff -
Publicity - Mary Tierney
Protocol/ Invitations - Peg Kinsey
Archivist/Historian - Brewster Conant
Permanent Memorial - Burton Davis
Service - Wilson Bursaw
Health & Sanitation - Donald Gilberti
Beautification - Betsy Houghton
Transportation - Wilson Bursaw
Safety /Control -
Accommodations -
Decorations - Woman's Club
74
Particular care is being exercised to avoid committee objectives, plans and financial actions not
acceptable to the majority of Acton residents. All meetings are open to the public, all plans are avail-
able on request and each financial action requires Selectmen approval. Participation in surrounding
community planning is accomplished but reliance on federal/ state commission funding is not a factor.
Any Acton citizen interested in the bi-centennial activities is encouraged to become involved by contact-
ing any committee member.
A plan is underway to display Acton memorabilia available to citizens and visitors in the Town
Hall lobby or Library with identification of responsible activities/ sources, i.e., DAR, Minutemen,
Scouts, etc. Safety, health and traffic control problems are receiving in-depth planning, including
helicopter ambulance service, fire routes, police locations/ stations. These planning activities con-
sider only the unusual aspects of large potential crowds, event routes and special factors and will be
implemented only when and as directed by responsible town officials, i.e., Fire Chief, Police Chief, etc.
Plans to involve Acton's youth are being coordinated with school principals and their appointed
representatives. Any functional, technical, or civic group not represented on the committee is encour-
aged to speak up.
For all this the committee is requesting the sum of $5,000 in the 1973 Town Warrant to be added
to the $9,000 previously authorized and set aside.
■
Acton Minutemen
75
THE OFFICE OF TOWN CLERK
Births Recorded 255
Deaths Recorded 131
Marriages Recorded 156
IMPORTANT REQUEST
Please notify the Town Clerk immediately of any error or omission in the following Births.
Errors can be corrected only by sworn affidavit, as prescribed by the General Laws, and may cause
you inconvenience which can be avoided by prompt attention.
BIRTHS REGISTERED IN 1972
Date
Place
Jan.
2
Concord
Jan.
3
Concord
Jan.
3
Concord
Jan.
3
Concord
Jan.
6
Boston
Jan.
7
Concord
Jan.
8
Arlington
Jan.
10
Concord
Jan.
12
Concord
Jan.
17
Concord
Jan.
17
Boston
Jan.
19
Concord
Jan.
20
Cambridge
Jan.
22
Boston
Jan.
23
Concord
Jan.
28
Concord
Jan.
28
Fitchburg
Feb.
1
Concord
Feb.
2
Concord
Feb.
2
Concord
Feb.
2
Concord
Feb.
3
Concord
Feb.
3
Cbncord
Feb.
7
Boston
Feb.
7
Concord
Feb.
9
Concord
Feb.
9
Concord
Feb.
10
Concord
Feb.
11
Concord
Feb.
15
Worcester
Feb.
17
Concord
Feb.
19
Boston
Feb.
20
Concord
Feb.
20
Concord
Feb.
22
Concord
Feb.
23
Concord
Feb.
23
Concord
Feb.
25
Concord
Feb.
25
Concord
Feb.
26
Concord
Fab.
26
Worcester
Feb.
28
Concord
Feb.
29
Boston
Name of Child
Alcorn, Donald Alvin
Gross, Mathew Barrett
Horan, Seth Blundell
Pekkala, David Joseph
Kelly, Helene Margaret
Orcutt, Hank Benjamin
Gentile, John Francis
Carroll, Keith Steven
Cook, Ann Marie
Fillmore, Emily Elizabeth
Calabraro, David Louis
Varsalone, Jeffrey
Fosdick, Jeffrey Downing
LaFaive, Denise Jessica
Jackson, Julia Anne
Pattee.Gretchen Beth
Hosmer, Jennifer Jane
LaRouche, Ramona Lee
O'Neil, Richard Joseph, III
Guerette, Holly Marie
Robinson, Jeffrey Richard
Abbett, Kristen Anne
Benoit, Kathryn Lee
Hull, Matthew Coates
Taylor, Julianne
Null, Laura Jane
Beaudoin, Owen James
Brown, Jonathan Whitcomb
Bearce, Matthew William
Putnam, Rory Stevens Woodbury
Stewart, Heidi Liselotte
Slade, Devin Douglas
Dunham, Rebecca Mae
Murphy, David Robertson
Ehrlich, Kevin
Bennett, Cynthia Elizabeth
McKelvie, Todd Brendan
Swanson, Stacy Ann
Towne, Brian Roger
Burke, Thomas Michael, Jr.
Bottos, Anastasia
Neff, Michael Roy
Donovan, Kaitleen Elizabeth
Name of Parents
Donald A. and Joyce J. Johnson
Gary J. and Barbara R. Hucker
David T. and Hazel J. Blundell
Paul R. and Charlotte E. Foley
John M. and Mary C. Staples
Warren S. and Maryann Johnston
Dominic J. and Elizabeth A. Bubon
Kenneth D. and Arlene M. Runci
Thomas W. and Jean L. Steeves
David C. and Joyce M. Hanson
Ronald L. and Marjorie A. O'Brien
Robert A. and Anna M. T. Renna
Kenneth E. and Judith K. Allen
Patrick T. and Maureen D. Madden
Peter W. and Dawn S. Halford
Timothy H. and Gail Perry
Richard Jr. and Ann C. Gould
Raymond L. O. and Georgia L. Chapman
Richard J. and Linda B. Davis
Alfred J. and Mary L. Murphy
George W. and Judith A. Kelly
Mark and Joan Ann T. Denkiewicz
Benjamin L. , III and Nancy Goodwin
Thorold A. L. and Barbara L. McCaw
Peter B. and Patricia A. Pulyer
Donald C. and Wanda S. Chatman
Robert A. and Leslee G. Towne
Duncan M. and Constance Whitcomb
Robert F. , Jr. and Judith K. Humphrey
Frank W. , III and Jane S. Chevers
Rudi A. and Sandra M. Watkins
Jeffrey H. and Sandra K. McGinnis
Richard L. and Lois R. Bessey
David T. and Christine Barrie
Roger A. and Shari D. Hoenshell
Edward M. and Susan M. Dion
Alan C. and Brenda E. Bentsen
Alan J. and Joy E. Park
Roger H. and Brenda L. Coffey
Thomas M. and Patricia A. Trombley
Nicholos A. and Kassiani S. Mitsi
Ralph T. and Diane O. Alesi
Thomas M. and Ann M. McCarthy
76
Date
Place
Name of Child
Name of Parents
Mar.
1
Boston
Mar.
1
Concord
Mar.
1
Concord
Mar.
2
Cambridge
Mar.
2
Newton
Mar.
2
Concord
Mar.
5
Winchester
Mar.
6
Waltham
Mar.
8
Concord
Mar.
9
Concord
Mar.
9
Framingham
Mar.
10
Concord
Mar.
10
Concord
Mar.
12
Concord
Mar.
13
Concord
Mar.
14
Boston
Mar.
16
Concord
Mar.
17
Concord
Mar.
21
Concord
Mar.
24
Concord
Mar.
24
Marlborough
Mar.
25
Concord
Mar.
25
Boston
Mar.
26
Concord
Mar.
27
Boston
Mar.
31
Boston
Apr.
4
Concord
Apr.
5
Concord
Apr.
6
Concord
Apr.
7
Boston
Apr.
8
Concord
Apr.
8
Concord
Apr.
9
Concord
Apr.
9
Concord
Apr.
10
Boston
Apr.
11
Concord
Apr.
11
Concord
Apr.
13
Concord
Apr.
17
Concord
Apr.
17
Concord
Apr.
17
Concord
Apr.
17
Concord
Apr.
17
Concord
Apr.
18
Concord
Apr.
20
Concord
Apr.
21
Concord
Apr.
21
Concord
Apr.
23
Boston
Apr.
25
Concord
Apr.
25
Boston
Apr.
25
Concord
Apr.
26
Newton
Apr.
27
Concord
Apr.
28
Boston
Apr.
29
Boston
May
3
Concord
May
4
Concord
May
5
Concord
May
7
Concord
Northrop, Ellen Gail
LaFoley, Michael Brent
Guttenberg, Nicole Desiree
Twohey, Maura Elizabeth
D'Onofrio, Michael Prescott
Gratz, David Gerard
Harrigan, Erin McCauley
Duhamel, Eric Vincent
Janas, Anthony Brian
Donelan, Tarah Lisa
Harris, Terrence John
Lohmann, Melissa Christine
Browne, Patrick Timothy Jeremiah
Marcey, John Patrick
Kehoe, James Vincent
Hurley, Ian Thomas
Gibbons, Rebecca Anne
Longcope, Daniel Coulter
Condon, Timothy Michael
Shank, Gregory Vincent
Flakes, Erica Jeannette
Siers, Christopher Wayne
Kough, Kurt David
Sweatt, Tory Kimball
Puffer, Bradford Winslow
Minichiello, Thomas Matthew
Platine, Brooke Heather
D'Ambrosio, Joseph Francis, Jr.
Hopkins, Coleen Ellen
Werner, Wennell Charlene
Marzilli, Paul Joseph III
Gifford, Joseph David
James, David Edward
Giblin, John Thomas, III
Hastings, Nancy Holway
Abbott, Jeffrey Davis
Santos, Christiane Elizabeth
Drepanos, Nicole Dorothy
Farrell, Scott Greyson
Flavell, Lynne Alison
Hitchcock, Linda Ann
DiPietro, Louis Angelo
Steinmann, Kathleen Elizabeth
O' Grady, Michael Sidney
Kostas, Lissa Ann
Lowell, Andrew Lyle
-Miller, Charles Edward, IV
Fisette, Craig
Christensen, Brian Steven
Kopelman, Daniel Louis
Battin, Jennifer Margaret
Bernard, Shea Bethel
Nuckols, Harold Williamson
Harlem, Michele Felicia
Myers, Andrew Jay
Hartshorn, Jennifer Laurel
Groener, Holly
Little, Darcy Nicole
Murphy, Christopher Robert
Roy F. and Marsha L. Lublin
Michael J. and Beverly L. Heiligmann
Frank B. and Angeline P. Dirksen
Thomas L. and Margaret J. Coughlin
John M. and Elaine J. M. Arsenault
William C. and Reda M. Greenberg
Timothy F. , Jr. and Susan Mucera
Robert R. and Claudette E. Parent
Michael A. and Pamela J. Ritt
John K. and Cynthia A. Marabello
Robert P., Ill and Maura A. Driscoll
Roger A. and Nancy L. Pew
Gerald F. and Barbara A. Burke
John E. and Karla K. Kelley
James P. and Verdell K. Gaspari
George F. and Margaret H. Gillis
John G. and Gail A. Hovey
James C. and Mary L. Klett
James M. , Jr. and Bette Ann Cagginello
Ronald C. and Kathryn A. Vincent
Roderick W. and Sylvia J. Carr
Kenneth W. and Adair A. Davis
Allen M. , Jr. and Irene Capaviella
Safford P. and Deborah R. Smith
Robert W. , III and Marie L. Trigg
Thomas F. and Sandra J. Lund
Bruce A. and Patricia L. Browne
Joseph F. and Gail A. Smith
Harold M. D. and Ellen C. Gallagher
Robert E. and Judy A. Zessin
Paul J. , Jr. and Sandra J. Paine
Weston B. , Jr. and Mildred E. Ayer
David R. and Jean E. Heincke
John T. , Jr. and Emily H. Woodward
John H. and Martha P. Frisbie
Ralph E. and Mary L. Davis
Charles E. and Ena E. T. Hodges
and Joan E. Hemingway
and Margaret J. Stampfle
and Elizabeth A. Gerberg
and Sarah T. Attig
Louis and Maryelizabeth Moses
Robert P. and Maureen Dee
Donald F. and Cheryl A. Tyler
James R. and Judith A. Stickney
Charles L. and Alice M. Goodfield
, III and Rose L. Priest
and Carol J. Dupont
and Linda N. Lowrie
and Paula J. Cohen
and Marie J. Riley
Harry A. and Pamela Holsenbeck
James H. and Sandra F. Scifres
George S. and Rosina C. Petone
Garrett R. and Virginia L. Ford
Robert T. and Marita R. Becker
Edgar J. and Jill Chamberlain
Edward W. and Suzanne M. Murphy
Richard G. and Mary E. O'Brien
Nicolas P.
Charles L.
William A.
Thomas H.
Charles E.
Richard R.
Michael J.
Kenneth D.
John J. W.
77
Date
May 8
May 12
May 12
May 12
May 13
May 15
May 15
May 17
May 18
May 20
May 21
May 22
May 22
May 23
May 24
May 27
May 27
May 27
May 29
May 30
June
June
June
June
June
June 8
June 9
June 9
June 10
June 13
June 13
June 13
June 14
June 17
June 19
June 20
June 22
June 23
June 27
June 28
June 30
July
July
July
July
July
July
July
July
July
July
July
July
July 22
July 26
July 26
July 27
July 27
July 28
3
4
11
12
13
13
13
14
15
17
19
19
Place Name of Child
Concord Ratta, Robert Michael
Concord Berglind, Stacey Lee
Newton Messira, Joel Robert
Concord Young, Michael Crispin
Concord Marx, Amy Deborah
Concord McGivern, Pamela Jeanne
Newton Comstock, Kathryn White
Concord Kennedy, Kristen Meredith
Concord Derby, Alex Richard
Concord Lazuka, Michael David
Concord Locke, Michael David
Concord Cochrane, Jason William
Concord Hurd, Jennifer Lynne
Concord Raven, Steven Osorio
Concord Lamarre, Paul Marcel
Concord Quinn, Todd James
Concord Bramhall, Blake McNeil
Boston Baird, Alison Lea
Concord Curtin, Thomas William
Concord Skalabrin, Stephanie Ann
Concord Haney, Elissa Anne
Concord Brainard, David Chatwin
Concord Tremblay, Colette Michelle
Concord Godbout, Jeffrey Michael
Concord Ullmann, Linda Stevens
Concord Santos, Nina Marie
Boston Tharler, Marni Jenine
Boston Fraser, Joshua Phillips
Concord Borrow, John David
Concord Napoli, Jonathan Richard
Chelsea Savell, Michael Benjamin
Concord Porteous, Brooke Ellen
Concord Martin, Scott James
Concord Hurst, Timothy Beyer
Concord Fortenberry, Tonya Patrice
Concord Wilhelms, Edward David
Concord Fingerman, Jennifer Rose
Concord Lambert, Whitney Scott
Concord Fanton, Karen Ferree
Concord McGinness, Jeffrey Simon
Concord Jenkins, Joshua Todd
Concord Best, Scott Edward
Concord Gregg, Tammy Jean
Concord Fowler, Edward Martin
Boston Rodney, Erica Dorsey
Boston Dellicicchi, Katie Marie
Concord Winner, Matthew David
Boston Dunlea, Edward John
Lowell Dubois, Marc Cofran
Concord Marchocki, Paul John
Concord Thompson, Kerri Elizabeth
Boston Maguire, Karen Eileen
Concord Atkinson, Andrea Renee
Concord Joyce, Keir Robert
Concord Stewart, Wendy Lynne
Concord Park, Matthew James
Concord Nyquist, Amy Lynn
Concord Kett, Gregory Stephen
Winchester Barnes, Jason Thomas
Name of Parents
Frederick J. and Pamela M. Ehwa
David W. and Cynthia L. Williams
Robert L. and Donna J. Martinko
Carl J. and Mary K. Barr
Michael H. and Susan T. Super
David E. and Cheryl E. Rushe
Robert H. and Jean S. White
Charles S. , Jr. and Pamela J. Pastore
Richard J. and Patricia L. Harmon
David M. and Paula M. Kelley
David A. and Christine M. Gosselin
William B. and Janice M. Ouellette
William R. and Margaret E. Burrows
Harry and Sonia Osorio
Clement D. and Brenda A. Barody
James L. and Johanna T. DeRosby
Mark H. and Janet Kschinka
Robert W. and Gertrude E. Coggan
David S. and Barbara J. M. Baird
Vladomir S. and Elizabeth J. Bessette
Douglas G. and Katherine A. Biebers
David I. and Sallie E. Scharfenberg
William P. and Elizabeth A. Stevens
Joseph C. and Nancy E. Richardson
Laurence E. and Helen F. Schatvet
Anthony C. and Lydiarina Baker
Steven R. and Elaine J. Lansky
Robert G. and Patricia J. Phillips
David A. and Sandra G. Bailey
Richard J. and Karen F. Cavaretta
Lawrence S. and Naomi N. Bigony
Donald P. and Susan Tantum
David R. and Sheryl E. Scott
David C. and Catherine E. Beyer
Charles E. and Mary L. Lundy
Edward J. and Susan B. Wells
Craig M. and Susan E. Mandel
Roger F. and Mary E. McCaffrey
John L. and Anne R. Baker
Donald B. , Jr. and Donna C. Simon
Michael R. and Marianne Dimakakos
Thomas A. and Georgeann G. Minder
Courtney H. and Nancy E. King
Frederick M. and Pamela D. Werner
Keith R. and Elsie C. Schneider
Alfred J. and Patricia R. O'Leary
David G. and Patricia M. Chambers
William H. , Jr. and Cheryl E. O'Brien
Dennis C. and Mary J. Cofran
Stanley A. and Helen A. Nowalk
Robert D. and Carolyn Wilson
Paul G. and Sheila M. Kramer
Peter and Cheryl A. Harding
William R. and Kristina A. Campbell
Gary F. and Donna L. Burns
James L. and Karen L. A. McCarthy
Paul R. and Jennifer L. Tyler
Walter S. and Suzanne L. K'Burg
Thomas A. and Kathleen M. Morris
78
Date
Place
Name of Child
Name of Parents
Aug.
3
Concord
Aug.
6
Boston
Aug.
7
Concord
Aug.
8
Concord
Aug.
9
Concord
Aug.
9
Boston
Aug.
12
Concord
Aug.
15
Concord
Aug.
16
Concord
Aug.
16
Concord
Aug.
17
Concord
Aug.
18
Concord
Aug.
21
Concord
Aug.
24
Concord
Aug.
25
Concord
Aug.
26
Concord
Aug.
29
Concord
Aug.
30
Natick
Sept.
1
Concord
Sept.
2
Concord
Sept.
3
Cambridge
Sept.
3
Waltham
Sept.
3
Boston
Sept.
5
Concord
Sept.
5
Concord
Sept.
7
Concord
Sept.
7
Waltham
Sept.
7
Concord
Sept.
8
Concord
Sept.
12
Concord
Sept.
13
Concord
Sept.
17
Concord
Sept.
18
Newton
Sept.
19
Concord
Sept.
19
Concord
Sept.
21
Concord
Sept.
27
Concord
Sept.
27
Boston
Sept.
28
Woburn
Sept.
29
Concord
Sept.
30
Concord
Sept.
30
Concord
Oct.
2
Concord
Oct.
4
Concord
Oct.
5
Newton
Oct.
8
Concord
Oct.
10
Concord
Oct.
11
Chelsea
Oct.
19
Concord
Oct.
19
Concord
Oct.
20
Concord
Oct.
21
Concord
Oct.
25
Concord
Nov.
1
Concord
Nov.
3
Fitchburg
Nov.
4
Concord
Nov.
5
Concord
Nov.
6
Winchester
Hammond, Heather Ann
Williams, Chebar
Reynolds, Michael Edward
Wetherbee, Daniel Christopher
Madigan, Molly
Mahar, Caitlin Marie
Arcieri, Anthony John, III
Krug, Lisa Sharon
Geek, Francis William
Ryan, Beth
Bonk, Melissa Linda
Middleton, Mark Richard
Johnson, Stephen Carl
Wildes, Betsy Anne
Seger, William Jason
Hutchinson, Laura Leigh
Conlon, Robert William, Jr.
Haugsjaa, Kjeldy Ann
McBreen, John Edward, III
Traut, Jill Michelle
Daley, Joanne Marie
Paine, Andrew
Swift, Jennifer Ann
Weissman, Joshua Alexander
Lane, Joseph Michael
McCracken, Matthew Blake
Kinsman, Joseph Michael
Joy, Kimberly Allison
Baker, Sharon Anne
Porter, Joseph Charles
O'Rourke, Sarah Jean
Nolan, Lucy
Berton, Keith Anthony
Sheridan, Jonathan Scott
Hadley, Eric Richmond
French, Teresa Jean
Bott, Kimberly Anne
Braden, Michael David
Burrow, Matthew Nolan
Kuenzler, Richard Owen
Rogan, Kathryn Marie
Runk, Jonathan Paul
Nessman, Kevin Michael
Carew, Elizabeth Anwyl
Pantanella, James Louis, Jr.
Cronin, Patricia Mary
Cusa, David Carl
Hebert, Heather Rachelle
Anderson, Erik Leonard
Kistler, Gregory Allen
Hanna, Wendell Gene
White, Kimberly Ann
Searcy, Samantha
Mudgett, Keith David
Cole, William James
Caprio, James Alexander
Meier, Christopher Thomas
Bendel, Beau Nathan
Robert F. and Susan A. DeGiacomo
James E. and Linda L. Anderson
Douglas and Rita C. Morris
Daniel F. and Belinda L. Henze
Michael J. and Donna Tolli
Kevin J. and Una L. Corrigan
Anthony J. , Jr. and Susan L. Styles
Richard F. and Dianne G. Silvio
Joseph C. and Barbara F. Kary
Peter E. and Marilyn Cooper
Basil A. and Linda M. Hardy
Richard T. and Martha P. Baldwin
Carl R. and Sharon E. Tjaden
Douglas C. and Linda R. Bertolami
William G. and Penelope A. Bell
Peter and Laura M. McGraw
Robert W. and Mary H. Dolan
Paul O. and Nancy I. Solberg
John E. , Jr. and Arlene R. Murphy
James E. and Mary A. Ruddy
Richard M. and Katherine A. McNamara
John H. and Winifred C. Turner
Leo F. and Victoria A. Trotter
William L. and Joyce E. Ross
Michael and Sharon A. Beard
Frank H. , Jr. and Deborah L. Metcalfe
Richard B. and Dolores M. Landry
David M. and Karen L. Kahre
Dennis J. and Carol A. Conely
Charles J. and Martha E. Sullivan
James T. and Rosaleen Marshall
Bernard J. , Jr. and Brenda A. Bemis
Kenneth A. and Ruth M. Pompeo
Neil L. and Grace B. Davis
Irving L. and Patricia B. Bauer
George F. and Claudia A. Roy
Paul J. and Helen V. Rice
Hobart R. and Lillian S. Foote
Nelson O. and Kathleen D. Smith
Howard W. and Carole A. Miller
Edward J. and Eleanor J. Twomey
David G. and Michelle Regnat
Dennis E. and Linda R. Cremonini
John L. and Jeannie Lowe
James L. and Mary C. Coutu
Peter J. and Helen E. Scollins
Michael T. and Helen R. Nowacek
Charles F. and Amanda G. Webster
Eric F. and'Suzanne Robinson
Ralph A. and Dale A. Somerville
Harold E. and Anita G. Larmore
William C. and Dorothy McClintock
Joel B. and Elizabeth Norris
David I. and Kathleen Hopkins
William T. and Donna L. Morgan
Anthony R. and Rosemary L. Cosgrove
Thomas R. and Rowena M. Done
Bruce A. and Abigail Gorder
79
Date
Place
Name of Child
Name of Parents
9
Boston
10
Concord
12
Concord
13
Concord
14
Concord
15
Waltham
16
Concord
17
Concord
17
Concord
20
Concord
20
Concord
20
Concord
21
Concord
23
Concord
27
Concord
27
Concord
30
Concord
1
Concord
2
Concord
2
Concord
3
Boston
8
Winchester
8
Concord
8
Concord
9
Concord
10
Concord
11
Concord
12
Concord
13
Harvard
16
Concord
23
Concord
25
Concord
28
Concord
29
Concord
Marsland, Eric John
Woo, Brandon Philip
Pyrro, Edwin Louis
Venditti, Ryan Patrick
Spring, John Tyler
Finley, Joel Harris, II
Sundberg, Peter John
Quebec, Jeffrey Robert
Kutchmanich, Peter Joseph
Murphy, Shannon Maureen
Manalan, Jacob Aidan
McWalter, John David
Herman, Elizabeth Anne
Bassett, Brian Christopher McPhee
Rakestraw, Hilary Joan
Chen, Eric Tze-Jiun
Burke, Edmund Michael, III
Gores, Emily Elizabeth
Petrigni, Tina Maria
Carley, Todd Gardner
End, Laura Elizabeth
Alex, Susan Knapp
Haas, Julie Marie
Reichert, James Henry
Costello, Aaron Francis
King, Peter Lord
Pavlock, Jeffrey John
Diskin, Marnie Elizabeth
Hooper, Wayne Travis
Ledbury, Nicole Robin
Malone, Brian James
Krayer, James Matthew
Plutchak, Wendy Lee
Wells, Gretchen
David W. and Rebecca Robinson
Wallace D. and Winnie H. Haiso
Randall H. and Debra A. Flerra
Anthony F. and Jane E. Lee
John K. , Jr. and Deborah Forte
Herbert L. and Jeanne M. McCarthy
Robert A., Jr. and Karen A. Gravin
Robert P. and Sharon L. Edgerly
Joseph and Priscilla L. Drouin
Michael K. and Sharron T. Fedorinchik
David A. and Gena K. Gabrielson
David W. and Grace A. Joner
David V. and Jean E. Robisch
Robert S. and Mary Ann Dargin
James W. , Jr. and Dixie A. Hinkle
Wen M. and Anna Liu
Thomas F. and Markey Pullen
Richard W. and Cathleen A. Hallen
Constantine A. and Victoria E. Sokol
Gilbert E. and Elizabeth M. Brown
William T. and Nancy Kolb
Edward J. and Susan Chapin
Jon T. and Cathy J. Wheelock
James H. and Barbara J. Ray
Matthew W. and Mildred A. Thompson
Philip E. and Marjorie E. Lord
Dennis F. and Sherill L. Elmer
James P. and Mary C. Christian
Gregory M. and Dale L. Vanderhoof
Harry J. and Roberta A. Plain
James E. , Jr. and Sally M. Reynolds
Paul K. and Mar.garet M. Whalen
Raoul E. qnd Beth A. Bancroft
David A. and Catherine R. Sellers
DOG LICENSES
ALL DOG LICENSES EXPIRE MARCH 31, 1973. DOGS MUST BE LICENSED ON OR BEFORE
APRIL 1ST OR THE OWNERS OR KEEPERS THEREOF ARE LIABLE TO A FINE. THE LAW
APPLIES TO ALL DOGS THREE MONTHS OLD OR OVER, REGARDLESS OF TIME OF YEAR
OWNERSHIP IS ACQUIRED. NO TAX BILLS ARE SENT TO OWNERS OF DOGS.
REPORT OF DOG LICENSES ISSUED IN 1972
281 Licenses
at
$ 3.
00
164 Licenses
at
6.
00
8 Licenses
at
10.
00
4 Licenses
at
25.
00
2 Licenses
at
50.
.00
57 Duplicate Tags
at
,25
3 Transfer
Licenses
at
,25
Paid to Town Treasurer
$3, 843.00
984.00
80.00
100.00
100.00
14.25
J5
$5, 122.00
80
ELECTIONS AND TOWN MEETINGS
TOWN ELECTION
March 6, 1972
Pet. 1
Pet. 2
Pet. 3
Total
Whole number of ballots cast
970
749
1138
2857
MODERATOR, One Year
John W. Tierney
Blanks
SELECTMEN, Three Years (2)
William L. Chipman
William C. Sawyer
Joan M. Gardner
Stephen G. Lewis
Blanks
SCHOOL COMMITTEE, Three Years (2)
Beverly W. Lydiard
John A. Norris
Edgar B. Gravette
Helen K. Ray
Blanks
TRUSTEE OF MEMORIAL LIBRARY, Three Years
Robert J. Brandon
Henry F. Spinney
Blanks
TRUSTEE OF MEMORIAL LIBRARY, Two Years
(to fill vacancy)
Nancy K. Gerhardt
Clayton L. Hagy
Marily G. Nowlin
Blanks
HOUSING AUTHORITY, Five Years
Robert P. Darlington
John R. Folsom
Kenneth C. Stowell
Blanks
877
651
1013
2541
93
98
125
316
411
342
525
1278
496
390
617
1503
421
299
470
1190
531
353
536
1420
81
114
128
323
391
296
420
1107
388
269
432
1089
576
450
728
1754
541
449
678
1668
44
34
18
96
469
320
493
1282
335
252
438
1025
166
177
207
550
421
303
454
1178
325
207
351
883
130
103
155
388
94
136
178
408
191
161
284
636
240
245
286
771
409
200
366
975
130
143
202
475
QUESTION:
"Shall licenses be granted in this town for the opera-
tion, holding or conducting a game commonly called
Beano ? "
Yes. .
No . .
Blanks
438
414
542
1394
503
298
547
1348
29
37
49
115
STATE ELECTION
November 7, 1972
R - Republican
D - Democratic
SW - Socialist Workers Party
I - Independent
Whole number of votes cast
ELECTORS OF PRESIDENT AND
VICE PRESIDENT
Jenness and Pulley SW
McGovern and Shriver D
Nixon and Agnew R
Fisher and Gunderson
Schmitz and Anderson
Hall and Tyler
Spock and Hobson
Hospers and Nathan
Blanks . »
Whole number of votes cast
SENATOR IN CONGRESS
Edward W. Brooke '. R
John J. Droney D
Donald Gurewitz .' SW
Blanks
CONGRESSMAN
Paul W. Cronin R
John F. Kerry D
Roger P. Durkin I
Blanks
COUNCILLOR
George F. Cronin, Jr D
Blanks
SENATOR
Chester G. Atkins D
Bruce C. Farrell R
Blanks
REPRESENTATIVE IN GENERAL COURT
Peter K. Binder D
John H. Loring R
Blanks
REGISTER OF PROBATE AND
INSOLVENCY
John V. Harvey . . D
Blanks
Partial
Ballot
22
Pet. 1
2985
2985
Pet. 2
2073
2073
Pet. 3
2655
2655
Total
7735
0
6
6
10
22
9
1200
882
1065
3156
13
1736
1162
1537
4448
0
0
0
0
3
5
3
11
2
0
0
2
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
38
17
40
95
7713
2311
1580
2066
5957
557
397
475
1429
55
46
52
153
62
50
62
174
1659
1091
1541
4291
1156
854
1000
3010
86
68
62
216
84
60
52
196
1891
1304
1704
4899
1094
769
951
2814
1665
1211
1479
4355
1253
814
1140
3207
67
48
36
151
1018
737
827
2582
1747
1219
1719
4685
220
117
109
446
1884
1101
1291
782
1720
935
4895
2818
82
Pet. 1
Pet. 2
Pet. 3
Total
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Sherry H. Jenkins R
William R. Morrison R
S. Lester Ralph D
Paul E. Tsongas D
Blanks
COUNTY TREASURER
Thomas B. Brennan D
William A. Barnstead R
Blanks
QUESTION #1
Yes
No
Blanks
QUESTION #2
Yes
No
Blanks
QUESTION #3
Yes
No
Blanks
QUESTION #4
Yes
No .
Blanks
QUESTION #5
Yes
No
Blanks
QUESTION #6
Yes
No
Blanks
QUESTION #7
Yes
No
Blanks
QUESTION #8
Yes
No
Blanks
QUESTION #9
Yes
No
Blanks
1446
1353
1037
1046
1088
889
840
794
812
811
1309
1200
940
988
873
3644
3393
2771
2846
2772
1004
1591
390
753
1022
298
857
1510
288
2614
4123
976
2217
583
185
1492
394
187
1958
508
189
5667
1485
561
2483
404
98
1679
277
117
2187
371
97
6349
1052
312
2377
453
155
1608
296
169
2095
393
167
6080
1142
491
1983
895
107
1336
616
121
1770
780
105
5089
2291
333
2440
407
138
1657
255
161
2133
363
159
6230
1025
458
1017
1866
102
670
1312
91
893
1665
97
2580
4843
290
2243
653
89
1516
448
109
1978
571
106
5737
1672
304
1704
1167
114
1114
841
118
1449
1114
92
4267
3122
324
2241
655
89
1566
430
77
1994
580
81
5801
1665
247
83
TOWN MEETINGS
ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
MARCH 13, 1972 AND ADJOURNED SESSIONS, MARCH 15, 1972, MARCH 20, 1972, MARCH 22, 1972,
MARCH 27, 1972, APRIL 3, 1972 AND APRIL 5, 1972
Moderator called the meeting to order at 7:30 P. M.
ADJOURNMENT
VOTED: That at the conclusion of the business pending before the meeting at eleven o'clock this evening
this meeting be adjourned to 7:30 o'clock P.M. on next Wednesday, March 15, 1972, at this same place.
Article 1. OFFICERS
To choose all necessary Town Officers and Committees and fix the salaries and compensation of all the
elective officers of the Town.
ELECTED: Eleanor P. Wilson Trustee of the Elizabeth White Fund for three years.
ELECTED: Helen B. Allen Trustee of the Elizabeth White Fund for one year, to fill the unexpired
term of Helen B. Wood.
ELECTED: Joan N. Gardner Trustee of the Citizens Library Association of West Acton for three
years.
ELECTED: John F. McLaughlin Trustee of the Acton Firemen's Relief Fund for three years.
ELECTED: Clark C. McElvein Trustee of the Goodnow Fund for three years.
ELECTED: H. Stuart MacGregor Trustee of the West Acton Firemen's Relief Fund for three years.
VOTED: That the 1972 compensation schedule of elected officers of the Town be adopted as follows:
Moderator $20. 00 per each night per meeting
Board of Selectmen: Chairman $750. 00
Clerk 650.00
Member 650.00
Article 2. REPORTS
VOTED: To accept the several reports of the Town Officers and Boards as submitted, except that of the
Acton Youth Commission.
VOTED: To strike all after "ten young people" on page 55 paragraph 3 of item 5, and substitute therefor
"subject to acceptance of a resolution approved by the Town Meeting, that $10, 000. 00 from the Conser-
vation Fund may be utilized by the Conservation Commission in support of the Youth Commission em-
ployment program".
Article 3. REPORTS
To hear and act upon the report of any Committee chosen at any previous Town Meeting that has not
already reported.
No reports.
Article 4. BORROWING
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen,
to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue for the financial years beginning Janu-
ary 1, 1972, and January 1, 1973, in accordance with the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 44,
84
Section 4, and to renew any note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year, in ac-
cordance with the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 17.
Article 5. ABRSD
MOTION: To approve the amount of debt authorized by the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District
to acquire for school purposes the so-called Kazokas property consisting of approximately 1.75 acres
located at 43 Charter Road, Acton, Massachusetts, namely, $35,000.00.
MOTION LOST.
MEETING IN TWO PLACES
VOTED: That this meeting be held in both the Blanchard Auditorium and the Acton-Boxborough Regional
High School Auditorium and that these two places be connected by means of a public address system and
loud speakers so that the proceedings in both places may be heard and participated in by all the voters
present in both places, and that the proceedings in both places constitute parts of one and the same meet
ing, all as authorized by the provisions of Section 10 of Chapter 39 of the General Laws.
Article 6. PERSONNEL BYLAW
VOTED: To amend the Personnel Bylaw by striking out clauses (c) and (d) of Section 7, relating to
vacation leave, and substituting the following therefor:
"(c) Vacation leave of three (3) weeks with full pay shall be
granted to any such employee who, as of December 31,
will have been employed by the Town for seven years
or more.
(d) Vacation leave of. four (4) weeks with full pay shall be
granted to any such employee who, as of December 31,
will have been employed by the Town for fifteen (15)
years or more. "
Article 7. PERSONNEL BYLAW
VOTED: To reallocate the position class of Assistant Library Director as appearing in Schedule A of
Section 15 in the Personnel Bylaw from Schedule B, Grade S-10 to Schedule B-l, Grade E-2.
Article 8. PERSONNEL BYLAW
VOTED: That Schedules B, B-l, C, D, E and F appearing in Section 15 of the Personnel Bylaw be
deleted and replaced with the following schedules:
SCHEDULE B - GENERAL WEEKLY SALARY SCHEDULE
(Annual rates computed by multiplying weekly rates by 52)
Compensation
Minimum
Intermediate Steps
Maximum
Grade
W
A
$ 93.94
B
$ 97.85
C
$ 101. 76
D
$ 105. 68
E
S-l
$ 110.90
A
4884.88
5088.20
5291. 52
5495.36
5766.80
S-2
W
97.85
101. 76
105. 68
110. 90
116. 12
A
5088.20
5291.' 52
5495. 36
5766. 80
6038.24
S-3
W
101. 76
105. 68
110.90
116. 12
121.34
A
5291. 52
5495.36
5766.80
6038.24
6309. 68
S-4
W
105. 68
110.90
116. 12
121.34
126. 56
A
5495.36
5766.80
6038.24
6309.68
6581. 12
S-5
W
110. 90
116. 12
121.34
126. 56
131. 78
A
5766. 80
6038.24
6309.68
6581. 12
6852. 56
85
Compensation
Minimum
Intermediate Steps
Maximum
Grade
W
A
$ 116. 12
B
$ 121.34
C
$ 126. 56
D
$ 131.78
E
S-6
$ 137.00
A
6038.24
6309.68
6581. 12
6852. 56
7124. 00
S-7
W
121.34
126. 56
131.78
137. 00
143. 52
A
6309.68
6581. 12
6852. 56
7124. 00
7463.04
S-8
W
126. 56
131.78
137.00
143. 52
150.04
A
6581. 12
6852.56
7124. 00
7463.04
7802. 08
S-9
W
131. 78
137. 00
143. 52
150. 04
156. 56
A
6852.56
7124.00
7463.04
7802.08
8141.12
S-10
W
137.00
143. 52
150.04
156. 56
164.39
A
7124. 00
7463.04
7802.08
8141. 12
8548.28
S-11
W
143. 52
150.04
156. 56
164.39
172.22
A
7463.04
7802.08
8141. 12
8548.28
8955.44
S-12
W
150. 04
156. 56
164.39
172.22
181.36
A
7802.08
8141. 12
8548. 28
8955.44
9430.72
S-13
W
156.56
164.39
172.22
181.36
190.49
A
8141. 12
8548.28
8955.44
9430.72
9905.48
SCHEDULE B-l - TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE WEEKLY SALARY SCHEDULE
(Annual rates computed by multiplying weekly rates by 52)
Compensation
Grade
W
A
Minimum
A
E-l
$ 143. 52
7463.04
E-2
W
A
150.04
7802.08
E-3
W
A
156.56
8141. 12
E-4
W
A
164.39
8548.28
E-5
W
A
172.22
8955.44
E-6
W
A
181.36
9430.72
E-7
W
A
190.49
9905.48
E-8
W
A
199.62
10,380.24
E-9
W
A
210.06
10, 923. 12
E-10
W
A
221. 80
11, 553. 60
E-ll
W
A
234.85
12, 212.20
E-12
W
A
247. 89
12, 890. 28
E-13
W
A
262.25
13, 637.00
B
Intermediate Steps
C
D
$ 150. 04
7802. 08
$ 156.56
8141. 12
$ 164.39
8548.28
156. 56
8141. 12
164.39
8548. 28
172.22
8955.44
164.39
8548.28
172.22
8955.44
181.36
9430.72
172.22
8955.44
181.36
9430.72
190.49
9905.48
181.36
9430. 72
190.49
9905.48
199.62
10,380.24
190.49
9905.48
199.62
10,380.24
210.06
10, 923. 12
199.62
10,380. 24
210.06
10,923. 12
221.80
11, 553.60
210.06
10,923. 12
221. 80
11, 553. 60
234.85
12,212. 20
221. 80
11, 553.60
234. 85
12,212.20
247.89
12, 890.28
234.85
12,212.20
247. 89
12, 890. 28
262.25
13, 637. 00
247. 89
12, 890. 28
262. 25
13, 637. 00
277. 90
14,450.80
262. 25
13, 637. 00
277.90
14,450. 80
296. 17
15,400.84
277. 90
14,450.80
296. 17
15,400.84
314.43
16,350.36
Maximum
E
$ 172. 22
8955.44
181.36
9430. 72
190.49
9905.48
199.62
10,380. 24
210.06
10,923. 12
221.80
11, 553.60
234. 85
12,212.20
247.89
12, 890.28
262.25
13, 637. 00
277. 90
14,450.80
296. 17
15, 400. 84
314. 43
16,350.36
332. 70
17, 300.40
86
SCHEDULE C - POLICE WEEKLY SALARY SCHEDULE
(Annual rates computer by multiplying weekly rates by 52)
Compensation
Minimum
Intermediate Steps
Maximum
Grade
W
A
$ 152.20
B
$ 158.82
C
$ 165.45
D
$ 174. 71
E
P-l
$ 183.97
A
7914.40
8258. 64
8603.40
9084.92
9566.44
P-2
W
174.71
183.97
192.23
202. 50
214.42
A
9084.92
9566.44
10, 047.96
10, 530. 00
11, 149. 84
P-3
W
183.97
193.23
202. 50
214.42
225. 00
A
9566.44
10,047.96
10, 530. 00
11, 149.84
11, 700.00
P£4
W
225.00
238.24
251.47
264. 71
281.91
A
11, 700. 00
12, 388.48
13, 076.44
13,764.92
14, 659.32
The weekly and annual salaries shown above are for the shift from 8:00 A. M. to 4:00 P. M. Such salaries
for the shifts from 4:00 P. M. to Midnight and from Midnight to 8:00 A.M. shall be at a rate of payment
ten cents per hour higher.
SCHEDULE D - FIRE WEEKLY SALARY SCHEDULE
(Annual rates computed by multiplying weekly rates by 52)
Compensation
Minimum
Intermediate Steps
Maximum
Grade
W
A
$ 132.35
B
$ 137. 65
C
$ 142.93
D
$ 149. 56
E
F-l
$ 156. 17
A
6882.20
7157. 80
7432.36
7777. 12
8120. 84
F-2
W
146.91
153. 53
160. 15
168.09
177.35
A
7639.32
7983.56
8327. 80
8740. 68
9222.20
F-3
W
160. 15
168. 09
177.35
185. 29
193. 23
A
8327. 80
8740. 68
9222.20
9635.08
10, 047.96
F-4
W
177.35
185. 29
193. 23
202. 50
214.42
A
9222.20
9635. 80
10, 047.96
10, 530. 00
11, 149. 84
F-5
W
225. 00
238.24
251.47
264.71
281.91
A
11, 700. 00
12,388.48
13, 076.44
13, 764.92
14, 659.32
Compensation
Minimum
Grade
H
A
w-i
$ 3.26
W
130.40
A
6780. 80
W-2
H
3.42
W
136.80
A
7113.60
W-3
H
3. 59
W
143. 60
A
7467. 20
W-4
H
3. 77
W
150.80
A
7851.60
W-5
H
3.95
W
158.00
A
8216. 00
SCHEDULE E - HOURLY WAGE SCHEDULE
(Weekly rates computed by multiplying hourly rates by 40;
Annual rates computed by multiplying hourly rates by 2080)
Intermediate Steps
B
$ 3.42
136 80
7113.60
3. 59
143.60
7467.20
3. 77
150. 80
7851.60
3.95
158. 00
8216.00
4. 13
165.20
8590.40
Maximum
C
$ 3. 59
143.60
7467.20
3.77
150.80
7851.60
3.95
158.00
8216.00
4. 13
165.20
8590.40
4.31
172.40
8964. 80
87
Intermediate Steps
B
$ 4.31
172.40
8964.80
4.51
180.40
9380.80
SCHEDULE F - MISCELLANEOUS COMPENSATION SCHEDULE FOR
DESIGNATED PART-TIME AND SEASONAL POSITIONS
Compensation
Minimum
Grade
H
A
W-6
$ 4. 13
W
165. 20
A
8590.40
W-7
H
4.31
W
172.40
A
8964.80
/Iaximum
C
4.
180.
9380.
51
40
80
4.
188.
9817.
72
80
60
Position
Arts and Crafts Supervisor
Assessor, Board Chairman
Assessor, Board Member
Board of Health Chairman
Board of Health Member
Deputy Building Inspector (P. T. )
Deputy Chief (Fire) (call)
Deputy Elections Clerk (P.T. )
Deputy Inspector (Elections)
Deputy Warden (Elections)
Elections Clerk
Fire Alarm Maintenance Man (P.T. )
Fire Alarm Superintendent
Fire Fighter
Fire Lieutenant
Inspector (Elections) (P.T.)
Library Page
Playground Instructor
Playground Supervisor
Plumbing Inspector
Police Matron
Recreation Director
Registrar of Voters
School Crossing Guard
Tennis Supervisor
Teller
Town Clerk
Warden (Elections)
Compensation
78.28 - 84.80 - 91.33
Flat Rate
Flat Rate
Flat Rate
Flat Rate
Flat Rate
4. 11 per hour
2.93
2.67
2.93
2.93
3. 68
4. 94
3. 13 - 3.26 - 3.39 - 3. 52
3.78
2.67
1. 59 - 1. 64 - 1. 71
23.48 - 27.40 - 31.31
52. 19 - 58. 71 - 65. 24
Fee Basis
3.27
152. 65 - 159. 18 - 167. 00
2.93
32.61 - 35.88 - 39. 15
65.24 - 71.76 - 78.28
2.67
Flat Rate
2.93
VOTED: To take up Article 45.
Article 45. HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT
MOTION: To raise and appropriate the sum of $71, 000. 00 to be expended by the Town Manager for the
purchase of two new dump trucks, a sand -salt blending system and one used bulldozer and that the Town
Manager be authorized to dispose of the existing bulldozer and two dump trucks.
VOTED: To amend "two" to "one".
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To defer action for one week.
Article 9. BUDGET
Discussed Items 1 through 14 of the budget.
VOTED: To defer action on this article to allow a motion to reconsider Article 8.
MOTION: To reconsider Article 8.
88
MOTION LOST.
VOTED: To adjourn at 10:50 P.M. to Wednesday, March 15 at 7:30 P.M. at this same place.
Wednesday, March 15, -1972. Moderator called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M.
Article 9. BUDGET
Discussed all items except 99 through 107 and 118 through 128. These items to be discussed after
Article 45 at next session.
ADJOURNMENT
VOTED: That at the conclusion of the business pending before the meeting at eleven o'clock this
evening this meeting be adjourned to 7:30 o'clock P.M. on Monday, March 20, at this same place.
Article 10. UNPAID BILLS
To see if the Town will raise and appropriate, or appropriate from available funds, a sum of money to
pay unpaid bills incurred during 1971, or take any other action relative thereto.
VOTED: To take no action.
Article 11. ADDITIONAL FIREMEN
VOTED: To raise and appropriate the sum of $60, 700. 00 to be used for salaries and expenses for the
appointment of nine additional full-time firemen for the purpose of providing Station 1 and Station 2
(Acton Center and South Acton) with 24-hour coverage and to transfer from this appropriation the sum
of $57, 100. 00 to the Fire Department salary account and the sum of $3, 600. 00 to the Fire Department
expense account.
Adjourned at 11:00 P.M.
Monday, March 20, 1972. Moderator called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M.
Article 45. HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT
VOTED: To raise and appropriate the sum of $62, 500.00 to be expended by the Town Manager for the
purchase of one new dump truck, a sand -salt blending system and one ;used bulldozer and that the Town
Manager be authorized to dispose of one dump truck.
ADJOURNMENT
VOTED: That at the conclusion of the business pending before the meeting at eleven o'clock this evening
this meeting be adjourned to 7:30 o'clock P. M. on Wednesday, March 22, at this same place.
Article 9. BUDGET
To see what sums of money the..Town will raise and appropriate to defray the necessary expenses of the
several departments of the Town and determine how the same shall be raised.
VOTED: That the following 1972 Budget Schedule be raised and appropriated for each item except that
$1, 809. 50 be appropriated from Library receipts reserved for appropriation for Library use and
$6, 282. 37 be appropriated from receipts from the County Dog Fund reserved for appropriation for
Library use:
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Moderator: Selectmen:
1. Salary $ 140.00 4. Salaries $ 22,555.00
2. Expenses 20.00 5. Expenses 12,840.00
6. Capital Outlay 1,630.00
Finance Committee: 7. Legal Services 14, 000. 00
3. Expenses 70.00 8. Legal Service Expenses 500.00
89
9. Appraisals & Surveys $ 1,000.00
10. Out-of-State Travel
(All Depts. ) 1,500.00
Town Office Clerical Staff:
11. Salaries 91,505.00
Engineering Department:
12. Salaries and Wages 49, 320. 00
13. Expenses 5,400.00
14. Capital Outlay 250.00
Town Accountant:
15. Salary 4,555.00
16. Expenses 145.00
Town Treasurer & Collector:
17. Salary 12,325.00
18. Expenses 5,375.00
19. Capital Outlay
Town Assessors:
20. Salaries 13,925.00
21. Expenses 5,375.00
Town'Clerk:
22. Salary 2,680.00
23. Expenses 1,100.00
Elections and Registrations:
24. Salaries and Wages 7, 060. 00
25. Expenses 5,510.00
Planning Board:
26. Expenses 10,850.00
Personnel Board:
27. Expenses 100.00
Board of Appeals:
28. Expenses 185.00
Industrial Development Commission:
29. Expenses 100. 00
Conservation Commission;
30. Expenses 500. 00
Archives Committee:
31. Expenses 85.00
Public Ceremonies & Celebrations
32. Expenses 2,145.00
Buildings & Maintenance:
33. Salaries and Wages 14, 950. 00
34. Expenses 34,855.00
35. Capital Outlay 100. 00
Town Report Committee:
36. Expenses 4,300.00
Youth Commission:
37. Expenses
6, 000. 00
TOTAL GENERAL GOVERNMENT $ 332, 825. 00
PROTECTION OF PERSONS/ PROPERTY
Police Department:
38. Salaries and Wages
39. Expenses
40. Capital Outlay
Fire Department:
41. Salaries and Wages
42. Expenses
43. Capital Outlay
Sealer of Weights & Measures:
44. Salary and Travel
45. Expenses
Insect Pest Control:
46. Wages
47. Expenses
Town Forest Committee:
48. Maintenance
Tree Department:
49. Wages
50. Expenses
Inspector of Wires:
51. Expenses
Inspector of Gas Piping & Appliances:
52. Expenses
Building Inspector & Agent for
Enforcement of Zoning Bylaws:
53. Salary and Wages
54. Expenses
Dog Officer:
55. Wages and Travel
56. Expenses
Building Committee:
57. Expenses
Civil Defense:
58. Expenses
Town Utilities:
59. Hydrant Rental
60. Street Lighting
TOTAL PROTECTION OF
PERSONS/ PROPERTY
243, 630.00
20,940.00
228, 935. 00
25, 130.00
3, 700. 00
510.00
40.00
3, 565.00
6,360.00
100.00
3,565.00
8,480.00
4. 500.00
3,000.00
12,440.00
1,975. 00
1,200.00
500.00
50.00
850.00
21, 600. 00
25,600.00
$ 616,670.00
90
HIGHWAYS
Highway Department:
61. Salaries and Wages
62. Overtime for Snow Removal
63. General Expenses
64. Drainage
65. Snow and Ice Control
66. Machinery Expense
67. Chapter 81 Maintenance
68. Chapter 90 Maintenance
69. Capital Outlay
TOTAL HIGHWAYS
$ 130, 590. 00
20, 000. 00
31, 900. 00
20, 000. 00
62, 000. 00
41, 000. 00
25,450. 00
27, 500. 00
14,300. 00
$ 372,740.00
HEALTH AND SANITATION
Health and Sanitation:
70. Salaries
71. Expenses
72. Garbage Collection
Inspector of Animals:
73. Wages
74. Expenses
Plumbing Inspector:
75. Expenses
TOTAL HEALTH AND
SANITATION
MATURING DEBT AND INTEREST
TOWN GOVERNMENT
Sanitary Landfill Sites
86. Maturing Debt
87. Interest
Highway Department Building:
88. Maturing Debt
89. Intere c
Anticipation of Revenue Notes:
90. Interest
35,000. 00
13, 110.00
30, 000. 00
TOTAL MATURING DEBT AND INTEREST
TOWN GOVERNMENT $ 78,110.00
LIBRARIES
$
26, 280.
31, 060.
00
00
Memorial Library:
40,000.
00
91. Salaries and Wages
92. Expenses
93. Books
$
64, 175.
14, 950.
20, 500.
00
00
00
170.
00
94. Capital Outlay
725.
00
30.
00
West Acton Library:
95. Salaries and Wages
5,345.
00
5,000.
00
96. Expenses
1, 700.
00
TOTAL LIBRARIES
$
107,395.
00
$
102, 540.
00
CEMETERIES
MATURING DEBT AND INTEREST
LIBRARIES
Cemeteries:
76. Salaries and Wages
77. Expenses
78. Capital Outlay
TOTAL CEMETERIES
RECREATION
Recreation:
79. Wages
80. Expenses
81. Capital Outlay
TOTAL RECREATION
VETERANS' AID
Veterans' Services:
82. Salary
83. Expenses
84. Aid
TOTAL VETERANS' AID
PENSIONS
$ 39,120.00
12, 525. 00
400. 00
$ 52,045.00
Library Addition:
97. Maturing Debt
98. Interest
25, 000. 00
2. 250.00
TOTAL MATURING DEBT AND INTEREST
LIBRARIES $ 27,250.00
LOCAL SCHOOLS
Local Schools:
$
28, 070.
00
99.
Administration
$
. 63, 650.
00
13, 560.
00
100.
Instruction
1,
854, 020.
00
2, 000.
00
101.
Plant Operation &
Maintenance
201, 111.
00
$
43, 630.
00
102.
Non-Instructional Services
40, 500.
00
103.
Transportation
153, 350.
00
104.
Capital Outlay
5, 849.
00
105.
Out-of-State Travel
800.
00
--
Athletics - Intramurals
5, 000.
00
$
3, 565.
00
106.
Blanchard Auditorium
32,998.
00
275.
25,000.
00
00
107.
Contingency Fund
25, 000.
00
TOTAL LOCAL SCHOOLS
$2,
382, 278.
00
$
28, 840.
00 '
MATURING DEBT AND INTEREST
LOCAL SCHOOLS
Pension Fund:
85. Expense
TOTAL PENSIONS
$ 60, 540. 00
$ 60,540.00
Julia McCarthy School:
108. Maturing Debt
109. Interest
10, 000. 00
200. 00
ACTON - EVENTS OF 1972
Photograph Identification
1. Planting at Douglas School
2. Registrar of Voters James Wilson and Mrs. Wilson with an
Acton voter.
3. Ducks involved in the North Acton oil spill.
4. Chief Edward J. Collins, Acton Police Department, now
retired.
5. Senator Edward W. Brooke (R) speaks at Acton's "Candidates
Caper".
6. Crossing Guard Natacha MacGregor at Towne -McCarthy
School.
7. Traffic accident, Route 2 and Taylor Road.
8. Golden Age Group of Acton.
9. Bicycle race, July 4, 1972.
10. Attentive audience at a Town Meeting.
11. Fair, Crown Resistance Day.
12. Officer Edward R. Brooks, Acton Police Department.
13. Scouting Commissioner James Bunting presenting Eagle Palm
Award to Calvin Cooper.
14. Ecumenical Service at St. Elizabeth's Church, November, 1972.
15. Fire at Acton's historical Todd House.
16. Fire demolishes a School Street barn.
New pheasant and quail pen at Conant School
built by fathers (and one grandfather)
of Conant School Children.
Florence E. Merriam School:
110. Maturing Debt
111. Interest
Douglas School:
112. Maturing Debt
113. Interest
Gates School:
114. Maturing Debt
115. Interest
Conant School:
116. Maturing Debt
117. Interest
40,000. 00
8,640. 00
35,000.00
17, 150.00
60,000.00
37, 105. 00
85,000. 00
87, 780. 00
TOTAL MATURING DEBT AND INTEREST
LOCAL SCHOOLS $ 380,875.00
REGIONAL SCHOOLS
Regional Schools:
118. Administration
119. Instruction
120. Plant Operation &
Maintenance
121. Non-Instructional Service
122. Transportation
123. Capital Outlay
124. Out-of-State Travel
125. Blanchard Auditorium
126. Athletic Fund
127. Adult Education
128. Contingency Fund
$ 68,445.00
1, 746,719.00
215,739.00
36,310.00
13,302.00
2, 189.00
12,811.00
39,662.00
22,800.00
TOTAL REGIONAL SCHOOLS
$2, 157,977.00
MATURING DEBT AND INTEREST
REGIONAL SCHOOLS
Regional Schools:
129. Maturing Debt
130. Interest
223,316.00
67,537.00
TOTAL MATURING DEBT AND INTEREST
REGIONAL SCHOOLS $ 290,853.00
INSURANCE
TOTAL BUDGET
Appropriated from Library
Receipts
Appropriated from County Dog
Fund
AMOUNT TO BE RAISED AND
APPROPRIATED
91
$7, 183, 698.00
1, 809. 50
6, 282.37
$7, 175,606. 13
SPECIAL ARTICLES
Art. 11. New Firemen (Salaries) $ 57,100.00
New Firemen (Expense) 3, 600. 00
12. Recycling Center 2, 250. 00
16. Summer Youth
Employment Program 2, 600. 00
18. Basketball Courts -
Elm Street 3, 100.00
25. Jackson Land 8,100.00
28. Conservation Fund 85, 000. 00
34. Keizer Land 24,000.00
35. Vocational Tuition 46,455.00
39. 1975 Funds 5,000.00
40. Council on Aging 2,000.00
41. Mosquito Ecology Study 6, 800. 00
43. Police Dept. Vehicles 14,330.00
44. Surplus Government
Property 2,000.00
45. Highway Dept. Equipment 62, 500. 00
47. Fire Dept. Pumper 70,000.00
48. Fire Chief's Car 4,500.00
54. Central Street 7, 700. 00
55. Town Common 12,000.00
57. Patriots Road 4, 500. 00
58. Reserve Fund 34,000. 00
TOTAL TO BE RAISED AND APPROPRIATED
UNDER SPECIAL ARTICLES $ 457,535.00
Insurance:
131. Group Health Premiums $ 90,700.00
132. Other Insurance Premiums 49,350.00
133. Insurance Advisor 1, 500. 00
TOTAL INSURANCE $ 141, 550. 00
MINUTEMAN VOCATIONAL SCHOOL
Minuteman Vocational School:
134. Minuteman Vocational
School
7, 580.00
TOTAL MINUTEMAN VOCATIONAL
SCHOOL $ 7, 580. 00
92
From:
Art. 9. Library Receipts
9. County Dog Fund
38. Cemetery Land Fund
53. Surplus Revenue
54. Surplus Revnue
58. Overlay Surplus
59. Free Cash
TOTAL TRANSFERS
GRAND TOTAL
Budget (R. & A.)
Special Articles (R. & A. )
Special Articles (Transfers)
TRANSFERS
To:
Memorial Library
Library Use
Mount Hope Cemetery
Highways
Central Street
Reserve Fund
Budget
SUMMARY
GRAND TOTAL
$ 1,809.50
6, 282.37
2, 500. 00
27, 100.00
23, 100. 00
16, 000.00
185, 000. 00
$ 261,791.87
$7, 894,933.00
$7, 175, 606. 13
457, 535.00
261,791.87
$7,894,933.00
Article 12. RECYCLING CENTER
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To raise and appropriate the sum of $2, 250. 00 for the operation and main-
tenance of the Recycling Center which is presently being operated by the Acton Conservation Trust.
Article 13. KINDERGARTEN
MOTION: To raise and appropriate the sum of $100, 000.00 to be expended by the School Committee for
the establishment and operation of the kindergarten in the Town commencing in September, 1972, said
sum to be expended for salaries, equipment, supplies, renovations and all reasonable and necessary
expenses associated with the establishment and maintenance of the kindergarten.
VOTED: To substitute the following in place or original motion: To defer action at this meeting for more
study and the School Committee to report its findings at the next annual town meeting.
Total vote: 877.
Yea - 439.
Nay - 438.
VOTED: To defer action at this meeting for more study and the School Committee to report its findings
at the next annual town meeting.
Total vote: 811.
Yea - 413.
Nay - 398.
VOTED THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION: Be it resolved that it be the will of this meeting that the School
administration be directed to prepare the necessary plans required for the establishment of public kinder-
garten in the Town of Acton to commence in September, 1973.
Adjourned at 11:25 P.M.
Wednesday, March 22, 1972. Moderator called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M.
ADJOURNMENT
VOTED: That at the conclusion of the business pending before the meeting at eleven o'clock this evening
this meeting be adjourned to 7:30 o'clock P.M. on Monday, March 27, at this same place.
MOTION: To reconsider Article 13.
MOTION LOST.
Total vote: 979. Yea - 550. Nay - 429.
Needed to carry - 734+.
93
Article 14. VOCATIONAL SCHOOL
VOTED: To disapprove the proposed "Amendmenjt No. 1 to the Agreement for the Establishment of
the Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical School District" a copy of which is filed with the Selectmen,
which amendment would change the composition of the Regional District School Committee from one
member from each member town to provide in substance that the Committee shall consist of one mem-
ber from each member town having a population of 20, 000 persons or less, two members from each
member town having a population of more than 20, 000 but less than 40, 000 persons, and three members
from each member town having a population of 40, 000 or more persons, population being determined
in accordance with the most recently published Federal Census.
Article 15. QUORUM
MOTION: To amend Article 1 of the Bylaws of the Town by inserting the following new Section 6:
"Section 6. The number of registered voters necessary to constitute a quorum at
any town meeting, except such parts thereof as are devoted exclusively to the
election of town officers and the determination of matters by written ballot, shall
be 210, provided that a number less than a quorum may from time to time ad-
journ such meeting. "
MOTION LOST.
Article 16. SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM
MOTION: To raise and appropriate the sum of $19, 962. 00 to be used for expenses and wages for a
Summer Youth Employment Program, said sum to be allocated as follows:
$3, 200. 00 to the Acton Recreation Commission to be used for wages for part-time
and temporary maintenance personnel.
$5, 800. 00 to the Town of Acton Highway Department to be used for wages for
temporary maintenance personnel.
$5, 600. 00 to the Town of Acton Board of Health to be used for wages for
temporary personnel to implement specific public health programs.
$1, 400. 00 to the Town of Acton Fire Department to be used for wages for
temporary maintenance and survey personnel.
$1, 362. 00 to the Town of Acton Conservation Commission for wages for
for temporary clerical and water quality personnel.
$2, 600. 00 to the Acton Youth Commission to be used for wages, telephone
expenses and office supplies for temporary personnel, telephone ser-
vice, and supplies to administer its Summer Youth Employment Program.
VOTED: To amend motion by deleting it and substituting therefor the following Motion: That the Town
riase and appropriate the further sum of $2, 600. 00 for the purpose of maintaining the Youth Commis-
sion, specifically for hiring two temporary employees to:
1. Solicit Summer and part-time jobs from local individuals, business and
industry to be filled by Acton young people; and
2. Operate a job placement service during the Summer months to assist
Acton young people in finding Summer employment.
Both of these positions to be filled by the Town Manager and supervised by the Youth Commission.
VOTED AMENDED MOTION.
94
Article 17. TENNIS COURTS
MOTION: To raise and appropriate the sum of $9, 000. 00 to be expended by the Town Manager for the
purchase and installation of lighting at the tennis courts located on Charter Road.
MOTION LOST.
Article 18. BASKETBALL COURTS
VOTED: To raise and appropriate the sum of $3, 100. 00 to be expended by the Town Manager for the
completion of the basketball courts on Elm Street.
VOTED: The following resolutions:
RESOLUTION: Be it resolved that the Recreation Commission be instructed to come to the Special
Town Meeting in June, 1972 with costs to construct lights for the tennis courts located on Charter
Road, ona coin operated basis.
RESOLUTION: That new equipment be purchased rather than removing existing equipment from other
parts of the town.
Adjourned at 11:00 P.M.
Monday, March 27, 1972. Moderator called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M.
ADJOURNMENT
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: That at the conclusion of the business pending before the meeting at eleven
o'clock this evening this meeting be adjourned to 7:30 P.M. on Monday, April '3, 1972, at this same
place.
Article 19. SIGN BYLAW
VOTED: To adopt the following sign bylaw:
ACTON SIGN BYLAW
ARTICLE I
PURPOSE
Pursuant to any and all authority conferred, including Chapter 93, Section 29 of the General Laws and
Article 2 of the amendments to the Massachusetts constitution, as amended by Article 89 (the Home
Rule Amendment), the Town of Acton adopts this Bylaw, which shall be known as the Sign Bylaw, for
the regulation and restriction of billboards, signs and other advertising devices within the Town.
ARTICLE II
DEFINITIONS
a. SIGN means any letter, word, symbol, drawing, picture, design, device, article and object
that advertises, calls attention to, or indicates any premises, person or activity, whatever the
nature of the material and manner of composition or construction, when the same is placed out
of doors in view of the general public, or placed indoors for exterior observance, except those
indoor signs less than three (3) by four (4) feet promoting charitable events.
b. DISPLAY SURFACE means the total exposed area available on the sign for the purpose of dis-
playing a message.
c. SIGN STRUCTURE means the supports, uprights, braces, and framework of the sign.
d. ERECTED means attached, built, constructed, painted, reconstructed, altered, enlarged or
moved. Erected shall not mean repainted, cleaned, repaired or maintained, except where a
structural change is made.
95
e. PROJECTION means the distance a sign extends beyond the building line.
f. BOARD OF APPEALS means the Board of Appeals of the Town established under the Zoning
Enabling Act.
g. BUILDING INSPECTOR means the Building Inspector of the Town.
h. BOARD OF SELECTMEN means the Board of Selectmen of the Town or its appointed agent(s).
i. GENERAL BUSINESS DISTRICT means the General Business District (B) as defined in the
Protective Zoning Bylaw of the Town, or any other business district which may hereafter be
created.
j. INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT means the General Industrial (1-1) and Light Industrial (1-2) Districts
as defined in the Protective Zoning Bylaw of the Town, or any other industrial district which may
hereafter be created.
k. RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT means Residence 1 (R-l), Residence 2 (R-2) and Residence 3 (R-3) Dis-
tricts as defined in the Protective Zoning Bylaw of the Town, or any other residential district
which may hereafter be created.
1. ZONING BYLAW means the Protective' Zoning Bylaw of the Town.
m. STORE means any establishment, office or place of retail business.
n. STREET means any public way or private way open to the public.
o. PARKING AREA means a public or private parking area for the parking of motor vehicles.
p. WALL SIGN means any sign attached to or erected against the wall of a building or structure, or
a sign that is an integral part of the building or structure, with the exposed face of the sign in a
plane parallel to the plane of said wall, building or structure which does not project more than
one (1) foot from the face of the structure.
q. FREE-STANDING POLE AND GROUND SIGN means any sign that shall have its support wood,
steel columns, pipes, angle iron framing, or any other material or combination of materials
independent of any building or structure.
r. ROOF SIGN means any sign attached to roof structure of a building.
s. INDIVIDUAL LETTER SIGN means any sign made up of separate self-contained letters.
t. PROJECTING SIGN means any sign other than a wall sign suspended from or supported by a
building and projecting out therefrom.
u. MARQUEE SIGN means any sign which is attached to a marquee.
v. TEMPORARY SIGN means any sign intended to be used for a period of time not in excess of
six (6) months.
w. DIRECTIONAL SIGNS AND DIRECTORIES means any sign erected near a traveled way providing
indication of the direction of a residence, business or industry.
x. COMBINATION SIGN means any sign which combines the characteristics of two or more types of
signs as defined in paragraph p. through w. , above. Each portion of a combination sign shall be
subject to the regulations for that type of sign.
y. ELECTRIC SIGN means any sign which has characters, letters, figures, designs, faces, back-
grounds, or outlines illuminated by incandescent or fluorescent lamps or luminous tubes.
z. FORM SIGN means any sign constructed in three dimensions to represent an object.
96
ARTICLE III
ADMINISTRATION AND MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 1 - PERMITS REQUIRED
a. No sign shall hereafter be erected except as provided by this Bylaw, and after a permit has
been issued by the Board of Selectmen.
b. Application for a sign permit shall be made in writing upon forms furnished by the Board of
Selectmen. Such application shall "contain the location by street number of the proposed
sign, the name and address of the owner of the premises where the sign is to be located,
the name and address of the owner of the sign, the name and address of the sign contractor
or erector, if any, and a scale drawing showing the construction, the method of installation
or support, colors, dimensions and position of the sign, method of illumination, and such other
relevant information as may be requested.
c. A sign permit fee, not to exceed $25. 00 per year, shall be paid to the Town for each permit in
accordance with the schedule established by the Board of Selectmen.
d. All signs erected under this Bylaw shall be erected in the exact location and manner described
in the permit. The permit number shall be clearly visible on the sign.
e. No permit is required for a sign in a residential district erected in accordance with the provisions
of Article V, Section 1 of this Bylaw.
f. A sign permit may be issued for a specific period of time in the discretion of the Board of Selectmt
if it is deemed to be in the best interest of the Town.
g. Any sign legally erected before April 1, 1972 shall be exempt from the requirements of this Bylaw
until February 1, 1975, except that the requirements of Article 2, Section D of the Protective
Zoning Bylaw of the Town of Acton in effect on January 1, 1972 shall continue to apply until
February 1, 1975 with respect to signs permitted prior thereto under the provisions of said
Article 2, Section D. The exemption herein granted shall terminate with respect to any sign
which (1) shall have been abandoned; (2) advertises or calls attention to any products, businesses,
or activities which are no longer carried on or sold, whether generally or at the particular
premises; (3) shall not have been repaired or properly maintained within sixty (60) days after
notice to that effect has been given by the Building Inspector; or (4) has been rebuilt or relocated
without a permit granted under this Bylaw subsequent to April 1, 1972.
h. A sign permit shall become null and void if the work for which the permit was issued has not been
completed within a period of six (6) months from the date of the permit, provided, however, the
Board of Selectmen may, in its discretion, issue extensions covering a period not to exceed one (1)
year from the date of issue of the original permit. The applicant shall notify the Building Inspector
of completion of work under a permit within ten (10) days of completion.
i. No permit is required for any sign erected by the Town or by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
or any subdivision or agency thereof.
SECTION 2 - ENFORCEMENT
a. This Bylaw shall be enforced by the Board of Selectmen in the manner provided for by the General
Laws and the Bylaws of the Town.
b. The Building Inspector shall inspect every sign within thirty (30) days after it is erected and shall
report to the Board of Selectmen that said sign has been erected properly and in accordance with
the provisions of this Bylaw and any other applicable law.
c. The Board of Selectmen shall order the removal of any sign erected or maintained in violation of
this Bylaw. Forty -five (45) days' notice in writing shall be given to the owner of such sign, or of
the building, structure, or premises on which such sign is located, to remove the sign of modify
it to be in compliance with this Bylaw.
97
d. Penalty for Violation: Any sign owner or owner of property on which a sign is located who vio-
lates, or permits a violation of, this Bylaw shall be subject to a fine 'of not more than $50.00
a day if the violation continues more than forty-five (45) days after the latter of (1) the date the
notice referred to in paragraph c of this section is given, or (2) the date of conclusion of any
appeal therefrom. Sontinued violation of this Bylaw may be enjoined by a court of competent
jurisdiction.
e. If no sign permit has been issued within forty -five (45) days after application therefore has been
made, it shall be deemed to be denied.
SECTION 3 - APPEAL
a. Any applicant for a permit, any person who has been ordered by the Board of Selectmen to incur
expense in connection with a sign, and any person dissatisfied with any refusal, order or deci-
sion of the Board of Selectmen may appeal to the Board of Appeals within thirty (30) days from
the date of such refusal, order, or decision for relief. After notice given to such parties as the
Board of Appeals shall order, the Board of Appeals shall hold a public hearing. The action of the
Board of Selectmen may be annulled or modified only by a unanimous decision of the Board of
Appeals. If the action of the Board of Selectmen is modified or annulled, the Board of Selectmen
shall issue a permit or order in accordance with the decision of the Board of Appeals.
b. Variance in Specific Cases: Upon application made pursuant to the procedural provisions of the
preceding paragraph a of this Section 3, the Board of Appeals may vary the provisions of this
Bylaw in specific cases which appear to them not to have been contemplated by this Bylaw, and
in cases wherein its enforcement would involve unusual difficulties or unnecessary hardship, if,
in each instance, desirable relief may be granted without substantially derogating from the intent
and purpose of this Bylaw but not otherwise. Any decision to vary the provisions of this Bylaw
shall be unanimous and shall specify any variance allowed and the reasons therefor. Each deci-
sion of the Board of Appeals shall be filed in the office of the Town Clerk within sixty (6 0) days
after the hearing and a copy of the decision shall be sent by mail or delivered to the appellant
and any other person appearing at the hearing and so requesting in writing. Failure to file such a
decision within sixty (60) days after the hearing shall not be deemed to be approval of any
variance sought.
c. The Board of Appeals shall require appropriate conditions and safeguards wherever in its opinion
they are desirable.
ARTICLE IV
GENERAL REGULATIONS
SECTION 1 - ELECTRIC SIGNS
a. Electric signs are not permitted within residential districts.
b. No red or green lights shall be used on any sign if, in the opinion of the Board of Selectmen, such
light would create a driving hazard.
c. No sign may be illuminated more than thirty (30) minutes after closing of any store or business, or
thirty (30) minutes after working hours in an industrial building, nor between the hours of 11:00 P.M.
and 6:00 A.M., except signs identifying public buildings and such other signs as the Board of Appeals
may specifically authorize in accordance with the provisions of Article III, Section 3 of this Bylaw.
d. Internally illuminated signs, luminous signs, and signs illuminated from an external source directed
solely toward said sign are the only permitted methods of illumination. The light from any sign
shall be so shaded, shielded, or directed, or shall be maintained at a sufficiently low level of inten-
sity and brightness that it shall not adversely affect neighboring premises nor the safe vision of
operators of vehicle moving on public ways. Only white lights shall be used for external illumina-
tion of a sign. The color of internal illumination shall be subject to the approval of the Board of
Selectmen.
98
SECTION 2 - MOVING SIGNS
a. Swinging signs, flashing signs, revolving signs, and signs consisting of pennants, ribbons,
streamers, spinners, strings of light bulbs, revolving beacons, searchlights, animated signs,
and signs illuminated to create the illusion of motion are prohibited.
SECTION 3 - CHURCHES
a. The Board of Selectmen may waive any requirement or regulation pertaining to any sign at a church
or place of worship, which they deem will not be detrimental to the neighborhood.
SECTION 4 - INSTALLATION
a. No sign shall be erected so as to obstruct any fire escape, window, door or other opening, or so
as to prevent free passage from one part of a roof to any other part thereof. No sign shall be
attached in any manner to a fire escape, or shall be so placed to interfere with an opening which
is required for ventilation.
b. No exposed uninsulated parts of an electrical sign shall be permitted.
c. No sign shall be erected that shall in any way create a traffic hazard, nor shall it in any way obscur<
or confuse traffic control.
d. No sign, or sign structure, shall project or extend over a public way (including sidewalks).
e. Letters, figures, characters or representations in cutout or irregular form, maintained in con-
junction with, attached to, or superimposed upon any sign, shall be safely and securely built or
attached to the sign structure.
f. No sign shall be painted on the exterior surface of any wall, including windows and doors.
g. Signs shall be designed, constructed and erected in accordance with the Building Code of the Town.
h. No sign shall be posted or attached to utility poles, trees, fences, other signs, or structures other
than buildings.
i. No roof sign shall be attached to any parpet.
SECTION 5 - MAINTENANCE
a. Every sign shall be maintained by the owner in a clean, sanitary and inoffensive condition. In
addition, every free-standing pole or ground sign shall be kept free and clear of all obnoxious
substances, rubbish and weeds.
ARTICLE V
REGULATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS
Regulations and restrictions set forth in this article shall apply to each sign in the zoning district in
which it is erected.
SECTION 1 - RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS (R-l, R-2, and R-3)
Except for the following, no other signs shall be permitted:
a. One wall sign or free standing pole or ground sign which does not exceed two (2) square feet in
area, having the name of the occupant or the designation of any authorized occupation permitted
in the District, or both, shall be permitted.
b. One wall sign, free standing pole or ground sign, or temporary sign, which does not exceed six (6)
square feet in area, advertising the rental, lease, or sale of the premises shall be permitted, pro-
vided, however, such sign shall be removed within seven (7) days of the rental, lease, or sale of
the premises.
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c. Temporary signs not exceeding six (6) square feet in area may be erected to warn against con-
tagious diseases, to warn against danger, or to insure silence where serious illness exists.
SECTION 2 - GENERAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (B)
a. No sign shall be allowed other than one wall sign, individual letter sign, roof sign, or pro-
jecting sign affixed to a building for each store except as in paragraph c below, or as otherwise
permitted in this section. No sign shall project above the highest line of the roof or building;
provided, however, that if the sign is attached to a wall having a parapet extending above the
highest line of such roof, then the sign may reach but may not project above the top of the parapet
wall.
A wall sign, individual letter sign, or roof sign shall not exceed four (4) feet overall in height.
A wall sign, individual letter sign, or roof sign on the exterior wall of the first floor of a building
shall not exceed an area of one (1) square foot for each lineal foot of the store wall. No such sign
shall exceed forty (40) feet overall in width or extend beyond the full width of the store wall. The
length of signs of stores occupying other than the first floor of a building shall not exceed six (6)
feet.
b. A projecting sign shall not project more than six (6) feet and shall not contain more than twenty -
four (24) feet of exposed area.
c. There shall be no more than one exterior sigh for each store, except that if the store has a direct
entrance into the store in a wall other than the store front, there may be a secondary sign affixed
to such wall, and if the store has a wall, other than the store front that faces upon a street or
parking area, there may be a secondary sign affixed to such wall whether or not such wall con-
tains an -entrance to the store; provided, however, that no store shall have more than two (2)
secondary signs in any event.
The exposed area of each of the secondary signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet. In addition
to the foregoing sign or signs, there may be one directory of the occupants or tenants of the
building affixed to the exterior wall of the building at each entrance to the building. Such direc-
tory shall not exceed an area determined on the basis on one (1) square foot for each occupant
or tenant of the building.
d. Any business may divide the one exterior sign affixed to the front wall of the building, to which
they are entitled as hereinabove provided, into separate signs affixed to and parallel to such wall
and indicating the separate operations or departments of the business, provided, however, that the
total of the width of the separate signs shall not exceed the maximum width permitted under this
Bylaw for a single exterior sign on such wall.
e. The Board of Selectmen may permit a single, free-standing pole sign provided such sign shall not
exceed an area of one half (^) the maximum area of the wall sign, individual letter sign, or roof
sign permitted for the applicant's store or business under Sub-section a of this section nor fifteen
(15) feet in overall height if, in their discretion, unusual circumstances such as landscaping, land
contours, building setback, or building design preclude effective use of otherwise permitted signs.
f. The standard type of gasoline pump bearing thereon in usual size and form, the name or type of
gasoline and the price thereof shall not be deemed to be a sign under this Bylaw.
g. During construction of a new building, a free-standing pole or ground sign may be erected on the
premises to identify the building, the owner, the contractor, the architect, or the engineers, pro-
vided such sign shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area or ten (10) feet in width or
height. Each sign shall be removed within seven (7) days of issuance of an occupancy permit.
h. In addition to signs otherwise permitted, one wall sign, free-standing pole or ground sign, or
temporary sign not exceeding twelve (12) square feet in area, advertising the rental, lease, or
sale of the premises shall be permitted provided, however, such sign shall be removed within
seven (7) days of the rental, lease or sale of the premises.
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SECTION 3 - INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS (1-1 and 1-2)
a. All signs, except projecting signs, shall be subject to the restrictions contained in Section 2 of
Article V, including size and number restrictions contained therein.
b. A projecting sign shall not project more than six (6) feet and shall not have an exposed area or
more than four (4) square feet. One projecting sign shall be allowed per doorway.
ARTICLE VI
SEVERABILITY
The invalidity of any section or provision of this Bylaw shall not invalidate any other section or pro-
vision thereof.
Article 20. ZONING BYLAW
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To amend the Protective Zoning Bylaw by deleting Section II -D in its entirety
and by renumbering Section II-E through I to Section EE-D through H. Such amendment to take effect
upon approval by the Attorney General of the bylaw enacted pursuant to Article 19.
Article 21. ZONING BYLAW
VOTED: To amend the Protective Zoning Bylaw by deleting Section II-D, Trailers, and substituting
therefor the following:
"D. Trailers
No trailer, camper, mobile home or similar device, whether affixed to the land or not, shall be
used for any use not permitted in the zoning district where it is located. Except as otherwise provided
in this section, no such trailer, camper, mobile home or similar device shall be located or used on any
lot within the town as a place of business, storage, office or industry, or as a dwelling except for the
following purposes:
1. As a temporary dwelling in a residential district,
2. As an office, in any district, during construction of a building or the development
of a subdivision, or
3. For any temporary use where construction of a permanent building would create
an undue hardship,
provided that a special permit therefor has been granted under this section.
Upon application for a special permit, the Board of Selectmen shall hold a hearing in accordance
with General Laws, Chapter 40A, Section 4. No such special permit shall be granted unless the Board
of Selectmen finds the proposed use. will be in harmony with the purpose of this bylaw and will not be
offensive, injurious, or a nuisance to the neighborhood. No such special permit or successive permits
shall be granted for a period of more than eighteen (18) months except in the case of a construction pro-
ject office where the Board of Selectmen finds a longer period justified.
The Board of Selectmen may impose reasonable conditions or limitations on the grant of any such
special permit, and may require security by bond or otherwise to insure the performance of such con-
ditions. No special permit shall be issued hereunder until the applicant has obtained all necessary
permits and approvals from the Board of Health for the proposed use.
A trailer or camper may be used as a temporary dwelling on a lot for a period of not more than
ten (10) days during any calendar year, provided that the number of days any and all such trailers and cam-
pers are so used on any such lot during any calendar year shall not esceed ten (10) days.
No special permit shall be required hereunder for parking an unused trailer, camper, mobile home
or similar device designed for recreational use.
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No special permit shall be required hereunder for parking a trailer in a Business or Industrial
District. "
Total vote: 465. Yea - 376. Nay - 89. Needed to carry - 310 + .
Article 22. ZONING BYLAW
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To amend the Protective Zoning Bylaw by striking out the heading "Side Yard"
under "Minimum Yard Dimensions (Setback)" in the Intensity Regulation Schedule in Article V-B and sub-
stituting therefor the words "All Other Yards", by striking out the heading "Rear Yard" in the same
schedule and the figures opposite 1-2 under "Rear Yard", and by inserting three asterisks adjacent to
the words "Front Yard" in said Intensity Regulation Schedule and inserting the following footnote:
"*** Front Yard shall include all areas between any building or structure on a lot and each street upon
which the lot abuts. ".
Article 23. ZONING BYLAW
MOTION: To amend the Acton Protective Zoning Bylaw and the Zoning Map by rezoning from Residence 2
District (R-2) to General Business District (B-l) the land situated on the Northerly side of Main Street
(Route 27) containing 7. 07 acres, more or less, and being more particularly described as follows:
Beginning at a point on the Easterly side of land of Saganich Bros., Inc. and the Southerly
corner of land of Frances K. Spencer and continuing in a Northeasterly direction by land
of said Frances K. Spencer for a distance of 725. 0 feet, more or less; thence turning in
a Southeasterly direction through land of Paul and Adelaide Cornwall for a distance of
425.0 feet, more or less, to said Main Street (Route 27); thence turning in a Southwesterly
direction by said Main Street (Route 27), in two courses, for a distance of 456. 27 feet, more
or less, and for a distance of 631.0 feet, more or less, to a point being the Southerly corner
of land Of said Saganich Bros. , Inc. ; then turning in a Northwesterly direction along the
land of said Saganich Bros. , Inc. and Hennessey Drive, and again by land of Saganich Bros. ,
Inc., 556. 0 feet, more or less, to the point of beginning.
Being also the same premises bounded on the South by said Main Street; on the West by land
now or formerly of said Saganich Bros., Inc. and Hennessey Drive, on the North by land of
said Frances K. Spencer; and on the East by land of said Paul and Adelaide Cornwall. (Pre-
sently zoned for General Business (B-l). )
MOTION LOST.
Article 24. WATER DISTRICT
MOTION: That the Selectmen be directed to petition the General Court to enact special legislation pro-
viding for the consolidation of the Water Supply District of Acton with the Town of Acton and that such
legislation be in the following form or such other form as the General Court deems appropriate:
AN ACT DISSOLVING THE WATER SUPPLY DISTRICT OF ACTON AND TRANSFERRING ITS FUNC-
TIONS TO THE TOWN OF ACTON.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court Assembled, and by the
Authority of the same, as follows:
Section 1. Thirty days after this act takes effect the Water Supply District of Acton (hereinafter called
the "district") shall be dissolved, unless the selectmen (hereinafter called the "selectmen") of Acton
(hereinafter called the "town") during such thirty day period shall vote to postpone the dissolution of
the district until a date determined by them which shall not be more than one year after the date this
act takes effect. By virtue of this act and without further conveyance or other action, all the assets of
the district wherever located shall be transferred to the town and all obligations, indebtedness and
liabilities of the district shall be assumed by the town on the date the district is dissolved.
Section 2. The" dissolution of the district shall be deemed to be the establishment of a water system by
the town under section thirty-nine A of chapter forty of the General Laws. In addition to the powers
with respect to its water system which are granted to the town by the General Laws, the town shall
have all the powers which were possessed by the district at the time of its dissolution.
102
Section 3. All rules, regulations and rates established by the district and in force at the time of its
dissolution shall remain in force until changed or repealed by or on behalf of the town. All assessments
and taxes levied by the district which are unpaid upon the dissolution of the district shall remain in
force as assets of the town, and all contracts of the district which are outstanding on such date shall
remain in force as contracts of the town.
Section 4. Debt which has been authorized by the district but not incurred prior to the dissolution of
the district may be incurred as town debt by the town treasurer with the approval of the selectmen.
Section 5. Upon the dissolution of the district, and except as may be determined by the selectmen,
all employees of the district shall become employees of the town to perform functions and duties
essentially equivalent to those which they performed for the district. Length of service for the dis-
trict shall be treated as service for the town for the purposes of determining seniority, pension,
retirement and other similar rights. The selectmen may provide for the continuation of any employee
benefits or insurance coverage formerly provided by the district until former district employees are
entitled to equivalent benefits or coverage, if any, provided by the town for its employees.
Section 6. Unless otherwise provided under chapter two hundred and fifty-five of the acts of nineteen
hundred and sixty-six, or by bylaw or vote of the town, upon the dissolution of the district, operation
of the town's water supply system shall be under the direction and control of the town manager, who
shall have all the powers and duties of water commissioners, or selectmen authorized to act as such
under the General Laws.
Section 7. This act shall take effect upon its passage.
VOTED: To substitute the following for the original motion;-
VOTED: That the Board of Selectmen be directed to appoint a committee of five residents of the Town
to be known as the Town Government -Water District Committee, one of whom shall be a nominee of the
Water Commissioners and one of whom shall be selected from among those who signed the petition that
is the basis for Articld 24, said committee to be directed to devise a plan for the closer coordination of
the Acton Water District and the Government of the Town of Acton and to submit such plan, together
with appropriate organizational and financial studies and drafts of any required Warrant articles, to
the Board of Selectmen and the Water Commissioners prior to December 15, 1972, so that the plan may
thereafter be acted upon at the next Annual Town Meeting or at the next Annual Water District Meeting,
or both.
Adjourned at 11:27 P.M.
Monday, April 3, 1972. Moderator called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M.
Article 25. LANDFILL
VOTED: To authorize the Board of Selectmen to purchase, take by eminent domain or otherwise acquire
for landfill, or other municipal purposes, a parcel of land located on Forest Road, which parcel is a
portion of Parcel 167 shown on Map G-4 of the Town Atlas (as amended to January 1, 1971), believed to
belong to Donald B. and Ruth Ann Jackson, containing approximately 1. 7 acres (See deed recorded with
the Middlesex South Registry of Deeds, in Book 7670, Page 372) and to raise and appropriate the sum of
$8, 100. 00 therefor, and for expenses incidental thereto.
Total vote: 194. Yea - 160 Nay - 34 Needed to carry - 129.
Article 26. SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL
MOTION: To raise and appropriate the sum of $7, 612.00 as the Town's member share for use by the
Assabet Regional Refuse Disposal Planning Board to retain engineering consultant services for the pur-
pose of further investigation of the possible sites for sanitary landfill described in the final report,
"Solid Waste Disposal for Assabet Regional Solid Waste Disposal Planning Board" of May 27, 1971, by
Sutciiffe and Dunkerley, Engineers, for the Region comprising the Towns of Acton, Boxborough, May-
nard, and Stow, with the provision that should the other Towns comprising the Region fail to act favorably
on a similar article that such funds be returned to the General Funds.
Total vote: 264. Yea - 116 Nay - 148
MOTION LOST.
103
ArticLe 27. HOUSING AUTHORITY
VOTED: To amend the action taken under Article 41 of the Annual Town Meeting of March, 1969, by
increasing the number of low -income housing units for the elderly that the Acton Housing Authority
is authorized to build from 50 units to 68 units.
Article 28. CONSERVATION FUND
MOTION: To raise and appropriate the sum of $100, 000. 00 for the Conservation Fund.
VOTED: To amend the motion by striking out $100,000.00 and inserting $85,000.00.
VOTED: To raise and appropriate the sum of $85, 000.00 for the Conservation Fund.
Article 29. CONSERVATION LAND
o
c '
VOTED: To approve the purchase by the Conservation Commission, for conservation purposes, from
David Tinker of a parcel of land containing approximately 33 acres, or any portion thereof, situated to
the West of Piper Road and described as parcel 111 of plate G-3 of the Town Atlas (as amended to
January 1, 1971), and further to approve application by the Conservation Commission for reimbursement
from the Commonwealth under General Laws, Chapter 132A, Section 11, and from the Federal Govern-
ment under PL 88-578.
Article 30. CONSERVATION LAND £/
VOTED: To approve the purchase by the Conservation Commission, for conservation purposes, from
Helen G. Colling, Trustee of a parcel of land containing approximately 12 acres or any portion thereof,
situated on the West side of Piper Road and described as parcels 79, 83, 84, 86, 87, 112, 113, 115,
116, 124, 125, 126, 139, 140, 141, 162, 163, 167, 168, 191, and 192 of plate G-3 of the Town Atlas
(as amended to January 1, 1971), and further to approve application by the Conservation Commission
for reimbursement from the Commonwealth under General- Laws, Chapter 132A, Section 11, and from
the Federal Government under PL 88-578.
Article 31. CONSERVATION LAND
To see if the Town will approve the purchase by the Conservation Commission, for conservation pur-
poses, from Val Construction Co., Inc. of a parcel of land containing approximately 90 acres or any
portion thereof, situated at the end of Robbins Street and described as parcel 183 of plate G-2 of the
Town Atlas (as amended to January 1, 1971), and further to approve application by the Conservation
Commission for reimbursement from the Commonwealth under General Laws 132A, Section 11, or
take any other action relative thereto.
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To take no action.
Article 32. CONSERVATION LAND
To see if the Town will approve the purchase by the Conservation Commission, for conservation pur-
poses, from Louis Flerra of a parcel of land containing approximately 25. 6 acres or any portion
thereof, situated on Central Street and described as parcels 143 and 143-1 of plate E-2 of the Town
Atlas (as amended to January 1, 1971), and further to approve application by the Conservation Com-
mission for reimbursement from the Commonwealth under General Laws 132A, Section 11, or take
any other action relative thereto.
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To take no action.
Article 33. CONSERVATION LAND C-^
VOTED: To approve the purchase by the Conservation Commission, for conservation purposes, from
Abraham and Ruth G. Katz of a parceL of land containing approximately 47 acres or any portion thereof,
situated on Massachusetts Avenue and described as parcel 10 of plate G-3 of the Town Atlas (as
amended to January 1, 1971), and further to approve application by the Conservation Commission for
reimbursement from the Commonwealth under General Laws Chapter 132A, Section 11, and from the
Federal Government under PL 88-578.
L/
104
Article 34. CONSERVATION LAND
VOTED: To authorize the Board of Selectmen, upon written request of the Conservation Commission,
to purchase, take by eminent domain, or otherwise acquire for the Town for conservation purposes a
certain parcel of land with any easements in conjunction therewith, which parcel is believed to be owned
by Harold Keizer, containing approximately 13, 44 acres, situated at the end of Kelley Road and described
as parcel 68 of plate G-3 of the Town Atlas (as amended to January 1, 1971), said parcel being bounded
and described as follows:
NORTHWESTERLY seven hundred thirteen and 35/100 (713.35) feet, and
NORTHEASTERLY six hundred eighteen and 39/100 (618.39) feet by land now or
formerly of Richard T. Kelley et al, and
SOUTHEASTERLY by land now or formerly of Standard Homes, Inc. nine hundred
seventy -four and 62/100 (974.62) feet, and
SOUTHWESTERLY by lands now or formerly of H. Daniel Flanagan et al and of
John F. Coughlin et al eight hundred eighty-six and 89/100
(886.89) feet;
and that the sum of $24, 000. 00 be raised and appropriated from the current tax levy for the purpose
paying any damages and other expenses incurred by reason of such acquisition, and that the Conserva-
tion Commission is authorized to apply for such federal, state, or other funds as may be available therefoi
Total vote: 252. Yea - 233 Nay - 19 Neede to carry - 168
ADJOURNMENT
VOTED: That at the conclusion of the business pending before the meeting at eleven o'clock this evening
this meeting be adjourned to 7:30 o'clock P.M. on Wednesday, April 5, at this same place.
Article 35. TUITION & TRANSPORTATION
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To raise and appropriate the sum of $46, 455. 00 for the payment of vocational
tuition and transportation according to the provisions of Chapter 74 of the General Laws.
Article 36. DRAINAGE EASEMENT
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To accept a perpetual easement for drainage purposes off Harris Street
described in a deed from Tilliam T. McCarthy, Sr. and Robert M. McCarthy, dated August 17, 1971.
/ Article 37. JENKS FUND
VOTES UNANIMOUSLY: To accept, with grateful appreciation, a gift of $26, 000. 00 from the Jenks Chari-
table Foundation, such sum to be placed in a fund to be known as the Jenks Fund, the income from which
shall be used on direction of the Cemetery Commissioners for the improvement and beautification of
Mount Hope Cemetery.
Adjourned at 11:00 P.M.
Wednesday, April 5, 1972. Moderator called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M.
Article 38. MOUNT HOPE CEMETERY
\ / VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To raise and appropriate the sum of $2, 500. 00 for the puroose of paving cer-
» tain roads or avenues in Mount Hope Cemetery.
Article 39. 1975 FUNDS
VOTED: To raise and appropriate the sum of $5,000.00 to be placed in a separate account with the
Town Treasurer to be expended for the celebration of the two hundredth anniversary of the battle between
the citizens of Acton and British troops.
Total vote: 163. Yea - 111 Nay - 52
105
Article 40. COUNCIL ON AGING
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To raise and appropriate the sum of $2, 000. 00 to be expended by the Council
on Aging for the purpose of coordinating and conducting programs dealing with the problems of the aging
and to promote facilities for the heaLth, education, welfare and recreation of the aging.
Article 41. MOSQUITO ECOLOGY STUDY
VOTED: To raise and appropriate the sum of $6, 800. 00 to be expended by the Board of Health for a
mosquito ecology study and the development of a mosquito control program.
Total vote: 168 Yea - 129 Nay - 39
Article 42. TOWN BYLAWS
To amend the Bylaws of the Town of Acton by adding a new section 6 to Article 16 relative to "Mis-
cellaneous Prohibitions", reading as follows:
"Section 6. No person shall, at any time, consume any alcoholic beverage on the
Town Common. "
Article 43. POLICE CRUISERS
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To raise and appropriate the sum of $14, 330. 00 to be expended by the Town
Manager for the purchase of three new police cruisers and equipment therefor.
Article 44. SURPLUS PROPERTY
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To raise and appropriate the sum of $2, 000. 00 to be used by the Town Manager
for the purchase and conditioning of surplus government property for the various Town departments.
Article 46. CALCULATOR
To see if the Town will raise and appropriate, or appropriate from available funds, the sum of
$8, 750. 00, or any other sum, for the purchase of a programmable calculator to be used by the
Engineering Department, or take any other action relative thereto.
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To take no action.
Article 47. FIRE DEPARTMENT PUMPER
VOTED: To raise and appropriate the sum of $70, 000. 00 to be expended by the Town Manager for the
purchase of a pumper with an elevating platform apparatus for the Fire Department.
Article 48. VEHICLE - FIRE CHIEF
VOTED: To raise and appropriate the sum of $4, 500. 00 to be expended by the Town Manager for the
purchase of a vehicle and equipment to be used by the Chief of the Fire Department.
Article 49. BUILDING CODE
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To amend the Building Code by adding a reference to the Fire Alarm Inspector
in the first sentence of Section 132 so that the first sentence will read as follows:
"No building of any type, except as otherwise provided herein, whether of a permanent
or portable nature hereafter erected, remodeled, restored, or moved shall be occu-
pied or used in whole or in part as a dwelling until the same shall have been inspected
by the Inspector. Plumbing Inspector, Board of Health and Fire Alarm Inspector and a
permit of occupancy issued by the Board of HeaLth and the Inspector, stating that the
building and use thereof complies with the provisions of this Code, the laws of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts and all other laws pertaining thereto. "
106
Article 50. BUILDING CODE
VOTED: To amend the Building Code so as to require -an automatic sprinkler system or a fire detection
system in any building, renovated for a multiple dwelling use of more than six units by amending the
first sentence of Section 138 so that said first sentence shall read as follows:
"Any building in use as a multiple dwelling of more than six (6) units having a
common basement or common hallway or in use as a boarding or lodging house
have more than ten (10) occupants or any building renovated for a multiple
dwelling use of six (6) units or more shall be protected throughout with an
automatic sprinkler system which shall automatically transmit an alarm to
the Fire Alarm office through the municipal fire alarm system, or a Fire
Detection system of a design approved by the Fire Chief and installed as
specified under Sections 138. 1 through 138. 8 which shall automatically
transmit an alarm over the municipal fire alarm system to the Fire Alarm
office. "
Article 51. BUILDING CODE
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To amend the Building Code so as to require smoke and heat detecting devices
in any building renovated for a multiple dwelling use of six or less units by amending the first sentence
of Section 138. 9 so that said first sentence shall read as follows:
"All new single family dwellings, new multiple dwellings of six (6) or less units
and "any building renovated for a multiple dwelling use of six (6) or less units
shall be protected by smoke and heat detecting devices bearing the label of
approval by a nationally recognized testing agency. Materials and equipment
shall be installed in a neat and workmanlike manner in conformity with the
requirements of the N.F. P.A. Standards Nos. 72 and 74 and the Massachu-
setts Electrical Code. "
Article 52. BUILDING CODE
VOTED: To amend the Building Code by amending Section 115 (concerning violations and penalties) by
inserting the following sentence as a new second sentence:
"For a continuing violation each day of such violation shall constitute a
separate offense. "
and by amending Section 132 (concerning occupancy permits) by striking out the first sentence of the
second paragraph, of said section and inserting therefor the following new sentence:
"Whoever permits anyone to occupy or use, in whole or in part, as a dwelling any
building for which a permit of occupancy has not been issued under this section shall
be liable for a penalty of not more than $50. 00 for each day each dwelling unit in
such a building is occupied without such a permit. "
Article 53. CHAPTERS 81 & 90
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To appropriate from the Surplus Revenue Account the amounts of $2, 000. 00
as the State's allotment for highway maintenance under Chapter 90, $2, 000.00 as the County's allotment
for highway maintenance under Chapter 90, and $23, 100. 00 as the State's allotment for highway main-
tenance under Chapter 81; provided that any reimbursement be credited to the Surplus Revenue Account.
Article 54. CENTRAL STREET
VOTED: To appropriate the sum of $30, 800. 00 for Chapter 90 Construction on Central Street from
approximately 1, 500 feet southerly of Littlefield Road to approximately 2, 000 feet southerly of
Littlefield Road, said money to be used in conjunction with funds to be allocated by the County and
by the State, and to meet the appropriation the sum of $7, 700. 00 be raised and appropriated and the
sum of $23, 100. 00 be transferred from Surplus Revnue.
MOTION: To reconsider Article 26.
MOTION LOST.
107
Article 55. CENTER COMMON
VOTED: To raise and appropriate the sum of $12, 000.00 to be expended by the Town Manager for the
renovation of the Town Center Common.
Total vote: 150. Yea - 92 Nay - 58
Article 56. NEW STREETS
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To accept the following streets, or portions thereof, constructed under the
requirements of the Subdivision Control Law and the Subdivision Rules and Regulations of the Town of
Acton and as laid out by the Board of Selectmen according to plans on file with the Town Clerk; in-
cluding the takings or acceptances of easements for drainage, utility, or other purposes where shown
on said plans or described in the order of layout:
In Brucewood Estates Section 3 Subdivision
A. Fernwood Road from the southerly sideline of Oakwood Road a distance of
898.61 feet in a generally southerly direction to the northerly sideline of
Arborwood Road, this being the entire road.
In Isaac Davis Park Subdivision
C. Revolutionary Road from its most northwesterly intersection with the north-
easterly sideline of Musket Drive a distance of 1015 + feet in a generally
northerly and northeasterly direction to the extension of the easterly side-
line of Fife and Drum Road.
In West Village Subdivision
D. West Road from the southeasterly sideline of Arlington Street, a distance of
500. 00 feet in a generally southerly direction to the southerly sideline of a
62. 50 foot radius cul-de-sac, including the cul-de-sac, this being the entire
road.
In Robbins Park Section HI Subdivision
F. Bromfield Road from the southerly sideline of Whittier Drive, a distance of
294. 17 feet in a generally southerly direction to the southerly terminus of
said road.
In Henley Acres Subdivision
G. Henley Road from the previous limit of acceptance, a distance of 87. 78 feet in
a generally northwesterly direction to the terminus of said road, also included
is the turn-around easement.
Article 57. PATRIOTS ROAD
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To accept a portion of Patriots Road in the Putnam Park Subdivision from the
previous limit of acceptance at station 8 + 42. 68 a distance of 885. 21 feet in a generally northwesterly
and southwesterly direction to its most northerly intersection with the northeasterly sideline of Newtown
Road, as laid out by the Board of Selectmen according to plans on file with the Town Clerk including the
takings or acceptances of easements for drainage, utility, or other purposes shown on said plans or
described in the order of layout and to raise and appropriate the sum of $4, 500. 00 to be expenses by the
Town Manager for the construction of a drainage system on said street.
Article 58. RESERVE FUND
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To raise and appropriate the sum of $50, 000. 00 for the Reserve Fund, pursuant
to the provisions of the General Laws, Chapter 40, Section 6, $16, 000. 00 of which to be appropriated from
the Overlay Surplus reserve fund and $34, 000. 00 of which to be raised from the current tax levy.
108
Article 59. BUDGET
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To appropriate and transfer $185, 000. 00 from Free Cash to be used by the
Assessors in considering and fixing the tax rate for the current year.
Article 60. STABILIZATION FUND
To see if the Town will raise and appropriate, or appropriate from available funds, a sum of money
for a stabilization fund, pursuant to the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 40, Section 5B, or take
any other action relative thereto.
VOTED: To take no action.
The following persons served as tellers at the above meeting: Jane Litchfield, Lorens Persson,
Regina Poppert, Nancy Barlow, Rene Vervoort, William Ray, Barbara Grant, Michael Grace,
Richard Wirtenson, Nancy Mutty, Daniel O1 Connor, Alan Waters, Lyman Goff, Suzanne Sandock,
David Deloury, Joseph McGinty, Nancy Howe, Charles Rogers, James Megee, Joseph Clasby,
Eleanor Harrison, Lee Salt, Virginia Rivenburg, Josiah Kirby, Benjamin Richter, Jack Batchelder,
Maurice Vieira, Thomas Rogers, Jr., Mary McCarthy.
VOTED: To adjourn at 10: 37 P. M.
A true copy. Attest:
Charles M. MacRae
Town Clerk
Amendment to the Town Bylaws (Article 42) voted in the affirmative at the Annual Town Meeting was
approved by Attorney General Robert H. Quinn on June 20, 1972 and duly advertised as required by law.
The new Sign Bylaw (Article 19) and amendments to the Building Code (Articles 49, 50, 51, and 52)
and amendments' to the Protective Zoning Bylaw (Articles 20, 21, and 22) voted in the affirmative at
the Annual Town Meeting were approved by Attorney General Robert H. Quinn on August 21, 19 72 and
duly posted as required by law.
ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING. OCTOBER 11. 1972
Article 1. PERSONNEL BYLAW
VOTED: To ratify the action of the Personnel Board on August 14, 1972 in reclassifying the position of
Building Inspector, as set forth in Schedule A of the Personnel Bylaw, from Schedule B-l, grade E-6 to
Schedule B-l, grade E-10, and to amend the Personnel Bylaw accordingly.
Article 2. PERSONNEL BYLAW
VOTED: To amend the Personnel Bylaw by deleting compensation grades W-l, W-2, W-3, and W-4 in
Schedule E - Hourly Wage Schedule, which reads as follows:
109
Compensation
Minimum
Grade
H
A
W-l
$ 3.26
W
130.40
A
6780.80
W-2
H
3.42
W
136.80
A
7113.60
W-3
H
3. 59
W
143.60
A
7467.20
W-4
H
3.77
W
150.80
A
7841.60
Intermediate Step
B
$ 3.42
136.80
7113. 60
3. 59
143. 60
7467.20
3. 77
150. 80
7841.60
3.95
158.00
8216. 00
Maximum
C
$ 3. 59
143. 60
7467. 20
3. 77
150.80
7841.60
3.95
158. 00
8216.00
4. 13
165.20
8590.40
and by inserting therefor the following compensation grades W-l, W-2, W-3 and W-4 in Schedule E
Hourly Wage Schedule, which read as follows:
Compensation
Grade
W-l
W-2
W-3
W-4
H
W
A
H
W
A
H
W
A
H
W
A
Minimum
A
3.26
130.40
6780. 80
3.42
136.80
7113.60
3.60
144. 00
7488.00
3.78
151.20
7862.40
Intermediate Step
B
3.42
136.80
7113.60
3.60
144. 00
7488.00
3.78
151. 20
7862.40
3.95
158.00
8216.00
Maximum
C
3.60
144.00
7488.00
3. 78
151.20'
7862.40
3.95
158.00
8216.00
4. 13
165.20
8590.40
Article 3. VETERANS' AID
VOTED: To appropriate $3, 000. 00 from free cash to the Veterans' Aid expense account.
(
Article 4. MACHINERY ACCOUNT
VOTED: To appropriate $17, 000. 00 from free cash to the Highway Department Machinery expense account.
Article 5. NEW STREETS
VOTED: To accept the following streets, or portions -thereof, constructed under the requirements of the
Subdivision Control Law and the Subdivision Rules and Regulations of the Town of Acton and as laid out by
the Board of Selectmen according to plans on file with the Town Clerk; including the takings or acceptance
of easements for drainage, utility, or other purposes where shown on said plans or described in the order
of layout:
110
In Chadwick Estates Subdivision
A. Vanderbelt Road from station 0 + 29. 69 at the northeasterly sideline of
River Street a distance of 1078. 20 feet in a generally northeasterly and
southeasterly direction to station 11 + 07. 89 at the southeasterly sideline
of a 62. 5 foot radius cul-de-sac including the cul-de-sac, this being the
entire~roacn " " ' "
In Patriots Hill Section IV Subdivision
B. Washington Drive from the previous limit of acceptance at station 47 +
y 00. 00 a distance of 1166. 32 feet in a generally northerly direction to
^ station 58 + 66. 32 at the southerly sideline of Jackson Drive
In Deacon W. W. Davis Farm Subdivision
C. Minuteman Road extension from the westerly end of the present town way
a distance of 257. 04 feet in a generally westerly direction to a dead end at
land belonging to the Town of Acton.
In Colonial Acres Subdivision
D. Highland Road from the northerly sideline of Woodchester Drive a distance
of 835. 53 feet in a generally northeasterly direction to the southerly sideline
of Squirrel Hill Road, this being the entire road.
Article 6. M.R.V.T.S.D.
VOTED: To approve the $12,900,000.00 indebtedness authorized by the Regional District School
Committee of the Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical School District on September 15, 1972,
for constructing and equipping~a Regional Vocational Technical High School.
Article 7. TOWN BYLAWS
VOTED: Pursuant to the General Laws Chapter 90B, as amended by section 2 of Chapter 589 of the Acts
of 1970, to amend the Bylaws of the Town of Acton by inserting a new section 4 under Article 15 as
follows:
4. "No person shall operate a recreational motor vehicle within the limits
of any park, playground or other public property except with the written
consent of the Board of Selectmen, nor on any private property except
with the written consent of the owner or legal occupant thereof. The
penalty for violation of this Bylaw shall be a fine of not more than fifty
dollars ($50.00)."
Article 8. ZONING BYLAW
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To amend the Protective Zoning Bylaw to provide a definition of Front Yard and
Side Yard by adding a new paragraph 3 to Section V-B as follows:
"3. Front Yard is that area extending across the full width of the lot and lying
between each street line of the lot and the nearest point of the building to
each street line.
Side Yard is that area between each lot line (other than any street line) and
the nearest point of the building to such lot line. The dimensions of the
Front Yard and the Side Yard are set forth in Table V-B Intensity Regu-
lation Schedule Districts and Uses. "
Ill
Article 9. ZONING BYLAW
VOTED: To amend the Protective Zoning Bylaw to:
(a) Restrict the permitted use of a place of amusement or assembly in the
General Business District (B) and General Industrial District (1-1) by
adding the words "for not more than five hundred (500) persons" to
Section IV -C, 1 e so that item e reads as follows:
"e. Place of amusement or assembly for not more than five
hundred (500) persons. "
(b) Allow a place of amusement or assembly for more than five hundred
(500) persons in the General Business District (B) by special permit
from the Board of Appeals by adding a new item h to Section IV -C,
2 reading as follows:
"h. Place of amusement or assembly for more than five
hundred (500) persons. The Board of Appeals, before
granting any such permit, shall determine that con-
struction and use of such a facility will not substantially
detract from the value and appearance of the neighbor-
hood, that the immediate roadways have sufficient
capacity to handle expected traffic volume, and that
adequate protection is provided for the safety and wel-
fare of the patrons. In granting a permit, the Board of
Appeals shall impose limitations as to the' time of
operation, shall impose limitations as to the time of
operation, shall impose such other conditions, limita-
tions, and safeguards as the Board deems necessary for
the convenience and welfare of the public, and shall con-
dition the continuance of the permit upon compliance with
such other conditions, limitations and safeguards as the
Board deems appropriate. In its discretion the Board may
require a surety bond, cash, or other adequate security
to insure compliance with such conditions, limitations and
safeguards. "
(c) Allow a place of amusement or assembly for more than five hundred
(500) persons in the General Industrial District (1-1) by special permit
from the Board of Appeals by adding a new item g to Section IV -D, 2
reading as follows:
"g. Place of amusement or assembly for more than five hundred
(500) persons subject to the standards and provisions set
forth in Section IV -C, 2 h. "
Total vote - 644. Yes - 583 No - 61. Needed to carry - 429+.
Article 10. ZONING BYLAW
VOTED: To amend the Protective Zoning Bylaw to prohibit a place of amusement or assembly as a per-
mitted use in the Light Industrial District (1-2) by adding to clause b of Section IV -E, 1 after the words
"primary smelting and refining" the words "place of amusement or assembly".
Total vote - 539. Yes - 535 No - 4. Needed to carry - 359+.
j^- Article 11. DOG LEASH LAW
MOTION: To amend the Town Bylaws by renumbering Article 19 to be Article 20 and by inserting a new
Article 19 reading as follows:
112
t/
y
"Article 19 - DOG LEASH LAW"
Section 1: Between the hours of 7:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.*M. , no person owning, harboring, or having
custody and control of a dog within the Town of Acton shall allow such dog to run at large, or to
commit any nuisance, upon the land of another person without the knowledge and assent of such other
person: nor upon any portion of any public way or other public property within the Town of Acton.
Section 2: Between the hours of 7:00 A. M. and 9i00 P. M. , any dog not in leash to, or not accompanied
by and under the immediate control of, its owner or keeper or an agent of the owner or keeper shall
be considered at large under this Article; provided, however, that this article shall not be construed
to limit or prohibit the use of hunting dogs during legal hunting season which permit the use of hunting
dogs.
Section 3: Any dog found at large between the hours of 7:00 A. M. and 9:00 P. M. within the Town of
Acton may be impounded by the Town Dog Officer, the Police of the Town, or other Town employee
authorized by the Town Selectmen. If any resident of Acton makes a complaint that a particular dog
is at large within the Town during such hours and said complaint is verified by the Town Dog Officer,
the Police of the Town, or other authorized Town employee, such dog shall be impounded.
Section 4: The Town Dog Officer shall immediately notify the owner or keeper of any licensed dog
impounded under this Article; or, with respect to an unlicensed dog, shall be governed by applicable
Chapters and Sections of the Massachusetts General Laws concerning the retention and disposition
of unlicensed dogs. A licensed dog, impounded under this Article shall be retained for a period of
ten (10) days at a licensed kennel, during which period the owner of the impounded dog may identify
and establish claim for said dog; however, should no claim be established during the ten (10) days,
all rights, title, interest, and privileges of any person with respect to such dog shall be considered
forfeited and such dog may be sold or humanely destroyed.
Section 5: The owner or keeper of a dog found to be in violation of this Article shall be subject to
the following within any one calendar year:
First offense: Warning
Second and subsequent offenses: A fine of ten dollars ($10.00)
In an event, the owner, if determinable, of such dog impounded under this Article shall be liable for
the boarding fees incurred by the Town in connection with the impounding and keeping of his dog. Any
amounts due from fines, boarding fees, or the sale of unclaimed dogs shall be paid to the Town
Treasurer. "
Total vote - 615.
Yea - 21!
Nay - 397.
Motion Lost
a
Article 12. DOG LEASH BYLAW
To see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money to be expended by the Town Manager for salaries
or wages, general expenses and capital outlay costs for the implementation, operation and enforcement
of a dog leash bylaw, or take any other action relative thereto.
VOTED: To take no action.
VOTED: To adjourn at 10:53 P.M.
The following persons served as tellers at the above meeting: Carol Emerson, Alan Waters, Josiah
Kirby, David Deioury, Thomas Rogers, Lee Salt, Maurice Kirby, Richard Wirtenson, George Fligg.
A true copy. Attest:
Charles M. MacRae
Town Clerk
Amendments to the Town Bylaws (Article 7) and Protective Zoning Bylaw (Articles 8, 9, and 10) voted
in the affirmative at the Special Town Meeting on October 11, 1972 were approved by Attorney General
Robert H. Quinn on December 12, 1972 and duly posted as required by law.
113
JURY LIST
PRECINCT 1
Michael B. CoLe, 84 Nagog Hill Road, Mechanical Engineer
Dorothy M. DiCicco, 67 Taylor Road, Secretary
Clayton L. Hagy, 15 Coughlin Street, Self-employed
Robert M. Richter, 16 Alcott Street, Sales Engineer
Elwood S. Wood, III, 41 Washington Drive, Vice-President
Richard C. Bateman, 32 Concord Road, Engineer
Forrest E. Bean, Jr., 40 Wood Lane, Beef Merchandiser
Allen C. Brown, 25 Keefe Road, Engineer
John C. Dawson, 19 John Swift Road, Sales Manager
Robert F. Driscoll, 69 Taylor Road, Data Management
J. Bradley Fuller, Jr., 14 Thoreau Road, Engineer
I. Lee Gelles, 179 Great Road, Scientist
Alden R. Gilman, 15 Musket Drive, Chemist
Walter S. Harrington, Jr., 15 Evergreen Road, Mechanical Engineer
Harlan Howe, Jr., 83 Concord Road, Engineer
Alex Ivanov, 63 Hammond Street, Elec. Engineer
Peter P. Jorrens, 107 Newtown Road, Engineer
Josiah J. Kirby, 7 Thoreau Road, Manager
Edward L. Morrill, 16 Pope Road, General Contractor
Earl L. Nadeau, 54 Pope Road, Carpenter
William H. Shenk, 14 Town House Lane, Engineer
-Dorothy B. Stonecliffe, 6 Phalon Street, Home
George J. Antonucci, Jr., John Swift Road, Manager
William R. Becklean, 4 Huckleberry Lane, Consultant
Richard E. Bohannon, 70 Concord Road, Claims Supervisor
Arthur P. Charbonneau, 27 Grasshopper Lane, Design & Building
Henry J. Crouse, 7 Fife & Drum Road, Purchasing Executive
David S. Dayton, 49 Taylor Road, Engineer
Derwin R. Eggleton, 42 Esterbrook Road, Sales Engineer
Calvin M. Farnsworth, 376 Pope Road, Sales Representative
Henry L. Fischer, 11 Whittier Drive, Engineer
David W. Forrant, 97 Newton Road, Technical Writer
Alden French, Jr., 8 Spring Hill Road, Vice-President
Ira H. Gilbert, 32 Hosmer Street, Physicist
Russell J. Henley, 12 Henley Road, Carpenter
Peter A. Johansson, 8 Hemlock Lane, Admin. Manager
William S. Kendall, Jr., 58 Harris Street, Mechanic
Fred S. Kerr, 7 Magnolia Drive, Sales
Albert W. Koch, 82 Alcott Street, Audiologist
Thomas J. Litle, 90 Hammond Street, Pres. Information Service
Donald W. Mason, 746 Main Street, District Service Manager
Joseph S. Mercurio, 10 Patriots Road, Machinist
Winston K. Newman, 127 Concord Road, Steamfitter-PIumber
Robert E. Parks, 21 Forest Road, Engineer
Thomas J. Quin, Jr., 217 Nagog Hill Road, Division Head
Raymond A. Shamel, 61 Alcott Street, Sales Manager
Nicholas Van Ness, 4 Hawthorne Street, Insurance Agent
Francis A. Walsh, 7 Flagg Road, Supervisor
G. Richard Wirtenson, 4 Minot Avenue, Scientist
Robert C. Wylie, 51 Alcott Street, Purchasing Agent
PRECINCT 2
Theodore J. Batulin, 9 Railroad Street, Painter
Edwin A. Careli, 9 Broadview Street, Engineer
Victor Oskirko, Jr., 106 High Street, Elec. Assembler
Francis B. Parker, 85 Hosmer Street, Credit Manager
114
Walter O. Barron, 20 Billings Street, Printer
David T. Chang, 8 Billings Street, Research Scientist
Stanley Driban, 6 Carriage Drive, Engineer
Paul M. Haskell, 101 Stow Street, Technical Writer
Richard J. Heffernan, 34 Central Street, Assigner
William T. Kendrick, 9 Hillcrest Drive, Purchasing Agent
Walter S. Klappich, 6 Beverly Road, Engineer
Richard A. LaFrance, 18 Pond View Drive, Insurance Agent
William P. Lynch, 57 Robbins Street, Engineer
Robert P. Menapace, Jr., 34 Conant Street, District Sales Manager
William M. Progen, 8 Lilac Court, Shipping Inspector
Lawrence Schwartz, 13 Oakwood Road, Contract Manager
David P. Tinker, 90 School Street, Insurance Broker
Alan J. Waters, 4 Broadview Street, Sales Manager
Thomas E. Wetherbee, 44 Prospect Street, Real Estate
Paul K. Zimmer, 12 Billings Street, Maintenance
Robert F. Baker, 8 Russell Road, Sales Engineer
Alan F. Batstone, 50 Conant Street, Mechanical Designer
Anthony C. Berg, 11 Vanderbelt Road, Electrical Engineer
Ludwig T. Borowski, 9 Faulkner Hill Road, Engineer
Harold W. Cobb, 30 Conant Street, Physicist Engineer
Joseph W. Delaney, 7 Billings Street, Technician
John F. Deveau, 46 Main Street, Tank Truck Driver
Edward G. D' Italia, 60 Prospect Street, Pharmacist
Robert J. Ellis, 10 Country Club Road, Engineer
James H. Feeney, 71 High Street, Vice-President
Alan B. Flood, 183 Main Street
Norman R. Gilbert, 112 Stow Street, Dewey Almy
Fred J. Grotheer, 4 Old Meadow Lane, District Manager
Hayward S. Houghton, 266 School Street, Retired
Robert G. Jenkins, 47 Conant Street, Chemist
John P. Jenne, 55 High Street, Sales
Edward W. Jones, 59 High Street, Eng. Writer
Joseph A. LaVoie, 9 Redwood Road, Management Analyst
Henry V. LeGault, 247 Main Street, Instrument Supervisor
Manfred Lichtensteiger, 178 School Street, Chemist
Bruce J. Loughlin, 5 Broadview Street, Elec. Engineer
James P. McBride, 22 Prospect Street, Post Office & Insurance
Raymond A. Noble, 2 Fox Hill Road, Engineer
Eric P. Petersen, 4 Valley Road, Programmer
Vincent M. Polo, 89 Prospect Street, Vending Co.
Russell K. Provencher, 11 Heritage Road, Engineer
Vincent M. Russo, 3 Russell Road, Restaurant Owner
H. Bradford Sturtevant, III, 12 Laurel Court, Vice-President
Robert M. Walmsley, 8 Oakwood Road, Math. Editor
John A. Walsh, 9 Country Club Road, Engineer
PRECINCT 3
Grant W. Dodson, 377 Central Street, Salesman
John J. Foley, 1 Algonquin Road, Elect. Engineer
John W. Forrest, 6 Algonquin Road, Mechanical Engineer
George F. Geisenhainer, 5 Capt. Forbush Lane, Sales Supervisor
George H. Locke, Jr., 235 Arlington Street, Shipper-Receiver
Ernest F. O' Clair, 5 Seneca Road, Mechanic
Richard J. Scire, 305 Arlington Street, Cable Maker
Kenneth M. Simpson, 3 Agawam Road, Salesman
Arthur H. Anderson, 9 Lilliam Road, Architectural Draftsman
Eric D. Bradlee, 13 Tuttle Drive, Banker
-Victor E. Cornellier, 68 Willow Street, Salesman
Kenneth A. Goff, 10 Mohawk Drive, Civil Engineer
Robert C. Green, 31 Oneida Road, Engineer
115
Charles S. Husbands, 24 Black Horse Drive, Elect. Engineer
Ruth T. Kretschmar, 46 Summer Street, Home
Richard J. Makin, 31 Ethan Allen Drive, Marketing Manager
Roscoe D. McDaniel, 5 Lillian Road, Field Engineer
R. Dana McPherson, 19 Oneida Road, Electronics Engineer
David S. Nixon, Jr. , 6 Black Horse Drive, Elect. Engineer
Juergen H. Hordhausen, 92 Arlington Street, Elect. Engineer
Donald- S. Oliver, 19 Capt. Brown's Lane, Engineer
Robert D. Olthoff, 3 Cherry Ridge Road, Salesman
John P. Perry, Jr., 12 Mohegan Road, Physicist
Brian A. Prentiss, 215 Arlington Street, Welder
Frank Primiano, 387 Central Street, Plant Engineer
Paul Revere, Jr., 35 Agawam Road, Salesman
Bernard N. Reynholds, 20 Capt. Brown's Lane, Sales Manager
Francis W. Seller, 24 Orchard Drive, Meat Cutter
Eugene G. Spurr, 16 Juniper Ridge Road, Banker
Joseph V. Stuart, 5 Powder Horn Lane, Insurance Representative
Roger L. Towne, 603 Massachusetts Avenue, Customer Hardware Supervisor
John J. Trebendis, 62 Nashoba Road, Purchasing Agent
Peter R. Whitcomb, 144 Hayward Road, Carpenter
Bertram L. Barlow, 7 Capt. Forbush Lane, Optical Engineer
Charles R. Carbutt, Jr., 11 Agawam Road, Lub. Engineer
Bryce A. Dawson, 74 Seminole Road, Engineer
Arthur C. Day, Algonquin Road, Elec. Engineer
Albert C. Doskocil, Jr. , 13 Algonquin Road, Physicist
John C. Gates, 248 Central Street, Service Engineer
Arthur E. Hansen, 29 Mohawk Drive, Superintendent
Ray A. Hinds, Jr., 16 Agawam Road, Project Engineer
Theodore Janericco, 62 Spruce Street, Paperhanger
William Kalms, III, 2 Sioux Street, Electronic Engineer
Jerrold MacMillan, 11 Ticonderoga Road, Applications Engineer
David D. McQuay, 299 Arlington Street, District Manager
Mary M. Nordberg, 23 Tuttle Drive, Secretary
Charles J. Panetta, 147 Willow Street, Linotype Operator
Michael H. Pickowicz, 18 Cherokee Road, Automatic Merchandising
Frederick D. Riccioli, 6 Powder Horn Lane, Chemical Engineer
James E. Ryan, 69 Charter Road, Engineering Aide
116
EDUCATIONAL REPORTS
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Conant School
Mrs. Alice F. Hayes, Principal
The Conant School began the school year September 1972, with an enrollment of 463 pupils, grades
one through six. There are three classrooms of each grade level, with the exception of grade four, which
has four. The Conant School houses a transition class, making a total of twenty classrooms, and an en-
rollment, as of January 1, 1973, of 479 pupils.
The transition class program was evaluated in the Spring of 1972. The results of the evaluation
were a determining factor in the continuation of this program. Pupils enrolled in this class come to
Conant from the elementary schools in Acton. Special programming in the transition class for children
who lack "readiness" for the usual first grade program has proven to be the means for getting them ready.
Language Arts - Reading -Spelling-Writing -Grammar
The reading program was updated and strengthened by the adoption of the new "Reading for Meaning"
program, published by Houghton-Mifflin- -fall of 1971. One aim of this program is mastery of the word
attack skills by the end of the third year. According to the results of the B. C. test for evaluating the
reading program, the Conant School children have successfully reached this goal. This reading program
constantly works toward two major goals: (1) the development of an ever -increasing control of those speci-
fic skills that will enable the child to read well independently, and (2) the development of an enthusiastic
and ever-broadening interest in reading.
Spelling and Handwriting
In the spring of 1973, we will evaluate the Spelling and Writing-Noble and Noble publishers -1971
edition- -in- view of adoption. It is being used in grades one through six for the second year as a pilot pro-
gram. This series combines complete spelling and handwriting instruction. It ensures high interest and
guarantees success.
Language
The Ginn Elementary English Series is being piloted in grades four and five. It is a program which
builds skills in all areas of language arts, including grammar and usage. It employs a modern approach
to the teaching of grammar; generalizations are arrived at through discovery and enquiry. An evaluation
will be conducted in view of adoption of this series for all grades at Conant- 1-6.
Social Studies
The Silver Burdett Primary Social Studies Program was adopted for grades one through three-fall
of 1971.
The Allyn-Bacon Social Studies Program was adopted for grades four through six in the fall of 1972.
The broad goals of the Social Studies Program are:
1. To expose students to the social science disciplines of anthropology, economics, geography,
history, philosophy, political science, psychology, religion, and sociology.
2. To provide a body of knowledge and the skills to enable students to make informed decisions
in adult matters affecting themselves in their social relations and in the political and economic
affairs of their community, country, and world.
The adoption of the Silver Burdett and Allyn-Bacon Social Studies Program was the result of an
R&D study group, under the direction of Principal, William Sparks of the Merriam School. Several
programs were piloted and evaluated by this group with-the involvement of teachers and principals in the
Acton Elementary Schools. This was also true in the selection of Mathematics and Science programs.
117
Mathematics
The Houghton -Mifflin Math Program was adopted in the fall of 1972. This was the result of an
R&D study group, under the direction of Principal, Robert Conroy, of the Douglas School.
The main objectives of the program are to develop students' understanding and to help them require
mathematical skills-. The books in the program grades 1-6 are constructed with these objectives in mind.
The material to be learned is structured so that it follows a logical sequence of presentation. The pattern
of reinforcement used throughout the program secures retention and refinement of basic understanding and
skills.
Science
The teaching of science via a coordination of Holt, Rinehart & Winston text (Science a Modern Ap-
proach) and suggested E.S.S. units. This method was adopted (fall 1970) as a result of an R & D study
group, under the direction of Principal, James Palavras, of the Gates School. This program empha-
sizes process rather than content, though the two cannot be separated; learning is a natural outgrowth of
doing.
Supplementary Programs
In all areas --language arts, social studies, math and science- -supplementary materials are avail-
able for enrichment for the children who need challenge, and extra help for the slow learners.
In addition to the prescriptive remediation strategies provided by our Learning Disabilities Con-
sultant our Physical Education instructor has instituted an excellent motor training program.
Parents' Group - Monthly meetings--for the parents of children with learning disabilities- -for in-
formative talks, demonstrations and discussions --so that they will be able to help their children. Thus,
adding reinforcement to our prescriptive program.
Pupil Personnel Services - Guidance, health, remedial reading, speech and learning disabilities
--are available for children who are in need of these services.
Library
The number of books per child--due to budgetary reasons--grows slowly but steadily.
The library is a multi-media resource center. Audio-visual equipment- -and the supplies (filmstrips,
filmloops, transparencies, records, posters, maps, and reference books) are available for reinforcement
in all subject areas.
Extra Activities--to provide something of interest to all children
Intra-mural sports under the direction of faculty members. Enthusiasm grows as the school year
wears on.
Science and Art Clubs under the direction of faculty members were started during the school year
1971-72. They continue with enthusiasm and promising results for this school year.
Cooperating Teachers
Our teachers have welcomed the opportunity to assist in the teacher training program for Regis Col-
lege, and Fitchburg State College students.
We are grateful to the parents, college students, and high school students who are active in our tu-
torial program. Also to the faithful volunteers who assist in the library and school office. Their help is
invaluable.
I should like to express my appreciation for the dedication and cooperation of the Teachers, Pupil
Personnel Services, School Secretary, Custodians and Cafeteria Personnel.
118
The C. T. Douglas School
Robert Conroy, Principal
The enrollment as of October 1, 1972 was:
Grade 1 - 73 Grade 4-83
Grade 2-73 Grade 5-86
Grade 3-69 Grade 6 - 77 Total - 461
We anticipate a substantial increase in enrollment in 1973 due to the institution of Kindergarten and
anticipated growth at other grade levels. Enrollment as of January 2, 1973 was 472.
During 1972 the Douglas School continued to maintain and further develop a program of basic educa-
tion while responding to the social as well as the academic needs of children.
The adoption of the Houghton Mifflin text provides the foundation for a strong, challenging and modern
math program. The staff, with the assistance of our new resource teacher, continues to organize and de- I
velop the concepts and materials of the math program within an instructional plan that provides for continuous
progress and individualized learning for students.
Our Social Studies program has also been revised to include the Educational Research Council progran
published by Allyn & Bacon for 4th, 5th and 6th grades. This concept and inquiry oriented program is de-
signed to help students form "prudent judgments" and to apply their value system realistically and effec-
tively.
'The support services including remedial reading, guidance, speech and learning disability programs I
continue to provide for the academic and behavioral needs of the students. Physical Education, art and
instrumental as well as vocal music help provide balance while promoting the athletic and creative aspects j
of education. An intramural program was instituted this year for 4th, 5th and 6th graders and a club period
for grades 2 through 5 gives additional support to our "balanced program". The sixth grades are not able
to participate in the club program at this time due to their new departmentalized schedule.
A school newspaper, The Reporter, was initiated to provide an additional means of keeping parents
informed about the school. The paper is published by our newly formed Douglas School Advisory Council
which is a representative group of eleven parents, two teachers and the principal.
Major repairs were made to the intercom system at a substantial saving due to the assistance of
Mr. John Wilson, an Acton resident. The acoustical treatment of 3 classrooms was completed as the
first phase in a plan to improve the acoustical characteristics of the building.
Planning for the institution of kindergarten in September 1973 is well advanced. It is anticipated that
kindergarten will be housed in two classrooms in the building. Plans are also in progress to provide play-
ground equipment which will serve the needs of the school as well as the program of the recreation depart-
ment.
The Gates School
James Palavras, Principal
The Gates School began the 1972 school year with an enrollment of 484 students: Grade 1 - 74;
Grade 2 - 71; Grade 3 - 78; Grade 4 - 87; Grade 5 - 81; Grade 6 - 84; Trainable Mentally Retarded - 6;
Educable Mentally Retarded - 3.
A major goal of the Gates School is the individualization and personalization of instruction. In itself,
individualized and personalized teaching represents an attempt for a form -fitting curriculum based on
their assumed needs, their basic abilities, and their potential for achievement. We realize that this is an
ideal for which we are attempting but we are striving.
Some of the means for implementing this goal are:
1. Learning Disability Program - The Gates School has one full time specialist in this area whose
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main function is the diagnosis of problems, prescription of remediation and consultant to
teachers. At present, there are approximately 55 students who are receiving some form of
assistance derived from this program.
2. Guidance Counselor - There is one full time person assigned to the Gates School.
3. Remedial Reading - One full time person. There are approximately 50 students being serviced
by this department.
4. Speech Therapy - One full time person. There are approximately 35 students being assisted in
this area.
5. Program for Emotionally Disturbed - This is a program for those students whose problems
are somewhat more severe than those handled by the guidance counselor. The 12 students
involved in this program are integrated in our regular classrooms but receive needed support
on a daily basis from the resource teacher for the emotionally disturbed.
6. Educable Mentally Retarded - The majority of the students involved in this program are also
integrated in regular classrooms and go to the resource teacher in this area for support help.
7. Basic Curriculum
a. Reading - Through intra-classroom grouping and utilization of varied materials.
b. Mathematics - Through inter-classroom grouping in grades 1-6.
c. Spelling - Introduction of a new individualized spelling program in grades 3-6.
d. Social Studies and Science - Emphasis on the process approach utilizing individual and
group projects.
8. Volunteer Program - Parent and high school students who provide tutorial help for individuals.
New features to the Gates School for 1972 have been:
1. Implementation of new Allyn and Bacon Social Studies Program, "Concept and Inquiry", in
grades 4, 5 and 6. The aim of this program is to help children become productive members
of society - men and women who can make sound judgments and take intelligent action when
faced with the challenging decisions of our rapidly changing world. The main approach of the
program is the development of concepts - the broad general ideas of social science.
2. Implementation of new Houghton Mifflin Mathematics program in grades 1-6.
3. Playground Equipment - Initial phase of providing more varied activities for students. It is
planned to fully equip our playground for the school year 1973-74.
4. First Grade "Mini" Open House - Orientation day for parents and entering first graders con-
ducted the day prior to opening of school.
5. Curriculum Resource Teacher - This is a full time staff member whose major function is to
assist teachers and administration in all areas of the curriculum.
6. After-school Intramural Program for grades 4, 5 and 6.
7. Mathematics Lab - This is a centralized learning center containing many varied materials
which are designed to supplement and enrich the math program in our school. Its principal
goals are: (a) Create more positive attitude toward math by making it a more interesting,
enjoyable, and stimulating subject; (b) To assist in improving achievement in math by pro-
viding enrichment and remedial activities; (c) Help develop more student independence and
responsibility in learning; (d) Individualization of math instruction; (e) Opportunity to explore
and discover math.
8. Library as a Multi-Media Center - This idea has been further realized by providing some of
the equipment (i.e., study carrels, audio-visual equipment) needed for implementation.
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9. Emphasis oh integration of art program with the basic curriculum.
Carry-over features from 1971:
1. Weekly Activity Period - Briefly, this is part of a plan to offer different and interesting ex-
periences during the year for all the students of the Gates School. Each week students
have the opportunity to select a club of his/her choice. In most instances, children may con-
tinue in the same club for as long as they wish or they may choose to attend a different activity
each week. There are approximately 25-30 club selections being conducted by all faculty
members and parent volunteers.
2. Student Council - Representation from grades 1-6.
3. Further development of social studies, science, and language arts resource material areas
for staff.
The highlighted features mentioned above, plus the effort and quality of an excellent staff have pro-
vided the essential ingredients for what has been a satisfying school year.
The McCarthy-Towne School
Parker Damon, Principal
This year's September enrollment for grades 1 - 6 in the McCarthy-Towne School was 522, an in-
crease of 27 over September 1971. The number of our full-time professional staff remained constant at
26 with 6 of them new to the school. In addition, we have an Educational Solutions' Math Consultant
three days a week, Curriculum Consultants from Other Ways two days a week, and three full-time aides
for the Library, Humanities, and Words in Color program. It would not be possible to have these consul-
tants and aides, or to have our music, art, and physical education programs, without the help of our nu-
merous volunteers.
The Volunteer Program, upon which the McCarthy-Towne School is so dependent, is comprised of
well over 150 parents and college, high school, and junior high school students in the school on a weekly
basis. We are particularly pleased by our expanded involvement with various schools of education and
the developing participation of parents, through the PTO and separately, and students in the operation of
the school.
The staff is divided into three committees - Administration and Budget, Curriculum and Develop-
ment, Resources and Facilities - in order to facilitate decision making and self-evaluation. At present,
our school community is assessing our program priorities in terms of both short and long range planning.
The school's original proposal and stated goals, the reallocation of funds and personnel, and the needs
of students, staff and parents have ally evaluated and balanced. Although the introduction of
team-teaching and multi-age grouping has been successful overall, there will undoubtedly be changes in
both. In the future we will probably have greater interrelating of all curriculum areas, further differ-
entiating in staff-student patterns, and more challenging student experiences.
The school's first year of operation has been successful and rewarding. Every indication is that
it should continue to be so as it changes and evolves.
The F. A. Merriam School
William V. Sparkes, Principal
The F. A. Merriam School began the new school year (1972) with 462 pupils in grades 1-6. There
are 18 classrooms with three classrooms at each grade level in the school. Two additional classrooms
have been converted into a library and a pupil personnel services room. In this room pupils in need of
remediation have access to the professional skills of the remedial reading, speech, learning disabilities
and learning disabilities resource room teachers. The interaction of these specialists with the general
staff allows for considerable individualization of programs. Pupil and teacher counseling continue to
add strength to the teaching processes.
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The school library has grown from 2,000 reading volumes to approximately 4,500 volumes within the
past 4 years. Considerable attention has been given to the audio-visual section of the library. At the
present time there are numerous filmstrips, filmloops and picture packets available for each grade level.
These materials are utilized to supplement and enrich the curriculum. It is encouraging to realize the
strides made by the library aides and their 60 volunteer mother assistants who so willingly give of them-
selves.
A new social studies program (Allyn Bacon Company) for grades 4, 5 and 6 was adopted in September
and is meeting with much interest on the parts of pupils, teachers and parents. The previous year saw the
adoption of a new primary social studies program (grades 1, 2, 3) (Silver Burdett Company). Activity kits
relating to cultures of other countries have been adopted for each grade to supplement class activities in
the social studies.
The Houghton Mifflin math series has become a new program within the school (grades 1 - 6). This
series was recently recommended by a system-wide math committee. It offers specific approaches for
all math students. Manipulative materials are provided as supplementary learning devices.
The adoption of an individualized reading program in each of the sixth grades has increased the read-
ing interests of the students participating at this grade level. Other grades have continued reading enrich-
ment by the addition of supplemental reading texts and materials.
Club activities continue their popularity throughout the school. Pupils are given the opportunity to
select an interest or hobby pleasing to them. The activities are conducted weekly or bi-weekly and are
supervised by faculty members. This year has seen the adoption of a school newspaper by a newly or-
ganized "newspaper club". Two editions have been published.
The playground equipment continues to be a most popular item at the school. During the past year
a volunteer group of fathers assisted once again in the installation of another piece of equipment which has
brought with it many hours of pleasure. We are appreciative of the time and effort provided by the Merriam
fathers in this regard.
One of the highlights of the year was the Christmas Fair organized by the Merriam fourth grade
teachers but which grew into a standing committee of many parents, teachers and pupils. It was an over-
whelming success and realized a profit of $1,200. We are most grateful to the many who helped in con-
tributing to its success.
Intramurals have been added to the school program this year. Much enthusiasm has evolved with
the introduction of tennis, basketball, dance, field hockey and soccer after school hours. Members of the
faculty instruct pupils in these programs.
Plans are underway to establish a permanent storage area for science equipment and supplies which
should enhance the teaching of science. This program has grown over the past few years.
Various plays, field trips, physical education programs (including the gymorama), art projects
(including the art exhibition), musicals (including the production of "Symbols of the Season" and the United
Nations musical), classroom projects, pupil personnel programs as well as the innumerable services
of Teacher Aides and volunteer parents have added considerably to the school atmosphere. The newly
acquired Resource Teacher has been of inestimable value to pupils and staff alike.
The operation and maintenance of the building could not have been nearly as effective without the
eagerness and willingness of the staff, office personnel, custodial employees, cafeteria services and
nursing staff. We are most appreciative of their efforts.
With the strengthening of curriculum and the encouragement of well thought-out innovation, we look
forward to offering a school program which hopefully will prove beneficial to the students of the district.
ADULT EDUCATION
Mrs. Doli Mason, Director
In September, 1970 the Town of Acton appropriated $5,000 to begin an Adult Education Program.
Fourteen courses were offered and the program seemed to receive a favorable reception. The following
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year the District budgeted $1,000 and the courses grew to twenty-three. At the end of 1971 there was a
balance of $3,062.75, thus Adult Education became a self-supporting program. In May of 1972 the
Acton- Boxborough Regional School Committee unanimously voted to offer a regionalized program with
Concord-Carlisle and Lincoln-Sudbury. Registration remained about the same as the previous fall with
a total of $6,732 paid tuitions, estimated expenses of $5,806. 35, leaving a balance of $3,712. 67 for 1973.
In September, 1973 the new high school facilities will be available. This will probably mean an even
larger program. The pool alone will need well qualified personnel, carefully planned scheduling with time
available for both recreational and instructional swimming. The overall program is growing each year,
thus I would strongly suggest that the superintendent and School Committee determine the direction for
Adult Education keeping in mind the following areas that need improvement:
1. More time to plan individual term classes and to plan for new programs, both on the local
level and regionalized with other communities.
2. More time to interview instructors, determine course content and continuity.
3. Broader publicity program to attract not only 25-35 year olds but high school students and
older residents, and extending program to surrounding areas.
4. Evaluation -At the present time each instructor evaluates his own program. This needs to be
enlarged so that student evaluation can be used as a tool in all future planning.
5. Citizen's Advisory Council needs clearer direction and greater development.
6. Community surveys needed regularly to be sure program is meeting the needs of a larger
percentage of Acton- Boxborough residents.
7. More time to meet and work more closely with other towns for exchange of ideas and general
information.
8. At the present time we are not giving adequate service and information to those interested in
the program.
Allocation of Director's Time (per term)
1. Setting up Overall Program - 16 hours
a. Reviewing past enrollment
b. Reviewing instructors' evaluations
c. Reviewing brochures and other sources of information
2. Contacting and interviewing instructors - 15 hours
3. Collecting and organizing material for brochure - 5 hours
4. Publicity and out-of-town brochure distribution - 5 hours
5. Phone enquiries (home, school, etc. ) - 20 hours minimum
6. Registration, finalizing courses - 10 hours
7. Payroll, budget, reports - 4 hours
8. Class observations - 20 hours
9. Advisory Council - 1 hour
Total - 100 hours (approximately)
Because the program is being administered on a part-time basis, I feel there isn't enough time to
really do a good job, thus I would make the following recommendations:
1. Curtail the program to include only Acton and Boxborough, offer two terms each year - fall
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and winter, offering twelve to fifteen courses per term; or
Combine Adult Education with other special services, continue with the regionalization plan
during the fall term and offer thirty to forty courses during both fall and winter and add a
summer term for adults and students which could very well include both remediation and en-
richment classes.
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS
Gerald King, Director
My term as full-time Director of Buildings and Grounds started July 30, 1972 and since then, a
good deal of my time has been spent understanding all the school buildings and equipment and becoming
acquainted with all personnel. Time has also been spent in researching past maintenance history by
checking old invoices and locating maintenance manuals and drawings pertaining to each building and its
equipment.
Meetings have been held with all school custodians and principals to understand their needs and
problems, and to offer my help to keep the buildings and grounds in a healthy and safe condition. Cus-
todians and maintenance personnel make an important contribution to the educational process by making
it possible for the teacher to teach and the student to learn in clean, properly functioning and comfortable
buildings, with grounds and fields appropriately maintained.
We are now in the process of reorganizing our work to efficiently utilize the three full-time main-
tenance personnel that will do such work as painting, plastering, regulating heat controls, cleaning all
boilers and caring for all grounds. We shall establish a full preventive maintenance program on all
equipment within each building. Job cost control will be started and a complete inventory of all equip-
ment with identification will be filed for maintenance programs and equipment value.
Our best wishes in retirement go to Robert Graham who was custodian at the Merriam School for 13
years and to Russell Wolfe who was in our system for 14 years.
A special thanks to Allen Nelson, Superintendent of Highways and Stephen Scribner, Superintendent
of the Water District, for their help in relocating the football goal posts. The Acton Engineering depart-
ment has also given us assistance which has been appreciated.
My thanks to all others who have helped in the past. I look forward to this coming year as one of
significant progress.
DEPARTMENT OF FINE ARTS
Henry W. Wegiel, Coordinator
The Department of Fine Arts began to function as a new department for the first time'this school
year, 1972 - 1973, although some of the art areas that come under the umbrella of this department have
existed and flourished in this school system for a long time. In this new department we hope to achieve
and grow, and to make exciting headway in new directions.
Goals and objectives for this department include developing a plan for a well-rounded integrated fine
arts program for grades K through 12. Some of these are already being realized in the various schools,
while others will become operational as soon as they become finalized and time, facilities, and budget
permit their implementation. Not only do we hope to capitalize on the many artistic talents of our faculty,
but we also hope to draw up community interests, talents, and special events for our programs in art,
dance, drama, and music. We will, of course, continue with many of our current programs in art and
music.
As a beginning this year, the Fine Arts Department is concentrating on:
1. The development of a fully integrated fine arts program, first integrating fine art subiect
areas with each other.
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2. Integrating fine art subjects with other academic programs.
3. The development of a series of basic performance skills and knowledge in each of the fine art
areas.
In addition to the indicators we already have, we hope to develop new ones that will show the effec-
tiveness of each of our programs, as well as their value.
I know that we have an enormous amount of work to do. I also know, however, that we have people
with the enthusiasm, the courage, and especially the talent to get this job done.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Arthur Hayes, Principal
This report marks the completion of the eighth year that the Junior High School has been housed in
its new building. School commenced at the Charter Road complex in the fall of 1966 with approximately
720 students enrolled.
The Junior High as of January, 1973 has 487 students in Grade 7 and 424 in Grade 8 for a total of
911. We commenced school in September, 1972 with a total of 923.
In the fall of 1973 students in Grades 7 and 8 will be housed in what is now the senior high school
building. Planning is based on a projected enrollment of 950. The present Junior High School will become
half of the new Acton- Boxborough Senior High School.
Students coming into Grade 7 from the elementary grades are required to take a fairly broad variety
of subjects to expose them to as many arts and sciences as possible. At this level they can then determine
which subjects they would like to elect when they enter Grade 9.
At this time students are required to take mathematics, English, science, French or Spanish, social
studies, art, music, physical education, home economics, industrial arts, mechanical drawing, graphic
arts and have an option to take a new crafts course.
Students also have intramural sports and a very wide variety of clubs available after school hours.
Clubs that were offered in the fall of 1972 are as follows: Italian, Spanish, Health Foods, Horseback
Riding, Yearbook, Newspaper, Weather Forecasting, Stamp Club, Chess Clubs (two teams), French
Singing, Crafts, Gymnastics, Mathematics, Drama, Cricket (broadcasting), Sewing, Library, Conserva-
tion and Outdoor Skills. Other clubs are being formed and the Future Nurses of America Club will be
added in the fall of 1973.
New courses this year are as follows: Spanish for Grade 7 students electing to study it; a new Family
Living course in Home Economics; mini-courses in social studies so that many students have four different
teachers during the year. The social studies curriculum has been revamped throughout to form an innova-
tive but connecting link between the new elementary program and the Grade 9 elective program. The new
student-centered writing course in English commenced in the fall of 1972 and over 20 volunteer aides from
the Acton area are assisting the teachers of English to offer a completely new and very exciting course.
What will be offered next year in the Junior High School that we do not presently schedule?
1. Spanish will be offered to Grade 8 students.
2. Another girls' physical education teacher will enable us to expand that program.
3. A soccer team for boys will be offered in the fall of 1973.
4. A swimming team for girls will be offered during the winter months.
5. A permanent library aide will enable the library to expand its services.
6. A permanent drama coach will offer a regular schedule of plays during the school year.
125
7. Students will have the option of electing a science course that suits them. For example, stu-
dents who can work on their own may elect ISCS. Students who need direction and who prefer a
teacher who lectures on the natural sciences may elect general science.
8. In social studies students may choose the new, topical, presentation of history and geography
or elect Project Tricolor, a chronological approach to the subject of United States history.
9. It might even be possible to offer what has become known as an alternative method of school
if enough teachers and volunteer parents are willing to enter Project Swiss (the school within
a school).
10. The new and exciting student-centered writing curriculum will be expanded and continued in
English.
11. Reading and learning disabilities classes will be vastly expanded to accommodate more stu-
dents in need of help.
The appointment of department heads for all academic departments in the Junior High School was a
giant step that is paying good dividends. These chairmen will be instrumental in furthering the evaluation
of the Junior High School that will be conducted by the Massachusetts Junior High School and Middle Schools
Association in the spring of 1974.
The hallmarks of the Acton- Boxborough Junior High School are reasonable innovation coupled with
alternative education. We try to provide for the student as many options as possible within the framework
of available staff and budget. Space will also be a crucial factor after the move to the old high school.
Naturally, none of the above accomplishments and goals would be possible without the help and sup-
port of an outstanding faculty and staff and a cooperative Superintendent and School Committee. My spe-
cial thanks go to Mr. Wall, the Vice-Principal and to the students, the real factor in determing the ex-
cellence of the school.
PUPIL PERSONNEL SERVICES
Ruth R. Proctor, Coordinator
Supporting and complementing the instructional program and the administration in every school are
the Pupil Personnel Services. Concerned with the needs of all students but focusing particularly on the
students with special needs, they are comprised of the counseling and health services and the resource
programs in emotional disturbance, learning disabilities, mental retardation, reading and speech therapy.
Members of the Pupil Personnel Services staff bring to the educational team expertise and a variety
of points of view developed through specialized training. Their primary goals are to help to individualize
students' learning experiences and to provide, where necessary, supplementary direct help to students
outside the classroom.
Happenings during 1972
Staff: Between June and September there were several changes in staff due to resignations or trans-
fers, in counseling, special education, and speech therapy. However, where replacements were neces-
sary, we were fortunate in securing highly trained, competent, and sensitive people. At the same time,
many members returned in September to continue their service to students in the Acton Schools and the
Regional School District.
William Petkewich returned from his sabbatical leave and resumed the duties of Assistant Coordina-
tor of Pupil Personnel Services. The School Committees had recognized last spring the position of Depart-
ment Head in each of three programs --namely, learning disabilities, reading and speech therapy, and
personnel filling this position for 1972-1973 are LaVonne Wright, Anita Dodson, and Marlene Loeb re-
spectively. Martha Deraney is filling a similar position, on a voluntary basis, in the counseling service
at the secondary level. As head secretary, Irene Counihan replaced Dorothy Harding, who retired.
Nadine Yates, volunteer Department Head in speech therapy during 1971-1972, began a sabbatical year
in September and is studying for an advanced degree at Northeastern University. The services of two
local area physicians, Dr. Saef and Dr. Schumacher, have been secured so that the responsibilities
126
for physical examinations previously. held by Dr* Smith could be shared and so that consultation service
could be expanded. Dr. Cantu agreed to provide the needed services related to football.
Team Approach: Staffings and mini-staffings, held regularly in each school, have continued to be
the medium through which all concerned focus* attention on the needs of individual students and together
develop educational plans. Parents have been involved either through attendance at the staffings or through
conferences before and after with the counselor.
The Advisory Committee on Special Education, initially appointed by the School Committees in the
fall of 1971, has continued to meet regularly bringing parents and other adults in the community into a
close working relationship with the professional staff.
In accord with the philosophy, purpose, and guidelines of 1972 legislation concerning the mentally
retarded, an "Evaluation Team" was formed last spring and held a series of meetings to assess or reasses
student needs and plan individual educational programs for the fall. To the extent possible, mentally re-
tarded students are now integrated with their peers in regular classroom programs and return to the spe-
cial education room and teacher as a resource for only part of the time. Although not yet mandatory, as
a result of state legislation, this same approach of evaluation, individual planning, and integration is being
used in our schools for all other students with special needs. It has been basic to our philosophy since the
inception of the program for the emotionally disturbed and the learning disabled.
A regionalized .educational program for mentally retarded and emotionally disturbed students became
a reality in our mental health region in September. Through cooperative planning, programs were set up
to meet the needs in the ten town areas so that currently students are enrolled in programs where the age
range does not exceed four years. The regionalization committee continues to meet regularly. Workshops
have been started for area teachers and long range planning is in process.
Regular meetings with parents of students involved in the program for the emotionally disturbed have
been initiated for the purpose of achieving greater understanding of goals, needs, and roles of all concerned
There seems to be positive feeling about this endeavor on the part of both staff and parents.
Adult volunteers have been most generous in offering their services, particularly to the learning
disabilities program, assisting the specialists in developing materials and in providing direct assistance
to the students.
Following an R & D study during the summer of 1971 aimed at evaluating the counseling service,
focus of the counseling staff at all levels has been on needs assessment, program objectives, profes-
sional development, and role priorities. Because of direct involvement in some way with all of the pro-
grams designed to meet special needs as well as with the regular instructional program and the needs of
most students as they progress through school for periodic support and for help in their planning, the
greatest challenge to the counselors is to keep from "spreading themselves too thin. " In September
regular in-service. meetings were initiated to analyze counseling techniques and develop skills in case
management and group leadership. At the secondary level a move has been made toward specialization
within the staff, with certain counselors taking particular responsibility for job placement, intensive
personal counseling, information about college admissions and financial aid, and planning in the area of
career development. Program objectives are being formulated and evaluation designs are being considered.
Group counseling has been continued at the elementary level and initiated at the Junior High School
and the High School in spite of some scheduling difficulties and lack of space. Results have been satis-
fying in many instances to counselors, students, and parents. Changes in attitude, increased self-control,
and greater ease in social situations have been observed. Students have actively requested the continuation
of groups.
Counselors' emphasis on communication with teachers has resulted in more classroom visits and
observations and more requests from teachers for time to share thoughts and concerns about students and
to seek suggestions.
In response to a request from parents of the children in the program for emotionally disturbed chil-
dren housed in Boxborough, the services of one counselor part-time have been provided to that program.
One of the secondary counselors continues to coordinate the successful teacher-aide program through
which high school students offer assistance to teachers and students at the lower levels.
127
All Pupil Personnel Services staff in each elementary school cooperated with teachers in the fall in
intensive screening of first graders and selection of children for the transition class or for individualized
programs in the regular classrooms.
Four members of the Reading Department engaged in an R & D project, designing and conducting a
four-week summer course in language arts for sixty Acton and Boxborough students. Student needs were
determined and instruction was individualized. Feedback from students and parents indicated that the
program was highly successful. Attendance records exceeded 90% and measurable progress in reading
skills was shown by a majority of students.
Members of the Speech Therapy Staff held a series of workshops for teachers and administrators
and for parents, presenting an in-depth picture of the speech program and responding to questions.
Learning Disabilities and Speech Therapy specialists combined to contribute to a program for parents
sponsored by the Acton Cooperative Community School, explaining speech and language development.
An in-service course for classroom teachers in language and learning disabilities is currently being
taught by Learning Disabilities Specialists and Speech Therapists. Adult volunteers were invited to parti-
cipate and many have taken advantage of the opportunity. Methods of evaluating the course were built
in at the time of planning.
Several members of Pupil Personnel Services have recently joined with school administrators,
School Committee members, and representatives of the Minuteman Vocational Technical School to plan
for communication with students and parents about the offerings of the school and to formulate admission
criteria for Acton and Boxborough students.
Focus for the Future
In all Pupil Personnel Services programs staff members will continue in their efforts to systematize
and improve their methods of needs assessment, to develop performance objectives, and to design instru-
ments for evaluation of pupil progress and program effectiveness.
Recent legislation has followed closely on the heels of that for the mentally retarded and specific
regulations, currently being developed, will become mandatory in September, 1974. Although indica-
tions now are that our philosophy and general approach will be in accord with the new expectations, there
may well be some impact with regard to staff needs and direction of efforts.
Chapter 766 of the Acts of 1972 eliminates the labeling of children and describes a child with special
needs as "any child who, because of temporary or more permanent adjustment difficulties or attributes
arising from intellectual, sensory, emotional or physical factors, cerebral dysfunction, perceptual factors,
or other specific learning disabilities or any combination thereof, is unable to progress effectively in a
regular school program and requires special classes, instruction periods, or other special education
services in order to successfully develop his individual educational potential. "
The emphasis will clearly continue to be on the identification of strengths and weaknesses, the de-
velopment of individualized educational programs, and integration into regular classrooms with necessary
support services provided as resources for students and teachers.
This legislation extends the definition of "school age" children with special needs to include individuals
between the ages of 3 and 21. Additional services, then, will have to be provided on either a local or re-
gional basis.
Special education costs will be reimbursed by the state under a new formula and moneywill be re-
turned to the School Committee to.be applied to the next special education budget.
Of immediate importance is the request of the Department of Education that all school districts
undertake an evaluation of the current status of their special education programs. We in Pupil Personnel
Services are now formulating plans for complying with this request.
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SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Raymond J- Grey, Principal
The year 1972 was one of overcrowded conditions. The senior high school was operating on a ten
period day in order to accommodate the large number of students. Enrollment statistics were as follows:
January 1972 June 1972
Grade 9 - 402 Grade 9 - 400
10 - 370 10 - 363
11 - 333 11 - 324
12 - 308 12 - 307
Total 1413 Total 1394
September 1972 December 1972
Grade 9 - 450 Grade 9 - 441
10 - 389 10 - 390
11 - 363 11 - 358
12 - 322 12 - 324
Total 1524 Total 1513
An examination of these figures shows that it was necessary to provide a different type of school day
in order to handle the additional 413 in January 1972 and 524 in September 1972. I should like to point out
that the cooperation and patience of the student body and faculty have been excellent and it has made it
possible to operate without lowering academic standards.
An institution such as a secondary school cannot stand still. Constant evaluation and reappraisal
must take place. In 1972 the following changes we feel improved the senior high school:
1. Student Self Scheduling (Arena)
2. Program COPE
3 . Work Study
4. Personal Typing - 5 times per week for a half year instead of twice per week for a full year
5. Harvard Project Physics
6. Lab. oriented science courses in Grade 9
7. Self Pacing courses in science
8. The addition of half year courses in the History Department - Political Science and Geography
9. Student Government Day Program sponsored by the Acton Selectment and the Acton- Boxborough
Regional School Committee
10. The addition of Industrial Technology I and Manufacturing I courses in the Industrial Arts
Department
11. Intramural program sponsored by the Physical Education Department
12. Child Development Course - Home Economics Department
13. Senior High School was notified that it had been accredited for full ten year period by the New
England Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
What about the future ?
The prospects for the next few years are exciting for we shall be moving to the new senior high com-
plex in September 1973. What changes will this generate? Many, but I should like to assure one and all
that no academic changes will take place unless it is felt that academic standards will be improved and that
we shall be providing a better educational atmosphere for the students. As of this writing, we are concen-
trating our energies on the following:
1. Full use of a 350 pupil capacity library
2. Excellent use of drama and music facilities
3. Extensive curriculum changes in all academic areas for we shall have physical space and
staff to improve courses, i. e. :
a. Science labs
b. Math-Science lecture room
c. Laboratory aide in science department
d. New half year courses in certain academic disciplines
129
4. Instructional Media Specialist - This will assure us of efficient use of films, film strips,
television, etc.
5. Vastly improved physical education facilities -
a. Four gyms
b. Swimming Pool
c. Corrective and Health Room
d. Creation of elective courses for upper classes
6. Reevaluation of English Elective Program
7. Three cafeterias - One will be a "Student Commons"
8. New courses in Home Economics and Industrial Arts
9. In the new senior high we shall have departmental centers which I feel will improve our
teaching efficiency.
We shall be striving to create an educational atmosphere in which the students will enjoy learning,
enjoy living in and one which we hope will generate curiosity, creativity, thinking and the sheer joy of
learning. To achieve the above necessitates the cooperation and energy of a school committee, Superin-
tendent, Administration, Pupil Personnel Services, Faculty, Students and interested parents. I feel
that we are most fortunate at the Acton- Boxborough Regional High School for we have all the ingredients
needed to provide a sound educational program for our students. Let us blend together sound educational
practices of the past with modern educational techniques of the future.
Class of 1972
Amtul Ahmad
David Anderson
Erik Anderson
Justin Anderson
Stephen Averett
Wanda Avril
Kristin Bagley
John Barlow
Forrest Bean
Rene Beaudoin
Deborah Becker
Catherine Bender
Ronald Benoit
Matthew Benson
Scot Bergsten
Nancy Bernard
Leigh Bintliff
Deborah Blum
Beatrice Borowski
David Boutin
Brian Brock
Gary Brown
Lesley Brown
Katharine Browne
Hannah Bryant
William Bunting
Barbara Burgess
John Burns
Susan Burton
Jane Bushell
James Cann
Sheila Campbell
Lisa Carlson
Gregory Carroll
Gail Casarano
James Cheney
Joanne Christian
David Christmas
Anne Clark
Arlene Clark
Victor Clerico
Margaret Collier
Robert Condon
Heidi Conover
Patricia Counihan
Diane Courtright
Martha Coutts
Dale Covey
Suzanne Craig
Kathleen Crawford
Susan Crocker
Pamela Cuff
Raymond Culkins
John Cummings
Patricia Cuthbert
Kathleen Dargin
Nancy Darlington
Alan Davis
George Davis
Linda Dee
Richard Delaney
David Derie
Jonathan Doherty
James Donovan
Kenneth Dow
Robert Dow
John Doyle
Mark Driscoll
Jacqueline' Duddy
Joanne Durkin
John Erickson
Diane Erkkinen
Jefferson Esse
Edward Fairbrother
Marianne Fairchild
Patrick Falvey
Michael Feeney
Jann Felchner
Dennis Fenton
Ann Flanagan
Patrick Flannery
Nancy Fleming
Debra Flerr?
Betsy Flood
Peter Fiynn
Michael Foland
Anne Foley
Gary Forrest
Kim Fredenburgh
Mary French
Christopher Gale
Raymond Gallant
Glenn Garlow
June Garvey
Mary Gavin
Jill Gerhardt
Michael Gibbons
Ellen Gilbert
Michael Gopoian
Linda Granberg
Suzanne Gravette
Christine Grosse
Holly Gullifer
Robert Haeberle
Carolyn Hafner
Vicki Haley
Scott Hall
Robert Hallorar
Karen Hamke
Steven Harrington
Nancy Harter
Janice Hartwell
Richard Hawe
Nadine Hebb
130
Debra Herman
Janet Heroux
Brian Hickey
John Higgins
Patricia Hill
Patricia Hodgkins
Mary Hogan
Patrice Holland
Sheila Hopkins
Beth Hungerford
Ruth Hyde
Steven Imbimbo
David Iverson
Steven Jackson
Suzanne Jenne
Marsha Jensen
Paul Johnson
Carolyn Jones
Neal Jones
Barbara Kangas
Bruce Kaye
Richard Kelly
Scott Kennedy
Diane Kiely
Faiar Kohzad
Brenda Kondrat
John Kramer
Karen Kress
David Kroon
Linda Laffin
Millard Landry
Gregory Lane
Philip Lane
Rebecca Lay
Susan Lemere
Barbara Leming
Dorothy Lidiak
Jacqueline Lipari
Kathleen Lynch
Robert Lyons
Rebecca MacPherson
Elena Marchese
Craig Massey
Elizabeth Matheson
Rosemary Mathews
Edward Matthews
Kenneth Mayer
Daniel McElroy
Brian McGinty
James McKee
Sue McLaughlin
Michael McQueen
Shirley Mele
Charles Mercurio
Susan Merian
William Mickel
Douglas Miller
David Mitchell
Sandra Mitrano
Susanne Moller
Patricia Moore
Peter Moretti
Lynda Morin
Kenneth Morod
Cathy Morse
Teresa Morse
John MunrOe~
Bonnie Murray
Laurel Murray
Jean Nadeau
Philip Nedza
Eliot Nelson
Kenneth Nesary
Richard Newcomb
David Newell
Randall Noftle
Lawrence Norris
Elizabeth North
Diane Nyquist
Eileen O'Ciair
William O'Connell
Leslie Oldenburg
Mark Olthoff
Linda O'Neal
Raymond Panetta
Joanne Parke
Karen Pell
David Perkins
Glenn Perry
Juliana Peterson
Mamie Peterson
Diana Phillips
Dorinda Piper
Mary Plitt
Michael Powers
Jeffrey Pratt
Diane Prentiss
June Purvis
Gaylin Putnam
Yvonne Quist
Karen Radtke
Stuart Rae
Catherine Ray
Louisa Raymond
Cynthia Regan
Karen Remmy
Steven Renaccio
Paul Rey
Diane Reynholds
David Richardson
Nancy Riordan
Susan Roche
Thomas Rogers
Gregory Roscoe
John Rothemund
Joanne Saia
Jan Saiminen
Michael Sariotis
Rhona Sauve
Peter Schaeffer
Michael Scherer
Cynthia Schroeder
Howard Scribner
Yvonne Scott
Mary Scribner
Scott Sears .
Andrea Sewall
Abigail Seward
Austin Sheatsley
Thomas Sheehan
Cheryl Shogren
Karen Shuttle
Samuel Simcoe
Mark Simpson
Deborah Smith
Kimbark Smith
Sandra Smith
Shelley Smith
William Smith
William Smorczewski
Catherine Sprague
Lynn Sprain
Robert Stewart
Charles Stokinger
Michael Stough
Bonnie Stuart
John Studer
Elaine Sullivan
Keith Sullivan
William Swales
Susan Sweet
Mark Taylor
Lucinda Tear
William Telford
Drew Thornblad
John Tierney
Bruce Tornell
Theresa Travers
Robert Tuomanen
Gregory Turner
Doug Tutty
Kathleen Verre
Nancy Vettrus
Sherry Vogt
Joanne Vorce
Sally Waldron
Sharon Warren
Carol Waters
Gary Webb
Patricia Welch
David Weller
John Wells
William Wells
Thomas Werst
Jonathan Westcott
Sarah Westphal
Michael Whelan
Nancy Whipple
Jack Whitaker
Robert White
Paul Wiggs
Susan Williams
Eugene Williamson
Candace Wilson
Donald Wilson
Charles Wilton
Anthony Woodward
Bryce Worcester
Angie Yancey
James Young
Denise Zamal
131
ACTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND ACTON-BOXBOROUGH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
ENROLLMENTS AS OF. JANUARY 1
Grade
1969-1970
1970-1971
1971-1972
1972-1973
1
459
390
411
392
2
374
436
365
396
3
371
385
438
376
4
437
379
386
442
5
390
438
388
404
6
407
399
443
384
Educable
8
11
9
3
Trainable
11
11
7
5
Total 1-6
2
,457
2,449
2, 447
2
, 402
7
392
454
435
487
8
367
399
438
424
9
354
370
402
411
10
311
347
370
388
11
274
311
333
355
12
225
269
308
323
Total 7-12
1.
, 923
2, 150
2, 286
2,
418
Grand Total
4.
, 380
4, 599
4, 733
4,
820
ACTON PUBLIC
SCHOOLS STAFF POSITIONS
1970'
-71
1971-72
:
1972-73
1970-71
1971-72
1972-73
Music
7
8
7
Classroom
Physical Education
5
4
4
Teachers:
Art
4
4
4
McCarthy-Towne Speci
al
0
2
1
Conant
-
20
20
Special Education
2
2
2
Gates
18
18
18
Speech
3
3
4
Douglas
20
19
18
Emotionally Disturbed
2
2
2
Merriam
19
18
18
Learning Disabilities
2
5
5
McCarthy-Towne
12M
20
20
Remedial Reading
4
4
4
12T
Guidance
9
8
5
Library
1
2
1
120
139
133
ACTON
-BOXBOROUGH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT STAFF POSITION
S
ligh
Junio
r High
Senior I
1970-71
1971-1
72 1972-73
1970-71
1971-'
72
1972-73
Art
3
2
2
2
2
2
Business
-
-
-
3
4
5
Emotionally Disturbed
-
1
1
-
-
-
English
6
7
7
12
13
14
General Music
2
3
3
1
2
21
Guidance
3
3
3
4
6
6
Home Economics
3
3
3
2
2
3
Industrial Arts
3
3
3
2
2
2
Learning Disabilities
-
2
ll
-
-
ii
Library
1
1
1
1
1
1
Math
6
7
7
10
13
12
Mechanical Drawing
-
-
-
1
1
1
Languages
6
6
6
11
11
12
Physical Education
2
3
3
4
4
4
Remedial Reading
2
1
L
2
1
-
i
2
Science
6
6
7
10
11
11
Social Studies
6
6
7
14
14
15
Speech
1
1
2
-
-
i
2.
50
55
54 1
78
86
93
132
BASE ANNUAL SALARY
(Effective September 1, 1972 through August 31, 1973)
Acton Public Schools
Years of
Service
of
9/1/72
Bachelor
Degree
■s
Bachelor
+ 15
's
Master's
(or Bachelor's
' +36, 2/3 in
Major Subject)
$ 8, 537 3
Master
+ 15
s
Master
+30
s
Doctorate
(or Master's
+60, 2/3 in
Major Subject)
1
$ 7, 870
3
$ 8, 079
0
$ 8, 747
0
$ 9, 209
0
$ 9, 841
0
2
8,288
1
8,496
1
8, 956
3
9, 166
1
9, 630
0
10, 262
0
3
8, 809
9
9, 018
2
'9,480
6
9, 689
0
10, 157
0
10, 788
0
4
9,226 10
(6 hours)
9,435
(6 hours
1
)
9,899
(3 hours)
8
10, 108
(3 hour;
0
3)
10, 578 1
(3 hours)
11, 209
0
5
9,643
6
9, 852
4
10,318
3
10, 527
0
10, 999
0
11, 630
0
6
10,086
6
10, 295
2
10, 763
1
10, 973
o'
11,446
0
12, 077
0
7
10, 534
(3 hours
10
)
10, 743
(3 hours
0
)
11, 213
(3 hours)
5
11,423 0
(3 hours)
11,899 1
(3 hours)
12, 530
0
8
11,066
4
11, 275
1
11, 748
4
11, 957
0
12, 435
1
13,067
1
9
11,624
4
11, 832
1
12,308
1
12, 518
1
12, 998
0
13, 630
0
10
12, 166
(3 hours
2
)
12, 374
(3 hours
3
)
12, 853
(3 hours)
3
13, 062 0
(3 hours)
13, 546 0
(3 hours)
14, 177
0
11
12, 703
2
12, 911
1
13, 392
5
13, 602
0
14, 088
0
14, 719
0
12
13, 292
2
59
13,500
6
22
13, 984
8
50
14, 194
0
2
14, 682
2
5
15, 314
0
1
Acton-
Boxb
orough Regional School District
1
$ 7, 870
7
$ 8, 079
2
$ 8, 537
2
$ 8, 747
0
$ 9, 209
0
$ 9, 841
0
2
8,288
9
8,496
2
8, 956
5
9, 166
0
9,630
1
10, 262
0
3
8,809
11
9,018
3
9,480
4
9, 689
0
10, 157
0
10, 788
0
4
9, 226
(6 hours
2
)
9,435
(6 hours
1
)
9, 899
(3 hours)
6
10, 108 0
(3 hours)
10, 578
(3 hour
0
3)
11, 209
1
5
9,643
13
9,852
1
10, 318
1
10, 527
2
10, 999
0
11, 630
0
6
10,086
1
10, 295
0
10,763
5
10, 973
0
11,446
0
12, 077
0
7
10,534
(3 hours
3
)
10, 743
(3 hours
1
)
11, 213
(3 hours)
4
11,423 1
(3 hours)
11, 899 1
(3 hours)
12, 530
2
8
11,066
2
11,275
2
11,748
4
11, 957
2
12,435
2
13, 067
0
9
11,624
2
11,832
1
12,308
4
12, 518
1
12, 998
1
13, 630
0
10
12, 166
(3 hours
0
)
12,374
(3 hours
2
)
12, 853
(3 hours)
6
13, 062 1
(3 hours)
13, 546
(3 hour!
0
3)
14, 177
1
11
12,703
0
12, 911
2
13,392
0
13, 602
2
14, 088
1
14, 719
0
12
13, 292
0
50
13, 500
2
19
13, 984
5
46
14, 194
5
14
14, 682
4
10
15,314
4
8
133
SCHOOL FINANCES
Acton Public Schools
Appropriated, March 1972 $2,349,280.00
Federal Funds, Balance 12/31/71 12, 280. 00
Gross Operating Budget, 1972 $2, 361, 560. 00
Total Expended for Maintenance and Operation in 1972 $2, 361, 552. 00
Cost Per Pupil (2392 as of 10/1/72) $ 987.27
PROPOSED BUDGET
January 1, 1973 - June 30, 1974
Acton Public Schools By Program
District -Wide Services $ 665,158.00
School Committee & Superintendent $ 93,019.00
Curriculum & Personnel 92,671.00
Pupil Personnel Services 119,562.00
Business Manager 26,591.00
Buildings/Grounds 52,336.00
Transportation 267, 156. 00
Food 10,673.00
Community Resources 3; 150. 00
$ 655,158.00
Building Administration 273, 983. 00
Art 82,655.00
Educable Mentally Retarded 40^ 767. 00
English/ Language Arts 30,750.00
Elementary 1, 827, 143. 00
Emotionally Disturbed 45, 066. 00
General Music 136,011.00
Guidance 90,719.00
Health 44,642.00
Industrial Arts 23, 700. 00
Resource Room 14,363.00
Learning Disabilities 73,- 520. 00
Library 39,832.00
Lunch Program 26, 069. 00
Math 13,737.00
Physical Education 79", 449. 00
Remedial Reading 77, 829. 00
Science 12, 542. 00
Social Studies 11,060.00
Speech Therapy 77,216.00
Building Maintenance & Operation 327, 503. 00
Kindergarten 169, 800. 00
Total $4,183,514.00
Less: Reimbursement, P.L. 874 Balance - 37,252.00
$4, 146, 262.00
134
Acton-Boxborough Regional School District
Appropriated for Maintenance and Operation, March 1972 $2, 289. 604. 00
Transfers and Anticipated Income:
Balance 1971 Operating Budget $ 15,070.00
1970-71 Transportation Reimbursement 97, 959. 00
1970-71 Transportation Reimbursement Balance 40,011.00
Balance 12/31/71 Federal Funds 16,215.00
Special Education Reimbursement 1971 10, 192. 00
Miscellaneous Receipts, 1971 3, 758. 00 183, 205. 00
Gross Operating Budget, 1972 $2,472,809.00
Total Expended for Maintenance and Operation in 1972 $2, 472, 809. 00
Cost per Pupil (2425 as of 10/1/72) $ 1,019.72
PROPOSED BUDGET
January 1, 1973 - June 30, 1974
Acton/ Boxborough Region by Program
District-Wide Services $ 609,189.00
School Committee & Superintendent $ 116,606.00
Curriculum & Personnel 69, 658. 00
Pupil Personnel Services 71,897.00
Business Manager 26,463.00
Buildings/Grounds 50,836.00
Transportation 259,906.00
Food 10,673.00
Community Resources 3, 150. 00
$ 609,189.00
Building Administration $ 519,033.00
Art 80,218.00
Business Education 84, 254. 00
English/ Language Arts 345, 064. 00
Emotionally Disturbed 33, 506. 00
General Music 81,208.00
Guidance 165,418.00
Health 41,718.00
Home Economics 104,778.00
Industrial Arts 101,958.00
Learning Disabilities 61, 194. 00
Library 104,417.00
Lunch Program 11, 536. 00
Math 342, 944. 00
Mechanical Drawing 15, 140. 00
Modern Languages 304, 382. 00
Physical Education 157, 435. 00
Remedial Reading 30,836.00
Science 371,122.00
Social Studies 383,443.00
Speech Therapy 23, 903. 00
Work Study 6, 700. 00
Building Maintenance & Operation 390, 900. 00
Athletics 118, 661. 00
Total $4,488,957.00
135
Total
Less: Transportation
Less: Transfers from Surplus Revenue
(not including Transportation Reimbursement)
Acton's Share: 91. 6%
Plus: Net Cost of Transportation
$4,488, 957.00
- 253,450.00
$4,235, 507. 00
- 93,440.00
$4, 142, 067. 00
3, 794, 133. 00
118, 133.00
$3,912, 266. 00
Gross Budget, 1973, 18 months
Gross Operating Budget
Less: (1) 1971-72 Transportation Reimbursement
(2) Anticipated 1971-72 Transportation Reimbursement
Balance
(3) 12/31/72 P. L. 874 Balance
(4) 12/31/72 Special Education Balance
(5) 1972 Miscellaneous Collections
Net Operating Budget
Debt Service
Interest
Less: Anticipated State Aid
Maturing Debt
Less: Anticipated State Aid
Anticipated Bond Issue Proceeds
Net Debt Service
Non-Classified
School Athletic Fund
Total Net Budget
$5,452,982.00
( )
Net Budget
739, 083.00
4,713,899.00
370, 296.00
(67, 245.00)
(42, 793.00)
(61,042.00)
(29, 615.00)
(2, 783. 00)
$ 309,025.00
(67, 678. 00)
655,000.00
(430,927.00)
(37, 000.00
Gross Budget $5,452,982.00
Apportionment of the Charges to be Assessed
Against the Towns of Acton and Boxborough
January 1, 1973 - June 30, 1974
Acton '^Operating Expenses, 91. 6% of $4, 023, 406. 00**
Cost of Transportation $207,010.00
Less: Reimbursement 88, 877. 00
Non-Classified, 91.6% of $118, 661. 00
Debt Service, 95% of $428, 420. 00
$3,685, 440.00
118, 113. 00
108, 693. 00
407, 000.00
$4, 166,818. 00
241,374. 00
187, 073. 00
118, 661. 00
$4, 713, 899. 00
t, 319, 266.00
136
Boxborough -Operating Expenses, 8. 4% of $4, 023, 406. 00**.
Cost of Transportation $ 46, 440. 00
Less: Reimbursement 21, 161. 00
Non-Classified, 8. 4% of $118. 661. 00
Debt Service, 5% of $428, 420. 00
-Student Enrollment 10/1/72
Acton 2221 (91.6%)
Boxborough 204 ( 8.4%)
2425
$ 337,966.00
25, 279. 00
9, 968. 00
21,420. 00
$ 394,633.00
**Gross Operating Budget
Less:
1972 P. L. 874 Balance
1972 Special Education Balance
1972 Miscellaneous Collections
Amount Budgeted for Transportation
$4, 370, 296. 00
(61, 042. 00)
(29, 615.00)
(2, 783.00)
(253,450.00)
$4, 023,406. 00
ACTON-BOXBOROUGH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Treasurer's Report
December 29, 1972
Balance, December 31, 1971
Receipts, 1972:
Town of Acton
Town of Boxborough
State Aid for Construction
Construction
Public Law 874
Public Law 89-10, Title II
Title II Special Purpose Grant
Special Education
Transportation Reimbursement
School Lunch Fund
School Athletic Fund
Adult Education
Federal Taxes
State Taxes
Teachers Retirement
County Retirement
Teachers Insurance
Blue Cross -Blue Shield
Group Life Insurance
Acton Education Association
M. T.A. Credit Union
Tax Annuities
Earned Interest
Refunds
Public Telepnones
Rentals
Land Taking
Tuition
R&D Reading Program - 1972
In-Service Program -Learning Dis. 1972
Insurance - Roof Repairs
Miscellaneous
Tailings
Title IV - P. L. 91-230
Total Receipts
$4, 114,024. 77
$2,448, 830. 00
223, 535.00
111,291.32
180,486.30
61, 042.00
2, 126. 00
6,000.00
29, 615.00
107, 256.20
115,427.67
6, 606.32
10, 813.33
303,447.45
82,404.38
85, 833.90
11, 678. 51
1, 281. 23
7, 741.03
983. 56
10, 895.80
8, 820.00
9, 820.00
130,623.36
584. 17
434.41
1, 576. 58
100.00
88. 00
2,400.00
2, 475. 00
12,400. 00
202.97
2,770.64
12,247.42
$3,991, 837. 55
$8. 105. 862.32
137
Disbursements, 1972:
Maintenance and Operation
Construction
Title II Special Purpose Grant
Title II
Title VI, P. L. 91-230
Payment on Principal
Interest on Debt
School Lunch Fund
School Athletic Fund
Adult Education
Federal Taxes
State Taxes
Teachers' Retirement
County Retirement
Teachers1 Insurance
Blue Cross -Blue Shield
Group Life Insurance
Acton Education Association
M. T.A. Credit Union
Tax Annunities
Title I
Roof Repairs
In-Service Program, Learning Disabilities
R&D Reading Program 1972
Football Field Repairs
Special Pay Roll 1972
Special Projects - 1972
Total Disbursements
Balance, December 31, 1972
$2,472, 809.00
2,018, 798. 15
6,639. 72
2,872.43
15,246. 25
655, 000.00
238,770.00
108,435. 66
74,211.36
11,045.76
303,447.45
82,404.38
85,833.90
11,678.51
1,262.93
7, 567.03
984.02
10, 895.80
8, 820.00
p 9,820.00
648.00
4,510.00
1,576.81
2,400. 00
6,833.08
21, 629.87
21,482.63
$6, 185, 622. 74
1,920, 239. 58
$8, 105,862.32
Priscilla Felt, Treasurer
138
ACTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND ACTON-BOXBOROUGH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
ORGANIZATION
Acton School Committee
Term Expires
Robert Pilsbury, Chairman 1974
Edith D. Stowell, Secretary 1973
Helen K. Ray 1975
Edgar B. Gravette 1975
Robert Haeberle . . 1973
James T. O'Rourke 1973
Acton-Boxborough Regional District School Committee
Term Expires
James L. Donovan, Chairman 1973
Helen K. Ray 197 5
Edgar B. Gravette 1975
Reginald Brown 1974
Edith D. Stowell 1973
Robert Pilsbury 1974
Philip R. Licari 1975
Robert Haeberle 1973
James T. O'Rourke 1973
The Acton School Committee holds regular meetings on the third Monday of each month and the Regional
School Committee meets regularly on the second and fourth Thursdays. Both groups convene at the Acton-
Boxborough Regional Junior High School Music Room at 7:30 P.M.
Telephone
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Norman D. Brust 263-9503
Assistant Superintendent, Alan M. White 263-9503
Head Bookkeeper and Treasurer, Priscilla Felt 263-9503
Administrative Assistant, Beatrice Perkins 263-9503
Principals: Conant School, Alice F. Hayes 263-7407
Douglas School, Robert C. Conroy 263-2753
Gates School, James Palavras 263-9162
Merriam School, William Sparks 263-2581
McCarthy -Towne Schools, Parker Damon 263-4982
Acton-Boxborough Junior High School, Arthur J. Hayes 263-7716
Henry J. Wall, Vice-Principal 263-7716
Acton-Boxborough Senior High School, Raymond J. Grey 263-0210
Donald A. MacLeod, Vice -Principal . . . . ; 263-7*738
Lawrence McNulty, Vice Principal 263-7738
Coordinator of Pupil Personnel Services, Ruth R. Proctor 263-2492
Coordinator of Fine Arts, Henry W. Wegiel 263-3562
Coordinator of Buildings & Grounds, Gerald King 263-5272
TENTATIVE SCHOOL CALENDAR 1973-1974
Reopening of All Schools
Winter Recess
Good Friday
Spring Vacation
Memorial Day
Graduation
Close of Schools
Summer Recess
Teachers' Meetings
Reopening of All Schools
Columbus Day
2-2-2-2
1-1-1-1
2-2-2-2
January 2, 1973
Teachers' Convention
October 17
February 19-23
Veterans' Day
October 22
April 20
Thanksgiving Recess
November 21 22,
23
April 16-20
Christmas Holiday
Dec. 21 - Jan. 1,
1974
May 28
Reopening of All Schools
January 2, 1974
June 8
Winter Vacation
February 18-22
June 21
Good Friday
April 12
Spring Vacation
April 15-19
September 3-4
Memorial Day
May 27
September 5
Graduation
June 7
October 8
Close of Schools
June 20
NO SCHOOL SIGNAL
6:30 A.M.
7:15 A.M.
7:00 A.M.
Announcements aired on WBZ
No School ABRSD All Day
No School Acton Public Schools,
No School All Schools All Day
- 1030 AM Dial; WHDH - 850 AM Dial;
Dial - Starting at 6:00 A.M.
Grades K-6 All Day
and WCAP - 980 AM
139
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Dr. Norman D. Brust, Superintendent
School officials and other town officials will long remember 1972 as the year of the 18 -month budget
with all of the complexities involved in making such*a major financial transition.
In the long run such a change will be of great benefit to the school administration, since for the first
time the school year and the fiscal year will coincide and only one set of financial records will have to be
maintained where previously separate sets were required for- the towns of Acton and Boxborough and the
State of Massachusetts.
1972 will be remembered by school officials for many other things as well.
It marked the year when the major portion of the construction of our new high school wing took place.
It marked the year when public kindergarten was approved for use in our school system.
It marked the year when we began to involve more people in the planning and evaluation of our educa-
tional goals by the formation of such vital groups as the District Senate, the Goals Committee, the
Curriculum Steering Committee and the Student Rights and Responsibilities Committee.
It marked the year when our system finally began to move from a "crisis" motivated maintenance
system to a systematic preventive maintenance system designed to keep our buildings and equipment
operating toward maximum efficiency.
It marked the year of planning for the move which will switch our total high school and junior high
school population from one building to another with the end result of providing adequate space and facilities
for both.
It marked the year when an elementary resource teacher for each elementary school was hired and
charged with the responsibility of planning and coordinating instruction on the elementary level to better
merge with instruction on the junior high and senior high school levels, and work with the principals
and teachers to develop each building's instructional programs.
It marked the first year of open enrollment in our elementary schools thus allowing free choice
of schools as long as space was available.
It marked the year when we developed much needed cooperative programs in special education
and purchasing with other districts and systems to take full advantage of new educational programs and
special price advantages on the purchase of certain items.
And perhaps most important of all, 1972 marked the year when the first signs of the systems
approach to planning and its inherent evaluation follow-up which I feel is so vital'to the advancement of
our system began to appear and take shape.
Not all of these things came easy.
Preparations for the 18 -month budget stretched the endurance limits of school administrators,
principals and school committee members to the utmost yet all worked heroically to meet the challenge.
This was even more notable when one realizes that five of the nine School Committee members
were either newly elected or newly appointed and simply did not have any prior experience of wrestling
with a complex school budget.
Public kindergarten has arrived, but we are even now faced with the final decisions of where all
of the students will be housed in such a way that will benefit them to the fullest while still providing
the best use of available facilities and space.
Citizen and staff involvement on newly formed committees have already produced results, but
many more months of learning, planning and implementing will be required before all that these
committees will be capable of producing can come to fruition.
140
Serious damage to the floor of Blanchard Auditorium and continual nuisance breakdowns or mal-
functioning of equipment kept our new coordinator of buildings and grounds and his staff busy on a "crisis
by crisis" repair merry-go-round, but it can already be determined that the systematic investigation and
implementation of sound 'preventive maintenance programs will soon bring better services and dependability
The year 1972 was indeed a notable one, but what of 1973 and the years beyond which are rushing
upon us ?
We must immediately meet the task of switching our entire secondary school population of students
and staff to new buildings, and we must accommodate our kindergarten youngsters, and we must
accomplish both of these tasks without hindering or hampering their education.
We must develop our kindergarten program so that it will provide every youngster with a proper
introduction to our educational system.
We are all aware that recent School Committee resignations coupled with the 1973 elections will
give us an entire committee whose membership is either totally new or has only one slim year of experienc
upon which they can draw when making complex decisions which affect our entire educational system.
It is imperative that we allow no further delay in establishing a formal School Committee Manual
of policy and directives so that the dedicated men and women who will serve us can have something
concrete on which to build their decisions.
In the near future our Junior High needs considerable attention. These youngsters need a greater
spectrum of exploratory courses from which to choose; the average class size needs to be decreased
and the library space now in existence at the Senior High School is quite inadequate and needs to be
remedied for the Junior High School students when they arrive.
We must provide for the addition of qualified professional administrators to coordinate several
important areas or else face the harsh realization that many programs will never develop the scope
that they must to meet our educational needs.
Skilled professional coordinators are needed to direct such programs as:
(1) health, physical education, athletics and intramurals.
(2) adult education, summer school, citizen volunteers and public information.
(3) bookkeeping and budgeting, purchasing and billing, and bidding and negotiations.
(4) business education programs, industrial and homemaking arts, vocational training and all
world of work programs.
We must seek out and utilize new data processing systems and services to fully implement the
administrative and financial requirements to operate our system effectively and efficiently in, today's
modern world.
We must encourage more community involvement and we must review the recommendations
brought to us by our own staff, our Educational Committees, our School Committee, outside evaluation
teams, and concerned private citizens and students so that we are constantly striving to improve what
we have and build toward an even better future.
Much has occurred since the School Committee brought me to this area approximately one and
a half years ago to serve the communities of Acton and Boxborough as Superintendent of Schools.
Many solid programs and procedures are now being planned and developed, and with dedicated
effort from the community and staff, we are hopeful of bringing them forth as soon as possible.
A deep sense of gratitude and accomplishment must be extended to all those members of the school
staff and administration, the School Committee, principals, teachers, students, town officials and
concerned citizens whose efforts in the past have allowed us to proceed this far, and we must all accept
the challenge and the responsibility of more long hours, more dedicated effort and more frustrations
and satisfactions before we attain what we seek.
141
The educational programs we all want will take many more months and years to develop, but
if we all join in a common goal and accept our commitments then our children will have the benefit
of the finest education we are capable of providing.
With your continued assistance and support we will give it to them.
VOCATIONAL REGIONAL SCHOOL
Charles E. Courtright, Acton
Acton has been a participating member of the Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical School
since its inception in 1971. The member towns are Acton, Arlington, Belmont, Boxborough, Carlisle,
Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Stow, Sudbury, Wayland and Weston. The School Committee is made
up of one representative from each town, appointed by the Town Moderator of each of the member
towns. The Committee meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month at 8:00 p.m. in Room-S17
of the Concord Carlisle Regional High School. The Superintendent -Director of the school is Samuel
Sains.
During 1972 the Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical School District Committee proceeded
with the acquisition of the 64-acre site on which the regional school will be built. The site is located
partly in Lexington and partly in Lincoln, just west of Route 128 and south of Route 2A, next to the
Minuteman National Park.
Early in 1972 preliminary selection and interviewing of architectural firms culminated in a
competition in which three firms presented preliminary designs for the school. As a result of this
competition the -firm of Drummey, Rosane and Anderson, Inc. of Wellesley, Massachusetts, was
selected to design the school. In accordance with the educational specifications developed by the school,
adaptability of classroom and shop areas was a prime design consideration. This flexibility allows
effective use of space when the building opens and in the future, as programs and needs change.
Working drawings and advertisements for bids were completed in August, and general bids were
opened on the 14th of September. On the 15th of September the Committee met and voted to authorize
debt for the project. A brochure describing the building and explaining its cost was mailed to the
member towns in late September and early October. By the end of October approvals had been granted
by all of the towns and state agencies concerned, and a construction contract was signed with White
Construction Company of Burlington, the low bidder on the project. Groundbreaking took place on the
first of November and construction is currently in progress.
The total cost of the project is $14, 500,000. This cost is higher than that originally presented
to the voters in the spring of 1971 when the district was first formed. The net cost assessed to the
member towns, however, will be lower than the original estimates. This is due to increased state aid
and a shorter period of borrowing. Bonds for construction will be issued in January or February of 1973
for a period of ten years. The building is scheduled for completion in June of 1974, and the first class
will enter in September of that year.
As a means of coordinating the educational plans of the district, the Superintendent -Director of
Minuteman meets periodically with the Superintendents of the sending schools of the region. The district
has also formed a Vocational Advisory Board. This Board, made up of business, trade and professional
people, is called upon for advice on vocational programs related to their areas of interest and expertise.
The district is participating in a cooperative study being done on interaction between the community
colleges and regional vocational high schools. The study is funded by the Division of Occupational Educa-
tion and the Board of Higher Education.
With the hiring of additional staff members in October, the office space available in the Concord
school system central office was outgrown. Fortunately the Wayland School Committee kindly offered
space in the old Wayland junior high school building. The district is indebted to both Concord and Way-
land for their help. The space in Wayland is sufficient to meet the needs of the district until the school
building is opened in 1974. The offices of the district were moved to Wayland during October.
142
Extensive planning for curriculum and for staff orientation has been initiated, and this will become
one of the major activities in 1973. Staff acquisition and training needs for the next five years have been
developed and with this plan a preliminary five-year budget was prepared. This five-year budget which
has been sent to the various towns' Finance Committees will serve as a guide for future financial needs.
The district has submitted to the towns an 18-month budget, as required by the change in the fiscal year.
The 18 -month budget, which will end two months before the opening of school, must include all the
appropriate expenses of program development and staff training. What is accomplished during this budget
period will have a major influence on the effectiveness of the school's operation in the future.
The Minuteman School Committee believes that it has developed an effective facility for vocational
and technical education and that it is developing an equally effective educational program to meet the
needs of the district. So far the original time schedule and plan have been met. The Committee is
continuing, with the help of the district, to plan for the opening of the school for its first class in
September of 1974.
Walter C. Verney - Arlington
Henry L. Hall, Jr. -Chairman - Belmont
Roger H. Morse - Boxborough
Kenneth L. Bilodeau - Carlisle
Anna Manion - Concord
Erik Mollo-Christensen - Vice -Chairman - Lexington
Ruth Wales - Lincoln
Glen F. Pippert - Stow
Alfred C. Cron - Sudbury
Paul Alphen - Wayland
Kerck Kelsey - Weston
Michele G. Lombardo - Treasurer
Ann S. Gilbert - Secretary
143
BOARD OF ASSESSORS
John H. Loring, Chairman
During 1972 the Board of Assessors voted to hold the regular meetings of the Board the first
Tuesday of each month at 4:30 P. M.
Mr. Richard W. Remmy was appointed in January to fill the vacancy caused by the death of
Carl Flint who served on the Board for more than thirty years. In March, Mr. Dewey E. Boatman
retired from the Board after many years of dedicated service to the Town and Mr. Lorens A. A.
Perssons was appointed to fill the vacancy in July.
Assistant Assessor Ralph E. Dodge completed a 200 hour course «f study and earned the
professional designation as a Certified Massachusetts Assessor. This achievement is of particular
significance as there are only thirty-three assessors with -this designation out of the eleven hundred
assessors in the. State of Massachusetts. At the annual meeting of the Middlesex County Assessors-
Association held in December, Ralph E. Dodge, C. M.A. was elected to the Board of Directors.
All members of the Board have successfully completed a six week course in basic assessment
law, at Middlesex Community College in Bedford, Massachusetts. This was the first of a series of
courses that will be given by the Department of Corporations and Taxation in cooperation with the
University of Massachusetts to improve the professional competence of Assessors in Massachusetts.
Lecturers for this course included Ralph E. Dodge, C.M.A., of Acton.
During the year the Board has been investigating the advisability of a complete updating of the
property values in the town to eliminate inequities that have developed since the last revaluation that
was made in 1965. The contemplated program would also include a computerized recording system
that would allow a continuing updating program that should eliminate the need for revaluation costs
for many years to come.
Taxes Assessed as Follows:
Buildings Exclusive of Land
Land
Personal Property
Total Valuation January 1, 1972
Valuation January 1, 1971
Increase in Valuation
Rate of Taxation - $49. 50 per thousand
86, 910, 950.00
21,479, 800.00
4,259, 880. 00
$112, 650, 630. 00
104,939, 555. 00
$ 7,711,075.00
Real Estate
Personal Property
Total Taxes Assessed
Amount of Money to be Raised:
Town Charges
School Lunch Program
Free Public Libraries
Natural Resources-Self Help Program
State Parks & Reservations
Metropolitan District Area Planning Council
Elderly Retiree Program
State Assessment System
Motor Vehicle Excise Bills
Air Pollution Control District
County Tax
County Hospital
Overlay
Total
5,365,353.78
210, 864.39
7, 766,926.30
11,217. 19
5, 538. 75
42, 083. 50
26,937. 73
748.24
491.80
590. 80
1, 718. 70
941. 96
129,974.81
7, 126. 14
65, 011.98
5, 576,218. 17
$ 8,059,307.90
144
Estimated Receipts and Available Funds From
Various Sources
Net Amount to be Raised by Taxation
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise
Number of Vehicles Assessed
Commissioners Value
Total Excise
8, 268
$66.00 per thousand
$ 6,407,275.00
419, 798.08
2,483,089.73
5, 576,218. 17
Richard W. Remmy, Clerk
LorensA.A. Perssons, Member
Ralph E. Dodge, CM. A. Assistant
Assessor
The Unreliable Eye - Your house as seen by.
pr^jh.
•Wi/wW^A
the builder
.your mortgagor
• yourself
the tax assessor
145
OFFICE OF THE TAX COLLECTOR
Wm. Henry Soar
For the Year Ending December 31, 1972
PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES 1966
Outstanding January 1, 1972 $ 3,362.86
Payments to Treasurer $ 153. 18
Outstanding December 31, 1972 3,209.68 $ 3,362.86
PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES-1967
Outstanding January 1, 1972 $ 2,523.40
Outstanding December 31, 1972 $ 2,523.40
PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES-1968
Outstanding January 1, 1972 $ 2,060.40
Outstanding December 31, 1972 $ 2,060.40
PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES-1969
Outstanding January 1, 1972 $ 2,186.80
Outstanding December 31, 1972 $ 2, 186. 80
PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES-1970
Outstanding January 1, 1972 $ 946. 00
Outstanding December 31, 1972 946. 00
PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES-1971
Outstanding January 1, 1972 $ 2,208.60
Payments to Treasurer $ 1,389.60
Outstanding December 31, 1972 819.00 $ 2, 208. 60
PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES-1972
Commitment per Warrant
Refunds
Payments to Treasurer
Abatements
Outstanding December 31, 1972
Outstanding January 1, 1972
Refunds
REAL ESTATE 'TAXES-1971
72
$
210,864.39
512. 84
$
211, 377.
23
207, 145.45
1,481.03
2,750.75
$
211, 377.
23
$
150,316.49
315. 88
$
150, 632.
37
Payments to Treasurer 150,302.52
Abatements 39. 60
To Taxes in Litigation C-60 S-95 159.30
Transferred to Tax Titles 130.95
Outstanding December 31, 1972 0 $ 150,632.37
146
REAL ESTATE TAXES-1972
Commitment per Warrant $5, 365, 353. 78
Refunds 17,483.45 $5,382,837.23
Payments to Treasurer 5, 202, 429. 40
Abatements 56,595.97
Transferred to Tax Titles 553.93
Outstanding December 31, 1972 123, 257. 93 $5, 382, 837. 23
SPECIAL TAXES-WATERSHED & FOREST LAND 1972
Commitment per Warrant $ 359. 37
Payments to Treasurer $ 359.37
Outstanding December 31, 1972 0__ $ 359. 37
FARM ANIMAL EXCISE TAXES-1972
Commitment per Warrant $ 268. 25
Payments to Treasurer $ 268. 25
Outstanding December 31, 1972 0 $ 268. 25
MOTOR VEHICLE & TRAILER EXCISE TAXES-1965
Outstanding January 1, 1972 $ 384.00
Outstanding December 31, 1972 $ 384. 00
MOTOR VEHICLE & TRAILER EXCISE TAXES-1966
Outstanding January 1, 1972
Payments to Treasurer
Abatements C-58 S-8
Outstanding December 31, 1972
MOTOR VEHICLE & TRAILER EXCISE TAXES-1967
Outstanding January 1, 1972
Payments to Treasurer
Abatements C-58 S-8
Outstanding December 31, 1972
MOTOR VEHICLE & TRAILER EXCISE TA> KS- i 9 6 8
Outstanding January 1, 1972
Payments to Treasurer
Abatements C-58 S-8
Outstanding December 31, 1972
MOTOR VEHICLE & TRAILER EXCISE TAXES'- 19 69
Outstanding January 1, 1972
Abatements rescinded 128.70 $ 7,234.89
$
3,604. 09
$
0
3, 110.88
493.21
$
3,604.09
Payments to Treasurer
Abatements C-58 S-8
Outstanding December 31, 1972 1, 114. 21 $ 7,234.89
$
7, 106. 19
128. 70
128. 70
5,991.98
1, 114.21
$
2,896.55
0
$ 1,755.64
1, 140.91
$
2, 896. 55
5S-1968
$
4,331. 71
$ 38. 50
3, 744.22
548.99
$
4,331. 71
147
MOTOR VEHICLE & TRAILER TAXES-1970
Outstanding January 1, 1972
Refunds
Abatements rescinded
Payments to Treasurer
Abatements C-58 S-8
Outstanding December 31, 1972
MOTOR VEHICLE & TRAILER TAXES-1971
Outstanding January 1, 1972
Commitment per Warrants
Refunds
Abatements rescinded
Payments to Treasurer
Abatements C-58 S-8
Abatements
Outstanding December 31, 1972
$
13,306.35
4.40
159. 78
$
13, 560.
53
953. 52
9, 129.34
3,477.67
$
13, 560.
53
$
75, 126. 12
95,357. 14
5, 599.48
160.60
$
176,234.
34
$
120, 596.06
4, 729.80
31,269. 50
19, 647.98
$
176,243.
34
$
419, 798.08
3, 107.48
$
422,905.
56
284,804.36
35, 518.94
102, 582.26
-1971
$
422,905.
56
ES
$
65.
61
$
65.61
0
$
65.
61
MOTOR VEHICLE & TRAILER TAXES-1972
Commitments per Warrants
Refunds
Payments to Treasurer
Abatements
Outstanding December 31, 1972
STREET BETTERMENTS ADDED TO TAXES I !>7 i
Outstanding January 1, 1972
Payments to Treasurer
Outstanding December 31, 1972
COMMITTED INTEREST ON STREET BETTERMENTS-1971
Outstanding January 1, 1972 $ 10.49
Payments to Treasurer $ 10.49
Outstanding December 31, 1972 0 $ 10.49
STREET BETTERMENTS-MINOT AVE. 1971
Outstanding January 1, 1972 $ 11,383.27
Payments to Treasurer $ 622.56
Apportioned and added to Taxes 683.87
Outstanding December 31, 1972 10,076.84 $ 11,383.27
STREET BETTERMENTS-ADAMS STREET 1971
Outstanding January 1, 1972 $ 12,102.08
Payments to Treasurer $ 4, 940. 53
Apportioned and added to Taxes 511.93
Outstanding December 31, 1972 6, 649. 62 $ 12,102.08
148
STREET BETTERMENTS-NORTH & CROSS 1971
Outstanding January 1, 1972 $ 1, 167. 10
Audit Adjustments 1, 120. 16 $ 2,287.26
Payments to Treasurer
Apportioned and added to Taxes
Outstanding December 31, 1972
STREET BETTERMENTS ADDED TO TA i.S i < '
Commitment per Warrant
Payments to Treasurer
Outstanding December 31, 1972
0
323. 71
1, 963. 55
-1972
1,433.77
95. 74
$
2, 287. 26
ES
$
$
$
1, 519. 51
1, 519. 51
COMMITTED INTEREST ON STREET BETTERMENTS-1972
Commitment per Warrant $ 897.27
Payments to Treasurer $ 885. 78
Outstanding December 31, 1972 11.49 $ 897. 27
ADDITIONAL INTEREST & COSTS ON ALL TAXES 1972
Collections for 1972 $ 11,909.65
Payments to Treasurer $ 11,909.65
CERTIFICATES OF MUNICIPAL LIENS-1972
Collections for 1972 $ 3,780.00
Payments to Treasurer $ 3, 780. 00
CEMETERY DEPARTMENT-ANNUAL CARE OF LOTS-1972
Outstanding January 1, 1972 $ 74.45
Commitments per Warrants 849. 00 $ 923.45
Payments to Treasurer 776. 00
Abatements rescinded 50. 45
Outstanding December 31, 1972 97.00 $ 923.45
APPORTIONED STREET ASSESSMENTS-NOT DUE
Outstanding December 31, 1972
Adams Street Due 1973 to 1992 inclusive $ 6,649.62
Minot Avenue Due 1973 to 1992 inclusive 10,076.84
North & Cross Street Due 1973 to 1984 inclusive 1, 963. 55
Wm. Henry Soar
Town Collector
149
Cash Balance January 1, 1972
TOWN TREASURER
Wm. Henry Soar
Treasurer
For the Year Ending December 31, 1972
STATE AND COUNTY RECEIPTS
$ 795,176.28
State Treasurer:
Snow Removal
Library Public Title 2
Disabled Veterans
School Tuition C-74 S-10
Bureau of Library Extension
School Transportation C-71 S-7
Veterans Services
Highways Chapter 90C
Highways Chapter 90M
Highways Chapter 81
Highways a/c 24567
Highways a/c 25154
Highway Fund C-497 1971
Corporation Excises -Machinery
Land Acquisition Projects
Lieu of Taxes C-58 S-17 State
Education-Recreation C-69-71
Education-Special C-69-71
Regional Schools C-71 S-16D
Education Cornerstone Title 1
Special Education C-58 S-18A
Valuation Basis
Lottery Distribution C-813-1971
School Aid Chapter 70
School Construction-McCarthy
School Construction-Douglas
School Construction-Merriam
School Construction-Gates
School Construction-Conant
County Treasurer:
Dog Licenses -refund
Highways #26664
Highways #24567
! 2,
3,
5,
5,
49,
16,
5,
13,
38,
1,
1,
46,
8,
5,
3,
115,
113,
6,
7,
16,
40,
1,067,
5,
18,
20,
30,
43,
429. 50
240.95
630. 00
465.00
538. 75
754. 78
103. 60
220. 06
031.41
729.98
384.30
225.74
618.82
388.87
771. 00
276. 22
330. 00
802.00
572.34
189. 00
600.00
802.28
122.42
472. 14
567.85
750.00
057.63
236.25
000. 00
2, 598.
50
2,000.
00
5, 515.
70
$ 1, 692, 310.89
10, 114.20
DEPARTMENTAL RECEIPTS
Town Collector:
Personal Property Taxes 1966
Personal Property Taxes 1971
Personal Property Taxes 1972
Real Estate Taxes 1971
Real Estate Taxes 1972
Motor Vehicle & Trailer Excise Taxes 1968
Motor Vehicle & Trailer Excise Taxes 1969
Motor Vehicle & Trailer Excise Taxes 1970
Motor Vehicle & Trailer Excise Taxes 1971
Motor Vehicle & Trailer Excise Taxes 1972
Farm Animal Excise Taxes 1972
Special Taxes Watershed and Forest 1972
Street Betterments North & Cross 1971
Committed Interest North & Cross 1971
153. 18
1,389. 60
207, 145.45
150,302. 52
5, 202,429.40
38. 50
128. 70
953. 52
120, 596. 06
284, 804.36
268.25
359.37
65.61
10.49
150
Departmental Receipts (continued)
Street Betterments Adams Street 1972
Street Betterments Minot Avenue 1972
Betterment Interest Added
Street Betterments Apportioned added to Taxes
Committed Betterment Interest added to Taxes
Fire Department Accounts Receivable
Annual Care of Cemetery Lots
Municipal Lien Certificates
Interest and Charges all Taxes
Town Clerk:
Business Certificates
Sporting License Fees
Dog License Fees
Vital Statistics
Miscellaneous
Mortgage Fee Recordings
Dog Licenses
Board of Assessors:
Assessors Maps
4,940. 53
622. 56
18.30
1,423.77
885. 78
673. 50
776. 00
3, 780.00
11, 909.65
66.00
174.95
525. 65
895. 00
541.06
1, 799. 50
4, 596.35
412.25
$5,993, 675. 10
8, 598. 51
412.25
Board of Selectmen:
Property Rentals
Miscellaneous
Licenses
Board of Health:
Miscellaneous
Gas Permits
Sewerage Permits
Plumbing Permits
Nurse Services
Building Department:
Miscellaneous
Wiring Permits
Building Permits
Board of Appeals:
Hearings -Legal
Employees -Payroll Deductions:
Federal Withholding Taxes
State Withholding Taxes
County Retirement
Teachers Retirement
Teachers Insurance
Teachers Annuities
Teachers Association Dues
Group Insurance
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Highway Association Dues
Firefighters Association Dues
M. T. A. Credit Union
720. 00
516. 75
14, 033.35
1,240. 50
2,319. 00
4,487.00
4,238.50
8, 633.88
275.25
5, 181.25
19, 871. 50
495. 00
458,397. 61
123, 846. 12
48, 960.91
80, 176.62
2,210.37
8, 896.00
13,075. 12
1,407. 14
9, 769.44
280.00
804.00
1, 155. 00
15, 270. 10
20, 918. 88
25,328. 00
495. 00
748, 978. 33
151
Police Department
Bicycle Registrations
Dealers Firearm Permits
Miscellaneous
Pistol Permits
Firearm Licenses
Firearm Registrations
Fire Department:
Permits
Miscellaneous
Property Rentals
Sealer of Weights & Measures:
Sealers Fees
39.50
129. 00
84.00
680.00
41.00
214.00
169. 00
332. 17
85.00
$ 1, 187. 50
586. 17
366.40
366.40
School Department:
Miscellaneous
Property Rentals
Public Law 874 Title 1
School Tuition Charges
Blanchard Auditorium -Reimbursement
School Lunch Account
38. 73
1,033.50
37,252.00
7,805.41
14,080. 50
116, 851.67
177,061.81
Cemetery Department:
Chapel Rentals
Miscellaneous
Sale of Lots
Burials
West Acton Library:
Library Fines
Memorial Library:
Mary Lothrop Fund -Bequest
Library Fines
Miscellaneous Receipts:
Albert England - Veterans Services
Employees Account - Blue Cross
Employees Account - Group Insurance
Employees Account - Teachers Insurance
Blue Cross Blue Shield Town Account Refund
Recreation Department Building Utilities
Kemper Insurance Co., - Vandalism Cemetery
Plasticrete Corporation - Highway Department
Recreation Department - Miscellaneous Receipts
Concord District Court - Court Fines
Coastal Services - Highway Department
Planning Board - Legal Hearings
Washington National Insurance - School Insurance
Alexander & Alexander Insurance - Refund
Water Supply District of Acton - Recreation
Theron A. Lowden - Insurance Claim Recovery
Northeast Sales & Service - Fire Department
McGraw Hill Company - School Department
Wickes Lumber Company - Fire Department
Wickes Lumber Company - Engineering Department
Henry W. Bennett - Police Department
David L. Smith - Fire Department
Rochester Germicide Co., Police Department
H. W. Wilson Company - Memorial Library
Bobbs Merrill Co. , School Department
60. 00
665.75
1, 150. 00
5, 135.00
240. 30
100.00
6,314. 50
22.00
2,361.00
136.32
58.05
31. 14
24.00
1,010.44
492. 13
1,661.50
2,471.90
797.75
50.00
74. 16
210.99
11.00
179.88
32.61
35. 85
3.01
8.31
34.00
10. 00
62. 50
106.00
6.21
7,010.75
240.30
6,414. 50
152
Departmental Receipts (continued)
Miscellaneous Receipts:
Acton Minutemen Association - Blanchard Auditorium
Sphere Betty Crocker - West Acton Library
Recreation Department - Swimming Program
District Court of Middlesex - Court Fines
Employers Insurance Claim - Highway Department
Kemper Insurance Company - Claim Recovery
Beacon Publishing Co. - Recreation Department
Bowmar Incorporated - School Department
Gorham Fire Equipment Co. - Police Department
Colonial Automotive - Recreation Department
Robert W. Dotson - Selectmen Account
Board of Selectmen - Sale of Highway Equipment
Lexington Federal Savings Loan - Bond Deposit
Town of Boxborough - Used Fire Truck
Fred's Radio & T.V. Service - Police Department
National Science Association - School Department
Public Ceremonies Committee - Miscellaneous
West Acton Library - Miscellaneous Sales
Norumbega Conference - Selectmen Account
School Department - Miscellaneous Receipts
Town of Acton - School Department
Regional School District - Highway Department
Center Corporation - Fire Department Account
Patriots Hill Rec. Club - Rental Town Hall
Farquhars Tire Service - School Department
Pflaum Standard Service - School Department
Leslie F. Parke - School. Department
Rochester Germicide Co. - Police Department
Blue Cross Blue Shield - Refund Agreement
Mark C. Goff - Engineering Department
Assabet Institution Savings - Interest Earned
National Shawmut Bank Boston - Interest Earned
Treasurer United States - Revenue Sharing
Arlington Trust Co. - Revenue Notes
Boston Safe Deposit Co. - Revenue Notes
Hudson National Bank - Revenue Notes
Lexington Trust Co. - Revenue Notes
Middlesex Bank N.A. - Revenue Notes
National Shawmut Bank - Revenue Notes
Union National Bank - Revenue Notes
$ 20. 50
11. 95
1, 992.00
20. 00
856.75
173.14
11.90
8.05
12. 50
94. 03
24.64
950.00
250. 00
100.00
7.90
8. 00
13. 52
1, 314.42
10.00
45.04
97. 55
118. 50
58. 00
15.00
10. 50
4.45
97.40
63. 00
207. 00
379. 68
3,057.90
16.46
76, 774. 00
500, 000. 00
200, 000. 00
300,000. 00
1,025,000. 00
400, 000. 00
375, 000. 00
100, 000. 00
$2, 996, 714. 53
PERPETUAL CARE - MT. HOPE CEMETERY
Donald Copeland
Philip and Alfa Morrison
Clara M. Hassan
Mildred F. Scribner
Robert Boyce
James B. Wilson
Ruth B. Wholl
Clyde R. Russell
Edward A. Mead
Fred S. Mead
Mary M. Stevenson Estate
Raymond and Lillian Gallant
Fred and Nancy Harriman
100.00
300.00
50.00
75. 00
200.00
300. 00
400. 00
300.00
100.00
100.00
200. 00
300. 00
300.00
2, 725. 00
PERPETUAL CARE - WOOD LAWN CEMETERY
153
Susan Morrison
William D. Tuttle
Orpha B. Deane
John F. Darjan
Mrs. Paul M. McPherson
Myles G. Hosie
Robert L. Loomis
Mary K. Donnelly
Patricia A. Barry
Milburn L. Illsley
Roland W. Robbins
Larry J. Kivimaki
Louis LaRoche
TRUST FUND INCOME
Acton High School Library Fund
Acton Firemens Relief Fund
George T. Ames Fund
Arlette Appleyard Cemetery Fund
Betsey M. Ball Fund
1975 Celebration Fund
Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund
A. B. Conant Cemetery Fund
Conservation Fund Investment
Robert I. Davis Cemetery Fund
Elbridge J. Robbins and Decendents Fund
Elbridge Jones Robbins Cemetery Fund
Captain Robbins Cemetery Fund
Robbins Ames Memorial Cemetery Fund
Martha Desmond Cemetery Fund
Elizabeth White Fund
Georgia E. Whitney Memorial Fund
Georgia E. Whitney Fund
Georgia E. Whitney Cemetery Fund
Frank C. Hayward Cemetery Fund
Hoit and Scott Cemetery Fund
Mrs. Harry O'Neils Cemetery Fund
Frank Knowlton Cemetery Fund
Luke Blanchard Cemetery Fund
Henry S. Raymond Monument Fund
Henry S. Raymond Cemetery Fund
Susan Noyes Hosmer Cemetery Fund
Varnum Tuttle Memorial Fund
J. Roland Wetherbee Cemetery Fund
Memorial Library Fund
Memorial Library Tainter Fund
Sarah Watson Cemetery Fund
Carrie E. Wells Cemetery Fund
Jenks Charitable Foundation
200. 00
200.00
150. 00
75.00
150.00
150.00
75.00
150. 00
75.00
150.00
600.00
300. 00
150. 00
240. 00
574.69
24.40
120. 00
1, 016.65
600.61
9,910.90
60. 00
7,469.99
67.29
60. 00
90. 00
150. 00
1,266.37
180.00
1, 536.02
900.00
836. 11
74.03
60.00
27.41
19. 52
72.71
132. 60
37.22
191.27
5,936. 13
600. 00
600.00
705.65
876. 12
139. 20
181.05
384. 21
TRUST FUND TRANSFERS TO TOWN ACCOUNT
Arlette Appleyard Cemetery Fund
Elizabeth White Fund
Acton High School Library Fund
Conservation Fund Investment Income Account
Conservation Fund Investment Principal Account
Georgia E. Whitney MemoriaL Fund
1975 Celebration Fund
100. 00
1, 000.00
718.29
4,394.26
152,270. 00
2, 760. 25
426.00
2, 425". 00
35, 140. 15
154
Trust Fund Transfers to Town Account (continued)
Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund
Georgia E. Whitney Fund
J. Roland Wetherbee Cemetery Fund
Sarah A. Watson Cemetery Fund
Carrie F. Wells Cemetery Fund
Luke Blanchard Cemetery Fund
Susan Noyes Hosmer Cemetery Fund
Frank R. Knowlton Cemetery Fund
Robert I. Davis Cemetery Fund
Henry S. Raymond Cemetery Fund
Georgia E. Whitney Fund
Mrs. Harry O'Neils Cemetery Fund
Hoit and Scott Cemetery Fund
Martha L. Desmond Cemetery Fund
A. B. Conant Cemetery Fund
Georgia E. Whitney Cemetery Fund
Elbridge Jones Robbins & Descendents Fund
Frank C. Hayward Cemetery Fund
Henry S. Raymond Cemetery Fund
Total Cash Receipts for the Year 1972
Cash Balance January 1, 1972
Paid Selectmen's Orders for the Year 1972
Cash Balance December 31, 1972
Cash: General Funds
Federal Revenue Sharing
Certificate of Deposit Due January 13, 1973
$ io,
000.00
50. 00
225. 00
50. 00
50. 00
100.00
3,
500.00
50.00
50.00
50.00
800. 00
25. 00
50.00
25.00
50. 00
50.00
50.00
50.00
50.00
$
176,943.
80
$11,
922,917.
795, 176.
17
28
$12,
718, 093.
45
11,
957.090.
00
$
761,003.
45
$ 484,
229.45
76,
774. 00
200,
000.00
$ 761,003.45
OUTSTANDING NOTES AND BONDS
Year
Schools
Highway Building
Library Addition
Total
1973
$ 220,
000.00
$ 35,000.00
$25,
000.
00
$ 280,000.00
1974
220,
000.00
35,000.00
25,
000.
00
280, 000.00
1975
220,
000.00
35,000.00
255,000.00
1976
215,
000.00
30, 000.. 00
245,000.00
1977
210,
000.00
30,000.00
240,000.00
1978
170,
000. 00
30,000.00
200,000. 00
1979
170,
000.00
170, 000. 00
1980
170,
000.00
170,000.00
1981
170,
000. 00
170, 000. 00
1982
170,
000.00
170,000.00
1983
170,
000.00
170,000.00
1984
170,
000.00
170, 000. 00
1985
170,
000.00
170, 000. 00
1986
135,
000.00
135,000.00
1987
135,
000.00
135,000.00
1988
80,
000.00
80,000. 00
1989
80,
000.00
80,000. 00
1990
80,
$2,955,
000. 00
000.00
80,000.00
$195, 000.00
$50,
000.
00
$3, 200, 000. 00
ACTON HIGH SCHOOL LIBRARY FUND
155
Balance January 1, 1972
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1972
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1972
4, 000. 00
1, 764. 82
ACTON FIREMEN'S RELIEF FUND
Balance January 1, 1972
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1972
On Deposit December 31, 1972
$ 9,570.00
9, 530.78
GEORGE T. AMES CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1972
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1972
On Deposit December 31, 1972
ARLETTE APPLEYARD CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1972
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1972
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1972
$ 2,000.00
378. 82
BETSEY M. BALL FUND
Balance January 1, 1972
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1972
On Deposit December 31, 1972
$ 10,095.26
12,402. 62
$ 5, 764. 82
319. 75
$ 6,084.57
718.29
5,366.28
$ 6, 084.~5T
19, 100. 78
1,095.45
20, 196.23
20, 196. 23
$
465.49
146. 12
$
611.61
$
32. 51
644. 12
644. 12
$ 2,378.82
142.20
$ 2, 521. 02
100.00
$ 2,421.02
$ 2, 521. 02
22,497.88
1,370. 67
23, 868. 55
23, 868. 55
156
TOWN CELEBRATION 1975 FUND
Balance January 1, 1972
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1972
Received to Fund -Article 39 1972
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1972
$ 9, 000. 00
525. 72
633. 84
5, 000. 00
CEMETERY PERPETUAL CARE FUND
Balance January 1, 1972
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1972
Perpetual Care Bequests for 1972
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1972
!123, 884.92
62, 226. 03
11, 208. 60
5, 150. 00
9, 525. 72
5, 633. 84
$ 15, 159. 56
426. 00
14, 733. 56
$ 15, 159. 56
$186, 110. 95
$ 16, 358. 60
202, 469. 55
10, 000. 00
192,469. 55
$202, 469. 55
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1972
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1972
A. B. CONANT CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1972
$ 1,000.00
430.48
$ 1,430.48
83. 74
1, 514. 22
50. 00
1, 464. 22
$ 1,514.22
Principal Fund
Income Balance
CONSERVATION INVESTMENT FUND
Balance January \, 1972
Received Interest for 1972
Received to Fund, Article 28, 1972
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1972
$178, 825. 26
6,479.85
7,909.08
85, 000.00
$185, 305. 11
92,909. 08
278, 214. 19
156, 664.26
121, 549. 93
$278, 214. 19
157
DR. ROBERT I. DAVIS CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1972
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1972
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1972
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1972
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1972
$ 1,000.00
473.33
MARTHA L. DESMOND CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1972
$ 3, 000. 00
113.08
$ 1,473.33
96. 73
1,570.06
50.00
1, 520.06
$ 1, 570. 06
$ 3,113.08
188.68
3,301.76
25.00
3,276.76
$ 3,301. 76
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1972
ELBRIDGE JONES ROBBINS & DESCENDENTS FUND
Balance January 1, 1972
$ 1,000.00
107. 60
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1972
$ 1,107.60
67. 13
1, 174. 73
50.00
1, 124. 73
$ 1, 174.T5"
ELBRIDGE J. ROBBINS CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1972
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1972
On Deposit December 31, 1972
$ 1,500.00
180.-44
1, 680.44
101.42
1, 781.86
1,781.86
158
CAPTAIN BOBBINS CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1972
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1972
$ 2,500.00
384. 14
On Deposit December 31, 1972
ROBBINS AMES MEMORIAL TRUST FUND
Balance January 1, 1972
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1972
On Deposit December 31, 1972
21, 210.08
3, 149. 60
2, 884. 14
172.46
3,056. 60
3,056. 60
24,359. 68
1,451. 14
25, 810.82
25, 810.82
ELIZABETH WHITE FUND
Balance January 1, 1972
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1972
Trustee's Orders for 1972
On Deposit December 31, 1972
$ 25, 000. 00
7,339.31
GEORGIA E. WHITNEY MEMORIAL FUND
Balance January 1, 1972
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1972
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1972
$ 15,000.00
6,461.48
GEORGIA E. WHITNEY FUND
Balance January 1, 1972
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1972
Selectmen's Orders for 1972
On Deposit December 31, 1972
$ 14,073. 70
486.01
$ 32,339.31
1, 911. 56
34,250. 87
1,000.00
33,250. 87
$ 34,250.87
$ 21,461.48
1, 192.85
22,654.33
2,760.25
19, 894. 08
$ 22, 654. 33
14, 559.71
893. 00
15,452. 71
800.00
14, 652. 71
15, 452. 71
159
GEORGIA E. WHITNEY CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1972
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1972
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1972
$ 1,500.00
991.73
FRANK C. HAYWARD CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1972
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1972
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1972
$ 1,000.00
1, 157.07
$ 2,491.73
116.34
2,608.07
100.00
2, 508.07
$ 2, 608.-Q7
$ 2,157.07
123. 17
| 2,280.24
50.00
2,280.24
$ 2,280.24
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1972
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1972
HOIT AND SCOTT CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1972
500.00
367.20
MRS. HARRY O'NEIL CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1972
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1972
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1972
867.20
47.35
914.55
50.00
864.55
3
914. 55
$
372.39
133.87
$
506.26
26.90
533. 16
$
25.00
508. 16
533. 16
160
FRANK R. KNOWLTON CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1972
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1972
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1972
$ 1,000.00
409.84
LUKE BLANCHARD CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1972
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1972
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1972
2,419.24
1, 000. 13
$ 1,409.84
98.43
1, 508.27
50.00
1,458.27
$ 1, 508.~2T
$ 3,419.37
187. 13
3, 606. 50
100. 00
3, 506. 50
$ 3,606.50
HENRY S. RAYMOND FUND
MONUMENT PERPETUAL CARE
Balance January 1, 1972
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1972
Transfer to Town Account
Audit Adjustment Transfer to Sarah Watson Fund
On Deposit December 31, 1972
700.00
1,024.45
$ 1,724.45
84. 12
1, 808. 57
150.00
103.93
1, 654.64
$ 1,808.57
HENRY S. RAYMOND CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1972
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 19 72
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1972
$ 2,000.00
1,478.30
$ 3,478.30
191.27
3, 669. 57
50.00
3,619. 57
$ 3,669. 57
161
SUSAN NO YES HOSMER CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1972
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1972
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1972
$ 82,238.95
26,955.03
THE VARNUM TUTTLE MEMORIAL FUND
Balance January 1, 1972
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1972
$ 10,000.00
7,059.98
On Deposit December 31, 1972
J. ROLAND WETHERBEE CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1972
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1972
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1972
$ 10, 000; 00
8,242.36
ACTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY FUND
Balance January 1, 1972
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1972
Bequest to Mary H. Lothrop Fund
On Deposit December 31, 1972
$ 27, 105.47
6,460. 77
$109, 193.98
6,409.64
115,603.62
3,500.00
112, 103.62
$115,603.62
17,059.98
984.79
18,044.77
18,044.77
18,242.36.
1,048.05
19,290.41
225.00
19,065.41
19,290.41'
$ 33,566.24
1,960.91
100.00
35,627. 15
$ 35,627. 15
162
SARAH ALBERTIE WATSON FUND
Balance January 1, 1972
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1972
Adjustment from Raymond Monument Fund
Transfer To Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1972
$
2,500.00
1,210.20
$
3, 710.20
198.43
103.93
302..36
4,012.56
50. 00
3,962. 56
$
4,012. 56
WEST ACTON FIREMEN'S RELIEF FUND
Balance January 1, 1972
Principal Fund
Received Interest for 1972
On Deposit December 31, 1972
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1972
On Deposit December 31, 1972
Principal Fund
Income Balance
Received Interest for 1972
Transfer to Town Account
On Deposit December 31, 1972
Principal Fund
Received Interest for 1972
On Deposit December 31, 1972
STABILIZATION FUND
Balance January 1, 1972
CARRIE F. WELLS CEMETERY FUND
Balance January 1, 1972
$ 3,000.00
1,759.24
THE HEIRS OF WILLIAM LIVINGSTON
EMINENT DOMAIN FUNDS
Balance January 1, 1972
1,654.45
93.39
1,747.84
1,747.84
1,448. 13
101. 69
1, 549.82
1,549.82
$ 4,759.24
277. 15
5,036.39
50.00
4,986.39
$ 5, 036.~39"
$
365.
00
16.
02
381.
02
$
381.
02
163
THE HEIRS OF HARRIET DAVIS
EMINENT DOMAIN FUNDS
Balance January 1, 1972
Principal Fund
Received Interest in 1972
On Deposit December 31, 1972
THE DEVISEES OF EVELINA WHITE
EMINENT DOMAIN FUNDS
Balance January 1, 1972
Principal Fund
Received Interest for 1972
On Deposit December 31, 1972
THE HEIRS OF AMASA DAVIES
EMINENT DOMAIN FUNDS
Balance January 1, 1972
Principal Fund
Received Interest for 1972
On Deposit December 31, 1972
JENKS FUND-MT. HOPE CEMETERY
Balance January 1, 1972
Principal Fund
Received Interest for 1972
On Deposit December 31, 1972
2, 551.00
112.02
2,663.02
2,663.02
8,948.00
393.02
9,341.02
9,341.02
9, 130. 00-
401.00
9,531.00
9, 531.00
26,000.00
3&4. 21
26,384.21
26,384.21
Wm. Henry Soar
Town Treasurer
164
TOWN ACCOUNTANT
The reports which are submitted herewfth'represent a statement of the cash disbursements and
transfers authorized during the year ended December 31, 1972, and a Balance Sheet of the Town of
Acton as of December 31, 1972.
The 1973 appropriation for amortization of the bonded indebtedness of the Town is as follows:
Schools:
Florence A. Merriam Elementary School
Carolyn Douglas Elementary School
Paul P. Gates Elementary School
Luther B. Conant Elementary School
Total Schools
Acton Memorial Library Addition
Public Works Facility
Amortization of bonded indebtedness
$ 40,000.00
35, 000.00
60, 000.00
85,000.00
$ 220,000.00
50,000.00
35, 000.00
$ 305,000.00
The accounts of the Treasurer and Collector have been verified, and I have reviewed the various
trust funds in the custody of the Treasurer and the Trustees.
Donald O. Nylander
Town Accountant
STATEMENT OF APPROPRIATIONS AND DISBURSEMENTS
January 1, 1972 to December 31, 1972
Warrant
Budget Item
General Government:
Moderator:
1. Salary -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
2. Expenses
Finance Committee:
3. Expenses -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
Appropriated
or
Available
;led
;men:
4.
Salaries -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
5.
Expenses
6.
Capital Outlay -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
7.
Legal Services
8.
Legal Services Expenses
9.
Appraisals. and Surveys
10.
Out-of-State Travel
Disbursed
140.00
$
100.00
200.00
20.00
70.00
50.00
78.19
22,555.00
374.34
22,929.34
12,840.00
12, 322.81
1,630.00
403.60
2,033.60
14,000.00
14,000.00
500.00
500.00
1,000.00
725.00
1,500.00
1, 500.00
Balance
40.00
20.00
41.81
517.19
275.00
165
Warrant
Budget Item
Town Office Clerical Staff:
11. Salaries -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
Engineering Department:
12. Salaries and Wages
13. Expenses
14. Capital Outlay
Town Accountant:
15. Salary
16. Expenses
Town Treasurer and Collector:
17. Salary
18. Expenses -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
19. Capital Outlay
Town Assessors:
20. Salaries
21. Expenses
Town Clerk:
22. Salary
23. Expenses
Elections and Registrations:
24. Salaries and Wages -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
25. Expenses -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
Planning Board:
26. Expenses
Personnel Board:
27. Expenses
Board of Appeals:
28. Expenses -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
Industrial Development Commission:
29. Expenses
Conservation Commission:
30. Expenses
Archives Committee:
31. Expenses
Appropriated
or
Available
Disbursed
Balanci
3
$ 91,505.00
4,000.00
$
94,494.61
$
1,
010.39
49,320.00
5,400.00
250.00
34,727.27
5,080.01
14,
592.73
319.99
250.00
4,555.00
145.00
4, 555.00
144.95
--
.05
12, 325.00
12, 325.00
--
5, 375.00
1,250.00
6,618.40
6.60
13,925.00
5,250.00
13,783.13
5, 220.01
141.87
29.99
2,680.00
1,100.00
2, 680.00
484.60
--
615.40
7,060.00
2,500.00
9, 367.01
192.99
5,510.00
2,000.00
6, 945.62
564. 38
10,850.00
4, 122.21
6
727.79
100.00
77.00
23.00
185.00
350.00
487.65
47.35
100.00
--
100.00
500.00
316.07
183.93
85.00
41.00
44.00
166
Warrant
Budget Item
Public Ceremonies and Celebrations:
32. Expenses
Buildings and Maintenance:
33. Salaries and Wages
34. Expenses
35. Capital Outlay-
Town Report Committee:
36. Expenses
Youth Commission:
37. Expenses
Total General Government -
Annual Town Meeting
Reserve Fund Transfer
Protection of Persons and Property
Police Department:
38. Salaries and Wages
39. Expenses
Interdepartmental Transfer
40. Capital Outlay
Fire Department:
41. Salaries and Wages -
Appropriated
Article 11 Transfer
42. Expenses -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
Article 11 Transfer
Interdepartmental Transfer
43. Capital Outlay -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
Sealer of Weights and Measures:
44. Salary and Travel
45. Expenses
Insect Pest Control:
46. Wages
47. Expenses
Town Forest Committee:
48. Maintenance
Appropriated
or
Available
Di
sbursed
Balance
$ 2,145.00
$
1,753.82
$
391. 18
14,950.00
34,855.00
100.00
13,651.59
34,250.41
99.95
1, 298.41
604.59
.05
4,300.00
3,895.68
404.32
6,000.00
5,343.20
656.80
$ 332,825.00
11,027.94
314,753.13
29,099.81
$ 243,630.00
20,940.00
$
241,063.49
17,664.22
3,123.38
$
2,566.51
152.40
228,935.00
57,100.00
25,130.00
1,500.00
3,600.00
3,700.00
2,000.00
510.00
40.00
3, 565.00
6, 360.00
100.00
285,
942.
22
28,
494.
10
1,
701.
19
5,
697.
00
510.
00
39.
85
3,
498.
40
6,
159.
30
81.50
92.78
34.. 71
3.00
.15
66.60
200.70
18.50
Tree Department:
49. Wages
50. Expenses
Inspector of Wires:
51. Expenses -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
3,565.00
8,480.00
4, 500.00
875.00
3,561.06
8,389.59
5,375.00
3.94
90.41
167
Warrant
Budget Item
Inspector of Gas Piping and Appliances
52. Expenses
Building Inspector and Agent for
Employment of Zoning Bylaws :
53. Salary and Wages
54. Expenses
Dog Officer:
55. Wages and Travel
56. Expenses
Building Committee:
57. Expenses
Civil Defense:
58. Expenses
Town Utilities:
59. Hydrant Rental
60. Street Lighting
Total Protection of Persons and Property
Annual Town Meeting
Reserve Fund Transfer
Article 11 Transfer
Interdepartmental Transfer
Highways
Highway Department:
61. Salaries and Wages -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
Overtime for Snow Removal -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
General Expenses
Drainage
Snow and Ice Control -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
Machinery Expense
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
Special Town Meeting
Interdepartmental Transfer
Chapter 81 Maintenance
Chapter 90 Maintenance
Capital Outlay -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69.
Appropriated
or
Available
Disbursed
Balance
$ 3,000.00
$
2, 350.50
$
649. 50
12,440.00
1,975.00
11,800.96
1,747.93
639.04
227.07
1,200.00
500.00
1,200.00
500.00
--
50.00
25.75
24.25
850.00
410.03
439,97
21, 600.00
25,600.00
21, 550.00
.23, 220.90
2,
50.00
37.9. 10
616,670.00
4,375.00
60, 700.00
669,281.80
4,824.57
1.
638.63
130, 590.00
1,500.00
20,000.00
1,192.33
31,900.00
20,000.00
62,000.00
5,484.00
41,000.00
13,100.00
17,000.00
5,300.48
25,450.00
27, 500.00
14,300.00
600.00
131, 562.88
21, 185.66
31,886.05
19,954.41
67,484.00
76, 192.82
25,450.00
27, 500.00
14, 864.95
527.12
6.67
13.95
45.59
207. 66
35.05
Total Highways -
Annual Town Meeting
Reserve Fund Transfer
Special Town Meeting
Interdepartmental Transfer
372,740.00
21,876.33
17,000.00
5,300.48
416,080.77
836.04
168
Appropriated
Warrant
or
Budget Item
Available
Disbursed
Balance
Health and Sanitation
Health and Sanitation:
70. Salaries
$ 26,280.00
$ 24,991.51
$ 1,288.49
71. Expenses
31,060.00
25,803.42
5,256.58
72. Garbage Collection -
Appropriated
40,000.00
Reserve Fund Transfer
2,712.50
42,712.45
.05
Inspector of Animals:
73. Wages
170.00
170.00
--
74. Expenses
30.00
30.00
--
Plumbing Inspector:
75. Expenses
5,000.00
4, 330.50
669. 50
Total Health and Sanitation -
Annual Town Meeting
102,540.00
Reserve Fund Transfer
2,712.50
98,037.88
7, 214.62
Cemeteries
Cemeteries:
76. Salaries and Wages
39,120.00
39,103.00
17.00
77. Expenses -
Appropriated
12, 525.00
12,250.86
Interdepartmental Transfer
238.91
35.23
78. Capital Outlay
400.00
324.00
76.00
Total Cemeteries -
Annual Town Meeting
52,045.00
51,677.86
Interdepartmental Transfer
238.91
128.23
Recreation
Recreation:
79. Wages
28,070.00
26,888.12
1, 181.88
80. Expenses -
Appropriated
13,560.00
Reserve Fund Transfer
1,702.59
14, 964.27
298.32
81. Capital Outlay-
2,000.00
1,748.10
251.90
Total Recreation -
Annual Town Meeting
43,630.00
Reserve Fund Transfer
1,702.59
43,600.49
1,732.10
Veterans' Aid
Veterans' Services:
82. Salary
3,565.00
3, 565.00
--
83. Expenses
275.00
275.00
--
84. Aid -
Appropriated
25,000.00
Reserve Fund Transfer
1, 500.00
Special Town Meeting
3,000.00
28,893.44
606. 56
Total Veterans' Aid -
Annual Town Meeting
28,840.00
Reserve Fund Transfer
3,000.00
Special Town Meeting
1, 500.00
32, 733.44
606.56
169
Warrant
Budget Item
Pensions
Pension Fund
85. Expense -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
Total Pensions -
Annual Town Meeting
Reserve Fund Transfer
Maturing Debt and Interest - Town Government
Sanitary Landfill Sites:
86. Maturing Debt
87. Interest
Appropriated
or
Available
60, 540.00
1,583.77
60, 540.00
1,583.77
Disbursed
62, 123. 77
62, 123.77
Balance
Highway Department Building:
88. Maturing Debt
89. Interest
Anticipation of Revenue Notes:
90. Interest -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
Total Maturing Debt and Interest -
Town Government -
Annual Town Meeting
Reserve Fund Transfer
Libraries
Memorial Library:
91. Salaries and Wages
92. Expenses
93. Books
94. Capital Outlay
West Acton Library:
95. Salaries and Wages -
Appropriated
Reserve Fund Transfer
96. Expenses
Total Libraries -
Annual Town Meeting
Reserve Fund Transfer
Maturing Debt and Interest - Libraries
Library Addition:
97. Maturing Debt
98. Interest
Total Maturing Debt and Interest - Libraries
Annual Town Meeting
35,000.00
35,000.00
--
13,110.00
13,110.00
30,000.00
2,343.14
32, 286.22
56.92
78,110.00
2,343.14
80,396.22
56.92
64,175.00
60, 391.46
3,783.54
14,750.00
14, 315.07
634.93
20,500.00
20,499.68
.32
725.00
618.77
106.23
5,345.00
211.08
5, 556.08
--
1,700.00
1,614.60
85.40
107, 395.00
211.08
25,000.00
2, 250.00
27, 250.00
102, 995.66
25,000.00
2, 250.00
27, 250.00
4, 610.42
170
Appropriated
Warrant
or
Budget Item
Available
Local Schools
Loca
1 Schools:
99.
Administration
$ 63,650.00
100.
Instruction
1,854,020.00
101.
Plant Operation and Maintenance
201,, 111.00
102.
Non- Instructional Service
40, 500.00
103.
Transportation
153, 350.00
104.
Capital Outlay
5,849.00
105.
Out-of-State Travel
800.00
Athletics - Intramurals
5,000.00
106.
Blanc hard Auditorium
32,998.00
107.
Contingency Fund
25,000.00
Disbursed
Balance
Total Local Schools -
Annual Town Meeting
Interdepartmental Transfer
2, 382,278.00
2,381,978.85
237.00
62.15
Maturing Debt and Interest - Local Schools
Julia McCarthy School:
108. Maturing Debt
109. Interest
10,000.00
200.00
10,000.00
200.00
Florence E. Merriam School:
110. Maturing Debt
111. Interest
40,000.00
8,640.00
40,000.00
8,640.00
Douglas School:
112. Maturing Debt
113. Interest
35,000.00
17,150.00
35, 000.00
17, 150.00
Gates School:
114. Maturing Debt
115. Interest
60,000.00
37,105.00
60,000.00
37, 105.00
Conant School:
116. Maturing Debt
117. Interest
Total Maturing Debt and Interest
Annual Town Meeting
Local Schools
85,000.00
87,780.00
380,875.00
85., 000.00
87, 780.00
380, 875.00
Regional
Schools
Regional Schools:
118.
Admini stration
68,445.00
68,455.00
119.
Instruction
1,746,719.00
1, 746, 719.00
120.
Plant Operation and Maintenance
215, 739.00
215,739.00
121.
Non- Instructional Services
36,310.00
36, 310.00
122.
Transportation
--
--
123.
Capital Outlay
13, 302.00
13, 302.00
124.
Out-of-State Travel
2,189.00
2, 189.00
125.
Blanchard Auditorium
12,811.00
12,811.00
126.
Athletic Fund
39, 662.00
39,662.00
127.
Adult Education
--
--
128.
Contingency Fund
22,800.00
22, 800.00
Total Regional Schools -
Annual Town Meeting
2,157,977.00
2,157,977.00
171
Regional Schools
Warrant
Budget Item
Maturing Debt and Interest
Regional Schools:
129. Maturing Debt
130. Interest
Total Maturing Debt and Interest
Regional Schools -
Annual Town Meeting
Insurance
Insurance:
131. Group Health Premiums
132. Other Insurance Premiums
133. Insurance Advisor
Total Insurance -
Annual Town Meeting
Vocational School
Minuteman Vocational School:
134. Minuteman Vocational School
Total Vocational School -
Annual Town Meeting
Grand Totals of Appropriations, Reserve
Fund Transfers, Disbursements, and
Unexpended Balances of Budget Items:
Appropriated -
Annual Town Meeting
Special Town Meeting
Reserve Fund Transfers
Article 11 Transfers
Interdepartmental Transfers
Education
Cafeteria - Revolving Fund
Federal Grants:
Public Law 874
Cornerstone - Title 1
Library - Title 2
Appropriated
or
Available
290,853.00
90,700.00
49, 350.00
1, 500.00
141, 550.00
7,580.00
7,58,0.00
7, 183,698.00
20,000.00
47, 332.35
60,700.00
5,300.48
117, 168.83
49, 532.00
7,385.58
3, 365.32
Disbursed
290, 853.00
86, 605.61
42,887.11
750.00
130, 242.72
7, 577.00
7,580.00
5, 300.48
7, 248, 434. 59
114,674.79
12, 280.00
7, 385.58
3,357.72
Balance
223,316.00 $ 223,316.00 $
67,537.00 67,537.00
4,094.39
6,462.89
750.00
11,307.28
3.00
3.00
63, 295.76
2," 494. 04
37,252.00
7.60
172
Special
Articles
Appropriated
or
Available
Disbursed
Balance
Town
Meeting
Date
Article
No.
/13/67
/09/70
10
19
/09/70
23
/09/70
/09/70
/09/70
24
51
53
/09/70
/29/70
57
7
/08/71
35
/08/71
/08/71
36
38
/08/71
/08/71
/08/71
/08/71
/08/71
/08/71
39
44
48
49
53
56
/22/71
8
/13/72
/13/72
12
16
/13/72
18
/13/72
/13/72
/13/72
/13/72
/13/72
25
28
34
35
37
/13/72
/13/72
/13/72
/13/72
39
40
43
44
/13/72
45
/13/72
/13/72
48
53
/13/72
53
/13/72
57
Purpose
Gates School $ 16,709.97 $ 5,475.10
Conant School
Construction 117,168.16 97,485.92
Chapter 768 - Acts
of 1969 2,035.04 2,035.04
Public Works Facility 13,927.51 13,927.51
Forest Fire Truck 8,836.00 8,836.00
Elm Street Playground -
Lighting 920.90 898.50
Painting Town Hall Offices 2, 500. 00 2, 495. 00
Chapter 768 - Acts of
1969 - Highways 477.61 302.78
Surplus Government
Property 414.56 414.56
Youth Commission 992.86 739.46
Purchase State and Edney
Land 12,000.00 5,000.00
Purchase Dunn Land 30,000.00 27,313.68
Council on Aging 531.00 531.00
Salt Shed 325.00 325.00
Gasoline and Oil Storage 405. 36 40 3. 67
Sidewalks 26,436.18 26,030.07
Painting Inside Police
Station 3,000.00 3,000.00
Chapter 616 - Acts of
1967 - Highways 7,165.30 7,165.30
Recycling Operation 2,250.00 1,860.00
Youth Summer Employment
Program 2,600.00 2,535.22
Elm Street Playground -
Basketball Courts 3,100.00 994.42
Sanitary Landfill Purchase 8,100.00 8,000.00
Conservation Fund 85,000.00 85,000.00
Keyes Land Purchase 24,000.00 23,666.54
Tuition 46,455.00 35,442.80
Mount Hope Cemetery -
Jenks Fund 26., 000. 00 26,000.00
1975 Celebration Fund 5, 000. 00 5, 000. 00
Council on Aging 2,000.00 512.00
Police Department Vehicles 14, 330. 00 14, 302. 85
Surplus Government
Property 2,000.00 1,715.75
Highway Equipment
Purchase 62,500.00 35,036.02
Fire Chief's Car 4,500.00 4,488.94
Chapter 81 - Highway
Maintenance 23,100.00 23,100.00
Chapter 90 - Highway
Maintenance " 4,000.00 4,000.00
Patriots Road 4, 500. 00 3, 337.07
$8,057,808.05 $7,863,502.88
5,300.48
Appropriated or Available
Interdepartmental Transfer
11, 234.87
19, 682.24
22.40
5.00
174.83
253.40
7, 000. 00
2. 686. 32
1. 69
406. 11
390. 00
64.78
2,105. 58
100.00
333.46
11,012,20
1,488.00
27. 15
284. 25
27, 463. 98
11.06
1, 162.93
$ 188,959.65
173
Cemetery Department - Various Trust Funds
Charity Funds - Various Persons
Education - Various Purposes
Conservation Fund - Various Properties
1975 Celebration Fund
Snow Emergency - Chapter 44, Section 31
Post Wage Freeze Adjustments
Total Operating Disbursements
Other Cash Disbursements:
Agency:
Acton Teachers' Annuities
Massachusetts Teachers Association
Acton Teachers Association
Federal Income Tax Withheld
State Income Tax Withheld
Middlesex County Retirement
Acton Employees Group Life Insurance
Massachusetts Teachers Retirement Fund
Blue Cross -Blue Shield
Acton Teachers Insurance
Various Department Union Dues
Board of Appeals - Guarantee Deposits
State Air Pollution Control
State Assessment System
State Motor Vehicle Excise Bills
State Elderly Retiree Program
Metropolitan District Area
State Recreation Area
Middlesex County Tax
County Hospital Assessment
County Dog License Fees
Blanc hard Foundation Donation
Federal Revenue Sharing Funds
Refunds:
Taxes
Trust:
Bequest - Lothrop Fund
Perpetual Care
Trust Fund Income
Investment:
Certificate of Deposit
Repayment of Loans in Anticipation of Revenue:
Add - Cash Refunds
Total Disbursements
Disbursed
$ 14,368.97
1,800.00
3, 478.54
156, 664.26
426.00
9, 169.62
23, 346. 11
$8, 072, 656.38
7, 978.00
725.00
13,075.12
458, 397.61
123,846.12
48, 425.61
1,525.54
80, 176.62
11,938.73
2, 342.58
1, 084.00
329.25
447.10
590.80
1, 718.70
491.80
738. 35
22, 762.84
125,085.57
7, 126.14
4, 601.30
70.21
76, 774.00
27, 023. 53
100.00
5, 150.00
35, 140.15
200, 000.00
2, 900, 000.00
12, 230, 321.05
3, 542.95
$12,233,864.00
174
ASSETS
TOWN OF
BALANCE
DECEMBER
Cash:
Petty Cash Funds
General Funds
Certificate of Deposit
Certificate of Deposit for Federal Revenue
Sharing Funds Invested
220.00
484, 229.45
200,000.00
76,774.00
761, 223.45
Accounts Receivable:
Tax Levies -
1966 Personal Property
1967 Personal Property
1968 Personal Property
1969 Personal Property
1970 Personal Property
1971 Personel Property
197 2 Personal Property
1972 Real Estate
Special Assessment -
Street Betterments
2,750.75
123,257.93
3, 209.68
2, 523.40
2,060.40
2, 186.80
946.00
819.00
126, 008.68
137,753.96
107.23
Motor Vehicle Excise -
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
384.00
493. 21
1,140.91
548.99
1,114.21
3,477.67
19,647.98
102, 582.26
129,389.23
Tax Titles:
3,701.13
Tax Possessions:
793.72
4,494.85
Taxes in Litigation
608.72
Departmental:
Cemetery
Fire
Commonwealth o
State Census
f Massac
- Chapter
iu setts
812/1971
97.00
642.75
3,511.25
4, 251.00
Total Accounts
Receivable
417,205.47
Overdrawn Appropriation Balance -
Authorized by General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 31
Highway Department, Snow Emergency
9, 169.62
Total Assets
51, 162,918.85
ACTON
SHEET
31, 1972
175
LIABILITIES, RESERVES AND SURPLUS
Employees' Payroll Deductions -
See Schedule 1
Guarantee Deposits -
Board of Appeals
Performance Bond
Unclaimed Checks
Trust Fund Income Balances Unexpended -
See Schedule 2
Federal Grants - See Schedule 3
Old Age Assistance Recovery Not Allocated
Revolving Fund - School Cafeteria
Unexpended Article Appropriation Balances -
See Schedule 4
Federal Revenue Sharing Funds PL 92-512
Reserve for Petty Cash Funds
Over-estimate of Assessments -
Air Pollution Control
State Parks and Recreation Areas
Middlesex County Tax
Court Judgment, Land Damage for Relocation
of Central Street
Receipts Reserved. for Appropriation - Library
Receipts Reserved for Appropriation - County Dog Fund
Cemetery Land Fund
Premium on Bonds
Middlesex County Dog License Fees
Road Machinery Fund
Tax Title Foreclosure
Overlays Reserved for Abatements of Tax Levies:
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
Revenue Reserved Until Collected -
Special Assessments - Street Betterment
Tax Titles and Possessions
Motor Vehicle Excise
Departmental
Taxes in Litigation
Aid to Highways
Overlay Surplus - Reserve Fund
Surplus Revenue
Total Liabilities, Reserves and Surplus
52.87
4, 174.89
4, 889.24
82.64
5, 538.75
2. 598.50
259.19
126.87
333.32
109.69
946.00
819.00
6,934.98
107.
23
4,
494.
85
129,
389.
23
4,
251.
00
449.
42
115,
920.
79
6,716. 15
265.96
250.00
1, 152.75
6, 592.18
39,847.40
13,600.00
2,494.04
262,694.68
76,774.00
220.00
9, 199.64
8, 137.2.5
6,255.35
5,534.45
114.10
1, 167.02
335.00
9, 529.05
254,612.52
23,446.07
433,981. 24
$1, 162,918.85
176
DEFERRED REVENUE ACCOUNTS
Apportioned Street Assessments Not Due
North and Cross Streets $ 1, 963. 55
Adams Street 6, 649. 62
Minot Avenue 10,076. 84
18, 690. OT
LOANS AUTHORIZED - NOT ISSUED
Schools 182,797. 21
DEBT ACCOUNTS
Net Funded on a Fixed Debt _3, 200, 000,00
TRUST ACCOUNTS
Trust Funds - Cash and Securities -
In custody of Town Treasurer 748, 819. 78
In custody of Trustees 3, 000. 00
751,819.78
77
DEFERRED REVENUE ACCOUNTS
Street Assessments and Betterments
$ 18,600.01
LOANS AUTHORIZED - NOT ISSUED
Douglas School
Conant School
Inside Debt Limit -
Florence A. Merriam School
Acton Memorial Library Addition
Public Works Facility
Outside Debt Limit -
Florence A. Merriam School
Carolyn Douglas School
Paul P. Gates School
Luther Conant School
In Custody of Town Treasurer -
See Schedule 5
In Custody of Trustees -
Charlotte Goodnow Fund
DEBT ACCOUNTS
50,000.00
50, 000.00
195, 000.00
150,000.00
455, 000.00
845, 000.00
1,455, 000.00
TRUST ACCOUNTS
79,450.00
103, 347. 21
182,797. 21
295, 000. 00
2, 905, 000. 00
3, 200, 000.00
748, 819.78
3,000. 00
751, 819.78
178
BALANCE SHEET
Supporting Schedules
December 31, 1972
Schedule 1
Employees' Payroll Deductions
Middlesex County Retirement System $ 4,078.65
Acton Teachers' Annuities 1, 054. 00
Blue Cross-Blue Shield 965. 64
Massachusetts Teachers' Association 430. 00
Group Life Insurance 187. 86
6,716.15
Schedule 2
Unexpended Trust Fund Income Balances
Perpetual Care 4, 200. 09
Susan Noyes Hosmer 1,370.88
J. Roland Wetherbee 101.90
Ethel Robbins, Fred Robbins and George T. Ames Memorial 100.00
Luke Blanchard 78.72
George E. Whitney - Cemetery 72. 90
Henry S. Raymond - Monument 71.75
Frank Knowlton 60. 50
A. B. Conant Family 58. 87
Arlette Appleyard * 55.97
Frank C. Hayward 53.62
Ho it and Scott 51.49
Elbridge Jones Robbins and Descendents 48. 20
Dr. Robert I. Davis 46. 90
Carrie E. Wells 44. 27
George T. Ames 36.20
Elbridge J. Robbins 36.07
Mrs. Harry O'Neil 35. 80
Martha Desmond 26. 18
Sarah A. Watson 21.13
Henry S. Raymond 20. 74
6,592. 18
Schedule 3
Federal Grants
Welfare Administration -
Medical Assistance 83. 34
Medical Assistance 878. 15
Old Age Assistance -
Grant 156.63
Recovery - repayable to Federal agency 150. 00 306. 63
Disability Assistance " 250.00
Aid to Dependent Children 250. 00
Total Welfare Grants 1, 768. 12
School Grants:
Public Law 815
Public Law 874 - Title 1
Title 2 - Library
819.68
37, 252.00
7.60
179
39,847.40
Town
Meeting
Date
/57
/58
/64
/66
/67
/67
/69
/70
/70
/70
/70
/70
/70
/70
/70
/71
/71
/71
/71
/71
/71
/71
/72
/72
/72
/72
/72
/72
/72
/72
/72
/72
/72
/72
6
/24/
3
/09/
10
/19/
12
/05/
3
/13/
3
/13/
3
/10/
3
/09/
3
/09/
3
/09/
3
'09/
3
/09/
3
/09/
6
/29/
6
/29/
3
/08/
3
/08/
3
/08/
3
/08/
3
/08/
3
/08/
3
/08/
3
/13/
3
/13/
3
/13/
3
/13/
3
/13/
3
/13/
3
/13/
3
/13/
3
/13/
3
/13/
3
/13/
3
/13/
Article
No.
6
39
2
12
10
32
33
15
19
21
55
59
62
4
7
36
38
46
51
53
54
64
12
16
18
34
38
40
41
44
47
54
55
57
Schedule 4
Unexpended Article Appropriation Balances
Purpose
Civil Defense Power Unit
Archives Committee
Douglas School
Regional Disposal Planning Committee
Gates School
Emergency Operating Center
Town Forest Access Construction
Chapter 90 Construction
Conant School
Kennedy Land Lease
Tot Lot Equipment - Goward Field
Memorial Library - Air Conditioning
Mount Hope Cemetery Improvements
Assabet Regional Refuse Disposal Planning Board
Highways, Chapter 768, Section 4, 1969
Youth Commission
State and Edney Land Purchase
Main Street to Pope Road Land
High, Adams and Parker Streets Resurfacing
Sidewalks
Chapter 90 Construction
Picnic Facilities at Town Forest
Recycling Operation and Maintenance
Youth Summer Employment Program
Elm Street Basketball Courts
Keizer Land
Mount Hope Cemetery Road Paving
Council on Aging
Mosquito Ecology Study
Highway Equipment Purchase
Fire Department Pumper
Chapter 90 Construction
Town Common
Patriots Road
300.00
792.75
741,65
28.37
11,234.87
1,000.00
946.29
20,429.69
19,682.24
10.00
199.30
200.00
892.00
954.20
174.83
253.40
7,000.00
4,006.00
6, 500.00
406.11
30,800.00
750.00
390.00
64.78
2, 105. 58
333.46
2, 500. 00
1,488.00
6,800.00
27,463. 98
70,000.00
30,800.00
12,000.00
1,162.93
262, 694. 68
Schedule 5
Trust Accounts in Custody of Town Treasurer
Charity Funds:
Elizabeth M. White
Georgia E. Whitney
Betsey M. Ball
Varnum Tuttle Memorial
33,250.87
14,652.71
23,868.55
18,044.77
180
Cemetery Funds:
Perpetual Care
Susan Noyes Hosmer
Arlette Appleyard
Henry S. Raymond - Monument
Henry S. Raymond - Care
Ho it and Scott
J. Roland Wetherbee
Luke Blanchard
Frank C. Hay ward
Georgia E. Whitney
Dr. Robert I. Davis
Frank R. Knowlton
George T. Ames
Mrs. Harry I. O'Neil
Sarah A. Watson
Carrie F. Wells
A.B. Conant
Elbridge Jones Robbins and Descendents
Captain Robbins Lot
Elbridge J. Robbins Lot
Ethel R. Robbins, Fred Robbins and George T. Ames Memorial
Martha L. Desmond
Je.nks Family
Library and Educational Funds:
Acton High School
Wilde Memorial
Georgia E. Whitney Memorial
Firemen's Relief Funds:
Acton
West Acton
Conservation Fund
1975 Celebration Fund
Stabilization Fund
Eminent Domain Deposits:
Heirs of William Livingston
Heirs of Harriet Davis
Heirs of Amasa Davies
Devisees of Eveline White
Supplementary Financial Data
The unexpended balances of the following Articles were closed out during the year and transferred
to Surplus Revenues.
Purpose
Water District Land Lease $ 5.00
Vocational School District Committee 41. 47
Vocational Regional School District Committee 119. 23
Elm Street Playground Lighting 22. 40
$ 192,
469.
55
112,
103.
62
2,
421.
02
1,
654.
64
3,
619.
57
864.
55
19,
065.
41
3,
506.
50
2,
230.
2-4
2,
508.
07
1,
520.
06
1,
458.
27
644.
12
508.
16
3,
962.
56
4,
986.
39
1,
464.
22
1,
124.
73
3,
056.
60
1,
781.
86
25,
810.
82
3,
276.
76
26,
384.
21
5,
366.
28
35,
627.
15
19,
894.
08
20,
196.
23
1,
747.
84
121,
549.
93
14,
733.
56
1,
549.
82
381.
02
2,
663.
02
9,
531.
00
9,
341.
02
$ 748,
819.
78
Town
Meeting
Date
Article
No.
11/18/68
3/10/69
3/09/70
3/09/70
11
39
18
53
181
Town
Meeting
Article
Date
No.
3/09/70
57
3/08/71
39
3/08/71
49
3/08/71
62
3/13/72
25
3/13/72
43
3/13/72
48
Purpose
Painting Town Hall Offices
Dunn Land Purchase
Gas and Oil Storage Tanks and Pumps
Regional Vocational School
Sanitary Landfill - Jackson Land
Police Department Vehicles
Fire Chief Vehicle
5.00
686. 32
1.69
186. 00
100.00
27.
11.
15
06
3,205. 32
The Finance Committee authorized the following transfers from the Reserve Fund during the year
ended December 31, 1972:
$ 50,000.00
Appropriation
Transfers:
Date
Budget
1972
Line #
May 18
1
Jun 1
69
Jun 1
72
Jun 15
85
Jun 28
11
Jul 27
3
Jul 27
43
Jul 27
90
Aug 17
6
Aug 17
28
Aug 17
66
Sep 7
90
Sep 21
66
Oct 19
24
Oct 19
25
Nov 2
18
Dec 7
42
Dec 7
84
Dec 14
4
Dec 14
11
Dec 14
51
Dec 14
61
Dec 14
62
Dec 14
65
Dec 28
80
Dec 31
95
Account
Moderator - Salary
Highway Department - Capital Outlay
Garbage Collection
Pension Fund - Expense
Town Office Clerical Wages
Finance Committee - Expense
Fire Department - Capital Outlay
Anticipation of Revenue Notes - Interest
Selectmen - Capital Outlay
Board of Appeals - Expense
Highway Department - Machinery Expense
Anticipation of Revenue Notes - Interest
Highway Department - Machinery Expense
Elections and Registrations - Salaries
Elections and Registrations - Expense
Treasurer /Collector - Expense
Fire Department -- Expense
Veterans' Aid
Selectmen's Department - Salaries
Town Office Clerical Staff - Salaries
Wire Inspector - Expense
Highway Department - Salaries
Highway Department - Overtime for Snow Removal
Highway Department - Snow and Ice Control
Recreation Department - Expense
West Acton Library - Salaries
100.00
600.00
2,712.50
1, 583.77
2," 000. 00
50.00
2,000.00
388.97
403.60
350.00
12,000.00
1„ 954. 17
1,100.00
2,500.00
2,000.00
1,250.00
1,500.00
1,500.00
374.34
2,000.00
875.00
1,500.00
1,192.33
5, 484. 00
1,702. 59
211.08
47,332.35
182
ACTON STREET DIRECTORY
Adams Street A-2
Agawam Road C-4
Alcott Street D-2
Algonquin Road D-5
Anne Avenue C-3
Arlington Street D-4
Ashwood Road C-2
Azalea Court D-l
Arborwood Road C-l
Balsam Drive D-3
Barker Road C-3
Baxter Road B-4
Bayberry Road D-l
Berry Lane D-2
Betsy Ross Circle B-5
Beverly Road C-3
Billings Street A-4
Birch Ridge Road B-5
Blackhorse Drive A-5
Blanchard Street A-4
Brabrook Road D-l
Bridle Path Way E-l
Broadview Street B-2
Bromfield Drive D-2
Brook Street E-2
Brookside Circle B-2
Brucewood Road C-3
Bulette Road D-5
Captain Brown's Lane C-4
Captain Furbush's Lane C-4
Carlisle Road G-2
Carlton Drive A-2
Carriage Drive B-2
Cedar Terrace C-4
Central Street B-3,
Chadwick Street B-2
Charter Road C-4
Cherokee Road D-5
Cherry Ridge Road B-5
Church Street B-4
Clover Hill Road B-2
Conant Street A-2
Concord Road D-2
Coolidge Drive D-4
Coughlin D-3
Country Club Road A-2
Cowdrey Lane D-3
Craig Road C-l
Cresent Street B-2
Crestwood Lane B-4
Crestwood Road C-2
Cricket Way D-2
Cross Street G-2
Davis Road E-2
Deacon Hunt Drive C-4
Doris Road C-3
Downey Road B-4
Duggan Road A-4
Durkee Road B-4
Elm Court C-4
Elm Street C-5
Eliot Circle D-3
D-5
Emerson Drive
D-2
Esterbrook Road
E-2
Ethan Allen Drive
B-5
Evergreen Road
D-3
Fairway Road
A-2
Faulkner Hill Road
B-3
Fernwood Road
C-2
Fife & Drum Road
D-3
Flagg Road
D-l
Fletcher Court
A- 3
Flint Road
B-4
Flintlock Drive
A-5
Foley Street
B-2
Forest Road
C-2
Fort Pond Road
E-4
Foster Street
C-2
Fox Hill Road
B-2
Francine Road
C-3
Fraser Drive
B-4
Garfield Lane
D-3
Giaconda Avenue
B-2
Grasshopper Lane
D-2
Great Road
D-l,
Greenwood Lane
D-3
Gristmill Road
A-5
Hammond Street
D-4
Harris Street
F-3
Hatch Road
B-2
Harvard Court
E-2
Haynes Court
B-5
Hawthorne Street
D-2
Hay ward Road
C-4
Heald Road
D-3
Hemlock Lane
D-3
Henley Road
F-3
Hennessey Drive
B-3
Heritage Road
C-2
High Street
A-2
Highland Road
A-5
Hillcrest Drive
C-2
Hillside Terrace
C-4
Homestead Street
B-4
Hickory Hill Trail
D-3
Hosmer Street
C-2
Houghton Lane
C-4
Huckleberry Lane
D-3
Huron Road
D-5
Independence Road
B-2
Iris Court
D-l
Isaac Davis Way
C-3
Jackson Drive
D-4
Jefferson Drive
D-3
John Swift Road
D-3
Joseph Reed Lane
C-4
Juniper Ridge Road
B-5
Karner Road
D-5
Keefe Road
D-l
Kelley Road
C-3
Kinsley Road
B-4
F-4
ACTON STREET DIRECTORY (continued)
183
Larch Road
D-3
Laurel Court
B-3
Lawsbrook Road
C-l
Liberty Street
A-3
Lilac Court
B-3
Lillian Road
D-5
Lincoln Drive
D-4
Littlefield Road
C-5
Longfellow Park
D-2
Lothrop Road
B-4
Madison Lane
D-4
Magnolia Drive
D-l
Main Street
A-2,
Mallard Road
C-4
Maple Street
B-3
Marian Road
B-5
Martin Street
B-3
Massachusetts Avenue
D-l,
Mead Terrace
B-4
Meadow Brook Road
D-3
Merriam Lane
B-2
Minot Avenue
D-2
Minuteman Road
D-3
Mohawk Drive
C-5
Mohegan Road
C-4
Monroe Lane
D-4
Musket Drive
D-3
Myrtle Drive
D-l
Nadine Road
C-3
Nagog Hill Road
D-2
Nash Road
B-4
Nashoba Road
C-5
Newtown Road
D-3
North Street
G-2
Notre Dame Road
B-5
Noyes Street
A-4
Oakwood Road
C-2
Old Colony Lane
C-l
Olde Lantern Road
A-5
Old Meadow Lane
B-2
Old Village Road
D-2
Olde Surrey Drive
B-2
Oneida Road
D-5
Orchard Drive
C-5
Parker Street
A-2
Patrick Henry Circle
B-5
Patriots Road
D-3
Partridge Pond Road
C-3
Paul Revere Road
B-5
Pearl Street
B-4
Phalen Street
D-2
Phlox Lane
D-l
Pine Street
A-3
Pinewood Road
C-2
Piper Road
B-3
Piper Lane
B-3
Pond View Drive
B-2
Pope Road
D-l
Powder Horn Lane
A-5
Powder Mill Road
A-l
Proctor Street
E-l
H-3
B-5
U & V
Prospect Street
B-3
Putnam Road
D-3
Putter Drive
A-2
Quaboag Road
C-4
Quarry Road
F-3
Railroad Street
B-3
Redwood Road
C-2
Revolutionary Road
D-3
River Street
B-2
Robbins Street
A-3
Robinwood Road
C-2
Rose Court
D-l
Russell Road
C-2
Saint James Circle
C-3
Samuel Parlin Drive
D-4
Sandas Trail
C-4
School Street
B-3
Seminole Road
C-4
Seneca Road
C-5
Simon Hapgood Lane
E-l
Simon Willard Road
D-3
Sioux Street
C-4
Smart Road
A-4
Smith Street
E-l
South Street
G-2
Spencer Road
C-4
Spring Hill Road
F-l
Stoney Street
C-3
Stow Street
A-3
Strawberry Hill Road
E-2
Sudbury Road
A-l
Summer Street
B-5
Sylvia Street
A-3
Squirrel Hill Road
A-5
Taft Lane
D-4
Taylor Road
C-3
Thoreau Road
D-2
Ticonderoga Road
A-5
Townsend Road
B-4
Trask Road
D-3
Tuttle Drive
B-3
Valley Road
B-2
Vanderbelt Road
B-2
Wachusetts Drive
D-5
Wampus Avenue
F-3
Washington Drive
D-3
Wetherbee Street
D-l
West Road
C-4
Wheeler Lane
G-2
Whittier Drive
D-2
Willow Street
B-4
Wilson Lane
D-4
Windemere Drive
A-5
Windsor Avenue
B-5
Winter Street
B-5
Wood Lane
D-3
Woodbury Lane
D-3
Woodchester Drive
A-5
Wright Terrace
B-5
-w-
M2&Z PUPATE */AYS
»OiVATK-, uNACCtOTCO
= = SS OOAOb, APPffOVLO UMDCI7 T
»ue>Dwiaio*J COMTOOL LAW (CM
AS AMENDED TO JANUARY I. 1970
MAP OF
TOWN OF ACTON
MASSACHUSETTS
SHOWING LOCATION OF STREETS
FEBRUARY 1957
3CAL£ in rctr
186
INDEX
Page
Accountant 164
Animals, Inspector of 53
Appeals, Board of 21
Archives 71
Assessors, Board of 143
Births 75
Building Committee 19
Building Inspector 57
Cemetery Commission 21
Civil Defense 58
Conservation Commission 58
Dog Licenses 79
Dog Officer 5 9
Educational Reports 116
Election, State 81
Election, Town 80
Elizabeth White Fund 22
Engineering Department 44
Finance Committee (See Warrant Supplement)
Fire Department 60
Goodnow Fund 23
Health, Board of 53
Highway Department 24
Historical Commission 72
Historical District Study Commission, Acton 71
Homeowner's Inventory 67
Housing Authority, Acton 23
Insect Pest Control 5 9
Jury List 113
Library Reports 26
National, State and County Officials 1
1975 Celebration, Advisory Committee 73
Planning Board 28
Police Department 64
Recreation Commission 30
Sealer of Weights and Measures 69
Selectmen, Report of 5
Sewerage Study Commission 43
Street Directory and Map 182
Street Light Committee 44
Tax Collector, Office of 145
Town Forest Committee 46
Town Government Water District Study Committee 46
Town Manager, Report of 5
Town Meetings, Proceedings of 83
Town Officers and Appointments 9
Treasurer's Report 149
Tree Warden 49
Veterans' Agent 69
Veterans' Graves 70
Vocational Regional School 141
Wires, Inspector of 70
Workmen's Compensation 70
Youth Commission 49
OFFICE "HOURS
Town Office (Selectmen,
Town Manager, Clerk)
Treasurer and Collector
Assessors
School Superintendent
Asst. School Superintendent
Board of Health
Veterans' Agent
Library Hours:
Memorial Library-
Citizens, West Acton
8-4:30 (Tues. 7:30 p.m.)
8-4:30 (Tues. 7:30-8:30 p. m.)
8-4:30 (Tues. 7:30-8:30 p. m.)
8-4:30
8-4:30
8-4:30
No Regular Hours
Mon. -Fri., 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday, 9-5 p.m.
Mon., 7-9 p.m.
Tues. -Fri., 10-5 p.m.
Town Hall
Town Hall
Town Hall
A-B Regional H.S.
A-B Regional H.S.
Office at Forest Road
At Home
263-2761
263-7018
263-5012
263-9503
263-9503
263-4736
263-4757
263-2232
MEETINGS
DAY & TIME
PLACE
Annual Town Election
Annual Town Meeting
Appeals Board
Assessors
Building Committee
Conservation Commission
Finance Committee
Board of Health
Historical Commission
Industrial Development Commission
Library Trustees
Planning Board
Recreation Commission
School Committee: Regional
Local
Selectmen
Youth Commission
1st Monday in March
2nd Monday in March
2nd Monday of each month
or when necessary
1st Tuesday of each month
4:30 p.m.
1st and 3rd Wednesday of
each month, 7:30 p.m.
1st and 3rd Wednesday of
each month, 8:00 p.m.
4th Wednesday of each
month, 8:00 p.m.
1st and 3rd Tuesday of
each month, 7:30 p.m.
2nd Wednesday of each
month, 7:30 p.m.
1st Wednesday of each
month, 8:00 p.m.
1st Thursday of each
month, 7:45 p.m.
2nd and 4th Mondays of
each month, 8:00 p.m.
2nd and 4th Tuesdays of
each month, 7:30 p.m.
2nd and 4th Mondays of
each month, 7:30 p.m.
3rd Monday of each month,
7:30 p.m.
Every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
2nd and 4th Wednesday of
each month
Precinct Fire Stations
Blanchard Auditorium
Town Hall
Town Hall
Hearing Room at Forest Road
Hearing Room at Forest Road
Hearing Room at Forest Road
Hearing Room at Forest Road
Hearing Room at Forest Road
Town Hall
Memorial Library
Hearing Room at Forest Road
Hearing Room at Forest Road
Jr. High School Music Room
Jr. High School Music Room
Town Hall
Town Hall
ACTON
OF GENERAL INTEREST
ACTON as the name of our Town has several possible derivations: The old Saxon word Ac -tun meaning
oak settlement of hamlet in the oaks, the Town of Acton, England, the Acton family of England, a mem-
ber of which supposedly offered a bell for the first meetinghouse in 1735.
Incorporated: July 3, 1735
Form of Government: Open Town Meeting-Selectmen-Town Manager
Location: Eastern Massachusetts, Middlesex, bordered on the east by Carlisle and Concord,
on the west by Boxborough, on the north by Westford and Littleton, on the south by
Sudbury and on the southwest by Stow and Maynard.
Elevation: At Town Hall 268' above mean sea level.
Area: Approximately 20 square miles.
Climate: Normal January temperature 27.7°F.
Normal July temperature 72.0°F.
Normal annual precipitation 43.02 inches.
Population: Year
Taxes:
Year
Persons
Density
1910
2, 136
106 per sq. mi.
1950
3, 510
175
1955
4, 681
233
1960
7, 238
361
1965
10, 188
507
1970
14, 770
739
Year
Tax Rate
Assessed Valuation
1968
$34
$ 79, 513, 915
1969
38.50
88, 979, 095
1970
43
97, 088, 304
1971
45
104, 939, 555
1972
49.50
112, 650, 630
Public Education: 5 Elementary Schools
Acton- Boxborough Regional Jr. and Sr. High Schools
Enrollment: 1-6 - 2,402
7-12 - 2,418
Pupil-teacher ratio: 1-6 - 23:1
7-12 - 19:1
Public Safety: Full-time Fire and Police Departments
Churches: Acton Christian Church, 1 Baptist, 1 Catholic, 2 Congregational,
1 Episcopal, 1 Evangelical Free, Friend Meeting House, Jewish
Community Group of Acton, 1 Lutheran, 1 Methodist.
Hospital: Emerson Hospital, Concord
Recreation: Acton has facilities for Baseball, Softball, Basketball, Soccer,
Football, Tennis, Ice Skating, Hockey, in addition to play-
grounds and a full summer program including swimming.
SE. MASSACHUSETTS
ANN.UAL;-
REPORT
•'.TQ-WN.v
ACTON'
AT YOUR SERVICE
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
POLICE 263-2911
FIRE 263-9191
AMBULANCE 263-2911
Be sure to give your name and address as well as the nature of your emergency clearly,
until you are sure your message has been understood.
Do not hang up
FOR ANSWERS ON:
Assessments
Bills and Accounts
Birth, Death, Marriage Certificates
Building
Cemeteries
Civil Defense
Dog Licenses
Dog Problems
Education Information
Elections, Voting and Registration
Engineering
Finance
Fire (Routine and Permits)
Garbage and Refuse
Health and Sanitation
Highways and Streets
Home Nursing
Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Library
Licenses
Mosquito Control
Nurses (School)
Nurses (School)
Nurses (Town)
Oil Burner Permits
Planning
Plumbing Permits
Public Works
Schools
263-2240
Selectmen
Snow Removal
Tax Collections
Veterans' Services
Water Problems
Welfare Questions
Wiring
Wiring Permits
Zoning
CALL THE:
Board of Assessors
Town Treasurer and Collector
Town Clerk's Office
Building Inspector
Cemetery Superintendent
Fire Chief
Town Clerk's Office
Dog Officer
School Superintendent
Town Clerk's Office
Town Engineer's Office
Chairman of the Finance Committee
Fire Department
Board of Health
Board of Health
Town Engineer
Board of Health: Visiting Nurse
Town Clerk's Office
Librarian, Memorial Library
Librarian, Citizens Library of West Acton
Selectmen-Town Manager
Board of Health
Board of Health
School Nurse, Junior High and High Schools
Elementary Schools
Town Nurse
Fire Chief
Chairman of the Planning Board
Board of Health
Office - Forest Road
Carolyn T. Douglas School
Julia L. McCarthy-Marion L. Towne School
Florence A. Merriam School
Paul P. Gates School
Luther B. Conant School
Acton- Boxborough Regional Junior High School
Acton- Boxborough Regional High School
Town Office
Highway Department
Treasurer and Collector
Veterans' Agent
Water District (Not part of the Town of Acton)
Welfare Board (Office in Concord)
Wire Inspector
Office - Forest Road
Zoning Enforcement Officer
TELEPHONE:
263
263
263
263
or 263
263
263
263
263
263
263
263
263
263
263
263
263
263
263
263
263
263
263
263
263
263
263
263
263
263
263
263
263
263
263
263
263
263
263
263
263
263
369
263
263
263
-2966
-7018
-2761
-7545
-4428
-4366
-2761
-4979
-9503
-2761
-7545
-5510
-4366
-4736
-4736
-7545
-4736
-2761
-2232
-9222
-2761
-4736
-4736
-7738
-4982
-4736
-4366
-7545
-4736
-4736
-2753
-4982
-2581
-9162
-7407
-7716
-7738
-2761
-5332
-7018
-4757
-5646
-1290
-5555
-4736
-7545
1973
ANNUAL REPORTS
TOWN of ACTON
MASSACHUSETTS
TWO HUNDRED AND
THIRTY-EIGHTH
MUNICIPAL YEAR
For the year ending
December Thirty-First
Acton Minuteman, Ronald Sommer
(Photo by Robert E. Daniels)
TABLE
OF
CONTENTS
(Photo by John Folsom)
NATIONAL, STATE AND COUNTY OFFICIALS
THE CHURCH OF ACTON: A MOMENT IN HISTORY
ADMINISTRATION
Town Government Organizational Chart
Board of Selectmen and Town Manager
Charles D. MacPherson - A Dedication
Town Officials and Appointments
TOWN SERVICES
Building Committee
Board of Appeals
Cemetery Commission
Elizabeth White Fund
Goodnow Fund
Housing Authority
Highway Department
Library Reports
Long Range Planning Board
Planning Board
Recreation Commission
Street Light Committee
Town Engineer
Town Forest Committee
Tree Warden
Youth Commission
Page
1
2
4
6
9
10
22
23
23
25
25
26
26
29
31
32
33
35
36
38
38
39
Page
PROTECTION OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY
Animal Inspector 44
Dog Officer 44
Board of Health 45
Building Inspector 51
Civil Defense 52
Conservation Commission 53
Insect Pest Control 54
Inspector of Wires 54
Sealer of Weights and Measures 54
Fire Department 55
Police Department 60
Homeowner's Inventory 63
Veterans' Agent 65
Veterans' Graves 65
Workmen's Compensation 65
OUR HERITAGE
Archives 68
Historical Commission 68
1975 Celebration Committee 69
THE OFFICE OF THE TOWN CLERK
Births 72
Elections and Town Meetings 77
Jury List 100
Dog Licenses 102
EDUCATIONAL REPORTS
Acton Public Schools and Regional School District 104
Organization 112
Calendar 112
Treasurer's Report 113
Vocational Regional School 115
FINANCES
Board of Assessors 118
Finance Committee (see Warrant Supplement)
Office of the Treasurer-Collector 119
Town Accountant 120
STREET DIRECTORY AND MAI 130
INDEX 134
Credits - Cover: Deidre McCullough's pen and ink sketch of the century old Spinning
Wheel belonging to Mr. and Mrs. Victor Salloway. The building is the 1880
West Acton family home of Ernest and Carrie Banks, presently owned by
their grandson, Stewart Kennedy.
NATIONAL, SIATE AND COUNTY OFFICIALS
President
RICHARD M. NIXON
Vice-President
SPIRO T. AGNEW=:
Governor
of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
FRANCIS W. SARGENT
Dover
Lieutenant Governor
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Treasurer and Receiver General
Auditor of the Commonwealth
Attorney General
Senators in Congress
Representative in Congress
5th Congressional District
Councillor, 3rd Councillor District
Senator, 5th Middlesex District
Representative in General Court
33rd Middlesex District
County Commissioners
Clerk of Courts, Middlesex County
Register of Deeds, Middlesex South District
County Treasurer
Register of Probate and Insolvency
District Attorney
County Sheriff
Donald R. Dwight, Wayland
John F. X. Davoren, Milford
Robert Q.v Crane, Boston
Thaddeus Buczko, Salem
Robert H. Quinn, Dorchester
Edward W. Brooke, Boston
Edward M. Kennedy, Boston
Paul Cronin, Dover
George F. Cronin, Jr., Boston
Chester G. Atkins, Acton
John H. Loring, Acton
S. Lester Ralph, Somerville
Paul Tsongas, Lowell
John L. Danehy, Cambridge
Edward J. Sullivan, Cambridge
John F. Zamparelli, Medford
Thomas B. Brennan, Medford
John V. Harvey, Belmont
John J. Droney, Cambridge
John J. Buckley, Belmont
'-Effective December, 1973: Gerald R. Ford, Washington, D. C.
THE CHURCH OF ACTON: A MOMENT IN HISTORY
This article is excerpted from a Master's thesis
written by James L. Parker entitled, Division in
Early 19th Century Congregationalism: A Study
of the Church in the Town of Acton. Copies of
the complete paper are available at the Memorial
Library and the Acton Center Congregational
Church. Mr. Parker, a New Englander for the
past 20 years, is a member of the History Depart-
ment faculty at Concord Academy and serves as
the school's Administrative Officer in charge of
Finances. A member and former deacon of the
Acton Congregational Church, he also serves as
a corporate trustee at the Acton Memorial Library.
(Photo by Betsy Raymond)
The land which now comprises the town of Acton was for many years an abjunct of the town of
Concord; though it was never within the original boundaries of Concord, it was locally known as the
New Grant or as Concord Village. Some settlers who found Concord "crowded" (as early as 1639!)
simply moved in! The Village area, however, shared Concord's Indian troubles, especially with the
Nashobas, and thus in 1684, the town of Concord, by a carefully drawn formal deed, purchased the New
Grant land from the Indians. By 1698, the Village had begun holding its own annual meeting in the form
of a special session following the Concord meeting. By 1710, the people of the Village were electing
their own clerk. Soon mills and iron works followed cultivated fields and the urge for political status
grew.
Religion figured prominently in the Village's desire for independence from Concord. No new
town could be granted an act of incorporation unless the citizens thereof solemnly agreed to erect with-
in a specified time a proper meeting house and arranged for the dignified support of a qualified minis-
ter. By 1731, the Village residents felt they were ready. "For years they had taken the long trek to
the Concord church. Now they concluded that to wrestle annually and simultaneously with sin and the
rigors of a vicious N.E. winter was no longer a necessary hardship. They were well aware that the
Lord chastened those whom He loveth but they sensibly decided that the errant sinner might take his
punishment conveniently close to home. Their petition for separate precinct status was denied in 1732;
Concord likewise refused them separate township in the same year. But in March, 1735, the Concord
voters set off the Village as a separate town and tne Gen'l. Court (in Boston) brought the town of Acton
into being July 1, 1735. "
Thus, according to the terms of the Act of Incorporation, the people of Acton had three years in
which to "erect and finish a suitable house for the worship of God." The first public worship was in-
deed held in January of 1738, but the building was hardly finished and was not considered to be so for
another nine years. Once the decisions as to site, size and financing were made, all members were
given the "opportunity" to assist at "giting out timber." Work proceeded at a snail's pace, but by 1747
the meeting house located near Main Street and Nagog Hill Road was reasonably complete.
In May of 1738 the town had voted to invite Mr. John Swift of Framingham to settle in Acton as its
first minister. Born in 1713, the only son of a minister, he was graduated from Harvard in 1733. He
was paid an annual salary of 150 pounds plus a settlement bonus of 250 pounds. It was agreed, of course,
that his salary should "fluctuate" in relation to the value of the necessities of life. As was the custom
of many clergymen of the period, Mr. Swift, a good Latinist, took young men into his home for instruc-
tion in preparation for Harvard. Mr. Swift's preaching has been described as practical, plain and seri-
ous; he was opposed to excess and extravagance of every kind and constantly promoted peace. Mr.
Swift was pastor of the First Parish at the time of the battles of Lexington and Concord. He greeted
Acton's famous "White Cockade" company under the command of Capt. Isaac Davis as it marched by en
route to Concord on April 19, 1775. And it was he who later comforted the families of the three Ac -
tonians who had been killed in the day's activities. Acton had early cast her lot against the Crown and
organized her Minute Men. Mr. Swift had shared the excitement of the move towards independence, but
only briefly, for in November 1775 at the age of 62, after a ministry of 3 7 years, he died of small -pox.
Guest ministers supplied the pulpit until in January, 1777, it was voted to have Mr. Moses Adams
"take charge over the Church and Congregation. " His salary was to be 200 pounds settlement, plus 80
pounds lawful money and firewood for -the first year. His ministry, through some 40 years to come,
would see the final winning of independence, the struggling of the new government under the Articles of
Confederation, the excitement of the nearby Shays rebellion, the optimism of the Founding Fathers and
their new Constitution, and then experience the marvelous growth of the new country under the leader-
ship of Presidents Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Madison and Monroe.
The revivalistic spirit of the 1790' s helped to hasten a decision for a new meeting house. Finished
in 1807, at a cost of $10,000, the new meeting house was built on the site of the present Town Hall and
was universally admired as a model of its design. The Rev. Mr. Adams died in 1819 and the third and
final pastor of the intact First Parish was Rev. Marshall Shedd, a native of Newton and graduate of
Dartmouth. He was offered a $500 settlement, a salary of $200 per year and 15 cords of wood annually.
Mr. Shedd, described as pious, peaceable and exemplary, labored diligently for 11 years to bring har-
mony to his congregation in matters of religious doctrine. But Acton was swept into the religious irri-
tations of the day; the conservative -liberal divergence of opinions were quite evident. With consider-
able mental anguish and a sense of failure, Mr. Shedd resigned; thus bringing to the surface many of
the latent tendencies of the conservative -liberal controversy and providing the stimulus necessary to
bring about the division of the Acton Church in 1832.
The congregation could not agree on a new minister. Within eight months of Mr. Shedd's resigna-
tion, those who held to the Trinitarian faith withdrew from the First Parish and formed the New Evan-
gelical Society in Acton. The vitality of the new church attracted many. Membership soared. Much
vigor is attributed to its new meeting house (still standing; presently owned by Acton Center Women's
Club) and its dynamic first minister: Rev. James T. Woodbury. Destined to remain pastor for 20
years, Mr. Woodbury was 29 years old, a graduate of Harvard who had also passed the New Hampshire
bar and was thus "an orator as well as a shepherd. " He could simultaneously minister to a church and
serve in the (1834) state legislature. Commanding in stature and in personality, he was also a man of
great courage and ability.
The Unitarian (liberal) branch of the disrupted church had no Mr. Woodbury. They ran into dif-
ficulties immediately. As Mr. Woodbury and his growing congregation moved into even larger meeting
houses in 1833 and 1846 (the present Acton Center Congregational Church), the Unitarian group began its
steady decline.
Gestures to secure preaching were generally unsuccessful and largely discontinued by the 1840' s.
An attempt was made to unite all the elements which had not affiliated with the Evangelical Congrega-
tional Church, but with no permanent success. In 1846, the group leased the lower portion of its meet-
ing house to the town, and finally in 1859, the entire building was deeded to the town for $2,000. The
building then served as the Town Hall until it was destroyed by fire in 1862. In 1863, the present Town
Hall was built on the same site.
In March of 1860, the Unitarian group voted to "hold meeting at Tuttle Hall in South Acton" - and
with this move, the group expired.
The division of 1832 had brought then, one new church filled with enthusiasm and energy to be-
come one of the largest congregations in the town, and one old church with new ideas that did not suffi-
ciently inspire the tiny congregation to allow its continued existence. The trinitarian-unitarian contro-
versy which was sweeping New England had left its mark on the Acton community.
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BOARD OF SELECTMEN AND TOWN MANAGER
Alfred F. Steinhauer, Chairman
Robert W. Dotson, Town Manager
Paul H. Lesure Stephen G. Lewis Paul R. Nyquist William C. Sawyer Alfred F. Steinhauer1
Robert W. Dotson
On March 20, 1973 the Board of Selectmen reorganized as follows: Alfred F. Steinhauer, Chair-
man; William C. Sawyer, Vice Chairman; Paul R. Nyquist, Clerk; Paul H. Lesure, Member; and
Stephen G. Lewis, Member.
The calendar year 1973 constituted 12 months of the 18 -month Fiscal Year changeover period
which commenced on January 1, 1973 and will run through June 30, 1974. The 18-month budget which
was voted at the 1973 Annual Town Meeting was required by State statute in order to implement a change
in the Town's fiscal cycle from a calendar year period to a July 1st through June 30th period to coincide
with State and Federal practice. The change will allow the Annual Town Meeting to vote the annual bud-
get prior to the start of the fiscal cycle beginning on July 1st and prior to the expenditure of any funds.
The change required all Town boards, committees and departments to prepare budgets nine months in
advance of the start of the new fiscal cycle and for this reason, the Selectmen called a special Town
Meeting in June to request a change in the Town's Bylaws. Following the recommendations of the Board
of Selectmen, the Town voted to move the date of the annual election and town meeting from the first
Monday in March to the first Monday in May. The date change gives Town entities an additional two
months for budget preparation.
The 1973 Annual Town Meeting votes indicated that Acton's voters were becoming increasingly
aware of the Town's rapid growth and the need for more planning in specific municipal operations. Funds
were appropriated for the preparation of a professional plan for the development of Town recreational
areas; funds were appropriated for the preparation of plans for the orderly development of both Wood -
lawn and Mount Hope Cemetery lands; debt financing of $360,500.00 was approved for the purchase of
new Highway Department equipment to replace existing machinery which had given many years of ser-
vice and had begun to require extraordinary repair and maintenance expense; funds were authorized for
implementation of public kindergarten which opened in September, 1973.
The growth of the Town was also reflected in the Town Meeting
vote to authorize a full-time assistant to the Planning Board, and a
full-time administrative assistant to the Town Manager. The position
of Director of Recreation was increased from part time to full time,
and recreational programs have now been scheduled throughout the
year.
During 1973 the Selectmen, along with many other Town offi-
cials, attended meetings in Acton and at the offices of the Massachu-
setts Department of Public Works in Boston relative to improvements
and environmental impact which reconstruction would have on Route 2
and Route 111 (Massachusetts Avenue). Proposals for traffic con-
trols at the three Route 2 intersections (Piper Road/Taylor Road,
Hosmer Street, School Street/Wetherbee Street) were considered and
the Selectmen were successful in persuading the Department of Pub-
lic Works to install traffic lights at the Piper Road /Taylor Road in-
tersection. The Selectmen do not believe that the installation of
traffic lights, or any other temporary measure to alleviate the dan-
gerous traffic conditions on Route 2, would be a lasting solution to
the existing problem. The Board continues to urge the State Depart-
ment of Public Works to commence and complete the reconstruction
of Route 2 in Acton.
James Vanar
Administrative Assistant
(Photo by G. B. Williams, Jr.)
Business and commercial development continued at a rapid
pace during 1973 with the construction of several small shopping
centers along Great Road (Route 2A) and in the "Kelley's Corner"
(intersection of Route 27 and 111) area. Town Department heads,
the Planning Board and Selectmen continue to devote a great deal of time working on Site Plans required
for business and industrial development. Continuing effort is made to insure that commercial develop-
ments are as aesthetically pleasing as reasonably possible and are constructed with maximum consider-
ation given to possible traffic problems, drainage problems and effects on surrounding areas.
The Acton Selectmen were successful in taking two steps toward enabling more effective planning
by all of the towns in the Commonwealth. The first was the favorable decision of the Supreme Judicial
Court of Massachusetts, in Bellows Farm Inc. versus the Building Inspector of the Town of Acton (the
Town), to the effect that the provisions of Section 7A of Chapter 40A of the General Laws, which post-
pones the effective date of changes in a town's zoning bylaw for a three year period, apply only to
changes in use regulations and not to changes in other kinds of regulations such as those dealing with
intensity or yard sizes for real estate plans that do not require Planning Board approval.
The second step which the Acton Selectmen took was at the Annual Statewide Meeting of the Massa-
chusetts Selectmen's Association held in October. The Massachusetts Selectmen's Association, on re -
quest and recommendation of the Acton Selectmen, adopted as one of its statutory proposals to be pre-
sented to the State Legislature in 1974, legislation which if passed will shorten from seven years to
three years the period for which changes in a town's zoning bylaws are prevented from becoming effec-
tive by Section 7A of Chapter 40A for plans that do require Planning Board approval.
The 1972 Annual Town Report received a second place award in the statewide Annual Town Report
Contest sponsored by the Massachusetts Selectmen's Association. The report of the Finance Committee
which appeared in the Warrant for the 1973 Annual Town Meeting received the top award in the statewide
Annual Finance Committee Report Contest sponsored by the Massachusetts Association of Finance
Committees.
On April 26, 1973, the Town Manager appointed Norman L. Roche as permanent Chief of Police.
Chief Roche had held the position of Acting Chief since Chief Edward J. Collins, Jr. retired on Octo-
ber 1, 1972.
During 1973 the Massachusetts Legislature passed several pieces of legislation which will un-
doubtedly prove costly to cities and towns. A bill providing Police and Fire Department personnel with
compulsory and binding arbitration in collective bargaining disputes was passed after cities and towns
throughout the Commonwealth had voiced strong opposition to its passage. The new law gives collective
bargaining agreements precedence over town bylaws and several existing State statutes. We have con-
sistently voiced our opposition to this legislation and we believe that when the law becomes effective on
July 1, 1974, it will prove detrimental to the Town's collective bargaining procedures.
New legislation placed Acton in the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project Area. The
District is presently being formed and at this time, we do not know how it will function.
A bill requiring the upgrading of municipal ambulance service was enacted. Presently, Acton's
ambulance service is conducted through the use of dual purpose police cruisers/ambulances. The law
does not specifically detail new ambulance requirements, which are to be determined by a State agency
presently being formed. It is quite possible that the Town may be required to purchase standard ambu-
lances within the next two years.
For the second year, the high school students of Acton and Boxborough and Town officials of both
towns worked together on Student Government Day which was held in March and coincided with annual
elections and town meetings. An election was held at the Acton -Boxborough Regional High School and
those students elected to various town positions spent a day working with their counterpart town official,
board or committee. We believe that this type of activity is extremely valuable to students who are pre-
paring to actively participate in the political process. Student Government Day has become even more
important to high school students since the voting age was reduced from 21 years of age to 18 years of
age.
In the fall, the Town Manager directed an adult education course in town government. Several
Town officials spoke on the functions of their respective positions and duties. The course was well
attended.
The search for a new sanitary landfill site continued throughout the year, and the Town was suc-
cessful in acquiring an option to lease a suitable site in North Acton. A proposal relative to the new
site will be presented to the voters at the 1974 Annual Town Meeting to be held in May. The present
landfill site located off Route 2 should be completely filled by September 1974.
The accounts of the Town were audited by the Massachusetts Bureau of Accounts and were found
to be in excellent order; officials from the Bureau commended Town Treasurer and Collector W. Henry
Soar and Town Accountant Donald O. Nylander on their outstanding operational procedures. The Town's
credit rating was raised by Moody's Rating Bureau from an "A" to a "AA" classification, which has al-
ready allowed the Town to borrow funds at a reduced interest rate.
During the latter half of the year, the Town, as well as the Nation, was made acutely aware of the
"energy crisis" which we are all presently facing. We have been impressed with the actions which
Town residents have voluntarily taken to conserve on energy. Heating temperatures were reduced,
lights turned off when not needed, reduced automobile speeds observed, outdoor decorative Christmas
lighting was almost completely eliminated and unnecessary automobile driving reduced. Town depart-
ments, faced with a shortage of fuel required for essential services, have taken all possible steps to
conserve energy at Town facilities.
We note with sorrow the passing of three persons who gave a great deal of public service to this
Town: Charles D. MacPherson, Martin J. Duggan and Robert H. Gerhardt. All three men had the de -
sire and the ability to become involved in local government and to actively assist in the governing of the
Town.
Among many other civic duties, Charles D. MacPherson served for several years as a member
of the Board of Selectmen. Martin J. Duggan served as a member of the Town's Board of Health.
Robert H. Gerhardt passed away during his Chairmanship of the Planning Board and after several years
of service as a Board member.
In closing, we want to thank the many dedicated members and employees of our Town boards,
committees, commissions and departments for the excellent job which they have done during 1973.
Charles D. MacPherson
We mourn his death
and
remember his life . . .
"During the year the Board of Selectmen held fifty -one regular meet-
ings, thirty-three hearings, and attended numerous meetings called by
other boards and committees."
A simple, bland, statement of fact. A declarative sentence written for a
Town Report in some other year by the hand of Charles D. MacPherson,
and then hidden away amongst the dusty records of the Town. But as
simple and bland as those words may be, they represent nothing less
than that same heroic commitment to the service of others that first
flowered here at the birth of our Republic. Saying nothing whatever
about the personal sacrifice involved, the lost sleep, the long hours, the
patient listening, the worry and anxiety, the abuse taken, they tell us
much about the man who wrote them.
Charles D. MacPherson was the very best kind of public servant. He
gave himself kindly, and without reservation, to serve the people of
Acton and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He had the kind of
vision for the future that kept always before us both the problems and
the opportunities of community growth. Firmly committed to the best
and most noble essentials of our historic traditions, he helped us pre-
pare for the challenges of the future. In turn he received the kind of
reward that always seems to accrue to those who give their lives in
service to others; more opportunities to serve, and more calls upon his
time and energy. Even after stepping down from service on the Board
of Selectmen, he continued to serve both Acton and the Commonwealth.
Our common life has been enriched by both his service and his example.
Our personal lives have been enriched by his thoughtfulness and friend-
ship. His untimely death on November 9, 1973 closed a splendid chap-
ter of public service in Acton.
In memory of Charles D. MacPherson, his life, and his service to his
fellow -citizens, we dedicate this Town Report for the year 1973.
Roger W. Wootton, Pastor
Church of The Good Shepherd
10
TOWN OFFICIALS AND APPOINTMENTS
ELECTED TOWN OFFICERS
MODERATOR
John W. Tierney
SELECTMEN
Paul H. Lesure
Alfred F. Steinhauer
Stephen G. Lewis
William C. Sawyer
Paul R. Nyquist
LOCAL AND REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEES
Griffith L. Resor, III
*Roy J. Zabierek
-Phyllis F. Walsh
Edgar B. Grave tte
Helen K. Ray
Ann T. Evans
Robert B. Haeberle
Term
Expires
1974
1974
1974
1975
1975
1976
1974
1974
1974
1975
1975
1976
1976
TRUSTEES OF MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Nancy K. Gerhardt
Robert J. Brandon
Nancy C. Howe
ACTON HOUSING AUTHORITY
^Patience H. MacPherson
Julia D. Stevens
Mary M. Laffin
Kenneth C. Stowell
Thomas J. Ahern, Jr.
TRUSTEES OF ELIZABETH WHITE FUND
Hazel P. Vose
Eleanor P. Wilson
Helen B. Allen
1974
1975
1976
1975
1976
1977
1978
1974
1975
1976
TRUSTEES OF WEST ACTON FIREMEN'S RELIEF FUND
Frederick A. Harris 1974
H. Stuart MacGregor 1975
James B. Wilson 1976
TRUSTEES OF ACTON FIREMEN'S RELIEF FUND
T. Frederick S. Kennedy 1974
John F. McLaughlin 1975
Richard A. Lowden 1976
TRUSTEES OF GOODNOW FUND
James N. Gates
Clark C. McElvein
Thelma L. Boatman
1974
1975
1976
*Re signed
**Replaced
***Deceased
**##Retired
*****Appointed by the Department of
Community Affairs
11
Term
Expires
TRUSTEES OF THE CITIZENS LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
OF WEST ACTON
Betty L. Boothby 19 74
Evelyn W. Lapierre 1975
Kathy S. Whittemore 1976
APPOINTMENTS MADE BY MODERATOR
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Edward W. Berriman 1974
Theodore Jarvis 1974
■William L. Kingman 1974
Joan L. Gardner 1975
Arthur Schene 1975
*Thomas F. Wetherbee 1975
:*Edward J. Keohan 1975
Harold G. Marsh 1976
Gerald W. Portyrata 1976
John E. Powers 1976
REGIONAL REFUSE PLANNING COMMITTEE
Oscar Kress 1974
Alan J. Waters 1975
Ann W. Chang 1976
MINUTEMAN REGIONAL VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL
SCHOOL DISTRICT
Charles E. Courtright 1975
APPOINTMENTS MADE BY SELECTMEN
ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON THE 1975 CELEBRATION
E. Wilson Bursaw 1974
Brewster Conant 1974
Col. Burton A. Davis 1974
David H. Donaldson 1974
Donald R. Gilberti 1974
Hayward S. Houghton 1974
Roger M. Heubsch 1974
Mark A. Kahan 1974
T. Frederick S. Kennedy 1974
Margaret B. Kinzie 1974
Walter R. Laite 1974
Malcolm S. MacGregor 1974
Natacha F. MacGregor 1974
Richmond P. Miller, Jr. 1974
Charles A. Morehouse 1974
Linda A. Morris 1974
Marion E. H. Houghton 1974
Gilbert S. Osborn 1974
Palo A. Peirce 1974
Raymond Spicer 1974
Mary S. Tierney 1974
Earle W. Tuttle 1974
Martha Steeves 1974
Joan A. Blocher 1974
Edith E. Wylie 1974
Robert S. Rhodes 1974
12
Term
Expires
ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON SOLID WASTE MAINTENANCE
Oscar Kress 1974
Alan J. Waters 1974
Ann W. Chang 1974
-Thomas Garber 1974
ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Philip G. Watts
ARCHIVES
T. Frederick S. Kennedy
Joyce W. Woodhead
Minetta D. Lee
1974
1974
1975
1976
Harold W. Flood
icJohn J. Bush
-Herman Vanderwart
Edward G. Schwarm
BOARD OF APPEALS
1974
1975
1975
1976
John A. Norris
Herman Vanderwart
John J. Bush
William B. Allred
Associate Members
1974
1975
Temporary
1974
ELECTION OFFICERS
Warden
Deputy Warden
Clerk
Deputy Clerk
Inspectors
Deputy Inspectors
Tellers
Warden
Deputy Warden
Clerk
Deputy Clerk
Inspectors
Deputy Inspectors
Tellers
Warden
Deputy Warden
Clerk
Deputy Clerk
Inspectors
Deputy Inspectors
Tellers
Precinct 1
Irene F. McLaughlin
John F. McLaughlin
Barbara N. Mulvey
Violet M. Perry
Barbara Nylander, Margaret Schene
Theresa M. Carroll, Gail J. Roche
Frances L. Collins, Marian F. Driscoll
Lela Balcom, Frances Hirsch
Mona V. Melymuka, Nancy L. Miller
Precinct 2
Margaret Larsen
Elsie T. Winslow
Bertha Carr Tucker
Irene Young
Barbara V. Woodward
Vose, Helen M. Young
Ruth R. Phelps, Marianne Varno
Charlotte E. Wetherbee, Joan E. Nelson
Jean Ann Dingee, Lorraine O. Condon
Precinct 3
Barbara J. McPhee
Katherine E. Nedza
Phyllis K. Sprague
Dolores R. Nowokunski
Clare V. Peterson, Elsie M. Godfrey
Genevieve L. Hatch, Elizabeth Charter
Minnie C. Veasie, Esther Perry
Anna G. Mahar, Lydia R. Lesure
Carl R. Godfrey, Marian J. Meigs
Martha I. Lowden,
Hazel P.
13
HISTORIC DISTRICT STUDY COMMITTEE
Robert H. Nylander
*Katherine B. Crafts
Norman R. Veenstra
Dorothea Harrison
Term
Expires
1974
1974
1975
1975
LONG RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE
Edward A. Chambers
James L. Mahoney
Peter L. Morbeck
*David J. Allen
**Thomas R. Crowdis,
Katherine A. Myer
Jr.
John J. Bush, Jr.
Donald MacKenzie
Norman J. Magnussen
Richard P. O'Brien
Henry M. Young
PERSONNEL BOARD
PLANNING BOARD
George Gardner
John F. Pasieka
^Edward A. Chambers
**Thomas L. Twohey
*Thomas L. Twohey
**William R. Becklean
-**Robert H. Gerhardt
Joyce E. Foley
REGISTRAR OF VOTERS
* Pauline W. Boyden
**Warren E. Costello
Elizabeth A. Barbadoro
David E. Driscoll
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1975
1976
1976
1974
1975
1976
1976
1976
1976
1977
1977
1974
1974
1975
1976
SUBREGION INTERTOWN LIAISON COMMITTEE
*Vincent H. Corbett
1974
Donald O. Nylander
Robert W. Dotson
TOWN ACCOUNTANT
TOWN MANAGER
1975
1975
APPOINTMENTS MADE BY TOWN MANAGER
REQUIRING APPROVAL OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
BOARD OF ASSESSORS
Lorens A. A. Persson
John H. Loring
Richard W. Remmy
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Chauncey W. Waldron, Jr.
*Robert J. Ellis
**Alden French, Jr.
*Alden French, Jr.
1974
1975
1976
1974
1974
1974
1974
14
CONSERVATION COMMISSION (cont'd.)
**Alexander D. Piatt
Dorothy B. Stone cl iff e
Peter P. Jorrens
Brewster Conant
Ragner Gustafson
** Judith A. Clark
*Richard H. Murphy
HISTORICAL COMMISSION
Marion E. H. Houghton
William Klauer
Anita E. Dodson
Robert H. Nylander
Stanley L. Smith
Charles M. MacRae
TOWN CLERK
TOWN COUNSEL
Acheson H. Callaghan, Jr.
TOWN TREASURER & COLLECTOR
Wm. Henry Soar
YOUTH COMMISSION
Charles G. Kadison
Bruce M. McCarthy
*Ann T. Evans
**Ira Goldenberg
Eleanor L. Phillips
*Alan B. Flood
Stephen R. Bing
Leonard S. Selman
* Kathleen K. Barge r
**Michelle B. DuBois
Term
Expires
1974
1975
1975
1976
1976
1976
1976
1974
1975
1975
1976
1976
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1975
1975
1975
1976
1976
1976
APPOINTMENTS MADE BY TOWN MANAGER
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT TO THE TOWN MANAGER
James Vanar
Ralph E. Dodge
Donald R. Gilberti
Edwin Richter
Dr. Gene P. Swartz
Don P. Johnson
ASSISTANT ASSESSOR
BOARD OF HEALTH
BUILDING INSPECTOR
CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
Charles F. Putnam
Harlan E. Tuttle
Howard F. Jones
1974
1974
1974
1975
1976
1974
1974
1975
1976
15
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING COMMITTEE
Henry M. Young
Norman J. Magnussen
Donald MacKenzie
CONSTABLES
David J. Allen
Frederick J. Hryniewich
T. Frederick S. Kennedy
Charles A. Morehouse
Robert S. Rhodes
CONSTABLE
William F. Egar
SPECIAL - DEPUTY COLLECTOR
COUNCIL ON AGING
Vincent G. Gavin
Patience H. MacPherson
Joseph S. Mercurio
Vincent M. Polo
Sylvia A. Remmy
*Carol H. Flagg
**Elizabeth M. Smathers
Robert J. Storella
DEPUTY BUILDING INSPECTOR
John T. Condon
David F. Abbt
DEPUTY CHIEF OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
Frederick A. Harris
Richard A. Lowden
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF CIVIL DEFENSE
Robert F. Guba
DEPUTY FOREST WARDEN
Richard A. Lowden
Frederick A. Harris
Term
Expires
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
DEPUTY INSPECTOR OF GAS PIPING & GAS APPLIANCES
Warren E. Bemis 1974
DEPUTY INSPECTOR OF WIRES
Lawrence I. Tucker 1974
DEPUTY SEALER OF WEIGHTS & MEASURES
Alan Wilson Saunders 1974
DIRECTOR OF CIVIL DEFENSE
Thomas J. Barry, Jr. 1974
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Steven Calichman
Patrick Palmer
David Abbt
DOG OFFICER
FENCE VIEWER
1974
1974
1974
16
James Kazokas
William J. Durkin, Jr.
FIELD DRIVER
FIRE CHIEF
Thomas J. Barry, Jr.
Term
Expires
1974
1974
1974
Edward Belmont
Donald Copeland
Forrest Emerson Bean, III
Timothy Blaisdel
David Calkins
Bernard Caouette
Joseph Conquest
Robert C. Craig
-Wayne Arthur Decker
Milton Hart
Clifford Kenneth Hicks
Stephen Huntley
James Stephen Kessler
William Klauer
William F. Murphy
George B.
FIREMEN
(Standing Appointments)
Captains
Firefighters
Williams, III
Richard Gallant
Ronald Calkins
Stephen G. Collins
Alan B. Davis
William Hartman
Charles F. Hebert
Fisher Hills, Jr.
John Bushek
Charles E. Day
Frederick L. Harris
Charles Hillman
Stewart Kennedy
Richard Lowden
Edward M. Bennett
Arthur Decker
Steven Foote
CALL FIREMEN
Lieutenant
Firefighters
Acton Center Station
Clarence G. Frost
Malcolm MacGregor
David G. Nichols
Timothy Pattee
Maloolm Perkins
Carl Robinson
Peter Alan Robinson
Paul Simeone
Wm. H. Soar, Jr.
David Spinney
««■ Charles Sweet
John Tobin
Robert Wetherbee
Hobart King*':
John Pederson*
Carl Simeone
* Philip Harris
South Acton Station
Everett Putnam
Robert W. Reynolds, Jr.
Gordon Smart
Robert Vanderhoof
Richard Swenson
James D. Young
George Wetherbee, Jr.
West Acton Station
Allen Nelson
James Patton
Douglas J. Parker
Robert W. Puffer, III
Carl Simeone
Alan J. Waters
Gordon Gravlin
Francis Malson
George Sloane
17
FOREST WARDEN
Thomas J. Barry, Jr.
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Edward W. Flannery
Stephen E. Lord
Josiah Kirby
Richard J. O'Neil
Mark Imbimbo
INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
Patrick Palmer
INSPECTOR OF GAS PIPING & GAS APPLIANCES
Joseph G. Perry
Leslie F. Parke
— Norman L. Roche
INSPECTOR OF WIRES
KEEPER OF THE LOCKUP
METROPOLITAN AREA PLANNING COUNCIL
William C. Sawyer
Term
Expires
1975
1975
1977
1977
1978
1974
1974
1974
1974
1976
PERMANENT BUILDING COMMITTEE
Donald M. Perkins
Wallace Everest
Eric L. Larson
Edward L. Morrill
Thomas J. Regan, Jr.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
(Civil Service - Standing Appointments)
— Norman L. Roche
Chauncey R. Fenton, Jr.
David W. Scribner
Bernard W. Harrison
Donald M. Bresnick
****William J. Durkin, Jr.
*David C. Flint
Edward R. Brooks
Chief
Sergeants
John T. McNiff
Patrolmen
1974
1975
1975
1976
1976
Robert L. Parisi
Robert S. Rhodes
George W. Robinson
Charles Leo Coggins
William N. Hayes
Robert P. MacLeod
*" Brian R. Goodman
Lawrence A. Dupont
Provisional Patrolmen
Albert James Crowley, Jr.
Robert Louis Cowan, Jr.
John A. C.
Dennis Daniel Thompson
Special Officers - Permanent Intermittent
Nolan George J. Dristilaris
William D. Kendall, Jr.
—•T. Frederick S. Kennedy
John E. MacLeod
Special Officers
Matrons
Marjory J. Davis
— «- Natacha MacGregor
Term
Expires
John V. Gregory
Robert P. Beaudoin
Edmond Daigneault
Muriel B. Flannery
Crossing Guards
Russell C. Perkins
Special Officer for Edwards Square
-• Cedric Thatcher
Special Police Officers
Edmund J. McNiff
Acton Schools Only
Robert Graham
PUBLIC CEREMONIES & CELEBRATIONS COMMITTEE
Walter R. Laite
Richmond P. Miller, Jr.
Martha Steeves
David H. Donaldson
Roger M. Huebsch
Mary K. Donnelly
Burton A. Davis
Patricia McMillan
Joan E. Blocher
PUBLIC WEIGHERS
William J. Durkin, Jr.
Bernard W. Harrison
Robert S. Rhodes
George W. Robinson
Paul M. Wagner, Jr.
Alan C. Wagner
Arthur P. Genetti
James A. Barbato
Robert M. Greenough
Robert C. Nickers on
1974
1974
1974
1975
1975
1975
1976
1976
1976
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
RECREATION DIRECTOR
Thomas M. Haggerty
RECREATION COMMISSION
Warren Orcutt
^Thomas F. Burke
Janet W. Murphy
William P. Lynch
Charles A. Morehouse
1974
1974
1975
1976
1977
1977
SEALER OR WEIGHTS & MEASURES
George K. Hayward
SEWERAGE STUDY COMMITTEE
Daniel J. Costello
David A. Manalan
1974
1974
1974
STREET LIGHTING COMMITTEE
Booth D. Jackson
v- H. Stuart MacGregor
Leslie F. Parke
1974
1974
1974
19
SUPERINTENDENT OF CEMETERIES
T. Frederick S. Kennedy
SUPERINTENDENT OF INSECT PEST CONTROL
Franklin H. Charter
SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS
Allen H. Nelson
TOWN BUILDING-LAND ACQUISITION COMMITTEE
David Abbt
Robert M. Huebsch
- Richmond P. Miller, Jr.
Joseph W. Stevens
TOWN ENGINEER
John T. Condon
TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
George E. Neagle
Emery D. Nelson
Franklin H. Charter
TOWN REPORT COMMITTEE
Ann G. Hosmer
Betsyan Newton
Diane Ernst
' — Franklin H. Charter
TREE WARDEN
Term
Expires
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1975
1976
1974
VETERANS' AGENT & DIRECTOR OF VETERANS' SERVICES
— . Norman L. Roche 1974
VETERANS' BURIAL AGENT
— • Norman L. Roche
VETERANS' GRAVES OFFICER
— T. Frederick S. Kennedy
WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION AGENT
Theron A. Lowden
1974
1974
1974
*Re signed
^Replaced
***De ceased
#***Retired
:**#*Appointed by the Department of Community Affairs
Town Services
(Photo by J. Lorraine Putnam)
22
BUILDING COMMITTEE
Thomas J. Regan, Chairman
During the year 1973, the Acton Permanent Building Committee worked on the following projects:
Regional High School Addition
The project is essentially complete as of January 1, 1974, with only punch list items and minor
equipment purchases remaining. The project costs are within the appropriated funds, and an account-
ing of all expenditures is presented below.
Playground Equipment
During the year, the School Committee voted to appropriate the remaining construction funds from
Gates School to purchase playground equipment for all five elementary schools. The amount voted was
$11,017.48. Bids were taken on the equipment and the total contract amount to January 1, 1974, is
$10,599.42. There will be small additional costs for the labor and material for installation of the equip-
ment.
Operations and Maintenance Budget
For the first time, the Building Committee and the Finance Committee have actively participated
in the preparation of the school system's operating and maintenance budget. An effort has been made
to provide more effective preventative maintenance and to initiate standard procedures for purchasing
and outside contracting. This effort has been encouraging, and we feel the Acton School System is more
effectively managing its $25 million physical plant.
Regional High School Addition
Appropriations: Article No. 8 -9/28/70
Article No. 12 - 6/22/71
School Operation Funds
5 200,000.00
4,225,000.00
20,000.00
395,000.00
2,000.00
$4, 842. 000. 00
Expenditures (Contract Amounts):
Architectural Services - Perley F.
Equipment Services
Clerk-of -the -Works
Other costs
M. Spinelli and Sons
Equipment and Furnishings
Funds Remaining
Gilbert
& 234,114.80
38,000.00
38, 183.00
14,504.05
3,978,606.52
480,000.00
4, 783,408.67
5 58,591.33
NOTE: Of the funds remaining, approximately $47,000 is from an allowance intended to be
used to install a water main. However, this water main was installed under a separate
appropriation voted by the Acton Water District.
Actual payments on the contract items to January 1,
propriated funds.
1974, were $4,368,172. 78, or about 90% of the ap-
Building Committee
Wallace Everest Eric Larson
Edward Morrill
Regional School Building Committee
Reginald Brown
Raymond J. Grey
H. G. Marsh
Walter Shaffer
23
BOARD OF APPEALS
H. W. Flood, Chairman
Edward G. Schwarm, Clerk Herman Vanderwart
The Acton Board of Appeals held 26 Public Hearings during the year 1973 on the following
matters:
Petitions for earth removal: Granted 1; Denied 1; Withdrawn 1.
Petitions for specific uses and exceptions: Granted 1; Denied 2.
Variances from requirements of the Protective Zoning Bylaw: Granted 6;
Denied 5; No Appearance 1.
Flood Plain Zoning: Granted 2; Denied 1; Pending 1.
Petitions for review: Granted 1; Denied 4.
CEMETERY COMMISSION
T. Frederick S. Kennedy, Superintendent
Mount Hope Cemetery
A new area was cleared and rough graded in preparation of loaming and seeding scheduled this
coming year. When this is completed, the area will be laid out into lots and single grave spaces. Two
new roads were roughed out and gravelled, eventually to be graded and then paved.
Several large pine trees had to be taken down during the first part of the year. The trunks of the
trees were badly decayed. The ice storm near the end of December caused a great deal of damage to
trees in both cemeteries, but it was more severe in Mount Hope where no major tree work had been
done for several years. Near the main entrance of this cemetery, four tall pine trees were topped and
will have to be taken down in the spring.
During this coming winter, a section consisting of a great many large pine trees will have to be
cut and the area cleared of stumps in preparation for making a new four -grave section. Plans are being
made to landscape this section with a variety of trees, flowering shrubs and plants, thus making this new
part of the cemetery more attractive.
The Blanchard tomb was cleaned of moss and vines. The cracks were pointed with mortar and
shrubs trimmed. The expense of this work was covered by the Blanchard Fund.
Several avenues in Mount Hope Cemetery were paved (about 3,000 feet), some with just a base
coat, others with a finished surface. An article has been placed in the Warrant asking for a sum of
money to finish these avenues.
Mount Hope Cemetery has been hit hard with vandalism this past year. Water pipes have been
ripped up and broken off; Veteran Flag Standards destroyed; and beer cans, bottles and other litter has
had to be picked up frequently. Two new sections, which were seeded a year ago, were heavily damaged
by cars going in during the night, driving across the turf, and leaving deep ruts. Chains placed across
the two entrances have been cut or pulled apart by vandals driving into the cemetery after dark. The
Commissioners have decided that the only way to control this type of activity is to place steel gates at
each entrance and lock them every night.
24
Woodlawn Cemetery
Several avenues were paved (about 3,000 feet), some with a heavy base coat and others with the
finish top coat. This coming year, several new avenues will be laid out and prepared for paving.
This past year, both cemeteries were heavily infested with Japanese Beetles which created two
problems; (1) the necessary spraying of the trees, shrubs and flowers, and (2) the spraying of several
areas in an attempt to kill the beetles and grubs that are in the ground. The cemeteries were not the
only areas in town infested with beetles. It was a major concern of the entire area.
The program of cleaning the monuments and markers and the removing of corner posts to facili-
tate mowing with tractors was continued this past year. A great many of the very large stones were
cleaned and, by doing some each year, will cut down the expense of trying to do them all in the year
1975.
In the fall, it became necessary to have some of the large limbs removed from the tall oak trees.
There will be a problem with a great many trees in Woodlawn in a few years because of their age, which
is estimated to be from 75 to 80 years. It will be costly to remove the decaying limbs and the trees as
they die, but it must be done to prevent damage to the monuments or injury to visitors. Several stumps
were ground out, and the areas filled in with loam and seed.
All the brush around Captain Robbins Monument on Concord Road was cut, a large elm tree re-
moved, and the cellar -hole cleaned of trash. The cellar -hole has been used as a dumping place for
grass clippings, brush, tin cans, and trash that should have been taken to the Sanitary Disposal Area.
Several times this past year, it was necessary to clean up this particular area.
The following regulations were adopted by the Commissioners after a study had been made of the
surrounding cemeteries. Under the new regulations, the following items will not be allowed: artificial
flowers, vigil lights, crushed stone or bark around monuments or markers, glass or tin cans for flower
containers, or cement flower urns. Permission must be obtained from the cemetery office for the
planting of shrubs and flower beds. After April 1, 19 74, any lot owner wishing shrubs on either side
of his monument will be required to cover the expense of trimming and care of same.
Stone Rubbings
A permit must be obtained from the cemetery office for stone rubbings in the old part of Wood-
lawn Cemetery for the following reasons: first, these slate stones are very old and brittle, and any
undo pressure against them may break them off; second, the person wishing to make the rubbings must
have the proper paper and rubbing wax; and third, we wish to keep a record of the people making rub-
bings. Unfortunately, a great many old cemeteries in several towns have been forced to discontinue
stone rubbing due to the damage done by persons not knowing the proper method for doing this type of
work.
At the 1972 Annual Town Meeting, the sum of $8,000 was appropriated for the preparation of topo-
graphic and planimetric plans and aerial photography of both Mount Hope and Woodlawn Cemeteries.
Consequently, Acton Survey and Engineering, Inc. was hired to do the first part of a Master Plan for the
cemeteries. The next step is the hiring of a competent landscape architect who can submit land develop-
ment and improvement costs and suggest a program for future use of cemetery land. Upon receiving
the estimate from Acton Survey and Engineering, Inc., an article was submitted to appropriate the sum
of $10,000 to do this work.
The Commissioners have submitted an article requesting the sum of $3,000, to be expended by the
Town Manager, for sandblasting, cleaning of the Flag Standards on the graves of the Revolutionary War
Veterans, and for a plan of the lots and graves in this section of Woodlawn Cemetery, in preparation
for the Bicentennial.
The cemetery personnel have attended several conventions and seminars on cemetery maintenance,
as well as a very interesting and beneficial equipment show held at the Linwood Cemetery in Haverhill,
Massachusetts. At one of the seminars, labor contracts and Federal and State laws affecting the man-
agement of cemeteries were discussed at great length.
The Department wishes to express its thanks to the Engineering and Highway Departments, as
well as all others who have assisted us during the year.
25
The Board of Cemetery Commissioners wishes to express its appreciation and thanks for the very
generous gift of $18,000 from the estate of Mrs. Mabel Jenks. The income from this fund will be used
for improvement and beautification at Mount Hope Cemetery.
Harlan E. Tuttle Howard F. Jones
Charles F. Putnam
Cemetery Commissioners
ELIZABETH WHITE FUND
Helen B. Allen, Trustee
Hazel P. Vose, Trustee Eleanor P. Wilson, Trustee
The Trustees of the Elizabeth White Fund have signed requisitions to the Town Treasurer totaling
$650.00 for the entire year 19 73.
(Note of Interest: This fund, the 1923 legacy of George R. White, in memory of his mother Elizabeth
is set up. . . "to aid the unfortunate of Acton." The principal has been invested and the Trustees use the
interest to aid. . . "widows, orphans or the elderly" or any case "in which the town is morally obligated."
Cases can be referred to the Trustees by the Public Health Office, a clergyman, a physician or even a
concerned neighbor.)
G00DN0W FUND
Thelma L. Boatman, Trustee
Charlotte L. Goodnow, a native of Acton, who died August 9, 1907, at the age of 80, willed $3,000
to the Town of Acton, accepted at the Town Meeting of March 29, 1909, for the perpetual care of the fam-
ily gravesite in the Woodlawn Cemetery, and the remainder to be applied to the cost of preaching at the
Congregational Church in the Centre. The original amount is invested with principal intact, only the
interest is used for the stipulation of the will.
INVESTMENTS
Concord Cooperative Bank $3, 000. 00 $3, 000. 00
RECEIPTS
Concord Cooperative Bank $ 167.04 $ 167.04
EXPENDITURES
Treasurer of the Acton Congregational Church $ 147.04 $ 147.04
Town of Acton for the perpetual care of the
Goodnow Lot in Woodlawn Cemetery $ 20.00 $ 20.00
"$" 167.04
Clark C. McElvein
James N. Gates
26
HOUSING AUTHORITY
Thomas J. Ahern, Jr., Chairman
The Appeal by the Acton Housing Authority from the Acton Board of Appeals' refusal to permit
construction of 68 units of low -income housing for the elderly is still pending before the Housing Appeals
Committee. Final briefs were filed by counsel in December, and we are awaiting a final decision on the
matter.
The Housing Authority continued its participation in the State's rental assistance program, al-
though funds have been severely restricted.
Upon receiving preliminary information that the federal housing program would be reopened, we
met with HUD to explore the new Section 23, Rent Supplement Program, and have determined that it
should be pursued with serious interest. The program will not become operative until early 19 74, and
preliminary work is being done in support of our application, should the Town approve our participation
in the program.
The Housing Authority has conducted regular monthly meetings during the year, and urges the
elderly of Acton to be on file with us so that current housing needs can be assessed.
Mary M. Laffin, Vice -Chairman
Julia D. Stevens, Secretary
Kenneth C. Stowell, Treasurer
Patience H. MacPherson, Member
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
Allen H. Nelson, Superintendent
The end of another year is at hand and as in other
years, it was one in which much was accomplished by this
Department.
The Highway Department consists of a superintendent,
secretary, working foreman, two mechanics, mechanic's
helper, preventive maintenance man, one disposal area op-
erator, three heavy equipment operators, two motor equip-
ment operators, two maintenance men, and a part-time sign
maintenance man. During the summer months, we hire three
part-time helpers.
General
The majority of the streets were swept during the
spring and summer. The sidewalks were also swept. The
Conant School front lawn was loamed, graded and seeded.
Subdrains were installed in the rear of the same school to
help dry up the playground. A portion of Parker Street between No. 27 and No. 34 was regraded to
eliminate a water problem. Berms were placed at various trouble spots throughout the town. With the
financial assistance of the Boston Edison Company, we were able to resurface Independence Road and
Parker Street.
(Photo by J. Lorraine Putnam)
Roadsides were mowed where needed. Along with all the related projects, we patched roads, un-
plugged storm drains, removed windblown paper from the landfill, and during wind and rain storms,
removed the branches from roadways. The town grounds were all fertilized in the spring, and the grass
was mowed as required.
27
Signs and Lines
The painting of traffic center lines was completed this year. The green crosswalks were painted
in time for the opening of school. Signs that were knocked down or stolen were replaced, and new
"Yield" signs were erected.
Sidewalks
Sidewalks were partially installed on Arlington Street from Hayward Road to Central Street; on
Elm Street from Arlington Street to Central Street; on Central Street from Elm Street to Mohawk Drive;
on Spruce Street from Massachusetts Avenue to the Gates School; on Minot Avenue from Concord Road
to Forest Road; and a short section of Hayward Road at the intersection of Arlington Street. All of these
will be loamed, graded and seeded next spring.
Honey Pot
The leaching fields were scraped when dry enough. The holding tank was dredged during the sum-
mer. There is a great need for a new area as the drainage is not good enough for our needs. Some
sort of dewaterer should be obtained as sludge is a problem with us.
Drainage
Three catch basins, one manhole and 360 feet of pipe were installed between No. 11 and No. 17
on Independence Road. The system was extended on Nashoba Road at the intersection of Huron Road in
order to eliminate a water situation. The road was resurfaced on Main Street at Musket Drive to rid
that area of a water problem. A subdrain was installed on Ethan Allen Drive near the intersection of
Black Horse Drive. At No. 5 Conant Street, the drainage system was extended by three catch basins,
one manhole and 100 feet of pipe.
About 100 feet of subdrain was installed on Nagog Hill Road in the vicinity of Hammond Street. On
Parker Street, from the railroad tracks to Fort Pond Brook, three catch basins and three manholes
were installed along with 800 feet of pipe. At No. 36 Quaboag Road, the system was extended about 100
feet; hopefully it will be completed next year. The drainage system was improved in the vicinity of
No. 20 Cherokee Road by removing some old pipe and extending the system.
Sanitary Landfill Area
Frank Towne, our Sanitary Landfill Operator, has done a great job in compacting the area and
keeping it neat and well graded for the traffic. The recycling has gone over very well. The more the
townspeople help, the easier it is for the landfill. Papers should be tied or placed in bags when brought
to the paper van. Bottles should be separated in clear, brown and green. There are also containers
for cans, plastic, metals and tires. There is also a container for clothes. Please help keep them full.
We will need another site ready next year, as this one will be coming to a close as a landfill site.
Chapter 81 Maintenance
A two -inch layer of cold mix was applied to Pope Road from Strawberry Hill Road almost to the
Carlisle town line. This was sealed in the fall with oil and stone. The lower portion of Nagog Hill Road
between Main Street and Concord Road was resurfaced with courses of Type I.
During the summer months, the following streets were scraped, swept, patched with hot top, and
sealed with oil and stone.
Barker Road Hayward Road Pine Street
Braebrook Road Henley Road Piper Road
Brook Street Hosmer Street Pope Road to Strawberry Hill Road
Carlisle Road Hammond Street Nagog Hill Road
Flagg Road Harris Street Newtown Road
Fletcher Court Keefe Road Sylvia Street
Foster Street Laurel Court Wetherbee Street
Fort Pond Road Lawsbrook Road Woodbury Lane
28
Chapter 90 Maintenance
A course of Type I was applied to about 1,500 feet of North Main Street from Route 2A in a south-
erly direction. A small section of Main Street at Coughlin Street was also resurfaced. School Street
was also resurfaced with Type I from the vicinity of Hillcrest Drive to Route 2.
Chapter 90 Construction
A portion of Central Street between Nashoba Road and Orchard Drive was reconstructed. This was
full -depth construction. It will go through the winter with black base and binder. Next spring the top
course of Type I will be applied. During the summer months, we will loam and seed the sides and con-
struct the sidewalk.
Snow
Sand barrels were placed at critical spots throughout the town. Snow fences and snow markers
were also placed throughout the town. Snow markers, sand and salt are available to all townspeople,
and may be obtained in the rear of our facility.
Salt and Sand Blender
This salt and sand blender is indeed a
salt saver. We are now mixing five parts
sand to one part salt. Late in February and
March when the ground and air temperatures
vary so much, we may have to adjust the mix
four parts sand to one part salt. With the
old method, we used three to one. This new
method makes a nice blended mixture.
New Equipment
The Annual Town Meeting gave our De-
partment something no other town has heard
of -- $360,500.00 for 36 pieces of much-
needed new equipment. The program is not
completed as of now, so our next report will
contain a full description of the new equip-
ment.
During the past year, the Department
has maintained the vehicles from the Police,
Fire, Cemetery, School and Tree Departments.
All types of work are done on these vehicles.
Comments
Salt and Sand Blender
(Photo by Acton Minute -Man)
I want to thank John Condon, all the men in the Highway Department, and my secretary, Donna
Wetherbee, for all the help they have given me. The Highway Department is at all times ready and
willing to serve the residents of Acton.
29
LIBRARY REPORTS
ACTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Haywood S. Houghton, Chairman
It is gratifying to report that circulation, a real measure of the library's service to its town, in-
creased by 5.7 percent in 1973 to an all-time high of 164,218. In March, our busiest month, more li-
brary materials were checked out than in the entire year of 1947.
After a leave of absence of one year, Wanda S. Null, our Library Director, was welcomed back
with the new year. New staff members are Carole W. Krampe, Assistant Library Director; Nancy
Tavernier, Reference Librarian; Roslyn Lang, Assistant Children's Librarian; Joyce Ricker and Carol
Shene, clerical.
With regret we accepted the resignation of Mileva P. Brown from the Board of Trustees in Janu-
ary, after four years of valuable service both as member, clerk and Chairman of the Board. As she is
no longer a resident of Acton, her resignation was unavoidable under our Charter. At the next subse-
quent town election, Nancy Howe was chosen for a three-year term.
This year the library has opened a High School Alcove featuring a special selection of adult and
young adult materials of appeal to and for the convenience of this age group. The inter-library loan ser-
vice is increasingly popular in making readily available special books and periodicals that are not pres-
ently in our own collection. This service also makes available free motion picture films to groups and
committees in the town.
As in past years, the library has been helped greatly by its many friends, among whom are the
Friends of the Acton Libraries and the Acton Garden Club. To the Garden Club, we and the town are
indebted for the much admired, beautiful iris bed and espalier at our main entrance and the flower ar-
rangements which regularly beautify the building within. The "Friends", through their volunteer pro-
gram, have given us the extra "staffing" so necessary for the 68 hours of service to our patrons each
week. In addition, they have sponsored story hours for the children, furnished shades for certain of
our windows and arranged for the continuous arts exhibits.
Several evening motion picture programs were offered this year, each of which drew enthusiastic
response. We have found, however, that space limitation, general library activity, and a real concern
for safety have made it difficult to reconcile these programs with a library's primary function and our
library's architecture. There is an evident need for these programs; we hope that a way may be found
to reconcile the problems.
The annual Christmas Concert by students of the Acton-Boxborough Regional High School was held
on Sunday, December 16, under the direction of Henry W. Wegiel. It was a most beautiful and inspiring
performance. The Campfire Girls' Mitten Tree was again displayed during the Christmas season.
As has now become a fine tradition, Patriots' Day was honored on April 12 by the fifes and drum-
mers of the "Davis Blues" of the Acton Minutemen, with an appropriate reading by Paul Zimmer of
"Paul Revere 's Ride" by Longfellow.
The Trustees have been studying and considering the wisdom of having our library open on Sunday
afternoons as an added convenience to the people of the town. Several libraries in the area are offering
this service and we have had inquiries indicating a desire for added hours on Sundays in the fall, winter
and spring. Costs and staffing requirements have been studied to the end that a proposal may be made
through a special warrant article in due course.
Annual Library Statistics - 1973
Accessions
Adult fiction added 710 Juvenile added 662 Audio-visual mate-
Adult non -fiction added 2,049 iirxuj f rials added 195
Total accessions 27759 Withdrawn from Withdrawn from
Withdrawn from collection 1,207 collection _y» collection _32
Net accessions 1, 552 Net accessions 564 Net accessions 163
30
Inventory
As of January 1, 1973
Added to collection in 1973
Withdrawn in 1973
As of December 31, 1973
Books
33, 544*
3,421
1,305
35,660
Aud
io-Visual
830
195
32
993
^Revised by
actual count.
Circulation
Fiction
57,
326
Non-fiction
55,
973
Juvenile
43,
565
Records and Cassettes
7,
199
Prints
155
Total circulation
164,218
Inter-library loans
792
Films loaned
100
Library card holders
12,000
(Approx.)
Income from fines
and miscellaneous
$6,748.56
Board of Trustees
Robert J. Brandon
Brewster Conant
Nancy K. Gerhardt
Nancy C. Howe
Florence A. Merriam
James L. Parker
Margaret Richter
Raymond A. Shamel
CITIZENS LIBRARY ASSOCIATION OF WEST ACTON
Thelma C. Hermes, Librarian
After many years of dedicated service, Mrs.
Barbara Nylander retired from the Board of Trustees in
1973. Mrs. Kathy Whittemore was welcomed to the va-
cancy.
In the spring, a Citizens Library Auxiliary group
was formed. It has over twenty members and three offi-
cers. A very successful Fair was co-sponsored by the
Friends of the Acton Libraries and the Auxiliary in May.
The Auxiliary also provided three tables of gifts, books,
and house plants for the Crown Resistance Day Fair.
Proceeds from our Fairs were used to install a fence
around the property, buy new books, purchase a desk
and chair, and a Book Depository.
Improvements to the building include a new coat
of paint and additional storm windows. Boy Scouts and
a Neighborhood Youth Corps worker removed several
old stumps from the grounds, pruned shrubs, and
planted many bulbs and perennials alongside the fence.
Mrs. Joan Hansen has kept the Library attractively
decorated for fall and winter.
West Acton Library
(Photo by Garry J. Bourgeois)
A new card catalog has been started using the Dewey Decimal Classification,
teer help is needed on this project.
Experienced volun-
31
We were without the services of the Boston Bookmobile for many months, but are now receiving
assistance from the North Reading Bookmobile. Phonograph records were eliminated this year due to
lack of space.
Thanks are due the Acton Garden Club, who provided a handsome Christmas wreath; volunteer
substitutes for the lunch hour; the Trustees and their families for loyal services; and many townspeople
who contributed books, periodicals, and Fair items throughout the fiscal year.
Board of Trustees: Mrs. Betty Boothby, Chairman; Mrs. Kathy Whittemore;
Mrs. Evelyn Lapierre, Secretary
Library Hours: Monday, 7-9 P.M.; Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday,
10-5 P.M. (THE CITIZENS LIBRARY TELEPHONE NUMBER
IS 263-9222.)
Accession: Books in Library, January 1, 1973 6, 932
Increase by purchase 276
Increase by gift 248
Withdrawn 442
Books in Library, January 1, 1974 7, 014
Circulation in 1973: Books: 9,226 (Fiction - 3,012; Juvenile - 4,018;
Non-fiction - 2,196)
Records: 69
Income: Fines collected: $207.43
LONG RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE
Katherine A. Meyer, Chairman
The Long Range Planning Committee was appointed in its entirety by the Board of Selectmen in
April, 1973 following a recommendation by the Town Government -Water District Study Committee.
During our first few months of existence, we have met with several standing committees of the Town
with the purpose of understanding their basic purposes, goals, modes of operation, as well as their
present and potential problems. It is our hope to expand our inquiries to the citizens of the Town in
1974 and to correlate their views and problems with those of the committees.
Instrumental to Acton's future planning is a land use inventory. The format for this has been
written during this past year, and we are at this time proceeding with the planning stage, with plans of
completing the inventory during 1974.
Basic to any group should be an underlying philosophy upon which their discussions, actions and
decisions are based. The LRPC spent many months discussing a charter and has formulated the follow-
ing:
1. Influence in a positive way the location, magnitude, and characteristics of new de-
velopment, and by so doing, to increase the adaptability and quality of the environ-
ment.
2. Be comprehensive, covering the entire range of neo-suburban concerns from the
quality of social and governmental services, and economic conditions to the quality
of the physical environment.
3. Plan for equality as an underlying principal objective in planning for access to jobs,
housing, recreation and other public facilities.
32
4. Focus on protecting and conserving natural resources.
5. Develop a range of strategies for new development, and redevelopment of depressed
and deteriorating neighborhoods.
The Long Range Planning Committee will serve to help protect the fundamental interest of all citi-
zens of Acton, in the orderly development of their Town, consistent with the protection and enhancement
of its natural land, air and water resources.
Peter Morbeck
Edward Chambers
Jim Mahoney
Thomas R. Crowdis
PLANNING BOARD
The Planning Board is constituted under Chapter
41 of the Massachusetts General Laws and consists of
five citizens appointed by the Selectmen for five-year
terms of office. Vacancies are filled by the Selectmen
with recommendations being received from the Plan-
ning Board and others. The present Board consists of
Mrs. Joyce Foley, a housewife and mother; William
Becklean, an investment analyst; George Gardner III,
a mathematician; and John Pasieka, an engineer.
Mrs. Foley, Mr. Becklean and Mr. Gardner serve
the Board as chairperson, vice-chairman and clerk,
respectively. An appointment is anticipated soon to
fill the vacancy resulting from the sudden death of
Robert Gerhardt, an able and dedicated member and
chairman. The Board is assisted by a part-time sec-
retary, Mrs. Jeanne Danilczuk, and a full-time as-
sistant, Mrs. Rick Sherman.
The responsibilities of the Planning Board are
described in Chapter 40A, M.G.L., as they relate to
zoning: "The Board is required to hold public hear-
ings on proposed zoning articles and to report to the
Town Meeting." Although zoning amendments may be
introduced by citizens, they are most frequently pro-
posed by the Planning Board as the result of a study
or other research. At the 1973 Annual Town Meeting, three articles affecting single lots, golf courses
in residential districts, and changed requirements for the lots in the West Acton Village Center were
adopted. Updated copies of the Protective Zoning Bylaw are compiled and made available through the
Planning Board office or the Town Clerk's office.
The Board is proposing additional articles for the next Town Meeting: a scenic road bylaw to pro-
tect trees and walls in the rights-of-way of designated roads; a "housekeeping" bylaw to correct a
cross reference; a bylaw limiting lot coverage in the 1-1 and B Districts as is now done in the 1-2 Dis-
trict; a bylaw adopting definitions from the BOCA Code to clarify height interpretations; and a clarify-
ing bylaw concerning driveways within the first ten feet of a lot.
The Board has under study a review of parking lot regulations, environmental standards, and the
cluster subdivision concept which may result in bylaw proposals. As part of zoning, the Planning Board
has reported to the Selectmen on 21 commercial or industrial site plans submitted under Section V-D,
and made 23 reports to the Board of Appeals for their hearings.
Chapter 41 of the Massachusetts General Laws requires the Planning Board to make recommenda-
tions on road layouts. Consequently, they recommended the acceptance of Long Ridge Road, Patrick
Henry Circle, Jackson Drive, Lincoln Drive, John Swift Road, Simon Willard Road, Heald Road, Trask
Road, Cowdry Lane and Eliot Circle, and will propose acceptance of Granite Road, Woodbury Lane,
Meadow Brook Road, Madison Lane and Fife & Drum Road.
Left to Right: John Pasieka, William
Becklean, Mrs. J. Foley, George
Gardner, III, Mrs. J. Danilczuk,
and Mrs. R. Sherman
33
The biggest responsibility of the Board under Chapter 41 is reviewing plans under the Subdivision
Control Law. Eighty-three such plans showed situations which did not require the full approval process
and were signed under this determination. By far, the greatest amount of time and attention was ex-
pended on those plans which showed subdivisions and required appropriate treatment. These plans were
extensively reviewed and considered by various boards and departments, and citizen input was received
at public hearings. The final decisions of the Planning Board were made in terms of the plans' compli-
ance or non-compliance with the Acton Subdivision Rules and Regulations. In the case of non-compliance,
the specific failures were cited. A signed agreement from the developer that he will not sell or build
upon lots until streets and services are provided for them was also required. The Planning Board held
hearings and took action as follows:
Approved:
Nagog Square
Apple Valley
Fairway Heights
Central Estates
Disapproved:
8 commercial lots
3 lots
26 lots
34 lots
Log Hill Estates
46 lots
Highland Acres
4 lots
Rescinded:
Acton Meadows
9 commercial lots
Town Line
9 commercial lots
The Planning Board was also responsible for seeing subdivisions through to completion and was
responsible for working out problems, seeing to adequate security for completion and releasing lots.
Subdivision work accounted for the Lion's share of the 55 meetings of the Board.
The Planning Board has not done its work as an omnipotent power in solitary splendor. It has re-
lied, and will continue to rely, on the assistance of the Engineering Department, the Building Inspector,
the Department of Health, the Water District, the Fire and Police Departments, the Recreation Depart-
ment, Conservation Commission; Town Counsel, the U.S. Soil Conservation Service, and upon several
capable consultants.
Chapter 41 also describes the planning function of the Board. To meet this need, the Board has
worked with the Long Range Planning Subcommittee to grapple with some of the problems Acton must
solve. Also, the Board established the policy of keeping one Monday per month free of routine appoint-
ments to concentrate on planning. It also meets frequently with other Town boards and departments to
work cooperatively toward the common objective of a more livable Acton.
All Planning Board meetings are open to the public and citizens are welcome to sit in or to arrange
for time on the agenda through the office. Unless otherwise posted, the Planning Board meets every
Monday at 8:00 p.m. at the Public Works Building, Forest Road.
George O. Gardner, III
William Becklean
Joyce E. Foley
John J. Pasieka
RECREATION COMMISSION
William P. Lynch, Chairman
Thomas M. Haggerty, Recreation Director
The appointment of Mr. Thomas M. Haggerty in April of this year as full-time Recreation Direc-
tor has enabled the Commission to fill the long-recognized gaps in its sports-orientated recreational
programs. We believe that through Tom's extremely capable leadership, this aspect of recreation,
i.e., soccer, basketball, gymnastics, etc., is rapidly approaching the desired program level in both
scope and content. Approximately 3,400 Actonians participated in 24 departmental sponsored activities
this past year (see program breakdown below), with an estimated 7,000 expected to participate in 1974.
34
Program
1. Women's Tennis Lessons (spring)
2. Men's Softball League
3. Playgrounds
4. Children's Tennis Lessons
5. Children's Swimming Lessons
6. Gymnastics (summer)
7. Handicapped Program
8. Men's Summer Basketball League
9. July 4th Program
10. Boys' Summer Soccer
11. Youth Tennis Tourney
12. Women's Tennis Lessons (fall)
13. Girls' Ballet
No. of
Participants
32
14.
180
15.
405
16.
240
17.
450
18.
200
19.
7
20.
165
21.
300
22.
11
23.
108
24.
32
20
Program
Girls' Modern Dance
Gymnastics (fall)
Boys' Flag Football
Boys' Soccer
Girls' Soccer
Men's Touch Football
Children's Figure Skating
Boys' Biddy Basketball
Girls' Biddy Basketball
Men's Winter Basketball League
Learn-To-Ski Programs
No. of
Participants
20
150
100
125
20
20
200
100
50
100
300
3, 355
Some of the new programs instituted this past year
include women's tennis lessons, gymnastics, girls' dance,
girls soccer, and men's touch football. In addition to
these new programs, daily playground hours at the town's
four neighborhood playground areas were extended an ad-
ditional three hours, with all areas opening at 9:00 a.m.
and closing at 3:00 p.m. for the six-week period June 25
to August 3. The Elm Street and Goward Field play-
grounds remained open through August 17, supervised by
local Acton youths employed under the Federal Govern-
ment's Emergency Employment Act (EEA).
Following the 1972 Master Plan, the Commission
has also been actively planning for future town recrea-
tional needs and demands.
A. We have completed, with professional land-
scape architects and recreational consultants, a detailed
Master Plan for recreational development of the 185 -acre
Great Hill site in South Acton which was purchased by the
Conservation Commission with Bureau of Outdoor Recre-
ation reimbursement. The Recreation Commission will
have an article in the Town Warrant requesting funds for
implementation of the initial stages of this plan.
B. Engineering plans have been completed for the
construction of ball fields on the Taylor Road site adja-
cent to the present sanitary landfill area. Requests for
bids on this work have been advertised, and we antici-
pate construction on this project to get under way this
spring. Although this land does have some drainage
problems, we believe that these can be corrected and
that the demand for critically needed open play areas
can be alleviated through the development of this area
and the future development of the present sanitary land-
fill site into playing fields.
C. Recreational use of the new pool-fieldhouse facility at the Acton- Boxborough Regional High
School has required much planning and coordination with both school officials and the Boxborough Recre-
ation Commission. Although there has been a delay in the completion of this facility, we are hopeful
that it will be available to all interested town residents by the end of March. However, even after open-
ing, we realize that it will take a few months before the facility is operating smoothly and at maximum
capabilities.
The Commission feels that with the development of these areas and facilities, Acton will take a
giant step forward in its efforts to accommodate and provide for the divergent recreational interests
and demands of its citizens.
Gymnastics Program
(Photo by G. B. Williams, Jr.)
35
The major tasks for the coming year, in addition to continued expansion and improvement of exist-
ing programs and facilities, will be:
1. Developmental : Implementation of detailed plans for both the Great Hill and Taylor
Road sites.
2. Planning: To plan and organize new programs and activities for junior high, senior
high, and adult age groups in an effort to plug existing gaps in this area and achieve
better overall program balance.
3. Non- competitive: To offer more programs that are by definition "non-competitive",
i.e., arts and crafts, dance, yoga, etc., in an effort to become more diversified in
this area of recreation.
The Commission would like to express its appreciation to Mr. Thomas Burke, who resigned from
the Commission this past year to take up residence in Wayland. Mr. Burke put in many hours working
on the Recreation Master Plan presented to the Town in 1973, and was also very active in the planning
stages of the Taylor Road project. Thanks also to the parents and adults who helped supervise our vari-
ous programs, and to all Town Departments who were of assistance during the last twelve months.
Last, but not least, our thanks to the Beacon and Minuteman newspapers for their cooperation in pub-
licizing our departmental sponsored activities.
Charles Morehouse, Vice -Chairman
Janet Murphy, Commissioner
Warren Orcutt, Commissioner
Thomas Burke, Commissioner
Thomas Haggerty, Recreation Director
Barbara Woodward, Secretary
(Note of Interest: Please call Mr. Haggerty, Recreation Director, at 263-9244, if you are in need of
more specific information concerning recreational programs that are available in Acton.)
STREET LIGHT COMMITTEE
Booth D. Jackson
Leslie F. Parke, Chairman
H. Stuart MacGregor
View of West Acton Streets
(Photo by Garry J. Bourgeois!
This past year, the Street Lighting Committee continued
its program of modernization for streets which were consid-
ered to be hazardous. Most of the streets which approach
South Acton, West Acton and Acton Center have been modern-
ized. We were fortunate to have Route 2A updated before the
energy crisis came into view.
Once again, we cannot fail to mention the high percentage
of breakage of lamps compared to other local communities.
We subscribe to the policy adopted with the formation of
the Committee that new street lights, in most instances, will
be installed only at street intersections, dangerous curves,
fire alarm boxes, and locations designated as hazardous by
the Fire Chief, Police Chief or this Committee, but at the
present time, the freeze is on for the installation of new lights.
The Committee extends their sincere appreciation to the
Town Manager and the Board of Selectmen for their coopera-
tion during the year 1973.
36
TOWN ENGINEER
John T. Condon, Town Engineer
With a qualified staff, the Engineering Department
accomplished many of the projects scheduled during the
past year. By maintaining a fairly consistent work force,
continuity was provided, which is essential in developing
programs from initial concept to completion.
The present staff consists of John T. Condon, P.E.,
R.L.S., Town Engineer; David Abbt, Assistant Town En-
gineer; Eric K. Durling, Engineering Assistant; Norine
Christian, Secretary; William D. Boston, Engineering
Assistant (Northeastern Co-op Student); Jens Moller,
Rodman; and Christopher Reiche, Rodman (Northeastern
Co-op Student).
This past year, a high priority was assigned to the
task of evaluating potential sanitary landfill sites. In con-
junction with this effort, survey control was established
for the purpose of defining the boundaries of the new land-
fill site. As you may have observed, the present landfill
area is filling rapidly and the need for a new site to dis-
pose of trash is apparent. During 1974 the development
of a new sanitary landfill site for the disposal of solid
waste should be completed and operational.
To confirm the need, another topographic survey
was made on the existing landfill. The results of the sur-
vey determined the rate of fill and a projection indicated
when a transition to a new site would be necessary. Based
on a proposed final contour plan prepared by this Depart-
ment, we anticipate a new landfill site will be needed by the
fall of 1974.
John T. Condon, Town Engineer
(Photo by G. B. Williams, Jr. )
In an effort to move forward on the widening of Route 2, the Massachusetts D.P.W. requested a
further review of plans for this construction. Recommendations were prepared by this office and ulti-
mately forwarded to the State for their use in the preparation of a second Environmental Impact State-
ment. With the final approval of this EIS by all affected communities, the Massachusetts D.P.W. could
proceed to the contract stage for its construction. The reconstruction of Route 2 through Acton is im-
portant, as new interchanges proposed along the route would eliminate the most dangerous grade cross-
ings within the Town.
Recently, this Department reviewed a preliminary project proposal for the Town's participation
in the "TOPICS" program. TOPICS stands for "Traffic Operations Program to Increase Capacity and
Safety." It is basically designed to increase the carrying capacity on existing public ways within a
municipality and is accomplished by improving intersections, eliminating width restrictions, installa-
tion of traffic control devices, improving roadway alignment, and removing obstructions that impair
safe vehicle operation. This program is sponsored by the Federal Government and the State, with the
Town responsible for any land -taking necessary. The initial project consists of 11 locations within the
Town in which modifications are proposed and several other intersections recommended for traffic con-
trol devices. The estimated cost of this work is $185,000.00. The next step is the survey and design
details, to be completed by the State before a construction contract can be prepared.
Subdivision plans submitted by developers are given thorough engineering review and recommend-
ations are submitted to the Planning Board. The engineering analysis includes a review of drainage
provisions, road layouts, lot development, easements, access and egress, plus other criteria based on
the Subdivision Rules and Regulations adopted by the Planning Board. Major subdivisions reviewed this
year were: Nagog Square, Central Estates, Fairway Heights Section II, and Highland Acres.
37
The supervision of construction within all subdivisions is performed by this Department, and the
developers are responsible to Engineering for the proper construction and adherence to approved plans
and regulations. Subdivisions presently under construction are Central Estates, Nagog Woods, Alpha
Industrial Park (Eastern Road), Quarry Road Industrial Park (Granite Road), Patriots Hill Section IV,
Putnam Park, Robbins Park Section IV and Brucewood Section III.
Specifications were prepared for the annual bidding by suppliers of construction materials, fuel
heating oil, gasoline and diesel fuel. In addition, specifications were written for the printing of the
Town Report, and the bids for the programmable calculator and theodolite were prepared.
With the acquisition of a theodolite and the availability of a leased electronic distance measuring
device, the survey crew began establishing horizontal control for placing granite road bounds at the be-
ginning and end of curves on the exterior lines of the following streets: Old Village Road, Lothrop
Road, Parker Street at Independence Road, and Notre Dame Road.
Contract plans and specifications were prepared for the renovation of a portion of the Town Com-
mon and the Taylor Road recreation site, both proposed for construction during this coming year.
These projects required complete field surveys for the development of the plans. In addition, the fol-
lowing projects were completed this past year:
Central Street: Survey control and field inspection of Chapter 90 Construction between
Nashoba Road and Orchard Drive.
Newtown Road: Field survey and design for new culvert at Minihaha Brook.
No. Main Street: Finalized plans for construction of new culvert at Nashoba Brook cross-
ing of Route 27.
Cemeteries: Continued to survey and lay out additional roads and lots for the expansion
of the cemeteries.
The design, field layout and installation of the following drainage projects were completed during
the past construction season: Parker Street from Fort Pond Brook to the Boston & Maine railroad
tracks; Conant Street near high Street; Independence Road near Parker Street; Quaboag Road at No. 36;
Nagog Hill Road in the vicinity of Hammond Street; Nashoba Road near Huron Road; and Ethan Allen
Drive near Black Horse Drive.
Sidewalk layout and construction on Central, Elm, Arlington and Maple Streets and Minot Avenue
was a cooperative effort between Engineering and Highway Departments.
One special project in which the Engineering Department is researching is the present and future
space needs for the Town personnel. This study will project the space needs with the objective of con-
solidating the majority of Town functions within a single municipal building. The advantages of central-
ization will be improved communications between departments, efficiency, cooperation and better work-
ing relationships. The accessibility of all Town Departments in one building will enable the general
public to conduct business more expediently.
The normal work load of reviewing site plans, preparing street acceptances, updating the Town
Atlas, Flood Plain Maps, Zoning Maps, and other Town Maps was completed as necessary. On a daily
basis, the Engineering Department handles the routine tasks of inspection related to Street Cut Permits
and installation of underground utilities, responding to requests by residents concerning drainage prob-
lems, providing the general public with information, and assisting the various Town boards.
During the forthcoming year, several projects have been scheduled. A brief outline of the major
ones are:
- Prepare plans for the development of a new sanitary landfill site.
- Prepare plans for the improvement of the existing sewage disposal area.
- Prepare plans, specifications and estimates, and advertise bids for the renovation of
the Town Common.
- Continue upgrading Central Street with Chapter 90 funds.
38
- Complete plans and either advertise or construct with Town forces the drainage pro-
ject at Newtown Road and Minihaha Brook.
- Begin the drafting necessary for the compiling of individual cemetery plans into
composite plans.
The Engineering Department will continue to make the resources of its staff and records available
to meet the Town's needs. We appreciate the cooperation received from other Town departments,
boards and committees in our common goal of advancing the best interests of the Town.
TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
George E. Neagle
Franklin Charter Emery Nelson
The usual work of clearing fire lanes and marking the bounds was accomplished. The sign mark-
ing the North Acton Forest had to be replaced when the tree that held it fell.
(Note of Interest: The Acton Town Forests are located off of Bulette Road and off of Quarrv Road in
North Acton.)
TREE WARDEN
Franklin H. Charter
The Tree Department headquarters was moved to the Public Works facility in April of this year.
This allows closer coordination between the Tree Department and the Highway Department.
This year, 170 new trees were planting, which included Norway Maples, Sugar Maples, Pin Oaks,
Locusts, and flowering crabapple trees. Many of these were planted off the Town right-of-way on pri-
vate property to minimize future maintenance costs.
Approximately 150 dead and dying trees were removed. Many of these were dying due to salt in-
jury, street widening, and storm damage. All streets were inspected for dead and dangerous overhang-
ing branches. These hazards were removed by Tree Department workers.
Anthracnose, a fungus disease which causes the leaves to fall off in early spring, was observed
on Sycamores, White Oaks, and Maples. This disease reaches a peak in cool, damp weather, but gen-
erally causes very little lasting damage.
39
YOUTH COMMISSION
Stephen Bing, Chairman
The Acton Youth Commission was formed in May of 1971. It is an official Town Commission com-
prised of seven members appointed by the Town Manager with the approval of the Board of Selectmen.
The general objective of the Commission is to create an environment in the Town that will afford all
young people the opportunity to develop fully physically, mentally and emotionally.
The Commission operates under ar Informal committee structure. The committees are often
made up of volunteers as well as official Commission members. This report will review the Commis-
sion's activities during 1973, along with other matters of interest, and will present the information by
committee or specific subject heading. In addition, the report will present a preview of Commission
plans for the coming year.
Highlights
1973 brought with it some major changes in the Acton Youth Commission. A 45% turnover in
membership, new officers and a changing pattern of youth problems have all had major impact.
1. Membership: In the period since the last report, Alan Flood, Kathleen Barger and
Ann Evans resigned their seats on the Commission. All three made major contribu-
tions to the Commission during their tenure. In addition, the Commission has re-
cently lost the services of its unofficial secretary-treasurer, Marion Maxwell. Her
tireless efforts on behalf of the Commission are most appreciated.
The three new members appointed to the Commission during the year are Eleanor
Phillips, Ira Goldenberg and Michelle DuBois.
2. Education Committee: During 1972 and the first part of 1973, this committee spent
considerable time and energy conducting a study of the needs of Acton's young people
that can be best met through the school system. In the course of their study, they
solicited information from public and private social agencies, the medical commun-
ity, students, teachers, counselors and school administrative personnel.
THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE'S STUDY REVEALED THAT DRUG EDUCATION,
HEALTH, AND FAMILY RELATIONS WERE THREE AREAS THAT CALLED FOR
IMMEDIATE ATTENTION. In an effort to deal with these problems, the Commission
(a) elected to support the hiring of a health-physical education coordinator for the
Acton-Boxborough Regional School District and (b) presented a report to the Acton-
Boxborough Regional School Committee which contained a proposal to develop and
institute a Family-Life Education Program in the Regional School District.
A health-physical education coordinator has not been hired to date. However, the
School Committee did establish a citizens committee to study the need for a Family-
Life Education Program. Youth Commission member Eleanor Phillips served on this
committee, which eventually reported favorably on the proposal. The School Com-
mittee has now formed a curriculum development committee. Based on the work of
this committee, the School Committee will make a final determination as to whether
or not a Family-Life Education Program will be integrated into the overall school
curriculum.
3. Youth Employment Committee: The Commission's Youth Employment Program is
now in its second year of operation. The program consists of a job placement ser-
vice for the Town's young people. Kathleen Cutbill, a high school student, has been
the principal staff member during 1973, and the program has been supervised by
Youth Commission member Charles Kadison.
In the past year, over 420 jobs have been filled by Acton young people through the job
placement service. Of this total, 180 have been steady jobs and approximately 240
have been odd-jobs. The total of 420 jobs represents only those that can be substan-
tiated through direct communication with the placement service office. Many more
jobs were secured through direct contact between employer and applicant using job
applicant lists compiled by the placement office and made available to prospective
employers.
40
Despite the success of this program, there is cause for concern for the immediate
future. The present state of the local economy and the rising unemployment rate
have caused predictions of a poor summer ahead in terms of jobs for young people.
The Youth Commission has voted to add a second staff member to the placement
office whose primary responsibility will be to solicit summer jobs from the local
business community. IF YOU HAVE NEED OF SUMMER HELP OR KNOW OF
ANYONE WHO DOES, PLEASE CALL THE YOUTH COMMISSION JOB PLACE-
MENT OFFICE WEEKDAYS BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 2:00 AND 4:00 P.M. AT
263-0123.
4. Teen Center Committee: After several years of hard work and struggle on the part
of many people, the teen center (The Church, Inc.) closed its doors for the last time
early in 1973. The teen center organization had survived adult resistance, bad pub-
licity and poor funding, but finally had to give up when the building in which it was
housed was sold.
The teen center was a controversial organization from its very inception, but any-
one who had any knowledge of the operation will agree that it served many Acton
young people well.
One of the first Youth Commission projects was to obtain partial Town funding for
the teen center. During 1973 Commission members Leonard Selman and Kathleen
Barger supervised the expenditure of Town funds for the teen center, and spent many
additional hours assisting in the development of teen center programs.
5. Committee on Drug Education (CODE): CODE is a volunteer organization which
serves the young people of Acton and surrounding towns. CODE volunteers operate
a "hot-line" service, a youth counseling service and, in cooperation with other so-
cial agencies, a referral service for youngsters in trouble. Originally formed to
deal with drug-related problems, CODE is now equipped to deal with a great variety
of problems affecting young people.
The Youth Commission has been able to obtain partial Town funding for CODE for
the past two years. Representatives of CODE regularly attend Commission meetings,
and an excellent working relationship exists between the two groups.
6. Student Youth Commission: It has been a policy of the Youth Commission since its
inception to seek the advice and involvement of Acton's young people in all Commis-
sion projects and major decisions. In conjunction with Student Government Day,
several young people were elected by their contemporaries to seats on the Youth
Commission. These young people elected to continue their involvement with the
Youth Commission past the day specifically set aside for this purpose.
The Student Youth Commission suggested and was instrumental in the development
of a proposal for a youth concert to be held in Acton during the summer. Despite
their best efforts and the support of the formal Youth Commission, the concert never
took place. Plans were finally tabled when the Board of Selectmen refused to author-
ize the necessary permits.
The members of the Student Youth Commission are Jeff Davis, Susan Metsky, Mary
Jo Herman, William Gray, Burt Morse, Peg Brandon, and Joni Berkshire.
7. Youth Activities Calendar: This is a recent addition to the list of Youth Commission
projects. In a rapidly growing community such as Acton, there is often a lack of
leisure-time activities for young people as the Town struggles to keep up with its ex-
panding population. It is vital, therefore, that information on whatever activities are
available be made easily accessible.
In an effort to meet this need, Commission member Michelle DuBois compiles a cal-
endar, on a bi-weekly basis, of events of interest to young people that are scheduled
to take place in the Greater Boston and Acton areas. The calendar is published in both
Acton newspapers.
8. Budget: Due to the demise of the teen center and less than anticipated expenses, the
Youth Commission will finish the 1973-74 fiscal period with a substantial surplus in
the budget.
41
Future Plans
The Youth Commission has a number of projects which the members would like to see move from
the planning stage to implementation. The projects include such things as non-athletic summer activi-
ties, stimulation of youth instituted and run activities, and the development of more efficient methods
of communication between the adult and youth communities.
In an effort to deal with this problem, the Commission has voted to recommend to the Town that
a Youth Activities Coordinator be hired on a full-time basis. A job description and a partial list of
qualifications have been developed and further research is under way. The full proposal will be pre-
sented to the Town at the Annual Town Meeting.
The Commission wishes to thank all those groups and individuals who have maintained an interest
in its activities during the past year. The members of the Commission remain committed to an open-
door policy and continue their standing invitation to all the citizens of Acton to attend and participate in
their regular meetings. We ask your continued understanding and support.
Michelle DuBois
Charles Kadison
Eleanor Phillips
Leonard Selman
Ira Goldenberg
Bruce McCarthy
Marathon for Beacon Santa." High school
students dribbled a basketball from Acton to
Basketball Hall of Fame, Springfield, Mass.
(Photo by Sally Stokinger)
Protection Of Persons And Property
43
Demolition of Reed Grainmill in West Acton
(Photo by Sally Stokinger)
44
ANIMAL INSPECTOR
Patrick Palmer
(Photo by Peter Hill)
Premises Inspected
24
Dairy Cows and Heifers
2 years old and over
96
Dairy Heifers one to two
years of age
42
Dairy Heifer Calves
under one year
32
Dairy Bulls
3
Beef Cattle
7
Oxen
Horses
Colts
Ponies
Goats
Sheep
Swine
Dog Bites
Dogs Quarantined
2
46
1
28
7
10
6
15
15
DOG OFFICER
Patrick Palmer
My records show that:
1. 1394 licenses were issued (13 less than 1972). 713 reminder cards were sent out.
2. 75 dogs were picked up, 41 of which were claimed by their owners, 12 were placed in homes and
22 were destroyed.
3. 15 dogs were quarantined for biting, and the circumstances investigated.
4 59 complaints were registered with this office, most of which concerned barking dogs dogs at
" schools, and dogs chasing cars and bicycles. All of these complaints were investigated and we
hope that satisfactory solutions were found.
45
BOARD OF HEALTH
Steven Calichman, Director
Donald R. Gilberti Edwin Richter
Dr. Gene P. Schwartz
This year, the Health Director again spent a great
deal of time inspecting the construction of individual
sanitary sewerage disposal systems. We had an 85%
increase in permits for repairs of existing systems.
The administration of the Board of Health office and
other vital Public Health programs is becoming in-
creasingly important to the health and welfare of the
general public of the Town of Acton.
Nineteen seventy -three was an extremely busy
year for the Acton Board of Health. We became in-
volved in many aspects of environmental health and
the enforcement of the Acton Health Code and the State
Sanitary Code.
The Board of Health was able to obtain compli-
ance with health regulations of five large apartment
complexes whose septic systems were failing, and we
are now engaged in the process of reviewing a repair
design for another apartment complex. Four of these
breakouts were directly or indirectly allowing sewage
effluent to contaminate brooks in the Town, creating
not only a serious potential health problem but also
damaging the ecological structure of the affected water -
shed areas.
The Health Department has been working closely
with the personnel of the Metropolitan Air Pollution
Control District Office to obtain a permanent solution for the
industry involved is now utilizing a new control system which
Steven Calichman, Director of
Board of Health
(Photo by G. B. Williams, Jr.)
air pollution problem in South Acton. The
they hope will rectify the problem.
The Acton Health Department personnel were actively involved in removing shellfish from restau-
rants and retail food establishments during the "Red Tide" emergency as well as removing a potentially
hazardous drug that was incorrectly packaged by a pharmaceutical company. We also took part in the
Statewide program of removing various brands of potentially hazardous mushrooms from retail and
wholesale establishments.
The Town of Acton was faced with a serious threat to the public health during August and Septem-
ber of this present year. Eastern Equine Encephalitis was present in the wild bird population in Acton.
On September 4, 1973, we received notification from the State Virus Laboratory that a dead pheas-
ant we submitted for analysis was positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis. The Board of Health im-
mediately suspended the "no fogging list" and ordered the residential areas of the Town fogged with first
priority being the playground and school areas.
The Town of Acton was one of the few communities in the State which was able to immediately and
directly face this threat because we had the licensed personnel and equipment available from our Mos-
quito Control Program. We fogged the entire Town and suspended the program only after the State De-
partment of Public Health had aerially sprayed the Town and surrounding communities with Malathion
I wish to thank the Board of Health, Town officials, and all the Town Departments for their sup-
port and cooperation. Sincere appreciation is extended to the Health Department staff, the physicians,
and the citizens who have helped make our programs possible.
The following report summarizes the services and activities of the Department for 1973.
46
Septic Tank Care
All residents in the Town of Acton are reminded of their responsibility to maintain their septic
tanks and underground leaching areas.
A septic tank system will service a home satisfactorily only if it is properly located, designed,
constructed and adequately maintained. Even a good system which does not have proper care and atten-
tion may become a nuisance and a burdensome expense.
Neglect of the septic tank is the most frequent cause of damage to the leaching systems. When the
tank is not cleaned, solids build up until they are carried into the underground leaching pipe system,
where they block the flow of the liquid into the soil. When this happens, the leaching system must be
rebuilt or relocated - a costly undertaking. The precautions of periodic inspection and cleaning of the
septic tank can prevent this needless expense and work by extending the life of the leaching systems.
The frequency of cleaning depends on the size of the septic tank and the number of people it serves.
When a garbage grinder is used, more frequent cleaning will be required. With ordinary use and care,
a septic tank usually requires cleaning every two years. The homeowner can make measurements and
decide for himself when his tank needs cleaning. When the total depth of scums and solids at the inlet
exceeds one -third of the liquid depth of the tank, the tank should be cleaned. The accumulated solids
are ordinarily pumped out by companies that make a business of cleaning septic tanks. Your local
Health Department knows which local companies do this work satisfactorily. The solids removed should
be buried or disposed of in a manner approved by your local Health Department to avoid obnoxious odors
and health hazards.
There are no chemicals, yeasts, bacteria, enzymes or other substances capable of eliminating or
reducing the solids and scum in a septic tank so that periodic cleaning is unnecessary. Contrary to
some beliefs, the addition of such products is not necessary for the proper functioning of a septic tank
disposal system and can be harmful to the leaching field.
Garbage Collection
The Town of Acton maintains a municipal garbage collection and is based on a once -a -week collec-
tion. All garbage shall be stored in a place convenient for removal. Garbage collectors are not allowed
to enter any building, breezeway, garage, etc., to pick up garbage. Rubbish must not be placed in with
the garbage; garbage cans should be of adequate size and have tight lids. Paper bags, paper wrapping
or other trash shall not be deposited with edible garbage. Paths and garbage pail areas must be free of
ice and snow and paths sanded for safe footing. All garbage complaints shall be directed to Mr. Dear-
born's Enterprise number. To get this number, contact the operator and ask for Enterprise Number
0364. There is no charge on Enterprise calls. If you do not have satisfaction after contacting Mr. Dear-
born, call the Board of Health at 263-4736, and we will try to remedy the situation.
Sanitary Landfill
The Town of Acton maintains a sanitary landfill for rubbish and trash disposal. It is located on
Route 2 just West of Hosmer Street, and it is open six days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. and
closed on Sundays and Holidays. (Check schedule posted at entrance for summer hours.)
Mosquito Control Program
Mosquito control consisted of four regular Malathion fogging applications for the control of adult
mosquitos plus an intensive fifth fogging during early September to lessen the threat of confirmed Eastern
Equine Encephalitis virus in our area. The control program was discontinued after the State Department
of Public Health aerially sprayed the Town of Acton. The massive aerial spraying done by the State was
to drastically reduce the adult mosquito population as quickly as possible to prevent possible human
cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
At the Special Town Meeting, the Board of Health was authorized to purchase an Ultra -Low Vol-
ume fogger to replace the antiquated thermal fogging machine. The new fogging machine arrived in late
August and was immediately utilized along with the thermal fogger during the intensive mosquito con-
trol period in early September.
47
Day Care Services
Day Care Centers in Acton are licensed by the Board of Health. They must comply with the Rules
and Regulations demanded by the State. Each year they are inspected by the Building inspector and
Health Department personnel before a license is issued.
Well Child Clinic
The Acton Board of Health is now sponsoring a free preschool "Well Child Clinic" for Acton resi-
dents to be given monthly. This is for routine physical examinations and immunizations. This service
was not intended to replace the child's family physician, but increase health services to the young com-
munity.
Communicable Diseases Reported for 1973
Animal Bites
20
Chicken Box
92
German Measles
2
Gonorrhea
7
Mumps
1
Strep
6
Measles
5
Salmonella
2
Syphillis
3
Amebic Dysentery
0
Meningitis
1
Hepatitis
3
Chapter ill, Section 111 of the General Laws, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, requires that all
communicable diseases must be reported to the Board of Health, 263-4736.
Permits and Licenses Issued
Installers Permits
Sewerage Disposal Permits
Food Establishments
Retail Food Establishments
Milk, and Cream Licenses
Mobile Food Server Permits
Oleomargarine License
Milk Dealers
Acton Day Care Centers
Permits and Dealers
43
84
34
10
44
5
13
5
10
Offal Transport 3
Commercial Haulers Permit 12
Well Permits 24
Public and Semi-Public
Swimming Facilities 19
Sewerage Transporter Permits 7
Burial or Removal Permits 62
Plumbing Permits 282
Gas Permits 199
Total Collected Miscellaneous Items
Plumbing Permits
Gas Permits
Sewerage Permits: New - 84; Repair or Alterations
71
$ 1,724.50
5,382.00
1,700.50
6,505. 00
$15,312.00
ACTON PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING SERVICE
Dorothy A. James, R. N., Town Nurse Florence M. Ross, R.N., Asst. Town Nurse
Karen A. DiRuzzo, Secretary to Board of Health
THE PREVENTION OF ILLNESS IS A WISE INVESTMENT!
The Acton Public Health Nursing Service is available to all residents of Acton. The Public Health
Nursing Service offers comprehensive nursing care to patients in their place of residence under the
supervision of the patient's physician. The public health nurse carries out part-time nursing care of
the sick, including teaching and supervision of that care, and provision of other therapeutic services as
indicated for the patient.
48
Dorothy A. James, R.N., Town Nurse and
Karen A. DiRuzzo, Secy, to Board of Health
(Photo by G. B. Williams, Jr.)
Dorothy A. James, R.N., Town Nurse, assisting
with flu shots for Acton's Senior Citizens.
(Photo by G. B. Williams, Jr. )
Supportive services provided through contractual agreement with Emerson Hospital are physical
therapy and social service. The Concord Family Service Association makes available the Homemaker
Home Health Aide Program. The staff of the Acton Public Health Nursing Service supervises the care
given by the Home Health Aide in the patient's home.
The public health nurse also makes inspections of nursery schools, and conducts immunization
clinics and "Well-Child Clinics".
The Public Health Nursing Services are available to all residents of Acton and are supported by
Town taxes under the Board of Health, third party payees such as Medicare, Medicaid, private insur-
ance programs and individual fees.
Florence M. Ross, R.N., at Acton's
Well -Child Clinic.
(Photo by G. B. Williams, Jr.)
Florence M. Ross, R.N., visits
Mrs. Charles Henry.
(Photo by G. B. Williams, Jr.)
Acton Public Health Nursing Service has demonstrated the effectiveness of the Public Health Ser-
vice by:
49
Casefinding: Preschool vision program and nursery school inspections.
Well -Child Clinic.
Follow-up of referrals from "Council of Aging Survey".
Preventive Services: Available through immunization and screening programs -
1973 Immunizations
1. Diptheria -Tetanus -Whooping Cough
2. Diptheria -Tetanus -Booster (grade 9)
3. Influenza Vaccine for elderly
4. Lead Poisoning Screening
5. Measles Vaccine (grades 1-6 - 626; Jr. High - 175;
Preschool - 9)
6. Mumps Vaccine (grade 9)
7. Polio Vaccine
8. Tuberculin Testing (students - 463; adults - 135)
3
146
268
1
810
95
3
598
Direct Services: Carries out nursing skills contributing to treatment and rehabilitation.
Teaching and Supervision of: Family members and home health aides to provide services.
Follow-up: Post-operative patients, chronic disease patients, high risk groups as premature
infants.
Home Visits
Disease Category
Arthritis
95
Blood Dyscrasia
62
Cancer
68
Cardio -Vascular Disease
400
Cerebral Vacular Accident
49
Diabetes
37
Injuries
113
Health Promotion
146
Multiple Sclerosis
59
Other Chronic
80
Other Non-communicable
49
Post Par turn
21
Premature
36
Tuberculosis
. 4
Total Visits
1,226
Total Physical Therapy
3
Total Social Worker Visits
and/ or Consultations
56
Total Home Health Aide Visits
22
Total Individuals
193
Age Category
Under 28 days
28 days to 1 year
1 year to 4 years
5 years to 19 years
20 years
21 years to 44 years
45 years to 64 years
65 years and over
Not home
Total
First Aid to Town Employees
Clinics
Nursery School Inspections
Medicare
All Others
Total
13
41
25
20
2
94
176
803
52
1,226
13
9
9
$2,780. 12
2,052.02
$4,832. 14
The Future: To increase the use of supportive services: (a) home health aides; (b) physical
therapy; and (c) social service.
To continue follow-up of high risk groups: (a) premature infants; (b) the elderly;
(c) maternal and child care programs.
To continue work with other agencies to identify problems of: (a) alcoholism;
(b) child abuse; (c) drug addiction; and (d) venereal disease.
To be alert to all health related needs within the community.
The goals of the Acton Public Health Nursing Service are prevention of disease and promotion of
health by increasing the capacity of patients, families, and the community to cope with problems of
health and illness, by supporting efforts of other professional workers or agencies in control of disease,
restoration and preservation of health, by controlling and counteracting as much as possible to physical
and social environmental conditions that threaten health, and to plan and evaluate nursing practice to en
sure quality professional health services to the community.
50
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
For the fifth year, the services of the Concord Area Comprehensive Mental Health Center
(CACMHC) - based at Emerson Hospital, Concord - are available to all citizens of Acton. The Center
is a consortium of three agencies serving a ten-town area: Emerson Hospital, Walden Guidance Asso-
ciation, and the Mental Health Association of Central Middlesex.
Wheeler III, the inpatient psychiatric unit, is located in Emerson Hospital. Patients are admitted
voluntarily by private physicians on the staff of the Hospital, through Walden Clinic, or through the
Emergency Room. Adolescents and adults are cared for by a team of physicians, psychologists, nurses, I
occupational therapists, and social workers. Emerson Hospital also provides psychiatric consultation
on a 24 -hour basis through the Emergency Room. An aftercare program helps in planning for people
who have been hospitalized here or at Metropolitan State Hospital.
The Mental Health Association of Central Middlesex, which is located in the Community Agencies
Building at Emerson Hospital (369-7715), is a community -based organization with special concerns for
identifying mental health needs and mobilizing citizen skill and energy to enpourage efforts to meet
them. Education about mental health issues and resources is given through a quarterly newsletter, a
Directory of Mental Health Resources, and the local media. Seminars and public meetings are offered
concerning mental health issues. Speakers and films can be provided for local groups. Close monitor-
ing is given to legislation that affects mental health care. A small library is accessible to residents,
and the staff will provide information about varied resources. Acton is represented on the board of di-
rectors of the Association.
Walden Guidance Association, with headquarters in the Community Agencies Building (369-1113),
serves all ages on an outpatient basis. Eliot Clinic provides evaluation and treatment of mental health
problems for people who come by referral from school or physician, though an increasing number are
self -referred. Treatment is varied, but tends toward short-term intervention in crisis, work with
family groups, and group therapy. Consultation services are offered to schools, and to other agencies
and caretakers. During 1972-19 73, 99 new clients were referred to the Clinic, 39 adults and 60 children.
A total of 1,904 hours of service were given. In addition, 206 subsidized consultation hours were given
to Acton town agencies, primarily the schools.
The Eliot Day Center is a daily clinical program for adults and teenagers, based on group rela-
tionships and experiences. During 1972-1973, an active case load of 35 clients was maintained, includ-
ing 13 from Acton.
The Therapeutic Nursery School, with an enlarged enrollment of 18 disturbed young children,
includes in its program weekly mothers' groups as well as regular home visits. There is also an active i
consultation program to 22 nursery schools in the ten town area, bringing preventive care to increased
numbers of children.
51
BUILDING INSPECTOR
Don P. Johnson, Inspector
Nineteen seventy -three was my first full calendar year as Building Inspector. One of the top pri-
orities I set for the year was to establish and implement workable procedures and policies for the en-
forcement of the Building Code, Zoning Bylaw and Sign Bylaw for which I am responsible. I am pleased
with the progress accomplished in this area and will continue to concern myself with such matters.
This past year was a very busy one as I conducted approximately 1100 individual inspections of
various types. Many of these inspections were for multiple dwelling unit apartments and condominums;
therefore, the time required per inspection was greater than normally anticipated. The year ahead
promises to be even more demanding as a new statewide building code becomes mandatory and local
codes are eliminated.
The State Building Code Commission, established under Chapter 802 of the Acts of 1972, is re-
quired to develop the new State Building Code, which will become effective January 1, 1975. In this re-
gard, I attended several seminars this year and anticipate more during the year ahead. The classroom
study is necessary for certification, which is now a legal prerequisite for Building Inspectors in the
State of Massachusetts. In addition, local inspectors will also be responsible for inspection of public
buildings formerly handled by the Department of Public Safety. Included among those facilities are
schools, hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, auditoriums, places of public assembly, etc.
Building construction statistics are often used as an index for fluctuations and trends in our popu-
lation and economy. You may draw your own conclusions regarding Acton's growth patterns as reflected
in the following graphs and statistics:
NUMBER OF DWELLING UNITS
TOTAL ANNUAL CONSTRUCTION
YEAR
YEAR
52
Building Permits for 1973
T.yPe
Residential: Single Family Dwelling Units
Multi-Family Dwelling Units
Additions and Repairs
Garages
Porches
Swimming Pools
Miscellaneous
Commercial: Business and Industrial Buildings
Totals
Receipts:
Fees for Building Permits
Number
of Permits
266
Estimated
Construction Costs
55
$ 2,082,055
43 (622 D. U.)
8,436, 700
56
170, 200
17
64,750
33
61,578
20
73, 189
28
192, 120
14
1,976,040
$13,056,632
$19,664.95
CIVIL DEFENSE
Thomas J. Barry, Jr. , Director
Over the past year that I have been Civil Defense Director, I have evaluated the role of Civil De-
fense in Acton. This evaluation was based on the Civil Defense organization and needs in Acton, what
other towns were doing, and the positions of both State and Federal government.
In completing the study of what we have and what we should have, the following facts are evident:
1. That there is a need for a Civil Defense Organization to act as a coordinating and
supportive agency during time of natural disasters.
2. That the job of Civil Defense Director not be given to any person functioning as a
department head within the present Town Administration.
3. That a salary be given to the Director as well as three men who hold the key re-
sponsibility in the organization.
4. That the Auxiliary Fire Department be continued but reorganized to function more
independent of the regular Fire Department.
5. That an auxiliary Police Department be formed and equipped to provide a source of
additional help to the regular police during periods where extra men are needed.
6. That the Radio Communication Unit be expanded and located in an Emergency Oper-
ation Center to better service the Town in time of need.
7. That to run a well organized Civil Defense Unit, adequate funds be provided to
properly equip and maintain the organization and to insure that all personnel receive
the proper training which is available.
8. That Federal funds are only available where a local organization has developed plans
and certain procedures to qualify.
With the findings of our evaluation, a budget for 1974 has been submitted which reflects a true pic-
ture of what Civil Defense needs to function effectively in the Town of Acton. Also, I would like to re-
state emphatically that the job of Director of Civil Defense does not belong as an extra duty to any depart-
ment head.
I would like to thank the Auxiliary Fire Department for their work over the year, and also Fire-
fighter Robert Wetherbee who acted as their advisor. Special recognition should also be given to Robert
Guba, the radio officer, and his group who have served over the years in time of need.
53
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Peter Jorrens, Chairman
Nashoba Brook
(Photo by John Folsom)
During the past year, our focus has been on the updating of our Master Plan with an emphasis on
the evaluation of parcels of land suitable for present and future acquisition. Our aim is to add contiguous
parcels to land already owned plus acquire sufficient acreage in varying locations to give balance to the
holdings of the Town. Two purchases added approximately 45 more acres for conservation and recrea-
tion to the citizens of Acton.
With the completion of a parking lot for 25 cars at an access to the Great Hill site, reimburse-
ment from the State to the Town of Acton for two separate parcels on this site totaled $12,016. We have
met with the Finance Committee to review alternate methods of funding as future reimbursement may
not always be forthcoming.
This commission held two Wetlands Hearings, which entailed cooperation with the petitioner, the
Town and the Department of Natural Resources. To assure that our inland wetlands are being protected,
the petitioner must follow certain orders of conditions. As of July 1, 1973, land posted with a file num-
ber from the State D.N.R. may be walked by any Conservation Commission member to ascertain that
these orders are being followed. Six Cease and Desist Orders were issued and one Request for Com-
pliance was sent.
A regional conservation group with surrounding towns was formed to share ideas and resources.
Acton invited an officer of the Audubon Society and our state representative to speak on past successful
conservation attainments and current state attitudes.
Our thanks go to the many members of our Town boards and commissions who have helped us to
define our goals.
Brewster Conant Richard Murphy
Ragnar Gustafson Chauncey Waldron
Dorothy Stone cl if fe
54
INSECT PEST CONTROL
Franklin H. Charter, Superintendent
The control of Dutch Elm Disease continues to be the major activity of this department. Approxi-
mately 70 diseased elms were removed this year. The diseased trees were taken to the Sanitary Land-
fill Area where they were burned, as allowed by State Law.
Record numbers of Fall Web Worm nests were observed in August. This insect defoliated many
trees, including the wild cherry tree. However, such defoliation late in the growing season usually
causes little permanent damage and is mostly an aesthetic problem. The State Entomologist predicts
that this problem will continue in 1974.
The Gypsy Moth continues to build up as it has in past years. Egg clusters have been observed in
most sections of town. This insect has not reached high enough concentrations in Acton to cause the
serious damage which occurred in other parts of the State.
The Town playgrounds and 20 miles of roadside were sprayed for poison ivy with a herbicide ap-
proved by the Environmental Protection Agency.
INSPECTOR OF WIRES
Leslie F. Parke, Inspector
I herewith submit my report as Inspector of Wires for the year ending December 31, 1973.
Three hundred thirty -five (335) permits were issued and fees collected were turned over to
the Treasurer.
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
George K. Hayward
I herewith submit my 15th annual report as Sealer of Weights
and Measures for the Town of Acton.
Total number of devises inspected and sealed - 197.
Fees collected and paid to Town Treasurer - $453.00.
(Photo by Anita Ferrante)
55
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Thomas J. Barry, Jr., Chief
Engine #2, Acton Center Fire Station
(Photo by J. Lorraine Putnam)
Arson in West Acton.
The new Snorkle Pumper responds,
(Photo by G. B. Williams, Jr.)
On the horizon for 1974 is the requirement that the Town improve its Emergency Medical Service
or ambulance situation. Our present system of using police cruiser station wagons has been outgrown
by the number of Emergency Medical cases in the last few years. It has become apparent that an Emer-
gency Medical System must be established both as a requirement to State Law but most important, to
insure our townspeople the best possible emergency care. The demands on both the Police and Fire
Departments have reached a point where more men will be necessary to maintain proper training and
service standards. I believe that an article will be placed on the 1974 Annual Town Meeting Warrant to
bring this matter to public attention.
The changes or increases in the Fire Department budget can be explained in basically one word -
"growth". Not only growth of the Town, but growth in the full-time manpower of the Department, growth
in the service provided, growth in services requested by the growing population.
It is almost inconceivable that over the past years, growth has been accepted and provided for in
other Town Departments but in the area of public safety the only acknowledgment has been for the pro-
visions of the same level of service over a full 24 -hour period. In all cases, Fire Department expenses
for manpower have followed this pattern. Not one full-time firefighter or officer has been requested to
relieve the administrative work load both created by the growth of the Town or by the internal growth of
the Department.
In 1972 when the 18 -month budget was submitted for 1973-74, I had only the experience of four
months of administrating a department that expanded from 16 to 25 men. The addition of three men in
1973, the attempt to resolve problems in other areas such as Fire Alarm Repair, Maintenance, Fire
Prevention and Training by using time and a half help has driven the salary portion of the budget up to
its present level. The recent experience of the projected overrun for 1973-74 has required an intensive
investigation prior to the submission of the 1974 budget. Certain cutbacks of service have been imple-
mented in an effort to cut costs. However, I feel that I have done all that is possible without jeopardiz-
ing the safety of the public. Any further cuts or reductions will have to come from the Administration
of the Town with the resulting impact clearly understood by all concerned.
In the area of expenses, a level has been maintained equal or slightly less than 1973. Cost for
supplies and equipment have risen drastically in the past 10 -month period. Also, I find that many
"unforeseen occurrences" are really just an expected part of normal operations over the years. They
seem to occur to a point where they have to be considered routine.
56
In all, the method of providing adequate paid manpower to give a certain level of service is the key
problem area. The priorities given to this are not within the power of the Chief. Assistance is required
and requested from other areas of Town Administration.
We again have requested that one man be added to each shift (four) in the West Acton Station. This
station has, since 1969, had only one man to respond with the apparatus. It is interesting to note that
this one man was the first to arrive at four major fires during 1973.
In the area of new equipment, we are requesting the replacement of Engine 1, a 1958 International
Pump. This unit was projected for replacement in 19 74 under our Capital Outlay Program on apparatus.
Unfortunately, we again, for the third time, are requesting that funds be appropriated to install a fire
pump on Engine 5 to bring the apparatus to a full Class A rating. This improvement could delay the pur-
chase of the replacement for Engine 6, which is scheduled for 1976, for at least two years.
Due to the fact that all of our part-time inspectors use their own cars for transportation and the
energy crisis has driven the price of gasoline sky high, we are investigating the purchase of a compact
car to cut the cost of this part of the budget. At the present time, we have use for this vehicle on the
average of 35 times per week. This car would also serve as a backup to the Chief's car and Captain's
pickup truck while they are out for repairs.
I would again like to thank the men of the Fire Department and Auxiliary Department for their ex-
cellent cooperation and support. I also wish to thank the Boards and other Town Departments for their
assistance.
Total number of alarms responded to are as follows:
Residential
Non -residential Assembly
Mercantile
Manufacturing
Storage - Garages
Grass - Brush - Woods
Miscellaneous
Vehicle
False Alarms
Accidental Alarms
Emergencies
Investigations
Special Service
Mutual Aid Sent
1972
46
7
3
5
4
44
50
32
49
28
178
122
114
13
1973
30
2
3
3
6
65
63
38
25
65
193
138
111
24
695
766
Box Alarms
Still Alarms
Deaths by Fire
Fire Loss
Building and Contents
Vehicles
Miscellaneous
149
151
446
613
0
0
$78,249.00
9, 185.00
$108,542.92
1,325.00
$87,434.00
$109,867.92
Assessed Value of Property Involved
$5,585,630.00
$5,469,900.00
57
Permits Issued
Oil and Power Burners
Blasting
Flammable Gas
Flammable Liquid
Miscellaneous
1972
75
49
14
11
44
1973
59
43
20
9
17
Monies Collected
Permits
Damages
Services
$153.50
65.00
332. 17
$550.67
$108.00
98.00
440.50
$646. 50
Operations - 1973
In reviewing the statistics for 1973, it is found that a 10% increase in the number of responses
occurred. Although there was a decrease in the number of building fires, the ones that did occur re-
sulted in a higher fire loss than in 1972. It is also interesting to note that the year had more multiple
alarm fires than ever before.
The false alarm level dropped, which is a good sign of our Fire Prevention efforts in the schools.
It is hoped that we can hold this present level. An increase in brush fires was mainly due to a prolonged
dry season. It was fortunate that only a few of the fires required the use of more than two pieces of
apparatus.
Our main problem during 1973 was lack, of adequate funds to run the Department. This shortage
was in the overtime section of the salary accounts and required curtailing activities in the service divi-
sions. Overtime funds have grown to a point where the cost reflects almost one -quarter of the salary
budget.
The question arises as to why so much overtime is necessary to maintain Fire Protection. This
is divided into two areas: (1) maintaining shift coverage or replacing men relieved from duty for vaca-
tion, sickness or other reasons; (2) salaries paid on an overtime basis for fire alarm work, mainte-
nance of apparatus, fire prevention, school programs, inspections, etc. The case for using men on
overtime to perform this type of work has proven far less expensive and practical than hiring full-time
personnel to do the work. In the area of shift covering, we are required to have seven men on duty.
When a vacancy exists, a man must be brought in at time and one -half . This results in an expenditure
of close to $50,000.00. Budget cuts and underestimating the work load for 1973 led to overruns in the
Fire Department budget.
The Insurance Service Office completed the survey of the Fire Department in May and the report
was received late in November. The survey was supposed to be a complete evaluation of our Fire Pro-
tection. However, the report itself can only be described as a disappointment. It failed completely in
assessing the problem or giving any guidelines for improving our Department. It is clearly evident that
the use of this type of survey to give us direction and guidelines will not be of any help in our future
planning. We have questioned the Insurance Service Office regarding this, but have not received any
additional information at this time.
Fire Prevention
Fire Prevention has continued to play a major role in the Fire Protection of the Town. The arriv-
al of the energy crisis as well as further responsibilities delegated by the State Fire Marshall's Office
added burden to the division.
The school program has taken firm hold in grades 1 through 6, and has proven itself in the de-
creased problems associated with youngsters in this age group. It is clearly evident that the program
must be carried into the upper grades to form the complete education of our young people in fire safety.
The school program accounts for about one -half the funds spent in operating the Fire Prevention Divi-
sion. It has been recognized up through the national level that Fire Prevention and public information
is our best defense against fire and its resulting tragedy. >
58
New requirements from the State in the inspection of oil and
gasoline transport vehicles as well as directives to the illegal sale
of material and other items required extra work in inspection and
follow -up.
The companies continued to perform in-service inspections of
commercial and mercantile property. However, fuel shortages for
apparatus forced this program to be severely curtailed in the latter
part of the year. We are very concerned that if the fuel crisis does
not improve before spring, we will have to eliminate the in-service
inspection program entirely. This loss will be severely felt, as
these inspections have been successful in keeping our fire loss in
business property to a bare minimum.
Further problems associated with the energy crisis have been
inspections necessary for increased storage of fuel, information on
supplementary heating equipment and complaints of illegal storage
of gasoline and other fuels.
Some relief was experienced in fires involving arson as only
a few incidents occurred last year, with one case pending in Supe-
rior Court. However, two set fires caused heavy damage to a West
Acton business and complete destruction of a vacant house at Route
2A and 27.
Fire Alarms
During 1973, 17 automatic alarm boxes were added in com-
mercial/apartment buildings as well as four additional boxes in
new subdivisions. Work was started on putting the main alarm
wires underground in the Main Street/Route 2A area. It is expected
that this work will be completed in the spring of 1974.
Brian Patrick Faherty, Acton's
Fire Prevention Week Baby;
shown with his parents and
his brother, Michael.
(Photo by G. B. Williams, Jr.)
Work involving new building construction continued to place a heavy load on the division, as over
600 hours were spent on system layout, approval, inspections, testing and the tying in of systems to the
Fire Alarm System. As an example, home fire alarm systems required 200 inspections in 1972 as com-
pared to 438 inspections during 1973. It is interesting to note that over 70% of the work on the alarm
system is directly contributed to the growth of the town. This has reflected on the amount of time that
has been spent on maintaining the rest of the alarm system. Although it is realized that this growth
period will taper off eventually, it does nothing to solve the heavy work load that is with us now. As
with most of the service sections of the Fire Department, there was not enough money to adequately
cover the work required. Budget estimates made prior to the start of the year proved inadequate in
light of sudden spurts of new construction which does not reflect in past experience.
The alarm system itself has continued to give satisfactory performance throughout the year. Dur-
ing several bad storms, it proved to be the only means of emergency communication for large areas of
the Town. On several occasions, an alarm box was the sole means used to signify a request for emer-
gency assistance.
Training
The total man training hours that have been projected through the year via the monthly training re -
ports reflects a slight rise over the year 1972. This, however, if averaged out only allows approxi-
mately 50 hours per year per man, both call men and paid firefighters. Although 50 hours per man
sounds adequate, it is only 50% of what the Department feels is necessary to meet the standards of job
performance.
During the year, the Training Division faced several additional problems, such as the training of
new recruits and the snorkel -pumper training. The appointment of five new men and lack of time or
courses to send these men to the Fire Academy necessitated training the men within the Department be-
fore they were assigned to regular duty. This gave the new men only two weeks of training rather than
the six weeks offered by the Academy. The combination of good experienced recruits and a good train-
ing officer allowed this handicap to be overcome. Training on the snorkel -pumper required over 3 20
59
hours of instruction to the eight operators of the vehicle before it could be placed in service. Even
after the unit was operational, it required constant training with the assigned operators as well as the
familiarization with the rest of the men as to its operation.
Emergency Medical Training, although not a regular part of our training program, became a key
factor with the passing of the State law that requires 81 hours of training for Emergency Medical per-
sonnel. Working with outside agencies such as the Emerson Hospital enabled several of our men to ob-
tain this training outside of the Department. Six men will have completed the course by early January
and these men did this on a voluntary basis with little assistance from the Department. However, it is
plainly evident that in order to maintain the level of training required for Emergency Medical Service,
the Training Division will have to develop a program for upgrading the entire Department in this area.
Personnel
At the Annual Town Meeting in March, the Department was
authorized to reduce the work week to 42 hours. This required
the addition of three new men. Resignation and retirement re-
quired appointment of two new replacements bringing the total to
five new men during the year. Firefighter Hobart King retired
due to medical reasons in October and will be missed by the De-
partment. Call Deputy Chiefs Richard Lowden and Frederick
Harris retired after a combined total of over 65 years of service.
These men were the senior officers in the Department, and their
experience and knowledge were valuable assets in the change-
over from call officers to paid officers. On their retirement,
the position of Call Deputy Chief was deleted from our organiza-
tional structure.
The Call Force has dropped from 30 men in 1972 to 24 men
in 1973. The problems with adequate help in the daytime has
continued to plague the Department.
Maintenance and Equipment
Acton's Fire Chief officiates at
Flag Retirement Ceremony,
held at Woodlawn Cemetery.
(Photo by G. B. Williams, Jr.)
The snorkel -pumper was delivered on schedule in April of
this year. The unit was placed in service in May after an exten-
sive training program on its operation. Our expectations of the
capability of the vehicle have been realized, and its availability
has strengthened our fire protection capabilities for the Great Road area as well as the rest of the Town.
This apparatus became Engine 7 and the old truck went into reserve as Engine 2.
Maintenance problems have continued to be a concern. Major repairs were necessary on several
pieces of apparatus causing overruns in the maintenance account. The problem became severe enough
to require the transfer of maintenance of our service vehicles to the Highway Garage. This took some
of the pressure off our mechanic and enabled us to carry out the work on the first line apparatus.
Engine 6 in South Acton, a 1961 pumper, was again a problem. After installing a new pump in
1972, it was necessary to install a. new engine during the summer of 1973. This pumper has cost the
Department over $8,000 in repairs in the last three years.
Having an engine in reserve has greatly aided in allowing us to properly repair and service the
other apparatus, as the reserve unit replaces the pumper which is being repaired.
Other new equipment placed in operation included the Hurst Rescue Tool which has proved invalu-
able in extricating victims from wrecked automobiles. The unit was in the Department only four hours
before it was used at an automobile accident on Route 2. Since that day, the tool has been used at sev-
eral accidents when other methods would have proven much slower, thereby placing the crash victim in
a dangerous situation.
60
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Norman L. Roche, Chief
Swearing in of two new Sergeants: (left to right)
Police Chief Norman L. Roche, Sergeant John T.
McNiff, Sergeant George W. Robinson, Town Clerk
Charles M. MacRae, Town Manager Robert W. Dotson
Acton has not been spared in the national trend of spiraling crime rates. During the year, we ex-
perienced a continued series of burglaries as well as armed robberies. The demand for various types
of police services has also increased along with the growth of the Town.
Drug abuse and related offenses continues to be a serious problem in the community. There is
little doubt that the number of burglaries has increased in direct proportion to the abuse of drugs.
Personnel
During the year, three patrolmen were appointed
to fillexisting vacancies in the Department, one patrol-
man resigned, and one patrolman retired on medical
disability, bringing our strength up to 18 out of an ap-
proved strength of 22 for the year ending December 31,
1973.
Promotions
Acting Chief Norman L. Roche was appointed
Chief of Police on May 1, 1973.
Patrolmen George W. Robinson and John T.
McNiff were promoted to the rank of Sergeant on No-
vember 27, 1973, to fill existing vacancies.
Retirement
Patrolman William J. Durkin, Jr. retired on
May 31, 1973, after having served the Department long
and faithfully. Patrolman Durkin' s performance and
ability will be missed by the Department.
Motor Vehicle Accident
Spot Map - 1973
61
Training
Responsive to ever -changing patterns of criminal
behavior and increased policing demands, the Department
has reacted with expanded training programs with the ul-
timate aim of establishing higher standards of proficiency
and performance.
Sgt. John T. McNiff completed training as a Fire-
arms Instructor, conducted by the FBI. Sergeants
Chauncey R. Fenton, Jr. and Robert Rhodes attended
the Police Command Training Institute for police super-
visors, conducted by the New England Institute of Law
Enforcement Management.
Education
Sergeants George W. Robinson and John T. McNiff
received Associate Degrees in Law Enforcement from
Northeastern University on June 17, 1973.
Recommendations
Sgt. Fenton dons a sweater as the
Energy Crisis hits the Police Station
Again this year, I am recommending that the position of Lieutenant be established in order that a
sound organizational structure can be maintained. This is essential to the effective management of any
agency, particularly a police department. Since the police render service to the community in a wide
variety of circumstances, the quality of this service is directly related to the manner in which the group
is organized. This proposed reorganization will permit the Department to bring to bear the entire re-
sources of its management in providing service, and upgrade the quality of those services.
In the final analysis, however, the quality of police service is dependent in large measure upon
individual performance and integrity of its members. I am pleased to commend the members of the De-
partment in carrying out their assignments in a responsible manner this past year.
Crimes or Complaints Reported
Breaking and Entering
and Larceny
Miscellaneous Complaints
Larceny
Malicious Damage
Stolen Motor Vehicles
Assault and Battery
Stolen Bikes
Armed Robbery
Adult Arrests or Prosecutions
1972
1973
137
191
97
96
190
199
105
142
50
80
20
29
35
75
5
5
1972 1973
Indecent Assault 14 2
Narcotics 15 17
Suicides 3 0
Counterfeiting and Forgery 1 5
Indecent Exposure 1 5
Missing Persons 2 1
Arson 11 5
Motor Vehicle Violations 16 45
(physical arrests)
Robbery
Aggravated Assault
Assault and Battery
Breaking and Entering and Larceny
Larceny
Non -Support
Juvenile Arrests or Prosecutions
Robbery
Breaking and Entering and Larceny
Larceny
Auto Theft
Narcotics
3
1
12
13
66
1
Disorderly Persons 5
Malicious Destruction 1
Narcotic Drug Laws 8
Oper. Under influence of Alcoholic Bev. 31
Liquor Law Violations 3
Arson 2
Vandalism 3
Disorderly Persons 5
Run-a-Ways • 1
Possession of Alcoholic Beverages 2
62
Alotor Vehicle Statistics
Total Number of Accidents Covered
Motor Vehicle Accidents Involving
Personal injury
Total Number of Fatal Accidents
Total Number Pedestrians Injured
Traffic Violations
Physical Custody
Miscellaneous Statistics
Emergency Trips to Acton Medical Assoc.
Emerson Hospital Emergency Runs
Unlocked Doors Checked (found open)
Cars Checked by Patrols
Fire Alarms
Juveniles Arrested or Prosecuted
House Checks (vacations, etc.)
Bank Escorts (34 per week)
Trips to Metropolitan State Hospital
Motorists Assisted
Telephone Call In
Telephone Calls Out
329
66
2
5
38
21
384
153
438
155
33
797
.,768
13
89
1,794
!, 775
Total Number Bicyclist Accidents
Total Number Motorcycle Accidents
Pedestrians Killed
Motorcyclists Killed
Citations Issued
Town Radio Calls
Telephone Wires Down
Street Lights Out
Traffic Lights Not Working
Electric Wires Down
Bike Registrations
Summons Served (within town)
Summons Served Out of Town
Pistol Permits Issued (new/renewals)
Firearm Identification Cards Issued
Officers' Court Time
Liquor I. D. Cards Issued
333
1
5
3
1
1
1,2
82
4
25
19
16
73
14
53
26
09
28hr'
38
Sergeants
Chauncy R. Fenton, Jr.
David W. Scribner
Robert S. Rhodes
George W. Robinson
John T. McNiff
Patrolmen
Robert MacLeod
Bernard W. Harrison
William N. Hayes
Joseph P. Sansone
Donald M. Bresnick
Brian R. Goodman
*Charles L. Coggins
*Lawrence A. DuPont
*Edward R. Brooks
*Robert L.
Dennis D.
Robert L.
Parisi
Thompson
Cowan, Jr,
* Permanent Civil Service
63
ACTON HOMEOWNER'S INVENTORY
In the last few years, the number of home burglaries in Acton has increased. As a result,
homeowners have lost color TV and stereo sets, appliances, furniture, guns, silverware, jewelry,
watches, cameras, and other possessions -- as well as money.
We recommend that each homeowner keep an inventory of the furnishings of his house. In the
event of burglary or fire, it will be an invaluable aid -- particularly serial numbers of appliances
and guns. This will also assist your police department in apprehending the criminals involved. As
far as money is concerned, do not leave it in your house -- a bank or on your person is much safer.
The inventory form below and on the other side of this page is for your convenience,
out, fill it out, and then put it away in a safe place, preferably one that is fireproof.
Tear it
A further precaution is to "personalize" your appliances and similar metal items with an etching
pencil. Use it to put your name or Social Security number on your TV and hi-fi sets, etc.
One other thing you can do to help prevent home burglaries in Acton -- call the Police on 263-2911
immediately if you notice any suspicious activity in your neighborhood. We don't mind the "false alarms",
and we may be able to nip a burglary in the bud.
Norman L. Roche
Acting Chief of Police
ITEM
BRAND NAME
YEAR
COST
SERIAL NUMBER
T.V.
STEREO
CAMERA
PROJECTOR
BICYCLE
POWER TOOL
AIR CONDITIONER
PAINTING
FUR
RADIO
MUSIC INST.
Use other side for further space or complete inventory if desired,
64
ACTON HOMEOWNER'S INVENTORY
ITEM
BRAND NAME
YEAR
COST
SERIAL NUMBER
65
VETERANS' AGENT
Norman L. Roche
For the year ending December 31, 1973, thirteen cases were aided under Chapter 115 of the Gen-
eral Laws at an expenditure of $20,238.29.
Contact service with the Veterans' Administration was rendered to eighty-five veterans or their
dependents in obtaining various federal benefits to which they were entitled.
VETERANS' GRAVES
T. Frederick S. Kennedy, Veterans' Graves Officer
There have been six interments of United States War Veterans in the Acton Cemeteries during the
year 1973. The names of the Veterans, the dates of death and the places of burial are as follows:
David A. Gallo
Carroll W. Conant
Ronald H. Freeman
Harold Tremblett
John LaFoley
Robert H. Gerhardt
Vietnam War
W. W. I
U. S. Air Force
W. W. II
W. W. II
W. W. II
February 6, 1973
February 20, 1973
April 4, 1973
August 12, 1973
October 24, 1973
December 3, 1973
Mount Hope Cemetery
Woodlawn Cemetery
Woodlawn Cemetery
Mount Hope Cemetery
Woodlawn Cemetery
Woodlawn Cemetery
Veteran's Flag Standards have been placed on these graves and government grave markers have
been ordered for these Veterans. It is unfortunate that during the past year several of the Veterans'
Flag Standards have been removed or destroyed by vandals. Replacing them is becoming very costly.
WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION
Theron A. Lowden, Agent
For the year ending December 31, 1973 there were eleven (11) accidents reported from the follow-
ing departments:
School Department: Acton Elementary - McCarthy-Towne
Highway Department:
1
10
All eleven of the injured required medical attention. Six (6) of those requiring medical attention had
no loss of time, two (2) had a few hours' loss of time and one (1) lost a week's time. One is still receiving
medical attention with length of disability given as "unknown".
Our Heritage
*r • ■ 't
I
(Photo by Sally Stokinger)
68
ARCHIVES
Minetta D. Lee
T. Frederick S. Kennedy, Chairman
Joyce C. Woodhead
The Bicentennial year is growing near and there seems to
be a great interest concerning Acton's part in the Battle of Con-
cord, Massachusetts, on April 19, 1775. A number of requests
have been received from school children, scouts, and towns-
people, particularly with regard to the exact details of the Bat-
tle at the North Bridge, April 19, 1775. The committee replied
to these requests by issuing copies of the 1835 Solomon Smith/
Thomas Thorp deposition of their recollections of the Battle at
the North Bridge. Both of these men were members of the
Company of Minutemen led by Captain Isaac Davis.
Another request came from Mr. John Bakeless, Elbow-
room Farm, 179 Great Hill Road, Seymour, Connecticut, ask-
ing for a copy of the deposition given by Mr. Bradley Stone of
Acton, Massachusetts, August 16, 1845. This deposition related
to the conversation he (Stone) had with William Parkman, Es-
quire, who was present on the hill overlooking the Bridge on the
morning when the Minutemen Companies arrived. Mr. Bakeless
was preparing a paper of the Battle at the North Bridge. Any-
one reading Bradley Stone's deposition will get a very good pic-
ture of what actually happened before and during the Battle at
the North Bridge.
y * ■ As the Bicentennial year draws near, it is obvious that
many questions will be asked about Acton's part before and
after the Battle. The Archives Committee offers its cooperation in making this important celebration
one of which Acton can be proud.
HISTORICAL COMMISSION
Marion E. Houghton, Chairman
Some time ago, the Massachusetts Historical Com-
mission asked the towns of Massachusetts to list, photo-
graph and describe their early houses, also good examples
of interesting architectural styles within the town. Until
last spring, the Acton Historical Commission had no
money for photographs, but some pictures were taken by
various individuals at their own expense. However, the
survey was pretty much bogged down. After the town
voted at the Town Meeting in March to include the Histor-
ical Commission in the town budget, the Commission
members engaged in a crash program to make sure Acton
was represented before the Massachusetts Historical
Commission's deadline on June 30, 1973. A cut-off date
of 1775 was established and all houses built before that
date were listed. To that list were added the older
churches and other public buildings. The Commission
members spent many hours filling in the forms given us
by the Massachusetts Historical Commission. We are
particularly fortunate in having as a member a man who
has taken a great interest in Acton's early architecture
i^flBj
(Photo by Shari Smith)
69
and has done a great deal of research on the subject. Photographs were taken and by the date of the
Massachusetts Historical Commission's deadline, we had on file in Boston 69 record sheets with accom-
panying pictures. The Survey Director in Boston, in acknowledging their receipt, commented that they
were well done. We have a duplicate file in our new Historical Commission file cabinet in the Public
"Works Building.
In the summer, we were contacted by the Planning Board for suggestions for town roads to be
officially designated as "scenic". Such a classification will protect the roadsides from having the trees
and old stone walls ruthlessly removed, whether by developers or by the Town Highway Department.
In the fall, work was started on a folder about the town for Bicentennial visitors. If accepted,
there will be a short history of the town, and a numbered map correlated with a list of places to see.
A rough draft was presented to the Bicentennial Committee and will be later offered to the Selectmen
for their approval.
From time to time, requests are received from the local schools, our libraries and the press for
information about various buildings around town. Thanks to the historical survey work, we have been
able to answer most of these questions.
The Commission meetings are held monthly on the second Wednesday, at the Public Works Build-
ing at 8:00 p.m. , and are open to the public.
Anita Dodson, Clerk
Stanley Smith, Jr.
Robert Nylander
William Klauer
1975 CELEBRATION COMMITTEE
Brewster Conant, Chairman
In addition to regular meetings held in the Selectmen's offices at 8:00 p.m. the last Monday of
each month, members of the Advisory Committee on the 1975 Celebration have attended a number of
meetings at the call of federal, state and other agencies. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is just
now getting active and has called meetings to get information and opinions from towns in the State. Very
limited matching funds of $50,000 are presently available from the State to be shared by all towns. Ac-
ton is making application for several projects to which these matching funds can be applied.
Memorial Medallions
70
The official Town medallion was placed on sale in 1973 and is available through most Acton banks
in silver, bronze, or bronze encased in lucite. The Committee encourages purchase of these medallions
as profits from them accrue to the Town.
More attention is being paid to budgeting the events of the Celebration, so that it can be better
known what request for additional funds should be made at Town Meeting. The cooperation of several
Town departments in this activity is appreciated.
The Committee has continued liaison with surrounding towns to be better able to make plans which
must be based on actions of Concord and Lexington in particular.
Meetings of the Committee are open to the public, and we solicit thoughts and plans of individuals
and civic groups.
E. Wilson Bursaw
Mrs. David M. Blocher
Col. Burton A. Davis
David Donaldson
Donald R. Gilberti
Hayward H. Houghton
Mrs. Hayward H. Houghton
Roger M. Huebsch
Mark A. Kahan
T. Frederick S. Kennedy
Mrs. Donald R. Kinzie
Walter R. Laite
Malcolm S. MacGregor
Mrs. Malcolm S. MacGregor
Richmond P. Miller, Jr.
Charles Morehouse
Mrs. Ronald N. Morris
Gilbert S. Osborn
Palo A. Peirce
Robert S. Rhodes
Mrs. Earl C. Steeves
Mrs. John W. Tierney
Earle W. Turtle
Mrs. Robert C. Wylie
The Office of Town Clerk
■mJ* :
H
i
'i "'■ i * ;'
> >>!$«10
Jenny Barn, Route 2A
(Photo by JohnFolson)
72
1971
Births recorded 283
Deaths recorded 118
Marriages recorded. . • 144
REPORT OF TOWN CLERK
1973
Births recorded 265
Deaths recorded 98
Marriages recorded. . . 166
1972
Births recorded 255
Deaths recorded 131
Marriages recorded. . . 156
IMPORTANT REQUEST
Please notify the Town Clerk immediately of any error or omission in the following list of Births.
Errors can be corrected only by sworn affidavit, as prescribed by the General Laws, and may
cause you inconvenience which can be avoided by prompt attention.
BIRTHS REGISTERED IN 1973
Date
Place
Jan.
3
Concord
Jan.
5
Boston
Jan.
6
Natick
Jan.
10
Concord
Jan.
14
Concord
Jan.
16
Newton
Jan.
17
Concord
Jan.
17
Concord
Jan.
17
Concord
Jan.
19
Boston
Jan.
21
Concord
Jan.
21
Concord
Jan.
21
Cambridge
Jan.
22
Concord
Jan.
22
Concord
Jan.
24
Concord
Jan.
25
Concord
Jan.
25
Concord
Jan.
28
Concord
Jan.
30
Concord
Feb.
1
Concord
Feb.
1
Concord
Feb.
2
Concord
Feb.
3
Boston
Feb.
5
Boston
Feb.
6
Medford
Feb.
7
Concord
Feb.
7
Concord
Feb.
10
Boston
Feb.
11
Concord
Feb.
18
Newton
Feb.
20
Concord
Feb.
21
Concord
Feb.
22
Concord
Feb.
23
Concord
Feb.
24
Concord
Feb.
28
Concord
Mar.
2
Concord
Mar.
2
Concord
Mar.
6
Concord
Mar.
6
Concord
Mar.
10
Concord
Name of Child
O'Neal, Susan Ann
Harrington, Ruth Christine
Carlsen, Thea Ledendecker
Ormond, Elise Kristina
Miller, Corinne Hagar
Jastromb, William Edward, Jr.
Norton, Aaron Douglas
Sweeney, Luke Barry
Miller, Alison Jane
Angino, Alyson
Hunkins, James Eric
Melon, Trinidad Masina Sofia
Gavriluk, Roger Alan
Wesley, Jill Lynne
Colquhoun, Michael William
Talbot, Eric Ian
Sullivan, Jason Craig
McGarry, Mellissa
Wardwell, Stacey Ann
Pizza, Amy Jennifer
Brown, Stephanie Lynn
Mead, Heather Elizabeth
Leach, Amy Beth
Bloomstein, Eric Stephen
Quigley, Anne Marie
O'Connell, Kathleen Mary
Nutter, Brigitte Lynne
McCarthy, Stephen James
Lukacz, Robert Joseph
O' Sullivan, Wylie Claire
Troup, Kathryn Woods
Hansen, Justin Alan
•Lee, Robert Andrew
Smith, Kathryn Regina
Bakun, Frederick Edward
Novy, Brian Edward
Whealan, Stephanie
White, Candy Lynn
Bowles, Dean Bryant
Barton, Stephen Michael
Kivimaki, Mark Allen
Aaronson, Wendy Hope
Name of Parents
Charles J. and Sally A. Macone
Michael P. and Virginia King
William J. and Deborah A. Ledendecker
Richard A. and Kristin E. Soderquist
Charles H. and Dale A. Despin
William E. and Virginia C. Wilson
James L. and Marilyn A. Cail
Kevin B. and Cheryl E. Zion
John C. and Susan M. Devine
Michael F. and Ellen J. Weinstein
Christopher R. and June A. Hanson
Francisco and Linda S. Bursaw
Walter P. and Susan E. Witt
John C. and Lynne E. Haron
Philip M. and Katharine L. McGehee
Hugh J. and Janet K. McNamara
Craig W. and Elaine M. O' Grady
Robert E. and Doris L. Keilty
Clayton E. and Susan L. Denisewich
Richard F. and Mary Ann Tardif
Robert W. and Connie J. Clements
Charles F. and Virginia E. Hopper
James B. and Sandra J. Hazleton
Edward and Irene Thall
Lawrence A. and Mary Elizabeth A. Meaney
Richard J. and Barbara A. Donato
William R. and Carol A. Dee
Stephen J. and Alice L. Lukas
John, Jr. and Mary G. O'Connor
Kenneth D. and Karla H. Luddecke
Kenneth F. and Brenda P. Dill
Jonathan D. and Marianne Sweenie
David A. and Susan E. North
William W. and Lynne R. Wagner
Peter E. and Christine E. LaBour
Frank E. and Cynthia A. Pearce
Kevin P. and Audrey E. Crist
Terence M. and Judy M. Colman
Glenn A. and Jane S. Dise
Michael E. and Ann M. Williams
Larry J. and Emilia Walter
Edward M. and Phyllis Blustein
73
Date
Mar. 10
Mar. 12
Mar. 12
Mar. 13
Mar. 14
Mar. 15
Mar. 16
Mar. 18
Mar. 20
Mar. 21
Mar. 21
Mar. 23
Mar. 23
Mar. 24
Mar. 27
Mar. 30
Apr.
Apr.
Apr.
Apr.
Apr. 10
Apr. 13
Apr. 14
Apr. 15
Apr. 15
Apr. 17
Apr. 18
Apr. 20
Apr. 20
Apr. 23
Apr. 25
Apr. 27
May
May
May
May
May
May
May
May
May
May 10
May 11
May 11
May 11
May 12
May 13
May 17
May 17
May 18
May 18
May 21
May 21
May 21
May 22
May 22
May 23
May 23
May 23
May 23
Place Name of Child
Concord Cook, Vanessa Elizabeth
Boston Smith, Michael
Concord Bare, Melissa Margaret
Concord Pavio, Laynie Beth
Boston Golembeski, Richard Mark, Jr.
Arlington Marcus, Glenn Matthew
Concord Hart, Marisa Ruth
Concord Portante, Jennine Maria
Concord Smith, Kevin Merrill
Concord Me akin, Tyler Sten
Waltham Coyne, Christopher Brian
Cambridge Zeoli, Richard Russell
Concord Spencer, Jason Clay
Concord Smith, Christan Edward
Concord Rawson, Tammie Lynn
Boston Hurd, Alex Dayton
Concord Knipp, Dean Richard, Jr.
Concord Knipp, Dawn Marie
Concord Lam, Chung -Wei Erik
Concord Barger, Lee Morse
Concord Larson, Denise Marshall
Concord Smith, Todd Christopher
Boston Polzen, Craig Walter
Newton Teichholtz, Holly Ann
Concord Kehoe, Michael Jonathan
Concord Hagen, Daniel Stuart
Concord Firestine, David James
Concord Glass, Brian Hayward
Concord Krebs, Jeffrey John
Concord Duris, Kevin Francis, Jr.
Boston Progin, Jennifer Lin
Stoneham Kotanchik, Lara
Concord Hoffman, Eleanor Anne
Arlington Murphy, Robert Scott
Concord Specht, Shane
Concord Gates, Mary Louise
Concord Leif, Wendy Caroline
Concord Meagher, Michelle Ann
Concord Peachey, Laura Ann
Concord Gertz, Christopher Eric
Cambridge Calore, Elizabeth Giovanna
Concord Brandl, Richard Joseph Duncan
Concord Mackie, Daniel Carl
Concord Burke, Kelley Ann
Concord LaVoie, Andrew Austin
Concord Lewis, Brian Michael
Concord Beardsley, Christopher James
Stoneham Larson, Diane Nicole
Concord Wheeler, Jessica Ruth
Concord Bailey, Jennifer Ann
Concord Bailey, Kathleen Lee
Concord Nichols, Elizabeth Rebecca
Concord Fronk, Michele Ann
Woburn Mongirdas, Eric
Concord Jerinic, Katarina
Concord Rodday, Peter Daniel, Jr.
Concord Huber, Peter John
Concord Annis, Jeska
Concord Shelley, Paul Nicholas
Newton Montagna, Paul John
Name of Parents
Edward T. and Lydia E. Alicea
Brian I. and Margaret M. Mangan
Bruce M., Ill and Mary J. Loughlin
Anthony M., Jr. and Jeanne B. Soucy
Richard M. and Marilyn E. Needham
Henry S. and Edwina Burke
David E. and Maria del Carmen J. Huertas
Gerald F. and Frances P. Rubino
Robert A. and Merlene S. Phelps
Martin C. and Nancy L. Carlson
Richard P. and Carol A. Hatfield
Richard W. and Joan F. Corkum
Philip P., Jr. and Karen L. McGee
Edward J., Jr. and Catherine A. Standley
Thomas M. and Carol A. Bryson
Robert E. and Constance A. Diamond
Dean R. and Eileen A. Sauve
Dean R. and Eileen A. Sauve
Tak-Ming and Ullabritt Edvardsson
Harrison C, III and Kathleen Kelley
Dennis S. and Linda M. Tobin
Peter J. and Linda L. Murphy
Kenneth P. and Pamela A. Burton
Nathan A. and Rebecca Marks
James P. and Verdell K. Gaspari
Kenneth G. and Charlene Hengehold
James A. and Mary E. Coffey
Bradford L. and Gail I. Knowlton
Donald J. and Valerie E. West
Kevin F. and Michelle Boireau
James A. and Nancy L. Whitmore
James J. and Judith R. Anthony
John M. and Susan V. Montgomery
Robert L. and Frankie D. Meadows
Richard K. and Barbara L. Howell
Donald P. and Patricia A. Lloyd
Theodore J. and Marjorie B. Freeman
William D. and Elaine R. Bisson
John E. and Mary-Ann L. Barbacano
Carl R. and Ruth A. Webb
Frank P. and Mary A. Burchard
Richard M. and Phyllis A. Duncan
Donald A. and Julie A. Deane
Thomas M. and Patricia A. Trombley
Joseph A. and Catherine L. O'Loughlin
James E. and Betty A. George
James W. and Marcia C. Scott
Paul E. and Nancy K. Fish
Russell T. and Ingrid E. Bletzer
Francis W., Jr. and Diane M. Cortright
Francis W., Jr. and Diane M. Cortright
Herbert A. and Barbara R. Leopold
Robert L. and Janet Kertis
Vaidis and Elizabeth M. Gricci
George and Margaret L. Wilson
Peter D. and Mary J. Tombeno
Robert and Janet E. Parsons
Jonathan and Deanna D. Huntoon
Robert N. C. and Betty A. Berger
Joseph J. and Constance A. Castano
74
Date
Place
May
24
Winchester
May
28
Harvard
May
30
Boston
May
31
Concord
June
1
Concord
June
1
Concord
June
1
Concord
June
2
Concord
June
5
Concord
June
6
Boston
June
11
Concord
June
12
Boston
June
14
Concord
June
15
Winchester
June
15
Concord
June
18
Concord
June
19
Concord
June
22
Concord
June
26
Concord
June
26
Concord
June
27
Boston
June
27
Concord
June
28
Concord
June
30
Concord
June
30
Concord
July
2
Cambridge
July
2
Concord
July
3
Concord
July
4
Boston
July
4
Concord
July
5
Concord
July
5
Concord
July
5
Concord
July
6
Waltham
July
8
Marlborough
July
10
Concord
July
10
Concord
July
13
Boston
July
14
Concord
July
17
Concord
July
17
Concord
July
18
Cambridge
July
18
Concord
July
19
Waltham
July
20
Concord
July
22
Concord
July
23
Concord
July
24
Cambridge
July
24
Concord
July
26
Concord
July
28
Boston
July
29
Concord
July
29
Boston
July
31
Boston
Aug.
1
Concord
Aug.
2
Concord
Aug.
2
Concord
Aug.
7
Concord
Aug.
11
Winchester
Name of Child
Livingstone, Paul Brandegee
Ecevido, Joy Ann
Geagan, Jennifer Lynne
Davidsen, Kevin Peter
Hunt, Jo Dan
Kotzabaldiris, Paul Iraclis
Chase, William Fairbanks
Shaulis, William Bruce
Worcester, Jason Michael
Avery, Amanda Hunt
Glenn, Ronald James, Jr.
Stuntz, Stephen Conrad, IV
Perry, Harold Franklin, III
Campbell, Thomas Edward,
Gionet, Mark Leonard, Jr.
Saari, Jonathan Joseph
Robertson, Derek John
Nekervis, John Stephen, Jr.
Fillmore, Alison Hanson
Stott, Jonathan Daniel
Wright, Nelson James, III
Embrey, Kristin Elise
May, Kristin Delora
Stokes, Gary Jason
Carter, Randall Robert
Ainslie, Kevin Philip
Kaniel, Natalie Henn
Leibel, Marc Brian
Johnson, Hartley Edward
Portanova, Gamy Bronwyn
Currier, Peter Adam
Cecere, Heath Robert
Heffernan, Tara Anne
Watkins, Stephanie Page
Sutherland, Amy Beth
Mahoney, Ann-Marie
Belka, Jennifer Suzanne
Caton, Nicolle Lei
Buston, Craig Harold
Wheeler, Aaron Randall
Brook, Kendall Edward
. Torre, Mark Aaron
^King, Hobart Thompson, III
Poirier, Michael Joseph
Richards, Scott Ronald
Finn, James Russell
Pearson, Michelle Elizabeth
Holley, Jason David
Krug, Scott Christopher
Dow, Cheri Ann
O'Donoghue, Kerri Foster
Ballou, Jeffrey Steven
Lemieux, Nicole Audet
Steele, Kathryn Ann
Hall, Carolyn Diane
Bierstock, Melissa Naomi
Bera, David Michael
Whitford, Erika Lyn
Quinn, Moira
Name of Parents
Alan B. and Pamela M. J. Cullins
William C. and Cherylanne Worrall
Thomas E., Jr. and Barbara L. Harris
Joel P. and Kendra J. Swanson
Daniel H. and Yoko Shingaki
Iraclis P. and Joanna Liri
Douglas W. and Suzanne L. Grant
William R. and Beverly J. Nesary
Barry S. and Barbara A. Burgess
Jonathan H. and Christy A. Bintliff
Ronald J. and Ann M. Cobleigh
Stephen C, III and Frances L. Newton
Harold F. and Lucinda A. Bailey
IV Thomas E., Ill and Sally A. Kimball
Mark L. and Laurie A. Porrazzo
Peter E. and Louise A. Leahy
Norman R. and Linda A. Rogers
John S. and Diane M. Kelleher
David C. and Joyce M. Hanson
Jonathan and Patricia H. Burke
Nelson J., Jr. and Sharon F. Weadbrock
Charles A. and Sharon A. Jackman
Richard W. and Sara B. Gillis
Jerry F. and Laurel Foust
Ronald R. and Leslie A. Gilmore
Harry P. and Kathleen F. Shannon
Akavia and Batya Srulihes
Dennis R. and Susan E. Marek
Elliot H. and Nancy C. Neill
Michael T. and Jane L. West
Terry N. and Sharon L. Kainz
Dennis A. and Ramona L. Amato
Myles F. and Brenda J. Goodwin
James M., Ill and Gale W. Douglass
George A. and Anita C. Andrade
David F. and Phyllis A. Scott
David W. and Marjorie A. Emerson
Raymond and Mary E. Adams
Todd H. and Judith E. Hills
Randall J. and Linda S. Snow
David E. and Arlene D. Zarrella
Matthew J. and Mildred E. Caswell
Hobart T., Jr. and Catherine A. Fernande
Robert F. and Alice P. Soraghen
Ronald R. and Jean D. Lalli
Richard B. and Elaine M. Fleming
Thomas R. and Janet E. Wetherbee
Christopher J. and Carol J. Smith
Richard F. and Dianne Grace Silvio
James S. and Jacqueline A. Custeau
Edward H. and Dorothy C. Foster
Richard, Jr. and Donna N. Cutter
Philippe N. and Sandra E. Flynt
John M. and Peggy A. Pitchforth
Winthrop L. and Sandra D. Brown
Richard S. and Deborah E. Bessette
Richard F. and Audrey M. McGarty
Jacllyn E. and Joan L. Hirschfeld
Gilbert C. and Nancy A. Haley
■
75
Date
Place
Name of Child
Name of Parents
Aug.
11
Boston
Aug.
12
Hartford, Ct
Aug.
14
Concord
Aug.
14
Concord
Aug.
14
Boston
Aug.
14
Concord
Aug.
14
Concord
Aug.
15
Concord
Aug.
17
Worcester
Aug.
18
Concord
Aug.
18
Concord
Aug.
22
Concord
Aug.
23
Boston
Aug.
24
Concord
Aug.
24
Concord
Aug.
24
Boston
Aug.
24
Concord
Aug.
28
Cambridge
Aug.
28
Concord
Aug.
30
Concord
Aug.
30
Concord
Aug.
31
Concord
Sept.
1
Boston
Sept.
2
Newton
Sept.
2
Concord
Sept.
2
Concord
Sept.
6
Concord
Sept.
11
Concord
Sept.
11
Boston
Sept.
11
Concord
Sept.
13
Concord
Sept.
14
Newton
Sept.
15
Concord
Sept.
16
Concord
Sept.
16
Concord
Sept.
17
Concord
Sept.
18
Boston
Sept.
19
Boston
Sept.
19
Boston
Sept.
19
Concord
Sept.
21
Concord
Sept.
21
Concord
Sept.
24
Concord
Sept.
25
Concord
Sept.
25
Concord
Sept.
25
Concord
Sept.
27
Boston
Sept.
28
Concord
Sept.
29
Boston
Sept.
30
Boston
Oct.
2
Concord
Oct.
3
Concord
Oct.
6
Boston
Oct.
8
Concord
Oct.
10
Concord
Oct.
10
Cambridge
Oct.
10
Concord
Oct.
13
Boston
Oct.
14
Concord
Oct.
15
Concord
A
Eldridge, James Bradley
Kosenko, Victor Anthony
Wojnar, Amy Nichole
Solie, Lars Daniel
Zarin, Suzannah Maureen
Giblin, Robert Curren
Giblin, Amy Lynch
Swartz, Sarah Miles
Roy, Eric Rene
Sweeney, Amy Louise
Faber, Michael Bernard
Zimmermann, David Daniel
Hyman, Miles Alexander
Bornhorst, Kari Evelyn
Furlong, Rosemary Kathryn
Reed, Christopher William
Clinard, Joshua Steven
Barnes, Richelle Victoria
Kazokas, Kristen Mary
Madore, Heather Jean
Hamlin, Sally Ann
Raymond, Mark Christopher
Caras, Benjamin Robert
Gorney, Jennifer Beth
Hutzley, Robert Jay, Jr.
Leone, Stefanie Jane
Glassman, Rebecca Faye
Cutbill, Cecily Sale
Faubert, Michael David
Little, Karen Jennifer
Kilty, Lynne
Sturniolo, Shari Jean
Zarger, Rebecca Kristyn
Luther, Jonathan Andrew
Van der Haar, Andrew Kors
Napoli, Matthew Thomas
Barnett, David Thomas
Elmuts, Gunars
Belmont, Albert Michael, III
Maple, Kerri Lynn
Bauer, Kevin Lawrence
Friedley, Suzanne Marie
Allshouse, Eric Provan
D'Ambrosio, David Robert
Gregory, Jacki Eileen
Dickinson, Jennifer Renee
Driscoll, Kelly
Mason, Jeffrey Alan
Schulman, Jason Adam
Martin, Allen Stanley, Jr.
MacKay, Kristen Marie
Horton, Eben Willard
Campbell, Doreen Brenda
Faherty, Brian Patrick
Barry, Michael Francis, Jr.
Mason, Craig Stanley
Nanavati, Anisa Harit
Swift, Hannah Elizabeth
Cebula, Sharon Theresa
Wehr, Annalise
David P. and Elizabeth S. Steele
Victor and Frances D'Onofrio
Edward J. and Christine F. King
Leland P. and Asta K. Rafos
Bernard H. and Sharon A. Walker
John T., Jr. and Emily Woodward
John T., Jr. and Emily Woodward
Gene P. and Mary L. Miles
Rene J. and Gail A. Kmiotek
Patrick P. and Genevieve Gallo
Paul W. and Catherine B. Kickerer
Richard P. and Adele K. Rovner
Morris I. and Rochelle S. Gerratt
Walter J. and Monaloa L. Glick
Richard R. and Dolores J. Paris
Walter A. and Nancy L. Cochran
Robert J. and Nina M. Craig
Richard H. and Jean M. Bolha
James A. and Pamela W. Sisson
Harold D. and Debra L. Lampilia
Bruce S. and Ruthanne M. Faria
David K. and Susan C. Weyland
Robert B. and Joyce V. Parsons
Howard N. and Barbara E. Kureman
Robert J. and Donna Lou Br inker
Joseph G. and Sheila A. Walsh
Gary A. and Roni D. Azuz
Keith D. and Carol C. Comlish
Gerard R. and Barbara M. Berschback
Robert J. and Adelle L. Clarke
Henry F. and Jean C. Compagnone
Vincent J. and-Denise M. Campisi
Thomas G., Jr. and Josephine M. Murphy
Herbert H. and Marilyn J. Marchese
Jacob and Jenneke Boedyn
Richard J. and Karen F. Cavaretta
Thomas O. and Elizabeth C. Bunting
Gunars and Margareta Stromanis
Albert M., Jr. and Suzanne P. Porlig
Gerald M. and Angela M. Weaver
Ronald F. and Joan C. Parenteau
David P. and Carol L. Trigg
William J. and Louise A. Provan
Joseph F. and Gail A. Smith
John V. and Joan F. Priest
Eddie A. and Bonnie S. Wells
Daniel F. and Constance Golub
Paul F. and Barbara J. Helfrich
Marc G. and Hadassah S. Kohn
Allen S. and Mary M. Norton
Robert R. V. and Trudy A. Leonard
Robert S. and Pamela A. Murdock
David B. and Karen E. Mantz
Frederick C. and Marilyn J. O'Donnell
Michael F. and Sandra M. Welsh
Wallace R., Jr. and Mary E. Stanley
Harit M. and Yasmin H. Daji
Leo F. and Victoria A. Trotter
Theodore R. and Virginia H. Flor
Gary V. and Dianne M. Getz
76
Date
Place
Name of Child
Name of Parents
Oct.
16
Concord
Oct.
16
Concord
Oct.
18
Concord
Oct.
19
Concord
Oct.
23
Concord
Oct.
25
Concord
Oct.
26
Concord
Oct.
31
Boston
Nov.
2
Winchester
Nov.
5
Boston
Nov.
9
Concord
Nov.
9
Concord
Nov.
9
Concord
Nov.
10
Concord
Nov.
15
Concord
Nov.
16
Concord
Nov.
18
Concord
Nov.
19
Concord
Nov.
19
Concord
Nov.
20
Concord
Nov.
20
Concord
Nov.
20
Boston
Nov.
23
Concord
Nov.
24
Cambridge
Nov.
25
Concord
Nov.
27
Boston
Nov.
27
Concord
Dec.
5
Concord
Dec.
5
Concord
Dec.
7
Concord
Dec.
8
Concord
Dec.
8
Concord
Dec.
12
Concord
Dec.
13
Boston
Dec.
14
Concord
Dec.
15
Concord
Dec.
15
Concord
Dec.
17
Concord
Dec.
22
Concord
Dec.
22
Concord
Dec.
24
Concord
Dec.
27
Concord
Dec.
28
Concord
Dec.
30
Concord
Szafran, Marilyn Ann
Gustafson, Britt Rebecca
Lowe, Samantha Beth
Parikh, Mamta Bharat
Rinaldi, Daniel Patrick
Wiseley, Matthew Thomas
Graham, Derek Walton
Fisher, Julie Anne
Lewis, Kristin Janet
Bunce, John Andrew
Wade, Jessica May
Lamarre, Marie -Claire
Dalton, Kristine Marie
Taylor, William David
McAvoy, Kathleen Anne
Czernicki, Michael Paul
Pickowicz, Lee Stanford
Melanson, Brett Eric
Brockmeier, Pamela Russ
Campbell, Famie King
Hamilton, Justin Lambert
Principato, Michael Joseph
Shea, Karen Anna
Riva, Francois Nicola
Farnsworth, Melissa Joy
Lavoie, Matthew Philip
Bimbo, Jonathan Guido
Vlajinac, Alan
Vlajinac, Brian
Larkin, Jennifer Alysse
Kayden, Michelle Marie
Grossi, John Steven
Cook, Edward William
Hull, Jonathan Christopher
Morey, Danielle Christine
Brennan, Stacey Ann
Sughrue, Linda Catharine
Nelson, Monica
Jenkins, Chris Anne
Bishop, Lynn Marie
Cvitkovich, John Thomas
Folsom, Heidi Lyn
Kaye, Joseph Lawrence
Johnston, Christopher Richard
John H. and Rosemary Larkin
Carl O., Jr. and Karen L. Gustafson
John W. and Elizabeth W. Tompkins
Bharat S. and Umang B. Anand
Michael E. and Kristen L. Miller
Thomas D. and Carolyn G. Wesley
Dennis F. and Ramona E. Heid
Eldon M. and Marianne G. Hagerty
Robert W. and Carolyn Comperchio
Alan N. and Joyce E. Trautwig
David J. and Kathleen W. Jopling
Clement D. and Brenda A. Baroody
Edward W. and Karen E. Wise
William R. and Cheryl A. Norton
Robert G. and Rita P. Coughlin
Allen B. and Daryl L. Magnuson
Michael H., Jr. and Charlotte S. Bell
Arthur R. and Georgette M. Allard
James A. and Carla E. A. Russ
John A. L. and Donna L. Lease
Jason L. and Martha E. Higham
Joseph J., Jr. and Betty Soneson
Kevin W. and Barbara A. Singdahlsen
Charles E. and Lisolotte M. Gruener
Barrie R. and Susan E. Seller
John J. and Joan C. Berault
Kenneth D. and Pierina A. Ghione
Milan and Anne Lengyel
Milan and Anne Lengyel
Geoffrey S. and Patricia A. Mag urn
David A. and Jean A. Kaseman
Pasquale V. and Katherine T. Lania
Thomas W. and Jean L. Steeves
Thorold A. L. and Barbara L. McCaw
Francis G. and Donna L. Visco
Michael D. and Susan M. McGrath
Robert E. and Catharine I. Guthrie
James D. and Barbara R. Erb
Charles E. and Charlotte R. MacNab
James A. and Suzanne M. Ackerman
Robert T. and Ruth E. Kaspar
Rodney R. and Dorothy A. Mackie
Harvey and Cynthia E. Wright
Richard E., Jr. and Patricia A. Doiron
Ruth Christine Harrington
celebrates 1st birthday
ELECTIONS AND TOWN MEETINGS
TOWN ELECTION
March 5, 1973
77
Pet. 1
Whole number of ballots cast 1084
MODERATOR, One Year
JohnW. Tierney 968
Blanks 116
SELECTMEN, Three Years
Paul R. Nyquist 807
Carolyn H. Quadri 214
Blanks 63
SCHOOL COMMITTEE, Three Years (2)
Ann T. Evans 561
Robert W. Haeberle 659
Charles Kadlec 527
Craig A. Taylor 139
Blanks 282
SCHOOL COMMITTEE, One Year (2) (to fill vacancies)
James F. Humphries 411
James T. O'Rourke 543
Griffith L. Resor, III 569
Roy J. Zabierek 537
Blanks 108
TRUSTEE OF MEMORIAL LIBRARY, Three Years
Nancy C. Howe 938
Blanks 146
HOUSING AUTHORITY, Five Years
Thomas J. Ahern, Jr 621
Robert J. Storella 361
Blanks 102
RECOUNT OF VOTES FOR SCHOOL COMMITTEE,
One Year, held March 24, 1973
James F. Humphries 410
James T. O'Rourke 544
Griffith L. Resor, III 569
Ray J. Zabierek 535
Blanks 110
Pet. 2
773
Pet. 3
1203
Total
3060
702
1079
2749
71
124
311
548
885
2240
186
238
638
39
80
182
442
653
1656
430
766
1855
366
593
1486
98
138
375
210
256
748
322
474
1207
369
577
1489
398
634
1601
389
595
1521
68
126
302
678
1071
2687
95
132
373
440
646
1707
259
460
1080
74
97
273
321
369
398
388
70
475
1206
577
1490
634
1601
595
1518
125
305
78
TOWN MEETINGS
ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MARCH 12, 1973 AND ADJOURNED SESSION MARCH 14, 1973
Moderator called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M.
ADJOURNMENT
VOTED: That at the conclusion of the business pending before the meeting at eleven o'clock this evening
this meeting be adjourned to 7:30 o'clock P.M. on next Wednesday, March 14th, at this same place.
Article 1. OFFICERS
To choose all necessary Town Officers and Committees and fix the salaries and compensation of all the
elective officers of the Town.
ELECTED: Helen B. Allen Trustee of the Elizabeth White Fund for three years.-
ELECTED: Kathy S. Whittemore Trustee of the Citizens Library Association of West Acton for
three years.
ELECTED
ELECTED
ELECTED
Richard A. Lowden Trustee of the Acton Firemen's Relief Fund for three years.
Thelma L. Boatman Trustee of the Goodnow Fund for three years.
James B. Wilson Trustee of the West Acton Firemen's Relief Fund for three years.
VOTED: That the compensation schedule for elected officers be adopted as follows:
Moderator $20. 00 per each night per meeting
Board of Selectmen: Chairman $750.00
Clerk 650.00
Member 650.00
Article 2. REPORTS
VOTED: To accept the several reports of the Town Officers and Boards as submitted.
Article 3. REPORTS
To hear and act upon the report of any Committee chosen at any previous Town Meeting that has not al-
ready reported.
REPORT OF REGIONAL REFUSE PLANNING COMMITTEE
After last year's Town Meeting, it was evident that there was some doubt concerning the life of the land
fill site we are presently using.
In order to obtain information necessary to determine when our landfill has been "used up", a topo-
graphic survey was conducted by the Engineering Department. A comparison between the volume of
fill needed to level the site and its capacity when operation was begun in 1969 revealed the information
we were seeking. The principal conclusions are:
- Acton is depositing in excess of 40 tons of solid waste per day into our landfill.
- At this rate, there will be no room at the present site by April 1974; approximately
one year from now.
- Due to the above, Acton needs a new sanitary landfill site.
79
In order to select the new site, the services of the Planning Board, Town Building and Land Acquisition
Committee, Board of Health, Department of Public "Works, and Engineering Department were enlisted.
Geological consulting services (Professor Caldwell and his associates) were also sought to obtain the
necessary technical advice concerning landfill selection. Experts throughout the country were consulted
in conjunction with special problems.
Since we will need a new site next year, the Board of Selectmen commissioned the Solid Waste Disposal
Planning Committee to coordinate the actions necessary to recommend a new site for the town.
Most of the necessary work has already been accomplished, and preliminary recommendations have
been made. However, further tests have been considered necessary on a number of promising sites in
order to make a final selection. Because of this, our report will have to be only an interim progress
report.
Another comment must be made. Since we don't have all the data necessary to recommend a site loca-
tion, our report will have to avoid discussion of the particular sites presently under consideration. We
hope to supplement our information in the next few months in order to submit a final recommendation to
the Board of Selectmen and the Town in time for an anticipated special Town Meeting. This should give
us sufficient time to discuss the recommendations and, with Town approval, permit us to prepare the
new site for use next spring.
The following is a summary of our studies to date. The basic requirement was^to find a site which
would provide for the needs of the Town up to 20 years in the future - until 1994. The best available
population and solid waste production projections were studied to determine the amount of volume re-
quired. The initial conclusion was that a site of at least 500 acres would be necessary to provide suf-
ficient volume for at least 10 years of landfill operation. Contiguous sites must also be available to
provide the additional 10 years of life, if the site initially selected had insufficient volume. A prelim-
inary screening indicated that there were about 90 such sites.
The availability of acceptable cover material on the site was considered an important factor, since it is
expensive and inconvenient to have to import cover, as we now are forced to do at our present site.
A study of the soils and geological conditions of any area in which a sanitary landfill may be located is
essential to understanding how its construction might affect the environment. In consultation with the
Board of Selectmen, our geological consultants, the Planning Board, the Engineering Department, De-
partment of Public Works and the Acton Board of Health, the original list of sites was further examined.
Soil Conservation maps describing topography and geological conditions were analyzed. Flood plain
areas, proximity to Acton town wells, distances from brooks, streams and ponds were taken into con-
sideration in order to minimize the risk of polluting the ground water.
Access to each potential site, the existence and quality of the roads leading to the site, was examined
carefully; as were the distances from various parts of the Town to the site.
The availability of water near the site to supply operational needs, and for emergency fire -fighting pur-
poses was taken into account.
Among the selection criteria considered most carefully were the present zoning, population density,
and the likelihood of public acceptance.
Approximately 10 to 20 sites passed the intermediate screening. The list was further narrowed down
to approximately five sites which appeared feasible. A preliminary investigation of the sub -surface pro-
files was conducted for two of the sites, giving valuable information about their suitability for a landfill.
Additional necessary tests are also planned for the promising sites, but winter weather has delayed
their execution.
One of the most important factors to be considered is the cost of purchasing and preparing the site and
its expected operational cost. Cost of trade-offs are being prepared for each of the sites finally under
consideration.
When the additional information about the technical suitability of the sites and their definitive costs is
available, a final recommendation will be made and a site selected for consideration by the Town at a
special meeting.
VOTED: To accept the above report.
80
VOTED: To take up Articles 4 and 5 together.
Article 4. PERSONNEL BYLAW
To see what action the Town will take on changes in Schedules A, B, B-l, C, D, E and F of the Person-
nel Bylaw.
Article 5. PERSONNEL BYLAW
To see what action the Town will take on salary and wage recommendations as submitted by the Per-
sonnel Board.
VOTED: That Section 15 of the Personnel Bylaw be amended by making the following changes in Sched-
ule A:
Change:
1. Administrative Assistant from Schedule B-l, Grade E-12 to Schedule B-l,
Grade E-5.
2. Director of Public Health from Schedule B-l, Grade E-7 to Schedule B-l,
Grade E-8.
3. Town Clerk from Schedule F to Schedule B-l, Grade E-5.
4. Town Treasurer and Town Collector from Schedule B-l, Grade E-7 to
Schedule B-l, Grade E-8.
5. Triple asterisks (*#*) opposite Patrolman P-l, to designate a footnote simi-
larly labeled, the footnote to read! 'Additional $50.00 per month when as-
signed to and performing the duties of official police photographer."
Add: New Positions
6. Life Guard - Schedule F.
7. Park Laborer - Schedule F.
8. Playground Director - Schedule F.
9. Playground Trainee - Schedule F.
10. Planning Board Assistant - Schedule B, Grade S-ll.
11. Playground Manager - Schedule F.
12. Recreational Leader - Schedule F.
13. Recreational Monitor - Schedule F.
14. Recreational Specialist - Schedule F.
15. Recreational Supervisor - Schedule F.
16. Sanitarian - Schedule B-l, Grade E-3.
Delete:
17. Arts & Crafts Supervisor.
18. Playground Instructor.
19. Playground Supervisor.
and by deleting Schedules B, B-l, C, D, E and F in the present bylaw and substituting the following
schedules:
SCHEDULE B - GENERAL WEEKLY SALARY SCHEDULE
(Annual rates computed by multiplying weekly rates by 52)
Compensation
Grade
W
A
Minimum
A
$ 97.70
5080.40
B^
$ 101.76
5291.52
Intermediate Steps
C^
$ 105.83
5503. 16
D_
$ 109.91
5715.32
Maximum
E
S-l
$ 115.34
5997.68
S-2
W
A
101.76
5291.52
105.83
5503.16
109.91
5715.32
115.34
5997.68
120.76
6279.52
S-3
W
A
105.83
5503.16
109.91
5715.32
115.34
5997.68
120.76
6279.52
126.19
6561.88
Compensation
Grade
W
A
Minimum
A_
$ 109.91
5715.32
B
$ 115.34
5997.68
Intermediate Steps
C_
$ 120. 76
6279.52
ID
$ 126. 19
6561.88
Maximum
E_
S-4
$ 131.62
6844.24
S-5
W
A
115.34
5997.68
120. 76
6279.52
126.19
6561.88
131.62
6844.24
137.05
7126.60
S-6
W
A
120. 76
6279.52
126. 19
6561.88
131.62
6844.24
137.05
7126.60
142.48
7408.96
S-7
W
A
126. 19
6561.88
131.62
6844.24
137.05
7126.60
142.48
7408.96
149.26
7761.52
S-8
W
A
131.62
6844.24
137.05
7126.60
142.48
7408.96
149.26
7761.52
156.04
8114.08
S-9
W
A
137.05
7126.60
142.48
7408.96
149.26
7761.52
156.04
8114.08
162.82
8466.64
S-10
A
142.48
7408.96
149.26
7761.52
156.04
8114.08
162.82
8466.64
170.97
8890.44
S-ll
W
A
149.26
7761.52
156.04
8114.08
162.82
8466.64
170.97
8890.44
179.11
9313.72
S-12
W
A
156.04
8114.08
162.82
8466.64
170.97
8890.44
179.11
9313.72
188.61
9807.72
S-13
W
A
162.82
8466.64
170.97
8890.44
179. 11
9313.72
188.61
9807. 72
198. 11
10,301.72
SCHEDULE B-l - TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE WEEKLY SALARY SCHEDULE
(Annual rates computed by multiplying weekly rates by 52)
Compensation
Minimum
Grade
W
A_
E-l
$ 149.26
A
7761.52
E-2
W
156.04
A
8114.08
E-3
W
162.82
A
8466.64
E-4
W
170.97
A
8890.44
E-5
W
179.11
A
9313.72
E-6
W
188.61
A
9807.72
E-7
W
198.11
A
10,301.72
E-8
W
207.60
A
10,705.20
E-9
W
218.46
A
11,359.92
E-10
W
230.67
A
11,994.84
E-ll
W
244.24
A
12,700.48
B_
! 156.04
8114.08
162.82
8466.64
170.97
8890.44
179. 11
9313. 72
188.61
9807. 72
198.11
10,301. 72
207.60
10,705.20
218.46
11,359.92
230.67
11,994.84
244.24
12,700.48
257.81
13,406. 12
Intermediate Steps
C_
$ 162.82 ^
8466. 64
170.97
8890.44
179. 11
9313.72
188.61
9807.72
198. 11
10,301.72
207.60
10,705.20
218.46
11,359.92
230.67
11,994.84
244.24
12, 700.48
257.81
13,406. 12
272. 74
14, 182.48
D_
> 170.97
8890.44
179. 11
9313.72
188.61
9807. 72
198. 11
10,301.72
207.60
10,705.20
218.46
11,359.92
230.67
11,994.84
244.24
12,700.48
257.81
13,406. 12
272.74
14, 182.48
289.02
15, 029.04
Maximum
E_
> 179.11
9313.72
188.61
9807. 72
198. 11
10,301.72
207.60
10, 705.20
218.46
11,359.92
230.67
11,994.84
244.24
12, 700.48
257.81
13,406. 12
272. 72
14, 182.48
289.02
15, 029.04
308.02
16,017.04
82
Compensation
Grade
W
A
W
A
Minimum
A
$ 257.81
13,406.12
272.74
14, 182.48
$
14,
15,
B_
272. 74
182.48
289.02
029.04
Intermediate Steps
C_
$ 289.02
15,029.04
308.02
16,017.04
$
16,
17,
D_
308.02
017. 04
327.01
004.52
Maximum
E
E-12
E-13
$ 327.01
17,004.52
346.01
17,992.52
SCHEDULE C - POLICE WEEKLY SALARY SCHEDULE
(Annual rates computed by multiplying weekly rates by 52)
Compensation
Minimum
Intermediate Ste
ps
Maximum
Grade
A_
B_
C_
D_
E_
P-l
W
$ 159.81
$ 166.76
$ 173.72
$ 183.45
$ 193.17
A
8310. 12
8671.52
9033.44
9539.40
10, 044.84
P-2
W
183.45
193. 17
202.89
212.63
225. 14
A
9539.40
10,044.84
10,550.28
11,056. 76
11, 707.28
P-3
W
193.17
202.89
212.63
225. 14
236.25
A
10,044.84
10,550.28
11,056.76
11,707.28
12,285. 00
P-4
W
234.00
247.77
261.53
275.30
293. 19
A
12, 168.00
12,884. 04
13,599.56
14,315.60
14,245.88
The weekly and annual salaries shown above are for the shift from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Such salaries
for the shifts from 4:00 P. M. to Midnight and from Midnight to 8:00 A. M. shall be at a rate of payment
ten cents per hour higher.
SCHEDULE D - FIRE WEEKLY SALARY SCHEDULE
(Annual rates computed by multiplying weekly rates by 52)
Compensation
Minimum
Intermediate Steps
Maximum
Grade
W
A_
$ 137.64
B_
$ 143.16
C_
$ 148.65
D_
$ 155.54
E_
F-l
$ 162.42
A
7157.28
7444.32
7729.80
8088.08
8445.84
F-2
W
152.79
159.67
166.56
174.81
184.44
A
7945.08
8302.84
8661.12
9090. 12
9590.88
F-3
W
166.56
174.81
184.44
192.70
200.96
A
8661.12
9090. 12
9590.88
10,020.40
10,449.92
F-4
W
184.44
192.70
200.96
210.60
223. 00
A
9590.88
10,020.40
10,449.92
10,951.20
11,596.00
F-5
W
234.00
247. 77
261.53
275.30
293. 19
A
12, 168.00
12,884.04
13,599.56
14,315.60
15,245.88
Compensation
Minimum
Grade
H
A_
$ 3.
W-l
33
W
133.
01
A
6916.
42
W-2
H
3.
49
W
139.
54
A
7522.
87
SCHEDULE E - HOURLY WAGE SCHEDULE
(Weekly rates computed by multiplying hourly rates by 40;
Annual rates computed by multiplying hourly rates by 2080)
Intermediate Steps
B_
$ 3.49
139.54
7255.87
3.67
146.88
7637. 76
Maximum
_C_
$ 3.67
146.88
7637.76
3.86
154.22
8019.65
83
Compensation
Minimum
Grade
H
A_
W-3
$ 3.67
W
146.88
A
7637.76
W-4
H
3.86
W
154.22
A
8019.65
W-5
H
4.03
W
161.16
A
8380.32
W-6
H
4.21
W
168.50
A
8762.21
W-7
H
4.40
W
175.85
A
9144.10
Intermediate Steps
C_
$ 3.86
154.22
8019.65
4.03
161.16
8380.32
4.21
168.50
8762.21
4.40
175.85
9144. 10
4.60
184.01
9568.42
Maximum
E_
$ 4.03
161. 16
8380.32
4.21
168.50
8762.21
4.40
175.85
9144.10
4.60
184.01
9568.42
4.81
192.58
10,013.95
SCHEDULE F - MISCELLANEOUS COMPENSATION SCHEDULE FOR
DESIGNATED PART-TIME AND SEASONAL POSITIONS
Position
Assessor, Board Chairman
Assessor, Board Member
Board of Health Chairman
Board of Health Member
Deputy Building Inspector (P.T. )
Deputy Chief (Fire) (Call)
Deputy Elections Clerk (P.T.)
Deputy Inspector (Elections)
Deputy Warden (Elections)
Elections Clerk
Fire Alarm Maintenance Man (P.T. )
Fire Alarm Superintendent (P. T. )
Fire Fighter (Call)
Fire Lieutenant (Call)
Inspector (Elections) (P.T. )
Library Page
Lifeguard
Park Laborer
Playground Director
Playground Trainee
Plumbing Inspector
Police Matron
Pool Manager
Recreation Leader
Recreation Monitor
Recreation Specialist
Recreation Supervisor
Registrar of Voters
School Crossing Guard
Teller
Warden (Elections)
C
ompensation
1
Flat Rate
Flat Rate
Flat Rate
Flat Rate
Fee Basis
$4.
39
per
hour
$3.
05
per
hour
$2.
78
per
hour
$3.
05
per
hour
$3.
05
per
hour
$3.
83
per
hour
$5.
14
per
hour
$3.
63
- 3.
80
- 3.
$4.
$2.
96
16
78
per
per
per
hour
hour
hour
$1.
65
- 1.
70
- 1.
$2.
78
30
per
per
hour
hour
$1.
82
- 1.
94
- 2.
06
- 2.
19
- 2.
32
per
hour
$2.
30
- 2.
43
- 2.
56
- 2.
70
- 2.
$1.
85
45
per
per
hour
hour
I
'ee Basis
$3.
40
per
hour
$3.
90
- 4.
07
- 4.
27
per
hour
$1.
82
- 1.
94
- 2.
06
- 2.
19
- 2.
$2.
32
10
per
per
hour
hour
$2.
30
- 2.
43
- 2.
56
- 2.
70
- 2.
85
per
hour
$2.
97
- 3.
10
- 3.
24
- 3.
38
- 3.
$3.
52
04
per
per
hour
hour
$2.
23
- 2.
48
- 2.
$2.
$3.
71
78
04
per
per
per
hour
hour
hour
Article 6. PERSONNEL BYLAW
VOTED: To amend the Personnel Bylaw, Section 5, WORK WEEK, by striking out in section (a) "48
Hours*" opposite "Fire Department Uniformed Personnel" and "Fire Alarm Operators" and the footnote
84
"^Average for seven week period." and by substituting "42 hours*" opposite "Fire Department Uni-
formed Personnel" and "Fire Alarm Operators" and by substituting the footnote "-^Average for eight
week, period." .
Article 7. PERSONNEL BYLAW
VOTED: To amend the Personnel Bylaw, Section 8, HOLIDAYS, by deleting the third paragraph thereof
which reads as follows:
"When a Holiday falls on the employee's regularly scheduled work day and the employee is
required to work, he shall be paid Holiday pay, plus regular pay or 1-1/2 times regular pay
if in a position class allocated to SCHEDULE E for the hours actually worked. In no case
will the number of vacation days plus the paid Holidays exceed thirty (30) days. "
and by substituting the following two paragraphs:
"When a Holiday falls on the employee's regularly scheduled work day and the employee is
required to work, he shall be paid Holiday pay, plus regular pay or 1-1/2 times regular pay
if in a position class allocated to SCHEDULE E for the hours actually worked, or an hourly
rate for hours worked during each shift beginning on the holiday, which hourly rate shall be
determined by dividing this weekly rate by 42, if in a position class allocated to SCHEDULE D.
In no case will the number of days plus the paid holidays exceed thirty (30) days. ".
Article 8. CHAPTER 835 - ACTS OF 1970
MOTION: To accept Chapter 835 of the Acts of 1970 which establishes a career incentive pay program
for regular full-time police officers and provides for partial reimbursements by the Commonwealth to
the Town.
MOTION LOST.
Article 9. CHAPTER 889 - ACTS OF 1971
VOTED: To accept Chapter 889 of the Acts of 1971 which amends Chapter 59 of the General Laws by
adding Section 21A which provides as follows:
"in any city or town which accepts this section, an Assessor or Assistant Assessor who has
completed the necessary courses of study and training and has been awarded a certificate
by the I. A.A.O. or the Association of Massachusetts Assessors and designated a Certified
Massachusetts Assessor shall receive in addition to the regular compensation paid by such
city or town an amount equal to ten percent of regular compensation but in no event to ex-
ceed the sum of one thousand dollars if employed full time, or the sum of five hundred dol-
lars if employed part time:,
and to raise and appropriate the sum of fifteen hundred dollars to be placed in the Assessors salary
account.
VOTED: To take up Article 29. Yea - 235 Nay - 190
Article 29. HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT
VOTED: To appropriate $360,500.00 to be expended by the Town Manager for the acquisition of Highway
Department equipment and that the Town raise and appropriate $40,500.00 and authorize the Treasurer
with the approval of the Selectmen to borrow $320,000.00 for such purposes, under General Laws, Chap-
ter 44, Section 7 (9).
Total Vote - 488. Yea - 477 Nay - 11 Needed to carry - 326.
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To take up Article 32.
85
Article 32. CALCULATOR - ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
VOTED: To raise and appropriate the sum of $8,600.00 for the purchase of a programmable calculator
for the Engineering Department.
Total vote - 356. Yea - 235 Nay - 121.
Discussed Article 10 through Item 21.
VOTED: To adjourn at 11:15 P.M. to Wednesday, March 14, 1973 at 7:30 P.M.
Wednesday, March 14, 1973. Moderator called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M.
Article 10. BUDGET
To see what sums of money the Town will raise and appropriate to defray the necessary expenses of the
several departments of the Town and determine how the same shall be raised.
VOTED: That each item in the budget for the eighteen month period from January 1, 1973 to June 30,
1974 be raised and appropriated, except that $5,538.75 be appropriated from library receipts reserved
for appropriation for library use, that $2,598.50 be appropriated from receipts from the County Dog
Fund reserved for appropriation for library use and that $300,000.00 be appropriated from federal rev-
enue sharing receipts for police department use:
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Moderator:
1. Salary
2. Expenses
Finance Committee:
3. Expenses
Town Clerk:
320.00
21. Salary
30.00
22. Expenses
Town Office Clerical Staff:
11. Salaries
Engineering Department:
12. Salaries and Wages
13. Expenses
14. Capital Outlay
Town Accountant:
15. Salary
16. Expenses
Town Treasurer and Collector:
17. Salary
18. Expenses
Town Assessors:
19. Salaries
20. Expenses
225.00
Selectmen:
4.
Salaries
57,775.00
5.
Expenses
21,390.00
6.
Capital Outlay
2,900.00
7.
Legal Services
30,000.00
8.
Legal Service Expenses
750.00
9.
Appraisals and Surveys
1,500.00
10.
Out-of-State Travel (All
Departments)
2,250.00
163, 125.00
72,270.00
6,550.00
2,850.00
7,095.00
290.00
19,815.00
18,675.00
21,335.00
9,160.00
Elections and Registrations:
23. Salaries and Wages
24. Expenses
Planning Board:
24A. Salaries
25. Expenses
Personnel Board:
26. Expenses
Board of Appeals:
27. Expenses
Industrial Development Commission:
28. Expenses
Conservation Commission:
29. Expenses
Archives Committee:
30. Expenses
Public Ceremonies and Celebrations:
31. Expenses
Buildings and Maintenance:
32. Salaries and Wages
33. Expenses
34. Capital Outlay
Town Report Committee:
35. Expenses
8, 190.00
1,650.00
9,480.00
9, 130.00
9,000.00
8,025.00
150.00
400.00
150.00
1, 130.00
180.00
4,815.00
23,585.00
61,515.00
300.00
11,000.00
86
Youth Commission:
36. Expenses
Historical Commission:
37. Expenses
Council on Aging:
38. Expenses
$ 18,075.00
300. 00
2,000.00
TOTAL GENERAL GOVERNMENT $ 607,380.00
PROTECTION OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY
Police Department:
39. Salaries and Wages
40. Expenses
41. Capital Outlay
Fire Department:
42. Salaries and Wages
43. Expenses
44. Capital Outlay
Sealer of Weights and Measures:
45. Salaries and Travel
46. Expenses
Insect Pest Control:
47. Wages
48. Expenses
Town Forest Committee:
49. Maintenance
Tree Department:
50. Wages
51. Expenses
430,025.00
29,325.00
498,540.00
42,230.00
3,800.00
915.00
75.00
5,530.00
9,540.00
150.00
5,530.00
12,720.00
Inspector of Wires:
52. Expenses
Inspector of Gas Piping and Appliances:
53. Expenses
Building Inspector:
54. Salary and Wages
55. Expenses
Dog Officer:
56. Wages and Travel
57. Expenses
Building Committee:
58. Expenses
Civil Defense:
59. Expenses
Town Utilities:
60. Hydrant Rental
61. Street Lighting
TOTAL PROTECTION OF PERSONS
8, 100.00
4,500.00
21,395.00
2,700.00
1,800.00
750.00
75.00
1,275.00
46,050.00
39,950.00
HIGHWAYS
Highway Department:
62. Salaries and Wages
63. Overtime for Snow Removal
64. General Expenses
65. Drainage
66. Snow and Ice Control
67. Machinery Expense
68. Gasoline and Diesel Fuel
69. Chapter 81 Maintenance
70. Chapter 90 Maintenance
71. Capital Outlay
TOTAL HIGHWAYS
216,090.00
35,000.00
74,225.00
26,000.00
102,200.00
49,000.00
37,500. 00
27,000.00
30,000.00
4,425.00
$ 601,440.00
HEALTH AND SANITATION
Health and Sanitation:
72. Salaries
73. Expenses
74. Garbage Collection
75. Capital Outlay
Inspector of Animals:
76. Wages
77. Expenses
Plumbing Inspector:
78. Expenses
TOTAL HEALTH & SANITATION
CEMETERIES
Cemeteries:
79. Salaries and Wages
80. Expenses
81. Capital Outlay
TOTAL CEMETERIES
RECREATION
AND PROPERTY
$1, 164,975.00
Recreation:
82. Wages
83. Expenses
84. Capital Outlay
TOTAL RECREATION
VETERANS' AID
Veterans' Services:
85. Salary
86. Expenses
87. Aid
TOTAL VETERANS' AID
PENSIONS
Pension Fund:
88. Expense
TOTAL PENSIONS
$ 68,760.00
18,890.00
1,200.00
$ 88, 85t). 00
$ 57,025.00
26,880.00
2,500.00
$ 86,405.00
$ 5,490.00
415.00
45,000.00
$ 50,905.00
$ 102,865.00
$ 102,865.00
$
45,880.00
45,960.00
73,570.00
255.00
45.00
7,500.00
$
173,210.00
87
INSURANCE
Insurance:
89. Group Health Premiums
90. Other Insurance Premiums
91. Insurance Advisor
TOTAL INSURANCE
205.000.00
68,980.00
2,250.00
$ 276,230.00
MATURING DEBT AND INTEREST
TOWN GOVERNMENT
Highway Department Building:
92. Maturing Debt
93. Interest
93A. Highway Equipment Interest
Anticipation of Revenue Notes:
94. Interest
35,000.00
15,675.00
8,000.00
50,000.00
TOTAL MATURING DEBT AND INTEREST
TOWN GOVERNMENT $ 108,675.00
LIBRARIES
Memorial Library:
95. Salaries and Wages
96. Expenses
97. Books
98. Capital Outlay
West Acton Library:
99. Salaries and Wages
100. Expenses
TOTAL LIBRARIES
121,820.00
23,800.00
32,250.00
1,650.00
8,960.00
3,295.00
$ 191,775.00
MATURING DEBT AND INTEREST
LIBRARIES
Library Addition:
101. Maturing Debt
102. Interest
TOTAL MATURING DEBT AND
INTEREST - LIBRARIES
LOCAL SCHOOLS
Local Schools:
103. Operations
Blanchard Auditorium:
104. Expenses
TOTAL LOCAL SCHOOLS
50,000.00
1,800.00
$ 51,800.00
$4,146,262.00
43,600.00
$4,189,862.00
MATURING DEBT AND INTEREST
LOCAL SCHOOLS
Julia McCarthy School:
105. Maturing Debt $
106. Interest
Florence E. Merriam School:
107. Maturing Debt
108. Interest
Douglas School:
109. Maturing Debt
110. Interest
Gates School:
111. Maturing Debt
112. Interest
Conant School:
113. Maturing Debt
114. Interest
TOTAL MATURING DEBT AND
INTEREST - LOCAL SCHOOLS
40,000.00
10,080.00
35,000.00
23,275.00
60,000.00
50,740.00
85,000.00
121,980.00
$ 426,075.00
REGIONAL SCHOOLS
Regional Schools:
115. Operations
TOTAL REGIONAL SCHOOLS
$3,933,425.00
$3,933,425.00
MATURING DEBT AND INTEREST
REGIONAL SCHOOLS
Regional Schools:
116. Maturing Debt
117. Interest
$ 212,870.00
194, 130.00
TOTAL MATURING DEBT AND INTEREST
REGIONAL SCHOOLS $ 407, 000. 00
VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS
Minuteman Vocational School:
118. Operations $ 40,395.00
119. Maturing Debt and
Interest 74,051.00
Other Vocational Schools:
120. Tuition and Transportation 94, 135. 00
TOTAL VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS $ 208,581.00
TOTAL BUDGET
Appropriated from Library
Receipts
Appropriated from County
Dog Fund
Federal Revenue Sharing
Receipts
AMOUNT TO BE RAISED AND
APPROPRIATED
$12,669,453.00
5,538. 75
2,598.50
300,000.00
$12,361,315.75
88
SPECIAL ARTICLES
Art.
9.
Assessors Salaries
$ 1,500.00
Art. 29.
12.
Unpaid Bills
16,876.73
16.
Police Vehicles
18,000.00
32.
17.
Cemetery Department
Truck
4,500.00
34.
18.
1975 Funds
6,000.00
19.
Citizens Library
1,314.42
37.
20.
Cemetery Plans
4,900.00
44.
24.
Sidewalks
30,000.00
27.
Central Street
7,700.00
TOTAL
28.
Surplus Government
APPRO I
Property
2,000.00
SPECIA]
TRANSFERS
Highway Department
Equipment
Engineering Department
Calculator
Develop Recreational
Land
Conservation Fund
Reserve Fund
UNDER
From:
Art. 10. Library Receipts
10. County Dog Fund
10. Federal Revenue Sharing Receipts
20. Cemetery Land Fund
26. Surplus Revenue
27. Surplus Revenue
44. Overlay Reserve
TOTAL TRANSFERS
To:
Memorial Library
Library Use
Police Department
Cemetery Plans
Highways
Central Street
Reserve Fund
; 40,500. 00
8,600.00
23,500.00
150,000.00
52,000.00
$367,391. 15
$ 5,538.75
2,598.50
300,000.00
3,100.00
27, 100.00
23,100.00
23,000.00
$384,437.25
BORROW
Art. 29. Highway Department Equipment
$320,000.00
SUMMARY
Budget (R. & A.)
Special Articles (R. & A.)
Special Articles (Transfers)
Borrow
GRAND TOTAL
.12,361,315.75
367,391.15
384,437.25
320,000.00
.13,433,144. 15
Article 11. BORROWING
VOTED: To authorize the treasurer, with the approval of the selectmen, to borrow in anticipation of the
revenue for the eighteen month period beginning January 1, 1973 in accordance with General Laws, Chap-
ter 44, Section 4, and acts in amendment thereof, and including in addition thereto, Chapter 849 of the
Acts of 1969, as amended, and to renew any note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one
year in accordance with General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 17.
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY:
curred during 1972:
Article 12. UNPAID BILLS
To raise and appropriate the following sums of money to pay unpaid bills in-
Farrar Company, Inc.
Palmer & Dodge
Leslie F. Parke
Ropes & Gray
$ 5,890.00
5,735.89
52.90
5, 197.94
89
Article 13. CHAPTER 344- - ACTS OF 1970
VOTED: To accept Chapter 344 of the Acts of 1970, which authorizes the Town to establish a revolving
fund for the payment of police officers for off-duty work details.
Article 14. CHAPTER 90, SECTION 20C
VOTED: To accept General Laws, Chapter 90, Section 20C, which provides for the tagging of motor
vehicles parked in violation of the town's traffic rules and orders, authorizes the selectmen to adopt
fines for such violations not to exceed $15.00 and provides for the voluntary non-criminal disposition of
such violations.
Article 15. VOCATIONAL TUITION
To see if the Town will raise and appropriate, or appropriate from available funds, the sum of
$94, 135. 00, or any other sum, for the payment of vocational tuition and transportation according to the
provisions of Chapter 74 of the General Laws, or take any other action relative thereto.
VOTED: To take no action.
Article 16. POLICE VEHICLES
VOTED: To raise and appropriate $18,000.00 to be expended by the Town Manager for the purchase and
equipping of four new Police Department vehicles and that the Manager be authorized to trade in three
of the present Town vehicles.
Article 17. CEMETERY TRUCK
VOTED; To raise and appropriate $4,500.00 to be expended by the Town Manager for the purchase of a
truck for the Cemetery Department and authorize the Manager to trade in the old truck.
Article 18. 1975 FUNDS
VOTED: To raise and appropriate $6,000.00 to be placed in a separate account with the Town Treasurer
to be expended for the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the battle between the citizens of Acton
and British troops.
Total vote - 213. Yea - 151 Nay - 62.
ADJOURNMENT
VOTED: To adjourn at the conclusion of Article 19 and reconvene at 7:30 P.M. on Monday, March 19,
1973, at this same place.
Article 19. CITIZENS LIBRARY
VOTED: To raise and appropriate $1,314.42 to be expended by the Trustees of the Citizens Library
Association of West Acton for improvement to the Citizens Library of West Acton.
Meeting adjourned at 10:55 P.M.
Monday, March 19, 1973. Moderator called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M.
VOTED: To recess at 8:00 P.M. to take up Special Town Meeting, at the conclusion of which the Annual
Town Meeting will resume.
90
Article 20. CEMETERY PLANS
VOTED: To raise and appropriate $4,900.00 and transfer $3,100.00 from the Cemetery Land Fund, to
be expended by the Town Manager for the preparation of topographic and planimetrick plans of Wood-
lawn Cemetery and Mount Hope Cemetery.
Article 21. SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL
To see if the Town will accept the report of the Acton Solid Waste Disposal Planning Committee, or take
any other action relative thereto.
VOTED: To take no action.
Article 22. HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT
To see if the Town will raise and appropriate, or appropriate from available funds, a sum of money to
be expended by the Town Manager for the purchase of equipment for the Highway Department in conjunc-
tion with sanitary landfill operation, or take any other action relative thereto.
VOTED: To take no action.
Article 23. UTILITY LINES
To see if the Town will raise and appropriate, or appropriate from available funds, a sum of money to
be expended by the Town Manager for the renovation of and the undergrounding of utility lines on the
Town Center Common, or take any other action relative thereto.
VOTED: To take no action.
Article 24. SIDEWALKS
VOTED: To raise and appropriate $30,000.00 for the construction of sidewalks.
Article 25. CHAPTER 765 - ACTS OF 1972
VOTED: To accept any funds available from the Commonwealth under Chapter 765 of the Acts of 1972
for highway construction.
Article 26. HIGHWAYS
VOTED: To appropriate from the Surplus Revenue Account the amounts of $2,000.00 as the State's allot-
ment for highway maintenance under Chapter 90, $2,000.00 as the County's allotment for highway main-
tenance under Chapter 90, and $23,100.00 as the State's allotment for highway maintenance under Chap-
ter 81; provided that any reimbursement be credited to the Surplus Revenue Account.
Article 27. CENTRAL STREET
VOTED: To appropriate $30,800.00 for Chapter 90 Construction on Central Street from approximately
2,000 feet southerly of Littlefield Road to approximately 2,500 feet southerly of Littlefield Road, said
money to be used in conjunction with $7,700.00 to be allotted by the County and $15,400.00 to be allotted
by the State, and to meet the appropriation $7,700.00 be raised and appropriated and $23,100.00 be trans-
ferred from Surplus Revenue. '
Article 28. SURPLUS PROPERTY
VOTED: To raise and appropriate $2,000.00 to be used by the Town Manager for the purchase and con-
ditioning of surplus government property for the various Town departments.
91
Article 30. DUNN LAND
MOTION: To authorize the Board of Selectmen to purchase, take by eminent domain or otherwise ac-
quire for traffic control and school purposes a parcel of land located on Minot Avenue and Taylor Road
containing approximately 47,527 square feet shown as parcel 101 and parcel 110 on map F-3 of the Town
Atlas (as amended to January 1, 1972) believed to have belonged to Malcolm R. Dunn and Judith V. Dunn
as joint tenants (see deed recorded with the Middlesex South Registry of Deeds in Book 8065 Page 313-
314), and that the sum of $17,200.00 be raised and appropriated for the purpose of acquiring said parcel
and for expenses incidental thereto.
Total vote - 205. Yea - 123 Nay - 82 Needed to carry - 137.
Meeting recessed at 8:00 P. M. to take up Special Town Meeting.
Meeting resumed at 8:15 P.M.
Article 31. NEW STREETS
VOTED: To accept the following streets, or portions thereof, constructed under the requirements of
the Subdivision Control Law and the Subdivision Rules and Regulations of the Town of Acton and as laid
out by the Board of Selectmen according to plans on file with the Town Clerk; including the takings or
acceptances of easements for drainage, utility, or other purposes where shown on said plans or de-
scribed in the order of layout:
In Flagg Hill Estates Section III
A. Patrick Henry Circle from Station 0+20.24 at the southwesterly sideline of Paul
Revere Road, a distance of 436.14 feet in a generally southwesterly direction to
Station 4+56.38 at the southwesterly sideline of a 62.50 foot radius cul-de-sac, in-
cluding the cul-de-sac, this being the entire road.
In Long Ridge Park Subdivision
B. Long Ridge Road from Station 0+00 at the westerly sideline of Nagog Hill Road, a
distance of 875.06 feet in a generally northwesterly direction to Station 8+75.06 at
the northwesterly sideline of a 95 foot radius cul-de-sac, including the cul-de-sac,
this being the entire road.
In Patriots Hill Section IV Subdivision
D. Jackson Drive from Station 19+65.00, a distance of 803.84 feet in a generally west-
erly direction to Station 27+68.84.
E. Lincoln Drive from Station 0+20.13 at the northerly sideline of Jackson Drive, a dis-
tance of 2243.60 feet in a generally northerly direction to Station 22+63.73 at the
southerly sideline of Newtown Road, this being the entire road.
In Deacon W. W. Davis Farm Subdivision
F. John Swift Road from Station 0+25.01 at the northeasterly sideline of Musket Drive,
a distance of 2310.33 feet in a generally northeasterly direction to Station 23+35.34
at the southerly sideline of Minuteman Road, this being the entire road.
G. Simon Willard Road from the westerly sideline of John Swift Road, a distance of
2548.72 feet in a generally northwesterly and northeasterly direction to the westerly
sideline of Newtown Road, this being the entire road.
H. Heald Road from Station 0+20 at the northeasterly sideline of Simon Willard Road,
a distance of 882.48 feet in a generally northeasterly direction to Station 9+02.48 at
the northeasterly sideline of a 62.50 foot radius cul-de-sac, including the cul-de-sac,
this being the entire road.
92
I. Trask Road from Station 0+20 at the northerly sideline of Heald Road, a distance of
580.98 feet in a generally northerly direction to Station 6+00.09 at the southerly
sideline of Simon Willard Road, this being the entire road.
J. Cowdrey Lane from Station 0+20.70 at the westerly sideline of Simon Willard Road,
a distance of 1544.00 feet in a generally northwesterly, northerly, and northeasterly
direction to Station 15+64.81 at the westerly sideline of Simon Willard Road, this
being the entire road.
K. Eliot Circle from Station 0+20.08 at the westerly sideline of Cowdrey Lane, a dis-
tance of 335.60 feet in a generally westerly direction to Station 3+55.68 at the westerly
sideline of a 62.50 foot radius cul-de-sac, including the cul-de-sac, this being the en-
tire road.
Article 33. BUILDING CODE
VOTED: To amend the Building Code by deleting Section 138.8 in its entirety and by substituting there-
for the following new section:
"Section 138.8 SYSTEM APPROVAL - A complete set of plans with an equipment list,
shall be furnished to the Fire Chief for his approval before a building permit is issued by
the Building Inspector. The approval of the system will be a requirement for the issuance
of a building permit. Inspections of the system will be conducted by the Fire Department
(1) at the framing stage, (2) prior to closing in of the system and (3) upon completion of
the building but before occupancy. The Fire Alarm Superintendent shall make available a
complete list of specifications for such system. "
Article 34. DEVELOPMENT OF RECREATION LAND
VOTED: To raise and appropriate $23,500.00 to be expended by the Town Manager for the development
of Town owned land to be used for recreation purposes.
Article 35. CONSERVATION LAND
VOTED: To approve the action of the Conservation Commission to purchase or take by eminent domain
for conservation purposes from the New England Merchants National Bank Trustee of a parcel of land
containing approximately 14.8 acres situated on the west side of Stow Street and described as parcel 36
of Plate H-2 of the Town Atlas (as amended to January 1, 1972), and further to approve application by
the Conservation Commission for reimbursement from the Commonwealth under General Laws, Chapter
132A, Section 11, and that any money received from the Commonwealth as reimbursement be placed in
a special Conservation Reimbursement Reserve subject to appropriation by the Town.
Article 36. CONSERVATION LAND
VOTED: To approve the action of the Conservation Commission to purchase or take by eminent domain,
for conservation purposes, from the Val Construction Company Inc. a parcel of land containing approxi-
mately 90 acres or any portion thereof, situated at the end of Robbins Street and described as parcel 1
of Plate H-2 of the Town Atlas (as amended to January 1, 1972) and further to approve application by the
Conservation Commission for reimbursement from the Commonwealth under General Laws, Chapter
132A, Section 11, and that any money received from the Commonwealth as reimbursement be placed in
a special Conservation Reimbursement Reserve subject to appropriation by the Town.
Article 37. CONSERVATION FUND
VOTED: To raise and appropriate $150,000.00 to the Conservation Fund for acquiring land for open
space and conservation purposes, including outdoor recreation.
93
Article 36. CONSERVATION LAND
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To reconsider Article 36.
VOTED: Original motion.
MOTION: To reconsider Article 30.
Total vote - 252. Yea - 138 Nay - 114 Needed to carry - 168.
Article 38. ZONING BYLAW
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To amend the Protective Zoning Bylaw by adding the words "and subsequently
has been held" after the words "such lot was held" to the first sentence in Section V-B, 2 so that the
sentence now reads: "Any recorded lot in an 1-1, 1-2 or B District which complied with the minimum
area and frontage requirements applicable at the time of such recording may be built upon or used, not-
withstanding the adoption of larger area or frontage requirements in such district, or both, provided
that (1) at the time of building or use, such lot otherwise conforms to the regulations of this zoning by-
law and (2) at the time of the adoption of the increased requirements, such lot was held and subsequently
has been held in ownership separate from that of adjoining land in the same zoning district. "
Article 39. ZONING BYLAW
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To amend the Protective Zoning Bylaw to allow golf courses, whether operated
for profit or not, in Residential Districts by special permit from the Board of Appeals by adding a new
paragraph i to Section IV -B, 2 as follows:
"i. A nine- (9) hole golf course of at least two thousand two hundred -fifty (2,250) yards in
length or eighteen- (18) hole golf course at least four thousand five hundred (4,500) yards
in length, whether operated for profit or not, including clubhouse and restaurant facilities,
and other accessory buildings and parking areas incidental thereto. The Board of Appeals,
before granting any such permit, shall determine that the facility is a nine- (9) or eighteen-
(18) hole golf course of the required yardage, that artificial lighting will be provided only in
parking areas and for security and safety immediately external to buildings, and that con-
struction and use of such a facility will not substantially detract from the value and appear-
ance of the neighborhood. In granting a permit, the Board of Appeals shall impose limita-
tions as to the time of operation; may permit other recreational uses such as swimming and
tennis, but shall not permit the recreational use on a golf course of motorized vehicles
powered by internal combustion engines; shall establish reasonable building setbacks con-
sistent with the type of use, but in no case less than fifty (50) feet, notwithstanding any other
provisions of the Protective Zoning Bylaw; shall impose any other reasonable conditions,
limitations and safeguards as the Board deem to be in the best interests of the abutting land-
owners, neighborhood and Town; and shall condition the continuance of the permit upon com-
pliance with all such conditions, limitations and safeguards. In its discretion the Board may
require surety bond, cash, or other adequate security to insure compliance with such con-
ditions, limitations and safeguards. "
Article 40. ZONING BYLAW
VOTED: To amend the Protective Zoning Bylaw as follows to establish a village center business zone:
a. In Section III A, Type of Districts, add the following new district:
2a Village Center Business - VCB
b. In Section III B, Location of Districts, revise the zoning map of the Town by changing to
a VCB district the land in West Acton presently included in the B (General Business)
District and abutting Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington Street, Central Street and Spruce
Street, as shown on a map on file in the Town Clerk's Office.
94
c. In Part IV, Use Regulations, add the following new section D and renumber present
section D, E, F to E, F and G respectively:
D. Village Center Business (VCB)
1. The following uses are permitted in a Village Center Business District:
a. Conservation or Municipal Park
b. Religious Use
c. Library, Private or Municipal
d. Municipal Building
e. Retail store with a maximum gross floor area of 5,000 square
feet per floor.
f. Service shop, such as barber shop, beauty shop, dry cleaning
pick-up shop, with a maximum gross floor area of 2,500 square
feet.
g. Repair shop, such as shoe repair, appliance or electronic repair,
jewelry repair, with a maximum gross floor area of 3,000 square
feet.
h. Shop, or crafts shop, for the manufacture on th^r premises of
products to be sold on the premises to the consumer, such as
leather goods, clothing, food, jewelry, with a maximum gross
floor area of 2,000 square feet.
i. Bank, financial, business or professional office.
j. Restaurant where food and beverages are served and consumed
by patrons seated at a table or counter, with a maximum gross
floor area of 5,000 square feet.
k. Combinations of e, f, g, h, i, and j above in any one building.
1. Residence, apartments and multi-family dwelling units (either in
a separate building or in a building used for other purposes) exist-
ing as of April 1, 1973.
2. The following uses may be permitted by the Board of Appeals, by special
permit, if adjudged non -detrimental to the neighborhood:
a. Combined business -residential use in one building, provided that
the residential use shall be permitted only above the ground floor
and further provided that no more than four dwelling units shall
be allowed in a building.
b. Undertaking establishment.
c. Private lodge or club.
d. Conversion of residences existing on April 1, 1973 to combined
business and residence use or to multiple dwelling units, pro-
vided that in either case no more than four dwelling units shall
be allowed in a building.
d. In Part V, Intensity Regulations, section A, add to the first sentence in Paragraph 2
after the word "street" the following:
", except that in the Village Center Business district only, no building or
structure be erected nearer than 10 feet to the side line of any street. "
e. In Part V A 5, Off Street Parking Requirements, add the following sentence to Section
V A 5 c:
"Notwithstanding any provisions of Section V A 5, off-street parking in a
VCB district need not be located on the same lot with the associated use
but must be within the same VCB district in which the use is located, and
must comply with all other parking space requirements associated with
that use as specified in Section V A 5.
95
f. In Part V B, Intensity Regulation Schedule District and Uses, after the schedule for busi-
ness uses add the following:
Min. Lot Dimensions Min. Yard Dimensions
Lot Area (setback)
(sq. ft.) Frontage Front Yard All Other Yards
VCB None (a) None 10 feet 10 feet (b) 3 stories or 36 ft.
to highest point
of building
(a) For all uses in the VCB District not more than the following propor-
tion of any lot shall be used for building purposes:
Lot Size % Used for Buildings
Up to 40,000 sq. ft. 80%
40,000 sq. ft. and over 70%
(b) 20 feet if adjacent to a Residential or Agricultural (R-l, R-2, R-3)
District or to property used solely for residential purposes.
Total vote - 178. Yes - 175 No - 3 Needed to carry - 109.
RESOLVE: WEEKEND TOWN MEETING
VOTED: To resolve that the Moderator be authorized to appoint a committee to investigate the feasibil-
ity of holding a Saturday, a Sunday, or a weekend town meeting. The committee will be comprised of
selected representatives of local organizations and the Chairman will be appointed by the Moderator.
The Committee will report to the next Special or Annual Town Meeting following the adjournment of the
1973 Annual Town Meeting, whichever is the earlier. The Committee will'also include the Town Man-
ager to insure liaison with the Board of Selectmen and a representative of the School Department to in-
sure liaison with the School Committee.
Article 41. LAND USE PLANNING COMMITTEE
To see if the Town will authorize the Selectmen to appoint a permanent Land Use Planning Committee to
define long range land use policy for the Town of Acton, such committee to be responsible for comple-
tion of the following program within two years:
I) the development of a policy statement and land use plan based on an inventory and
evaluation of present land use, to serve as a guideline for future Town develop-
ment and decisions concerning community problems;
II) the preparation of a long range Land Use Plan with details and recommended pro-
gram relating to specific community priorities and needs, as expansions of the
initial policy statement and plan;
III) the development of long range fiscal, legal and community action procedures to
carry out this plan and the initiation of steps to provide the feed-back necessary
to maintain a continuing long range plan.
The committee shall consist of seven members to be appointed by the Selectmen as follows:
a) one member shall be appointed from each list of nominees submitted by each of
the following:
Conservation Commission
Board of Health
Planning Board
96
b) two members shall be appointed from the business -commercial -industrial interests
within the Town;
c) two members shall be appointed from the Town at large;
and to see if the Town will raise and appropriate, or appropriate from available funds a sum of money
for the expenses of the committee, or take any other action relative thereto.
VOTED: To take no action.
Article 42. STABILIZATION FUND
To see if the Town will raise and appropriate, or appropriate from available funds, a sum of money for
a stabilization fund, pursuant to the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 40, Section 5B, or take any
other action relative thereto.
VOTED: To take no action.
Article 43. FREE CASH
To see if the Town will appropriate and transfer a sum of money from Free Cash to be used by the As-
sessors in considering and fixing the tax rate for the current year, or take any other action relative
thereto.
VOTED: To take no action.
Article 44. RESERVE FUND
VOTED: To raise and appropriate $52,000.00 for the Reserve Fund pursuant to the provisions of Gen-
eral Laws, Chapter 40, Section 6, and transfer $23,000.00 from the Overlay Reserve to said Reserve
Fund.
VOTED: To adjourn at 11:10 P.M.
The following persons served as tellers at the above meeting: Kenneth Mayer, Thomas Rogers, Jr.,
Rene Vervoort, Alan Waters, Lee Salt, Jack Batchelder, William Ray, Josiah Kirby, Virginia Riven-
burg, Reda Gratz, Anthony Rogers, Richard Wirtensen, Lynne Salisbury, Sue Babcock.
A true copy. Attest: Charles M. MacRae
Town Clerk
Amendments to the Building Code (Article 33) and Protective Zoning Bylaw (Articles 38, 39, 40) voted
in the affirmative at the Annual Town Meeting this year were approved by Attorney General Robert H.
Quinn on July 9, 1973 and duly posted as required by law.
ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF
THE SPECIAL TOWN. MEETING JUNE 18, 1973
Moderator called the meeting to order at 8:00 P. M.
Article 1. PERSONNEL BYLAW
VOTED: To amend the Personnel Bylaw by inserting under Section 15 relative to "Salary and Wage
Schedules" the following:
"Schedule B-l - Technical and Administrative Weekly Salary Schedule".
97
Article 2. PERSONNEL BYLAW
VOTED: To amend the Personnel Bylaw by deleting Schedule E in its entirety and inserting therefor the
following new Schedule E:
SCHEDULE E - HOURLY WAGE SCHEDULE
(Weekly rates computed by multiplying hourly rates by 40;
Annual rates computed by multiplying hourly rates by 2080)
Compensation
Minimum
Grade
H
A_
W-l
$ 3.38
W
135.20
A
7030.40
W-2
H
3.55
W
142.00
A
7384.00
W-3
H
3. 74
W
149.60
A
7779.20
W-4
H
3.92
W
156.80
A
8153.60
W-5
H
4. 10
W
164.00
A
8528.00
W-6
H
4.29
W
171.60
A
8923.20
W-7
H
4.47
W
178.80
A
9297.60
intermediate Steps
C_
$ 3.55
142. 00
7384.00
3.74
149.60
7779.20
3.92
156.80
8153.60
4. 10
164.00
8528.00
4.29
171.60
8923.20
4.47
178.80
9297.60
4.68
187.20
9734.40
Maximum
E_
$ 3.74
149.60
7779.20
3.92
156.80
8153.60
4. 10
164.00
8528.00
4.29
171.60
8923.20
4.47
178.80
9297.60
4.68
187.20
9734.40
4.90
196.00
10,192.00
Article 3. TOWN BYLAWS
VOTED: To change the date of the annual town meeting by amending Article 1, Section 1 of the Bylaws
of the Town to read as follows:
"The annual town meeting for the election of town officers shall be held on the first Mon-
day of May in each year. '
and amend Article 1, Section 2 of the Bylaws of the Town to read as follows:
"All business of the annual meeting, except the election of such officers and the determin-
ation of such matters as by law are required to be determined at such meeting, shall be
considered at an adjournment thereof, which adjournment shall be held on the second
Monday in May, at such hour as decided by the board of selectmen. "
Total vote - 192.
Yea - 111
Nay - 81,
Article 4. TOWN BYLAWS
VOTED: To amend the Town Bylaws by adding a new Section 7 to Article 16 relative to "Miscellaneous
Prohibitions", reading as follows:
"Section 7. No person shall drink any alcoholic beverages as defined in Chapter 138, Sec-
tion 1 of the Massachusetts General Laws while on, in or upon any public way or upon any
way to which the public has a right of access, or any public park or playground, or any
98
place to which members of the public have access as invitees or licensees, or any private
land or place, without the consent of the owner or person in control of such public or pri-
vate land or place. All alcoholic beverages being used in violation of this ordinance shall
be seized and safely held until final adjudication of the charge against the person or per-
sons arrested or summoned before the court, at which time they shall be returned to the
person entitled to lawful possession."
Article 5. LANDFILL
VOTED: To raise and appropriate $7,000.00 to be expended by the Town Manager for expenses for test-
ing and studies of possible sanitary landfill sites in the Town.
Article 6. FOGGING MACHINE
VOTED: To raise and appropriate $3,000.00 to be expended by the Town Manager for a fogging machine
for the control of mosquitoes.
Article 7. DUNN LAND
MOTION: To authorize the Board of Selectmen to purchase, take by eminent domain or otherwise ac-
quire for traffic control purposes a parcel of land located on Minot Avenue and Taylor Road containing
47,527 square feet more or less, shown as parcel 101 and parcel 110 of map F-3 of the Town Atlas (as
amended to January 1, 1972) believed to belong to Malcolm R. Dunn and Judith V. Dunn as joint tenants,
being all the land at the intersection of Taylor Road and Minot Avenue and bounded by said Taylor Road,
by land owned now or formerly by Kenneth B. and Joan D. Turner, by land now owned by the Town of
Acton and by said Minot Avenue, and that $17,200 be raised and appropriated for the purpose of acquir-
ing said parcel and for expenses incidental thereto.
Total vote - 179. Yea - 73 Nay - 106 Needed to carry - 119.
MOTION LOST.
Article 8. KATZ LAND
VOTED: To authorize and approve the acquisition by eminent domain or otherwise for conservation pur-
poses of a certain parcel of land containing approximately 47 acres, or any portion thereof, located on
Massachusetts Avenue and shown as Parcel 10 on Plate G-3 of the Town Atlas and believed to be owned
by Abraham and Ruth G. Katz said parcel being bounded and described as follows:
Northeasterly by the southwesterly line of Massachusetts Avenue, eight hundred and
twenty -two feet;
Easterly by lands now or formerly of Charles Moulton and of Edward J. Bursaw et al,
seven hundred and twenty -seven feet;
Southeasterly and Easterly by said Bursaw et al land, eight hundred five and 40/100 feet;
Southwesterly, four hundred and ninety-three feet, and
Southeasterly, twelve hundred sixty -five and 40/100 feet by land now or formerly of Harold
A. Merriam et al;
Southwesterly by land now or formerly of Gordon A. Crook et al, seven hundred and sixty -
five feet; and
Northwesterly by lands of sundry adjoining owners as shown on plan hereinafter mentioned,
twenty -nine hundred sixty -one and 20/100 feet.
being Lot B on a plan of land filed in the South Registry District of Middlesex County Book 443, page 497,
and approve application by the Conservation Commission for reimbursement from the State and Federal
Governments for the costs of such acquisition.
99
Article 9. SIGN BYLAW
VOTED: To amend the Sign Bylaw to provide control over signs erected in a Village Center Business
(VCB) District by adding a new Section 4 to Article V as follows:
"Section 4 - Village Center Business District (VCB)
a. All signs, except free standing or pole signs, shall be subject to the restrictions
contained in Section 2 of Article V, including size and number restrictions contained
therein.
b. No free standing or pole signs shall be permitted. "
Article 10. SCHOOLS
VOTED: To raise and appropriate $18,525.00 for the purpose of constructing a maintenance equipment
storage building for the use of the Acton School System and the Acton -Boxborough Regional School Dis-
trict, $9,500.00 being the share of the Acton School System and $9,025.00 being the Town's contribution
to the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District, said sum to be expended by the Acton-Boxborough
Regional School District, provided, however, that no expenditure shall be made hereunder unless the
Town of Boxborough appropriates its proportional share of the cost of such construction.
Article 11. SCHOOLS
To see if the Town will raise and appropriate, or appropriate from available funds, a sum of money to
be expended by the Acton School Committee for salaries and wages for the Acton public schools, or take
any other action relative thereto.
VOTED: To take no action under this article.
Article 12. SCHOOLS
To see whether the Town will raise and appropriate, or appropriate from available funds, a sum of
money to be paid to the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District for the purpose of providing addi-
tional funds from which to pay salaries and wages of said District (payment to said District to be con-
ditional upon the payment by the Town of Boxborough of its proportional share of such additional funds),
or take any other action in connection therewith.
VOTED: To take no action under this article.
VOTED: To adjourn at 10:50 P.M.
The following persons served as tellers at the above meeting: Alan Waters, Lee Salt, Rene Vervoort,
Jack Batchelder, Lynne Salisbury, Jane Litchfield, Theron Lowden, Wilson Bursaw.
A true copy. Attest: Charles M. MacRae
Town Clerk
Amendments to the Town Bylaws (Articles 3 and 4) and amendment to the Sign Bylaw (Article 9) voted in
the affirmative at the Special Town Meeting, June 18, 1973 were approved by Attorney General Robert
H. Quinn on July 26, 1973 and duly posted as required by law.
100
JURY LIST
PRECINCT 1
Richard C. Bateman, 32 Concord Road, Engineer
Forrest E. Bean, Jr. , 40 Wood Lane, Beef Merchandiser
Allen C. Brown, 25 Keefe Road, Engineer
Robert F. DriscoLl, 69 Taylor Road, Data Management
J. Bradley Fuller, Jr., 14 Thoreau Road, Engineer
I. Lee Gelles, 179 Great Road, Scientist
Alden R. Gilman, 15 Musket Drive, Chemist
WalterS. Harrington, Jr., 15 Evergreen Road, Mechanical Engineer
Harlan Howe, Jr. , 83 Concord Road, Engineer
Peter P. Jorrens, 107 Newtown Road, Engineer
Josiah K. Kirby, 7 Thoreau Road, Manager
Earl L. Nadeau, 54 Pope Road, Carpenter
Dorothy B. Stonecliffe, 6 Phalen Street, Home
George J. Antonucci, Jr., 26 John Swift Road, Manager
William R. Becklean, 4 Huckleberry Lane, Consultant
Richard E. Bohannon, 70 Concord Road, Claims Supervisor
Arthur P. Charbonneau, 27 Grasshopper Lane, Design and Building
Henry J. Crouse, 7 Fife & Drum Road, Purchasing Executive
Derwin R. Eggleton, 42 Esterbrook Road, Sales Engineer
Ira H. Gilbert, 32 Hosmer Street, Physicist
Russell J. Henley, 12 Henley Road, Carpenter
Peter A. Johansson, 8 Hemlock Lane, Admin. Manager
William S. Kendall, Jr. , 58 Harris Street, Mechanic
Fred S. Kerr, 7 Magnolia Drive, Sales
Albert W. Koch, 191 Nagog Hill Road, Audiologist
Joseph S. Mercurio, 10 Patriots Road, Machinist
Thomas J. Quin, Jr., 217 Nagog Hill Road, Division Head
Raymond A. Shamel, 61 Alcott Street, Sales Manager
G. Richard Wirtenson, 4 Minot Avenue, Scientist
Robert C. Wylie, 51 Alcott Street, Purchasing Agent
William P. Avril, 5 Patriots Road, Insurance Agent
Charles Bickoff, 21 Simon Willard Road, Engineer
Hobart R. Braden, 3 Harvard Court, Comp. Analyst
Joe R. Brooks, 29 Washington Drive, Finance
Carl G. Cash, 10 Bayberry Road, Chemist Consultant
Roger Crafts, 468 Main Street, Insurance Business
Samuel J. Davis, 7 Emerson Drive, Insurance Agent
James C. Donald, 42 Taylor Road, Market Developer
William B. Durham, 22 Hosmer Street, Certified Public Accountant
Peter H. Flagg, 67 Concord Road, Realtor
Raymond M. Flynn, 9 Green Wood Lane, Accountant
Addison B. Grant, 16 Whittier Drive, Retired
Philip A. Harris, 34 Hammond Street, Stone Cutter
Richard T. Harrison, Jr. , 13 Hemlock Lane, Director of Marketing
Robert Huber, 17 John Swift Road, Accountant
Richard G. Kendall, 50 Harris Street, Carpenter
Neil D. Morrison, 26 Old Village Road, Assistant to President
Mack D. O'Brien, Jr., 4 John Swift Road, Electrical Engineer
Robert M. Stow, 14 Coughlin Street, Salesman
Almond M. Tewksbury, 24 Forest Road, Salesman
PRECINCT 2
Walter O. Barron, 20 Billings Street, Printer
Stanley Driban, 6 Carriage Drive, Engineer
Richard J. Heffernan, 34 Central Street, Assigner
William T. Kendrick, 9 Hillcrest Drive, Purchasing Agent
101
Walter S. Klappich, 6 Beverly Road, Engineer
Richard A. LaFrance, 18 Pond View Drive, Insurance Agent
William P. Lynch, 57 Robbins Street, Engineer
Robert B. Menapace, Jr., 34 Conant Street, District Sales Manager
William M. Progen, 8 Lilac Court, Shipping Inspector
Alan J. Waters, 4 Broadview Street, Sales Manager
Thomas E. Wetherbee, 44 Prospect Street, Real Estate
Robert F. Baker, 8 Russell Road, Sales Engineer
Alan F. Batstone, 50 Conant Street, Mechanical Designer
Anthony C. Berg, 11 Vanderbelt Road, Electrical Engineer
Ludwig T. Borowski, 9 Faulkner Hill Road, Engineer
Harold W. Cobb, 30 Conant Street, Physicist Engineer
Joseph W. Delaney, 193 School Street, Engineering Aide
John F. Deveau, 46 Main Street, Tank Truck Driver
James H. Feeney, 71 High Street, Vice-President
Alan B. Flood, 183 Main Street, Aluminum Salesman
Norman R. Gilbert, 112 Stow Street, Dewey Almy
Fred J. Grotheer, 4 Old Meadow Lane, District Manager
Robert G. Jenkins, 47 Conant Street, Chemist
John P. Jenne, 55 High Street, Sales
Edward W. Jones, 59 High Street, Eng. Writer
Joseph A. LaVoie, 9 Redwood Road, Management Analyst
Henry V. LeGault, 247 Main Street, Instrument Supervisor
Manfred Lichtensteiger, 178 School Street, Chemist
Bruce J. Loughlin, 5 Broadview Street, Electrical Engineer
James P. McBride, 22 Prospect Street, Post Office and Insurance
Raymond A. Noble, 2 Fox Hill Road, Engineer
Vincent M. Polo, 89 Prospect Street, Vending Co.
Russell K. Provencher, 11 Heritage Road, Engineer
Vincent M. Russo, 3 Russell Road, Restaurant Owner
H. Bradford Sturtevant, III, 12 Laurel Court, Vice-President
John A. Walsh, 9 Country Club Road, Engineer
Noel Berg, 17 Faulkner Hill Road, Engineer
Dennes P. Forsmo, 39 Conant Street, Engineer
Albert F. Hogle, 48 School Street, Sales Manager
Kenneth T. Johnson, 8 Olde Surrey Drive, Salesman
Maurice W. Joyal, 1 Carriage Drive, Engineer
William A. MacNevin, 12 Carriage Drive, Sales Representative
Paul G. Maguire, 5 Old Meadow Lane, Programmer
James Pacy, Jr. , 7 Conant Street, Builder
Harold O. Prentiss, 144 Parker Street, Asst. Operator
Melvin W. Purcell, 13 Broadview Street, Accountant
John A. Sandock, 64 Conant Street, Mathematician
Thornton C. Schoch, 6 Doris Road, Division Budget Manager
James C. Shuttle, 54 Laws Brook Road, Director of Building Services
James E. Walline, 7 Fairway Road, Asst. Principal, High School
PRECINCT 3
Arthur H. Anderson, 9 Lillian Road, Architectural Draftsman
Eric D. Bradlee, 13 Tuttle Drive, Banker
Kenneth A. Goff, 2 Madison Lane, Civil Engineer
Robert C. Green, 21 Joseph Reed Lane, Engineer
Charles R. Husbands, 24 Black Horse Drive, Electrical Engineer
Ruth T. Kretschmar, 46 Summer Street, Home
Richard J. Makin, 31 Ethan Allen Drive, Marketing Manager
Roscoe D. McDaniel, 5 Lillian Road, Field Engineer
R. Dana McPherson, 19 Oneida Road, Electronics Engineer
Donald S. Oliver, 19 Capt. Brown's Lane, Engineer
Robert D. Olthoff, 3 Cherry Ridge Road, Salesman
John P. Perry, Jr. , 12 Mohegan Road, Physicist
Brian A. Prentiss, 215 Arlington Street, Welder
Frank Primiano, 387 Central Street, Plant Engineer
102
Bernard N. Reynholds, 20 Capt. Brown's Lane, Sales Manager
Francis W. Seller, 24 Orchard Drive, Meat Cutter
Eugene G. Spurr, 16 Juniper Ridge Road, Banker
, Joseph V. Stuart, 5 Powder Horn Lane, Insurance Representative
^ Roger L. Towne, 603 Massachusetts Avenue, Customer Hardware Supervisor
John J. Trebendis, 62 Nashoba Road, Purchasing Agent
^Peter R. Whitcomb, 144 Hayward Road, Carpenter
Bertram L. Barlow, 7 Capt. Forbush Lane, Optical Engineer
Charles R. Carbutt, Jr., 11 Agawam Road, Lubrication Engineer
Bryce A. Dawson, 74 Seminole Road, Engineer
Albert C. Doskocil, Jr., 13 Algonquin Road, Physicist
John C. Gates, 248 Central Street, Service Engineer
Arthur E. Hansen, 29 Mohawk Drive, Superintendent
Ray A. Hinds, Jr., 16 Agawam Road, Project Engineer
Theodore Janericco, 62 Spruce Street, Paperhanger
William Kalms, 111, 2 Sioux Street, Electronic Engineer
Jerrold H. MacMillan, 11 Ticonderoga Road, Applications Engineer
David D. McQuay, 299 Arlington Street, District Manager
Charles J. Panetta, 147 Willow Street, Linotype Operator
Michael H. Pickowicz, 18 Cherokee Road, Automatic Merchandising
Frederick D. Riccioli, 6 Powder Horn Lane, Chemical Engineer
James E. Ryan, 69 Charter Road, Engineering Aide
Ernest Athens, 4 Lothrop Road, Claims Examiner
Lawrence J. Casey, 3 Juniper Ridge Road, Aeronautical Engineer
Michael R. Diamantopoulos, 8 Joseph Reed Lane, Chemist
Leo E. Gaudette, 8 Algonquin Road, Biochemist
Frederick W. Gifford, 363 Arlington Street, Manager
Stephen E. Lord, 375 Central Street, Engineer
Bruce A. Miller, 8 Houghton Lane, Supt. Auto. Underwriting
Frank O. Nicotra, 39 Oneida Road, Budget Analyst
Donald J. Pasik, 379 Central Street, Mathematician
\ John G. Sabbey, 13 Mohawk Drive, Public Accountant
Stephen W. Scribner, 25 Windsor Avenue, Supt. Water District
Charles M. Seward, 10 Joseph Reed Lane, Manufacturers Representative
Charles W. Whitehead, 106 Hayward Road, Electronics
Francis H. Willard, Jr., 17 Notre Dame Road, B. & M. Railroad
DOG LICENSES
ALL DOG LICENSES EXPIRE MARCH 31, 1974. DOGS MUST BE LICENSED ON OR BEFORE
APRIL 1ST OR THE OWNERS OR KEEPERS THEREOF ARE LIABLE TO A FINE. THE LAW
APPLIES TO ALL DOGS THREE MONTHS OLD OR OVER, REGARDLESS OF TIME OF YEAR
OWNERSHIP IS ACQUIRED. NO TAX BILLS ARE SENT TO OWNERS OF DOGS.
REPORT OF DOG LICENSES ISSUED IN 1973
1292 Licenses at $8.00 $3,876.00
136 Licenses at 6.00 816.00
6 Licenses at 10.00 60.00
4 Licenses at 25.00 100.00
3 Licenses at 50.00 150.00
54 Duplicate Tags at .25 13.50
2 Transfer Licenses at .25 . 50
Paid to Town Treasurer $5, 016. 00
Educational Reports
New Wing at the Acton-Boxborough Regional High School
(Photo by Anita Ferrante)
104
EDUCATIOMAL REPORTS
ACTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND
ACTON -BOXBQRQUGH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
The year 1973 can probably best be described as a year of movement throughout the Acton and
Acton-Boxborough school systems. And the movements of people were probably the most notable.
In June the nearly back -to -back resignations of Superintendent Dr. Norman Brust and Assistant
Superintendent Alan White left vital vacancies in the top two administrative posts in the system. The
local and regional School Committees moved quickly to fill the Superintendent's position, and they unani-
mously appointed Raymond J. Grey, long-time principal at the senior high school and a man familiar
with the system, to assume the responsibilities of top school administrator.
A lengthy search among 54 highly qualified candidates throughout the summer resulted in the hir-
ing of Gary G. Baker as the Assistant Superintendent, and the 34-year-old professional educator moved
into the number two slot on October 8th. Late in the year, more than 90 candidates were screened be-
fore Stephen Jennings was chosen to fill the new post of Business Manager.
Grey's move to the Superintendent's office left a vacancy in the principal's office at the senior high
school, and the regional School Committee unanimously selected Vice Principal Lawrence E. McNulty
to move up and fill that position. Mathematics teacher Francis Riley was then named Vice Principal to
replace McNulty.
School Committee members became part of the 1973 people movement as resignations and town
elections in March changed the names and faces of the dedicated citizens who serve to guide education
for Acton and Boxborough. Those moving out included Acton School Committee Chairman Robert Pils-
bury and Secretary Edith Stowell, local member James O'Rourke, regional School Committee Chairman
James Donovan and regional member Philip Licari, both of Boxborough, and then later in August, newly
elected Acton School Committee Chairman Roy Zabierek. Moving in to fill the vacancies as they oc-
curred were Ann Evans, Griffith Resor and Phyllis Walsh of Acton, with Resor being named to the post
of Chairman for the Acton School Committee. Boxborough sent Jeannine Bonomini and Suzanne Morse
to the regional School Committee to fill vacancies there.
The movement and placement of students played a major role in our school system during 1973,
for it marked the year when public Kindergarten came to Acton; and when school opened in September,
seats were found for 342 youngsters spread among the Conant (95 students), Douglas (96 students),
Gates (50 students), and McCarthy -Towne (101 students) Schools.
It was also the year of the "Big Switch" when the senior and junior high schools were to switch
places due to the multi-million dollar expansion of the Hayward Road facility which now became the new
senior high school. Early in the summer, student and custodian work crews moved thousands of library
books, gymnasium equipment, shop equipment, pupil records, teacher files, art and science supplies,
business machines and various other items from school to school. And when September came, senior
and junior high school students found themselves faced with the task of getting acquainted with their new
accommodations, and settling down to the business of study once again.
There was also one movement - or lack of it - which taxed the patience of every student, parent,
teacher and school official from September into the early months of 1974 even as this report was being
prepared -- and that is the school bus transportation problem.
School administrators and bus company officials have been working long and hard to find a solution
as they continually struggled with the routes and time schedules to find the most efficient manner to
move several thousand students every morning and afternoon. Their problems were compounded in
early 1974 when federal legislation moved the nation's clocks ahead one hour in an attempt to compen-
sate for the energy crisis, and they had to change schedules again. Despite this constant turmoil, all
concerned, with few exceptions, have remained patient and understanding, and the school officials wish
to reaffirm their appreciation to the public for this.
During 1973 the local and regional School Committees spent a significant amount of time and energy
to formulate, discuss, alter where necessary, and finally approve policy in a number of areas. This
105
concentrated effort to state policy is continuing, and it-will help to provide the professional staff with
the guidance and direction they need to improve the education offered throughout the system.
Let's move briefly around the system to see what the year 1973 brought to each school and major
department.
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
New leadership and new facilities marked the major changes at the senior high school. Newly
appointed Principal Lawrence McNulty capped his educational studies with the earning of his doctoral
degree, and then put his experience and training to work to operate his newly expanded building.
New science, mathematics, social studies and business facilities were ready for the students as
school opened. The new high school library is called the Instructional Materials Center. It can seat
300 students, has a practice typing room, a listening room, two conference rooms, and an individual
study area. A new Instructional Media Center was established as a new department to assist the staff
and students with innovative media techniques and equipment.
Pupil Personnel Services facilities at the high school now offer a centralized office area for the
counseling staff, as well as a large reception area and research room for the students. In addition, re-
source rooms are now available for individualized instruction in the programs for emotionally disturbed,
learning disabilities, developmental reading, and speech therapy.
(Photo by Amanda Adams)
(Photo by Karol Nelson)
The auditorium can seat 995 people and offers many outstanding facilities. The new gymnasium
and swimming pool were nearly complete as 1973 ended, and these two facilities will fully serve the
schools by day and Adult Education and Recreation programs during the evenings and weekends.
Clara Abe
Lucy Ann Aldrich
Janet C. Alward
Warren Davis Anderson
Mary C. Antonelli
Class of 1973
Cheryl M. Anway
Virginia Ann Apa
Kenneth A. Arbuckle
Robert J. Autio
Mark S. Bailey
Paul James Barbadoro
Roger A. Barlow
Noreen C. Barnes
Pamela Jean Beaudoin
Teresa J. Beausoleil
106
Patricia Lynn Becker
Carol Louise Bedford
Cathy Ann Beissinger
Joseph E. Bell
Karen M. Bergin
Lynn Helen Bergren
William A. Bernstein
Donna Lee Blackwell
Marcia A. Blackwell
Stephen Charles Bourgeois
Michael R. Bradley
David Brague
John J. Braidman
Marion S. Brown
Heather Ann Brunton
Barbara E. Bunker
Michael P. Burke
Michael J. Butler
John A. Cafaro
Bonnie Marie Campbell
Pamela Carlson
Scott A. Carmichael
Tom Case
Kevin B. Cash
Janet Kathleen Castner
Kenneth Paul Ceglowski
•^ Dale Elizabeth Chapski
David L. Chapski
William Wesley Charter
Raymond M. Christian
Robert Dana Christmas
Richard A. Clapp
Lynn Marie Clark
William J. Clegg
Margaret A. Clewley
Stephen G. Collins
Robert Comey
Joseph V. Comperchio
Christopher P. Connelly
Roger H. Conover
William D. Coughlin
Holly Lynne Cowden
Stephen Allen DaCosta
Robert W. Davis
Susan H. Davis
Mark S. Day
Douglas R. Dean
William James Dill
Dorann Lee Dixon
Geoffrey C. Doherty
Jeffrey MacGregor Donaldson
P. Brian Donnelly
Ellen T. Donovan
Jay Christopher Donovan
Susan Lynn Doskocil
Lynn Mary Dr is coll
Brian W. Edwards
Nancy Ann Emmons
Bruce D. Feltus
David B. Fenton
Deborah A. Fife
J. Brooke Finley
Susan Elizabeth Finnimore
Dorothy J. Flanagan
Barbara Jean Flannery
Michael J. Flerra
Judith L. Foote
Dwight Randal Foster
Mark A. Fowler
Richard Fox
Elizabeth M. Frank
Marilyn French
Susanne Elizabeth Furlong
David Adams Garlow
Daniel Turner Gates
Deborah Deanna Glover
Linda Lee Goehring
Miguel Angel Gonzalez
Nancy Ann Goodwin
, Laurie Sue Graves
t William Raymond Grey
Cheryl Ann Gross
Brenda Lee Guenard
Brian Arthur Guenard
Cynthia Grace Gundersen
JoAnne Venne Haeberle
Susan Hagy
Linda Jean Haller
Maureen Ann Hardy
William George Hartman
Alison Jean Hatch
James R. Henderson
Linda Susan Anne Heyner
Jocelyn L. Hibbard
\ David J. Higgins
J Susan Elizabeth Hill
Penelope Anne Hillman
Sarah Hinckley
Daniel Andrew Hinds
Chary 1 Jane Hines
Donald Hochard
Mark S. Hodgson
Preston Thomas Hogan
John Holmes
Mark John Hone
Dana E. Hooper
. Lynn P. Hopkins
* Paula Marie Home
Mark Hryniewich
Karen C. Heubsch
Mark W. Humphry s
Anne Phillips Hungerford
Janice E. Illsley
Karl H. Jensen
Diane S. Johnson
Judith Lee Johnson
Karen Jolley •
Christopher Edward Jones
Daryl E. Jones
Karen L. Jones
Suzanne B. M. Joyal
Christine Marie Joyce
Michael Patrick Keane
Catherine Mary Keeley
Margaret Julia Kehoe
Deborah Jean Kelley
Nancy Lynn Kelley
Cynthia Ann Kellogg
Kathleen Bernadette Kelly
Vanessa Dale Kelly
Kathleen Mary Kennedy
Thomas J. Kennedy, Jr.
Dwight Klappich
Cheryl Lynn Kreidermacher
Karen Jane Krysieniel
John Raymond Laferriere
Robert Arthur Laffin
Joyce A. Laite
Carlotta Jean Landau
Thomas V. Lanoue
Louis Paul Laroche
Karin Louise Larson
Elizabeth Gibbs Layton
Richard John Lemere
Edmund R. Lesure
Elizabeth Anne Lillie
\ Linda Lee Long
Susan Mary Loring
Mary Lynch
Michael MacAusland
Robert Bruce MacEwan
Karen Louise MacKenzie
Scott H. MacLeod
Elaine Susan Mahar
Brenda J. Major
Carol Elaine Malson
Patrick Marsh
John Martell
Henry Mauer
Wilma Elizabeth Mauzy
James Arnold McCalmont
Christopher M. McCluer
Heather Anne McGregor
Leslie Christine McKenney
William C. McKnight
' Constance Barbara McPhersoi
■ Steve D. McPherson
Daniel G. McShane
Thomas McShane
Janet McTammany
David M. Meehan
Todd David Merrill
Jonathan Lee Miller
Candace Miner
David W. Moland
Kathy Jane Moody
Steven Richard Moore
Thomas Moroney
Joan M. Morris
Katherine Linda Morrison
Susan Marie Moscariello
Maria Munro
John Murphy
- George W. Murray
Craig J. Myers
Deborah J. Nelson
Holly Anne Nelson
Laurel Sharman Nichols
Susan E. Nihen
Carol Marie Nowokunski
Mark Steven O'Dowd
Richard C. Oldenburg
107
Katherine Mary Oliver
Henry Carl Oman
Karen J. O'Neal
Belinda Ann Page
M. Hill Palmer
Michael Pappas
Douglas J. Parker
Heather Parsons
Bonnie Patton
Susan Pennington
Carol Jean Perry
Cathy Jeanne Peter
Daniel Thomas Peterson
Leslie Pinnell
Adele Susan Pinsky
James Plunkett
Deborah Polselli
Mary Beth Pope
John Joseph Powers, Jr.
Douglas E. Pratt
Jean Pratt
J. Brierley Preston
Deborah Lee Progen
Mark Stephen Pruneau
Glen R. Purcell
Bern Webb Putnam
Paula Ramos
Michael Joseph Reid
Kathy Reidy
Kathy L. Richards
Heidi Rimbach
John Christopher Roche
Anthony Lothrup Rogers
David B. Rogers
Peter S. Rood
Donna Ann Roscoe
Margery Elizabeth Rose
David E. Ross
Michael G. Roy
Ellen Russo
Kevin James Saaristo
Britta Sandberg
Paul Gregory Sanderson
Marily Sanford
^ David Paul Sansone
Dorothy E. Sawyer
Raymond H. Sawyer
Stephen W. Schad
Robert Scherer
Gregory Schroeder
Darryl W. Schwartz
John William Scriven
Carol Seward
Charles M. Seward
Stephen Sheehan
Russell Shibles
Milo Barrett Shiff, II
Cyndia Louise Shook
Jay Shuttle
Carla Jean Simeone
Kristen Ann Simpson
Karen Virginia Skinger
Alan Craig Smith
Jack David Smith
Stephen Charles Smith
Claudia Snyer
Joseph F. Spurr
Linda Ann Starr
Elizabeth Lillian Steele
Judith Ann Sterndale
Donna -Lee Stewart
Patricia M. Stewart
Susan Leigh Stough
Kenneth J. Straub
Mary Ellen Sullivan
James E. Swales
Debra M. Swanson
Terry G. Taber
Brian A. Thompson
Cathy Anne Thorn
Debbie Kay Towne
Martha Ann Trafton
Katherine A. Travers
Steven Tremblay
Pamela Susan Turner
Terry N. Turner
Edwin B. Tuttle
George Tuttle
Roger Allen Vail
Lucy Anne Marie Vanaria
Gretchen Vanderhoof
Robert A. Vanderhoof
Judith vonJess
George R. Vorce
Louise R. Waldron
Stephen R. Walker
Clare Wall
James Wesley
David S. White
Mark White
Susan A. Whitehead
Dana Lea Whittle
John Williams
Robin Joy Williamson
Debra Gail Wolfenden
Erica J. Wollam
Glenn Woodward
George Christopher Wootton
Brerida Sue Worcester
Barbara J. Wright
Gayle Susan Wright
Loretta Marie Young
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Principal Arthur Hayes and his staff found that the move to their new facility provided an oppor-
tunity to expand even though space still remained at a premium.
First -year German and second -year Spanish were added to the language curriculum. A part-time
drama coach was hired along with a second girls' physical education coach. Special education programs
"came out of the broom closet and into well -lighted, adequately equipped classrooms, " noted Principal
Hayes, and a full-time paid aide was added to the learning disabilities and emotionally disturbed class
program. A girls' intramural swimming team and a boys' soccer team were funded during 1973, but
lacked the facilities to engage in their sports. This should be remedied when the new pool opens and
the athletic fields now under construction are accepted by the Town. A girls' Softball team is expected
to be added in 1974.
The entire school is now in the midst of self -evaluation in preparation for an evaluation in Novem-
ber of 1974 by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, and if accepted, the school will
receive official accreditation.
Plans to renovate the building are also under consideration to provide more rooms and facilities
in order to offer more options and electives to the student body.
108
ACTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Conant School
About 95 first -time students swelled enrollment here as Principal Alice Hayes and her staff wel-
comed public Kindergarten to their school. The youngsters settled in quickly to their education readi-
ness program, and as the school year progresses, they will move into basic reading and mathematics
programs.
New playground equipment was installed by staff and parent volunteers, and a linguistic program
was developed to meet students' special needs. The Conant School was also accepted into the member-
ship of the Massachusetts Advisory Council on Learning Disabilities. And the school was honored to
place a bronze plaque at the entrance to the library, dedicating it to the memory of Patricia Davis.
Douglas School
Kindergarten classrooms welcomed 96 youngsters here as they began the basics of their education
in the Acton School System.
Principal Robert Conroy reported that during 1973, his school developed a combined parent -
teacher team called the Douglas School Council with the aim of fostering open communication and coop-
eration between home and school.
The Language Arts & Skills Program, published by Holt, Rinehart and Winston, was adopted and
the staff continued the development of a continuous progress -individualized approach to instruction in
mathematics and other areas of the curriculum. New playground equipment was installed here as well,
and a program was begun to correct poor acoustical qualities in the classrooms.
Gates School
Kindergarten was also introduced here with 50 students fitting into a two -session schedule.
Principal James Palavras reported an overall strengthening of curriculum during 1973, particu-
larly in reading and science, by the inclusion of numerous and varied supplementary materials into the
study program. Development continued for the second year in the school's Mathematics Lab, which is
a centralized learning center containing a variety of materials designed to supplement and enrich the
math program offered at Gates.
Library volumes were increased to 4,000 books, and 1973 saw an increase in the student -teacher
program, also. A successful Christmas Fair, jointly sponsored by parents and faculty, was held for
the first time. And like other elementary schools, the Gates School completed installation of its out-
side playground equipment.
McCarthy -Towne School
The largest Kindergarten class was enrolled here as 101 students successfully began their educa-
tional careers despite crowded conditions and a short preparation time to accommodate them.
Principal Parker Damon reported that curriculum improvements occurred during 1973 due to the
implementation of summer research and development work in science and music, a realignment of the
teaching staff, and the involvement and support provided by volunteers and student teachers.
The PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) continued to grow as illustrated by the response to the
educational survey, and reflected in the participation in various school-related events, including a joint
staff -parent effort to install playground equipment here as well.
It is hoped that a temporary enrollment freeze and a regrouping of the 42 -member staff into cur-
riculum, administration, and grade -level committees will help to solve some administrative and other
related problems caused by enrollment and staff organization.
Major plans to provide adequate facilities for both students and educational programs are well
under way, and some electrical, plumbing and painting improvements were made during the year.
109
Merriam School
This was the only elementary school in the system
which did not house Kindergarten during 1973, and the
50 students from this school were equally accommodated
at the Conant and Douglas Schools.
Principal William Sparks noted that a study is
currently under way to determine future space needs at
his school, and an architectural firm is expected to re-
port their findings in early 1974.
The Merriam library has reached 5,000 volumes,
having grown from 2,000 books during the past five
years.
This school is presently "piloting" a new language
series published by the Laidlaw Company.
Like the other elementary schools, continued
parent -teacher cooperation resulted in the installation
of six additional pieces of outside playground equipment
in the lower playground as well as the success of a sec-
ond annual Christmas Fair, which netted $1,650.00 ear-
marked to improve overall education within the school.
Crown Resistance Day
(Photo by Deborah Regan)
PUPIL PERSONNEL SERVICES
Coordinator Ruth Proctor reports that recent approval of several federal and state grants will
allow for expansion of regionalized services for students with special needs.
New PPS approaches at the secondary level have been developed, and intensive evaluation and pro-
gram planning procedures are under way in selected areas of special needs in anticipation of the require-
ments which must be met under Chapter 766, the new special education law which will become effective
in September of 1974.
Our school system is now a formal member of the regional 10 -town collaborative for special edu-
cation which has been developed. to meet the special needs of every school -age child in this area. Two
staff counselors were appointed as members of the CODE board.
A systematic study is under way to determine the need and feasibility of a career education pro-
gram throughout the system, and a number of recommendations have already been made, including the
formation of a Career Information Center at the senior high school, a scholastic discovery trial unit in
the English clas'ses at the junior high school, and a program in grades 4 through 6 which will encourage
students to visit parents or parents of friends at their places of work.
A resource room program for the emotionally disturbed was initiated at the senior high school in
September. The staff of the learning disabilities department was enlarged on the secondary level by in-
cluding two special class aides, and a part-time consultant was appointed in September to serve LD stu-
dents at the McCarthy -Towne School. A summer program working with LD students was staffed by
three Acton teachers and two student teachers, and it provided elementary students with intensive re-
mediation in language arts, mathematics, and areas of perceptual and motor deficits.
A reading specialist was appointed at the secondary level to provide full-time developmental read-
ing programs, and since September both the senior and junior high schools have had full-time speech
therapy specialists.
FINE ARTS
Coordinator Henry Wegiel reported that during 1973, at all levels, the theme "1776-1976" was in-
troduced into the Fine Arts program, and it has already resulted in some very unusual and beautiful
music, art and crafts projects.
110
At the elementary level, 148 new students started on band instruments while 53 new students be-
gan instruction on string instruments, with an overall total of 298 students in grades 4, 5 and 6 par-
ticipating in the music program.
At the junior high school, two new stage productions were offered, and a new group of courses in
General Music allowed students to choose from among expanded fine arts programs.
At the senior high school, numerous plays, concerts and art shows were spaced throughout the
year, with the highlights certain to include the offering of "My Fair Lady" as well as the Fine Arts Fes-
tival Week held last May.
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS
Coordinator Gerald King reports that the addition of new personnel and equipment during 1973 have
continued to move the department toward its goal of excellence in a system -wide preventive maintenance
program.
King and his staff had to cope with continued vandalism and other problems during the year, but
headway is being made.
Equipment added during the year included a 1972 dump truck, new grounds equipment, basic main-
tenance tools and machinery, and a maintenance equipment storage building still under construction.
Four new custodians and a maintenance man for the senior high school were added, and a new pay
schedule, jointly worked out with Superintendent Raymond Grey and the School Committee, has provided
for retention of top personnel and hiring of new, qualified people.
ADULT EDUCATION
Director Doli Mason reported that in September of 1973, the Adult Education program offered 56
classes, with a total enrollment of 847 students. This can be compared with the first year of the pro-
gram in 1970 when 18 classes were offered with an enrollment of 337 students.
In light of this increase, Director Mason has requested that the Adult Education program be en-
larged to include a summer term in addition to the fall and winter terms now offered, and that this sum-
mer program offer regular Adult Education courses for both students and adults, as well as enrichment
and remedial classes.
She further recommends that research be started on Evening Practical Arts courses (which will
be 50% state reimbursed), college credit courses, high school equivalency preparation courses, daytime
classes, and establishing closer contact with local organizations, town boards, and business groups for
suggestions and possible program additions.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
In concluding this Educational Report for 1973, Superintendent Raymond Grey is looking ahead to
the goals and accomplishments which the citizens of Acton and Boxborough can anticipate through the
combined efforts of a fully staffed central office working in harmony with the local and regional School
Committees and the entire school staff.
- Curriculum articulation has begun in grades 1 through 12.
- More efficient fiscal policies are being implemented.
- Boston College test results will provide a "blueprint for improvement" to identify
areas of need in the curriculum.
- A Career Education Program is being developed.
- System -wide teacher meetings at all levels are under way to help coordinate the
curriculum to provide smoother student transition from one grade to another.
- In-service workshops in social studies and mathematics are being held for teacher
self -improvement.
Ill
- Careful scrutiny of area population figures is under way in order to plan for and pro-
vide more effective and efficient school housing over the next 10 years.
- Curriculum study committees such as the Life Education Committee and the Testing
Committee are working on concerns to evaluate and improve the educational program.
- Improvement of policies concerning the maintenance of our present school buildings is
under way.
- Publication of a School Committee Policy Manual and a system -wide School Handbook
for use by staff and community will be completed shortly.
- Cooperation with Minuteman Vocational Technical School is in progress to assure that
our students take full advantage of that facility.
- The Curriculum Steering Committee will recommend to the School Committee the most
worthy of 14 research and development proposals they reviewed during 1973 for funding
and implementation.
- Complete studies at the Junior High School and the McCarthy -Towne and Merriam
Schools are being carried out to determine the steps needed to expand and improve
their physical plants.
"l realize," concludes Superintendent Grey, "that if we are to accomplish a sound school system
that is exciting to the students, satisfactory to the parents, and one that teachers, administrators and
School Committee members can look at with a sense of pride, it will take teamwork, patience, careful
listening to all views, and wise decisions at all levels.
"I sincerely feel that we have all the ingredients needed to accomplish what we all desire. "
Gratitude is expressed to the students, parents, citizens, teachers, fellow administrators, and
School Committee members for their patience, efforts and cooperation.
Prepared for the Superintendent by
Richard J. Calandrella
Community Resources Department
Office of the Superintendent
112
ACTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND
ACTON -BOXBOROUGH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
ORGANIZATION
Acton School Committee
Term Expires
Griffith Resor, Chairman 1974
Robert Haeberle, Secretary 1976
Ann T. Evans 1976
E. Bruce Gravette 1975
Helen Ray 1975
Phyllis Walsh 1974
Acton-Boxbo rough
Regional District School Committee
Term Expires
Reginald Brown, Chairman 1974
Jeannine Bonomini 1975
Ann T. Evans 1976
E. Bruce Gravette 1975
Robert Haeberle 1976
Suzanne Morse 1976
Helen Ray 1975
Griffith Resor 1974
Phyllis Walsh 1974
The Acton School Committee holds regular meetings on the first and third Thursdays of each month, and
the Acton-Boxborough Regional District School Committee meets regularly on the second and fourth Thurs-
days. Both groups convene at the Acton-Boxborough Regional Senior High School Music Room at 7:30 p.m.
Administrators Telephone
Superintendent of Schools, Raymond J. Grey 263-9503
Assistant Superintendent, Gary G. Baker 263-9503
Business Manager, Stephen Jennings 263-9503
Head Bookkeeper and Treasurer, Priscilla Felt 263-9503
Administrative Assistant, Beatrice Perkins 263-5272
Principals: Conant School, Alice F. Hayes 263-7407
Douglas School, Robert C. Conroy 263-2753
Gates School, James Palavras 263-9162
Merriam School, William Sparks 263-2581
McCarthy -Towne School, Parker Damon 263-4982
Junior High School, Arthur J. Hayes 263-7716
Henry J. Wall, Vice Principal 263-7716
Senior High School, Lawrence McNulty 263-0210
Donald MacLeod, Vice Principal 263-7738
Francis Riley, Vice Principal 263-7738
Coordinator of Pupil Personnel Services, Ruth R. Proctor 263-2492
Coordinator of Fine Arts, Henry W. Wegiel 263-3562
Coordinator of Buildings and Grounds, Gerald King 263-5272
TENTATIVE SCHOOL CALENDAR 1974-1975
Reopening of All Schools
Winter Vacation
Good Friday
Spring Vacation
Memorial Day
Graduation
Close of Schools
Summer Recess
Teachers' Meetings
Reopening of All Schools
Columbus Day
January 2, 1974
February 18-22
April 12
April 15-19
May 27
June 7
June 24
September 3 -4
September 5
October 14
Teachers' Convention
Veterans' Day
Thanksgiving Recess
Christmas Holiday
Reopening of All Schools
Winter Vacation
Good Friday
Spring Vacation
Memorial Day
Graduation
Close of Schools
October 23
October 28
November 28-29
Dec. 23 to Jan. 1, 1975
January 2, 1975
February 24-28
March 28
April 21-25
May 26
June 6
June 23
NO SCHOOL SIGNAL
2-2-2-2
1-1-1-1
2-2-2-2
6:30 A.M.
7:15 A.M.
7:00 A.M.
No School ABRSD All Day
No School Acton Public Schools, Grades K-6 All Day
No School All Schools All Day
Announcements
aired on WBZ
- 1030 AM Dial; WHDH - 850 AM Dial; Starting at 6:00 A. M.
113
ACTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND
ACTON -BOXBOROUGH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
ENROLLMENTS AS OF JANUARY 1
ANTICIPATED ENROLLMENTS*
Grade
K
1
2
3
4
5
6
Educable
Trainable
Blanchard
Total K-6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Total 7-12
Grand Total
^Figures used are as of 1/7/74
1972-1973
1973-1974
Grade
0
342
K
392
3 74
1
396
371
2
376
396
3
442
388
4
404
450
5
384
401
6
3
3
Educable
5
7
Trainable
0
6
Blanchard
2,402
2,738
Total K-6
487
417
7
424
476
8
411
446
Total 7 and 8
388
420
9
10
11
12
355
373
323
350
2,418
2,482
4,820
5,220
Total 9-12
Total 7-12
Estimated Grand
f 1/7/74.
Total K-12
1974-1975
400
342
374
371
396
388
450
3
7
6_
2,737
427
417
844
476
446
420
373
1,715
2,559
5,296
ACTQN-BOXBOROUGH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
TREASURER'S REPORT
December 31, 1973
Balance, December 31, 1972
Receipts, 1973:
Town of Acton
Town of Boxborough
State Aid for Construction
Town of Acton, Article 10, Special Meeting 6/11/73
Public Law 874
Title II - Library
Public Law 90-576 - Cooperative Education
Public Law 92-318 - Secondary; Clerical
Transportation Reimbursement
School Lunch Fund
School Athletic Fund
Adult Education
Federal Taxes
State Taxes
Teachers' Retirement
County Retirement
Teachers' Insurance
Blue Cross -Blue Shield
$1,920,339.58
$2, 893,616.64
264,381.96
868,950.82
9,025.00
25,917. 00
2,062. 11
5,798.00
5,757.00
85,584.80
134,652. 16
12, 089. 85
16,547.50
344, 155.20
90,059.52
92,855. 18
12,672.03
1,353.35
9,621.69
114
Balance, December 31, 1972 - Carried Forward
Receipts, 1973 (Cont'd.):
Group Life Insurance
Acton Education Association
M.T..A. Credit Union
Tax Annuities
Earned Interest
Refunds
Public Telephones
Rentals
In-Service Program -Learning Disabilities 1972
Insurance -Todd House
Miscellaneous
Total Receipts
Total
$1,920,339.58
966.96
13,864.43
12,300.62
8,219.00
65,699.50
1,070.67
454.60
1,076.25
1,325.00
2,601.00
1, 126.94
$4,983,794.78
$6,904, 134.36
Disbursements, 1973:
Maintenance and Operation
Construction
Title I
Title II - Special Purpose Grant
Title II - Library
Title VI-A
Public Law 92-318 - Secondary; Clerical
Payment on Principal
Interest on Debt
School Lunch Fund
School Athletic Fund
School Athletic Fund Receipts
Adult Education
Federal Taxes
State Taxes
Teachers' Retirement
County Retirement
Teachers' Insurance
Blue Cross -Blue Shield
Group Life Insurance
Acton Education Association
M. T.A. Credit Union
Tax Annuities
Roof Repairs
Insurance - Todd House
Article 10, Acton Special Town Meeting 6/11/73
In-Service Program -Learning Disabilities
Total Disbursements
Balance, December 31, 1973
$2,777,439.53
1,573,006.08
49.39
954. 73
1,792.87
67.43
1,436.93
655,000.00
214,205.00
126,937. 18
73,930.09
562.88
15,411.71
344, 155.20
90,059.52
92,855. 18
12,672.06
1,368.37
9,381.88
979.88
13,864.43
12,300.62
8,219.00
1,470.82
458.63
4,674.27
2,076.40
$6, 035,330. 08
868,804. 78
Total
$6,904, 134. 86
Priscilla Felt
Treasurer
115
VOCATIONAL REGIONAL SCHOOL
Charles E. Courtright, Acton' s Representative
In the spring of 1971, the Towns of Acton, Arlington, Belmont, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord,
Lexington, Lincoln, Stow, Sudbury, Wayland and Weston voted to establish the Minuteman Regional Vo-
cational Technical School District. Since then the District has made significant progress. Our goal is
to open a regional vocational technical high school in September 1974.
In 1971 Superintendent -Director Samuel Sains was employed by the Regional School Committee, a
$900,000 bond issue was authorized and approved for site acquisition and planning costs, a site for the
new school was selected, and educational specifications for the school were developed. Major milestones
in 1972 included the selection of Drummey Rosanne Anderson, Inc. of Wellesley as architects for the new
school, the completion of building plans and specifications, the authorization of a $12,900,000 bond issue
for constructing and equipping the school, and the award of a construction contract on October 26, 1972,
to White Construction Company of Burlington, the low bidder. The Minuteman School is located at the
Lexington -Lincoln line, a short distance west of Route 128 and south of Route 2A.
During 1973 construction continued. Minuteman now has a building where but a year before there
was only a pile of pipe and wood chips. The school's structure and exterior masonry are complete and
the building virtually closed in. Interior finishing, mechanical and electrical work, equipment installa-
tion and furnishing are now taking place inside the nearly complete shell. Construction has been on sched
ule to date, so that a September 1974 opening appears still to be a realistic target.
The temporary school offices are in Wayland. In September 1973, our staff was enlarged by the
addition of seven teachers and two student program coordinators. This core group participated in an in-
tensive training and orientation session during its first two weeks at Minuteman. Since then this group
has proceeded to outline educational processes for the school and plan the techniques which will be used
to put them into practice. The student program coordinators have been contacting representatives of the
school departments in the twelve member towns. They have been planning an information program for
students on Minuteman and the application and admission process.
We have had extensive investigation and discussions with the Educational Advisory Committee.
This committee consists of the Superintendents of Schools from all the member towns. As a result of
these discussions, the Minuteman Regional School Committee has adopted an open admission policy de-
signed to serve students with varied interests, abilities and needs. The Committee plans to review con-
tinually the actual operation of the procedures established for admission to Minuteman
A freshman class of 450 students is scheduled to enter in September 1974. The Committee has
voted to base each town's quota in this class on the ratio that the number of pupils in grades 9 through 12,
residing in and receiving education at the expense of each member town, bears to the total pupil enroll-
ment in grades 9 through 12 throughout the District. This ratio is also the legal basis for apportioning
Minuteman costs among the member towns for the 1974-75 fiscal year. Should the number of applicants
from a member town exceed its quota, that town may select up to 20% of its quota in a manner determined
by that town. The remaining 80% of each quota would be chosen by a random selection process.
An information booklet on the Minuteman School has been distributed to parents of 8th graders in
all of the member towns and to each junior high or middle school. The booklet describes the location and
layout of the building, the school's course offerings and its educational process, and includes complete
information on how to apply for admission.
Current plans call for hiring an additional group of faculty in February of 1974. Once the new
teachers have been familiarized with Minuteman philosophy and processes by the core group, the entire
staff will plan and develop the curriculum for the school's opening in 1974, and ensure that the necessary
materials are available for the programs being offered in the first year. The first year vocational and
technical course offerings will be:
Building Trades Horticulture Health Services
Power Mechanics Printing Commercial Art
Machine Shop Foods Electronics
Metals Fabrication Distributive Education Instrumentation
116
Students will also be required to take courses in:
Communication Arts (English)
General Science
Mathematics
Human Relations (Social Studies)
The Minuteman School Committee and staff look forward to completion of the building in the sum-
mer of 1974 and to welcoming the first freshman class in September.
The entire committee and staff express their appreciation to the school and town officials, parents
and townspeople in the District's twelve -member towns for their cooperation and understanding, without
which the progress achieved to date could not have been sustained.
Acton Charles E. Courtright
Arlington Rico A. Merluzzo
Belmont Henry L. Hall, Jr., Chairman
Boxborough Roger H. Morse
Carlisle Kenneth L. Bilodeau
Concord Lydia A. Smith
Lexington Erik L. Mollo-Christensen, Vice -Chairman
Lincoln Ruth W. Wales
Stow Glen F. Pippert
Sudbury Alfred C. Cron
Wayland Paul F. Alphen
Weston Albert V. B. Kelsey
MINUTEMAN REGIONAL VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
1972 OPERATING BUDGET
As of December 31, 1972 (Final)
School Committee Expense
Salaries - Administrative
Salaries - Clerical
Travel Expense - In State
Travel Expense - Out of State
Office Expense - Supplies /Materials /Equipment
Insurance - Hospital and Life
Rental - Land and Buildings; and Debt Service
Accounting Expense
Debt Service
Office and Building Insurance
Totals
Appropriated
$ 3,600. 00
47,500.00*
9,800.00
1,500.00
1,000.00
5,400.00
500.00
4,200.00
2,000.00
21,000. 00
0
$96,500.00
Expended
$ 1,534.47
49,562.50
10,986.50
1,246.45
770.65
6,577.29
482.44
1,647.32
0
13,085.29
10,470. 00
$96,362.91
-$12,500.00 received from State for administrative salaries.
Finances
\j<'-%
•^
View from Strawberry Hill Road
(Photo by Joanna Gerngross)
118
BOARD OF ASSESSORS
John H. Loring, Chairman
During 1973, the Board of Assessors held regular meetings on the first Tuesday of each month,
plus special meetings as required.
All members of the Board are taking courses in assessing sponsored by the Massachusetts Depart-
ment of Corporations and Taxation. The total program leading to certification is divided into six parts;
Board members have completed two of the six, namely, Assessment Administration and Assessment
Law.
The fundamental responsibility of the Assessors is to fairly evaluate all real property in the Town
so that each property owner pays his fair share of the tax burden. The Board is now convinced that in
order to properly accomplish this, there should be a complete revaluation of the Town as soon as pos-
sible. The approximate cost at the present time will be about $80,000.00, including a computerized pro-
gram to record and keep appraisals updated. The total program would take about one year to complete
using outside consultants. The Board has decided, however, that since we have sufficient and compe-
tent staff at the present time, we should ask for just the computer portion of the program, using the
data we already have and complete the revaluation program ourselves over a longer period, perhaps
two years. We are, therefore, asking for an appropriation of $12,000.00 for this purpose at the next
Annual Town Meeting.
Taxes Assessed as Follows:
Real Estate
Personal Property
Total Valuation January 1, 1973
Valuation January 1, 1972
Increase in Valuation
Rate of Taxation - $52.50 per thousand
Real Estate
Personal Property
Total Taxes Assessed
Amount of Money to be Raised:
Town Charges
Chapter 44, Section 31
School Lunch Program (includes elderly)
Free Public Libraries
Natural Resources - Self-Help Program
State Parks and Reservations
Metropolitan District Area Planning Council
State Assessment System
Motor Vehicle Excise Bills
Air Pollution Control District
County Tax
County Hospital
Overlay
Total
Estimated Receipts and Available Funds
from Various Sources
Net Amount to be Raised by Taxation
One -third to be raised 1/1/74
$118, 570,805.00
4, 886,010.00
6, 224, 979.58
256, 515.53
13, 161, 669.15
16, 000.00
22,244.04
11,077.50
31,312.50
40,421.80
738.35
561.80
1,641.75
499.64
176,648.71
8, 940.67
105, 181.37
$123,456, 815.00
112, 650, 630.00
$ 10, 806, 185.00
$ 6,481,495.11
$ 13, 576, 937.28
3, 854, 785.30
$ 9, 722, 151. 98
$ 3,240,656.87
119
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise
Rate of Valuation $66.00 per thousand
Commissioners Value $9,945,300.00
Number of Vehicles Assessed - 11, 619
Total Excise $620,499.61
Richard W. Remmy, Clerk
Lorens A. A. Perssons, Member
Ralph E. Dodge, CM. A. Assistant Assessor
The Unreliable Eye - Your house as seen by. . .
•Wl/wlfWMi
P*TJh
. . . the builder
your mortgagor
■ yourself
. . . the tax assessor
TREASURER - COLLECTOR
Wm. Henry Soar
Due to the change from the calendar year to the fiscal year, there are no reports for the Treasur-
er or Collector for the 12-month period ending December 31, 1973. A complete compiled report will be
prepared after the closing date of June 30, 1974, applicable to the 18 -month period January 1, 1973
through June 30, 1974.
120
TOWN ACCOUNTANT
TOWN OF
BALANCE
DECEMBER
ASSETS
Cash:
Petty Cash Funds
General Funds
Federal Revenue Sharing Funds, P.L. 92-512
Accounts Receivable:
Tax Levies:
1966 Personal Property
1967 Personal Property
1968 Personal Property
1969 Personal Property
1970 Personal Property
1971 Personal Property
1972 Personal Property
1972 Real Estate
1973 Personal Property
1973 Real Estate
Special Assessment - Street Betterments
Motor Vehicle Excise:
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
Tax Titles
Tax Possessions
Taxes in Litigation
Departmental:
Cemetery
Fire
Veterans' Aid
Aid to Highways:
Middlesex County
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Total Accounts Receivable
Investments:
Certificate of Deposit
Federal Revenue Sharing Funds, P.L. 92-512
Revenue 1974 - Appropriations Voted
Transfer of Funds, P.L. 92-512
Authorized at Annual Town Meeting 3/12/73
Under -assessment - Metropolitan District
Estimated Receipts
Total Assets
$ 220.00
932,673.21
9,221.73
$ 942,114
.94
$ 711.18
4,821.60
5,074.33
167, 127.65
496.35
520.80
306.00
531.30
939.55
819.00
5,532.78
172, 201.98
181,347.76
190.29
384.00
493.21
1, 140.91
548.99
1,051.78
3,477.67
15,954.65
59,993.27
152,512.27
235,556. 75
4,413.75
793.72
5,207.47
784.00
171.00
642. 75
2,011.38
2,825. 13
36,171.52
93,907.04
130,078.56
555,989.
96
350,000.00
175, 000. 00
525,000.
00
3,240,656.
87
104,000.
00
01
767,574.
06
$6, 135,335.
84
ACTON
SHEET
31, 1973
121
LIABILITIES, RESERVES AND SURPLUS
Employees' Payroll Deductions
Guarantee Deposits - Board of Appeals
Performance Bond Deposits
Unclaimed Checks
Federal Revenue Sharing Funds, P.L. 92-512
Trust Fund Income Transfer Balances
Unexpended Budget Appropriation Balances - See Schedule 1
Unexpended Article Appropriation Balances - See Schedule 2
Revolving Funds - School Cafeteria
Federal Grants:
Education $19,833.68
Library 15.81
Over-estimates of Assessments:
Air Pollution Control 67.52
State Parks and Recreation Areas 5, 155. 38
Middlesex County Tax 55,236. 15
Reserve for Petty Cash Funds
Premium on Bonds
State Aid Reserved for Appropriation - Library
Cemetery Land Fund
Middlesex County Dog License Fees
Receipts Reserved for Appropriation - County Dog Fund
Road Machinery Fund
Tax Title Foreclosure
Transfer of Funds, P.L. 92-512
Police Department Salaries - Annual Town Meeting 3/12/73
Overlays Reserved for Abatements of Tax Levies:
1966 259.19
1967 126.87
1968 306.00
1969 109.69
1970 939.55
1971 819.00
1972 5,030.95
1973 40,857.91
Overlay Surplus Reserve Fund
Revenue Reserved Until Collected:
Special Assessments - Street Betterments
Motor Vehicle Excise
Tax Titles and Possessions
Taxes in Litigation
Departmental Revenue
Aid to Highways
Surplus Revenue
190.29
235,556.75
5,207.47
784.00
2,825. 13
130,078.56
5 2,201.56
246.00
8,200.00
1, 152. 75
101, 118.81
9,235.50
4,382,718.63
536,686.03
29,045.67
19,849.49
60,459.05
220.00
601.60
5,538. 75
5,230.35
132.85
2,313. 19
1, 167.02
335.00
104,000. 00
48,449. 16
479.84
374,642.20
441,312.39
Total Liabilities, Reserves and Surplus
$6, 135,335. 84
122
DEFERRED REVENUE ACCOUNTS
Apportioned Street Assessments Not Due $ 16, 650. 70
LOANS AUTHORIZED - NOT ISSUED
Douglas Elementary School $ 79, 450. 00
Conant Elementary School 103,347.21 $ 182,797.21
DEBT ACCOUNTS
Net Funded or Fixed Debt $3,240,000.00
TRUST ACCOUNTS
Trust Funds - Cash and Securities:
In Custody of the Town Treasurer $ 838, 783. 67
In Custody of the Trustees 3, 000. 00 $ 841,783.67
DEFERRED REVENUE ACCOUNTS
123
Apportioned Street Assessment Revenue:
Due in 1974 to 1991, inclusive
$ 16.650.70
LOANS AUTHORIZED - NOT ISSUED
Schools
$ 182,797.21
DEBT ACCOUNTS
Inside Debt Limit:
Florence A. Merriam Elementary School
Acton Memorial Library Addition
Public Works Facility
Highway Department Equipment
Outside Debt Limit:
Florence A. Merriam Elementary School
Carolyn Douglas Elementary School
Paul P. Gates Elementary School
Luther Conant Elementary School
$
40, 000. 00
25, 000. 00
160, 000. 00
320,000.00
120,000.00
420,000.00
785,000.00
1,370,000.00
$ 545,000.00
2,695,000.00
$3,240,000.00
TRUST ACCOUNTS
In Custody of Town Treasurer
See Schedule 3
In Custody of Trustees -
Charlotte Goodnow Fund
$ 838,783.67
3,000.00
$ 841,783.67
124
TOWN ACCOUNTANT
Donald O. Nylander
The year 1973 represents the first part of the transition period to the new statutory fiscal year
ending June 30, 1974. The material presented provides an interim statement of the financial condition
of the Town of Acton as December 31, 1973.
BALANCE SHEET
Supporting Schedules
December 31, 1973
Schedule 1
Unexpended Budget Appropriation Balances
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Moderator:
1. Salary
2. Expenses
Finance Committee:
3. Expenses
Selectmen:
4. Salaries
5. Expenses
6. Capital Outlay
7. Legal Services
8. Legal Service Charges
9. Appraisals and Surveys
10. Out of State Travel
Town Office Clerical Staff:
11. Salaries
Engineering Department:
12. Salaries and Wages
13. Expenses
14. Capital Outlay
Town Accountant:
15. Salary
16. Expenses
Town Treasurer and Collector:
17. Salary
18. Expenses
Town Assessors:
19. Salaries
20. Expenses
Town Clerk:
21. Salary
22. Expenses
Elections and Registrations:
23. Salaries and Wages
24. Expenses
Planning Board:
220. 00 24A. Salaries
30. 00 25. Expenses
85.50
28,752.30
5,571.91
569.00
13,099.25
65.61
862.50
1,201.44
61,653.48
25,475.75
3,421.80
40.00
2,390.00
205.85
6,705.00
7,881.65
7,156.59
4,653.09
3,203.54
1,223.05
4,934.05
5,595.23
Personnel Board:
26. Expenses
Board of Appeals:
27. Expenses
Industrial Development Commission:
28. Expenses
Conservation Commission:
29. Expenses
Archives Committee:
30. Expenses
Public Ceremonies and Celebrations:
31. Expenses
Buildings and Maintenance:
32. Salaries and Wages
33. Expenses
34. Capital Outlay
Town Report Committee:
35. Expenses
Youth Commission:
36. Expenses
Historical Commission:
37. Expenses
Council on Aging:
38. Expenses
5,567.02
4,313.03
150. 00
182.06
150.00
936.03
145.00
2,606.93
6, 721.30
25,238.24
156.05
5, 780.88
11,994. 16
194.23
2,000.00
125
PROTECTION OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY
HEALTH AND SANITATION
Police Department:
39. Salaries and Wages $ 83,102.92
40. Expenses 11,369.23
41. Capital Outlay
Fire Department:
42. Salaries and Wages 129,677.15
43. Expenses 8,467.46
44. Capital Outlay 25. 00
Sealer of Weights and Measures:
45. Salaries and Travel 305. 01
46. Expenses 28.37
Insect Pest Control:
47. Wages
48. Expenses
Town Forest Committee:
49. Maintenance
Tree Department:
50. Wages
51. Expenses
Inspector of Wires:
52. Expenses
Inspector of Gas Piping and Appliances:
53. Expenses
Building Inspector:
54. Salary and Wages
55. Expenses
Dog Officer:
56. Wages and Travel
57. Expenses
Building Committee:
58. Expenses 59. 00
Civil Defense:
59. Expenses 513.67
Town Utilities:
60. Hydrant Rental 15,500.00
61. Street Lighting 14,075.03
HIGHWAYS
Highway Department:
62. Salaries and Wages 76, 108. 13
63. Overtime for Snow Removal 23,098.54
64. General Expenses 26,626.51
65. Drainage 12,301.93
66. Snow and Ice Control 47,302.57
67. Machinery Expense 13,306.19
68. Gasoline and Diesel Fuel 24,666.32
69. Chapter 81 Maintenance
70. Chapter 90 Maintenance
71. Capital Outlay 3,916.55
Health and Sanitation:
72. Salaries
73. Expenses
74. Garbage Collection
75. Capital Outlay
Inspector of Animals:
76. Wages
77. Expenses
Plumbing Inspector:
78. Expenses
CEMETERIES
1,880.34
4,591.45
Cemeteries:
79. Salaries and Wages
80. Expenses
81. Capital Outlay
150.00
Recreation:
RECREATION
1,876.36
82. Wages
5,686.92
83. Expenses
84. Capital O
utlay
5,202.00
VETERANS' AID
Veterans' Services:
2,900.00
85. Salary
86. Expenses
87. Aid
7,849. 10
1, 168.37
Pension Fund:
PENSIONS
600.00
88. Expense
250.00
INSURANCE
Insurance:
89. Group Health Premiums
90. Other Insurance Premiums
91. Insurance Advisor
20,046. 89
17,575.99
24,682.48
85.00
15.00
2, 174.20
23,423.22
7,427.69
28,892.24
17,765.91
1,388.84
1,845.00
372.67
24, 761.71
2.28
103, 737.47
36,510.36
750.00
MATURING DEBT AND INTEREST
TOWN GOVERNMENT
Highway Department Building:
92. Maturing Debt
93. Interest
93A. Highway Equipment Interest
Anticipation of Revenue Notes:
94. Interest
LIBRARIES
Memorial Library:
95. Salaries and Wages
96. Expenses
97. Books
98. Capital Outlay
4,560.00
8,000.00
46,237.31
7,397.12
10,750.44
315.87
126
West Acton Library:
99. Salaries and Wages
100. Expenses
3,
248.24
894.35
MATURING DEBT AND INTEREST
LIBRARIES
Library Addition:
101. Maturing Debt
102. Interest
25,
000.00
450. 00
LOCAL SCHOOLS
Local Schools:
103. Operations
Blanchard Auditorium:
104. Expenses
1,638,705.25
18,249.22
MATURING DEBT AND INTEREST
LOCAL SCHOOLS
Julia McCarthy School:
105. Maturing Debt
106. Interest
Florence E. Merriam School:
107. Maturing Debt
108. Interest
Douglas School:
109. Maturing Debt
110. Interest
2,880.00
7,350.00
Gates School:
111. Maturing Debt
112. Interest
Conant School:
113. Maturing Debt
114. Interest
REGIONAL SCHOOLS
Regional Schools:
115. Operations
16,095. 00
39,045. 00
1,311, 141.61
MATURING DEBT AND INTEREST
REGIONAL SCHOOLS
Regional Schools:
116. Maturing Debt 70,956.68
117. Interest 64,710.00
VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS
Minuteman Vocational School:
118. Operations
119. Maturing Debt and Interest
Other Vocational Schools:
120. Tuition and Transportation 21, 539. 88
TOTAL
$4,382,718.63
Schedule 2
Unexpended Article Appropriation Balances
Town
Meeting
Article
Date
No.
6/24/57
6
3/09/58
39
10/19/64
2
12/05/66
12
3/13/67
10
3/13/67
32
3/10/69
33
3/09/70
19
3/09/70
21
3/09/70
55
3/09/70
59
3/09/70
62
6/29/70
4
6/29/70
7
3/08/71
36
3/08/71
38
3/08/71
46
3/08/71
46
3/08/71
46
3/08/71
46
Purpose
Civil Defense Power Unit
Archives Committee
Douglas School
Regional Disposal Committee
Gates School
Emergency Operating Center
Town Forest Access
Conant School
Kennedy Land Lease
Tot Lot Equipment
Memorial Library - Air Conditioning
Mount Hope Cemetery - Improvements for New Section
Assabet Regional Refuse Disposal Planning
Board for Engineer Consultant
High Funds - Chapter 768, Section 4, 1969
Youth Commission
State and Edney Land Purchase
Conservation - Eminent Domain,
Conservation - Eminent Domain,
Conservation - Eminent Domain,
Conservation - Eminent Domain,
W. Livingston
A. Davis
H. Davis
E. White
300.00
792.75
741.65
8.91
4, 736.60
1,000.00
10.29
10,932.37
10.00
199.30
200.00
892.00
954.20
174.83
48.67
7,000.00
365. 00
9, 130.00
2,551.00
8,948.00
Town
Meeting
Article
Date
No.
3/08/71
46
3/08/71
51
3/08/71
54
3/08/71
64
3/13/72
12
3/13/72
18
3/13/72
34
3/13/72
40
3/13/72
41
3/13/72
44
3/13/72
45
3/13/72
54
3/13/72
55
3/13/72
57
3/12/73
9
3/12/73
13
3/12/73
17
3/12/73
19
3/12/73
20
3/12/73
24
3/12/73
26
3/12/73
27
3/12/73
28
3/12/73
29
3/12/73
32
3/12/73
34
3/12/73
44
6/18/73
5
6/18/73
6
6/18/73
10
127
Purpose
Conservation - Land, Main Street to Pope Road $ 4,006.00
Highway Department - Resurfacing High, Adams
and Parker Streets " 6, 500. 00
Highway Department - Chapter 90 Construction 30, 800. 00
Town Forest Picnic Facilities 750. 00
Recycling Operation and Maintenance 390. 00
Basketball Courts - Elm Street 1,903.33
Conservation - Keizer Land 333.46
Council on Aging 175. 25
Mosquito Ecology Study 800. 00
Government Surplus Property 191.60
Highway Department -Equipment Purchase 251.78
Highway Department - Chapter 90 Construction 30, 800. 00
Town Common 12, 000. 00
Patriots Road 1, 125.43
Assessors - Salary under Chapter 889, 1971 500.00
Police Department - Revolving Fund for Off -Duty
Work, Chapter 344, 1970 30.50
Cemetery Department - Purchase Truck 4, 500. 00
West Acton Library - Improvements 268.30
Cemetery Department - Topographic and Planimetric
Plans for Woodlawn and Mount Hope 8, 000. 00
Highway Department - Sidewalk Construction 13,933.49
Highway Department - Chapter 81 Maintenance 768.99
Highway Department - Chapter 90 Construction 30, 800. 00
Government Surplus Property 2, 000. 00
Highway Department - Equipment Purchase 226,304.00
Engineering Department - Programmable Calculator 8,600.00
Recreation - Development of Town Owned Land 19, 131.93
Reserve Fund 67,021.40
Sanitary Landfill Sites - Tests and Studies 5, 950. 00
Mosquito Fogging Machine 355. 00
School Department - Maintenance Equipment Storage 9, 500. 00
$536,686.03
Schedule 3
Trust Accounts in Custody of Town Treasurer
Welfare Funds:
Elizabeth M. White $ 34, 728. 77
Georgia E. Whitney 14.629.92
Betsey M. Ball 25,328.02
Varnum Tuttle Memorial 19, 197.44
Library and Educational Funds:
Acton High School/C. Conant 5,708.63
Wilde Memorial 37,371.98
Georgia E. Whitney Memorial 21, 163.26
Firemen's Relief Funds:
Acton 21,394.48
West Acton 1, 848. 93
Conservation Fund 205, 115. 13
128
1975 Celebration Fund $ 18,520.52
Stabilization Fund 1,591.26
Cemetery Funds:
Perpetual Care 200, 585. 76
Susan Noyes Hosmer 111,621.86
Arlette Appleyard 2,525.91 }
Henry S. Raymond -Monument 1,699.43
Henry S. Raymond - Care 3,671.03
Hoit and Scott 867.35
J. Roland Wetherbee 19,784.60
* Luke Blanchard 3, 357. 12 LA
Frank C. Hayward 2,273.31 '
Georgia E. Whitney 2, 559. 72
Dr. Robert I. Davis 1,491.47
^Frank R. Knowlton 1, 540. 18 A
George T. Ames 680.37
Mrs. Harry L. O'Neil 536.96
Sarah A. Watson 3,999.41
Carrie F. Wells 5,235.31
A. B. Conant 1, 508. 18
Elbridge Jones Robbins and Descendants 1, 146. 93
Captain Robbins Lot 3, 251. 50
Elbridge J. Robbins Lot 1,845.42
Ethel R. Robbins, Fred Robbins and George T. Ames Memorial 27,449. 78
Martha L. Desmond 3,410.82
"^ Jenks Family 28, 099. 01
Mary E. Smith - 2, 036. 99
Ernest C. Jones 1, 006. 91
$838,783.67
129
„.-;•«. w"
(Photo by Joanna Gerngross)
130
ACTON STREET DIRECTORY
E
Adams Street
Acton Meadows
Agawam Road
Alcott Street
Algonquin Road
Anne Avenue
Apple Valley Drive
Arborwood Road
Ashwood Road
Azalea Court
Balsam Road
Barker Road
Baxter Road
Bayberry Road
Berry Lane
Betsy Ross Circle
Beverly Road
Billings Street
Birch Ridge Road
Black Horse Drive
Blanchard Street
Brabrook Road
Bridle Path Way
Broadview Road
Bromfield Drive
Brook Street
Brookside Circle
Brucewood Road
Bullette Road
Captain Brown's Lane
Captain Forbush
Carlisle Road
Carlton Drive
Carriage Drive
Cedar Terrace
Central Street
Chadwick Street
Charter Road
Cherokee Road
Cherry Ridge Road
Church Street
Clover Hill Road
Conant Street
Concord Road
Collidge Drive
Coughlin Street
Country Club Road
Cowdrey Lane
Craig Road
Crescent Street
Crestwood Lane
Cricket Way
Crooked Lane
Cross Street
Davis Road
Deacon Hunt Drive
Doris Road
Downey Road
Driftwood Road
Duggan Road
Durkee Road
Eastern Road
Elm Court
Elm Street
Eliot Circle
Emerson Drive
Esterbrook Road
A-2
G-4
C-4
D-2
D-5
C-3
A -3
C-2
C-2
D-l
D-3
C-3
B-4
D-l
D-2
B-5
C-3
A-4
B-5
A-5
A-4
D-l
E-l
B-2
D-2
E-2
B-2
C-3
D-5
C-4
C-4
G-2
A-2
B-2
C-4
B-3, D-
B-2
C-4
D-5
B-5
B-4
B-2
A-2
D-2
D-4
D-3
A-2
D-3
C-l
B-2
B-4
D-2
B-3
G-2
E-2
C-4
C-3
B-4
C-2
A-4
B-4
G-2
C-4
C-5
D-3
D-2
E-2
H
K
Ethan Allen Drive
B-5
Evergreen Road
D-3
Fairway Road
A-2
Faulkner Hill Road
B-3
Fernwood Road
C-2
Fife & Drum Road
D-3
Flagg Road
D-l
Fletcher Court
A -3
Flint Road
B-4
Flintlock Drive
A-5
Foley Street
B-2
Forest Road
C-2
Fort Pond Road
E-4
Foster Street
C-2
Fox Hill Road
B-2
Franc ine Road
C-3
Fraser Drive
B-4
Garfield Lane
D-3
Gerald Circle
A-2
Giaconda Avenue
A-2
Granite Road
F-3
Grasshopper Lane
D-2
Great Road
D-l.
Greenwood Lane
D-3
Gristmill Road
A-5
Hammond Street
D-4
Harris Street
F-3
Harvard Court
E-2
Hatch Road
B-2
Hawthorne Street
D-2
Haynes Court
B-4
Hayward Road
C-4
Heald Road
D-3
Hemlock Lane
D-3
Henley Road
F-3
Hennesey Drive
B-3
Heritage Road
C-2
Hickory Hill Trail
D-3
High Street
A-2
Highland Road
A-5
Hillcrest Drive
C-2
Hillside Terrace
C-4
Homestead Street
B-4
Horseshoe Drive
D-2
Hosmer Street
C-2
Houghton Lane
C-4
Huckleberry Lane
D-3
Huron Road
D-5
Independence Road
B-2
Iris Court
D-l
Isaac Davis Way
C-3
Jackson Drive
D-4
Jefferson Drive
D-3
John Swift Road
D-3
Joseph Reed Lane
C-4
Juniper Ridge Road
B-5
Karner Road
D-5
Keefe Road
D-l
Kelley Road
C-3
Kinsley Road
B-4
Larch Road
D-3
Laurel Court
B-3
Lawsbrook Road
C-l
Ledge Rock Way
F-3
F-4
131
M
N
O
Liberty Street
A -3
Lilac Court
B-3
Lillian Road
D-5
Lincoln Drive
D-4
Littlefield Road
C-5
Longfellow Park
D-2
Long Ridge Road
E-3
Lothrop Road
B-4
Madison Lane
D-4
Magnolia Drive
D-l
Main Street
A-2,
H-3
Mallard Road
C-4
Maple Street
B-3
Marian Road
B-5
Martin Street
B-3
Massachusetts Avenue
D-l,
B-5
Mead Terrace
B-4
Meadow Brook Road
D-3
Merriam Lane
B-2
Minot Avenue
D-2
Minuteman Road
D-3
Mohawk Drive
C-5
Mohegan Road
C-4
Monroe Lane
D-4
Musket Drive
D-3
Myrtle Drive
D-l
Nadine Road
C-3
Nagog Hill Road
D-3
Nagog Park
F-4
Nash Road
B-4
Nashoba Road
C-5
Newtown Road
D-3
N onset Path
F-3
North Street
G-2
Notre Dame Road
B-5
Noyes Street
A -4
Oakwood Road
C-2
Old Colony Lane
C-l
Olde Lantern Road
A-5
Old Meadow Lane
B-2
Old Village Road
D-2
Olde Surrey Drive
B-2
Oneida Road
D-5
Orchard Drive
C-5
Parker Street
A-2
Patrick Henry Circle
B-5
Patriots Road
D-3
Partridge Hollow
E-3
Partridge Pond Road
C-3
Paul Revere Road
B-5
Pearl Street
B-4
Phalen Street
D-2
Phlox Lane
D-l
Pine Street
B-3
Pinewood Road
C-2
Piper Road
B-3
Piper Lane
B-3
Pond Ridge Drive
C-2
Pond View Drive
B-2
Pope Road
D-l
Powder Horn Lane
A-5
Powder Mill Road
A-l
Proctor Street
E-l
Prospect Street
B-3
Puritan Road
A-2
U & V
Putnam Road
D-3
Putter Drive
A-2
Q Quaboag Road
C-4
Quarry Road
F-3
R Railroad Street
B-3
Redwood Road
C-2
Revolutionary Road
D-3
River Street
B-2
Robbins Street
A -3
Robert Road
A-l
Robinwood Road
C-2
Rose Court
D-l
Route 2
C-3, D
Russell Road
C-2
S Saint James Circle
C-3
Samuel Pari in Drive
D-4
Sandas Trail
C-4
School Street
B-3
Seminole Road
C-4
Seneca Road
C-5
Simon Hapgood Lane
E-l
Simon Willard Road
D-3
Sioux Street
C-4
Smart Road
A -4
Smith Street
E-l
South Street
G-2
Spencer Road
C-4
Spring Hill Road
F-l
Spruce Street
C-4
Stoney Street
C-3
Stow Street
A -3
Strawberry Hill Road
E-2
Sudbury Road
A-l
Summer Street
B-5
Sylvia Street
A -3
Squirrel Hill Road
A-5
T Taft Lane
D-4
Taylor Road
C-3
Thoreau Road
D-2
Ticonderoga Road
A-5
Townsend Road
B-4
Trask Road
D-3
Tuttle Drive
B-3
V Valley Road
B-2
Vanderbelt Road
B-2
W Wachusett Drive
D-5
Wampus Avenue
F-3
Washington Drive
D-3
Wayside Lane
B-4
West Road
C-4
Wetherbee Street
D-l
Wheeler Lane
G-2
Whittier Drive
D-2
Willis Holden Drive
E-4
Willow Street
B-4
Wilson Lane
D-4
Windemere Drive
A-5
Windsor Avenue
B-4
Winter Street
B-5
Wood Lane
D-3
Woodbury Lane
D-3
Woodchester Drive
A-5
Wright Terrace
B-5
Note: The Town Report Committee would like to thank the Engineering Department for the much
needed, revised Street Directory and Town Map which is in this Report.
BOXBOROUGH
Jl.
SBZ&Z PB.IVATE WAYS
PQIVAXC., UNACCEOTC.D
QOAOb. APPeovLO UKIDCC TMC
/BvB-CHvlblOW CONTBOL LAW (CMAP.
AS AMENDED TO JANUARY I, 1974
MAP OF
TOWN OF ACTON
MASSACHUSETTS
SHOWING LOCATION OF STREETS
FEBRUARY 1957
SCALE IN FEET
134
INDEX
Page
Accountant 120
Animals, Inspector of 44
Appeals, Board of 23
Archives 68
Assessors, Board of 118
Births 72
Building Committee 22
Building Inspector 51
Cemetery Commission 23
Civil Defense 52
Conservation Commission 53
Dog Licenses 102
Dog Officer 44
Educational Reports 104
Election, Town 77
Elizabeth White Fund 25
Engineering Department 36
Finance Committee (See Warrant Supplement)
Fire Department 55
Goodnow Fund 25
Health, Board of 45
Highway Department 26
Historical Commission 68
Homeowner's Inventory 63
Housing Authority, Acton 26
Insect Pest Control 54
Jury List 100
Library Reports 29
Long Range Planning Board 31
National, State and County Officials 1
1975 Celebration, Advisory Committee 69
Planning Board 32
Police Department 60
Recreation Commission 33
Sealer of Weights and Measures 54
Selectmen, Report of 6
Street Directory and Map 130
Street Light Committee 35
Tax Collector, Office of 119
Town Forest Committee 38
Town Manager, Report of 6
Town Meetings, Proceedings of 78
Town Officers ajid Appointments 10
Treasurer's Report 119
Tree Warden 38
Veterans' Agent 65
Veterans' Graves 65
Vocational Regional School 115
Wires, Inspector of 54
Workmen's Compensation 65
Youth Commission 39
OFFICE HOURS
Town Office (Selectmen,
Town Manager, Clerk)
Treasurer and Collector
Assessors
School Superintendent
Asst. School Superintendent
Board of Health
Veterans' Agent
Library Hours:
Memorial Library
Citizens, West Acton
8-4:30 (Tues. 7:30 p.m.)
8-4:30 (Tues. 7:30-8:30 p. m.)
8-4:30 (Tues. 7:30-8:30 p. m.)
8-4:30
8-4:30
8-4:30
No Regular Hours
Mon. -Fri., 9 a. m. - 9 p. m.
Saturday, 9-5 p.m.
Mon., 7-9 p.m.
Tues. -Fri., 10-5 p.m.
Town Hall
Town Hall
Town Hall
A-B Regional H.S.
A-B Regional H.S.
Office at Forest Road
At Home
263-2761
263-7018
263-5012
263-9503
263-9503
263-4736
263-4757
263-2232
MEETINGS
DAY & TIME
PLACE
Annual Town Election
Annual Town Meeting
Appeals Board
Assessors
Building Committee
Conservation Commission
Finance Committee
Board of Health
Historical Commission
Industrial Development Commission
Library Trustees
Planning Board
Recreation Commission
School Committee: Regional
Local
Selectmen
Youth Commission
1st Monday in March
2nd Monday in March
2nd Monday of each month
or when necessary
1st Tuesday of each month
4:30 p.m.
1st and 3rd Wednesday of
each month, 7:30 p.m.
1st and 3rd Wednesday of
each month, 8:00 p.m.
4th Wednesday of each
month, 8:00 p. m.
1st and 3rd Tuesday of
each month, 7:30 p.m.
2nd Wednesday of each
month, 7:30 p.m.
1st Wednesday of each
month, 8:00 p.m.
1st Thursday of each
month, 7:45 p. m.
2nd and 4th Mondays of
each month, 8:00 p.m.
2nd and 4th Tuesdays of
each month, 7:30 p.m.
2nd and 4th Mondays of
each month, 7:30 p.m.
3rd Monday of each month,
7:30 p.m.
Every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
2nd and 4th Wednesday of
each month
Precinct Fire Stations
Blanchard Auditorium
Town Hall
Town Hall
Hearing Room at Forest Road
Hearing Room at Forest Road
Hearing Room at Forest Road
Hearing Room at Forest Road
Hearing Room at Forest Road
Town Hall
Memorial Library
Hearing Room at Forest Road
Hearing Room at Forest Road
Jr. High School Music Room
Jr. High School Music Room
Town Hall
Town Hall
ACTON
OF GENERAL INTEREST
ACTON as the name of our Town has several possible derivations: The old Saxon word Ac -tun meaning
oak settlement of hamlet in the oaks, the Town of Acton, England, the Acton family of England, a mem-
ber of which supposedly offered a bell for the first meetinghouse in 1735.
Incorporated: July 3, 1735
Form of Government: Open Town Meeting-Selectmen-Town Manager
Location: Eastern Massachusetts, Middlesex, bordered on the east by Carlisle and Concord,
on the west by Boxborough, on the north by Westford and Littleton, on the south by
Sudbury and on the southwest by Stow and Maynard.
Elevation: At Town Hall 268' above mean sea level.
Area: Approximately 20 square miles.
Climate:
Population: Year
1910
1950
1955
1960
1965
1970
Normal January temperature 27.7°F.
Normal July temperature 72.0°F.
Normal annual precipitation 43.02 inches.
Persons
Taxes:
Year
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
2,
136
3,
510
4,
681
7,
238
10,
188
14,
770
Tax
Rate
Density
$34
38.50
43
45
49.50
106 pe
r sq.
mi.
175
233
361
507
739
Assesse
d Valuation
$ 79,
513,
915
88,
979,
095
97,
088,
304
104,
939,
555
112,
650,
630
Public Education: 5 Elementary Schools
Acton- Boxborough Regional Jr. and Sr. High Schools
Enrollment: 1-6
7-12
2,402
2,418
Pupil-teacher ratio: 1-6 - 23:1
7-12 - 19:1
Public Safety: Full-time Fire and Police Departments
Churches: Acton Christian Church, 1 Baptist, 1 Catholic, 2 Congregational,
1 Episcopal, 1 Evangelical Free, Friend Meeting House, Jewish
Community Group of Acton, 1 Lutheran, 1 Methodist.
Hospital: Emerson Hospital, Concord
Recreation: Acton has facilities for Baseball, Softball, Basketball, Soccer,
Football, Tennis, Ice Skating, Hockey, in addition to play-
grounds and a full summer program including swimming.
AT YOUR SERVICE
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
POLICE 263-2911
FIRE 263-9191
AMBULANCE 263-2911
Be sure to give your name and address as well as the nature of your emergency clearly. Do not hang up
until you are sure your message has been understood.
FOR ANSWERS ON:
Assessments
Bills and Accounts
Birth, Death, Marriage Certificates
Building
Cemeteries
Civil Defense
Dog Licenses
Dog Problems
Education Information
Elections, Voting and Registration
Engineering
Finance
Fire (Routine and Permits)
Garbage and Refuse
Health and Sanitation
Highways and Streets
Home Nursing
Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Library
Licenses
Mosquito Control
Nurses (School)
Nurses (School)
Nurses (Town)
Oil Burner Permits
Planning
Plumbing Permits
Public Works
Schools
263-2240
Selectmen
Snow Removal
Tax Collections
Veterans' Services
Water Problems
Welfare Questions
Wiring
Wiring Permits
Zoning
CALL THE:
Board of Assessors
Town Treasurer and Collector
Town Clerk's Office
Building Inspector
Cemetery Superintendent
Fire Chief
Town Clerk's Office
Dog Officer
School Superintendent
Town Clerk's Office
Town Engineer's Office
Chairman of the Finance Committee
Fire Department
Board of Health
Board of Health
Town Engineer
Board of Health: Visiting Nurse
Town Clerk's Office
Librarian, Memorial Library
Librarian, Citizens Library of West Acton
Selectmen-Town Manager
Board of Health
Board of Health
School Nurse, Junior High and High Schools
Elementary Schools
Town Nurse
Fire Chief
Chairman of the Planning Board
Board of Health
Office - Forest Road
Carolyn T. Douglas School
Julia L. McCarthy-Marion L. Towne School
Florence A. Merriam School
Paul P. Gates School
Luther B. Conant School
Acton- Boxborough Regional Junior High School
Acton-Boxborough Regional High School
Superintendent of Schools
Town Office
Highway Department
Treasurer and Collector
Veterans' Agent
Water District (Not part of the Town of Acton)
Welfare Board (Office in Concord)
Wire Inspector
Office - Forest Road
Zoning Enforcement Officer
TELEPHONE:
263
263
263
263
or 263
263
263
263
263
263
263
263
263
263
263
263
263
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
263-
369-
263-
263-
263-
2966
7018
2761
7545
4428
4366
2761
49 79
9503
2761
7545
5510
4366
4736
4736
7545
4736
2761
2232
9222
2761
4736
4736
7738
4982
4736
4366
7545
4736
4736
2753
4982
2581
9162
7407
7716
7738
9503
2761
5332
7018
4757
5646
1290
5555
4736
7545
1974
ANNUAL
REPORTS
TOWN
of
ACTON
MASSACHUSETTS
TWO HUNDRED AND
THIRTY - NINTH
MUNICIPAL YEAR
For the year ending
December
Thirty-First
(Photo by Margaret Brandon, ABRHS)
Credits: The Town Report Committee wishes to thank all of the Acton Photographers whose
work is included in this Report. The cover photograph of "The Davis Blues" was
taken by Robert E. Daniels. Pictured on the cover are Davis Blues members
(left to right): Steven Carell, Timothy Hamilton, and Douglas Davidson. We are
also grateful to David Blocker for his article on The Davis Blues.
Printed By
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111 lull I
1 Ml
TABLE
OF
CONTENTS
The Isaac Davis Home, Hayward Road
(Photo by Jeanne Mutty, ABRHS)
NATIONAL, STATE AND COUNTY OFFICIALS
THE DAVIS BLUES: MUSIC TO MARCH WITH
ADMINISTRATION
Town Government Organizational Chart
Board of Selectmen and Town Manager
Dedications: Laurence Donnelly and James Kinsley
Town Officials and Appointments
Town Report Committee
TOWN SERVICES
Board of Appeals
Cemetery Commission
Council on Aging
Charlotte L. Goodnow Fund
Elizabeth White Fund
Housing Authority
Highway Department
Library Reports
Planning Board
Recreation Commission
Street Light Committee
Town Engineer
Town Forest Committee
Tree Warden
Youth Commission
Page
1
2
4
6
8
9
19
22
22
24
25
25
26
26
30
32
33
37
37
39
39
40
Page
PROTECTION OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY
Animal Inspector 44
Dog Officer 44
Board of Health 45
Building Inspector 51
Civil Defense 52
Conservation Commission 53
Insect Pest Control 54
Inspector of Wires 54
Sealer of Weights and Measures 54
Fire Department 55
Police Department 59
Homeowner's Inventory 63
Veterans' Agent 65
Veterans' Graves 65
Workmen's Compensation 66
OUR HERITAGE
Archives 68
Historical Commission 68
Historic District Study Committee 70
1975 Celebrations Committee 71
The Acton Garden Club: A Special Report 72
THE OFFICE. OF THE TOWN CLERK
Births 74
Elections and Town Meetings 78
Jury List 116
Dog Licenses 118
EDUCATIONAL REPORTS
Acton Public Schools and Regional School District 120
Pilot Program in Linguistics: A Special Report 126
Superintendent's Report 130
School Calendar 131
Treasurer's Report 132
Vocational Regional School 134
FINANCES
Board of Assessors 138
Finance Committee (see Warrant Supplement)
Town Accountant 140
STREET DIRECTORY AND MAP 148
ACTON: OF GENERAL INTEREST 152
INDEX 153
NATIONAL, STATE AND COUNTY OFFICIALS
President
RICHARD M. NIXON
GERALD R. FORD*
Vice-President
GERALD R. FORD
NELSON D. ROCKEFELLER'
Governor
of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
FRANCIS W. SARGENT
MICHAEL S. DUKAKIS**
Lieutenant Governor
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Treasurer and Receiver General
Auditor of the Commonwealth
Attorney General
Senators in Congress
Representative in Congress
5th Congressional District
Councillor, 3rd Councillor District
Senator, 5th Middlesex District
Representative in General Court
33rd Middlesex District
County Commissioners
Clerk of Courts, Middlesex County
Register of Deeds, Middlesex South District
County Treasurer
Register of Probate and Insolvency
District Attorney
County Sheriff
Donald R. Dwight
Thomas P. O'Neill Ill-
John F. X. Davoren
Paul Guzzi-
Robert Q. Crane
Thaddeus Buczko
Robert H. Quinn
Francis X. Belloti-!
Edward W. Brooke
Edward M. Kennedy
Paul Cronin
Paul Tsongas"
George F. Cronin, Jr.
Chester G. Atkins
William Mullen
S. Lester Ralph
Paul Tsongas
John L. Danehy
Edward J. Sullivan
John F. Zamparelli
Thomas B. Brennan
John V. Harvey
John J. Droney
John J. Buckley
* Effective August, 1974
** Effective January, 1975
THE DAVIS BLUES: MUSIC TO MARCH WITH
"It is with great pride
that The Davis Blues
step off to the rolling
beat of the drum and
the trill of the fife!"
(Photo by
G. B. Williams, Jr.)
On the morning of April 19, 1775, a small band of men gathered at a farmhouse in Acton and
marched off toward Concord to the sound of a lone fife playing "The White Cockade." The men that day
were members of an Acton Minuteman Company, commanded by Isaac Davis. The fife was played by
Luther Blanchard from nearby Boxborough. By nightfall of that day both Davis and Blanchard were
dead and the War for Independence was begun.
Now, two hundred years later, the sounds of "The White Cockade" are again being heard in Acton,
as thousands of people retrace the path from the Isaac Davis farm to the site of the Old North Bridge.
The way is lead by the fifers and drummers of the Davis Blues Fife and Drum Corps and the reactivated
Acton Minuteman Company.
The Davis Blues Fife and Drum Corps is sponsored by the Acton Minuteman Company and was
organized in 1968 to train young boys to become fifers and drummers. Over the years this concept of
a training corps has been abandoned and today the Davis Blues have approximately twenty musicians of
all ages who march as an integral part of the Minuteman Company.
Membership in the Corps is open to any male who is at least 11 years old, who desires to play a
fife or drum and who wishes to become involved in research and reenactments of our colonial history.
The Fife and Drum Corps adopted the name "Davis Blues" in honor of Captain Isaac Davis and the
men of Acton who fought in defense of their country. The contingent of Actonians who helped defend Bos-
ton during the War of 1812 and Company E of the 26th Massachusetts Regiment during the Civil War were
also affectionately known by that name.
Each year the Davis Blues appear with the Acton Minutemen in numerous ceremonial events
throughout New England and the Eastern United States. The Corps joins local citizens in observing
Patriots' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day and Crown Resistance Day. It participates in numer-
ous colonial parades, musters and historical reenactments. Most recently, the Davis Blues have re-
corded "Grand Musik," fife and drum music performed at conventions, on television, and at college and
professional football games. The Blues have also had the honor of attending a medal of honor presenta-
tion and a presidential inauguration parade.
In order to prepare for such a demanding schedule of performances, each member attends prac-
tice sessions held every Monday evening at Minuteman headquarters in West Acton. Under the guidance
of Edwin A. Carell, Drum Major, the Blues rehearse new pieces and practice marching drills. Fife
Master David M. Blocher and Drum Master Al Gregory instruct in the techniques of reading music and
playing the fife and drum.
The Davis Blues work hard and practice long hours to become proficient musicians. Their
efforts are recognized by their own sense of achievement and a system of qualification ranks. An 11-
year-old "recruit" with little prior musical experience usually practices for six months to a year to
qualify as a "private" and become a full marching member of the Corps. "Sergeants" in the Davis
Blues display solid musical technique and have mastered over thirty tunes.
The uniforms and instruments of the Davis Blues are patterned after those of the late 18th Century.
The musicians wear the distinctive rust color waistcoats, black tricon hats, black trousers and white
leggings of the Acton Minutemen. The wooden fifes and rope tensioned field drums are careful repro-
ductions of Revolutionary era instruments with the exception that weatherproof plastic drum heads are
used in place of authentic calfskin.
The music is also taken from the 18th and 19th Centuries and includes both martial and folk tunes.
"Yankee Doodle," "The Rose Tree" and "The World Turned Upside Down" are well known Revolutionary
War pieces, while "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," "Road to Boston" and "The Sisters" come from
the Civil War era. "Finnegan's Wake," "Seven Stars" and "The Green Cockade" are lively piping tunes,
while Acton's favorite "The White Cockade" was once a tune for stately ballroom dancing.
It is with great pride that the Davis Blues step off to the rolling beat of the drum and the trill of
the fife on April 19th, or on any commemorative data. Each member feels that he is indeed reliving a
part of our great American heritage.
David M. Blocher
Fife Master of the Davis Blues
Acton, Massachusetts
In early 1775, Stephen Barrett of Concord, Massachusetts, swore the oath of all
enlisting Minutemen to. . . . "Defend his Majesty King George III" and, at the
same time, to be ready at a minute's notice to. . . . "Defend all and every of our
Charter Rights, Libertys, and Privileges." Typical of so many men of the times,
he was asserting claims that eventually proved incompatible.
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Administration
Acton Center
(Photo by: Karen Studer, A.B.R.H.S.)
BOARD OF SELECTMEN AND TOWN MANAGER
William C. Sawyer, Chairman
Robert W. Dotson, Town Manager
Joan N. Gardner Stephen G. Lewis William C. Sawyer Alfred F. Steinhauer Julia D. Stevens
Robert W. Dotson
For the first time in Acton's history the Annual Town Meeting which traditionally had been held in
the month of March, was convened in May. The business of the meeting consumed five evenings before
final adjournment at the end of the month.
On June 4, 1974, the Board of Selectmen reorganized as follows:
Stephen G. Lewis, Vice Chairman; Joan N. Gardner, Clerk; Alfred F.
Stevens, Member.
William C. Sawyer, Chairman;
Steinhauer, Member; Julia D.
The Board noted with regret the resignations of two Selectmen, Paul H. Lesure and Paul R.
Nyquist, on March 20, 1974; prior to serving as Selectmen, both had actively participated in Acton's
government for many years as members of various boards and committees.
The Annual Town Meeting was highlighted by two special meetings within the annual meeting with
action taken to authorize the borrowing, subject to future town meeting approval, of $6,000,000.00 for
the purchase of land for open space and conservation purposes. The sum was the largest single amount
ever authorized in Acton for conservation land; it clearly indicated the desire of the townspoeple to
maintain open space and a rural character during a time of rapid growth in the area.
On recommendation of the Planning Board, the Town passed an amendment to the Town's Zoning
Bylaw which restricts the development of land in business and industrial zones by limiting the percent-
age of area of land to be developed. We believe that this zoning change will not only prevent overdevel-
opment of commercial properties but will also aesthetically enhance future development by ensuring that
a minimum of twenty-five percent of the land to be developed will be dedicated to open space. The Plan-
ning Board also expended a great deal of time working with numerous volunteer townspeople in preparing
a "Green Town" report which inventories Acton's existing natural resources. At the December 3rd
Special Town Meeting, the Town authorized funds to be expended by the Planning Board for professional
consulting services to assist the Board in developing new planning methods which are vitally needed for
future planning.
The 1974 Annual Town Meeting authorized the expenditure of close to one hundred thousand dollars
for the design and development of recreational areas and facilities in the recently acquired Great Hill
area in South Acton. The Recreation Commission is presently working with a consultant on this project.
The Recreation Director is to be commended for the excellent job he has done in expanding Acton's
recreation program with minimal cost to the Town. This was also the first full year in which the Town
swimming program operated at the Regional High School indoor pool.
One of the major concerns to which town officials addressed themselves during the year was that
of refuse disposal. The Board of Selectmen, Town Manager, Board of Health, Advisory Committee on
Solid Waste, Planning Board and Engineering Department expended considerable time compiling data
relative to various methods of handling refuse disposal. Several public meetings were held for the pur-
pose of discussing a proposed new sanitary landfill site in North Acton on Quarry Road. At a special
town meeting held on December 3rd, the Town appropriated funds to employ a professional engineering
firm which is presently preparing a complete engineering feasibility study on the Quarry Road site.
Earlier in the year, a hydrogeological study was conducted on the site and it is hoped that both reports
will be ready for presentation at a Town Meeting in the first half of 1973. The urgency of obtaining a
new disposal depository for the Town is highlighted by the limited life of the existing site on Route 2.
In preparation for the 1975 bicentennial celebration, the exterior
of the Town Hall was repainted and the Town Common triangle was
renovated with the installation of curbing and sidewalks. The Advisory
Committee on the 1975 Celebration was quite active during the year in
preparation for celebration activities.
Problems continued for the third year relative to the appointment
of police officers under the provisions of the Massachusetts Civil Ser-
vice Laws. Several court rulings have effectively prevented cities and
towns in Massachusetts from hiring permanent police officers, however,
during 1974, Acton was fortunate in that our entire complement of offi-
cers was filled for the majority of the year.
During 1974, the Massachusetts Legislature passed legislation
requiring cities and towns to provide residents with professional ambu-
lance service by 1977. Up until this time, the Town has provided this
service through the use of dual purpose police cruiser-ambulances.
The legislation required that Acton meet certain minimum standards
in delivering emergency medical service. These can be met by Town
operation or by a contract with a private ambulance service company.
If they are met by Town operation, we will be required to purchase at
least one ambulance and all ambulance attendants must be trained as
emergency medical technicians. Presently, several of our Police
Department and Fire Department personnel have received or are presently enrolled in the required
training course. It is the intention of the Board to place an article on the 1975 Annual Town Meeting
warrant requesting funds to fully implement the requirements of the law. This will be for the purchase
of an ambulance, funds for ancilliary equipment and the hiring of at least four new personnel.
Presently the Selectmen, Town Manager, and other Town officials are moving forward on a pro-
gram for a new town hall office building. The present Town Hall, built in 1863, is now being used in
excess of capacity and expansion within the existing walls is no longer possible without extensive and
costly renovations. It is anticipated that a program for the purchase of land and for preliminary plans
for a new building will be presented at the 1975 Annual Town Meeting.
The growth of the Town over the past years was again reflected in votes authorizing the new posi-
tions of Sanitarian to assist the Director of Public Health, a local Building Inspector to assist the Build-
ing Commissioner and a change in the Town Accountant position from a part-time to a full-time job.
At the close of the year, the Town Manager accepted with regret the resignations of Fire Chief
Thomas J. Barry, Jr. and Town Engineer JohnT. Condon.
Christopher J. Farrell
Administrative Assistant
We note with sorrow the passing of three men who gave a great deal of public service to the Town:
James E. Kinsley, Lawrence Donnelly, and Richard J. O'Neil.
Among many other civic duties, James E. Kinsley served as Selectman, Town Moderator and
Water District Commissioner. Lawrence Donnelly served the Town for 17 years as Selectman. Richard
J. O'Neil, a member of the Town's Industrial Development Commission, was Acton's Postmaster for 11
years.
In closing, we thank the many dedicated employees and members of our Town boards, committees,
commissions and departments for the excellent job which they have done during 1974.
A i^tratinn
In memory of Lawrence Donnelly and James E. Kinsley and their tireless
efforts on behalf of Acton, we dedicate this Town Report for the year 1974.
aCawreMce <JLjonnellu
Lawrence Donnelly, a World War I Veteran, served the Town of Acton for over
seventeen years. His first term as Selectman (1944-1954) proved him to be a
hard and diligent worker, constantly striving to make Acton a better place in
which to live. Lawrence Donnelly's second term as Selectman (1958-1965) was
one in which Acton experienced "explosive" growth and expansion. New homes
were being built, new schools were needed, small businesses prospered. Town
Government also experienced "growing pains, "and Lawrence Donnelly continued
to exert every effort in behalf of the citizens of Acton. A friendly man by nature,
he never hesitated to talk with people and to listen earnestly to their sugges-
tions. He carried out his administrative duties in a serious and sincere manner
and was respected by all who knew him.
s
CLs. <Jvinsli
antes ^^. <siinsie\j
James Edward Kinsley was an active participant inActon's governmental affairs
for over forty years. Respected for his keen and logical thinking, James Kinsley
served his town as Selectman, Town Moderator and Library Trustee. From
1931 until 1951, he was the District Clerk for theWater Supply District of Acton.
In 1952, he took over as Commissioner and in 1961, as District Moderator.
James Kinsley believed that "public office is a public trust." He maintained that
no public official was indispensable but, nevertheless, "there is no substitute
for experience." At one point, James Kinsley was cited as "the best informed
man on town administration in Middlesex County." This was an honor justly
earned and entirely accurate.
"Uhu huzhoie fizm is ecjuai to the deed.
TOWN OFFICIALS AND APPOINTMENTS
ELECTED TOWN OFFICERS
John W. Tierney
MODERATOR
SELECTMEN
Stephen G. Lewis
William C. Sawyer
Julia D. Stevens
Joan N. Gardner
Alfred F. Steinhauer
LOCAL AND REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEES
Edgar B. Gravette
Helen K. Ray
:Ann T. Evans
: Robert Evans
Robert W. Haeberle
Griffith Res or
James T. O'Rourke
TRUSTEES OF MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Robert J. Brandon
Nancy C. Howe
Nancy K. Gerhardt
ACTON HOUSING AUTHORITY
: Julia D. Stevens
: Robert J. Storella
Mary M. Laffin
Kenneth C. Stowell
Thomas J. Ahern, Jr.
: Patience H. MacPherson
Term
Expires
1975
1975
1975
1976
1977
1977
1975
1975
1976
1976
1977
1977
1975
1976
1977
1975
1975
1976
1977
1978
1978
TRUSTEES OF ELIZABETH WHITE FUND
Eleanor P. Wilson
Helen B. Allen
Hazel P. Vose
1975
1976
1977
TRUSTEES OF WEST ACTON FIREMEN'S RELIEF FUND
H. Stuart MacGregor 1975
James B. Wilson 1976
Frederick A. Harris 1977
TRUSTEES OF ACTON FIREMEN'S RELIEF FUND
John F. McLaughlin
Richard A. Lowden
T. Frederick S. Kennedy
TRUSTEES OF CHARLOTTE L. GOODNOW FUND
Clark C. McElvein
Thelma L. Boatman
James N. Gates
1975
1976
1977
1975
1976
1977
"Resigned
--Replaced
--Deceased
-'Appointed by Department of
Community Affairs
10
Term
Expires
TRUSTEES OF THE CITIZENS LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
OF WEST ACTON
■' Evelyn W. Lapierre 1975
-Katherine Mary Kinsley 1975
Kathy S. Whittemore 1976
Betty L. Boothby 1977
APPOINTMENTS MADE BY MODERATOR
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Arthur Schene 1975
-Edward J. Keohan 1975
-Thornton C. Schoch 1975
-Joan N. Gardner 1975
:•- Charles F. O'Hara 1975
Harold G. Marsh 1976
Gerald W. Portyrata 1976
John E. Powers 1976
Theodore Jarvis 1977
William L. Kingman 1977
Louise G. Malcolm 1977
REGIONAL REFUSE PLANNING COMMITTEE
Alan J. Waters 1975
Ann W. Chang 1976
Oscar Kress 1977
MINUTEMAN REGIONAL VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL
DISTRICT COMMITTEE
Charles W. Courtright 1975
APPOINTMENTS MADE BY SELECTMEN
ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON THE 1975 CELEBRATION
E. Wilson Bursaw 1975
Brewster Conant 1975
Col. Burton A. Davis 1975
David H. Donaldson 1975
Hayward S. Houghton 1975
Roger M. Huebsch 1975
Mark A. Kahan 1975
T. Frederick S. Kennedy 1975
Margaret B. Kinzie 1975
Walter R. Laite 1975
Malcolm S. MacGregor 1975
Natacha F. MacGregor 1975
Richmond P. Miller, Jr. 1975
Raymond A. Shamel 1975
Charles A. Morehouse 1975
Linda A. Morris 1975
Marion E. H. Houghton 1975
Raymond Spicer 1975
Mary S. Tierney 1975
Earle W. Tuttle 1975
Martha Steeves 1975
Joan E. Blocher 1975
Edith E. Wylie 1975
Robert S. Rhodes 1975
Nancy E. Tavernier 1975
11
Term
Expires
Palo A. Peirce 1975
James Humphries 1975
Donald R. Gilberti 1975
Bruce Capman 1975
Lee Salt 1975
Gilbert Osborn 1975
ChaunceyW. Waldron, Jr. 1975
Dorothy B. Stonecliffe 1975
Judith A. Clark 1975
Ragner Gustafson 1975
Robert D. Paul 1975
ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON SOLID WASTE MAINTENANCE
Oscar Kress 1975
Alan J. Waters 1975
Ann W. Chang 1975
ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Harry B. Berkshire 1975
Donald P. Felt 1975
Mary Louise Longcope 1975
ARCHIVES COMMITTEE
Joyce D. Woodhead 1975
Minetta D. Lee 1976
T. Frederick S. Kennedy 1977
BOARD OF APPEALS
Harman Vanderwart 1975
Edward G. Schwarm 1976
Harold W. Flood 1977
Associate Members
:John J. Bush 19 <5
Lea B. Pendleton 1975
John A. Norris 1977
ELECTION OFFICERS
Precinct 1
Warden Irene G. McLaughlin
Deputy Warden John F. McLaughlin
Clerk Barbara M. Mulvey
Deputy Clerk Violet M. Perry
Inspectors Barbara Nylander, Margaret Schene
Deputy Inspectors Theresa M. Carroll, Gail J. Roche
Tellers Frances L. Collins, Nancy Anne Gilberti
Lela Balcom, Frances Hirsch
Mona V. Melymuka, Nancy L. Miller
Precinct 2
Warden Margaret Larsen
Deputy Warden Elsie T. Winslow
Clerk Bertha Carr Tucker
Deputy Clerk Irene Young
Inspectors Martha I. Lowden, Barbara V. Woodward
Deputy Inspectors Hazel P. Vose, Helen M. Young
Tellers Ruth R. Phelps, Marianne Varno
Charlotte E. Wetherbee, Joan E. Nelson
Jean Ann Dingee, Lorraine O. Condon
12
Warden
Deputy Warden
Clerk
Deputy Clerk
Inspectors
Deputy Inspectors
Tellers
Term
Expires
Precinct 3
Barbara J. McPhee
Katherine E. Nedza
Phyllis K. Sprague
Dolores R. Nowokunski
Clare V. Peterson, Elsie M. Godfrey
Genevieve L. Hatch, Elizabeth Charter
Minnie C. Veasie, Esther Perry
Anna G. Mahar, Lydia R. Lesure
Carl R. Godfrey, Marian J. Meigs
HISTORIC DISTRICT STUDY COMMITTEE
Dorothea Harrison
William Klauer
Norman R. Veenstra
Gladys S. Wootton
Robert N. Nylander
LONG RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE
David Malcolm
Edward A. Chambers
James L. Mahoney
Charles M. Seward
PERSONNE1 BOARD
Donald MacKenzie
Norman L. Magnussen
Richard P. O'Brien
Henry M. Young
John J. Bush, Jr.
John F. Pasieka
William R. Becklean
Charles W. Burnham
Joyce E. Foley
Katherine A. Meyer
Elizabeth A. Barbadoro
David E. Driscoll
Warren E. Costello
PLANNING BOARD
REGISTRAR OF VOTERS
Donald O. Nylander
Robert W. Dotson
Anne H. Ridley
TOWN ACCOUNTANT
TOWN MANAGER
UNITED NATIONS DAY, CHAIRMAN OF
1975
1975
1975
1975
1975
1975
1975
1975
1975
1975
1975
1976
1976
1977
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1975
1976
1977
1975
1975
1975
APPOINTMENTS MADE BY TOWN MANAGER
REQUIRING APPROVAL OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
BOARD OF ASSESSORS
John H. Loring
Richard W. Remmy
Lorens A. A. Persson
1975
1976
1977
13
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Chauncey W. Waldron, Jr.
Dorothy B. Stonecliffe
Peter P. Jorrens
Brewster Conant
Judith A. Clark
Ragner Gustafson
Arthur D. Piatt
William Klauer
Anita E. Dodson
Robert II. Nylander
Stanley L. Smith
Marian E. H. Houghton
Charles M. MacRae
Acheson H. Callaghan, Jr.
HISTORICAL COMMISSION
TOWN CLERK
TOWN COUNSEL
TOWN TREASURER AND COLLECTOR
Wm. Henry Soar
YOUTH COMMISSION
Eleanor L. Phillips
Stephen R. Bing
Michelle B. DuBois
Bruce T. Wood
Leonard S. Selman
Charles G. Kadison
Ira Goldenberg
Term
Expires
1974
1975
1975
1976
1976
1976
1974
1975
1975
1976
1976
1977
1975
1975
1975
1975
1975
1976
1976
1976
1977
1974
APPOINTMENTS MADE BY TOWN MANAGER
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT TO THE TOWN MANAGER
Christopher J. Farrell
Ralph E. Dodge
Edwin Richter
Dr. Gene P. Swartz
Donald R. Gilbert!
Don P. Johnson
William B. Tobin
Harlan E. Tuttle
Howard F. Jones
Charles F. Putnam
ASSISTANT ASSESSOR
BOARD OF HEALTH
BUILDING COMMISSIONER
LOCAL INSPECTOR
CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
1975
1975
1975
1976
1977
1975
1975
1975
1976
1977
14
Term
Expires
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING COMMITTEE
Henry M. Young 1975
Norman J. Magnussen 1975
Donald MacKenzie 1975
CONSTABLES
David J. Allen 1975
Frederick J. Hryniewich 1975
T. Fredericks. Kennedy 1975
Charles A. Morehouse * 1975
Robert S. Rhodes 1975
CONSTABLE - SPECIAL - DEPUTY COLLECTOR
William F. Egar 1975
COUNCIL ON AGING
Vincent G. Gavin 1975
Patience H. MacPherson 1975
Joseph S. Mercurio 1975
Vincent M. Polo 1975
Sylvia A. Remmy 1975
Elizabeth M. Smathers 1975
* Robert J. Storella 1975
** Geraldine H. Reynolds 1975
DEPUTY BUILDING INSPECTOR
John T. Condon 1975
David F. Abbt 1975
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF CIVIL DEFENSE
Robert F. Guba 1975
DEPUTY FOREST WARDEN
Edward Belmont 1975
Donald F. Copeland 1975
Clarence G. Frost • 1975
Malcolm S. MacGregor 1975
DEPUTY INSPECTOR OF GAS PIPING & GAS APPLIANCES
Warren E. Bemis 1975
DEPUTY INSPECTOR OF WIRES
Lawrence I. Tucker 1975
DEPUTY SEALER OF WEIGHTS & MEASURES
Alan Wilson Saunders 1975
DIRECTOR OF CIVIL DEFENSE
Donald W. MaCaulay 1975
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Steven Calichman 1975
DOG OFFICER
Patrick Palmer 1975
FENCE VIEWER
David Abbt 1975
15
James Kazokas
William J. Durkin, Jr.
Thomas J. Barry, Jr.
Edward Belmont
Donald Copeland
Forrest Emerson Bean,
Timothy Blaisdel
David Calkins
Bernard Caouette
Joseph Conquest
Robert C. Craig
Wayne Arthur Decker
Milton Hart
Clifford Kenneth Hicks
Stephen Huntley
James Stephen Kessler
William Klauer
FIELD DRIVER
FIRE CHIEF
FIREMEN
(Standing Appointments)
Term
Expires
1975
1975
1975
III
Captains
Firefighters
Richard Gallant
Ronald Calkins
Stephen G. Collins
Alan B. Davis
William Hartman
Charles F. Hebert
Fisher Hills, Jr.
John Bushek
Charles E. Day
Carl Richard Gertz
Frederick L. Harris
Charles Hillman
Steward Kennedy
Edward M. Bennett
Arthur Decker
Steven Foote
John Tobin
CALL FIREMEN
Lieutenants
Firefighters
Acton Center Station
Richard O'Leary
South Acton Station
George Wetherbee, Jr.
West Acton Station
George Sloane
Clarence G. Frost
Malcolm MacGregor
William F. Murphy
David G. Nichols
Timothy Pattee
Malcolm Perkins
Carl Robinson
Peter Alan Robinson
Paul Simeone
Wm. H. Soar, Jr.
David Spinney
Charles Sweet
Robert Wetherbee
George B. Williams, III
Carl Simeone
Everett Putnam
Robert W. Reynolds, Jr.
Gordon Smatt
Richard Swenson
Robert Vanderhoof
James D. Young
Richard Lowden
Allen Nelson
James Puffer
Robert W. Puffer, III
Alan J. Waters
Derek Oldham
Gordon Gravlin
Francis Malson
Peter Robinson
16
Thomas J. Barry, Jr.
FOREST WARDEN
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Edward F. Flannery
* Stephen E. Lord
**** Richard J. O'Neil
* Mark Imbimbo
Patrick Palmer
INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
INSPECTOR OF GAS PIPING & GAS APPLIANCES
Joseph G. Perry
Leslie F. Parke
Norman L. Roche
INSPECTOR OF WIRES
KEEPER OF THE LOCKUP
METROPOLITAN AREA PLANNING COUNCIL
William C. Sawyer
PERMANENT BUILDING COMMITTEE
* Eric L. Larson
** James A. Kazokas
Edward L. Morrill
Thomas J. Regan, Jr.
Donald M. Perkins
POLICE DEPARTMENT
(Civil Service - Standing Appointments)
Chief
Sergeants
Norman L. Roche
Term
Expires
1975
1975
1975
1977
1978
1975
1975
1975
1975
1976
1975
1975
1976
1976
1978
Chauncey R. Fenton, Jr.
David W. Scribner
Bernard W. Harrison
William N. Hayes
Joseph P. Sans one
Donald M. Bresnick
Robert P. MacLeod
Brian R. Goodman
Lawrence A. Dupont
Edward R. Brooks
Spero John Cretekos
Robert Louis Cowan, Jr.
John T. McNiff
Patrolman
Robert S. Rhodes
George W. Robinson
Robert L. Paris i
Charles Leo Coggins
George J. Dristilaris
Richard Anthony Gervais
Ronald E. Johnson
Robert D. Nelson
Calvin Homer O'Coin
Thomas Joseph Rogers
Permanent Intermittent
-John A. C. Nolan
Provisional
Albert James Crowley, Jr.
Dennis Daniel Thompson
17
Term
Expires
Edmond Daigneault
Marjory J. Davis
Natacha MacGregor
Russell C. Perkins
Cedric Thatcher
Special Officers
Guard at W. R. Grace Co.
Matron
Crossing Guard
Special Officer for Edward Square
Muriel B. Flannery
1975
1975
Special Police Officers
Edmund J. McNiff
Acton Schools only
Robert Graham
PUBLIC CEREMONIES & CELEBRATIONS COMMITTEE
David H. Donaldson 1975
Robert M. Huebsch 1975
Mary K. Donnelly 1975
Burton A. Davis 1976
Patricia McMillan 1976
Joan E. Blocher 1976
Walter R. Laite 1977
Richmond P. Miller, Jr. 1977
Martha Steeves 1977
PUBLIC WEIGHERS
William J. Durkin, Jr.
Bernard W. Harrison
Robert S. Rhodes
George W. Robinson
Paul M. Wagner, Jr.
RECREATION DIRECTOR
Thomas H. Haggerty
RECREATION COMMISSION
Beatrice C. Perkins
James W. Murphy
'William P. Lynch
-Philip L. Hillman
Charles A. Morehouse
Warren Orcutt
Alan C. Wagner
Arthur P. Gonetti
James A. Barbato
Robert M. Greenough
Robert C. Nickerson
1975
1975
1976
1977
1977
1977
1978
George K. Hayward
Daniel J. Costello
David A. Manalan
SEALER OF WEIGHTS & MEASURES
SEWERAGE STUDY COMMITTEE
STREET LIGHTING COMMITTEE
Booth D. Jackson
H. Stuart MacGregor
Leslie F. Parke
SUPERINTENDENT OF CEMETERIES
T. Frederick S. Kennedy
1975
1975
1975
1975
1975
1975
1975
18
SUPERINTENDENT OF INSECT PEST CONTROL
Franklin H. Charter
SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS
Allen II. Nelson
TOWN BUILDING -LAND ACQUISITION
David Abbt
Roger M. Heubsch
Richmond P. Miller, Jr.
Joseph W. Stevens
John T. Condon
Emery D. Nelson
Franklin H. Charter
Betsyan Newton
Diane Ernest
Barbara M. Faubert
Ann G. Hosmer
Marilyn J. Faherty
Franklin H. Charter
TOWN ENGINEER
TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
TOWN REPORT COMMITTEE
TREE WARDEN
Term
Expires
1975
1975
1975
1975
1975
1975
1975
1975
1975
1975
1976
1976
1974
1977
1975
VETERANS' AGENT & DIRECTOR OF VETERANS' SERVICES
Norman L. Roche 1975
VETERANS' BURIAL AGENT
Norman L. Roche
VETERANS' GRAVES OFFICER
T. Frederick S. Kennedy
WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION AGENT
Theron A. Lowden
1975
1975
1975
Acton's youngest Minuteman,
David Nyberg
(Photo by Wes Nyberg)
TOWN REPORT COMMITTEE
Marilyn Faherty Betsyan Newton, Chairman Barbara Faubert
Three years ago, I received a phone call - the result of which saw every pencil in the house
sharpened and ready for duty! The caller pleasantly suggested that perhaps I would enjoy "putting
together" the Town Report for Acton. (WHAT Town Report ? ? ? After four years of living in Acton,
I still had trouble remembering my "garbage collection" day!) Civic pride, however, beat out com-
mon sense and I went to meet our Town Manager. It must have been his dream of a bi-colored organi-
zational chart that got to me; it certainly wasn't his money. I returned home determined to find and
conquer that pea-green "book" of which he so lovingly spoke. When I located my copy, in with the fish
tank equipment, I noted it was actually more the color of lemons -bad than peas -green. Having made
this observation, the rest, I reckoned, would be easy.
I asked for and received the capable assistance of Mrs. Ann Hosmer. We "poured" over town
reports from other towns. We asked ourselves, "What do we know about the town report?" The
answer, of course, was "Nothing!" Pictures are nice, we thought, so we requested photographs of all
Acton Selectmen. The first gentleman to whom we made our request informed us he was no longer a
Selectman, having just LOST the election. We were off to a roaring start.
Soon, however, the reports from the various town departments found their way onto our dining
room tables. Our lives became filled with miscellaneous information: One needs a permit to indulge
in gravestone rubbing, the Police Chief is also the Veterans' Agent, all dog licenses expire March 31st.
Conversations with friends often began with, ". . .speaking of septic tanks, how adequate is yours ?" I
personally became most worried that someone would move the town forest while I was asleep. But, the
'72 Report was taking shape.
Our requests for pictures, diagrams, charts - anything to make for more interesting, informa-
tive reading - were met with enthusiasm and cooperation. Always responsive to our questions and
queries were the Town Hall ladies: Mrs. Ruth Bailey, Mrs. Norma Ganung, and, recently, Christine
Joyce. Possessing patience, knowledge and humor (all of which they needed!), they supplied names,
telephone numbers and points of reference whenever we requested them. We made the printer's dead-
line and despite all trepidations and one Selectman's threat to send in a "centerfold," the '72 Report
was dutifully published. Many people even admitted to READING the Report.
On to the Report for 1973 or . . . no one ever told me it was a three -year appointment ! Mrs.
Diane Ernst joined Mrs. Hosmer and me for this year's report. With our new-found wisdom and exper-
tise and the "workings" of Town Government firmly in hand, we began anew. (That really means: Mr.
Dotson would like the Organizational Chart, page 4, revised; and thinks THREE colors would be nice
this year!) While we read, re-read and polished, the pictures for the '73 Report were taken in hand by
the Acton-Boxborough Regional High School's photography students, several of the town's amateur
photographers and, by town photographers, Mr. and Mrs. G. B. Williams, Jr. Mrs. Deirdre Grunwald
rendered the outstanding cover.
Again, our printer's deadline was met and we all went home promising to reunite the family, hide
the typewriter and stay off the telephone for at least 48 hours. I have one very fond memory concern-
ing the '73 Report. The Town Report is handed out to Acton voters on Election Day. Mid-afternoon, a
lady arrived at my door, Report in hand. . . to be autographed ! (I wrote: When next Civic Pride calls,
go outside immediately and sweep your sidewalks until it hangs up.)
The 1974 Acton Town Report and I, are joined by Mrs. Marilyn Faherty, Mrs. Barbara Faubert
and Mrs. Sally Smith. Mrs. Smith will take over my chairmanship next year. (No one has told her it's
a three-year appointment, either!) We again endeavor to put forth a Town Report of clarity, public
interest and historic value. It is our pleasure to again present the many fine photographs taken by our
high school students and by Mr. and Mrs. Williams. And we offer our sincere thanks to Mrs. Rosalie
Crosby of Girl Friday Associates, Concord, Massachusetts. Mrs. Crosby types both the Warrant and
the Report in preparation for their respective publications. She is both accurate and efficient in her
work; her advice arid suggestions are invaluable. So is her bottle of Aspirin.
Though our acclaim has not yet reached the national level, we did, that first year, get an invita-
tion to the Grand Opening Preview of the Triple A Market on Great Road. And, one way or another, we
have learned much about our Town of Acton. We have spent our yearly allotted funds frugally - that
alone ought to make us worth our bicentennial salt.
o
<l
<»
o
II
II
The British uniforms were patterned after the
German, and heavily ornamented. When fully-
dressed, the British soldier carried 125 lbs.
of uniform weight.
t
British Tenth Regiment of Foot
(Photo by Ann Jacobs)
Town Services
Acton Memorial Library, Acton Center
(Photo by Harlan Howe, Jr.)
22
BOARD OF APPEALS
H. W. Flood, Chairman
Edward G. Schwarm, Clerk
Herman Vanderwart, Member
John A. Norris, Associate
Lea B. Pendleton, Associate
The Board of Appeals was created by an action of the Town Meeting on December 18, 1953 when
the Protective Zoning Bylaw was first accepted. The function of this Board is to attempt to make judg-
ments at the local level on matters over which it has authority at a minimum cost to the petitioner and
with a minimum delay of time. The General Laws recognize the importance of having a semi-judiciary
body made up of local citizens interested in the welfare of the people living within the Town because this
permits the granting of special permits, variances and the like at the lowest administrative level. The
Board is, in general, empowered to:
1. Hear and decide appeals (G.L., Chapter 40A, Section 13) including appeals from
decisions of the Board of Selectmen relative to the Protective Zoning Bylaw.
2. Hear and decide petitions for special permits (G.L., Chapter 40A, Section 4)
including specifically earth removal, flood plain zoning and special uses
(Section IV; B, C, D and E).
3. Authorize, upon appeal or petition (G.L., Chapter 40A, Section 15), a variance
from the Protective Zoning Bylaw.
4. Hear and decide upon petitions for a comprehensive permit to construct subsi-
dized housing (G.L., Chapter 774, 1969).
In 1974, 17 public hearings were held. Three of the cases were pending at year end while, of the
remaing fourteen, eleven had been decided in favor of the petition (78. 5%). In summary:
Earth Removal
Specific Uses and Exceptions
Variances
Flood Plain
Granted
Denied
1
-
3
1
6
1
1
11
1
3
Pending
Total
1
7
7
_2
17
CEMETERY COMMISSION
T. Fredericks. Kennedy, Superintendent
The Cemetery Department has charge of the care and main-
tenance of three Cemeteries, the Captain Robbins Lot and monu-
ment, the Memorial Chapel and its surroundings, the Luther and
Calvin Blanchard Lot and Memorial, and the Memorial in front of
the birthplace of Captain Isaac Davis.
Mount Hope Cemetery
Aside from the routine maintenance of this Cemetery, a pro-
gram of cleaning monuments and markers Was started this year.
Many of the very large monuments had not been cleaned for a num-
ber of years. About forty very large corner posts were removed
to facilitate the mowing of those lots.
(Photo by Dawn Smith, ABRHS)
23
When the first section of this Cemetery was laid out in 1848, it seemed that the practice of each
individual lot owner was to bring in loam and raise their lot above the general level of the surrounding
area. At one time in this section, there were thirty-five of these raised lots. Over the past several
years, however, we have lowered practically all of the lots, which helps in the appearance of this sec-
tion near Central Street.
In expanding the single grave section, it was necessary to have fill hauled in and then covered
with loam and seeded. The demand for single grave spaces is increasing each year, particularly among
the elderly persons.
Plans are being made to landscape several sections of this cemetery, both in the older sections
as well as in the new sections, which were laid out this past year. The plans include a variety of trees,
flowers, shrubs, and plants. The money for this project will be taken from the Cemetery Beautifica-
tion Fund.
The Department is asking for additional money this year to make necessary repairs at Mount Hope.
This includes: repairing the porch on the small chapel, shingling one side of the toolshed, and removing
six large pines which have become decayed.
Woodlawn Cemetery
This past year the Engineering Department made plans for laying of an area for four grave lots,
roadways and a drainage layout. They laid out a large section for single graves. By cutting down the
size of the graves, we gained forty additional spaces.
Our extensive spraying of Japanese Beetles in both Cemeteries has apparently paid off. There
was much less damage from the beetles. We continued our spraying program, not for the beetles, how-
ever, but for rosebugs, scab, etc. We are requesting a sum of money for a mist blower for spraying
purposes.
In the fall, a new section was leveled and rough graded. This will be loamed over and seeded in
the spring. Two roads were sub-graded and will have to be covered with crushed gravel in preparation
for the laying of asphalt this coming year.
Late in November, the Engineering Department started mapping out the lots in the Revolutionary
Section of Woodlawn Cemetery, in preparation for the Bicentennial Celebration this year. They are pre-
paring a map of this section, showing the locations of each lot. There are some lots that have no stones
and there is no way to identify who the lots belong to. This project of mapping out the Revolutionary
section is something that the Cemetery Department has been trying to have done for the past ten years.
When this plan has been completed, it will be laid out in six sections, and the lots will be cross
indexed with names of the persons interred there, on cards prepared for this purpose.
In connection with this project, the Department has gathered up all the Revolutionary Flag Stand-
ards, for the purpose of cleaning them, and replacing them in the spring. The work of cleaning the
standards will be done by the Bicentennial Celebration Committee.
Some of the large slate stones have been straightened up and more will be tended to in the spring.
This type of work has to be done every few years due to the fact that there are no foundations under
them. They are just placed in the ground.
Last year in the Commissioner's report, attention was called to the regulations that have been
adopted. Under the new regulations, the following items will not be allowed: artificial flowers, vigil
lights, crushed stone or bark around monuments or markers, glass or tin cans for flower containers,
or cement urns. Permission must be obtained from the Cemetery Office for the planting of shrubs and
flower beds. After April 1, 1975, any lot owner wishing shrubs on either side of his monument will be
required to place additional perpetual care to cover the expense of trimming and care of the same.
Vandalism continues in all the cemeteries. In Mount Hope, the windows in the building have been
covered by heavy mesh wire to protect them, but vandals shoot holes right through them. A small
stained glass window in the chapel was completely destroyed, and a cellar window broken. A section of
24
the stone wall in the North Acton Cemetery was pushed over twice. Some of the small monuments were
pushed over and had to be repaired.
Early in the fall, several landscape consultants were contacted and requests were made for resumes
of their proposals relative to the "Master Plan for the Cemeteries." The Town Manager, Mr. Robert
Dotoson, conducted interviews with some of them and has requested that names of several other consult-
ants be submitted to him for consideration.
In November, the Superintendent attended a seminar, which dealt with some of the following sub-
jects: labor contracts, new Federal and State laws concerning municipal cemeteries. The Cemetery
personnel have attended several conventions and seminars on cemetery maintenance, as well as a cem-
etery equipment show held at the Milton Cemetery Department in October. One of the seminars dealt
with methods of preventive maintenance of light equipment.
The Department wishes to express thanks to the Engineering and Highway Departments, as well
as all others who have assisted us during the year.
Harlan E. Tuttle Howard F. Jones
Charles F. Putnam
Cemetery Commissioners
COUNCIL ON AGING
Vincent Polo, Chairman
In 1974, the Council on Aging came of age. The Council established significant programs to pro-
vide community support and services for Acton's elderly. Two of the more important programs initiated
in 1974 were the Wheel-A-Meal and the Drop-In Center.
Under the Wheel-A-Meal program, a hot and cold meal is delivered to the home of the recipient
by Town volunteers. The program is coordinated by Carol Lake, who serves as Council Coordinator.
The food is prepared by the staff of the Emerson Hospital and special dietary needs are considered.
This program enables people who are mostly confined to their homes to be able to get good, nourishing
meals.
The Drop-In Center is located at the West Acton Baptist Church and is open two days a week on
Tuesdays (1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.) and Thursdays (10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.). It functions as a social
center - just a place to go to meet people and make friends. Volunteers from Acton's churches have
served as hostesses and have helped to get the Center established.
On-going programs were continued through the year. There were free bus trips (e.g., to Stur-
bridge Village) and free Flu shots.
The Council intends to expand its programs and services for the elderly during the coming year.
Included in its plans are such new programs as: a monthly newsletter providing news and useful infor-
mation, to be mailed directly to the homes of the senior citizens; more health programs (e.g., blood
pressure checks, breast cancer and diabetes exams, etc.); two visitation programs - one by telephone
to be coordinated with skilled Code Hot Line personnel and the other to be at-home visits by Town vol-
unteers.
The School Committee has approved a program through which the elderly may get hot lunches, at
cost, at the Gates School. The Council will augment this program by providing transportation and a
host and hostess to create a friendly atmosphere.
25
Anybody interested in the Council's activities, has requests for information, or who would be
willing to volunteer on any project, is urged to call Carol Lake, Council on Aging, at 263-1068.
Vincent Gavin
Joseph Mercurio
Sylvia Remmy
Gerry Reynolds
Liz Smathers
Robert Storella
CHARLOTTE L G00DN0W FUND
Thelma L. Boatman, Trustee
Clark C. McElvein, Trustee
James N. Gates, Trustee
Concord Cooperative Bank
Concord Cooperative Bank
INVESTMENTS
RECEIPTS
EXPENDITURES
Treasurer of the Acton Congregational Church
Town of Acton for the perpetual care of the
Goodnow Lot in Woodlawn Cemetery
$3, 000.00
168.48
148.48
20.00
$3, 000.00
168.48
148.48
20.00
$ 168.48
(Note of Interest: Charlotte L. Goodnow, a native of Acton, who died August 9, 1907, at the age of 80,
willed $3,000 to the Town of Acton, accepted at the Town Meeting of March 29, 1909, for the perpetual
care of the family gravesite in the Woodlawn Cemetery, and the remainder to be applied to the cost of
preaching at the Congregational Church in the Centre. The original amount is invested with principal
intact, only the interest is used for the stipulation of the will.)
ELIZABETH WHITE FUND
Helen B. Allen, Trustee
Hazel P. Vose, Trustee
Eleanor P. Wilson, Trustee
The Trustees of the Elizabeth White Fund have signed requisitions to the Town Treasurer totaling
$750.00.
(Note of Interest: This fund, the 1923 legacy of George R. White, in memory of his mother Elizabeth
is set up... "to aid the unfortunate of Acton.J' The principal has been invested and the Trustees use the
interest to aid. . . "widows, orphans or the elderly" or any case "in which the Town is morally obligated."
Cases can be referred to the Trustees by the Public Health Office, a clergyman, a physician or even a
concerned neighbor.)
26
HOUSING AUTHORITY
Thomas J. Ahern, Jr., Chairman
The members of the Housing Authority held their monthly meetings at the Town Hall on the first
Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Several meetings were had throughout the year in Boston with
state and federal officials in connection with pending or proposed housing programs. The Town Meet-
ing voted approval for the Housing Authority to participate in the federal rental assistance program.
The Department of Community Affairs increased slightly our appropriation under the state rental
assistance program, and a good deal of time was spent screening and qualifying applicants and deter-
mining the habitability condition of the private rental housing.
On July 18, 1974, the Massachusetts Housing Appeals Committee ruled in favor of the Acton Hous-
ing Authority's appeal from the Acton Board of Appeals' disapproval of the Elderly Housing Project near
Elm Street. A further appeal was taken by the Acton Board of Appeals and on November 18, 1974, the
Suffolk Superior Court again upheld the Housing Authority. At this writing, the Board of Appeals has
not publicly declared its intentions as to further appeals. It is hoped that litigation will now be ended in
this matter so that the Authority can proceed with the project.
Mrs. Julia Stevens, an original member of the Authority, resigned this year upon her election to
the Board of Selectmen.
Robert J. Storella was elected to fill the vacancy by the Board of Selectmen and the remaining
members of the Housing Authority.
Kenneth Stowell, Member
Robert J. Storella, Member
Mary Laffin, Member
Patience MacPherson, Member
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
Allen H. Nelson, Superintendent
James Harbison, Russell Robinson
Edmond Brown, Jr.
(Photos by D. W. Calkins, Jr.)
As a result of the mild winter and early spring, the sweeper got off to an early start on its sweep-
ing tour of the Town. Now that we have a new berm machine, we were able to replace the berms that
were taken out by the snowplows, and we also were able to install berms in many needed places.
The town grounds were fertilized and mowed as required. The roadsides were also mowed where
needed. During the year we cleaned the troublesome catch basins.
27
Our Department aided in the construction of the Town Common and the construction of the culvert
on lower Newtown Road. Along with all our related projects, we partially finished Parlin Park Section
One and Section Two with the remaining bond money. These two sections will be loamed and seeded
in the spring.
Signs and Lines
The Sign Department continues to grow as a result of the ever-increasing number of recommenda-
tions and demands for signs throughout the town. All defaced, broken, and stolen signs and posts were
replaced. The sixteen town line signs were taken down, redone with reflective sheeting, and reinstalled
at their proper locations.
All the center lines were repainted as were the green crosswalks,
was installed on Main Street between High Street and School Street.
New steel beam guard rail
Sidewalks
The portions of sidewalks on Arlington Street, Elm Street, Central Street, Spruce Street, and
Minot Avenue were all loamed and seeded. A new section of sidewalk on Central Street between #401
and Nashoba Road was also constructed.
Sanitary Landfill Area
The landfill area has been well maintained under the control and watchful eye of Frank Towne.
We were getting ready for the final cover, but since our next location or direction is still undecided,
there will be another lift put on.
Drainage
Subdrains were installed on Juniper Ridge Road, Birch Ridge Road, Strawberry Hill Road, and
on High Street near Faulkner Hill Road. Notre Dame Road and Olde Surrey Drive were partially done.
These will be loamed and seeded in the spring. Duggan Road was our big drainage project for the year.
Our Department with the help of the Engineering Department installed a new trunk line at the rear of
numbers 16, 18, 20 and 22. This will be completed in the spring.
Honey Pot
This area is in dire need of help. The leaching fields were scraped when they were dry enough,
but we only have two beds now. There should be at least five, but conditions and space are a problem.
Chapter 81 Maintenance
This year we were able to do a much better job on our maintenance program with the aid of our
new hot top box. This box is used to level the roads and build up the shoulders.
All of the following streets were swept, gone over with the hot top box, and then resurfaced with
a stone seal:
Arlington Street
Betsy Ross Circle
Billings Street
Birch Ridge Road
Black Horse Drive
Charter Road
Cherry Ridge Road
Conant Street
Country Club Road
Downey Road
Fairway Road
Flintlock Drive
Juniper Ridge Road
Liberty Street
Maple Street
Martin Street
Nash Road
Old High Street
Piper Road
Powder Horn Lane
Prospect Street
Railroad Street
Robbins Street
Strawberry Hill Road
Stow Street
Sudbury Hill Road
On some of these streets, we used a native stone, others a 3/8" red ryelite trap rock. We have
found that the treated trap rock bonds to the surface the best and has the least amount of waste.
28
HIGHWAY HIGHLIGHTS: EQUIPMENT FOR ALL SEASONS !
Snow Blower
1974 Mack Truck
.. :
Fork Lift
Front End Loader
Backhoe
11/2 Ton Mack Dump
Catch Basin Cleaner
10 Ton Roller
29
Chapter 90 Maintenance
A course of Type I hot top was applied to 1,000 feet of Pope Road, the full length of Summer Street,
1900 feet of High Street, and 3900 feet of Central Street from Main Street to #85. With the prices as
they are now, we are only able to do a few streets each summer.
Chapter 90 Construction
The portion of Central Street between Orchard Drive and Nashoba Road was completed with the
top course of Type I hot top. The driveway approaches were all regraded and paved where needed.
Three stone walls were also constructed. Berms were placed, then the area was loamed and seeded.
This section is now complete.
Snow
Snow markers, snow fences, and sand barrels were placed where needed throughout the town.
With our nine new Mack trucks and the two small Internationals, plus the four new sanders and seven
new power angle plows, it is a joy to go out in the winter elements.
New Equipment
I want to thank the people of the Town for the much needed equipment that our Department received
under Article 29 of the Annual Town Meeting of March 12, 1973. This much-appreciated equipment is
listed below:
1. Mercury Montego Sedan - Moran Motors, Acton
2. Sidewalk Roller, Lay-Mor - Files Equipment, Acton
3. Berm Machine, Clayton - Files Equipment, Acton
4. Tandem Roller - Builders Equipment, Medford
5. Tagalong Paver, Ford Lame - Casey & Dupuis, Watertown
6. Fork Lift Truck, Caterpillar - Witt Armstrong, Randolph
7. Seven Power Reversible Plows, Bakers - Dyar Sales, Cambridge
8. Four Hydraulic Sanders, Torwell - Torreys Engineering, Framingham
9. Hydraulic Catch Basin Cleaner, Stedco - Stedco Hydraulics, Ashland
10. Loader, Backhoe, John Deere - Nine Acre Equipment, Acton (#10, 11)
11. Trailer, 15 ft. Tagalong - Nine Acre Equipment, Acton
12. Three Yard Loader, Allis Chalmers - Hedge & Mattheis, Needham
13. Crawler-Loader, John Deere - Nine Acre Equipment, Acton
14. Rotary Snow Blower, Sno Go - Casey & Dupuis, Watertown
15. Platform Dump Truck, 1-1/2 Ton, International - Cunningham's, Acton
(#15 - 19)
16. Dump Truck, 1 Ton, International - Cunningham's Garage, Acton
17. Platform Dump Truck, 1 Ton, International - Cunningham's Garage
18. Walk-in Van Truck, 1 Ton, International - Cunningham's Garage
19. Pick-up Truck, 3/4 Ton, International - Cunningham's Garage
20. Eight Dump Trucks, 5 Ton, D.M. 600, Mack - Mack Motors, Brighton
21. Four by Four Truck Chassis with Wing Mast, R. M. 600 - Mack Motors
22. Sweeper, Gravely - Grounds Equipment, Newton
23. Cement Mixer, 1/2 Bag, Gilson - Files Equipment, Acton
3,296.00
4, 900.00
2, 625.00
10, 873.00
4, 191.00
8, 096.00
15,441.02
15, 898.28
6,370.00
17, 500.00
31,888.00
8, 907.00
33, 862.50
26, 374.00
140,019.50
25,625.00
1, 200.00
895.00
In conclusion, I wish to extend my thanks to the Engineering Department for their assistance and
to the men in the Highway Department and my secretary for their faithful service.
It began in Lexington and Concord with Paul Revere 's cry of "The Regulars are
coming!" and the shots that were "heard around the world." It was the begin-
ning of the American Revolution - a war that was to last six years before the 13
colonies won their independence.
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30
LIBRARY REPORTS
ACTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY
James L. Parker, Chairman
(Photo by Harlan Howe, Jr.)
We are pleased to note that circulation has increased again this year. A 3.92% rise to a total cir-
culation of 170,654, combined with commensurate increases in other Library services, indicates a
healthy growth in Library usage.
Among a diversity of accomplishments and activities by the Library staff were several which will
have a long-range effect upon the services of the Library. Two more staff members have earned
Library Certification by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Library Director has completed an
extensive statistical survey of Library users and an analysis of the survey in order to gauge the needs
of the Town and the effectiveness of the Library in meeting those needs. The results of the survey are
available at the Library. Work has begun on locating and cataloging the works of the Acton artist
Arthur Davis, a project which will require several years to complete. A workshop on document pre-
servation attended by the Library Director, has provided information needed to maintain the quality of
the papers in the artifact collection.
Several new services provided by the Library deserve mention. Funded by a Warrant Article at
Annual Town Meeting, the Library is now open Sunday afternoons from 2:00 to 5:00. The staff provides
a monthly program at the Senior Citizens' Drop-in Center in West Acton. In addition to the collection
of framed prints available for borrowing, we are now loaning original art works for a minimal charge.
We have acquired a membership in the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston which may be used to admit any
residents of Acton to the Museum without entrance fees. Arrangements for the use of the card can be
made at the Library.
Special programs sponsored by the Library included the traditional Patriots' Day program and the
"folk singalongs" held outside the Library on Tuesday evenings in July. They were so well-attended
that we plan to continue them in 1975. By using the facilities of the Congregational Church across Main
Street, we have been able to conclude the very successful Summer Reading Program with a film, and to
show a series of classic comedy films.
The Trustees, in the interest of providing public access to the collection of various artifacts under
our care, have adopted a general policy designed to facilitate such access. We have also arranged a
special loan of a small collection of pewter to the Museum of Fine Arts. The pewter will go on display
there in 1975. We have used the legacy of Jenny Reed to acquire books on china and porcelain, and have
allocated income from the trust funds to increase our reference collection.
Several local organizations have been particularly beneficent to us this year. Along with their
contribution of many hours as volunteer workers in the Library, the Friends of the Acton Libraries
have continued to organize the displays of the works of local artists in the alcove, and have combined
31
two years' gifts to purchase and install ceiling lights there. The installation of their gift of a cassette
listening center in the children's area was completed this year. The Garden Club has enlarged and
maintained the plantings at the entrance, and has provided decorative arrangements throughout the
year. From the Acton Lions Club we have received large-print editions of periodicals, books, and
reading aids. The congregation of Temple Beth Elohim has given us a print of "The Red Chair" to add
to our circulating print collection. We are most grateful for the continuing interest and generosity of
the members of these organizations.
Board of Trustees
Robert J. Brandon
Brewster Conant
Nancy K. Gerhardt
Hayward S. Houghton
Nancy C. Howe
Florence A. Merriam
Margaret Richter
Raymond A. Shamel
The Davis Blues perform at the Acton Memorial Library.
(Photo by G. B. Williams, Jr.)
CITIZENS LIBRARY ASSOCIATION OF WEST ACTON
Thelma C. Hermes, Librarian
During the year, Mrs. Evelyn Lapierre resigned from the Board of Trustees and moved out of
town. Sincere thanks are extended for her effective and able service as Secretary. Miss Katherine
Kinsley was elected to serve the remainder of her term.
A very successful Fair was co-sponsored by the Friends of the Acton Libraries and the Citizens
Library Auxiliary in May. The Auxiliary also provided tables of gifts, books, and houseplants for the
Crown Resistance Day Fair. Proceeds from the Fairs were used to purchase a 15-drawer card catalog
cabinet and utility table, catalog cards, and many new books.
Improvements to the building and grounds were provided by the Acton Garden Club. Members
planted window boxes and bulbs, weeded flowerbeds, and furnished a handsome Christmas wreath. Mrs.
Joan Hansen has kept the Library attractively decorated for fall and winter.
In September, a Story Hour was initiated for 3- to 5-year-olds by a group of mothers. This has
proven to be a very happy adventure.
The visits of the North Reading Bookmobile enable the Library to offer many additional fine books
to patrons.
Thanks are due to the volunteer substitutes for the lunch hour, the Trustees and their families for
loyal services, and many townspeople who contributed books, periodicals, and Fair items throughout
the fiscal year.
Board of Trustees:
Library Hours:
Mrs. Betty Boothby, Chairman
Mrs. Kathy Whittemore, Secretary
Miss Katherine Kinsley
Monday: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 10:00 - 5:00 P. M.
Telephone Number: 263-9222
32
Accession:
Circulation in 1974:
Income:
Books in Library January 1, 1974 7, 014
Increase by purchase 236
Increase by gift 223
Withdrawn 514
Books in Library January 1, 1975 6, 959
8,750 books. (Fiction - 2900; Juvenile - 4011; Non-fiction - 1839.)
Fines collected: $181.11
PLANNING BOARD
Joyce E. Foley, Chairwoman
The present Board consists of Mrs. Joyce Foley,
a housewife and mother; William Becklean, an invest-
ment analyst; Katherine Meyer, a housewife, mother
and nurse; Charles Burnham, a geology professor;
and John Pasieka, an engineer. Mrs. Foley, Mr.
Becklean and Mr. Burnham serve as chairwoman, vice-
chairman and clerk, respectively. The Board is assisted
by a part-time secretar}^ Mrs. Jeanne Danilczuk, and a
full-time assistant, Mrs. Rick Sherman.
The Planning Board has had an industrious year,
much of our attention has been devoted to the "nuts and
bolts" activities required under Massachusetts General
Law, Chapters 40A and 41 (Zoning and Subdivision Con-
trol). We have, in addition, made satisfying progress
on planning. The score sheet follows:
Subdivisions
Approved: Ext. of Indian Village (prelim.)
11 lots
Disapproved: Chamberlain Acres (prelim.)
8 lots
In Process: Wampus Heights (prelim.)
51 lots
Brucewood Estates, Sec. IV.
(defin.) - 29 lots
Withdrawn or Not Formally Submitted:
Idylwilde (prelim.) - 7 lots
Commercial, Agway property
(Photo by John Pasieka)
Plans Not Requiring Subdivision Approval:
24 processed
Subdivision Bonds Posted:
$177, 760
Lots Released for Building:
48 lots
Subdivision Bonds Released:
$100, 380
The Board has worked with Fire Chief Barry, the Building Department and the Engineering Depart-
ment to carry subdivisions through development to completion and road acceptance. Granite, Meadow-
book, Fife and Drum, Woodbury and Madison Roads were accepted at the Annual Town Meeting.
This will be remembered as the year of the 81-W procedure for Town Line and Acton Meadows,
the complex process by which they were officially "taken off the books".
The Board members have had ample opportunity to write reports: 17 to the Board of Appeals,
18 to the Selectmen on site plans, and an extensive report in response to the proposed TOPICS traffic
improvement program. The Board is also closely following the development of Route 2 plans and is
working to have a meeting with the State for Route 2A.
33
The Board presented and the citizens voted approval of a number of zoning bylaw changes at the
Annual and at the Special Town Meetings that are aimed at clarification and promotion of a safer, more
attractive and healthier community. These dealt with limitations on building height, restriction of
building and paving coverage on commercial lots, and adaptation of definitions and measurements to
comply with the new state-wide building code. In addition, a Scenic Roads Bylaw was designed to pro-
tect stone walls and trees in the road right-of-ways.
Subdivision Rules and Regulations were amended to insure that the Town does not continue to sub-
sidize subdivision development. Filing fees have been made commensurate with actual Town costs for
engineering, inspecting and processing. New bonding requirements will insure better circulation pat-
terns if subdivisions are not completed as planned.
The Board has made significant progress in planning, an area that has often been set aside in
deference to the demands of subdivision work. We have been ably assisted by the Long Range Planning
Committee which concentrated on a land use inventory.
GreenTown, a group of citizen subcommittees, worked on a project that evaluated the natural
resources and prior development of Acton, and contributed several maps, information and ideas for use
by the Planning Board. This project will continue in 1975 in an endeavor to develop and implement spe-
cific plans.
Events additionally important to the Board's planning progress were the choice of a consultant,
Curran Associates, and Neighborhood Nites, a series of five meetings in which the citizens and the busi-
ness people gave the Planning Board their ideas on what needed changing, preserving, improving or
deleting in the Town of Acton as well as their ideas for Acton's future.
The Planning Board intends to continue to work cooperatively with other Town boards, employees
and groups; to listen; to evaluate and study; and to offer leadership in the never -finished process of
planning for Acton.
William Becklean, Vice Chairman
Charles Burnham, Clerk
John Pasieka
Katherine Meyer
RECREATION COMMISSION
Charles Morehouse, Chairman
Thomas M. Haggerty, Director
Approximately 7200 Acton residents participated
in 25 Commission sponsored programs and activities in
1974. This figure represents more than a 100% increase
in program participation over 1973. The major reason
for this increase was the eagerly awaited opening of the
new pool-fieldhouse facility at the high school in March.
Since the pool was accepted by the town on the
basis that it would be open to the public on weekday even-
ings and weekends, and that it would pay for itself as far
as recreational use was concerned, some method of rais-
ing this revenue (estimated operating expenses for 1974
were $20,000) had to be decided upon. Therefore, mem-
berships, family and individual, at a nominal fee, were
sold to any residents wishing to purchase them. Mem-
bers would be entitled to use the gym as well as the pool.
Gym activities include basketball Monday through F.riday
evenings and Saturday and Sunday afternoons, and volley-
ball on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. A daily fee for
Fourth of July Doll Carriage Parade
(Photo by G. B. Williams, Jr.)
34
non-members at $1.00 and a special group rate of $5.00 for senior
citizens (age 60 and over) were also made available. Family mem-
berships were offered for $25.00 and individual memberships for
$10.00. These memberships were available to all Acton and Box-
borough residents and were valid from date of purchase through
December 31, 1974. Half-year memberships were also sold.
Approximately 600 family and 150 individual memberships were
sold in 1974 and this money did cover operational costs. Unfortu-
nately, due to the anticipated increased costs in the coming year,
including salary increases for the pool director and lifeguard staff,
increased utility costs and an additional two months expenditure
(January and February) that we did not have in 1974, 1975 pool-
fieldhouse memberships will cost more. Family memberships will
be $35.00 and individual memberships will be $15.00. Senior citi-
zens and non-member daily fees will stay the same. Another rea-
son for the increase in membership fees is due to an anticipated
decrease in membership. Many people who purchased member-
ships in 1974 only used the facility three or four times during the
year and therefore did not really get maximum usage out of their
memberships. We believe that these people will not purchase new
memberships but will rather pay a daily fee each time they use the
facility, thus decreasing anticipated pool revenue.
""■J-O
Senior Lifesaving Program
(Photo by G. B. Williams, Jr,
The Commission realized that to plan for any pool program-
ming during the first six months of operation would be useless. A
"wait and see" attitude was adopted by both the Commission and the Pool Subcommittee, not only to
determine average weekly and daily attendance figures, but also to allow the initial burst of enthusiasm
which follows the opening of any new pool or recreational facility to run its course. An initial daily
attendance rate of 252 people during the first two weeks that the facility was open dropped to a daily
average of 41 during the months of September and October. An adult learn-to-swim program, a senior
lifesaving course and a Saturday morning children's swim lessons were started in September. We be-
lieve that 1975 will give us much more realistic figures as to actual pool costs, anticipated annual
revenue and daily and weekly attendance figures.
Any persons interested in purchasing a pool-fieldhouse membership should contact the Recreation
Office at 263-9244 any time Monday through Friday from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Great Hill Conservation Area
At this year's Annual Town Meeting, voters passed
an article calling for the appropriation of $87,250 (50%
reimbursable by the Federal Bureau of Outdoor Recreation)
to initiate the first phase of recreational development of the
185 acre Great Hill Conservation Area. Following the Mas-
ter Plan drawn up by professional landscape architects and
recreational consultants in 1973, first phase plans call for
the construction of an access road and parking lot adjacent
to and behind the South Acton Fire Station, grading of the
open area beyond the proposed parking area to make it
suitable for field sports and games; and the laying out of
hiking trails, and where possible, cross country ski trails
for the novice and intermediate skier. Actual construction
work on the first phase will get under way during the spring
and summer of 1975. Completion date for the entire three
and possibly four phase project will be sometime in 1980.
The Commission feels that opening this area will offer
many activities that are presently not available or available
only on a limited scale, to a large number of residents
whose recreation interests lie more in the passive than
active areas.
Great Hill Recreation Area Plan
35
Registration
Program attendance figures also jumped dramatically in 1974. Some of the most noticeable
increases occurred during the summer when playground registration jumped from 405 to 577 at the
Town's four neighborhood playground areas and children's tennis lessons registration increased from
240 in 1973 to 457 in 1974.
1. Boys' Biddy Basketball
(Grades 4-6)
2. Girls' Biddy Basketball
(Grades 4-6)
3. Children's Figure Skating
(Grades K-12)
4. Men's Winter Basketball
League
5. Boys' Basketball (Gr. 7-12)
6. Instructional Ski Programs
7. Girls' Dance
8. Women's Tennis Lessons
(Spring)
9. Playground Program
10. Children's Tennis Lessons
11. Children's Swimming Lessons
12. Men's Summer Basketball
League
Registration
Registration
13.
Women's Summer Basket-
100
ball League
20
14.
Men's Softball League
250
20
15.
July 4th Program
300
16.
Handicapped Program
8
200
17.
Gymnastics
84
18.
Women's Tennis Lessons
100
(Fall)
48
100
19.
Boys' Flag Football (Gr. 4-6)
100
200
20.
Boys' Soccer (Gr. 4-6)
125
10
21.
Girls' Soccer (Gr. 4-6)
20
22.
Adult Swimming Lessons
18
48
23.
Senior Lifesaving Course
13
577
24.
Open Gym
50
457
25.
Pool Fieldhouse Members
3,500
700
150
Total
7, 198
Softball Program
(Photo by G.B. Williams, Jr.)
Children's Swimming Lessons
(Photo by G.B. Williams, Jr.)
Boys ' Soccer Program
(Photo by G.B. Williams, Jr.
Another significant attendance increase
occurred in the children's summer swimming pro-
gram where registration increased from 450 in 1973
to 700 in 1974. The major reason for this increase
was that this past summer's program was held at
the new indoor pool at the high school rather than at
Walden Pond as it had been in the past. Although
there are advantages to holding the program at the
indoor pool and the increase in registration is very
impressive from a statistical point of view, there
are also many underlying disadvantages of which
most parents may be unaware. First of all, for the
beginning swimmer just learning to put his face in
the water, the initial depth of 3-1/2 feet and lack of
a graduated bottom makes it very difficult for this
child to overcome his fear of water. Secondly, the
36
indoor pool can only accommodate three or four classes (6 to 10 students per class) at a time, while the
Acton program in the past has handled 50 children per hour at Walden Pond. Many adjustments will
have to be made if the program is to continue indoors. Some of the options include shortening class
time from four to three weeks or possibly returning part of the program to Walden in order to accom-
modate all abilities and class levels. From this point of view, 1975 will be a year of change and adjust-
ment rather than expansion and initiation.
Boys' Basketball Program
(Photo by G.B. Williams, Jr.)
Figure Skating Class
(Photo by G.B. Williams, Jr.)
en;
loi
The year 1974 was also significant from the point of view that more than half of the total budget
expended for recreation was reimbursed to the Town through program registration fees (1974 Expendi-
tures - $66,984.51; 1974 Program Revenue - $34,836.35). The Commission believes that most of the
programs which involve 200 or fewer people and are major expense programs should be self-supporting
and that the people who participate should pay accordingly. Most program registration fees are mini-
mal and are charged only to cover instructors' fees and building rental, ice rental, etc. We believe
that this policy is in the best interests of the Town and also allows the continued expansion of our pro-
grams at a minimal cost to the taxpayer.
Plans for 1975
1. Implementation of the first phase of the Great Hill Recreation Master Plan.
2. Better coordination between schools and town in planning recreational activities
for school -aged children.
3. More programs that are by definition "non-competitive": i.e., arts and crafts,
dance, yoga, etc.
4. Improvement and, where possible, expansion of existing programs.
The Commission would like to express its appreciation to its former chairman, William Lynch,
who resigned from the Commission in October after three years of service. Mr. Lynch was instrumen-
tal in the layout of the Spring Hill cross country ski trails, and also put in many hours in the preparation
and planning of the Great Hill Master Plan. Despite his resignation, Mr. Lynch has agreed to serve as
an Associate Commission member and will continue his interest in the development and growth of recrea-
tion and recreational areas in town.
Jer
Thanks also to the parents and adults who helped supervise our various programs, to the School
Department for their cooperation, and to all other Town departments who were of assistance during the
past year. Last, but not least, our thanks to the Beacon and Minuteman newspapers for their coopera-
tion in publicizing our activities.
Warren Orcutt, Vice-Chairman Philip Hillman, Commission Designate 1975
Janet Murphy, Commissioner Carol Mahoney, Associate Commissioner
Beatrice Perkins, Commissioner William Lynch, Associate Commissioner
Barbara Woodward, Secretary
'10
De
37
STREET LIGHT COMMITTEE
Leslie F. Parke, Chairman
Booth D. Jackson H. Stuart MacGregor
At the present time, the Town of Acton has a total of 710 street lights. We were sorry to report
at the beginning of the year that Boston Edison declared a moratorium on the installation of new street
lights due to the energy crisis.
As the year progressed, we had to curtail all installations as we did not anticipate the unexpected
high electrical rates and fuel adjustment charge. This coming year, we intend to continue our program
of installing new street lights.
The Committee extends to the Town Manager and the Board of Selectmen their sincere apprecia-
tion for their cooperation during the year 1974.
TOWN ENGINEER
John T. Condon, Town Engineer
The Engineering Department in 1974 had a very productive year. The maintaining of an experi-
enced staff and the acquisition of two additional pieces of sophisticated equipment enabled the department
to complete a wider range of projects.
The Engineering staff is comprised of: John T. Condon, P.E., R.L.S., Town Entineer; David
Abbt, Assistant Town Engineer; Eric K. Durling, and William D. Boston, Engineering Assistants;
Jens Moller, Rodman; Norine Christian, Secretary.
Major equipment acquisitions by the Department include an advanced calculator (Wang 600) and an
electronic distance measuring device (Hewlett Packard 3805A). The new equipment has proven to be
invaluable in our day-to-day activities, and has permitted work to be completed in a shorter time span
and more precisely than with conventional surveying methods.
Although the Engineering Department was engaged in many projects during this year, considerable
time and effort was devoted to the field and office work related to the proposed sanitary landfill site
located off Quarry Road in North Acton. The major tasks were the surveying to identify property lines,
computations to prepare the plans and assistance provided our consultant, Dr. Ward S. Motts, for the
hydrogeological study of the proposed landfill area. As voted at the Special Town Meeting on December
3, 1974, the development of the proposed sanitary landfill site continues to be studied by H. W. Moore
Associates, Inc. of Boston. A transfer station for the collection of solid waste at the location of the
existing sanitary landfill off Route 2 is also being studied in conjunction with the new landfill site.
The Town Common Renovation and the Newtown Road Culvert projects, which had been under con-
sideration for some time, were completed this year. The design, plans, specifications, estimates and
layouts for these two construction projects were provided by this Department. These contracts were
advertised and awarded to K&S Construction Company of Acton as low bidder on both projects. James
Kazokas of K&S Construction Company is to be commended for his performance in attaining excellent
results in completing both contracts.
The Department provided engineering supervision and survey layout for the Chapter 90 reconstruc-
tion of Central Street from Nashoba Road to Orchard Drive. This construction was done by the Highway
Department, but it is anticipated that further Chapter 90 work will be done by contract.
Setting granite road bounds at the beginning and end of curves on the exterior lines of streets is a
continuing project for the Engineering Department. These bounds are set on "laid out" roads that have
not previously been bounded to delineate the road right-of-way and aid abutting property owners and pri-
vate surveyors in establishing property lines. This year, Lothrop Road and the intersection of Parker
and Independence Roads were bounded in this manner. In addition, major headway was made towards
bounding Notre Dame Road and Old Village Road. We also cooperated with Middlesex County Engineers
in resetting missing road bounds at several locations on Main Street.
38
Subdivisions are reviewed by the Engineering Department from design to completion. A compre-
hensive engineering evaluation of all aspects of the proposed subdivision is made based upon the current
subdivision Rules and Regulations adopted by the Planning Board. The only definitive subdivision plan
reviewed this year was Brucewood Section IV. Preliminary plans reviewed were Wampus Heights,
Chamberlain Acres, Idlewilde Farms, and "Bradford Leach" subdivision. Road construction inspection
is also performed by the Engineering Department. Roads that were inspected this year were Nagog
Park, Bromfield Road, Davis Road, Robinwood Road, Robert Road, Puritan Road, Gerald Circle, and
Berry Lane.
Of special importance to this Department was the project to complete the roads in Parlin Park
Sections I and II. The bond posted by the since bankrupt developer, Centre Corporation, was taken by
the Town and used to complete most of the work. To date, minor drainage work has been done, the
roadway paved and curbs installed on Samuel Parlin Drive and Willis Holden Drive. Weather permitting
the shoulders presently are being loamed and graded and road bounds installed.
Minor projects completed this past year and/or being worked on currently are:
Survey layout, design, and supervision was provided to the Highway Department for
drainage projects behind 20 Duggan Road and Highland Road (partial).
A map of the Town's Conservation Lands, both existing and proposed, was prepared
for the Conservation Commission to include in their master plan.
Property bounds were set on the "Dunn Land" on Taylor Road near the Conant School.
This land was purchased by the Town in March 1972.
Seven ballfields were laid out in various sections of the Town for the Recreation Depart-
ment and/ or School Department.
Contracts and Specifications for the "Painting of the Town Hall" and "The Installation
of a Fuel Tank" in the rear of the DPW Building were prepared and advertised by this
Department. These contracts were awarded to the low bidder and completed.
Grave lots were staked out in both Woodlawn and Mount Hope Cemeteries. In addition,
as part of the Town's preparation for the Bicentennial, fieldwork and preliminary draft-
ing of a plan of the "Revolutionary" section of Woodlawn Cemetery has been completed.
devel-
ith the
In accordance with the program to provide sidewalks in the vicinity of schools, plans were
oped to continue the sidewalk on Minot Avenue, to the Conant School. The plan was developed wi
intention of preserving scenic values while providing a safe walkway.
Two visual, 12-hour traffic counts were made on High Street at the Town Manager's request after
local residents expressed concern over apparently high volumes of truck traffic. Our counts indicated
truck traffic comprised about 3% of the total traffic.
The proposed widening of Route 2 is proceeding
with the continuation of the preparation of the second
Environmental Impact Statement for the Massachusetts
Department of Public Works. Upon completion of this
E.I.S. report and acceptance by the Town, the Massa-
chusetts DPW would resume its efforts to complete the
final construction plan for this segment of Route 2.
This Department has cooperated with the consultant
preparing the report by supplying plans and informa-
tion relative to population, recreation areas, histori-
cal sites, conservation areas, current development,
and future possible growth.
As reported in the previous annual report, the
"TOPICS" program for the Town of Acton was on the
initial steps of review and approval of a number of
intersections to be upgraded. The area-wide "TOPICS
Plan" is still being reviewed by the Massachusetts
DPW and after approval of this plan the next step will be Route 2
the authorization by the state to proceed with the func-
tional design of the various intersections. (Photo by Kathy Marks, ABRHS)
39
On a daily basis the Engineering Department handles the routine tasks of: inspecting street cuts
related to the installation of underground utilities, responsing to requests by residents concerning
drainage problems, reviewing site plans, preparing street acceptances, updating the Town Atlas, Flood
Plain Maps, Zoning Maps and other Town Maps, providing the general public with information, and
assisting the various Town boards and agencies.
The Engineering Department will continue to use its resources to meet the Town's needs. We
appreciate the cooperation received from the other Town Departments, Boards and Committees, and
anticipate further productive efforts in the coming year.
TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
Emery Nelson
Franklin H. Charter
George E. Neagle
The borders of both Town Forest areas were cleared of colored paint. A few fallen trees were
removed from fire lanes and access roads.
A number of groups and individuals use these areas for recreation. Horseback riders seem to use
the forests year round.
(Photo by
Dawn Smith, ABRHS)
TREE WARDEN
Franklin H. Charter
The Tree Department planted 120 new trees in 1974. Most of this planting was done inside the
sidewalk on private property, as better growing conditions exist away from automobiles, rocksalt and
snowplows.
We continue to remove dead and dangerous trees along town highways. Dead and interfering
branches are also removed allowing more clearance for trucks, school buses and cars.
Tree stumps are ground out below the lawn where they are a hazard to snowplows, etc.
40
YOUTH COMMISSION
This past year the Acton Youth Commission has continued the approach defined by the first Youth
Commission in 1971: to identify and define problems, opportunities, and unmet needs of Acton youth,
to recommend programs to the Town, and to support programs carried out by town agencies or quasi-
public organizations to meet the challenges identified by the Youth Commission. Our central objective
is an ongoing improvement of the environment which Acton youth grow up in, to better prepare them to
meet the challenges of adulthood. Our focus has been in those areas which are not served by traditional
institutions.
Our efforts this year have been slowed by a large Youth Commission membership turnover occa-
sioned by two members, Stephen Bing and Michele DuBois, moving to other communities, the expiration
of the term of Bruce McCarthy, and a long delay in appointments to fill the vacancies. As of this writ-
ing there are two vacancies on the seven member Commission. The Youth Commission was created in
1971 by the vote of Town Meeting to accept General Laws, Chapter 40, Section 8E, and appointments
are made by the Town Manager with the approval of the Board of Selectmen. Despite membership turn-
over, the Youth Commission has continued its cooperation with the CODE (Committee on Drug Education)
and supervision of the Youth Employment Service, as well as engaging in several major recommendation
and support efforts. These activities are outlined below.
Youth Employment Service
Now in its third year of operation, the Youth Employment Service has established a regular clien-
tele and a sound reputation as a linkup between employers and youth. The Youth Employment Service
office is in the Senior High School.
The Youth Employment Service statistics for 1974 certainly reflect the downward trend of the
economy. Y.E.S. handled 338 job referrals this year, compared to 421 referrals in 1973. The decrease
of 100 referrals appears in the steady job category. These full and part time jobs are in the business
sector for the most part. There were 20 more referrals in the odd job category than in 1973. This is a
good sign; Y.E.S. is attracting more users from the community. Evaluation cards that are sent to all
employers and employees show that many homeowners use the same Y.E.S. person for many different
jobs on a continuing basis. Statistically, this would seem to "shrink" the number of homeowners that
use the service. Babysitter lists are the source of an incalculable number of jobs. There are three
lists for the Acton area, roughly each of the three precincts. Each list includes 20 to 25 names. Eval-
uations show that new residents of Acton find these lists especially helpful.
Early last summer, a job availability report was prepared by James Gmeiner, to determine what
and where were the summer jobs. He found that the number of jobs available had decreased greatly
from 1973. The report cited the many new businesses established in 1973. This could account for the
large number of openings that summer. Many employers had hired summer help by the time they were
contacted in 1974. Also, Acton witnessed the closing of an entire shopping center, as well as the begin-
ning of the general industrial slowdown.
To summarize employment placements: Odd jobs (1974) - 260; 1973 - 241. Steady jobs (1974)- 78;
1973 - 180.
The office is staffed by high school students supervised by the Youth
Commission. Peg Brandon, a senior, has conducted the referral service
since August 1974. She replaced Catherine Cutbill, who had run the Youth
Employment Service since January 1973. James Gmeiner also worked full
time for Y.E.S. during the summer of 1974.
With the deepening recession, we expect that it will be increasingly
difficult for able and willing young people to find jobs. In the past, how-
ever, we have found that businessmen and homeowners alike have employed
young people for such diverse and necessary tasks as clerical work, sell-
ing, cleaning, maintenance, child care, packing and moving, minor repairs,
tennis or music lessons, lifeguarding, and party entertainment. If you
know of or have a job suitable for a high school aged young person, please ' V, . -Brandon Y E S~
CALL YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SERVICE, 263-0123, Monday through Fri- 8 Coordinator
day, 2:00-4:00 p.m. during the school year; Monday through Friday, 8:00
to 4:00 during the summer months. (Photo bySgt. D. Scribner)
41
Youth Activities
One of the functions served by the Acton Teen Center had been entertainment, and with the closing
of the Teen Center, a gap was created. (The Teen Center was closed when the building was sold to a
private party in 1973.) The Youth Commission decided on a two-pronged effort -- examine ways to fill
the gap locally on a long-term basis, but in the meantime, expand the horizon of Acton youth to take
advantage of activities in other communities.
A member of the Youth Commission, Michele DuBois, composed a bi-weekly calendar of events
available in the Greater Boston area, which was published in local newspapers. This effort met with
limited success, perhaps because many youth do not read the newspapers.
A group of parents headed by Dr. and Mrs. Robert McCluer initiated a series of outings, "Acton
Youth Tours," with transportation to ball games, amusement parks, and concerts. The Youth Commis-
sion backed their efforts and commends these volunteers for their initiative and hard work. The outings
were successful, but were halted when it proved difficult to contact young people during summer vaca-
tion.
Youth Activities Coordinator
A major effort of the first half of the year was the development of a proposal for a professional
youth worker for Acton. The need had been specified by the Massachusetts Commission on Children
and Youth study of Acton, and was made more acute by the closing of the Teen Center. It has become
obvious to the Youth Commission that effective on-going programs for Acton youth will need the atten-
tion, time, and expertise that only a paid professional can bring to the task.
After meeting with several youth workers in other towns, talking with others, and reading about
still other youth workers' activities, we drafted a job description and proposal for presentation to Town
Meeting. The worsening of the economy has made us postpone this proposal to hire a new town employee,
and we are currently exploring alternative approaches. The need persists for someone who can give full
time to developing programs to better meet needs of Acton youth which are not met by traditional organi-
zations.
Police Youth Officer
Since it inception, the Youth Commission has concerned itself with police-youth relations as one
aspect of the town youth environment. Several circumstances combined to make this summer seem an
appropriate time to support formally a request which has been made by the Police Department for sev-
eral years. The Youth Commission and Police Chief Norman Roche appeared together before the Board
of Selectmen to request favorable consideration of a youth officer, qualified by training, personality,
and experience to handle police-youth relations of all sorts. The circumstances are the lack of a Teen
Center, which leaves teenagers and young adults with no sanctioned informal meeting place, and in-
crease in incidents of vandalism, the long-awaited release of a civil service list and consequent filling
of police officer vacancies, a high proportion of new men on the police force, the need for police train-
ing of the new officers. A carefully selected police youth officer can have a more satisfactory and
dynamic effect from the point of view of youth, community, and police than general training in youth
relations for the entire police department.
Life Education
The Youth Commission spoke at the Acton School budget hearing to support inclusion of funds in
the budget to begin implementation of the life education program proposed by the school administration.
The new program is the result of School Committee and administration actions following a Youth Com-
mission recommendation and proposal presented to the School Committee in May 1973, after an exten-
sive Youth Commission study.
CODE
The Town support of CODE (Committee on Drug Education) is administered through the Youth
Commission, since the Hotline and related activities serve mainly youth and their parents. CODE
serves an eight town area, and is supported by funds from the towns served, donations from private
organizations and individuals, as well as major grants from the State Department of Mental Health and
Office for Children. The Acton Youth Commission and CODE maintain close cooperation, but the direc-
tion of CODE services is ably carried out by a full.time Director and Assistant Director as well as a
dedicated Board of Directors.
42
A major CODE activity is the Hotline, manned by some 50 trained volunteers, which serves 200-
250 calls monthly with the most frequently recurring problems being sex-related problems, personal
and family problems, and drug usage and abuse. Other CODE services include discussion groups on
parent -teenager relationships, on divorce, and on alcohol abuse. The CODE Drop-In Center is open
during the same hours as the Hotline.
The public is welcome to visit the Drop-In Center and CODE offices at 136 Main Street. Hours of
the Hotline and'Drop-In Center are Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Friday, 10:00
a.m. to 1:00 a.m., Saturday, 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., and Sunday 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The Hotline
number is 263-8777. " *
Current Activities
Current activities of the Youth Commission include exploration of alternative means of filling the
void created by the closing of the Teen Center, and planning an audio-visual presentation for young peo-
ple on getting and keeping a job.
We wish to thank all those who have shared our interest in aiding youth, and who have advised and
supported us this past year. We welcome visitors to Youth Commission meetings, on the first and third
Wednesdays in Town Hall at 8:00 p.m.
Ira Goldenberg Eleanor Phillips
Charles Kadison Hugh Talbot
Bruce Wood
It was Samuel Adams who, at the Old South Meeting House in Boston, uttered the
fateful words: "This meeting can do no more to save the country." A warwhoop
rose from within the crowd and the streets were suddenly full of "Indians," all
headed for Griffin's Wharf and the three tea -laden ships: The Eleanor, The
Beaver, and The Dartmouth - and, ultimately, The Boston Tea Party.
Protection Of Persons And Property
' .^"ttoVPf y. 4
, ' ,
v- , ■ ♦*
It » •<*
,#: »"
Acton Center Cannon
(Photo by Kathy Marks, ABRHS)
44
ANIMAL INSPECTOR
Patrick Palmer
(Photo by Craig Perry, ABRHS)
Premises Inspected
30
Dairy Cows and Heifers
2 years old and over
73
Dairy Heifers
1-2 years of age
15
Dairy Heifer Calves
Under 1 year
15
Dairy Bulls
0
Beef Cattle
8
Oxen
Horses
Ponies
Goats
Sheep
Swine
Dogs Quarantined
2
50
20
16
8
6
20
DOG OFFICER
Patrick Palmer
My records show that:
1. 1126 licenses were issued.
2. 98 dogs were picked up, 62 of which were claimed by their owners, 10 were placed in homes
and 26 destroyed.
3. 20 complaints were registered with this office, most of which concerned barking dogs, dogs
at bus stops and school grounds, and chasing cars. All of these complaints were investigated,
and, we hope, satisfactory solutions were found.
45
BOARD OF HEALTH
Steven Calichman, Director
Donald R. Gilberti Edwin Richter Dr. Gene P. Swartz
The year 1974 was another busy one for the Acton Board of Health. Approximately 1,325 general
health inspections were made during the year.
In September of this year a Sanitarian was hired. As a direct result of this added personnel, we
have been able to substantially increase our restaurant and retail food store inspections during the last
three months of 1974.
The Acton Board of Health, in planning for the future health needs of the Town strongly recom-
mends that:
a) the Sewage Study Committee be reactivated to again study the feasibility of the cost and
implementation of a partial or full sewage collection and treatment plant system for the
Town; and
b) that the Town set up a committee to investigate other methods of sewage waste disposal
(septic system pumpings).
The present "honey pot" area in North Acton will not be the final solution to the problem. The
State Department of Public Health and the Environmental Protection Agency are beginning to address
themselves to. this difficult disposal problem and it is my opinion that direct land application (which we
now use) without prior treatment will be forbidden. The Town should anticipate this problem and should
begin to formulate an alternate method of sewage disposal.
As the Director of the Health Department, I wish to thank the Board of Health, Town officials,
and other Town Departments for their support and cooperation throughout the year. Sincere apprecia-
tion is extended to the Health Department staff, the physicians, and interested citizens who have helped
make our program possible.
The following report summarizes the services and activities of this Department for 1974.
Septic Tank Care
All residents in the Town of Acton are reminded of their responsibility to maintain their septic
tanks and underground leaching areas.
A septic tank system will serve a home satisfactorily only if it is properly located, designed, con-
structed and adequately maintained. Even a good system which does not have proper care and attention
may become a nuisance and a burdensome expense.
Neglect of the septic tank is the most frequent cause of damage to the leaching systems. When
the tank is not cleaned, solids build up until they are carried into the underground leaching pipe system,
where they block the flow of the liquid into the soil. When this happens, the leaching system must be
rebuilt or relocated - a costly undertaking. The precautions of periodic inspection and cleaning of the
septic tank can prevent this needless expense and work by extending the life of the leaching systems.
The frequency of cleaning depends on the size of the septic tank and the number of people it
serves. When a garbage grinder is used, more frequent cleaning will be required. With ordinary use
and care, a septic tank usually requires cleaning every two years. The homeowner can make measure-
ments and decide for himself when his tank needs cleaning. When the total depth of scums and solids at
the inlet exceeds one-third of the liquid depth of the tank, the tank should be cleaned. The accumulated
solids are ordinarily pumped out by companies that make a business of cleaning septic tanks. Your
local Health Department knows which local companies do this work satisfactorily. The solids removed
should be buried or disposed of in a manner approved by your local Health Department to avoid obnoxiou
odors and health hazards. There are no chemicals, yeasts, bacteria, enzymes or other substances cap
able of eliminating or reducing the solids and scum in a septic tank so that periodic cleaning by the home
owner is unnecessary. Contrary to some beliefs, the addition of such products is not necessary for the
proper functioning of a septic tank disposal system and can be harmful to the leaching field.
46
Garbage Collection
The Town of Acton maintains a municipal garbage collection and is based on a once-a-week collec-
tion. All garbage shall be stored in a place convenient for removal. Garbage collectors are not allowed
to enter any building, breezeway, garage, etc., to pick up garbage. Rubbish must not be placed in with
the garbage; garbage cans should be of adequate size and have tight lids. Paper bags, paper wrapping
or other trash shall not be deposited with edible garbage. Paths and garbage pail areas must be free of
ice and snow and paths sanded for safe footing. All garbage complaints shall be directed to Mr. Dear-
born's Enterprise number. To get his number, contact the operator and ask for Enterprise Number
0364. There is no charge on Enterprise calls. If you do not have satisfaction after contacting Mr. Dear-
born, call the Board of Health at 263-4736 and we will try to remedy the situation.
Sanitary Landfill
The Town of Acton maintains a sanitary landfill for rubbish and trash disposal. It is located on
Route 2 just West of Hosmer Street, and it is open six days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. and
closed on Sundays and Holidays. (Check schedule posted at entrance for summer hours.)
Mosquito Control Program
Mosquito control consisted of two Malathion Ultra -Low Volume fogging applications for the control
of adult mosquitoes.
The program also entailed the services of three summer laborers who cleaned approximately 9.3
miles of streams, brooks, and ditches to minimize standing water. This past season mosquitoes were
a mild problem due to a number of climatic factors - a cold wet spring followed by a dry summer.
In November of 1973, the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project was formed by an act
of the State Legislature. Acton is one of the thirty-one towns included in the district and the Board of
Health is looking forward to their participation in our program and also in the program of our neighbor-
ing communities of Stow, Boxboro, Littleton, Carlisle and Westford.
Day Care Services
Day Care Centers are now licensed by the State of Massachusetts, Office for Children,
east Coordinator is Mr. Plunkett and he can be reached by dialing 492-1572.
The North-
Well Child Clinic
The Acton Board of Health is now sponsoring a free "Well Child Clinic" for Acton residents to be
given monthly. This is for routine physical examinations and immunizations. This service was not in-
tended to replace the child's family physician, but increases health services to the young community.
Communicable Diseases Reported for 1974
Animal Bites
31
Chicken Pox
16
German Measles
1
Gonorrhea
8
Mumps
2
Strep
12
Measles
Salmonella
Syphillis
Amebic Dysentery
Meningitis
Hepatitis
Chapter III, Section 111 of the General Laws, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, requires that all
communicable diseases must be reported to the Board of Health, 263-4736.
Permits and Licenses Issued
Installers Permits 35
Sewerage Disposal Permits 108
Food Establishments 36
Retail Food Establishments 18
Milk and Cream Licenses 41
Mobile Food Server Permits 13
Oleomargarine License 10
Milk Dealers 14
Acton Day Care Centers 9
Offal Transport
Commercial Haulers Permit
Well Permits
Public and Semi -Public
Swimming Facilities
Sewerage Transporter Permits
Burial or Removal Permits
Plumbing Permits
Gas Permits
3
9
6
21
10
42
258
207
47
Permits and Dealers
Total Collected Miscellaneous Items $1, 775.00
Plumbing Permits 2, 621. 00
Gas Permits L 587. 50
Sewerage Permits - 52 new, 56 repair or alterations 280. 00
Sewer Connections - 37 185.00
$7, 748.50
ACTON PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING SERVICE
Dorothy A. James, R.N., Town Nurse Florence M. Ross, R.N., Asst. Town Nurse
Karen A. DiRuzzo, Secretary to Board of Health
The Acton Public Health Nursing Service, a certified Home Health Agency, continues to serve the
community by caring for the sick at home and performing the nursing duties of the Board of Health.
The Public Health Nurse gives part-time nursing care under the supervision of the individual's
physician. Such "Visiting Nurse" activities as changing dressings, giving injectable medications, mon-
itoring the cardiac status of a patient and reporting to the physician, or simply teaching and assisting
the family in the care of an ill person in the home, are only a few of the nursing services available to
all Acton residents.
In many cases, the sick, infirm, convalescent or handicapped person treated at home by the visit-
ing nurses was spared the additional ordeal and expense of hospitalization.. The nursing assistance given
keeps many elderly people out of nursing homes. And, more and more terminally ill patients are being
cared for at home with the assistance of the visiting nurses to the families.
Additional health services have been made available to Acton residents through contractual agree-
ments with Emerson Hospital. These services include a Physical Therapist who, under physician's
orders, will provide evaluation and treatment in the home for homebound patients. Also, there is a
part-time medical social worker available to the patients of the Nursing Agency for consultation and
home visiting.
The Agency's Comprehensive Health Program also includes Home Health Aides obtained through
an agreement with Concord Family Service. These ladies assist the public health nurses by performing
the services which do not require a professional nurse, such as simple baths and personal hygiene,
under the supervision of the nurse.
To support these services there is a charge for home visits. If the individual qualifies, the visits
may be paid for by Medicare, Blue Cross and most private insurances, Medicaid through Welfare,
Veterans' Services, etc. The nurse makes every effort to assist the patient in obtaining financial cov-
erage. If necessary, the Board of Health pays for visits to the individual so anyone needing the visiting
nurse will receive this community service.
1405 Nursing Visits to 128 patients; Fees Collected:
820 Visits to persons over 65
1 m, ■ i mu T7- ■* *' i *• * Cash $ 636.00
1 Physical Therapy Visit to 1 patient Medicare 14, 607. 86
39 Social Service Visits and/or Blue Cross 382.80
consultations to 10 patients Welfare 1, 736. 40
24 Home Health Aide Visits to 6 patients Total $17, 357. 06
The Board of Health Nursing Activities for the past year have been in the areas of Communicable
Disease Control and Maternal and Child Health with the emphasis being on prevention.
Communicable Disease Control involves home visits to reported cases of such diseases as hepa-
titis, salmonella and TB for investigation of the source and assisting the family to contain the disease.
In the area of prevention, immunization and screening programs were made available. The following
programs were conducted in 1974:
48
1. Influenza Vaccine for the elderly - October
2. Tuberculin testing for local business establishments - October
3. Lead Poison Screening (on an on-going basis)
4. School immunizations:
Diptheria Pertussis Tetanus
Tetanus Diptheria 9th grade
Measles Vaccine
Polio Vaccine
April
136
79
8
53
111
23
58
In the area of Maternal and Child Health, the nurse makes the mandated visit to the home of every
infant born prematurely. There were 23 such visits in 1974. The nurse is also available to any new
mother with special problems.
The Well Child Clinic, sponsored by the Board of Health, has proven to be a valuable community
asset. This program was established to meet the need for preventive health services for the infant and
pre -school aged child of Acton residents. Routine physical examinations and immunizations are given
by a physician who is a child specialist. The Clinics are held monthly at the high school under the
supervision of the Acton Public Health Nurse with about 12 children attending each session. There were
12 Well Child Clinics held in 11 months: total individual children - 82; total visits by children - 135;
families served - 48.
In the process of carrying out her community health duties, your nurse has been involved with the
following agencies and resources:
Nashoba Board of Welfare
Lead Poison Center
American Cancer Center
American Heart Association
White Fund Committee
Whitney Fund
Day Care Centers
Beacon Santa
Church Groups
Nursing Advisor to Salvation Army Committee
Acton-Boxborough School Health Program
Lion's Club - Lazy Eye Program
Adult Education Acton-Boxborough
Resource Person for C. O.D.E.
Alcoholics Unit, Middlesex County Hospital
Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts
Council on Aging
Member, Steering Committee Meal-a-Wheels
Future Health Planning
To continue emphasis on Disease Prevention:
1. Continue Well Child Clinics, anticipating a greater need for this service.
2. Blood Pressure Clinics on a regular schedule to provide early detection of hypertension
for Acton residents.
3. Breast self-examination and educational program, to permit early detection of cancer.
4. Acton plans to be the first local community to offer Glaucoma screening to prevent
blindness.
5. Urine testing clinic for early detection of diabetes.
6. Continue lead poison screening program - available to all children.
7. Case finding especially in the aged shut-in, who may not have medical supervision,
and has special problems.
8. Flu Clinic in October if recommended by Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
All Clinics and health programs will be directed toward education, detection, and appropriate
referrals will be made for particular health needs in the community.
If you can use the helping hand of the Acton Public Health Nurse, call 263-4736, Monday through
Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
49
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Walden Guidance Association
Mrs. Philip Suter, President
In this period of rising expectations for mental health on the part of the individual, his family, his
community and even more broadly, the state in which he lives, the response to this aspiration for ex-
panded mental health occurs at many levels. Our Commonwealth undertakes the financial responsibility
of providing for the special educational needs of its student -citizens under its new 766 law. Our com-
munities, through our school systems, seek to insure that aid is made available to their residents by
providing both the funds and personnel to meet these needs. Our community mental health centers are
striving to meet the more extensive responsibilities which these expectations entail by expanding their
services and personnel and by providing for training which the new special skills require of them.
Your Walden Guidance Association has responded to these aspirations of State and community and
family by undertaking to expand many of its existing programs and to add some significant new ones
which we shall briefly describe.
Description of Services
Eliot Day Center
Joseph Lillyman, Director
Eliot Day Center is the partial hospitalization service of the Mental Health Center. Its group pro-
grams run on a daytime and evening basis for adolescent and adult clients. The primary tasks of the
Day center are: (1) to prevent inpatient hospitalization; and (2) to shorten inpatient stay. Presently the
Day Center operates daytime programs and two ancillary evening groups for patients, relatives and
friends.
Our first move toward expansion was a summer pilot program for mothers and children. Mothers
met in group sessions while children met in playgroups and helped with the activities of the day. Mothers
who would have had to discontinue treatment were able to continue through the summer and had the addi-
tional opportunity to include parent/ child relationships in their treatment program.
In summary, the Eliot Day Center hopes in the near future to expand partial hospitalization ser-
vices for our patients and their relatives.
Eliot Clinic
Robert M. Rawen, Director
Children's Day Treatment Services. The Day Treatment Program for School Aged Children is
one of the newer items which will offer services to special needs children. In the past there have been
10-12 children in Clinic groups. The new program is designed to triple this capacity. But even this
increased capacity will not be able to handle the over 100 referrals to date to the new program.
Children's Day Treatment Services is designed to serve children who exist in isolation and are
excluded from participating in those activities normally enjoyed by children and to provide them with an
opportunity to experience these activities and to learn how to handle them.
The program encompasses coordinated parents' groups and work with school personnel around
treatment and the educational plan for the child. It also includes consultation, supervision and in-ser-
vice training of school personnel in group work techniques.
The goal of Day Treatment is to ready the child to return to the community and be able to join in
activities and to enhance the understanding and skills of the key people in the community who work with
the child. Eventually, they hope also to provide consultation to children's social organizations in the
community.
Therapeutic Nursery School. The Eliot Clinic TNS is a service provided for emotionally dis-
turbed children between the ages of 2 and 6 and for their families. Each year, approximately 20
50
children are enrolled in the school. Parents are also seen individually by the teacher-therapists at
regular intervals, either in the home or at the Clinic.
At present, TNS is located in a church in downtown Concord. At the beginning of this year,
potential candidates had to be turned down because of insufficient staffing. Expansion of TNS should be
considered for next year in anticipation of 766 needs.
Community Services. The main functions of the Community Services Program are:
1. To develop an information bank of all identifiable resources within our mental health area.
2. To provide information and referral services for unmet human needs.
3. To identify unmet human needs in cooperation with people who live and work in the area.
4. To provide mental health consultation to community caregivers such as clergy, police,
community nurses, self-help groups. Consultation has been provided on a scheduled
and "as needed" basis.
5. To provide, through the use of volunteers and professional staff, mental health services
to individuals and families who are unable to use existing services. Volunteers provide
"good neighbor" services to frightened, isolated and withdrawn adults who are unable to
perform ordinary tasks such as marketing, being in social/ recreational groups, or leav-
ing their homes. Referrals can come from anyone in the community but most often are
made by ministers, town nurses, and physicians.
6. To cooperatively develop new programs that can provide needed services.
The Eliot Clinic Community Services Program welcomes the opportunity to serve people where
they live and work.
Services to Schools. The Eliot Clinic continues to provide consultation services to all of the ares
school systems. The "shared" consultation services, offered to the schools, reflects the Clinic's phil
osophy of early mental health intervention and an interest in preventative community mental health.
The Eliot Clinic is currently offering some evaluative, consultation and treatment services in
response to the School's request for 766 involvement. The Clinic hopes to develop the most effective
approach to participating with the schools in the providing of services for special needs children.
Therapeutic Services. The main function of the Clinic is its variety of therapeutic services.
The Clinic is a forerunner in the expansion of the traditional therapeutic techniques to broader approach
such as groups and families. The basis for this is the belief that individual suffering often comes out of1
interpersonal relationships and can be relieved by focusing on those relationships. It also fosters a
greater sense of responsibility in the individual to know that he, in his own misery, is adding to the
misery of others.
Group Therapy Program. The Clinic has always seen group therapy as a treatment of choice for
many of our clients. We currently have approximately fifteen groups, including those for children,
adolescents, adults, parents and couples. In the years that we have offered groups, they have proven
to be an effective and efficient therapy modality for many individuals.
Training Program. A sign of the recognition of competence of the Clinic staff is that it is re-
garded as a valuable training center by educational institutions including Simmons, B.U., B.C., Har-
vard, Northeastern and others.
Relationship to the Mental Health Center. Walden Guidance Association has had to master the in-j
creased complexities which have confronted it, in being part of a larger service (the Concord Area Com
prehensive Community Mental Health Center). Relationships with the Emerson Hospital, the Mental
Health Association, the Minute-Man Association for Retarded Citizens - to name a few - continue to
grow. Being located on the very grounds of the hospital puts us in a favorable position to negotiate and
cooperate.
Through participation in the Children's Grant, the Clinic is enjoying expanded cooperation with the
Concord Family Service Society. These two agencies have existed side-by-side and provided supplemen
tary services to individuals and their families.
51
The Walden Guidance Association is aware of the community's right to mental health services and
the responsibility this places on the mental health agency and the community to cooperate in order to
provide these services. We hope for increased moral support, expressed practically in ways that help
us to do our job more effectively. The Association feels strongly that it is in the best interest of the
Community for the funding to come, in part, from the people who are most benefitting from the services.
BUILDING INSPECTOR
Don P. Johnson, Commissioner
Looking back on 1974, I feel it was very possibly the single most important year for the Building
Department since our inception in 1956. The entire year was oriented toward January 1, 1975 when a
new state-wide building code would become effective and the duties and responsibilities of this Depart-
ment would be greatly expanded.
In anticipation of increased workloads, we presented an article to the Annual Town Meeting request-
ing approval of an additional position (Local Inspector) within the Department. With the article approved,
we proceeded to conduct interviews and in late September we were pleased to announce the appointment of
William Tobin as Local Inspector.
Bill came to us with qualifications which included substantial practical experience in all phases of
the construction industry and the unparalleled education gained from owning and operating one's own con-
tracting business for nearly a decade. We are indeed fortunate to have secured the talents and services
of Bill Tobin in a position that promises to be invaluable to the Town of Acton as we begin to implement
the new State Building Code in 1975.
In light of publicity already given the new code, you may be interested in our impressions of what
has taken place and what we expect.
In 1972 the State Legislature recognized the importance of, and the economic advantages to be
gained from, uniform building code requirements and enforcement throughout the Commonwealth. As
a result, Chapter 802 of the Acts of 1972 established the criteria for a uniform, mandatory, state-wide
building code to become effective January 1, 1975. It further provided that all local building regulations
would become invalid on the effective date of the new code.
Presently, the new State Building Code has been assembled and the resultant publication is a 2-1/2
inch thick volume which includes sufficient reference standards to literally "fill a library." When com-
pared with our local thirteen (13) page specification oriented code it appears quite overwhelming. In
essence, though, it is simply a comprehensive, performance-oriented document which emphasizes the
designer's or builder's freedom to employ efficient economic technological advances within reasonable,
safe limits. From an enforcement standpoint, this greater freedom places additional strain on building
officials who must evaluate the many materials and methods available and determine their adequacy and/
or safe employment for the use intended.
In terms of this Department's workload, however, the most significant requirement of the new
code is our assumption of periodic inspections previously performed by the State Department of Public
Safety and the addition of periodic inspections of multiple family dwelling units (apartments) not previ-
ously required. These inspections differ from our former duties in that they must be repeated and cer-
tified on a continuing basis. Formerly, the duties of local building departments ended with occupancy
approval at the completion of construction. This new responsibility will require periodic inspections
after occupancy to assure continued code compliance with safety standards. Further, a complex system
of record keeping is necessary in order to properly report the results of these inspections.
As an example of periodic inspections, the various school auditoriums and cafeterias throughout
town must be inspected on a monthly basis and the complete school structures must be inspected annually.
Multiple dwelling units (approximately 2600 in Acton) must be inspected at least once every five years.
Other typical structures requiring periodic inspections include churches, restaurants, nursing homes,
dance halls, places of public assembly, grandstands, bleachers, day care centers, carnival tents and
rides, etc.
52
As you may have gathered from the brief outline above, we anticipate that our newly acquired re-
sponsibilities and record keeping duties, enforcement of the new State Building Code and continued
responsibility for enforcement of the Zoning Bylaw, Sign Bylaw, Earth Removal Bylaw, Flood Plain
Bylaw, etc., will more than compensate for the increased manpower within our Department.
Finally, it is with a great deal of appreciation that I acknowledge the continued outstanding efforts
of our secretary, Norine Christian. Norine divides her time between the Engineering and Building
Departments and her efficiency and good humor help to relieve the tension that often accompanies our
enforcement responsibilities.
CIVIL DEFENSE
Donald W. Macaulay, Director
With local, state and federal agencies working together, Civil Defense provides a way to cope with
many and varied peacetime disasters no matter how complex or involved they become.
Expecting the worst that can befall a community and planning the response is the primary business
of a Civil Defense agency.
Since July when I took the oath of office as Civil Defense Director for the Town of Acton, I have
attended meetings and training sessions not only to see what other towns are doing, but also to ascertain
the positions of both the state and federal government.
In Acton, the following projects are now in progress:
1. Radio Communication - In order to receive federal aid, we must have an approved
Emergency Operations Center. We are working with the sector director to obtain this
approval. The Communications Officer for the Town of Acton is Mr. Robert Guba.
We as a Town owe much to Bob and his crew, who have volunteered their time and
money to this project. Just one of their undertakings was to put 21 mobile units on the
road Halloween night. In February, we will start relaying our monthly radio reports
to Civil Defense Headquarters in Tewksbury.
2. Auxiliary Fire Department - With the approval of our former Fire Chief and also Act-
ing Chief McGregor, we are training the Auxiliary to be more independent of the regu-
lar department. The Department, headed by Mr. Robert Ingram, Deputy Director,
meets every Tuesday night with one Captain and two Lieutenants.
3. Auxiliary Police Department - This group of men is presently undergoing an intensive
training program, supervised by Police Chief Norman L. Roche and his Department.
With the coming Bicentennial gatherings, we feel this unit will be an asset to the Town.
The Deputy Director for the Auxiliary Police is Eric Larson.
Associated with Civil Defense and sponsored by the Acton Lions Club, is Explorer Post #7,
whose men are trained in "search and rescue" techniques.
The aforementioned groups are volunteer units, but the Civil Defense must have the proper finan-
cial backing to maintain training programs for these units and for the purchase of necessary equipment.
53
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Peter P. Jorrens, Chairman
Dam on the Assabet River, Acton
(Photo by John Folsom)
The Conservation Commission has had an active and progressive year. Nearly 190 acres of land
were purchased for the Town during 1974 by the Commission for conservation purposes. This acreage
included 100 acres in the area of Robbins and Stow Streets, 44 acres off Nagog Hill Road reaching to
Grassy Pond, 5.5 acres off Jefferson and Washington Drives, and the last parcel of land in the Great
Hill project consisting of 38 acres. State reimbursement for these and other lands purchased the pre-
vious year has been received in the approximate amount of $53, 516.00. Final application for reimburse-
ment for the Great Hill project was completed in December and submitted to the Bureau of Outdoor
IRecreation.
During the first few months of 1974, the Commission concentrated on writing and publishing the
Bupdated Conservation Master Plan. This plan modified the original 1966 Master Plan. Passage of the
|j$600, 000 bond article plus the $100,000 annual appropriation at the 1974 Annual Town Meeting will aid
in the success of this Plan.
Also during 1974, the Commission participated in a University of Massachusetts Student Intern
Program. The student intern, Frederic King, played an active role in the Commission's activities
Ithroughout the year, including the Planning Board's "Greentown Project." The Spring Hill Conservation
;Area trail and Bulette Road Town Forest and Conservation Area trail were mapped by Boy Scouts under
ithe supervision of Fred King. Also mapped, marked, and cut was a trail to Grassy Pond on the new 44
lacre Conservation Area off Nagog Hill Road. The Commission continued participation with regional con-
servation groups.
Pursuant to the Wetlands Protection Act (General Laws, Chapter 131, Section 40, as amended),
the Commission held four hearings, sent one request for compliance, issued five cease and desist
orders and one permit extension.
Thanks to all members of Town boards and employees of the Departments who have always been
uch a great help to the Commission. The Commission meetings are held at the Department of Public
Works facility at 8:00 P.M. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.
Brewster Conant Alexander Piatt
Judith Clark Dorothy Stonecliffe
Gene Gustafson Chan Waldron, Jr.
54
INSECT PEST CONTROL
Franklin H. Charter, Superintendent
The control of Dutch Elm Disease continues to be the largest activity of the Department. We re-
move about 60 or 70 dead or dying Elms each year.
The Oak Skeletonizer is no longer a serious pest in Acton. The most visible pest is the Fall Web-
worm. They do little permanent damage, arriving after the trees have finished growing for the year.
The Gypsy Moth continues to appear in small numbers in wooded sections of town. We have experi-
enced no serious outbreak in over 20 years.
INSPECTOR OF WIRES
Leslie F. Parke
I herewith submit my report as Inspector of Wires as of December 31, 1974.
Two Hundred Twenty-five permits were issued and fees collected were turned over to the Town
Treasurer.
All applications and electrical inspections were approved with a minimum of changes.
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
George K. Hayward
I herewith submit my sixteenth annual report as Sealer of Weights and Measures for the Town of
Acton.
The total number of devices inspected was 279. Of these, three were condemned.
Total fees collected and paid to the Town Treasurer amounted to $472.30.
(Note of Interest: On behalf of the Acton public, Mr. Hayward "tests and seals" weighing or measuring
devices to conform to the standards provided by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. If he finds a
device inaccurate, he may condemn it or issue a certificate indicating the amount or direction of any
errors found by him.)
55
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Thomas J. Barry, Jr., Chief
Training Exercise, No. Main Street
(Photo by David W. Calkins, Jr.)
Arson at Drummer Farms
(Photo by G. B. Williams, Jr.)
During 1974, several large loss fires were responsible for a $115,000 increase over 1973. For
he first time in the history of the Department, six multiple alarm fires occurred in the same year,
he largest loss was to the Route 27 Butcher Shop when a fire set in a rubbish area spread to the interi-
>r of the building. Fires caused by arson were responsible for over $100,000 in damages. One arrest
vas made as the result of a series of fires in Drummer Farms on Parker Street.
False alarms are again on the increase with the problem mainly occurring in the juvenile sector.
)ne interesting note in the statistics is the drop in motor vehicle fires. This is contrary to both state
md national trends. Throughout the country arson fires involving motor vehicle fires doubled over the
last two years. This has not occurred in our Town mainly due to our intent to fully investigate and
prosecute in what many people consider a hopeless situation.
For the first time in 1974, medical emer-
gencies were reported in a separate category.
Due to the expected involvement of the Fire
Department in emergency medical service, spe-
cial reports were used to try to closely evaluate
the expected problems which are expected to
develop. Although it appeared that the Town
Administration would implement this important
program during 1974, it was put off again to the
future. This was unfortunate as the men who had
trained and qualified as Emergency Medical Tech-
nicians often found themselves left in the station
and not called out. This has been very frustrat-
ing for them as the training they obtained, over
100 hours, was done on their own time in antici-
pation of providing this most needed service.
All programs moved ahead with excellent
results and many gains were made in both Fire
Prevention and Training. Lack of manpower was
severely felt in the West Acton Station and on sev-
eral occasions the first apparatus to arrive at a
fire only had one man. The Department is con-
cerned that if this situation is allowed to continue
a tragedy is certain to occur.
Emergency Medical Technicians
during Training Course
(Photo by G. B. Williams, Jr.)
56
Maintenance and Equipment
Although no new apparatus was scheduled for delivery, the 1974 Town Meeting approved the pur-
chase of a new pumper which will be delivered in 1975. This new Pumper will be housed in West Acton
and will place the existing unit (1958) into reserve. Due to the fact that major repairs were necessary
on Engine 6 over the last two years, it was felt that its replacement could be put off to 1976.
The Fire Alarm repair truck which was bought used from the Town of Framingham in 1971 has
about reached the end of its usefulness. It is due to be replaced during 1975 as certain structural parts
have become questionable.
All other vehicles have continued to perform as expected.
1955 pumper.
A pump overhaul was necessary on the
The Stations are still in good condition, mainly through the efforts of the firefighters who do their
own cleaning and painting. The outside of Station 2 in South Acton was repainted as part of the building
and grounds expenditure. Unfortunately, many repairs had to be postponed due to budget cuts. The
roof on Station 2 is in need of repair as are the doors in all Stations.
Many small repairs which are not taken care of often become larger problems later on. Most re-
pairs are under the jurisdiction of the Building Commissioner who usually finds he has inadequate funds
to handle all the Town buildings. With the investment involved, it should be realized that a good building
maintenance program is the only means to protect this investment.
Personnel
During 1974 there were no resignations or appointments to the permanent force. The call force
changed slightly and is presently two men short in the South Acton Company. Our present strength is a
full time Chief, 4 Captains, 24 Firefighters. Part-time men include 2 Call Lieutenants and 22 Fire-
fighters.
The permanent men continue to give good service in the support positions of Fire Prevention,
Training, Alarm Maintenance and Apparatus Repair. The use of these men has saved the Town thou-
sands of dollars in not filling these positions with full-time personnel. The work load has increased in
the Fire Prevention Bureau to a point when in 1975 it will be feasible to hire one full-time person to
handle the present work load of four men.
Lack of supervisory positions has reflected again in our fire ground operations and organizational
structure. We have repeatedly asked for but not received the promotion of four existing firefighters to
Lieutenant. On the fire ground we have often had a situation where two officers were trying to super-
vise forty men. Needless to say, under emergency stress, this" is not a desirable situation. The amour
of money required is under $3000 so there is evidently other considerations involved of which we have
not been made aware.
Fire Prevention
The work load in the Fire Prevention con-
tinued to increase at a rapid rate. With close to
400 business occupancies and many apartment
buildings, the demands have been growing daily.
We were most fortunate in having dedicated men
that were able, through hard work, to correct
many potentially dangerous situations. The divi-
sion was successful in expanding the school pro-
gram while actually cutting down the hours of
involvement by the Fire Department. This was
accomplished by using Firefighters to instruct
and assist the elementary school teachers in
operating excellent programs. This allowed
more time to be spent in other areas such as
"baby sitter" training and public service pro-
grams.
The investigation of arson fires is some- Fire Prevention Week, Merriam School
times a frustrating endeavor. One conviction (Photo by G. B. Williams, Jr.)
57
was obtained on an incident that occurred in 1973, while one case as a result of a fire in 1974, has gone
before the Grand Jury. Most important, several cases involving juveniles have been successfully han-
dled by the individuals receiving special help without being put through the courts. This method of
handling these cases has proved most successful and only could be carried out with the cooperation of
the parents.
During 1974, the Fire Prevention Bureau developed an inspection manual to be used by the Fire-
fighters when making in-service inspections of businesses. Already this manual has been adopted by
many other Fire Departments. Many hours of training given in the use of the manual to the Firefighters
will certainly upgrade the entire inspection program.
Training
The training division has reported a 28% increase in the number of man hours of operation train-
ing for the year 1974. Total hours were 3717 which averaged out to approximately 72 hours per man.
The training division's goal is to see that each man in the Department attains over 100 hours per year.
During the year, work continued on the development of a Department Training Manual. Completion is
expected early in the year.
Several special drills were conducted including
a "house burning" in North Acton and two exercises
^ for EMT qualifications exam. These courses were
conducted jointly with Emerson Hospital and the
r - 5 .j! #*** Emergency Medical Training staff.
The Department has continued to use the school
complex for in-service training. This has worked
very well in bringing the on duty men together and
still have them available for fire response.
Several of our men attended courses at the
Fire Academy and fifteen men completed the Emer-
gency Medical Technician Course.
Fire Alarm
Early in 1974, the Alarm Division completed
new circuits in the North and East Acton area.
Underground cable was used rather than adding
wires to poles. It is hoped that funds will be avail-
able in the future to add underground cables to other
sections of the Town. These cables are drawn
through underground ducts alongside the telephone
cables. The cost involved is only in the cable as the
underground system was installed by the Telephone
Company. Lower maintenance costs and greater
reliability are the reasons for this change.
:»^^*
Extrication Program
(Photo by David W. Calkins, Jr.)
Although subdivision work was limited with the
installation of only five alarm boxes, the number of
automatic boxes protecting buildings increased great-
ly. Major planning was carried out for the new
Nagog Square Shopping Center and the further devel-
opment of that commercial area.
The operation of our Fire Alarm Office was greatly improved by the installation of a new alarm
transmitter. The new transmitter is capable of both transmitting the alarms to the station and blowing
the whistle. Previously two transmitters were required. Maintenance was carried out on the entire
system and all alarm boxes were tested.
The Future
Early in December, I submitted my resignation as Chief of the Fire Department as I will be assum-
ing the Chief's duties in El Cerrito, California early in 1975. During my seven years in Acton, I
58
witnessed a great many changes in both the Department and the Town itself. In all my fire service
career, I can honestly say that I have never worked for a better group of people than the townspeople of
Acton. The Fire Department owes much of its success to support given by the residents.
I would like to thank all the other Department Heads for their cooperation and assistance. I woulc
also like to express my deep appreciation to the men of the Acton Fire Department. Over the years we
shared many experiences, some tragic, some happy and some very frustrating but their performance
was always first class. These men will stay behind to carry out their duties and I hope the townspeople
will continue to give them support in providing the best possible Fire Protection to the Town.
Statistics
Total number of responses are as follows:
Residential
Non -residential Assembly
Mercantile
Manufacturing
Storage - Garages
Grass - Brush - Woods
Miscellaneous
Vehicle
False Alarms
Accidental Alarms
Emergencies
Investigations
Special Service
Mutual Aid Sent
Medical Emergencies*
Box Alarms
Still Alarms
Deaths by Fire
Fire Loss (Estimated)
Building and Contents
Vehicles
Assessed Value of Property Involved
Permits Issued
Oil Burners
Blasting
Flammable Gas
Flammable Liquid
Miscellaneous
Monies Collected
Permits
Damages
Services
Station Tours Conducted: 35 (Children - 593; Adults - 104)
1973
*Removed from Emergency category in 1974.
1974
30
32
2
2
3
7
3
1
6
3
65
92
63
60
38
21
25
46
65
61
193
69
138
111
111
140
24
23
-
90
766
758
151
166
613
502
0
0
$108,542.92
$222,
859
.44
1,325.00
1,
110
.00
$109, 867.92
$223,
969
.44
$5, 469, 900.00
$5, 669,
970
.00
59
36
43
31
20
7
9
14
17
34
$108.00
t 87
.50
98.00
40
.00
440.50
121
.00
59
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Norman L. Roche, Chief
A significant achievement was the Department's ability to employ seven certified patrolmen under
Civil Service Status by years end, bringing the Department up to full authorized strength.
This year marks the first time in several years the Department has been able to fill all author-
ized positions under Civil Service Status.
s 1 '• l "'H
Shown with the new "Teletype Machine" at
the Acton Police Station, are (left) Chief,
Norman L. Roche and (right) Sergeant
C. R. Fenton, Jr.
(Photo by G. B. Williams, Jr.)
Another accomplishment was the Department's
entrance into the Law Enforcement Agencies Pro-
cessing Systems. LEAPS represents the application
of today's computer technology to today's law en-
forcement needs. The LEAPS computer and its
associated communications network represent a new
law enforcement tool which can be used to assist the
entire law enforcement community on a statewide
and nationwide basis. The LEAPS system is a high
speed computer communications system providing
the Department with easy, rapid access to large vol-
umes of information pertaining to law enforcement.
I have requested the assistance of the Massa-
chusetts Police Institute in an effort to improve the
Department's administration and operation by re-
questing a manpower survey of the Department.
When completed, the survey will be a detailed anal-
ysis of present manpower strength and organization
with recommendations for upgrading or alternative
uses and allocations of present manpower resources.
Personnel Distribution and Changes
The Department now consists of the Chief, five
Sergeants and seventeen Patrolman for a total of
twenty-three.
During the year seven Patrolmen were appointed;
one Patrolman resigned; one Patrolman transferred
to another Police Department; and one Patrolman was
assigned as a Patrolman Detective.
60
Training
Sergeants George W. Robinson and John T. McNiff attended the Police Command Training Insti-
tute for Police Supervisors, conducted by the New England Institute of Law Enforcement Management.
Patrolman Thomas J. Rogers
Patrolman Ronald E. Johnson
Patrolmen Thomas J. Rogers, Richard A. Gervais and Ronald E. Johnson graduated from a ten-
week intensive basic police training course conducted by the Medford Police Academy.
Patrolman Edward R. Brooks completed a two-week course in Municipal Police Investigation con-
ducted by the Massachusetts State Police Academy.
Patrolmen Donald Bresnick, Dennis Thompson and Brian Goodman completed a two-week course
on Narcotics Investigation conducted by the Office of the Attorney General.
Recommendations
For the fiscal year 1975-76 I am requesting the position of Lieutenant be established in order to
shorten the span of control that currently exists and is essential at this time. An additional three
patrolmen, two of whom would be assigned to the patrol force and one detective are also requested.
The additional manpower requests would make it possible to put a fourth cruiser on patrol on the night
shifts and the assignment of a second detective on the night shift.
With these additions to the Department, I would consider the Department fully manned and organ-
ized considering our present population and demands for police service.
I wish to commend the members of the Department for carrying out their assignments with a high
level of dedication and competence in the past year.
Crimes or Complaints Reported
Breaking and Entering
and Larceny
Miscellaneous Complaints
Larceny
Malicious Damage
Stolen Motor Vehicles
Assault and Battery
Stolen Bikes
Armed Robbery
1973
1974
1973
1974
191
177
96
168
199
318
142
188
50
88
29
44
75
72
5
6
Indecent Assault
Narcotics
Suicides
Counterfeiting and Forgery
Indecent Exposure
Missing Persons
Arson
Motor Vehicle Violations
(physical arrests)
2
3
17
28
0
1
5
10
5
8
1
4
5
4
45
60
Adult Arrests or Prosecutions
61
Armed Robbery
0
Extortion
1
Assault and Battery-
14
Breaking & Entering and Larceny-
15
Larceny
51
Non-Support
2
Disorderly Persons
9
Malicious Destruction
4
Juvenile Arrests or Prosecutions
Breaking and Entering
15
Larceny
10
Narcotics
11
Vandalism
2
Disorderly Persons
1
Motor Vehicle Statistics
Motor Vehicle Accidents Covered
by Department
355
Motor Vehicle Accidents with
Personal Injury
98
Bicycle Fatals
1
Miscellaneous Statistics
Emergency Hospital Runs 426
Protective Custody Detention 94
Traffic Violation Citations Issued 850
Narcotic Drug Laws 22
Operating Under Influence 34
Liquor Law Violations 3
Arson 2
Receiving Stolen Property 4
Using Without Authority 7
Indecent Exposure 4
Runaways 1
Liquor Law Violations 9
Assault and Battery 3
Habitual School Offenders 3
Using Without Authority 5
Bicycle Accidents with Personal
Injury 6
Pedestrian Accidents with Personal
Injury 6
Summons Served Within Town 416
Summons Served Out of Town 410
Members of Acton Police Department
Chief of Police
* Norman L. Roche
Sergeants
*Chauncey R. Fenton, Jr.
* David W. Scribner
* Robert S. Rhodes
* George W. Robinson
*John T. McNiff
Patrolmen
* Robert P. MacLeod
* Bernard W. Harrison
*WilliamN. Hayes
*Joseph P. Sansone
* Donald M. Bresnick
* Brian R. Goodman
^Permanent Civil Service Status
Patrolmen (cont'd.)
* Lawrence A. DuPont
* Edward R. Brooks
* Robert L. Parisi
* Charles L. Coggins
Dennis D. Thompson (Provisional)
Albert J. Crowley, Jr. (Provisional)
Robert L. Cowan, Jr. (Provisional
Appt. Expired)
John A. Nolan (Resigned)
* George J. Dristilaris
Robert D. Nelson (Probationary)
Calvin O'Coin (Probationary)
Thomas J. Rogers (Probationary)
Richard A. Gervais (Probationary)
Ronald E. Johnson (Probationary)
Special Police Officers
Robert Beaudoin
John Gregory
Fred Kennedy
William Kendall
John MacLeod
Phillip Harris
Police Matrons
June Carney
Marjory Davis
Barbara Flannery
Natacha MacGregor
School Traffic Supv.
Natacha MacGregor
Russell C. Perkins
Linda A. Troupe
Patrolman O'Coin
Patrolman Dristilaris
School Traffic Supervisor
62
Assuming that the British Colonists became
Americans when they took up arms against
England, a man called Prince Esterbrook may
proudly be remembered as the first black
American. A tall man, he had joined Lexing-
ton's Militia and he stood his ground as the
Redcoats approached. His captain shouted:
"Men of Lexington, stand your ground. Do not
fire unless fired upon. But if they mean to
have a war, let it begin here !" There were
many black men who served in the armies of
the American Revolution. Of them all, Prince
Esterbrook was the only one on Lexington
Green when the first shot was fired.
'»»t»»»«»00»i
63
ACTON HOMEOWNER'S INVENTORY
The number of home burglaries in Acton continue to increase. Homeowners have lost color T. V.
and stereo sets, appliances, silverware, jewlery, and other possessions -- as well as money.
Do you keep an inventory of the furnishings of your home ? In the event of theft or fire, it would
be an invaluable aid to your Police Department. The form below is for your convenience. Tear it out,
fill it in, and put it away in a safe, preferably fireproof, place.
Should you notice any "suspicious" activity in your neighborhood, notify the Police Department
immediately: 263-2911.
Norman L. Roche
Chief of Police
ITEM
BRAND NAME
YEAR
COST
SERIAL NUMBER
T. V.
STEREO
CAMERA
PROJECTOR
BICYCLE
POWER TOOL
AIR CONDITIONER
PAINTING
FUR
RADIO
MUSIC INST.
Use other side for further space or complete inventory if desired.
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ACTON HOMEOWNER'S INVENTORY
*
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4-
ITEM
BRAND NAME
YEAR
COST
SERIAL NUMBER
X-
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*
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*
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*
*
*
*
*
*
*
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•
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65
VETERANS' AGENT
Norman L. Roche
For the year ending December 31, 1974, fifteen cases were aided under Chapter 115 of the General
Laws at an expenditure of $26, 236.37.
Contact service with the Veterans' Administration was rendered to forty-two veterans, or their
dependents in obtaining various federal benefits to which they were entitled.
VETERANS' GRAVES
T. Frederick S. Kennedy
There have been thirteen interments of United States War Veterans in the Acton Cemeteries dur-
ing the year 1974. The names of the Veterans, the dates and places of burial are as follows:
Woodlawn Cemetery
Woodlawn Cemetery
Woodlawn Cemetery
Woodlawn Cemetery
Woodlawn Cemetery
Woodlawn Cemetery
Woodlawn Cemetery
Mount Hope Cemetery
Woodlawn Cemetery
Mount Hope Cemetery
Woodlawn Cemetery
Woodlawn Cemetery
Mount Hope Cemetery
Veterans' Flag Standards have been placed on most of these Veterans' graves; several others will
receive the Standards in the spring. Due to the increased cost of the bronze standards, we are looking
for a new source of supply. Near the end of the year, twenty bronze standards were purchased. It may
also become necessary to purchase plastic standards in the future.
Walter O. Barron, Sr.
W.
W.
I.
February
3,
1974
Jack C. Larrabee
W.
W.
II
February
25,
1974
Myles G. Hosie
W.
W.
I
March
29,
1974
Walter Spence
W.
W.
II
March
30,
1974
Arthur B. Zyidat
W.
W.
I
April
30,
1974
Herbert W. Merriam
W.
W.
I
May
8,
1974
Benjamin H. Sawyer
W.
W.
I
July
31,
1974
Robert Volpe
W.
w.
II
August
9,
1974
William B. Durham
W.
w.
II
August
12,
1974
John H. Farrar
W.
w.
II
August
14,
1974
Thomas Bleakly
Vietnam War
August
16,
1974
Edmund B. Brown
W.
w.
II
December
8,
1974
Le Roy Kurstzman
W.
w.
I
December
15,
1974
(Photo by Kathy Marks, ABRHS)
66
WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION
Theron A. Lowden, Agent
For the year ending December 31, 1974, there were nineteen (19) accidents reported from the
following departments:
Memorial Library-
2
Tree Department
1
School Department:
Douglas School
3
Gates School
2
Merriam School
2
McCarthy-Towne School
1
Highway Department
8
Seventeen of the injured required medical attention and twelve had loss of time; two required no
medical attention; seven had no time lost; twelve have been finaled out; and seven are still open. One
is still receiving medical payments (1973 accident) with a reserve set aside and length of disability
given as "unknown."
Village of Nagog Woods Post Office, North Acton
(Photo by G. B. Williams, Jr.)
Our Heritage
Acton Minuteman, Ronald Sommer
(Photo by R.E. Daniels)
68
ARCHIVES
T. Frederick S. Kennedy, Chairman
Minetta D. Lee
Joyce C. Woodhead
The work of this Committee has been of routine nature this past year, compiling records and
papers in regards to the early days in Acton.
This past summer the Library began a
project of stone rubbing of the old slate monu-
ments in the Revolutionary section at Wood-
lawn Cemetery. The project was under the
supervision of Mrs. Hayward Houghton, with
the help of several ladies. They spent many
hours in this section doing the work. The idea
behind this project was to preserve by stone
rubbing on paper the historical data for future
reference in case of vandalism of these old
stones.
The Archives Committee have also been
compiling this past year, a list of names of
the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Span-
ish War Veterans, interred in the Acton Ceme-
teries.
This Committee wishes to congratulate
the Historical Society for the fine work in the
publishing of A Brief History of Acton, which
has been very well received by the public.
(Photo by Charles Smith, ABRHS)
HISTORICAL COMMISSION
Anita E. Dodson, Chairman
During the past year the Historical Commission engaged in numerous projects pertaining to local
history. In preparation for the Bicentennial, members of the Commission led by Mrs. Marion Houghton,
edited a brochure on the Town of Acton, including a brief history of the community, a listing of fourteen
sites of interest, and an historic map. Copies have been placed in several public buildings for local
residents and Bicentennial visitors.
At the request of Mrs. Wanda Null, Librarian, we listed and began rubbings of a number of grave-
stones of Minutemen and other early and important Acton citizens. Several slate stones at Woodlawn
Cemetery were rubbed, and granite and other monuments unsuitable for rubbing were photographed.
These will all be permanently filed in the Acton Library.
During the summer we were asked to participate in the Greentown Study by preparing a report of
historic sites and buildings which are significant and which might be considered for future preservation.
Mr. William Klauer, representing the Commission, listed and described over eighty sites which the
Historical Commission had previously researched for local and state files. These sites were numbered
and located on a large map. It was noted that at least two areas are good possibilities for historic dis-
tricts. We trust that this information will prove helpful in future planning for Acton.
69
Faulkner House
(Photo by G. B. Williams, Jr.)
Robbins House
Faulkner House - Built in 1707, the Faulkner House served as a garrison and is Acton's oldest
house still standing. It was the home of Colonel Francis Faulkner and a gathering place of the Acton
Militia on April 19, 1975.
Robbins House - This is one of the four Lottery Houses in Acton built with the grand prize money
won in the Harvard College Lottery in 1794. It was built in 1800 by John Robbins who carried the alarm
of April 19, 1775 from the home of his father, Captain of the East Militia, to Captain Isaac Davis.
During the fall we compiled a list of fifty-eight historically and architecturally significant struc-
tures in Acton. Building dates, original owners, and other pertinent information was included for each.
Art teachers at the Acton-Boxborough Regional High School were contacted and agreed to prepare signs
containing names and dates. These signs will be placed on the proper buildings for the Bicentennial
Celebration. Because of so many recent requests by groups and individuals for information regarding
early Acton buildings, we are currently writing a short description for each structure containing a sign.
We hope to compile this information in a booklet for distribution.
The Historical Commission completed its survey of Acton's buildings to 1775 for the State of Mas-
sachusetts last year. We are now continuing to gather information, take pictures, and fill in forms to
extend the survey from 1775 - 1875. These forms will be sent to the Massachusetts Historical Commis-
sion and placed on file in Boston. Duplicate copies will be included in our cabinet in the Public Works
Building. This information should prove an asset in future planning, both for the state and locally. It
should alert those planning for the future what is important to preserve from the past.
William Klauer, Clerk
Marion E. Houghton
Robert Nylander
Stanley Smith, Jr.
70
HISTORIC DISTRICT STUDY COMMITTEE
Norman R. Veenstra, Chairman
Dorothea Harrison
Robert Nylander
Herewith is our annual report for the year 1974 and final report of the Committee.
Various meetings, interviews and viewing of land, houses, etc., in Acton by our Committee
occurred during the year.
The Committee made a list of all antique homes in Acton. Quoting from the Massachusetts Gen-
eral Laws (C, 40C, #3), "An Historic District Study Committee may be established in any city or town
by vote of the Board of Selectmen for the purpose of making an investigation of the desirability of estab-
lishing an historic district or districts therein." The Committee recommends that the core area of
Acton Center be considered as a possible Historic District, and no other sites for this purpose be con-
sidered at the present time. We have not prepared any survey drawings of the exact boundaries of the
proposed area at this time.
We also conducted an informal survey of the homeowners in the proposed district as to their atti-
tudes on this question.
During the course of the early part of 1974, two members of the Committee were forced to resign
because of job transfers: Robert S. Parks and Mrs. Katherine B. Crafts.
We wish to express our gratitude to Attorney Robert E. McWalter of Concord who is counsel for
the Carlisle Historic District Committee and who would be invaluable to an Acton Historic District Com-
mittee if a committee becomes a reality.
Your Committee received no town funds during any time of its existence. Incidental expenses,
stamps, phone calls, etc., were paid for directly by Committee members.
The Acton Woman's Club
Acton Center
(Photo by Kathy Marks, ABRHS)
71
1975 CELEBRATION COMMITTEE
Brewster Conant, Chairman
British Tenth Regiment of Foot
(Photo by G. B. Williams, Jr.)
The highlight of our Bicentennial Celebration, April 19, 1975, will be past when this report is
fficially in print. We expect all to go well, and hope that all who participate will enjoy a meaningful
nd memorable ceremony. The Advisory Committee continues to plan and to make final arrangements,
'articularly for April 19th, some factors cannot be known and some planning is outside the Town's
urisdiction.
By design, this Committee is an advisory, not an operating one. We are, therefore, beholden to
hose who have contributed to the Celebration by marking the Isaac Davis Trail (Line of March of the
^cton Minutemen), publishing a new brief Town history, marking historic houses, and other items and
vents which give lasting memories of Acton's involvement in the earliest stages of our country. We
ppreciate the initiative and interest shown by our school system. Thanks is also due for the effort and
ooperation of Town departments and service organizations, which has been vital and forthcoming.
Activities of the Committee in 1974 have included program refinement, monitoring State and Fed-
ral programs, creation of a traffic plan in cooperation with Police and Fire Departments, and making
lecessary transportation arrangement. Sales of medallions continue satisfactorily, and thanks are due
o local banks for their freely given assistance.
While Crown Resistance Day in September 1975 will mark the close of ceremonies which involve
his Committee, we hope they may mark only a beginning of dedication to the best principles on which
ur country was founded.
Mrs. David M. Blocher
E. Wilson Burs aw
Bruce T. Capman
Burton A. Davis-
David H. Donaldson
Hayward S. Houghton
Mrs. Hayward S. Houghton
Roger M. Huebsch
James F. Humphries
Mark A. Kahan
T. Frederick S. Kennedy
Mrs. Donald R. Kinzie
Walter R. Laite
Malcolm S. MacGregor
Mrs. Malcolm S. MacGregor
Richmond P. Miller, Jr.
Charles A. Morehouse
Robert S. Rhodes
Raymond A. Shamel
Mrs. Earl C. Steeves
Mrs. Richard Tavernier
Mrs. John W. Tierney
Earle W. Tuttle
Mrs. Robert C. Wylie
72
THE ACTON GARDEN CLUB: A SPECIAL REPORT
The Acton Garden Club, now in its forty-first year, has served the Town of Acton in many ways.
Although limited in membership to 99, much is done in the community for beautification. Most of its
members are involved in one of the many committees devoted to making Acton a more beautiful and
attractive place to live.
The Environmental Improvement Program, formerly known as the Civic Beautification Commit-
tee, has undertaken many projects, among them plantings of evergreens and iris beds at the Acton
Memorial Library, landscaping at the triangle at Strawberry Hill Road and Great Road, and seasonal
plantings at the watering troughs at Acton Center, West Acton and South Acton.
The park-like triangle at Hayward Road and Main Street, as well as Kelly's Corners, are also
projects of the local club. Marigolds are planted each year at the intersection of Concord Road and
Great Road.
I
Meeting House Hill has been a ten-year project with the Acton Garden Club. During these years,
the group has cleared, landscaped, planted thousands of narcissus bulbs and many myrtle plants, many
memorial shrubs and trees, and a wild flower garden, all of which are labeled with identifying markers.
The ten years' work has resulted in a beautiful area with great historical significance for residents of
the town. The work is continuing.
Beside plantings at the Library, a special committee decorates it for Christmas holidays, and
keeps plants and flower arrangements there, changing every week throughout the year. Other areas
beautified are the Town Hall and police station, where planters are maintained.
The Acton-Boxborough Regional High School has also benefitted from the club's activities. The
school greenhouse has just received a new humidifier and heater, plus an orchid plant, which is the first
of many plants the club hopes to give annually. The patio at the Junior High School is also under the
club's jurisdiction, as well as supervision of plantings at various other schools.
The Acton Woman's Club, where the Acton Garden Club holds its monthly meetings, is being land-
scaped by the Garden Club, in the style suitable to the period of the 150-year-old building. A rare
Portsmouth trellis and wooden benches have been installed in the old rose garden. A brick walk, herb
garden, lily garden, fern beds and boxwood hedges are some of the overall landscaping done by the Club.
Because of the dedication with which the Acton Garden Club undertakes each new challenge and
project, and because of the enthusiastic work which they accomplish, they were named first runner up
in the President's Bowl Competition for local beautification. Sponsored by the Garden Club Federation
of Massachusetts in 1974, the award is one of several which the local group has received for their
accomplishments over the years.
For the past two years, three members of the Acton Garden Club comprised the judging commit-
tee for the Business Looks Good in Acton competition, which was sponsored by the Acton Business and
Professional Association.
(Note: The Town Report Committee wishes to thank the Garden Club's Publicity Chairman, Mrs.
Charles F. Henderson, for preparing this special report for the 1974 Town Report. We offer the
Garden Club our sincere thanks for its continued efforts on behalf of our town.)
■ ♦» <»»♦♦«<■<>»»»« g. r-<? m fr8»»»f»»»»»'»«» » c-»»* • m **••• ♦♦♦♦oo »♦»■»■>♦
Johnny Appleseed (real name: John Chapman), was born in Leominster, Massa-
chusetts, in 1774. He was one year old when his father marched with the Wor-
cester County Minutemen, first to Concord then to Bunker Hill. When he was
19, he set out on his own with "no set end" for his journey, only that it be "as
far west" as he could go.
The Office of Town Clerk
Exchange Hall, South Acton
(Photo by Terry Welch, ABRHS)
74
1972
Births recorded 255
Deaths recorded 131
Marriages recorded. . . 156
REPORT OF TOWN CLERK
1973
Births recorded 265
Deaths recorded 98
Marriages recorded . . . 166
1974
Births recorded 21
Deaths recorded 7
Marriages recorded. . . 13
IMPORTANT REQUEST
Please notify the Town Clerk immediately of any error or omission in the following list of Births
Errors can be corrected only by sworn affidavit, as prescribed by the General Laws, and may
cause you inconvenience which can be avoided by prompt attention.
BIRTHS REGISTERED IN 1974
Date
Place
Jan.
7
Concord
Jan.
9
Boston
Jan.
10
Concord
Jan.
11
Concord
Jan.
11
Concord
Jan.
13
Concord
Jan.
14
Concord
Jan.
16
Concord
Jan.
18
Boston
Jan.
22
Concord
Jan.
23
Concord
Jan.
25
Concord
Jan.
25
Concord
Jan.
28
Concord
Jan.
29
Waltham
Jan.
31
Boston
Feb.
1
Concord
Feb.
2
Boston
Feb.
5
Concord
Feb.
6
Concord
Feb.
15
Boston
Feb.
16
Concord
Feb.
17
Boston
Feb.
21
Concord
Feb.
21
Boston
Feb.
21
Arlington
Feb.
22
Concord
Feb.
23
Newton
Feb.
23
Boston
Feb.
25
Concord
Mar.
1
Marlborough
Mar.
4
Concord
Mar.
5
Concord
Mar.
5
Cambridge
Mar.
7
Concord
Mar.
8
Concord
Mar.
8
Concord
Mar.
11
Concord
Mar.
12
Boston
Mar.
12
Boston
Mar.
12
Cambridge
Name of Child
Weiner, Lee David
Ducharme, Christopher Michael
Yambor, Lauren Beth
Ballentine, Diamond Jean
Miller, Peter Lukens, III
Bio ugh, Matthew Lee
Teno, Jayson Andrew
Landry, Eric Robert
Minichiello, Ann Marie Margaret
Dice, Eva Nelle
Shammas, Shelly
Killoy, Devin Patrick
Coyle, Melissa Anne
Caruso, Daniel Thomas
Done He, Brian Camille
Small, Marc Clifford
Lucas, Jennifer Ann
Wheaton, Geroald Erwin
Platine, Keith Gordon
Shanley, Peter Matthew
Wenzler, Matthew Joseph
Walsh, Sharon Jean
Sweet, Jesse Adam
Callinan, Linda Mary
Morris, Joseph Carter
Caruso, Jennifer Anne
Coughlin, Brandi
Greenawalt, John Eric
Scott, Shannon Stewart
Mackall, Leslie Elizabeth
Mayer, John Everett
Smith, Todd Stephen
Knowlton, Caroline Derry
Bruce, James Elliot
Porter, Jerlym Sannyu
Ward, Michael Albert
Greene, Edward Hallor
Albertson, Amy Elizabeth
Wheelock, Lucinda Heather
Rebecca
Hancock, Bradley Mitchell
Towle, Allison Elaine
Name of Parents
David and Judith A. Braunfeld
Charles J. and Linda M. McDonough
Steven P. and Joy L. Gurizzian
William H. and Gail A. Blaisdell
Peter L. , Jr. and Susan C. Anderson
Paul J. and Linda J. Woodford
Richard A. and Joan Driscoll
Robert S. and Erna Schmierer
William E. and Margaret M. Hudlin
Edward R. , Jr. and Carolyn S. Bell
Serg I. and Jo -Ann A. Civetti
David H. and Karen E. Smith
Richard P. and Mary P. Carruth
Richard F. and Kathleen M. Turner
Camille A. and Janice T. Dupuis
Michael C. and Joline S. Bowden
Gregory L. and Ellen M. Forster
Gerald E. and Geraldine B. Griffin
Bruce A. and Patricia L. Browne
Peter A. and Elaine B. Ostock
Joseph L. and Patricia L. Heatherson
Frederick J. and Jean E. Pierce
Robert N. and Wendy J. Segal
Donald R. and Gloria Seraydarian
William H. and Anne M. Carter
Robert A. and Mary L. Casey
William D. and Paula J. Rosenthal
Kim C. and Bonnie A. Palisi
Hans P. and Cathryn A. Chrisman
Aubrey T. and Brenda J. Paschal
Steven E. and Marie A. Mendonca
James S. and Denise Kakes
Robert C. and Judith A. Rehm
Robert D. and Lydia M. Maynig
William E. and Sharon A. Brodhead
Albert C. and Joaquina Gonzales
Benjamin R. and Orian H. Hallor
William C. and Lucia A. Cole
Burton C. and Mary E. Servoss
James R. and Joyce R. Susskind
Douglas C. and Nancy J. McLaughlin
75
Date
Place
Mar.
16
Concord
Mar.
18
Boston
Mar.
22
Concord
Mar.
22
Concord
Mar.
24
Stoneham
Mar.
26
Framingham
Mar.
26
Concord
Mar.
27
Concord
Mar.
27
Worcester
Apr.
1
Concord
Apr.
1
Boston
Apr.
4
Newton
Apr.
5
Concord
Apr.
5
Concord
Apr.
6
Concord
Apr.
8
Concord
Apr.
9
Concord
Apr.
9
Concord
Apr.
11
Concord
Apr.
13
Concord
Apr.
13
Concord
Apr.
13
Concord
Apr.
15
Boston
Apr.
16
Lowell
Apr.
19
Concord
Apr.
23
Concord
Apr.
25
Concord
Apr.
26
Concord
May-
1
Concord
May
1
Boston
May
9
Boston
May
10
Concord
May
15
Concord
May
17
Concord
May
19
Concord
May
19
Harvard
May
20
Concord
May
21
Concord
May
21
Concord
May
22
Concord
May
23
Stoneham
May
24
Concord
May
24
Concord
May
25
Concord
May
27
Cambridge -
May
27
Concord
May
27
Boston
May
29
Newton
May
29
Concord
May
31
Waltham
J une
1
Concord
June
2
Concord
June
2
Concord
June
5
Concord
June
6
Concord
June
6
Concord
June
9
Concord
June
10
Concord
June
11
Boston —
Name of Child
Porteous, Julie Catherine
Neschleba, Patrick John
Walsh, Jennifer Ann Stephenson
Schneider, Karl Anton
Brodney, Daniel Z.
Magee, Matthew Jordan
Robinson, Gretchen Lynn
Pattee, Katrina Noel
Hall, Lee Ann
O'Neil, Todd Patrick
Stamski, Matthew Michael
McManus, Naomi Beth
Noke, Walter Edwin
Noke, William George
Piatt, Rutherford Vance
Dangelmayer, Alison Reid
Howes, Amy Lynne
Poulin, Janet Marie
Dhar, Ravi Ryan
Gavin, Maria Pauline
Gavin, Monica Lyn
Ritchey, David Michael
Bickoff, Leonard Allan
Gibs, Jonathan Phillip
Dilworth, Rachel Anne
Talbot, Kerry McNamara
Reynolds, Timothy William
Shoneman, Craig Douglas
Mahaney, Christopher Webster
Donnelly, Ryan Richard
Austin, Heather Lynn
Duncan, Robert Anthony
White, Kevin Curtis
Swenson, Thor Eric
Caldwell, Michael Emza
Baxter, Timothy Michael
Breslau, Jason David
Miranowski, Anne Christine
McBreen, Thomas James, Jr.
Goss, Deborah Ann
Hutchings, Juliet Lynn
Baker, Brandon Haruo
Kotanchik, Merideth Anne
Budiansky, Noah Daniel
Wimberly, Scott Tyrus
Pacelli, Lisa Anelia
White, Geoffrey Lincoln
Beatty, Ian Manning
Ferguson, Michael Edward, Jr.
Pitterino, Anthony Joseph
Whelihan, David Joseph
Gibbons, Jarrod Terence
Sundberg, Susan Melissa
Meade, Alice Ann
Longcope, Nathaniel Charles
Garrity, Kathleen Melissa
Harrington, Kathleen Marie
Diskin, Christopher James
Ku, Roger Tse-An
Name of Parents
Donald P. and Susan Tantum
Michael A. and Marie A. Dubikowicz
William E. and Maggie E. Kohler
Gunther and Gertrud E. Hollinger
Lawrence G. and Myra D. Zauderer
Paul J. and Patricia A. Rae
Howard B. and Laura A. Wathen
Timothy H. and Gail Perry
Jon W. and Ann M. Young
Richard J. , Jr. and Linda B. Davis
Brude M. and Kathryn E. Dubin
Kevin J. and Naomi E. Gaskill
William G. and Susan D. Goodwin
William G. and Susan D. Goodwin
Alexander D. and Carolyn H. Wyckoff
Robert R. and Vicki K. Hill
John F. and Sandra E. Adams
James W. and Mancy H. Kolodziej
Rattan L. and Brenda L. Larson
Francis P. and Carlene A. Dunkleberger
Francis P. and Carlene A. Dunkleberger
Joseph L. and Miriam D. Rickhold
Charles and Carole S. Weinberg
Lawrence S. and Ellen Sue Levine
Raymond D. and Nancy L. Reed
Hugh J. and Janet K. McNamara
Douglas and Rita C. Morris
Keith F. and Thelma M. Hallman
John A. and Carolyn R. Webster
Richard G. and Jan L. Colwell
David J. and Barbara L. Esslinger
Robert B. and Sandra J. Basile
Terence M. and Judy M. Colman
Richard E. and Ellen H. Parker
Emza N. and Lucie H. Wilson
Dennis M. and Denise E. Kneeland
Barry R. and Margaret E. Harris
John A. and Joan Goldthwaite
Thomas J. and Barbara J. Warner
Gary J. and Judith E. Turnbull
Guy H. and Lois E. Bash
Neil H. and Wanda S. Morita
James J. and Judith R. Anthony
Gary P. and Judy Traugot
Floyd S. T., HI and Judith A. Desmond
John J. and Patricia A. Marshall
Robert L. and Mary M. Sack
Richard C. and Natalie H. Brady
Michael E. and Pamela J. Fairbanks
Joseph P. and Margaret T. Ranucci
John N. and Jane A. Fruge
Terence C. and Mona L. Glowacki
Robert A. , Jr. and Karen A. Gravin
Albert and Helen A. Risko
James C. and Mary Louise Klett
Michael N. and Judith B. Avia
John E. and Bertha L. Santos
James P. and Mary C. Christian
Robert T. and Janet J. Lee
76
Date
Place
June
14
Boston
June
14
Waltham
June
14
Arlington
June
16
Concord
June
18
Boston
June
21
Concord
June
21
Concord
June
21
Concord
June
22
Boston
June
24
Concord
June
25
Boston
June
27
Concord
June
28
Concord
June
29
Concord
July
2
Fitchburg
July
2
Concord
July
3
Concord
July
5
Concord
July
8
Concord
July
9
Boston
July
9
Newton
July
11
Concord
July
11
Worcester
July
11
Concord
July
12
Concord
July
13
Newton
July
16
Concord
July
17
Boston
July
19
Concord
July
19
Concord
July
23
Concord
July
26
Concord
July
26
Concord
July
29
Concord
July
30
Concord
Aug.
1
Concord
Aug.
3
Concord
Aug.
5
Concord
Aug.
6
Concord
Aug.
7
Concord
Aug.
12
Concord
Aug.
16
Concord
Aug.
16
Concord
Aug.
17
Concord
Aug.
19
Concord
Aug.
23
Marlborough
Aug.
24
Concord
Aug.
30
Concord
Aug.
31
Boston
Sept.
2
Newton
Sept.
2
Concord
Sept.
3
Boston
Sept.
6
Concord
Sept.
9
Concord
Sept.
13
Concord
Sept.
13
Concord
Sept.
15
Concord
Sept.
17
Concord
Name of Child
Cohen, Susanne Marcy
Melanson, Kelli Anne
Henderson, Kara Helen
Williams, John Harry
Mims, Michael Andrew
Nordhausen, Erik Friederich
Nordhausen, Karin Bettina
Campbell, Jason Michael
Puffer, Sarah Rollins
Scull, Samantha Erin
Jepsen, David Paul
Martin, Samuel Aaron
Swain, Christopher Michael
Leslie, Valerie
Evans, Eric Daniel
Wolf, Andrew Morgan
Smith, Scott Alexander
Vaughan, Jeffrey Laurence
Shapira, Jennefer Faye
Olsen, Heather Anne
Mclhargie, Robert Vincent, Jr.
Robinson, Jeremy Peter
Bergeron, Sarah Mary
Roberts, Mark Franklin
Stevens, Travis Hocking
Maher, Jason MacGreggor
Goldstein, Alicia Janet
Martin, Ebbin Trew
Oldenburgh, Sarah Dodds
Nutting, Michael Charles
Dickerman, Sarah Curtis
Puschak, Michael Paul
Puschak, Rebecca Ann
DiPrizito, Frederick Pfisterer
Smathers, Aaron David
Walton, Gregory Burt
Baldini, Laura Elise
Locke, Andrew Douglas
Fait, Amanda Kathleen
Maguire, Deborah Ellen
Dee, Erica Ann
Borey, Robert Walter
Cuff, Brian Todd
Knuppel, Kurt David
Cusa, Jonathan Paul
King, Stephanie Ann
Bruschi, Elise Kathryn
Meier, Seth William
Van Mourik, Kimberly
Sturniolo, Douglas J.
Brown, Stephen John
Lovdal, Christina Marie
Sharp, Kathryn Marie
Leveille, Michelle Colette
Alexander, Cynthia Dawn
Peterson, Jennifer York
Sheehan, Michael Gayne
Dormer, Paul Jeffrey
Name of Parents
Robert H. and Carol M. Stockman
Paul E. and Jeri A. Kelley
Kenneth P. and Judith M. Steele
Harry R. and Carol J. Saraceno
John D. and Suzanne E. LeClaire
Juergen H. and Susan C. Plummer
Juergen H. and Susan C. Plummer
Bruce M. and Susan Way
Robert W. , III and Marie L. Trigg
Craig S. and Renate S. Henkel
Edward G. and Diane M. Fadel
John L. and Linda M. Festa
James W. and Patricia L. Heffernan
Paul M. , Jr. and Diane M. Viscariello
Robert I. and Carole L. Staff
Christopher F. and Mary K. Johnson
William C. and Alice E. Decker
Laurence M. and Gail M. Tolman
Lawrence M. and Margery L. Merrill
Richard P. and Ruth R. Hagen
Robert V. and Kathleen Smith
Thomas A. and Dorothy J. Dambaugh
Charles F. and Nicole I. Latulippe
Lawrence R. and Christa H. Buchholz
Mark L. and Peggy D. Hocking
Kevin and Mary L. Richardson
Bernard F. and Doris Rosenkopf
J. and Betsy T. Wariwell
and Kristin L. Harper
and Judith A. Mclntyre
and Elizabeth B. Curtis
C. Schoeman
C. Schoeman
Thomas F.
Michael L.
Charles G.
Richard W.
Paul and Elaine
Paul and Elaine
Michael and Linda E. Pfisterer
Ronald C. and Elizabeth V. McNenny
Nimrod L. and Sarah E. Burt
James G. and Susan Moore
David A. and Christine M. Gosselin
Richard F. and Kathleen M. Ferrari
Paul G. and Sheila M. Kramer
James H. , III and Barbara A. Freeman
Joseph G. , Jr. and Sharyn E. McNamara
Jeffrey M. and Susan Burt
Robert A. and Evelyn Fries wyk
Michael T. and Helen R. Nowacek
Paul S. and Jo Anne Leedberg
Giorgio and Gertrude M. Hohnecker
Thomas R. and Rowena M. Done
Albert C. and Mary D. Mann
Vincent J. and Denise M. Campisi
Stephen L. and Judith A. Boland
Michael L. and Jean M. Frazier
Douglas W. and Alice K. Older
Albert H. and Sieglinde K. Schmidt
James A. and Diane Y. Ammendolia
David C. and Holly J. Hench
Richard E. and Lorraine M. Gayne
Thomas and Jean A. Parshall
Date Place Name of Child
Sept. 18 Concord Henderson, Ryan Wright
Sept. 19 Concord Dash, William Cederic
Sept. 22 Worcester Dreiblatt, Chara Lyn
Sept. 23 Concord Nanavati, Smair Harit
Sept. 27 Concord McClellan, Scott Michael
Sept. 30 Concord Scherr, Jeremy Aaron
Sept. 30 Concord Justason, Chad Walter
Oct. 1 Lowell Malaquias, Claire Diane
Oct. 1 Concord Janowsky, Theodore Scott
Oct. 2 Boston Banko, Amanda
Oct. 3 Concord Colvin, Sara Elizabeth
Oct. 9 Concord Riggin, David Joseph
Oct. 9 Concord Eckert, Julie
Oct. 11 Concord Baker, Amy Elizabeth
Oct. 14 Concord Bourgeois, Andrew Stephen
Oct; 17 Concord' Erickson, Christine Susan
Oct. 17 Concord Erickson, Catherine Elaine
Oct. 18 Concord Biddle, Erin Kate
Oct. 19 Concord Taylor, William Bradford
Oct. 20 Marlborough Goulet, Rodney Wellington
Oct. 21 Concord Fingerman, Elaine Michelle
Oct. 22 Concord Nichols, Jodi Lyn
Oct. 22 Concord Megan, Daniel Francis
Concord Garcia, David Anthony
Newton Reichenberg, Dennis Allin, Jr.
Concord Howe, Jonathan Gardner
Concord Hayes, Martha Catherine
Concord Childress, Douglas Robb
Newton Snyder, Heather Aislynn
Concord Baukus, Mark Peter
Concord Nolan, Barbara
Concord Seitz, Emily Meghan
Concord Hanson, Amanda Helen
Concord O'Brien, Elizabeth Ann
Medford Shammas, Paul John
Arlington Zeoli, Darin Walton
Concord Mclnnis, Pamela Michele
Concord Davis, Jeffrey William
Concord Stuart, Julianna Hope
Concord Conlon, Joanne Marie
Concord Vaillancourt, Molly Jeanne
Concord Long, Rebecca Marie
Concord Koenig, Paul Harrison
Dec. 3 Concord McLellan, Karilyn
Dec. 3 Concord Rendish, Meredith Allyson
Dec. 4 Boston Graham, Carolyn Rachelle
Dec. 5 Concord Brainard, Kristen Elizabeth
Dec. 10 Cambridge Murphy, Gregory Robert
Dec. 10 Concord Chautin, Jason Alan
Dec. 10 Concord Crandall, Elizabeth Marie
Dec. 11 Boston Greer, Megan
Dec. 12 Concord King, Neile Ann
Dec. 13 Cambridge Calore, Matthew Creecy
Dec. 13 Concord Zimmermann, Michael Alan
Dec. 14 Concord Gaskill, Elwood Ernest, III
Dec. 21 Boston DiMare, Sarah Caroline* Hatfield
Oct. 24
Oct. 24
Oct. 28
Oct. 31
Oct. 31
Nov. 2
Nov. 3
Nov. 5
Nov. 7
Nov. 12
Nov. 13
Nov. 19
Nov. 20
Nov. 22
Nov. 24
Nov. 25
Nov. 27
Nov. 29
1 Nov. 29
Nov. 29
77
Name of Parents
Robert S. and Jan is R. Wright
Willie L. and Eloise Keller
Bernard and Michelle C. Langlois
Harit M. and Yasmin H. Daji
James H. and Carolyn F. Monjure
Bruce A. and Susan A. Orlans
Walter L. and Virginia F. Vecchio
Charles J. and Diane P. Beauchesus
William A. and Barbara L. Ishier
Gary B. and Angelika Koch
Lawrence R. and Barbara A. Judson
Elmer E. and Susan J. Mee
Howard J. , Jr. and Adelaide M. Elvin
Robert D. and Nancy G. O'Neil
Stephen C. and Leslie C. McKenney
David R. and Rebecca M. Lay
David R. and Rebecca M. Lay
Sterling G. and Joanne F. David
Peter B. and Patricia A. Pulyer
Raymond W., Jr. and Deborah L. Hawkins
Craig M. and Susan E. Mandel
Lawrence S. , Jr. and Pamela Hudson
Paul I. and Lucille T. Mondou
Manuel A. and Judith A. Coye
Dennis A. and Helen S. French
Harlan G. and Nancy R. Cisney
William N. and Catherine M. Mulligan
William C. and Marion S. Zaring
John K. and Janice C. Wharton
James P. and Judith A. Van Dan Elzen
Bernard J. and Brenda A. Bemis
Karl W. and Nancy E. Shields
David H. and Linda R. Laffin
Mack D. and Lucia R. Madigan
John I. and Sandra K. Atwood
Richard W. and Joan F. Corkum
Dean, W. and Cheryl J. Yerardi
Alfred W. and Marzell S. Cottingham
Herbert M. , Jr. and Janet E. Hume
Robert W. and Mary H. Dolan
Roland H. and Katherine M. Messier
Harold R. and Kathleen R. Schwekkhardt
Philip G. and Martha L. Harrison
Erich C. and Judy K. Dudman
Michael J. and Mimi A. Stout
Steven R. and Elaine M. Brisbois
David I. and Sallie E. Scharfenberg
Paul C. and Joan F. Laverty
Michael D. and Terry J. Hausner
Ralph J. and Linda M. Morse
Richard T. and Jean E. Sullivan
Joseph F., Ill and Edith C. Bromaghim
Frank P. and Mary A. Burchard
Richard P. and Adele K. Rovner
Elwood E. , Jr. and Cheryl A. Chapman
Seymour A. and Elizabeth P. Hatfield
78
ELECTIONS AND TOWN MEETINGS
TOWN ELECTION
May 6, 1974
Whole number of ballots cast
MODERATOR, One Year
John W. Tierney
Blanks
SELECTMAN, Three Years (2)
Alfred F. Steinhauer
Joan N. Gardner
Bruce McCarthy
Richard M. Scribner
Robert A. Sundberg
Blanks
SELECTMAN, Two Years (To fill vacancy)
Charles A. Morehouse
Marie G. Re id
Julia D. Stevens
Blanks
SCHOOL COMMITTEE, Three Years (2)
Griffith L. Resor, III
Robert Evans, Jr
James T. O'Rourke
Phyllis F. Walsh
Blanks
TRUSTEE OF MEMORIAL LIBRARY, Three Years
Nancy K. Gerhardt
Katherine Mary Kinsley
Blanks
Pet. 1
1053
Pet. 2
721
Pet. 3
1097
Total
2871
957
96
643
78
981
116
2581
290
557
518
436
367
327
286
702
462
368
1626
1307
1090
62
385
148
36
282
144
78
408
176
176
1075
468
400
69
527
57
299
28
348
46
462
47
532
56
1161
144
1407
159
621
333
456
567
129
381
227
364
339
131
569
357
603
485
180
1571
917
1423
1391
440
620
364
69
359
309
53
513
510
74
1492
1183
196
Whole Number of Ballots Cast
GOVERNOR
Michael S. Dukakis
Robert H. Quinn
Blanks
STATE PRIMARY
September 10, 1974
Vote of the Democratic Party
577
501
517
1595
466
387
15
400
16
1253
12
43
STATE PRIMARY (continued)
79
Pet. 1
Pet. 2
Pet. 3
Total
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
Eva B. Hester
Christopher A. Ianella
John Pierce Lynch
Thomas P. O'Neill, III
Thomas Martin Sullivan
Blanks
ATTORNEY GENERAL
Francis X. Bellotti
Barry T. Harmon
Edward F. Harrington
Edward M. O'Brien
S. Lester Ralph
George L. Sacco
Blanks
SECRETARY
John F. X. Davoren
Paul H. Guzzi
Blanks
TREASURER
Robert Q. Crane
Charles Mark Furcolo
Blanks
AUDITOR
Thaddeus Buczko
Blanks
CONGRESSMAN
William C. Madden
Paul E. Tsongas
Blanks
COUNCILLOR
Herbert L. Connolly
Blanks
SENATOR
Chester G. Atkins
John P. Grasso
Blanks
REPRESENTATIVE IN GENERAL COURT
David S. Glazier
William C. Mullin
Blanks
DISTRICT ATTORNEY
John J. Droney
Blanks
COUNTY COMMISSIONER
John L. Danehy
William J. Clements
Charles I. Clough, Jr
Pasquale R. Coppola
Edward A. Doherty
Thomas E. McManus
Blanks
105
97
107
309
108
83
77
268
31
33
41
105
228
173
180
581
27
36
20
83
78
79
92
249
100
101
110
311
8
16
10
34
109
95
108
312
21
17
18
56
190
165
151
506
111
83
87
281
38
24
33
95
132
139
124
395
378
315
344
1037
67
47
49
163
254
206
234
694
242
221
220
683
81
74
63
218
404
341
376
1121
173
160
141
474
167
135
149
451
350
309
317
976
60
57
51
168
361
317
345
1023
216
184
172
572
518
453
457
1428
45
40
51
136
14
8
9
31
202
181
173
556
278
229
284
791
97
91
60
248
372
329
347
1048
205
172
170
547
98
82
94
274
15
16 ■
16
47
251
227
246
724
30
19
18
67
20
22
19
61
22
29
25
76
141
106
99
346
80
STATE PRIMARY (continued)
SHERIFF
Walter J. Sullivan
Blanks
Pet. 1
364
213
Pet. 2
311
190
Pet. 3
339
178
Total
1014
581
STATE PRIMARY
September 10, 1974
Vote of the Republican Party
Whole Number of Ballots Cast 417 235
GOVERNOR
Francis W. Sargent 237
Carroll P. Sheehan 176
Blanks 4
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
Donald R. Dwight 350
Blanks 67
ATTORNEY GENERAL
Charles C. Cabot, Jr 154
William I. Cowin 93
Josiah A. Spaulding 145
Blanks 25
SECRETARY
John M. Quinlan 319
Blanks 98
TREASURER
Muriel Erna Ballantine 58
Blanks 359
CONGRESSMAN
Paul W. Cronin 345
Blanks 72
AUDITOR
Blanks 417
COUNCILLOR
Blanks 417
SENATOR
George F. Rohan 304
Blanks 113
REPRESENTATIVE IN GENERAL COURT
John H. Loring 350
Blanks 67
DISTRICT ATTORNEY
Blanks 417 235
359 1011
122
112
1
151
205
3
510
493
8
201
34
302
57
853
158
79
45
92
19
143
80
120
16
376
218
357
60
183
52
282
77
784
227
35
200
40
319
133
878
205
30
282
77
832
179
235
359
1011
235
359
1011
171
64
263
96
738
273
205
30
303
56
858
153
359
10
u
STATE PRIMARY (continued)
81
COUNTY COMMISSIONER
Richard D. Bush ......
Blanks
SHERIFF
John J. Buckley
Blanks
Pet. 1
0
417
Pet. 2
0
235
292
125
172
63
Pet. 3
1
358
245
114
Total
1
1010
709
302
R - Republican D - Democratic
Whole Number of votes cast
STATE ELECTION
November 5, 1974
SW - Socialist Workers Party
2095 1493
A - American
1986 5574
GOVERNOR AND LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
Sargent and Dwight R
Dukakis and O'Neill D
Gurewitz and Bivins SW
Kahian and Greco A
Blanks
ATTORNEY GENERAL
Francis X. Bellotti D
Josiah A. Spaulding R
Jeanne Lafferty SW
Blanks
SECRETARY
PaulW. Guzzi D
John M. Quinlan R
Blanks
TREASURER
Robert Q. Crane D
Blanks
AUDITOR
Thaddeus Buczko
Blanks
CONGRESSMAN
Paul W. Cronin R
Paul E. Tsongas D
Blanks
COUNCILLOR
Herbert L. Connolly D
Blanks
SENATOR
Chester G. Atkins D
George F. Rohan R
Blanks
1235
799
9
35
17
837
585
12
45
14
1176
719
14
54
23
3248
2103
35
134
54
470
1572
27
26
436
1022
15
20
470
1465
18
33
1376
4059
60
79
1057
984
54
786
664
43
941
986
59
2784
2634
156
1510
585
1086
425
1439
547
4017
1557
1504
591
1071
422
1420
566
3995
1579
987
1069
39
650
821
22
975
976
35
2612
2866
96
1386
709
951
542
1328
658
3665
1909
1410
647
38
1004
462
27
1265
688
33
3679
1797
98
82
STATE ELECTION (continued)
Pet. 1
Pet. 2
Pet. 3
Total
REPRESENTATIVE IN GENERAL COURT
John R. Loring R
William C. Mullin D
Blanks
DISTRICT ATTORNEY
John J. Droney D
Blanks
COUNTY COMMISSIONER
John L. Danehy D
Blanks
SHERIFF
John J. Buckley R
Walter J. Sullivan D
Blanks
QUESTION #1
Yes
No
Blanks
QUESTION #2
Yes
No
Blanks
QUESTION #3
Yes
No
Blanks
QUESTION #4
Yes
No
Blanks
QUESTION #5
Yes
No
Blanks
QUESTION #6
Yes
No
Blanks
1171
862
784
685
1192
751
3147
2298
1419
676
994
499
1347
639
3760
1814
1374
721
962
531
1296
690
3632
1942
1404
573
118
946
482
65
1355
548
83
3705
1603
266
1401
516
178
982
372
139
1296
490
200
3679
1378
517
1671
246
178
1166
186
141
1568
245
173
4405
677
492
1147
777
177
792
547
154
1010
777
199
2943
2101
530
1303
608
184
905
436
152
1165
627
194
3373
1671
530
1215
666
214
822
494
177
1117
639
230
3154
1799
621
1390
471
234
992
333
168
1252
504
230
3634
1308
632
83
TOWN MEETINGS
ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 1974 AND ADJOURNED SESSIONS MAY 15, 1974
MAY 20, 1974, MAY 22, 1974 AND MAY 29, 1974.
Moderator called the meeting to order at 7:30 P. M.
ADJOURNMENT
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: That at the conclusion of the business pending before the meeting at 11:00 P. M.
this evening, this meeting be adjourned to 7:30 P. M. on next Wednesday, May 15, at this same place;
and that this meeting be recessed at 7:45 P. M. this evening until the conclusion of the business on the
warrant for the special town meeting scheduled for 7:45 P. M.
Article 1. OFFICERS
To choose all necessary Town Officers and Committees and fix the salaries and compensations of all the
elective officers of the Town.
ELECTED: Hazel P. Vose Trustee of the Elizabeth White Fund for three years
ELECTED: Betty L. Boothby Trustee of the Citizens Library Association of West Acton for
three years.
ELECTED: T. Frederick S. Kennedy Trustee of the Acton Firemen's Relief Fund for three years.
ELECTED: James N. Gates Trustee of the Goodnow Fund for three years.
ELECTED: Frederick A. Harris Trustee of the West Acton Firemen's Relief Fund for three years.
VOTED: That the compensation schedule for elected officers be adopted as follows:
Moderator $20. 00 per each night per meeting
Board of Selectmen: Chairman $750.00
Clerk 650.00
Member 650.00
Article 2. REPORTS
VOTED: To accept the several reports of the Town Officers and Boards as submitted.
Article 3. REPORTS
To hear and act upon the report of any Committee chosen at any previous Town Meeting that has not
already reported.
REPORT TO THE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 1974
SUBJECT: WEEKEND TOWN MEETING
At the Annual Town Meeting March, 1973 is was voted:
" To resolve that the Moderator be authorized to appoint a committee to investigate the
feasibility of holding a Saturday, a Sunday, or a weekend town meeting. The committee
will be comprised of selected representatives of local organizations and the Chairman
will be appointed by the Moderator. The Committee will report to the next Special or
Annual Town Meeting following the adjournment of the 1973 Annual Town Meeting, which-
ever is the earlier. The Committee will also include the Town Manager to insure liaison
with the Board of Selectmen and a representative of the School Department to insure
liaison with the School Committee.
84
"In August, 1973 the Town Moderator, through the Office of the Town Manager, requested
of the various local organizations that they 'poll their members on the subject of holding
weekend town meetings. '
"In addition, a committee was formed to actively pursue a study to determine the local
sentiment regarding a Saturday or Sunday town meeting. The late Charles D. MacPherson
was named chairman of this committee with Miss Katherine Kinsley honorary co-chairman.
The committee conducted a poll at the Town Dump, Labor day weekend, 1973, to solicit
a representative sampling of the town on this subject.
"With data collected at the Dump Survey and from the local organization poll, it was
determined that, 'the Town of Acton was against holding the Annual Town Meeting on
weekends. ' The committee resolved that to pursue the weekend town meeting topic
any further would be against the best interests of the town.
"At a final meeting held in late 1973 this special committee decided an educational/
information program should be instituted in order to stimulate interest in the Town Meet-
ing form of government. Activities such as:
(a) Neighborhood information coffees.
(b) Open public meetings attended by public officials.
(c) Visitations to local organizations and groups (such as Newcomers Club)
were proposed.
As of this report date -
Two neighborhood coffees have been held.
Information flyers have been distributed house to house in new areas of Acton.
A public meeting titled 'It's Town Meeting Time' was held at the new high school
auditorium Thursday evening, May 9.
Respectfully submitted,
Kenneth A. Goff
Acting Chairman"
VOTED: To accept the report.
RESOLUTION: To keep Town Meeting Study Committee in existence for another year. VOTED.
Meeting recessed for Special Town Meeting.
Moderator reconvened meeting.
Article 4. PERSONNEL BYLAWS
To see what action the Town will take on the recommendations of the Personnel Board with respect to
changes in the Personnel Bylaw.
VOTED:
1. That the following changes be made in SCHEDULE A, Section 15, of the Personnel Bylaw:
a. Delete the title, Building Inspector, Schedule B-l, Grade E-10.
b. Add the title, Building Commissioner, Schedule B-l, Grade E-12.
c. Add the title. Local Inspector, Schedule B-l, Grade E-6.
Total vote - 439. Yea - 240 Nay - 199
d. Substitute Grade E-7 for Grade E-5, opposite Recreation Director,
Schedule B-l.
85
e. Substitute Schedule B-l, Grade E-3 for Schedule B, Grade S-ll opposite
Planning Board Assistant.
f. Add the words "or prosecuting officer" to the footnote designated by a
triple asterisk (***).
g. Add a quadruple asterisk (****) opposite Police Sergeant, Schedule C,
Grade P-2 and opposite Police Lieutenant, Schedule C, Grade P-3, and
the following footnote:
"**** Additional $50. 00 per month when assigned to and performing
the duties of prosecuting officer. "
2. That the words "Blue Cross -Blue Shield Group" in Section 11 of the Personnel Bylaw be
replaced with the words "group health insurance plan. "
3. That Section 4 (c), paragraph 10 (b) of the Personnel Bylaw be rescinded and that a new
paragraph 10 (b) be substituted therefor to read as follows:
"(b) At 1-1/2 times the employee's basic hourly rate, said hourly
rate to be computed on the basis of the specified work weeks appear-
ing in Section 5, following, for such work for positions allocated to
Schedules C and D except the positions of Chief (Fire) and Chief
(Police). Overtime work shall be determined weekly as work per-
formed in excess of the employee's posted work schedule for that
week. "
4. That a double asterisk (**) be placed opposite "Police Department Uniformed Personnel
40 hours" in Section 5 of the Personnel Bylaw and that the following footnote be added in
Section 5:
"** Average for six week period. "
VOTED: To delete the pay schedules contained in Section 15 of the Personnel Bylaw and substitute there-
for the following salary and wage schedules to take effect on July 1, 1974:
SCHEDULE B - GENERAL WEEKLY SALARY SCHEDULE
(Annual rates computed by multiplying weekly rates by 52)
Compensation
Grade
W
A
Minimum
A
$ 103.56
5385.12
B
$ 107.87
5609.24
Intermediate Steps
C
$ 112.18
5833.36
D
$ 116.50
6058.00
Maximum
E
S-l
$ 122.26
6357.52
S-2
W
A
107.87
5609.24
112.18
5833.36
116.50
6058.00
122.26
6357.52
128.01
6656.52
S-3
W
A
112.18
5833.36
116.50
6058.00
122.26
6357.52
128.01
6656.52
133.76
6955.52
S-4
W
A
116.50
6058.00
122.26
6357.52
128.01
6656.52
133.76
6955.52
139.52
7255.04
S-5
W
A
122.26
6357.52
128.01
6656.52
133.76
6955.52
139.52
7255.04
145.27
7554.04
S-6
W
A
128.01
6656.52
133.76
6955.52
139.52
7255.04
145.27
7554.04
151.03
7853.56
S-7
W
A
133.76
6955.52
139.52
7255.04
145.27
7554.04
151.03
7853.56
158.22
8227.44
86
Compensation
Grade
W
A
Minimum
A
$ 139.52
7,255.04
B
$ 145.27
7,554.04
Intermediate Steps
C
$ 151.03
7,853.56
D
$ 158.22
8,227.44
Maximum
E
S-8
$ 165.40
8,600.80
S-9
W
A
145.27
7,554.04
151.03
7,853.56
158.22
8,227.44
165.40
8,600.80
172.59
8,974.68
S-10
W
A
151.03
7,853.56
158.22
8,227.44
165.40
8,600.80
172i59
8,974.68
181.23
9,423.96
S-ll
W
A
158.22
8,227.44
165.40
8,600.80
172.59
8,974.68
181.23
9,423.96
189.86
9,872.72
S-12
W
A
165.40
8,600.80
172.59
8,974.68
181.23
9,423.96
189.86
9,872.72
199.93
10,396.36
S-13
W
A
172.59
8,974.68
181.23
9,423.96
189.86
9,872.72
199.93
10,396.36
210.00
10,920.00
SCHEDULE B-l - TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE WEEKLY SALARY SCHEDULE
(Annual rates computed by multiplying weekly rates by 52)
Compensation
Grade
vV
A
Minimum
A
$ 158.22
8,227.44
B
$ 165.40
8,600.80
Intermediate Steps
C
$ 172.59
8,974.68
D
$ 181.23
9,423.96
Maximum
$ 189.86
9,872.72
E-l
E-2
W
A
165.40
8,600.80
172.59
8,974.68
181.23
9,423.96
189.86
9,872.72
199.93
10,396.36
E-3
W
A
172.59
8,974.68
181.23
9,423.96
189.86
9,872.72
199.93
10,396.36
210.00
10,920.00
E-4
W
A
181.23
9,423.96
189.86
9,872.72
199.93
10,396.36
210.00
10,920.00
220.06
11,443. 12
E-5
W
A
189.86
9,872. 72
199.93
10,396.36
210.00
10,920.00
220.06
11,443. 12
231.57
12,041.64
E-6
W
A
199.93
10,396.36
210.00
10,920.00
220.06
11,443.12
231.57
12,041.64
244.51
12,714.52
E-7
W
A
210.00
10,920.00
220.06
11,443.12
231.57
12,041.64
244.51
12,714.52
258.89
13,462.28
E-8
W
A
220.06
11,443.12
231.57
12,041.64
244.51
12,714.52
258.89
13,462.28
273.28
14,210.56
E-9
W
A
231.57
12,041.64
244.51
12,714.52
258.89
13,462.28
273.28
14,210.56
289.10
15,033.20
E-10
W
A
244.51
12,714.52
258.89
13,462.28
273.28
14,210.56
289.10
15,033.20
306.36
15,930.72
E-ll
W
A
258.89
13,462.28
273.28
14,210.56
289.10
15,033.20
306.36
15.930.72
326.50
16,978.00
E-12
W
A
273.27
14,210.56
289.10
15,033.20
306.36
15,930.72
326.50
16,978.00
346.63
18,024.76
!ompensation
Grade
E-13
W
A
Minimum
A
1 289.10
15,033.20
! 306.36
15,930.72
Intermediate Steps
C
$ 326.50
16,978.00
D
; 346.63
18,024. 76
87
Maximum
E
> 366.77
19,072.04
SCHEDULE C - POLICE WEEKLY SALARY SCHEDULE
(Weekly rates computed by dividing annual rates by 52)
om pens at ion
Grade
Minimum
A
B
Intermediate Steps
C
D
Maximum
E
w
A
$ 175.00
9,100.00
$ 182.60
9,495.00
$ 190.23
9,892.00
$ 200.89
10,446.00
$ 211.54
11,000.00
A
200.89
10,446.00
211.54
11,000.00
222.17
11,553.00
232.83
12, 107.00
246. 54
12,820.00
W
A
211.54
11,000.00
222. 17
11,553.00
232.83
12,107.00
246.54
12,820.00
258.65
13,450.00
W
380.77
19,800.00
p-1
P-2
P-3
P-4
le weekly and annual salaries shown above are for the shift from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Such salaries
r the shifts from 4:00 P.M. to Midnight and from Midnight to 8:00 A. M. shall be at a rate of payment
n cents per hour higher.
SCHEDULE D - FIRE ANNUAL SALARY SCHEDULE
(Weekly rates computed by dividing annual rates by 52)
Compensation
Grade
F-l
F-2
F-3
F-4
F-5
Minimum
A
B
Intermediate Ste
C
ps
D
Maximum
E
w
A
$ 154.15
8,016.00
$ 160.35
8,338.00
$ 166.48
8,657.00
$ 174.21
9,059.00
$ 181.90
9,459.00
W
A
171.11
8,898.00
178.83
9,299.00
186.54
9,700.00
195.79
10,181.00
206.73
10,750.00
W
A
183.88
9,562.00
192.98
10,035.00
203.61
10,588.00
212.75
11,063.00
221.15
11,500.00
W
A
201.96
10,502.00
211.00
10,972.00
220.06
11,443.00
230.61
11,992.00
244.23
12,700.00
W
A
372. 11
19,350.00
SCHEDULE E - HOURLY WAGE SCHEDULE
(Weekly rates computed by multiplying hourly rates by 40;
Annual rates computed by multiplying hourly rates by 2080. )
om pens at ion
Grade
W-l
W-2
H
W
A
H
W
A
Minimum
A
3.58
143.20
7,446.40
3.76
150.40
7,820.80
Intermediate Step
B
$ 3.76
150.40
7,820.00
3.96
158.40
8,236.80
Maxim
C
lum
8,
3.
158.
236.
96
40
80
8,
4.
166.
652.
16
40
80
88
Compensation
Minimum
Grade
H
$
A
3.
W-
-3
96
W
158.
40
A
8,
236.
80
W-
-4
H
4.
16
W
166.
40
A
8,
652.
80
w-
-5
H
4.
35
W
174.
00
A
9,
048.
00
w-
-6
H
4.
55
W
182.
00
A
9,
464.
00
w-
-7
H
4.
74
W
189.
60
A
9,
859.
20
Intermediate Steps
B
$ 4.16
166.40
8,652.80
4.35
174.00
9,048.00
4.55
182.00
9,464.00
4.74
189.60
9,859.20
4.96
198.40
10,316.80
Maximum
C
4.35
174.00
9,048.00
4.55
182.00
9,464.00
4.74
189.60
9.859.20
4.96
198.40
10,316.80
5. 19
207.60
10,795.20
SCHEDULE F - MISCELLANEOUS COMPENSATION SCHEDULE FOR
DESIGNATED PART -TIME AND SEASONAL POSITIONS
Position
Assessor, Board Chairman
Assessor, Board Member
Board of Health Chairman
Board of Health Member
Deputy Building Inspector (P. T. )
Deputy Chief (Fire) (Call)
Deputy Elections Clerk (P. T. )
Deputy Inspector (Elections)
Deputy Warden (Elections)
Elections Clerk
Fire Alarm Maintenance Man (P. T. )
Fire Alarm Superintendent (P. T. )
Fire Fighter (Call)
Fire Lieutenant (Call)
Inspector (Elections) (P. T. )
Library Page
Lifeguard
Park Laborer
Playground Director
Playground Trainee
Plumbing Inspector
Police Matron
Pool Manager
Recreation Leader
Recreation Monitor
Recreation Specialist
Recreation Supervisor
Registrar of Voters
School Crossing Guard
Teller
Warden (Elections)
Com pens at ion
Flat Rate
Flat Rate
Flat Rate
Flat Rate
Fee Basis
$4.
65
per hour
$3.
23
per hour
$2.
95
per hour
$3.
23
per hour
$3.
23
per hour
$4.
06
per hour
$5.
45
per hour
$3.
85
- 4
.03
- 4.
$4.
$2.
20
41
95
per hour
per hour
per hour
$1.
75
- 1.
80-
- 1.
$2.
89
44
per hour
per hour
$1.
93
- 2.
06
- 2.
18
- 2.
32-
- 2.
46
per hour
$2.
44
- 2.
58
- 2.
71
- 2.
86-
- 3.
$1.
02
62
per hour
per hour
Fee Basis
$3.
60
per hour
$4.
13
- 4.
31-
- 4.
53
per hour
$1.
93
- 2.
06
- 2.
18
- 2.
32-
- 2.
$2.
46
23
per hour
per hour
$2.
44
- 2.
58
- 2.
71
- 2.
86-
• 3.
02
per hour
$3.
15
- 3.
29
- 3.
44
- 3.
58-
• 3.
$3.
73
22
per hour
per hour
$2.
36
- 2.
63-
• 2.
$2.
$3.
87
95
25
per hour
per hour
per hour
89
Article 6 BORROW - SCHOOL SALARIES
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To appropriate $315, 000. 00 for the payment of salaries of school teachers
and other professional employees of the school department earned prior to June 30, 1974 but payable
in July and August of 1974 and that to raise this appropriation the Treasurer, with the approval of
the Selectmen, be authorized to borrow $315, 000. 00 under Chapter 52 of the acts of 1973.
VOTED: To take up Article 9.
Article 9 UNPAID BILLS
To see if the Town will raise and appropriate, or appropriate from available funds, a sum of money
to pay unpaid bills, or take any other action relative thereto.
VOTED: To take no action.
Article 10 BORROWING
VOTED: To authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money from
time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning July 1, 1974, in accordance
with the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 4, 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 General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 17.
Article 11 JENKS LEGACIES
VOTED: To accept with appreciation three legacies provided for in Article Four of the will of Mrs.
Mabel G. Jenks as follows:
Clause B. One (1) share to the Town of Acton, the income only to be used for
the care, maintenance, and beautification of Mt. Hope Cemetery
located in said Town.
Clause C. One (1) share to the Town of Acton to be used by the Acton
Historical Society, or if the same shall have ceased to exist,
to be used by the Acton Public Library, for the preservation
and enjoyment of records and other items pertaining to the
history of the Town of Acton and its inhabitants.
Clause D. One (1) share to the Town of Acton to enable it to conduct
and maintain programs for the benefit of its young people,
particularly those between the ages of eleven and twenty -one.
RESOLVED: That it is the sense of this meeting that the principal of the gift provided under Clause D
be held and invested by the Town and the income only be used for the purposes thereof.
RESOLVED: That the Town Clerk be instructed to express to the Jenks family the gratitude of the
Town of Acton for the generous bequests contained in the will of Mrs. Mabel G. Jenks.
Article 12 ADDITIONAL LIBRARY STAFFING
VOTED: To raise and appropriate $1,050.00 to be placed in the Memorial Library Salary Account for
the purpose of staffing the library on Sunday afternoons during the late fall and winter months.
Meeting adjourned at 11:02 P. M.
Wednesday, May 15, 1974. Moderator called the meeting to order at 7:30 P. M.
90
VOTED: That at the conclusion of the business pending before the meeting at 11:00 P. M. this evening
this meeting be adjourned to 7:30 P. M. on next Monday, May 20th at this same place.
Article 7 BUDGET ITEMS
Discussed Budget Items 1 thru 24.
Recessed to Special Town Meeting.
Moderator reconvened meeting.
VOTED: To take up Article 41.
Article 41 CONSERVATION FUND
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To raise and appropriate $100, 000. 00 for the Conservation Fund.
Article 7 BUDGET
VOTED: To reconsider Item 24.
Total Vote - 255. Yea - 251 Nay - 4 Needed to carry - 170.
VOTED: Item 24 - $5,500.00.
Total Vote - 246. Yea - 172 Nay - 74
Meeting adjourned at 11:15 P. M.
Monday, May 20, 1974. Moderator called the meeting to order at 7:30 P. M.
Articles 7 and 8.
To see what sums of money the Town will raise and appropriate or appropriate from available funds
to defray the necessary expenses of the several departments, officers, and boards of the Town,
exclusive of the necessary expenses relating to schools.
VOTED: That the following budget schedule for the period from July 1, 1974 to June 30, 1975 be
raised and appropriated in its entirety, except that $5, 548. 75 be appropriated from the Library
Receipts reserved for appropriation for Library use, $2,313. 19 be appropriated from receipts
from the County Dog Fund reserved for appropriation for Library use, $250, 000. 00 be appropriated
from Federal Revenue Sharing Receipts for Police Department use and $99, 742. 00 be appropriated
from funds received under Section 22 of Chapter 1140 of the Acts of 1973 for Highway Department
use:
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Moderator:
Town Office Clerical Staff:
1.
Salary
$ 255.00
11. Salaries
$ 123,255.01
2.
Expenses
20.00
Engineering Department:
inance
Committee:
12. Salaries
59, 170. 0(
3.
Expenses
150.00
13. Expenses
4, 985. OC
-, 1 d /■"»+■*•*-» .
14. Capital Outlay
4, 000. 0(
4.
sn :
Salaries
36,780.00
Town Accountant:
5.
Expenses
18,995.00
15. Salary
5, 065. OC
6.
Capital Outlay
2,700.00
16. Expenses
255.01
7.
Legal Services
20,000.00
8.
Legal Services
Expenses
1,000.00
Town Treasurer & Collector:
9.
Appraisals & Surveys
1,000.00
17. Salaries
14,215.0(
10.
Out-of-State Travel
18. Expenses
13,600.0(
(All Depts. )
1,500.00
91
Town Assessors:
19. Salaries
20. Expenses
Town Clerk:
21. Salary
22. Expenses
Elections & Registrations:
23. Salaries
24. Expenses
Planning Board:
25. Salaries
26. Expenses
Personnel Board:
27. Expenses
Board of Appeals:
28. Expenses
Industrial Development Commission
29. Expenses
Conservation Commission:
30. Expenses
Archives Committee:
31. Expenses
Public Ceremonies & Celebrations:
32. Expenses
Building & Grounds Maintenance:
33. Salaries
34. Utilities
35. Expenses
36. Capital Outlay
Town Report Committee:
37. Expenses
Youth Commission:
38. CODE
39. Expenses
Historical Commission:
40. Expenses
Council on Aging:
41. Expenses
Fire Department:
$ 16,130.00
46. Regular Salaries
$313,650.00
6,530.00
47. Other Salaries
106,100.00
. 48. Expenses
30, 730. 00
49. Capital Outlay
2,450.00
6,025.00
1,050.00
Sealer of Weights and Measures:
50. Salary
610.00
51. Expenses
50.00
8,825.00
5,500.00
Insect Pest Control:
52. Wages
4,455.00
53. Expenses
6,585.00
9,400.00
7,270.00
Town Forest Committee:
54. Expenses
100.00
100.00
Tree Department:
55. Wages
6,575.00
56. Expenses
8,560.00
280.00
Inspector of Wires:
i:
57. Expenses
6,500.00
100.00
Inspector of Gas Piping & Appliances
.
58. Expenses
4, 000. 00
1,000.00
Building Inspector:
59. Salaries
28,260.00
195.00
60. Expenses
Dog Officer:
3,325.00
2,485.00
61. Wages
1,200.00
62. Expenses
500.00
18,045.00
Building Committee:
30,600.00
63. Expenses
75.00
22,950.00
3,700.00
Civil Defense:
64. Expenses
750.00
6,000.00
Town Utilities:
65. Hydrant Rental
30,950.00
66. Street Lighting
31,500.00
4,030.00
7,000.00
TOTAL PROTECTION OF PERSONS
200.00
5,000.00
TOTAL GENERAL GOVERNMENT $469, 275. 00
PROTECTION OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY
Police Department
42. Regular Salaries
43. Other Salaries
44. Expenses
45. Capital Outlay
$258,215.00
108,535.00
21,560.00
3,050.00
HIGHWAYS
Highway Department:
67. Salaries and Wages
68. Overtime for Snow
69. General Expenses
70. Drainage
71. Snow and Ice Control
72. Machinery Expense
73. Gasoline and Diesel Fuel
74. Chapter 81 Maintenance
75. Chapter 90 Maintenance
76. Capital Outlay
TOTAL HIGHWAYS
285.00
$163,055.00
20,000.00
53,500.00
20,000.00
50,000.00
35,500.00
23,200.00
40,000.00
47,000.00
4,345.00
$456,600.00
92
HEALTH AND SANITATION
Health and Sanitation:
77. Salaries
78. Expenses
79. Garbage Collection
$ 39,755.00
37,950.00
52,720.00
Inspector of Animals:
80. Wages
81. Expenses
170.00
30.00
Plumbing Inspector:
82. Expenses
6,000.00
TOTAL HEALTH & SANITATION $136, 625. 00
CEMETERIES
Cemeteries:
83. Salaries & Wages
84. Expenses
85. Capital Outlay
TOTAL CEMETERIES
RECREATION
Recreation:
86. Salaries and Wages
87. Expenses
88. Capital Outlay
TOTAL RECREATION
VETERANS' AID
Veterans' Services:
89. Salary
90. Expenses
91. Aid
TOTAL VETERANS' AID
PENSIONS
Pension Fund:
92. Expenses
TOTAL PENSIONS
INSURANCE
Insurance:
93. Group Health Premiums
94. Other Insurance
95. Insurance Adviser
TOTAL INSURANCE
$ 51,450.00
14,500.00
3,300.00
$ 69,250.00
$ 55,105.00
26,370.00
0
$ 81,475.00
$ 3,905.00
275.00
30,000.00
$ 34,180.00
$ 94,035.00
$ 94,035.00
$100,205.00
45,685.00
1,500.00
$147,390.00
MATURING DEBT AND INTEREST
TOWN GOVERNMENT
Highway Department Building:
96. Maturing Debt
97. Interest
Highway Department Equipment:
98. Maturing Debt
99. Interest
Anticipation of Revenue Notes:
100. Interest
35,000.
8, 125.
65,000.
12,650.
20,000.01
TOTAL MATURING DEBT AND INTEREST
TOWN GOVERNMENT $ 140, 775.
LIBRARIES
Memorial Library:
101. Salaries
102. Expenses
103. Books
104. Capital Outlay
West Acton Library:
105. Salaries
106. Expenses
TOTAL LIBRARIES
91,310.
20,200.
23,440.
1,730.
6,440.
2,315.
0i
$ 145,435.0
MATURING DEBT AND INTEREST
LIBRARIES
Library Addition:
107. Maturing Debt
108. Interest
TOTAL MATURING DEBT AND
INTEREST - LIBRARIES
TOTAL BUDGET - ARTICLE 7
2, 753, 325.0<
Article 8 BUDGET
To see what sums of money the Town will raise and appropriate, or appropriate from available funds,
to defray the necessary expenses of the local and regional schools.
)(
VOTED: that the following budget schedule be raised and appropriated:
LOCAL SCHOOLS VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS
93
Local Schools:
109. Operating Expenses
110. Maturing Debt and
Interest on Teachers'
Summer Pay Borrowing
Blanchard Auditorium:
111. Expenses
TOTAL LOCAL SCHOOLS
$3,049,678.00
109,400.00
31,241.00
$3,190,319.00
MATURING DEBT AND INTEREST
LOCAL SCHOOLS
McCarthy School:
112. Maturing Debt $ 0
113. Interest 0
Merriam School:
114. Maturing Debt
115. Interest
Douglas School:
116. Maturing Debt
117. Interest
Gates School:
118. Maturing Debt
119. Interest
Conant School:
120. Maturing Debt
121. Interest
40,000.00
5,040.00
35,000.00
14,090.00
60,000.00
30,955.00
85,000.00
75,670.00
TOTAL MATURING DEBT AND INTEREST
LOCAL SCHOOLS $ 345, 755. 00
ACTON-BOXBOROUGH REGIONAL
SCHOOL DISTRICT
Acton -Boxborough Regional Schools:
122. Operating Expenses $2,948,610.00
123.
124.
125.
126.
Transportation
School Athletic Fund
Maturing Debt and
Interest on Teachers'
Summer Pay Borrowing
Maturing Debt and Interest
40,735.00
86,886.00
115,494.00
268,857. 00
44,088.
00
$
230,894.
00
$7,
227,559.
00
$2,
7,
753,325.
227,559.
00
00
Minuteman Vocational School:
127. Operating Expenses $ 120,501.00
128. Maturing Debt and Interest 66, 305. 00
Other Vocational Schools:
129. Tuition & Transportation
TOTAL VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS
TOTAL SCHOOLS
Total Budget - Article 7
Total Budget - Article 8
TOTAL BUDGETS
ARTICLES 7 & 8
Appropriated from Library
Receipts
Appropriated from County
Dog Fund
Federal Revenue Sharing
Receipts
Funds Received under Sec. 22,
Chap. 1140, Acts of 1973
AMOUNT TO BE RAISED AND
APPROPRIATED
$9,980,884.00
5,538.75
2,313.19
250,000.00
99,742.00
$9,623,290.06
SPECIAL ARTICLES
Art. 12. Library - Sundays $ 1,050.00
15. Sanitary Landfill 6, 000. 00
22. Central Street 7, 700. 00
24. Sidewalks 10,000.00
25. Department Vehicles 21,600.00
26. Fuel Storage Tank 5, 000. 00
32. Great Hill Recreation 87,250.00
34. Fire Engine 56,000.00
41. Conservation Fund 100,000.00
42. 1975 Funds 7,000.00
44. Mt. Hope Cemetery 400. 00
45. Cemetery Planning 10,000.00
57. Reserve Fund 75, 000.00
TOTAL TO BE RAISED AND
APPROPRIATED UNDER
SPECIAL ARTICLES
$ 387,000.00
TOTAL REGIONAL SCHOOLS
$3,460,591.00
94
TRANSFERS
From: To:
Art. 7. Library Receipts Memorial Library $ 5,538.75
County Dog Fund Library Use 2, 313. 19
Federal Revenue Sharing Police Department 250,000.00
Chap. 1140, Sec. 22, Acts of 1973 Highway Department 99,742.00
Art. 21. Surplus Revenue Highways 27,100.00
22. Surplus Revenue Central Street 23, 100. 00
23. Chap. 1140, Sec. 20, Acts of 1973 Drainage Projects 59,845.00
44. Cemetery Land Fund Mt. Hope Cemetery 2,600.00
56. Free Cash Budget 150,000.00
TOTAL TRANSFERS $620, 238. 94
BORROW
Art. 6. School Department Summer Salaries $315,000.00
SUMMARY
Budget (R. & A. ) $ 9,623.290.06
Special Articles (R. & A. ) 387, 000. 00
Special Articles (Transfers) 620,238.94
Borrow 315,000.00
GRAND TOTAL $10, 945, 529. 00
Article 13 SIDEWALKS SNOW & ICE REMOVAL
VOTED: To accept the provisions of Section 7 of Chapter 40 of the General Laws which authorized the toil
to make appropriations for removal of snow and ice from sidewalks.
Article 14 SANITARY LANDFILL
To see if the Town will:
(a) Authorize the Board of Selectmen to lease certain land on Quarry Road containing approximately
20 acres, shown as Lot A on a "Compiled Plan of Land in Acton owned by Kennedy Land Corpora-
tion dated November 19, 1973 by the Town of Acton Engineering Department, " for a term of 15
years at an annual rental of $10, 000. 00 per year, as the site for a sanitary landfill for the Town
and raise and appropriate, or appropriate from available funds a sum of money therefor, or
(b) Authorize the Board of Selectmen to acquire by purchase or by eminent domain all or a portion
of the land shown as Lots A, B, and C on said plan and containing approximately 115 acres as
the site for a sanitary landfill for the Town and appropriate a sum of money therefor and
determine whether such appropriation shall be raised by borrowing or otherwise, or take any
other action relative thereto.
VOTED: To take no action.
Article 15 DEVELOPMENT OF SANITARY LANDFILL
VOTED: To take no action on paragraphs a, c, d and e of this article.
VOTED: (under paragraph b) To raise and appropriate $6, 000. 00, to be expended by the Town Manager,
for the preparation of plans and studies related to the development of a sanitary landfill site off Quarry
Road.
95
Article 16
VOTED: That action under this article be postponed until the final session of this meeting.
Article 17 NEW STREETS
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To accept as public ways the following streets, or portions thereof, con-
structed under the requirements of the Subdivision Control Law and the Subdivision Rules and Regula-
tions of the Town of Acton and as laid out by the Board of Selectmen according to plans on file with
the Town Clerk; including the takings or acceptance of easements for drainage, utility, or other
purposes where shown on said plans or described in the order of layout:
In Quarry Road Industrial Park
A. Granite Road from the northwesterly sideline of Quarry Road a distance of 603+
feet in a northwesterly direction to the northwesterly sideline of a 62. 50 foot
radius cul-de-sac, including the cul-de-sac, this being the entire road.
In Patriot's Hill Section IV
B. Madison Lane from the northerly sideline of Jackson Drive a distance of 1101+
feet in a northerly and northwesterly direction to the easterly sideline of Lincoln
Drive, this being the entire road.
In Putnam Park
C. Woodbury Lane from the present end of Woodbury Lane as a Public Way 776+
feet in a northerly direction to the southerly sideline of Meadow Brook Road,
this being the entire road.
D. Meadow Brook Road from the easterly sideline of Patriot's Road 390+ feet
in an easterly direction to station 12+ 10. 00 near the easterly sideline of
Woodbury Lane.
In Isaac Davis Park Subdivision
E. Fife and Drum Road from station 0+16.23 at the northeasterly sideline of
Musket Drive, a distance of 704.35 feet in a generally northeasterly direc-
tion to station 7+20. 58 at the southerly sideline of Revolutionary Road,
this being the entire road.
Article 18 DAVIS ROAD
NO ACTION. To see if the Town will accept as a Town way Davis Road, as laid out by the Board
of Selectmen according to plans on file with the Town Clerk, including the taking or acceptance of
land and easements for driveway, drainage, utility, road construction, and other purposes, as
shown on said plans and described in the order of layout and to raise and appropriate, or appropriate
from available funds, a sum of money for the purpose of acquiring said land and easements, and
for expenses incidental thereto, and to name said way Davis Road, or take any other action relative
thereto.
VOTED: To take no action.
Article 19
NO ACTION: To see if the Town will vote to accept the following streets, or portions thereof, as
laid out by the Board of Selectmen according to plans on file with the Town Clerk; including the
takings or acceptances of easements for drainage, utility, or other purposes where shown on said
plans or described in the order of layout:
96
In Parlin Park Section I
A. Samuel Parlin Drive from the northerly sideline of Hammond Street a distance
of 1133+ feet in a generally northerly direction to station 11+32. 72.
In Parlin Park Section II
B. Willis Holden Drive from the northeasterly sideline of Samuel Parlin Drive a
distance of 1096+ feet in a generally northerly and westerly direction to station
11+16. 04, including the temporary cul-de-sac.
or take any other action relative thereto.
VOTED: To take no action.
Article 20 SURPLUS PROPERTY
To see if the Town will raise and appropriate, or appropriate from available funds, the sum of
$2, 000. 00 or any other sum, to be used by the Town Manager for the purchase and conditioning
of surplus government property for the various Town departments, or take any other action
relative thereto.
VOTED: To take no action.
Article 21 HIGHWAYS
VOTED: To appropriate from surplus revenue $2, 000. 00 as the state's allotment for highway main-
tenance under Chapter 90, $2,000.00 as the county's allotment for highway maintenance under Chapter
90, and $23, 100. 00 as the state's allotment for highway maintenance under Chapter 81, provided that
any reimbursement received be credited to the surplus revenue account.
Article 22 CENTRAL STREET
VOTED: To appropriate $30, 800. 00 for Chapter 90 construction on Central Street from about 300
feet north of Orchard Drive to about 500 feet south of Orchard Drive, said money to be used in
conjunction with funds to be allotted by the county and by the state, and to meet the appropriation
the sum of $7, 700. 00 be raised from taxes, and the sum of $23, 100. 00 be appropriated from the
surplus revenue account.
Article 23 DRAINAGE
VOTED: To appropriate $59, 845. 00 which the Town has received under section 20 of Chapter 1140
of the Acts of 1973, for the construction of drainage projects for certain town ways.
Article 24 SIDEWALKS
VOTED: To raise and appropriate $10, 000. 00, to be expended by the Town Manager, for the construc-
tion of sidewalks.
RESOLVED: That the Selectmen confer with School Department in making their decision regarding
location of sidewalks in school area.
VOTED: To adjourn at 11:04 P. M. until Wednesday, May 22, 1974 at 7:30 P. M.
Wednesday, May 22, 1974. Moderator called the meeting to order at 7:30 P. M.
VOTED: That at the conclusion of the business pending before the meeting at 11:00 P. M. this evening,
this meeting be adjourned to 7:30 P. M. on next Wednesday, May 29, 1974 at this same place.
97
Article 25 VEHICLES
VOTED: That $21, 600. 00 be raised and appropriated for the purchase of three cruisers for the Police
Department, one pick-up truck for the Board of Health and one sedan for the Building Commissioner.
Article 26 FUEL STORAGE
VOTED: To raise and appropriate $5, 000. 00 to be expended by the Town Manager for the purchase
and installation of a 10, 000 gallon underground tank at the Public Works Facility for the storage of
diesel fuel.
Article 27
To see if the Town will raise and appropriate, or appropriate from available funds, the sum of
$13, 500. 00, or any other sum, to be expended by the Town Manager for the purchase and equipping
of three new Police Department vehicles and authorize the Town Manager to trade in three of the
present Town vehicles, or take any other action relative thereto.
VOTED: To take no action.
Article 28 POLICE - MUTUAL AID
VOTED: To accept the provisions of Chapter 220 of the Acts of 1972 which authorizes the town to
enter into agreements with other cities and towns to provide mutual aid programs for Police
Departments.
Article 29 DRAINAGE EASEMENT
VOTED: To accept a perpetual easement for drainage purposes off Independence Road described
in a deed from Carl Simeone and Ann C. Simeone dated February 13, 1974.
Article 30 DRAINAGE EASEMENT
VOTED: To accept a perpetual easement for drainage purposes off Central Street described in a
deed from Stanley C. Wood and Anna Wood dated December 26, 1973.
Article 31
i
To see if the Town will raise and appropriate, or appropriate from available funds, a sum of money
to be expended by the Town Manager for the development for recreation purposes, of Town owned land
adjacent to the Luther B. Conant School and Town owned land adjacent to the Town Public Works Facility,
or take any other action relative thereto.
VOTED: To take no action.
VOTED: To take up Article 34.
Article 34 FIRE ENGINE
VOTED: To raise and appropriate $56, 000. 00, to be expended by the Town Manager, for the purchase of
a pumper for the Fire Department.
VOTED: To take up Article 8. (See vote following Article 7. )
98
Article 32 GREAT HILL RECREATION
MOTION: To raise and appropriate $92, 759.00, to be expended by the Town Manager, for the design
and development of recreation area and facilities in the Great Hill area.
VOTED: To amend motion by deleting $92, 759. 00 and inserting in place thereof $87, 250. 00, to
eliminate ski study.
VOTED: To raise and appropriate $87, 250. 00, to be expended by the Town Manager, for the design
and development of recreation area and facilities in the Great Hill area.
Meeting adjourned at 11:12 P. M.
Wednesday, May 29, 1974. Moderator called meeting to order at 7:30 P. M.
i
Article 33 FIRE LANES
VOTED: To amend the Town Bylaws by adopting the following article to be numbered Article 19 and
by renumbering the present Article 19 as Article 20.
Fire Lanes
(a) The Fire Chief may designate Fire Lanes within the limits of any private way,
parking area, or driveway for the access of fire apparatus to multiple family
dwellings, stores, schools and places of public assembly. To the extent
feasible fire lanes shall not be located in any area used for parking spaces
before May 13, 1974. After May 13, 1974, no parking spaces required by
the zoning bylaw shall be located in any area designated as a fire lane.
(b) The owner of record of any area designated as a Fire Lane shall provide and
install signs that shall read "Fire Lane - No Parking - Tow Zone. " The size
materials and location of such signs shall be approved by the Fire Chief.
(c) It shall be unlawful to obstruct or block any area designed as a Fire Lane
with a vehicle or by any other means.
(d) Any vehicle parked or left unattended within a designated Fire Lane may be
removed or towed under the direction of a Police Officer at the owner's
expense.
(e) Any person violating section (b) shall, for each offense, be punished by a
fine of $50. 00. Each day that such violation continues shall be a separate
offense.
(f) Any person violating section (c) or section (d) shall, for each offense, be
punished by a fine of $5. 00
RESOLVED: That the Planning Board study and with the advice of the Fire Chief, set standards suit-
able for incorporation into the Protective Zoning Bylaw, those standards which will cover the layout
of Fire Lanes required for access to multi-family dwellings, stores, schools, places of public
assembly and any other uses they deem necessary.
VOTED.
Article 35 TODD LAND SWAP
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To authorize the Board of Selectmen to convey a parcel of land containing
approximately 130, 657 square feet together with the subsurface disposal field located thereon which
is not required by the Town for public school purposes, said parcel being shown as Parcel A on a
plan by Acton Survey & Engineering, Inc., 277 Central Street, Acton, Mass., dated October 31, 1973,
being bounded and described as follows:
99
NORTHEASTERLY by land of the Acton -Boxborough Regional School
District, as shown on said plan, two hundred
seventy -two and 00/100 (272.00) feet;
SOUTHEASTERLY by land of the Town of Acton, as shown on said
plan, four hundred sixty -five and 00/100
(465.00) feet;
SOUTHWESTERLY by land of the Town of Acton, two hundred
eighty -nine and 45/100 (289.45) feet; and
NORTHWESTERLY by land of the Acton -Boxborough Regional School
District, four hundred sixty -six and 26/100
(466.26) feet,
to the Acton Boxborough Regional School District in return for the conveyance to the Town from the
Regional School District of the land and buildings thereon, containing approximately 131, 340 square
feet and commonly known as the Todd House land shown as Lot B on said plan, being bounded and
described as follows:
SOUTHEASTERLY by Main Street, as shown on said plan, four
hundred fifty -six and 43/100 (456.43) feet;
WESTERLY by land of Carl D. Orio and Charles W.
Whitehead and land of the Town of Acton, as
shown on said plan, three hundred thirty-
nine and 71/100 (339.71) feet;
NORTHWESTERLY by Lot C, as shown on said plan, three hun-
dred sixty and 67/100 (360.67) feet; and
NORTHEASTERLY again, by said Lot C. three hundred seven
and 00/100 (307. 00) feet.
Article 36 UNISSUED BOND AUTHORIZATIONS
VOTED: To rescind the unissued balances of the following bond issues:
(a) The unissued balance of $75, 000. 00 of the $800, 000. 00 loan authorized
for construction of the Douglas school by vote of the town meeting under
Article 1 of the 1963 Annual Town Meeting Warrant.
(b) The unissued balance of $104, 450. 00 of the $1, 349, 450. 00 loan authorized
for construction of the Gates school under Article 10 of the 1967 Annual
Town Meeting Warrant.
(c) The unissued balance of $103, 347. 21 of the loan of $1, 728, 347. 21 authorized
for construction of the Conant school under Article 19 of the 1970 Annual
Town Meeting Warrant.
Article 37
To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of $40, 000. 00 or any other sum, to be expended
by the Permanent Building Committee for the preparation of:
(a) Preliminary plans for an elementary school to be located on land owned
by the Town of Acton between Taylor Road and Minot Avenue, or
(b) Plans for the renovation of and construction of an addition to the McCarthy-
Towne School,
or take any other action relative thereto.
VOTED: To take no action.
100
Article 38 CONSERVATION LAND - YOUNG
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To authorize the Conservation Commission to purchase and authorize the
Board of Selectmen to take by eminent domain, upon request of the Conservation Commission, for
conservation purposes the fee or any other interest in a parcel of land containing approximately
40 acres, or any portion thereof, situated on the westerly side of Nagog Hill Road, owned by Robert
B. Young and Helena M. Young, shown as parcel 1 of Plate D-4 of the Town Atlas (as amended to
January 1, 1974) and described in a deed recorded in Middlesex South District Registry of Deeds
Book 6594 page 264 and further approve application by the Conservation Commission for reimburse-
ment from the Commonwealth under General Laws, Chapter 132A, Section 11.
Article 39 CONSERVATION LAND - JENKS
VOTED: To authorize the Conservation Commission to purchase or otherwise acquire, and authorize
the Board of Selectmen to take by eminent domain, upon the request of the Conservation Commission,
for conservation purposes the fee or any other interest in a parcel of land containing approximately
5. 5 acres, or any portion thereof, situated behind 22 Musket Drive and owned by the estate of
Porter G. Jenks shown as parcel 87-64 of Plate E-3 of the Town Atlas (as amended to January 1,
1974) and described in a deed recorded in Middlesex South District Registry of Deeds Book 10539
page 483 and shown as Parcel A on a plan recorded with said Deeds Book 11294, page 280 and
further approve application by the Conservation Commission for reimbursement from the Common-
wealth under General Laws, Chapter 132A Section 11.
Total Vote - 136 Yea - 128 Nay - 8 Needed to carry - 91
Article 40 CONSERVATION LAND - JENKS
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To authorize the Conservation Commission to purchase or otherwise acquire,
and authorize the Board of Selectmen to take by eminent domain, upon the request of the Conservation
Commission, for conservation purposes the fee or any other interest in a parcel of land containing
approximately 0. 5 acres, or any portion thereof, situated on 36 Washington Drive, owned by Jenks
Homes, Inc. and shown as parcel 87-54 of Plate E-3 of the Town Atlas (as amended to January 1,
1974) and described in a deed recorded in Middlesex South District Registry of Deeds Book 11372
page 677 and shown as Lot 304 on a plan recorded with said Deeds Book 11294 page 280 and further
approve application by the Conservation Commission for reimbursement from the Commonwealth
under General Laws, Chapter 132A, Section 11.
Article 16
To see if the Town will raise and appropriate, or appropriate from available funds, the sum of
$30, 000. 00, or any other sum, to be expended by the Town Manager for the preparation of plans
and the construction of sanitary facilities to provide further treatment and disposal of sewage and
septic tank effluent originating within the Town of Acton, or take any other action relative thereto.
VOTED: To take no action.
Article 42 BICENTENNIAL
VOTED: To raise and appropriate $7, 000. 00 to be placed in a separate account with the Town Treasure:;
to be expended for the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the battle between the citizens of Acton
and the British troops.
Article 43 PERPETUAL CARE
VOTED: To accept the sum of $2, 000. 00, from the Estate of Mary E. Smith, such sum to be placed in e
fund to be known as the Charles E. and Mary E. Smith Cemetery Fund, the income to be used under the
direction of the Cemetery Commissioners to provide perpetual care for certain lots in Woodlawn Ceme-I
tery, in accordance with the terms of said bequest.
101
Article 44 CEMETERY ROADS
VOTED: To appropriate $3, 000. 00 for the purpose of paving roads in Mt. Hope Cemetery and that
$400. 00 of said appropriation be raised from taxes and $2, 600. 00 be transferred from the cemetery-
land fund.
Article 45 CEMETERY PLANNING
VOTED: To raise and appropriate $10, 000. 00, to be expended by the Town Manager, for pro-
fessional services in connection with the planning, design and landscaping of Woodlawn and Mount
Hope Cemeteries.
Total Vote - 158. Yea - 120 Nay - 38
Article 46
To see if the Town will raise and appropriate or appropriate from available funds the sum of
$1, 500. 00, or any other sum, to be expended by the Town Manager for the restoration of the Flag
Standards on the graves of the Revolutionary Veterans, or take any other action relative thereto.
VOTED: To take no action.
Article 47 LEASED HOUSING
VOTED: To approve the application of section 23 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (which
authorizes the Housing Authority to implement a leased housing program) to the Town.
A moment of silence was observed for the late Robert H. Gerhardt, Chairman of the Planning Board.
Article 48 ZONING BYLAW
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To amend section III-B 2 of the Zoning Eylaw by deleting the words
"Section IV -F" and substituting therefor the words "Section IV -G" and by deleting from sections
IV -G 1 and 7 the words "Section IV -F" and substituting therefor the words "Section IV -G".
Article 49 ZONING BYLAW
VOTED: To amend section V-D of the Zoning Bylaw by amending the first sentence of the second
paragraph by inserting the words "held a hearing thereon in accordance with the provisions of
G. L. c. 40A, s. 17" and after the word "have" so that the sentence reads:
"Any person desiring approval of a site plan under this paragraph shall
submit said plan to the Board of Selectmen who shall thereafter transmit
it to the Planning Board for a report and recommendations thereon, and
no building permit shall be issued until the Board of Selectmen shall
have held a hearing thereon in accordance with the provisions of G. L.
c. 40A, s. 17 and approved or disapproved the plan within sixty days
after receipt of the plan. "
and by changing the time within which the Planning Board must render a report from 45 days to 30
days.
Total vote - 169. Yea - 128 Nay - 41 Needed - 113.
102
Article 50 ZONING BYLAW
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To amend the Protective Zoning Bylaw by adding to Section V-B the follow-
ing subsections:
4. Grade: The average level of the ground adjacent to the exterior walls of
the building provided the ground level is not artifically raised beyond the level
consistant with the reasonable development of the site.
5. Height: The vertical distance from the grade to the top of the highest
roof beams of a flat roof, or to the mean level of the highest gable or slope
of a hip roof.
6. The height limitations contained in this bylaw shall not apply to
chimneys, elevator shafts, mechanical equipment and other usual and
necessary appurtenances and structures above the roofline of a build-
ing, which are not used for human occupancy and which do not occupy
more than 20% in the aggregate of the roof plan area of the building;
provided however that no structure, whether on the roof of a building
or not, shall exceed 44 feet above grade unless the Board of Appeals
finds that such structure is required for the proposed use and will
not be detrimental to the neighborhood and grants a special permit
therefor.
Article 51 ZONING BYLAW
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To amend the protective Zoning Bylaw by deleting from Section V-b Intensity
Regulation Schedule the maximum height limitation applicable to Business Uses and to the 1-2 district
and by substituting therefor the following limitations:
Business Uses 3 stories and 36 feet above grade
VCB 3 stories and 36 feet above grade
1-1 All permitted uses 36 feet above grade
1-2 All permitted uses 36 feet above grade
Article 52 ZONING BYLAW
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To amend the Protective Zoning Bylaw by deleting Section V-C 1, providing
an exception to the side yard requirements in the General Business District and inserting the words
"Left intentionally blank .
Article 53 ZONING BYLAW
VOTED: To amend the Protective Zoning Bylaw by adding to Section V-A 5d the following sentence to
be inserted after the first sentence: "The portion of any driveway within the first ten feet of any yard
ser-back shall not exceed 600 square feet in area. "
Total vote - 161. Yea - 116 Nay - 45 Needed - 107.
Article 54 ZONING
To see if the Town will amend the Protective Zoning Bylaw by deleting Section IV F 2 C, dealing with
lot coverage in an 1-2 District, inserting the words "Left intentionally blank", and by adding a new
section V A 6 as follows:
103
"6. Lot Coverage in B, 1-1 and 1-2 Districts; The area covered by all
buildings on a lot in a General Business, 1-1 or 1-2 District shall
not exceed 35 per cent of the area of the lot. The area covered by
all buildings and parking areas shall not exceed 75 per cent of the
area of the lot. Parking areas include parking spaces, traffic
lanes, maneuvering spaces, loading bays, but exclude entrance and
exit driveways. "
or take any other action relative thereto.
VOTED: To take no action.
A moment of silence was observed for the late Charles D. MacPherson, formerly Chairman and member
of the Board of Selectmen.
Article 55 SCENIC ROADS
LIST OF ROADS
(* indicates the entire road has been selected)
*1. Windsor Avenue from the southerly sideline of Massachusetts Avenue
running approximately 2610 feet in a southerly direction to the north-
easterly sideline of Central Street, this being the entire road.
2. Arlington Street from the northwest end of Hay ward Road running
approximately 7000 feet in a northeasterly direction to the south-
westerly sideline of Newtown Road.
#3. Bulette Road from the southwesterly sideline of Newtown Road
running approximately 1100 feet in a southwesterly direction to
the end, this being the entire road.
4. Robbins Street from the northerly sideline of Stow Street running
approximately 2000 feet in a northwesterly direction to the end.
5. Stow Street from the northwesterly sideline of Liberty Street
running approximately 3200 feet to the Stow Town Line.
6. Liberty Street from the westerly sideline of Martin Street
running approximately 2750 feet in a westerly direction to the
Stow Town Line.
7. Martin Street from the southeasterly sideline of Liberty
Street running approximately 1000 feet in a southeasterly
direction to the end.
*8. High Street from the easterly sideline of Main Street running
approximately 8600 feet to the northerly sideline of Powder
Mill Road, this being the entire road.
9. School Street from the northerly end of River Street running
approximately 1650 feet in an easterly direction to the
southerly end of Piper Road.
10. Piper Road from the northerly sideline of School Street
running approximately 2750 feet to the western end of
Brucewood Road.
*11. Hayward Road from the southeasterly sideline of Arlington
Street approximately 6900 feet in a generally easterly direc-
tion to the westerly sideline of Main Street, this being the
entire road.
104
*12. Coughlin Street from the southeasterly sideline of Main Street
running approximately 1200 feet in a southeasterly direction
to the westerly sideline of Taylor Road, this being the entire
road.
*13. Taylor Road, the entire road.
14. Minot Avenue from the easterly sideline of Taylor Road running
approximately 2000 feet in a southeasterly direction to the
northwesterly end of Forest Road.
*15. Forest Road from the southeasterly sideline of Minot Avenue
running approximately 2300 feet to the westerly sideline of
Hosmer Street, this being the entire road.
*16. Newtown Road from the Littleton Town Line running approxi-
mately 11,300 feet in a generally southeasterly direction to
the northwesterly sideline of Main Street, this being the
entire road.
*17. Concord Road from the southeasterly sideline of Main Street
running approximately 6400 feet in a generally southeasterly
direction to the westerly sideline of Great Road, this being the
entire road.
18. Pope Road from the eastern end of Braebrook Road running
approximately 10, 900 feet in a northwesterly direction to
the Concord Town Line.
*19. Proctor Street from the northwesterly sideline of Pope
Road running approximately 850 feet in a northwesterly
direction to the end, this being the entire road.
*20. Spring Hill Road from the northeasterly sideline of Pope
Road running approximately 1900 feet in a northeasterly
direction to the end, this being the entire road.
*21. Esterbrook Road from the easterly sideline of Great Road
running approximately 3800 feet in a generally northeast-
erly direction to the southerly sideline of Strawberry Hill
Road, this being the entire road.
*22. Strawberry Hill Road from the easterly sideline of Great
Road running approximately 6200 feet in a generally east-
erly direction to the Concord Town Line, this being the
entire road in Acton.
*23. Brook Street from the southeasterly sideline of Main Street
running approximately 2200 feet in a generally easterly
direction to the westerly sideline of Great Road, this
being the entire road.
*24. Carlisle Road from the easterly sideline of Main Street
running approximately 3300 feet in a generally northeast-
erly direction to the Carlisle Town Line, this being the
entire road in Acton.
*25. Fort Pond Road from the northeasterly side of Newtown Road
running approximately 2000 feet in a northeasterly direction
to the Littleton Town Line, this being the entire road in
Acton.
105
26. Nagog Hill Road from the northwesterly sideline of Main Street
running approximately 9000 feet in a northwesterly direction
to the Littleton Town Line.
*27. Simon Hapgood Lane from the northeasterly sideline of
Strawberry Hill Road running approximately 500 feet in a
northerly direction to the end, this being the entire road.
*28. Hammond Street from the northeast sideline of Newtown Road
running approximately 3900 feet in an easterly direction
to the westerly sideline of Nagog Hill Road, this being the
entire road.
29. Minuteman Road from the southwesterly sideline of Newtown
Road running approximately 1000 feet in a westerly direction
to the end.
30. Central Street from the southeasterly sideline of Hapgood 's
Crossing 1500 feet in a southeasterly direction.
31. Quarry Road the extension into the Town Forest (not a public
way).
32. Isaac Davis Trail beginning at the most westerly end of Minute-
man Road thence southwesterly over land of the Town of
Acton and the existing easement on land of James Progein
(#8 John Swift Road - Lot 43A) to John Swift Road.
33. Isaac Davis Trail from Musket Drive to Hay ward Road over
the existing easement on land of Barbara Keizer (#4 Musket
Drive - Lot 147).
Article 56 FREE CASH
VOTED: That $150, 000.00 be appropriated and transferred from Free Cash to be used by the Assessors
in considering and fixing the tax rate for fiscal year ending June 30, 1975.
Article 57 RESERVE FUND
VOTED: To raise and appropriate $75, 000. 00 for a Reserve Fund pursuant to section 6 of Chapter 40
of the General Laws.
VOTED: To adjourn at 11:59 P. M.
The following persons served as tellers at the above meeting: Regina Poppert, Jack Batchelder, Theron
Lowden, Lee Salt, Jane Litchfield, Lorens Persson, Carolyn Quadri, Nancy Barlow, Rene Vervoort,
Lynne Ferrara, Steven Mutty, Alan Waters, Suzanne Sandock, Joseph McGinty, Peter Farwell, Lynne
Salisbury, Steven Tolman, Kay Marcus, Richard Wirtenson, Sue Babcock.
Copy of letter sent to Mr. Albert R. Jenks regarding Article 11:
Mr. Albert R. Jenks
309 Central Street
Acton, Massachusetts 01720
Dear Mr. Jenks:
I am enclosing an excerpt from the proceedings of the 1974 Annual Town Meeting, in which the
Town accepted with gratitude the generous bequests contained in the Will of Mabel G. Jenks.
106
In her lifetime, Mrs. Jenks was known and revered throughout Acton for her dedicated communit
service. She gave unsparingly of her energy, time and talent. The thoughtful choice of projects to
which her legacies are attached exemplify service ideals she is known to have considered of utmost
importance; specifically beautification of the Town, preservation of its rich historical past and enhance
opportunity for its youth.
Acton, now and in many years to come, will be richer for the example of her life, for her
generosity and for her vision.
Very truly yours,
Charles M. MacRae
Town Clerk
CMM:VM
Enc.
Copies to:
Mrs. Carroll E. McPhee
Mrs. Ernest F. O' Clair
Mr. Stanley C. Jenks
Mrs. Edmond J. McNiff
A true copy. Attest:
Charles M. MacRae
Town Clerk
Amendments to the Town Bylaws (Article 33) and the Protective Zoning Bylaw (Articles 48, 49, 50, 51
52, 53) voted in the affirmative at the Annual Town Meeting this year were approved by Attorney Gener
Robert H. Quinn on September 16, 1974 and duly posted as required by law.
ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING, MAY 13, 1974
Moderator called meeting to order at 7:45 P. M.
Article 1 FIRE DEPT. SALARIES
To see if the Town will raise and appropriate, or appropriate from available funds $50, 000. 00, or any
other sum, to be expended for Fire Department salaries and wages, or take any other action relative
thereto.
VOTED: To transfer $45,300.00 from the 1974 budget, line item number 89 (group health premium),
to budget line item number 42 (Fire Department salaries and wages).
VOTED: To adjourn. L
A true copy. Attest:
Charles M. MacRae
V
Town Clerk A
107
ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING, May 15, 1974
Moderator called meeting to order at 9:00 P. M.
Article 1 CONSERVATION
To see if the Town will appropriate $600, 000. 00, or any other sum, for acquiring land for open space
and conservation purposes, including outdoor recreation, under General Laws, Chapter 40, Section
8C, as amended, and to determine whether such appropriation shall be raised by borrowing or other-
wise, or take any other action relative thereto.
VOTED: To appropriate $600, 000. 00 for acquiring land for open space and conservation purposes,
including outdoor recreation, under General Laws, Chapter 40, Section 8C and that the Treasurer,
with the approval of the Selectmen, is authorized to borrow $600, 000. 00 under General Laws,
Chapter 44, Section 7; and that the Conservation Commission, pursuant to a vote or votes to be
hereafter adopted at an annual or any special town meetings designating the parcels of land to be
acquired by eminent domain or otherwise, is authorized to take all action necessary to carry out
the purposes of this vote.
Total Vote - 377. Yea - 364 Nay - 13 Needed to Carry - 251.
VOTED: To adjourn at 10:35 P. M.
A true copy. Attest:
Charles M. MacRae
Town Clerk
ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING DECEMBER 3, 1974
AND ADJOURNED SESSION DECEMBER 5, 1974
Moderator called the meeting to order at 7:30 P. M.
Article 1 CONSERVATION LAND VAL CONSTRUCTION
\
I Voted unanimously: To approve the purchase by the Conservation Commission, tor Conservation pur-
I poses, from the Val Construction Company, Inc. a parcel of land containing approximately 84 acres
situated at the end of Robbins Street and shown on a plan dated June 24, 1974 and recorded in Middlesex
| South Registry of Deeds, Book 12670, Page 362, a copy of which is on file in the Town Clerk's Office;
ii and authorize the Town to take said land by eminent domain for conservation purposes and approve
application by the Conservation Commission for reimbursement from the Commonwealth under General
I Laws, Chapter 13 2 A, Section 11.
Article 2 SILVESTRONE EASEMENT
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To accept a perpetual easement for drainage purposes off Massachusetts
Avenue described in a deed from Gismonde A. Silvestrone and Catherine A. Silvestrone dated
June 15, 1974 and recorded with the Middlesex South District Registry of Deeds in Book 12650,
Page 120.
108
Article 3 STEFANELL1 EASEMENT
VOTED: To relocate the Town's perpetual easement shown in its entirety on a plan entitled "Plan
showing Drain Easement Through Land Located in Acton, Mass., and owned by Richard T. &
Rose M. Kelley, " dated June 6, 1961, by Fred K. Hanack, Town Engineer, recorded with Middlesex
South District Registry of Deeds in Book 9834, Page 345, where it crosses the land of Frank
Stefanelli, Trustee of Stefanelli Realty Trust, shown in detail and also shown on a plan entitled
"Plan of Land in Acton, Mass., owned by Frank Stefanelli, Trustee, Showing Existing Drainage
Easement to the Town of Acton, " dated February 19, 1974, by David W. Perley, Civil Engineer by
conveying the said easement where it crosses the land of Frank Stefanelli, Trustee as aforesaid,
and accepting in exchange therefore a perpetual easement from Frank Stefanelli, Trustee as afore-
said, as shown on a plan entitled "Plan of Land in Acton, Mass., owned by Frank Stefanelli, Trustee
Showing Proposed Drainage Easement to the Town of Acton, " dated February 15, 1974, by David
W. Perley, Civil Engineer, copies of both plans being on file in the Town Clerk's Office.
Article 4 BYLAW AMENDMENTS
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To amend the Protective Zoning Bylaw, the Sign Bylaw and the Building Code
by deleting the words "Building Inspector" wherever they may appear and by inserting the words
"Building Commissioner" in place thereof.
Article 5 JUDGMENT
VOTED: To appropriate $2, 500. 00 from Free Cash to satisfy a judgment against the Town in favor of
International Mobiles Corporation.
Article 6 ZONING BYLAW
VOTED: To amend the Protective Zoning Bylaw by deleting Section IV F 2 c, dealing with lot coverage
in an 1-2 District, and by inserting the words "left intentionally blank" and by adding a new Section V A
6 as follows:
"6 - Lot Coverage in B, 1-1 and 1-2 Districts:
The area covered by all buildings on a lot in a General Business,
1-1 or 1-2 District shall not exceed 35 percent of the area of the
lot. The area covered by all buildings and parking areas shall
not exceed 75 percent of the area of the lot. Parking areas in-
clude parking spaces, traffic lanes, maneuvering spaces, load-
ing bays, but exclude entrance and exit driveways. '
Total Vote - 538 Yea - 451 Nay - 87 Needed to Carry - 358.
VOTED: To take up Articles 13 and 14 next.
Article 13 REFUSE DISPOSAL PLANS
A REPORT ON SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL PLANNING November 26, 1974
The purpose of this report is to describe the steps now being taken to arrive at a decision on a
long term solid waste disposal capability for the Town, to present the Selectmen's policy on this
question, and to present the reasons why we are asking for engineering design funds for the proposed
Quarry Road landfill.
For more than two years the Selectmen, supported by Town Departments, Boards and
Committees, have been working on this problem. We have evaluated the cost of a number of solid
waste disposal options, and a summary of this is included in this report. Since it will take at least
a year to implement any option, we have taken steps to extend the life of our current landfill. We have
also recently received a report of a hydrogeological investigation of the proposed Acton landfill off
Quarry Road in North Acton. This report, prepared by Dr. Ward Motts, describes the possible en-
vironmental impacts of a landfill in the North Acton area, and the means that could be used to overcom<
them.
109
At the existing Acton landfill we will complete, in about four months, what was planned to be the
final "lift" (a spread of refuse and cover across the entire area at a specified height and slope). Since
additional time is required before any new disposal capacity can be put into operation, the Selectmen
have authorized the Town Engineer to begin a new lift. This new lift will extend the life of the existing
landfill approximately 18 months. This will provide us the time needed to select and design a new
disposal system.
Current Town Policy
Our policy with respect to selecting a new disposal capacity for the Town can best be stated as
follows :
. We are evaluating all possible solid waste disposal options that may
become available to the Town. We will continue this evaluation until
we commit ourselves to an option. The Town, not the Selectmen,
will make that commitment through an appropriation of funds at a
Town Meeting for land purchase, construction, or disposal contract.
Landfill is one of the two disposal options available today. Since
landfill is an option under our control, and since it remains the
lowest cost option, we must continue to determine how it can be
operated in an economical and environmentally sound manner.
Every conceivable site for a landfill in Acton has been evaluated
thoroughly and the land off Quarry Road in North Acton is the
preferred site with respect to the numerous design, operation
and ultimate use factors that must be considered.
Existing and Future Options
In the most general sense the options available to the Town are these:
Option 1 -Develop and operate a Town landfill (see cost estimate in
this package). Since one of the Board of Health's February 26,
1974 conditions for assigning the site prevents citizen delivery
of rubbish. Option 1 can be subdivided into two options:
Option 1A -Town -wide rubbish collection either by Town
employees and vehicles or by contract - cost
approximately $10. 00 per ton based on similar
contracts in other communities and correlated
with national averages, in addition to disposal
costs.
Option IB -Construct and operate a transfer station -
recycling center at the current landfill site.
(See cost estimate in this package. )
Option 2 -Sign a contract with E. Bridgewater Associates for rubbish
transport and disposal from a Town -owned transfer station.
Cost:
. transport and disposal $17. 15/ton
. transfer station 2.00
landfill for unacceptable
items ?
$19.00+
Based on an East Bridgewater Assoc, proposal to Acton dated August 21, 1974.
110
Option 3 - Construct and operate (Town or contract) a small package
incinerator. Cost:
2
. incineration $17.00/ton
landfill disposal of ash
and items not incinerated
$17. 00+/ ton
Costs are incomplete. Estimates have ranged from $14/ton to more than $20/ton. We are continuing
to refine these cost estimates.
Option 4 -This involves a set of options, none of which are available
or even sufficiently well defined. These will continue to be
evaluated; if and when one of these appears in any way to be
competitive with landfill (Option 1) we may elect to initiate
an engineering study similar to the one now being initiated
for the landfill. This condition may also require that we
select temporarily one of two "delay" options:
1. landfill development in five year increments
(see cost estimate in this package), and
2. sign a short term contract with E. Bridge-
water Associates (see Option 2)
The nature of the options that might become available are
these.
Join the Minuteman Region in whatever option they choose.
The upcoming report prepared for them by the Arthur D.
Little Co. will point out that this region will have two
options available: (1) package incineration with or with-
out steam recovery and (2) participation in a much larger
state -sponsored regional project which may be formed in
a few years.
. Locate another out-of-town disposal option similar to
the service provided by East Bridgewater Associates.
Locate a steam customer within Acton whose steam
requirements match that provided by a package incinera-
tor. Perhaps to achieve more favorable economies of
scale, contract with other communities for additional
tonnage. Costs could be in the $8 -$13 per ton range,
including ash disposal, probably by means of a land-
fill.
Cost Estimate for Landfill
and Transfer Station - Recycling Center
Option IB
Key Assumptions:
1. Purchase 40 acres off Quarry Road of which 30 will be assigned for
disposal.
2. Establish a transfer station - recycling center at the current landfill
site.
Ill
3. The waste generation rate for the Town will average 56 tons per day
(16, 800 tons per year) over the next 20 years (1976-1996) based on
mean population growth estimates.
Landfill Cost (20 yrs. )
Purchase (40 acres at $5, 000/acre)
Development (including on-site fire, water, drainage,
liner, weighing station, etc. )
Operations for 20 years
(including 2 men, cover materials and equipment
all escalated 10% per year)
Installation of Town water into N. Acton
Equipment
Leachate treatment (if required)
Interest ($1, 300, 000 - 6-1/2% for 10 yrs. )
$3,608,000 $10.73
Transfer Station - Recycling Center Cost (20 yrs. )
Development $ 100, 000 $ 0. 30
Equipment $ 100,000 $ 0.30
Operations for 20 years $ 400,000 $ 1.19
Interest ($150, 000 - 6-1/2% for 10 years. ) $ 59,000 $ 0.17
$ 659,000 $ 1.96
GRAND TOTAL $3,608,000 $10.73
659,000 1.96
$4,267,000 $12.69
Value Remaining:
land 200, 000+ 0. 59+
Town water serving the area 350, 000+ 1. 04+
Total
Cost
Cost
Per Ton
$ 200,000
$
0.59
750,000
$
2.23
$1,400,000
$
4. 17
$ 350,000
$
1.04
$ 150,000
$
0.45
$ 250,000
$
0.74
$3,100,000
$
9.22
508,000
1.51
112
Time Phase Costs (5 yr. increments)
for Landfill and Transfer
Station Recycling Center (Option IB)
First 5 years - Landfill
Purchase (40 acres at $5, 000/acre)
Development
drainage, fire water, etc.
liner (7. 5 acres @ $15, 000/acre)
Operations for 5 years
Installation of Town Water
Equipment
Leachate Treatment (if required)
Interest ($890, 000 - 6-1/2% for 10 yrs. )
Value remaining after five years:
Land
Town water serving the area
Transfer Station - Recycling Center
TOTAL
Total
Cost
$ 200,000
150,000
112,500
350,000
350,000
75,000
250,000
$1,487,500
348, 000
$1,835,500
$ 200, 000
$ 350, 000
$ 659,000
Cost
Per Ton
$ 2.38
1.
78
1.
34
4.
16
4.
16
0.
90
2.
97
$17.
69
4.
14
$21.83
$ 2.38
$ 4.16
$ 1.96
MOTION: To appropriate from Free Cash the sum of $20, 000. 00 to be expended by the Town Manager
for the preparation of studies and expenses incidental to development of the following:
1. a refuse disposal transfer station to be located at the present sanitary
landfill;
2. sanitary landfill site off Quarry Road;
3. town -run and contract package incineration;
4. incineration with resource recovery systems;
5. transport to an out-of-town site;
6. participation in the Minuteman Region.
VOTED: To amend motion by increasing amount to read $27, 500. 00
VOTED: To appropriate from Free Cash the sum of $27, 500. 00 to be expended by the Town Manager
for the preparation of studies and expenses incidental to development of the following:
1. a refuse disposal transfer station to be located at the present sanitary
landfill;
2. sanitary landfill site off Quarry Road;
3. town -run and contract package incineration;
4. incineration with resource recovery systems;
5. transport to an out-of-town site;
6. participation in the Minuteman Region.
Total Vote - 562.
Yea - 382 Nay - 180
113
Kennedy Land Corporation
STREET MAP SHOWING LOCATION OF SUBJECT (11$+ A) & NEIGHBORHOOD
114
Article 14 SCHOOL PLANS
To see if the Town will appropriate from available funds, or borrow under General Laws C. 44, Sec-
tion 7 (21) the sum of $110, 000. 00, or any other sum, to be expended by the Permanent Building
Committee to hire an architect to prepare architectural plans and specifications for a contemplated
elementary school to be located on land owned by the Town between Taylor Road and Minot Avenue,
or take any other action relative thereto.
MOTION: To take no action.
At 12:14 A. M. December 4, the Moderator recessed meeting until Thursday, December 5, 1974
at 8:00 P. M.
Thursday, December 5, 1974. Moderator called meeting to order at 8:00 P. M.
Article 14 (Continuation)
VOTED: To take no action.
Total Vote - 749. Yea - 487 Nay - 262.
The following resolution was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Meeting direct the School Committee to submit an article to the next
Special Town Meeting calling for a sum of money to be expended by the Permanent Building Committee
to prepare architectural plans and specifications for the modification of the McCarthy -Towne School
and that the School Committee be directed to present to the Town, no later than the next Annual Meet-
ing an analysis of the town's school space needs and of the alternative methods of meeting those needs,
including the merits and costs of each alternative.
Article 7 PLANNING BOARD EXPENSE
VOTED: To appropriate from Free Cash the sum of $12, 000. 00 to the Planning Board expense account.
Article 8 COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
VOTED: To appropriate $7, 500. 00 from Free Cash to be expended by the Town Manager for professional
services and expenses related to collective bargaining negotiations with Town employee organizations.
Article 9 PERSONNEL BYLAW
VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: To amend Schedule A of the Personnel Bylaw by changing the grade of the
Assistant Assessor from E-7 to E-8 and the grade of the Director of Public Health from E-8 to E-9
and appropriate $420. 00 from Free Cash to the Assessors' Salary Account and $460. 00 from Free
Cash to the Board of Health Salary Account to provide funds for these amendments.
Article 10 SALARIES
VOTED: To appropriate $13, 000. 00 from Free Cash to be expended by the Town Manager for salaries
for the office of Town Treasurer and Collector and the Town Accountant.
Article 11 STREET LIGHTING
VOTED: To appropriate $6, 000. 00 from Free Cash for the street lighting expense account.
115
Article 12 M.B.T.A.
VOTED: To authorize the Town Manager to enter into a contract with the Massachusetts Bay Trans-
portation Authority for the continuance if extended commuter service from Boston to South Acton and
West Acton and appropriate $2, 500. 00 from Free Cash to be expended for Acton's share of the cost of
said service.
VOTED: To adjourn at 11:00 P. M.
The following persons served as tellers at the above meeting: Paul Hamilton, Bianca Chambers,
Marilyn Peterson, Jack Batchelder, Alice Klemmer, Theron Lowden, Susan Huebsch, Kay Marcus,
Richard Phillips, Mary McCarthy, Marion Maxwell, Walter Gates, Joan Meyer, Sandra Bayne,
Lorraine Campbell, Lynne Salisbury.
A true copy. Attest:
Charles M. MacRae
Town Clerk
Amendments to the Protective Zoning Bylaw, the Sign Bylaw and the Building Code (Articles 4 and 6)
voted in the affirmative at the Special Town Meeting December 3 and 5, 1974 were approved by
Attorney General Robert H. Quinn on December 23, 1974 and duly posted as required by law.
ii
ii
<\
ii
On September 2, 1775, George Washington commissioned Marblehead Captain
Nicholas Broughton and his schooner, Hannah, out of Beverly, Massachusetts,
into the service of the United States of North America. Thus, both Marblehead
and Beverly later contended for "The Birthplace of the American Navy." To
settle the dispute, the two cities demanded a full investigation and were ulti-
mately dismayed when Navy Secretary Claude Swanson found that the birthplace
title belonged to Capt. Jerry O'Brien, of the Unity, and his crew of farmers
armed with pitchforks who had sailed out of Machias, Maine and captured a
British Naval Sloop on June 12, 1775.
116
JURY LIST
\
\
PRECINCT I
William R. Becklean, 4 Huckleberry Lane, Consultant
Richard E. Bohannon, 70 Concord Road, Claims Supervisor
Derwin R. Eggleton, 42 Esterbrook Road, Sales Engineer
Alan B. Flood, 93 Great Road, Aluminum Salesman
Russell J. Henley, 12 Henley Road, Carpenter
Peter A. Johansson, 8 Hemlock Lane, Administrative Manager
William S. Kendall, Jr., 58 Harris Street, Mechanic
Albert W. Koch, 191 Nagog Hill Road, Psychologist
Joseph S. Mercurio, 10 Patriots Road, Machinist
Michael H. Pickowicz, 59 Concord Road, Automatic Merchandising
Thomas J. Quin, Jr., 217 Nagog Hill Road, Division Head
Raymond A. Shamel, 61 Alcott Street, Sales Representative
G. Richard Wirtenson, 4 Minot Avenue, Scientist
Robert C. Wylie, 51 Alcott Street, Purchasing Agent
William P. Avril, 5 Patriots Road, Insurance Agent
Charles Bickoff, 21 Simon W ilia rd Road, Engineer
Hobart R. Braden, 3 Harvard Court, Computer Analyst
Carl G. Cash, 10 Bayberry Road, Chemist Consultant
Samuel L. Davis, 7 Emerson Drive, Insurance Agent
James C. Donald, 42 Taylor Road, Market Developer
Peter H. Flagg, 67 Concord Road, Realtor
Raymond M. Flynn, 9 Green Wood Road, Accountant
Philip A. Harris, 34 Hammond Street, Stone Cutter
Richard T. Harrison, Jr., 13 Hemlock Lane, Director of Marketing
Robert Huber, 17 John Swift Road, Accountant
Richard G. Kendall, 50 Harris Street, Carpenter
Neil D. Morrison, 26 Old Village Road, Assistant to President
Mack D. O'Brien, Jr., 4 John Swift Road, Electrical Engineer
Robert M. Stow, 14 Coughlin Street, Salesman
Ronald E. Carbonier, 34 Newtown Road, Photo Scientist Engineer
Robert J. Fick, 2 Cricket Way, Vice President
George O. Gardner, III, 53 Woodbury Lane, Consultant
Edgar E. Geithner, 431 Main Street, Public Relations
Margaret H. Hartman, 481 Main Street, Home
Jeanne R. Henderson, 72 Hammond Street, Home
Henry C. Krason, 7 Bromfield Road, Engineer
G. Gary Longfellow, 392B Great Road, Driver
Patience H. MacPherson, 46 Nagog Hill Road, Home
Frances D. Miccioli, 37 Old Village Road, Home
John S. Mulvey, 36 Concord Road, Salesman
Irene L. Musick, 15 Coolidge Drive, Home
Otto O. Pasanen, 26 Concord Road, Retired
Nancy T. Rogers, 13 Long Ridge Road, Home
George F. Russell, 42 Harris Street, Accountant
Joseph J. Sorrentino, 3 Jefferson Drive, Engineer
Robert M. Taylor, 7 Phlox Lane, Personnel Administrator
Harold W. Wendorf, 6 Harvard Court, General Manager
Gray M. Wexelblat, 23 Concord Road, Secretary
Paul M. Wexelblat, 23 Concord Road, Programmer
Robert J. Williamson, 22 Minot Avenue, N.E. Telephone
PRECINCT 2
Robert F. Baker, 8 Russell Road, Sales Engineer
Alan F. Batstone, 50 Conant Street, Mechanical Designer
Anthony C. Berg, 11 Vanderbelt Road, Electrical Engineer
Ludwig T. Borowski, 9 Faulkner Hill Road, Engineer
Joseph W. Delaney, 193 School Street, Engineering Aide
117
John F. Deveau, 46 Main Street, Tank Truck Driver
Norman R. Gilbert, 112 Stow Street, Dewey Almy
Robert G. Jenkins, 47 Conant Street, Chemist
John P. Jenne, 55 High Street, Sales
Edward W. Jones, 59 High Street, Eng. Writer
Joseph A. LaVoie, 9 Redwood Road, Management Analyst
Henry V. LeGault, 247 Main Street, Instrument Supervisor
Manfred Lichtensteiger, 178 School Street, Chemist
Bruce J. Loughlin, 5 Broadview Street, Electrical Engineer
James P. McBride, 22 Prospect Street, Post Office & Insurance
Raymond A. Noble, 2 Fox Hill Road, Engineer
Russell K. Provencher, 11 Heritage Road, Engineer
Vincent M. Russo, 3 Russell Road, Restaurant Owner
H. Bradford Sturtevant, III, 12 Laurel Court, Vice President
Noel Berg, 17 Faulkner Hill Road, Engineer
Dennes P. Forsmo, 39 Conant Street, Engineer
Albert F. Hogle, 48 School Street, Sales Manager
Maurice W. Joyal, 1 Carriage Drive, Engineer
Paul G. Maguire, 5 Old Meadow Lane, Programmer
James Pacy, Jr., 7 Conant Street, Builder
Melvin W. Purcell, 13 Broadview Street, Accountant
John A. Sandock, 64 Conant Street, Mathematician
Thornton C. Schoch, 6 Doris Road, Division Budget Manager
James C. Shuttle, 54 Laws Brook Road, Dir. of Bldg. Services
Robert S. Andrews, 3 Conant Street, Psychologist
Lorraine C. Breslouf, 10 Beverly Road, Home
Robert J. Brill, 6 Carlton Drive, Sales Manager
Curtis G. Emmons, 26 Oakwood Road, Sales Manager
Carroll M. Feltus, 6 1 Maple Street, Carpenter
Marsha B. Kendrick, 9 Hillcrest Drive, Home
Thomas G. Lunny, 46 Laws Brook Road, Mail Carrier
Thomas R. Meier, 3 Billings Street, Programmer
Roger F. Meyer, 6 Heritage Road, Honeywell
Everett O. Morrow, 2 Brucewood Road, Programmer
William E. Philbin, 8 Broadview Street, Mfg. Supt.
Alvin R. Piper, 13 Piper Road, Self-employed
John E. Powers, Jr., 11 Carriage Drive, Const. Eng.
Robert P. Reardon, 61 Conant Street, Post Office
Susan M. Romaine, 30 Brucewood Road, Home
Robert B. Sargent, 33 Conant Street, Prod. Mgr.
Lawrence D. Sher, 72 Liberty Street, Engineer
John A. Tabaczynski, 5 Ashwood Road, Engineer
Pauline B. Thompson, 19 Pond View Drive, Home
James N. Willis, Jr., 99 Main 'Street, Chemist
Roger G. Woodard, 3 Carlton Drive, Engineer
PRECINCT 3
Bertram L. Barlow, 7 Captain Forbush Lane, Optical Engineer
Bryce A. Dawson, 74 Seminole Road, Engineer
Albert C. Doskocil, Jr., 13 Algonquin Road, Physicist
Arthur E. Hansen, 29 Mohawk Drive, Superintendent
Ray A. Hinds, Jr., 16 Agawam Road, Manager
William Kalms, III, 2 Sioux Street, Electronic Engineer
Jerrold H. MacMillan, 117 Central Street, Applications Engineer
Charles J. Panetta, 147 Willow Street, Linotype Operator
Frederick D. Riccioli, 6 Powder Horn Lane, Chemical Engineer
James E. Ryan, 6 9 Charter Road, Engineering Aide
Ernest Athens, 4 Lothrop Road, Claims Examiner
Michael R. Diamantopoulos, 8 Joseph Reed Lane, Chemist
Stephen E. Lord, 375 Central Street, Engineer
Frank Nicotra, 39 Oneida Road, Budget Analyst
Donald J. Pasik, 379 Central Street, Mathematician
118
John G. Sabbey, 13 Mohawk Drive, Public Accountant
Stephen W. Scribner, 25 Windsor Avenue, Supt. Water District
Charles M. Seward, 10 Joseph Reed Lane, Manufacturers Representative
Charles W. Whitehead, 106 Hayward Road, Electronics
Francis H. Willard, Jr., 17 Notre Dame Road, B&M Railroad
Joann C. Albright, 138 Hayward Road, Home
Lynn C. Aldrich, 26 Captain Brown's Lane, Adm. Supt.
Ahti E. Autio, 5 Joseph Reed Lane, Engineer
Elizabeths. Blum, 15 Bulette Road, R.E. Broker
Robert C. Boothby, 63 Windsor Avenue, Marketing Manager
Robert E. Byron, 140 Central Street, U.S. Postal Service
John M. Clarke, 19 Cherokee Road, Physicist
John B. Cohen, 42 Agawam Road, Mathematician
Robert K. Crane, 21 Deacon Hunt Drive, Research
Gilles M. Gallant, 10 Captain Brown's Lane, Vice President
Lorraine A. Gullifer, 23 Paul Revere Road, Home
Alfred R. Hermes, 292 Central Street, Analyst
Edmund R. Hooper, 28 Nash Road, Quality Control
Dudley F. Howe, 11 Mohawk Drive, Insurance
Richard P. Lazure, 8 Notre Dame Road, Mathematician
H. Wayne Louder, 402 Central Street, Emp. Super.
Herbert H. Luther, 7 Cherokee Road, Supervisor
Barbara J. MacDonald, 30 Agawam Road, Home
Harry C. Metzger, 65 Seminole Road, Elect. Engineer
Ronald A. Morrison, 15 Duggan Road, System Analyst
Richard A. Phillips, 3 Betsy Ross Circle, Physicist
Elmore P. Pillsbury, 4 Black Horse Drive, Engineer
Susan C. Raymond, 4A Crestwood Lane, Home
Janice J. Riccioli, 6 Powder Horn Lane, Home
Lynne T. Salisbury, 12 Paul Revere Road, Home
Paul H. Schottler, 67 Summer Street, Engineer
Richard C. Sisson, 111 Hayward Road, Antique Aircraft
Richard P. Sullivan, 4 Olde Lantern Road, Vice President
D. Ann Thompson, 372 Arlington Street, Home
Roy J. Trafton, 25 Birch Ridge Road, Mechanical Engineer
DOG LICENSES
ALL DOG LICENSES EXPIRE MARCH 31, 1975. DOGS MUST BE LICENSED ON OR BEFORE
APRIL 1ST OR THE OWNERS OR KEEPERS THEREOF ARE LIABLE TO A FINE. THE LAW
APPLIES TO ALL DOGS THREE MONTHS OLD OR OVER, REGARDLESS OF TIME OF YEAR
OWNERSHIP IS ACQUIRED. NO TAX BILLS ARE SENT TO OWNERS OF DOGS.
REPORT OF DOG LICENSES ISSUED IN 1974
1058
Licenses
at
$ 3.00
96
Licenses
at
6.00
7
Licenses
at
10.00
3
Licenses
at
25.00
2
Licenses
at
50.00
55
Duplicate
Tags
at
.25
2
Transfer
Licenses
at
.25
$3, 174.00
576.00
70.00
75.00
100.00
13.75
.50
Paid to Town Treasurer $4,009.25
Educational Reports
End of a Long Day
(Photo by Kathy Marks, ABRHS)
120
EDUCATIONAL REPORTS
ACTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
ACTON -BOXBOROUGH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Before discussing some of the goals for the Acton and Acton-Boxborough Schools, set by the School
Committees for 1974, it would seem appropriate to mention some of the new people who are leading are
schools and the enrollment trends.
New Leaders
Two new principals and a new vice-principal joined our administrative staffs this past September.
Clifford Card was appointed Principal of Acton-Boxborough Regional Junior High School and James Chace
was. appointed as Vice -Principal of the Junior High. Both of them came to us from Curtis Junior High in
Sudbury where Mr. Card was Principal and Mr. Chace was Music Director and Administrative Intern.
They replaced Arthur Hayes and Henry Wall who continued their dedicated service to the Regional School
District as High School teachers. George Lemire was appointed to replace the retiring Alice Hayes as
Principal of the Conant School. He came to us from a principal's position in the Lexington Schools.
They are all experienced, creative administrators who are helping us to continue to improve the opera-
tion of our schools.
We have also welcomed two new curriculum resource teachers - Bonnie Jensen in Language Arts
and Loretta Rossetti in Mathematics - and a new Food Services Coordinator, Fred Beauchene.
Two new but experienced School Committee members have joined the Acton and Regional School
Committees this year. James O'Rourke replaced Phyllis Walsh as a result of the election in March,
and Robert Evans was appointed to replace Ann Evans in August as a result of her resignation in July.
Helen Ray replaced Griffith Resor as Chairman of the Acton School Committee and Reginald Brown was
re-elected as Chairman of the Regional School Committee.
Enrollment
The enrollment of the Acton and Acton-Boxborough Schools appears to be stabilizing. There were
2738 students in the Acton Schools as of January 1, 1974 and 2694 students as of January 1, 1975. The
Regional Schools went from 2482 students as of January 1, 1974 to 2463 students as of January 1, 1975.
A slight decrease of about 60 students is anticipated in the Acton Schools for the 1975-1976 school year,
and a slight increase is anticipated at the Regional level of about 45 students next school year. In the
1973-74 school year there was a grand total of 5220 students, in the 1974-75 school year, as of January
1, 1975, there are 5157 students, and the projection for the 1975-76 school year is for 5138 students.
New Policies
As of December, 1974, 32 policies have been approved by the School Committees. These are
listed in the 1975-1976 School Handbook and policy books are available to the public at the Acton Public
Library, the Superintendent's Office and at each of the schools in Acton. The Policy Sub-Committee
is continuing to develop new policies to give clear direction to the schools.
General Management and Business
A new teachers' and administrators' evaluation procedure was implemented last year and a new,
more clearly defined policy and wage structure was implemented for non-certified staff. New orienta-
tion and registration procedures for elementary school parents were set up which according to the feed-
back we have received helped parents to have a more informed, clearer idea of what each school had to
offer within our open enrollment policy. We started a comprehensive summer school program for the
first time under the direction of Mr. John Schofield that got off to a good start. An expanded adult edu-
cation program under the directorship of Ms. Doli Mason was offered with over 50 courses. New and
improved transportation procedures were set up. A new budget analysis and control reporting format
has been designed by Business Manager Jennings. Arrangements were made to have 49 eighth graders
attend Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical High School.
121
Public and Staff Communications
Besides continuing with What's New, newspaper articles and open houses at each school, a "Know
Your Schools" course was offered as part of adult education. A new comprehensive School Handbook was
offered last spring and continues to be offered to new parents and staff members. Meetings were held
in each of the elementary schools prior to last spring's registration to allow parents to ask questions and
have presentations on each of the elementary schools. A new Program of Studies and Student Handbook
were developed by the High School and curriculum descriptions were developed for the elementary schools
and Junior High that are available to staff members and parents. A new staff newsletter, Of Common
Interest, has begun. Grade-level swap-shops have also begun in which teachers have opportunities to
exchange curriculum and teaching ideas. Articulation meetings are also being held between resource
teachers and department heads in order to improve vertical coordination between the elementary schools,
Junior High School and High School.
In-Service Education
We had an extensive in-service Social Studies course for 50 teachers in grades K-12; a three ses-
sion workshop on mathematics education taught by consultant Penny Dunning for grades 3-7, and in-
service courses on Audio-Visual Techniques taught by our media specialist, Don Gilberti. Other courses
in the area of Learning Disabilities, Audio-Visual Techniques, Chapter 766, reading in the content areas
and the metric system are being offered or planned.
Curriculum
Research, development and evaluation projects that have been reviewed by the Curriculum Steer-
ing Committee have led to new and improved programs in: early childhood education (i.e., grades K-2);
kindergarten; elementary science; high school humanities (i.e., "Artistic Heritage"); the team teaching
of high school world history; high school Russian history; high school physics; high school English.
Teachers' committees have been in the process of studying and making recommendations in the areas of
testing, career education and life education as well. The latter has been implemented this school year
on a pilot basis in grades 4-7.
REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Junior High School
As new Principal of the Junior High, Mr. Card reported on the following new developments since
becoming Principal.
In the fall, the Junior High staff was involved in the final preparation for the evaluation of the
school by the New England Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges. The actual evaluation took
place during the week of November 11 and was conducted by a team of twenty-five professional educators
from four of the New England states. The purpose of the evaluation was to conduct an in-depth study of
the programs offered and their effectiveness along with obtaining accreditation within the Association.
Early release time for students one afternoon per month was approved by the School Committee
for the Junior High. The purpose is to allow the staff to focus on the needs of the entire school as well
as to allow for periodic visiting afternoons for parents.
The Math Department established a math team that has been in competition with teams in the sur-
rounding area. Not only does this heighten interest in math education, but it is a valuable tool in judging
the effectiveness of our math program.
The Science Department has been involved in a new project to improve communication with parents.
Students taking ISCS will have a detailed insert sent home with their report cards. This document focuses
on the individual growth of a student within the program and should give the parent a better understanding
of the progress of their child.
Sports 1974-75 saw the introduction of interscholastic soccer and interscholastic girls' basketball.
These two programs allow for a more balanced competitive physical education program and should do
much to build school spirit. Intramural swimming and girls' softball are two other areas included in the
more comprehensive program underway at the Junior High School.
122
The physical needs of the building have not been neglected either in that a program of major mair
tenance has been started. One wing has had new floor tile installed and further major maintenance is
scheduled to continue. Students also have been involved in attempts to upgrade the looks of the building
Over the Christmas recess, over forty students volunteered to come in and paint the girls' and boys'
rooms. Five of the eight have a fresh coat of paint,and plans are being made to complete the others in
the near future.
High School
New leadership and new facilities marked the major changes at the Senior High School in 1973.
With the leadership established by Principal Lawrence McNulty and the construction of the building cor
pleted, the major highlights of 1974 were curriculum changes in the following departments.
English Department -- The English Department has restructured its entire curriculum in order
emphasize basic skills at the freshman and sophomore levels, and to ensure appropriate electives for
each of three "phases" for juniors and seniors.
Social Studies Department -- A new approach to the teaching of world history was inaugurated in
September. World history is required of all ninth graders as general preparation for the more special
ized courses in history and social studies which are offered at the higher grade levels. More than half
of the freshman class is currently enrolled in the new "team program," which involves approximately
the same content as the traditional world history course, but differs in some important respects.
The efforts of three teachers are combined to work with about 75-90 students per period in a larg
open-space area. This allows greater efficiency of teacher time in planning and conducting classes,
leaving teachers more time for working with students on their individual needs.
Also, the Social Studies Department has added to its elective program with the introduction of a
year course in Russian History.
Mathematics Department -- Elementary Algebra I, II -- Elementary Algebra and General Math
classes utilized the individualized approach to learning in 1974. The students did not use text books,
but proceeded at their own pace by using a programmed course that had been reproduced for them in
worksheet form. Each student worked on the sheets individually, with help from either the teacher or I
student aides when necessary.
Science Department -- During the 1974-75 school year, students opted for a variety of mini-
courses. Such programs ran for either a quarter term or a semester term. Mini-courses were devel
oped by various members of the science staff and such courses appear to be well received by students
involved in these programs. New full length courses have also been offered as follows: Individualized :
Chemistry - Two hundred and thirty students have opted for individualized instruction in Chemistry.
This program was developed by five staff members during a time period of eleven weeks. Students pac
themselves through the materials developed. Such materials are continually being evaluated, and mod
fications, when necessary, are made in the program.
Foreign Language Department -- The Department of Foreign Languages has introduced a prograi
of term electives for students taking French IV.
Business Department -- The new Distributive Education (D.E.) course was started this year.
D.E. uses the cooperative, part-time method of training young persons for distributive occupations
(those occupations that involve marketing and/ or merchandising such as selling, advertising, display,
stock work, and those occupations which require frequent customer contact).
The D.E. Student Store at A.B.R.H.S. had its grand opening on November 22, 1974. The store.'
is an extension of the classroom in teaching management, buying, selling, pricing, cash register oper.
ation, stock control records, receiving, window display, and accounting. The general inventory of
school supplies (pens, pencils, notebooks, paperbacks, slide rules, protractors), candles, jewelry
(earrings, bracelets), clothing (school jackets and physical education equipment), and plants have been.
well received by the students. Business Math was added as a full year course offered to juniors.
Industrial Arts Department -- The manufacturing classes at the High School established them
selves as the "Industrial Arts Manufacturing Corporation" and began mass-producing a variety of pro
ducts, at cost, for sale in the school and community.
- Tl
123
The construction classes at A.B.R.H.S. also incorporated themselves as the "Acton Boxborough
Regional High School Construction Corporation" in an attempt to design, engineer, produce, and market
products for the school and community.
A course in Technical Math was developed for students with an interest in the business and techni-
cal applications of basic arithmetic, algebra, and plane geometry.
Fine Arts Department -- In the summer of 1974, the Fine Arts Department worked on an R, D&E
project which saw the development of a new course titled "Artistic Heritage." This course combines art,
music, poetry and theater, and is designed to fill the gaps our educational system leaves in student
knowledge of cultural history and the interrelationship of the Fine Arts.
Home Economics Department -- Nursery School I -- A new course in the 1974-75 school year was
developed to prepare students to work in the high school laboratory nursery school during their senior
year.
Another course, Foods for Special Occasions, provides the student with the opportunity to prepare
and serve a variety of foods appropriate for special occasions such as hors d'oeuvres, canapes, punches,
fondues and pastries.
Food Service, a new course in 1974-75, was developed for students with an interest in foods work
as a future career. One of the main activities of the course includes the running of a self-sufficient
restaurant for the faculty several days per week.
Instructional Media Department (Audio-Visual Media Department) -- A new course, Audio-visual
Media and Technology, is for the student who is interested in audio-visual techniques for improving
instruction.
CLASS OF 1974
Amanda Adams
Aziza Ahmad
Edward Alexander
Nancy Ames
Charles Anderson
James Andrade
Paula Andrews
Jeannette Angell
Cynthia Apa
Cynthia Avril
Eric Dailey
Kimberley Barlow
Russell Barnaby
Joann Barry
Christopher Bateman
Jay Bean
Shaun Beaudoin
Donald Beausoleil
Edward Bender
Robert Berg
William Berg
Paula Bergin
Joni Berkshire
Senneth Berrier
Judith Blake
Debra Blodgett
Rhonda Boccio
Heidi Bodge
Carol Boecher
Robert Boothby
Thomas Bowker
Douglas Bradley
Steven Braidman
Robert Brandon
John Breslouf
Scott Broughton
Sally Bubier
Robert Bunting
Paul Buntrock
Steven Byers
Gina Cacciapaglia
Cheryl Campbell
John Campbell
Michael Carell
Kathleen Carney
Thomas Carter
Theresa Cash
Paul Castelline
Peter Centauro
Diane Chabinsky
Mark Chambers
Hugh Chandler
James Chaney
James Churchill
Daniel Clerico
James Clevenger
Kelly Ann Cobb
Darlene Colby
Michael Comperchio
Cynthia Conkling
Susan Cooke
Steven Corrigan
Dawn Corwin
Colin Cotter
Patti Covey
Marion Cowley
Cynthia Craft
Katherine Crafts
William Culkins
Heather Cummings
Shirley Cummings
Cheryl Cunningham
Catherine Cutbill
Maureen Cuthbert
Michael Dadarria
Kerry Daigle
Heidi Dale
Anthony Dan is
Patricia Dargin
Margaret Day
Joseph Delaney
Catherine Deveau
Denise Dionne
James Donovan
Michael Dorris
Thomas Dow
Jane Downey
Thomas Doyle
Louise Dudziak
Deborah Dupont
Kenneth Edzwald
Bonnie Ellis
Wesley Enman
Ann Marie Erickson
Elaine Erickson
Linette Fair
Thomas Fairbrother
Peter Fairchild
Eileen Falvey
124
Brian Feltus
Kathy Fenton
Janet Finnemore
Scott Fitzgerald
Sherri Flannery
Mary Flood
Dennis Flynn
Robert Folson
Catherine Forester
Linda Foster
William Froberg
Michele Frost
Betsy Furlong
Anne Marie Gallant
Anne Marie Gaudette
Sharon Gauvin
Gregory Gerhardt
Joanna Gerngross
Mary Louise Gibbons
Mary Patricia Gibbons
James Gmeiner
Kathryn Goller
William Gregoritch
Lorraine Grekula
William Greider, Jr.
Susan Grisley
Donna Grotheer
David Gullifer
Joseph Gundersen
Jeffrey Hagen
Clayton Hagy, Jr.
Christopher Haley
Jill Hall
Alan Hamilton
Lisa Hammann
Kathleen Hammond
Ellen Hancock
Kathleen Hansen
John Harper
Joseph Harrington, III
Robert Harrison
Lori Harter
Marsha Hartwell
Donald Hawe
Susan Haynes
Sharon Heaney
Cheryl Hendricks
Robert Heroux
Bruce Hickey
Kathryn Higginbotham
Stephen Higgins
Mark Hilberg
Edwin Hill
Janet Hill
David Hoover
Paul Hopkins
Ronald Horton
Lori Howe
Amy Hughes
Brian Hughes
Andrew Hungerford
Deborah Hyde
Steven Iverson
Paul Jacque
Leo Jaehnig
Steven Janson
Rawadi Jantawit
Mark Jenkins
Lorraine Jenne
Richard Johnson
Wade Johnson
Anne Marie Jones
Thomas Jones
Donna Kadison
Jan Kapstad
Ellen Keane
Mary Keeley
Teresa Kelly
Kathleen Kendall
Mary Kennedy
James Kindred
Mark King
Heidi Kirk
Rodger Klopf
Laurel Koch
Linda Krysieniel
Susan Kusmanoff
Susan Eileen Laite
Richard Laskowsky
Lori LatvalJa
Susan Lay
Mark Letzeisen
Mark Lucas
Jean Luchford
Maryetta Luzetsky
Anne Lynch
Jane Lynch
Sue MacDonald
Andrew MacLennan
William MacMillan
Ellen Mahoney
Robert Carl Major
Warren Mallard
Kathryn Marchocki
Roxanne Marshall
Jane Mason
Kenneth Mason
Susan Matheson
George Mauer
David Mayer
J. Brady Mayer
Lisa McBride
Patricia McBride
Marc McCalmont
Mark McElroy
David McGinty
Carolyn McGowan
Ann Mcllhatten
Charles McKenna
Patricia McNamara
Neil McPherson
Sherry Mecewitz
James Megee
Raymond Merkh, Jr.
Anne Merrill
Mark Miccioli
Lynn Miller
Deborah Mitchell
\
Paul Morin
Susan Moritz
N. Corene Morrill
Warren Morse
John J. Mulholland
Jacqueline Murray
Linda Mustoe
Stephen Mutty
Nancy Nadeau
Carol Nelson
Mary Neville
Nancy Newell
Leonard Nichols
Lon Nichols
Daile Nicholson
Joan Nihen
Ruth Niskanen
Beth Noakes
Dana Noftle
Donald Nott
Benedict Nowokunski, III
Kevin O'Connor
David Oka
Richard Oman
Roderick O'Neil
Amy Page
Joan Panetta
Cheryl Parker
Carolyn Patrick
Linda Patterson
Cindy Patton
Joanne Pederson
William Penniman
Susan Phillips
Thomas Phillips, Jr.
Andrew Polselli
Gloria Poole
James Porazzo
Janice Powell
Robert Power
Sara Priest
James Purvis
Donald Putnam
' Janet Putnam
Nancy Quist
Robert Rahaim
Dianne Raposo
Rodney James Raub
Betsy Raymond
Susan Read
Shawn Reagan
Deborah Regan
Kevin Regan
Lynne Reichle
Jennifer Re id
Kevin Remmy
David Rey
Patricia Reynolds
Mark David Richter
W. Brian Richter
Deborah Ridlon
Debra Robbins
Dana Robinson
Millard Rose
125
Steven Rumage
John Rumasuglia
Daniel Saganich
Mary Jo Saint Amour
Thomas Sanderson
Cynthia Sawisch
Thomas Scammon, Jr.
James M. Schaeffer
Barbara Schell
Rachel Schroeder
Karen Schwettman
Francis Sellers, Jr.
Paula Sewell
Catherine Marie Sgobbo
Patricia Ann Sgobbo
Jeannette Shammas
Richard Shaw, Jr.
Peter Sheerin
Wendy Shiff
Alden Sironen
Cody Sisson
Laurie Skestone
Robert Sletten
Elizabeth Smith
Shari Smith
Jeffrey Smorczewski
William Snyer
Kenneth Spurr
Michael Stewart
Teresa Stockholm
Sally Stokinger
Harry Stone, III
Mary Stuart
Mary Beth Sweeney
Gregory Tear
Brian Thimot
Diane Thompson
Peter Thompson
Sharon Thompson
Cynthia Todd
Mark Tompkins
Nancy Tompkins
Bradford Towne
Joan Elizabeth Trafton
Ann Marie Trebendis
Kenneth Turner
Tracy Turner
Richard Tyler
Nancy Van Winkle
Steven Verre
Cathy Volkmann
Robert Wakelee
Anne Wallace
Beverly Walsh
Kathleen Wardwell
David Warren
Ronald Wattu
Cynthia Weare
Dawn Webb
Thomas Wells
Lesleigh Wiggs
Carol Williams
Lynne Wilson
Amy Yelverton
Robert Young
Marlin T. Young, III.
ACTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Although the community decided against a new elementary school building in the Town Meeting, it
did "direct the School Committee to submit an article to the next Special Town Meeting calling for a sum
of money to be expended by the Permanent Building Committee to prepare architectural plans and speci-
fications for the modification of the McCarthy-Towne School and that the School Committee be directed to
present to the Town no later than the next Annual Meeting an analysis of the Town's schools space needs
and of the alternative methods of meeting those needs, including the merits and costs of each alternative.'
A committee is in the process of meeting to carry out this charge.
lows
The 1974 highlights were presented by each of the Principals in the five elementary schools as fol-
Conant School
Principal George Lemire reported that during his first four months he has devoted most of his
efforts to the development of a working relationship with his staff within which he will attempt to imple-
ment the concept of Collaborative Leadership. Within this framework, a Principal's Cabinet has been
established, consisting of a cross -section representation of the total staff, to facilitate the flow of com-
munication.
Curriculum Committees were formed in each of the major curriculum areas of Language Arts,
Mathematics, Social Studies and Science. Each of these committees has representation from all grade
levels. Their primary purpose will be the examination and possible planning for implementation of
curriculum innovation.
The Conant School was one of two schools in Acton which were randomly selected by the State
Department of Education to take part in a statewide Assessment Program. This consisted of random
sampling of nine-year-olds being tested in the areas of Reading, Mathematics and Decision-making.
Test results will be tabulated by the State in the late spring of 1975.
In December, the Conant School, along with another school in Acton, participated in a nation-
wide survey designed to help improve the way in which community Mental Health Centers and schools
can work together effectively. The survey will also give the Conant staff a profile of the school which
will be helpful in planning the future direction of the school.
126
The Conant School was selected by Mr. Fred Beauchene, Director of Food Services for the Acton
and Boxborough Schools, to introduce a pilot lunch program which will feature a daily choice of two
lunch menus rather than one.
The pilot program in Linguistics at Conant was further enhanced in the fall of 1974 by the addition
of two half-time tutors. An in-service course in Linguistics was also offered on Saturdays at the Con-
ant School. Sixteen members of the Conant professional staff took part in this course.
Pilot Program in Linguistics: A Special Report
The pilot program in Linguistics at Conant School is in its second year and serves over fifty
youngsters. Two half-time tutors joined the staff this year to assume this responsibility. Several first
graders are being introduced to reading by the Linguistic method in their classroom.
Linguistics is a highly structured reading and language arts program with specialized methods to
provide intensive drill and repetition of material until the many skills are learned and generalized. It
is an alternative reading approach for some children who have experienced difficulties in the regular
readers; they find the slower pace and structured lessons provide immediate success. The multisen-
sory methods reinforce the learning of perceptually handicapped children.
Many writing skills are practiced, as well as reading and oral expression. Spelling, dictation,
composition and grammar are stressed even in first grade. Handwriting exercises are also taught to
all children.
An in-service course for the teachers was conducted this fall by Mrs. Pam Kvilekval, Coordinator
of Pupil Personnel Services of Andover, Massachusetts. Many of the teachers are now reinforcing the
Linguistics program in the classroom by individualizing and modifying the children's regular class work.
One major goal of the Linguistic tutors is to remediate, and substantially correct the children's
reading problems so that they may resume their reading and language instruction with the regular class-
room teacher. There are children who began the program last year who are soon to realize this goal.
(Note: The Town Report Committee wishes to thank Mrs. H. W. Trumpoldt and Mrs. A. F. von-
Der Linden, Linguistics tutors at Conant School, for preparing this special report on the pilot program.)
Douglas School
Ms. Loretta Rossetti joined our staff as Math Resource Teacher and building assistant, while Ms.
Louise Sheinman has assumed the responsibilities of the guidance counselor. Ms. Janice Price is now
working with us as a part-time administrative aide.
With the support and assistance of the resource teachers, our staff has made significant additions
to our supplementary teaching materials as a result of their assessment of program and student needs --
particularly in the language arts and reading programs.
With the assistance of the Pupil Personnel Services staff, the education assessment of children
with special needs has been progressing according to the procedures of Chapter 766. The cooperation
of all involved in these new procedures has been outstanding.
We have most recently begun to explore the development of an environmental education program
for our school with the assistance of Dr. Lahnston from the Environmental Institute of Boston University
and the active participation of our sixth grades.
The school plant has been improved by major repairs to the roof and the replacement of significant
parts of our school intercom. Improvements were made in the playground area, and plans progressed
for the installation of acoustic tile in the classrooms.
Gates School
An additional kindergarten session was added making a total of three sessions with 84 students.
A Parent Advisory Committee was formed with the aim to serve as a vehicle for facilitating school-
home communications, and to provide an organizational framework for providing service and assistance
to the school.
127
One of the highlights of the year was the second annual Holiday Fair in December jointly conducted
by the Parent Advisory Committee and the faculty.
A six-week Title I summer school program was held for the first time involving a total of 52 grade
1-6 students from the Douglas and Gates Schools. The program emphasis was on reading and science
activities, and was highlighted by a five-day stay at Camp Sargent in Peterborough, New Hampshire
for intermediate age students.
A team of staff - Mrs. Phyllis Foss, kindergarten teacher; Mrs. Jean Smith, Grade 1 teacher;
Mrs. Gwyn Lyon, Grade 2 teacher; and Mr. James Palavras, Principal, attended a four-week summer
workshop in Early Childhood Education at Tufts University.
A student aide program was initiated with Boston University whereby prospective student teachers
spent one day a week with a supervising teacher performing a variety of assignments.
McCarthy-Towne School
The school enrollment grades K to 6 as of December 1, 1974 was 565. The faculty and parents
have worked well together to try to overcome crowded conditions and failing facilities.
The Parent Teacher Organization worked hard on the continued development of the playground, of
evening programs for the school community, and of a variety of fund-raising activities. Parents and
teachers worked together to write the school's Status Report and to publish the bi-monthly Bulletin.
During 1974, the faculty continued to work on improving the students' educational experiences.
The gymnastics and music programs were refined; a half-time Educational Needs Consultant was hired;
additional science prototypes were developed during the summer; new faculty members were hired.
In the fall, the faculty began to implement a new support and self -evaluation plan.
The school still relied heavily on parent volunteers and strengthened its involvement with student-
teachers. Without these people the school would not be able to provide many of the services and pro-
grams students, faculty, and parents depend upon.
Merriam School
Kindergarten enrollment increased from 50 pupils to 58 pupils in 1974. Kindergarten classes con-
tinue to be accommodated at the Conant and Douglas Schools.
Space needs continue to rank high among Merriam School's priorities. There is a growing need
for additional library, art, science, physical education and music space in the school.
Library volumes have increased to over 5,000. Additional supplementary audio-visual materials
have enriched the curriculum areas of math, science, social studies and English.
Playground space has added greatly to the operation of the school. Hot -topping has been com-
pleted in the play area below the cafeteria. Basketball backboards, hoops and nets were installed and
a widening of the access path from the parking lot to the school was completed. Nine classrooms and
the library were painted by the maintenance department. Four new burners were installed in four of
the school's six furnaces.
Shrubs were purchased and planted with the assistance of the maintenance department and Mrs.
William Porter, a Merriam School parent.
The annual School Fair netted $1,000 which will be used to improve overall education within the
school.
PUPIL PERSONNEL SERVICES
For PPS administration and staff system -wide, 1974 brought a more formalized and systematic
team approach to developing, with Principals and classroom teachers, strategies to help students with
special needs. Experience for a number of years with "staffings" made the transition to complying with
Chapter 766 regulations somewhat easier but probably because of this experience, the number of refer-
rals has been large and has been increasing steadily since the beginning of Core Evaluation Team meet-
ings last January.
128
During the second half of the 1973-1974 school year, approximately 70 assessments, team meet-
ings and educational plans were completed according to guidelines developed locally in anticipation of
forthcoming state regulations.
Publication in June of the final regulations with compliance expected to commence as of September
1 necessitated some further refinement of evaluation procedures and a series of early fall in-service
sessions for all professional staff. Kindergarten screening was completed in October and detailed plans
for implementation of Chapter 766 were submitted for both school systems to the Department of Educa-
tion.
Between mid-September and December 15 there were 70 referrals, 34 educational plans were
developed and the other evaluations are currently in process. New referrals are being made continu-
ously.
Three core evaluation team leaders - LaVonne Wright, Chairman; Edith Mason, Caseworker; and
Marilyn Helfenbein, Psychologist, joined the PPS staff in the fall to participate directly with the building
teams in assessments and educational plan development and to work with the Special Education Adminis-
trator and Assistant (Ruth Proctor and William Petkewich) in the implementation of the regulations.
The building teams are composed of the school principal, classroom teacher (s), school nurse, counselor
and other appropriate PPS specialists.
FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT
System-wide coordination in Music, Art and Drama is now a reality and ways to integrate and im-
prove the curriculum are being considered by the staff.
Both students and faculty at all grade levels are now actively involved in preparing for the "1776 -
1976" Bicentennial with a tentative calendar of events proposed for the spring of 1975. Most of the
important school programs celebrating the historic events of colonial America will be scheduled at this
time.
There were many highlights in the 1973-1974 school programs of the Fine Arts Department in the
elementary and regional schools. Some of the most exciting showed the final results of programs begun
in the earlier grades. For example, at the high school, eleven plays were produced during the year.
Most notable were the selection as Massachusetts alternate to the New England Drama Festival in state-
wide competition, and productions of Fiddler on the Roof and Tartuffe. The band exchange with a high
school in New Jersey, the student play writing competition, the Fine Arts Festival, and the numerous
public concerts by music students were all annual events continued this past school year.
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS
Coordinator Gerald King reported that the maintenance building was completed and has provided
sorely needed space for the storage of equipment and the provision of a carpenter shop.
The first phase of a five-year program to replace the floor tile in the Junior High was completed
and the 100 wing was completely tiled by school maintenance personnel.
A maintenance man with an electrician license was hired and substantial repairs are now being
made without the need for outside contractor assistance.
Considerable progress was made in the Merriam School painting program and this school will be
finished by June 30, 1975.
ADULT EDUCATION
This certainly has been a most successful session. Not only have course offerings and enrollment
increased but also the liaison between Acton/ Boxborough Adult Education, citizens and other community
boards and organizations. At the urging and under the direction of Ms. Pearl Mayer, Acton, an arts and
crafts program was piloted for retarded young adults. The program offered skills and an opportunity for
the young people to socialize. This will be included in the Winter brochure. Not only does Adult Educa-
tion display materials from arts and crafts classes at the Acton and Boxborough libraries, but we are
129
also co-sponsoring an informative library course and film program at the Acton Memorial Library.
Widening Horizons, Concord, co-sponsored a Women's Opportunity Workshop, volunteer and career
exploration for women in the community. Acton/Boxborough Schools' central office administration
offered a class in school information through Adult Education. A course in town government was given
by Acton Town Manager and representatives of various boards and departments.
Courses
Fifty-nine different courses were offered, thirty-five had been offered in past terms, twenty-
four were new classes. Of the total (50) eight were cancelled due to low enrollment. Some of these
applicants probably would have enrolled in other courses had there been time to call and suggest open-
ings available. A comparison of the courses offered in the fall term follows:
1970 ■
- 1971
18
1971 -
- 1972
29
1972 •
■ 1973
29
1973 •
- 1974
46
1974 •
- 1975
59
Enrollment
During the fall term 1,135 applications were received. Of this number about 150 were returned
because of over enrollment in courses requested. The final enrollment was 984. Many of these people
would have changed to other classes if there was time to call and suggest possible alternatives. It is
quite interesting to note that senior citizens' participation has increased from one to thirteen. This
year Mrs. Martina Pendergast, senior citizen, was a course instructor. A comparison of the enroll-
ment in the fall term follows:
1970 - 1971
1971 - 1972
1972 - 1973
1973 - 1974
1974 - 1975
325
523
540
847
984
Operating Statement
Tuition Revenue $11, 900. 00
Less:
Instructors' Salaries 6, 689. 00
Budgeted overhead
expense 2, 745.31
Projected Cash Position
Balance, August 1974 $2,098.58
Projected surplus,
first semester 2, 465. 69
Balance 12/9/74 $4,564.27
Projected surplus from
operations $ 2,465.69
Result of Poll (Fall 1974 Brochure)
"During the year we have received requests for additional Adult Education sessions. In addition
to the Fall and Winter terms would you support:
a. Five week spring term 167 Yes
b. Five week summer term 87 Yes
The continued liaison between Adult Education and the community is presently exploring the fol-
lowing for 1974-75 Winter term:
Course
Co-Sponsor
Cancer Detection Clinic (Breast Exam)
Home Pool Safety
College Information Night
Town Meeting (preparation for new voters)
Citizen Information Chapter 766
Acton Board of Health
Acton Fire Department
A/B Guidance Department
Acton Town Manager and Town Moderator
A/B Learning Disabilities Department
130
Adult Education continues to receive many requests for courses and programs which we have not
been able to fill. We are still concerned about the lack of time to adequately deal with a growing pro-
gram that has an unlimited potential.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Mr. Raymond J. Grey, in his second year as Superintendent of Schools, listed the following as
areas of accomplishment in 1974: Completed maintenance building; completed budget for Town Meeting;
implemented Chapter 766; implemented open enrollment policy; established salary structure for non-
certified personnel; wrote job descriptions for Junior High School Principal and Vice Principal; wrote
job description for Summer School Director; set timetable, screening and interviewing procedures for
Junior High School Principal and Vice Principal; met with administrators to discuss accomplishments
for 1973-1974 school year and plans for 1974-1975 school year; prepared space needs presentation for
fall Town Meeting; prepared first year summary of Central Office accomplishments for "What's New"
issue. He has also worked out details of theChapter 766 census of the community, and organized all
schools for the school year 1975-1976; e.g., physical set-up, summer operation (registrations, etc.).
Mr. Grey has emphasized open communications with the community since he became Superintend-
ent. He has encouraged parents and citizens to "visit the schools and talk with the teachers and princi-
pals, and to attend the special events and open houses in the schools. Furthermore, the Superintendent's
office welcomes questions, suggestions, and expressions of concern and we will be happy to meet with
individuals and groups of people. We believe that when there is open and effective communication between
the schools and the community, the students are the beneficiaries.
Concludes Superintendent Grey, "I want to thank all those who have supported us in our efforts to
provide Acton and Boxborough with the best possible educational environment."
0 Tn t:
♦-»-♦♦♦♦♦»♦♦♦♦♦»» m »«»»» »♦♦»♦♦»<»♦♦♦» »^>»o»»» ^<» 0 m «■<>♦
In the cold winter of 1775, Henry Knox, a bookseller and artillery expert, set off
from Boston to bring back a captured British cannon from Fort Ticonderoga in
New York. He and his men, aided by the local citizens of the towns they passed
through, "dragged, pulled, pushed, shoved and bullied" the 50-odd pieces of
heavy artillery approximately 300 miles, over tractless terrain, and finally to
the aid of General Washington and his troops outside of Boston. Knox's historic
trek gained him the government office of Secretary of War, when General Wash-
ington became President Washington.
►^♦<x>*-«
131
ACTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND
ACTON -BOXBOROUGH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
ORGANIZATION
Acton School Committee
Acton -Boxboro ugh
Regional District School Committee
Robert Evans
Edgar B. Gravette . . .
Robert Haeberle . . . .
Helen K. Ray, Chairman
James T. O'Rourke . . .
Griffith Resor
Term Expires
1975
1975
1976
1975
1977
1977
Reginald Brown, Chairman
Jeannine Bonomini . . . .
Robert Evans
Edgar B. Gravette . . . .
Robert Haeberle
Suzanne Morse
James T. O'Rourke . . . .
Helen K. Ray
Griffith Resor
Term Expires
1977
1976
1975
1975
1976
1976
1977
1975
1977
The Acton School Committee holds regular meetings on the first and third Thursdays of each month, and
the Acton-Boxborough Regional District School Committee meets regularly on the second and fourth Thurs
days. Both groups convene at the Acton-Boxborough Regional Senior High School Music Room at 7:30 p.m.
Administrators
Telephone
Superintendent of Schools, Raymond J. Grey 263-9503
Assistant Superintendent, Gary G. Baker 263-9503
Business Manager, Stephen Jennings 263-3403
Head Bookkeeper and Treasurer, Priscilla Felt 263-9503
Principals: Conant School, George Lemire 263-7407
Douglas School, Robert C. Conroy 263-2753
— Gates School, James Palavras 263-9162
Merriam School, William Sparks 263-2581
McCarthy -Towne School, Parker Damon 263-4982
Junior High School, Clifford A. Card 263-7716
James C. Chace, Vice Principal 263-7716
Senior High School, Lawrence McNulty 263-0210
Donald MacLeod, Vice Principal 263-7738
Francis Riley, Vice Principal 263-7738
Coordinator of Pupil Personnel Services, Ruth R. Proctor 263-2492
Coordinator of Fine Arts, Henry W. Wegiel 263-3562
Coordinator of Buildings and Grounds, Gerald King 263-5272
TENTATIVE SCHOOL CALENDAR 1975-1976
Reopening of All Schools
Winter Vacation
Spring Vacation
Memorial Day
Graduation
Close of Schools
Summer Recess
Reopening of Schools
Columbus Day
January 6, 1975
February 17-21
April 21-25
May 26
June 6
June 24
September 4
October 13
Veterans' Day
Thanksgiving Recess
Christmas Holiday
Reopening of All Schools
Winter Vacation
Spring Vacation
Memorial Day
Graduation
November 11
November 27-28
Dec. 24 to Jan. 4
January 5
February 16-20
April 19-23
May 31
June 4
2-2-2-2
1-1-1-1
2-2-2-2
6:30 A.M.
7:15 A.M.
7:00 A.M.
Announcements aired on WBZ
NO SCHOOL SIGNAL
No School ABRSD All Day
No School Acton Public Schools, Grades K-6 All Day
No School All Schools All Day
1030 AM Dial; WHDH - 850 AM Dial; Starting at 6:00 A. M.
132
ACTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND
ACTON -BOXBOROUGH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
ENROLLMENT AS OF JANUARY 1
Grade
K
1
2
3
4
5
6
Blanchard
Educable
Trainable
7
8
9
10
11
12
Total 7-12
Grand Total
1973-1974
342
374
371
396
388
450
401
6
3
7
2738
417
476
446
420
373
350
2482
5220
^Figures used as of 1/6/75
**Estimated Grand Total
1974-1975
370
369
346
361
392
397
448
5
1
5
2694
430
418
451
409
401
354
2463
5157
Anticipated
Enrollments
1975-1976*
384
370
369
346
361
392
397
5
1
5
2630
448
430
369
451
409
401
2508
5138-^
ACTON -BOXBOROUGH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
TREASURER'S REPORT
December 31, 1974
Balance, December 31, 1973
Receipts, 1974:
Town of Acton
Town of Boxbo rough
State Aid for Construction
Town of Acton, Article 10, Special Meeting 6/ 11/73
Fiscal Cycle Loan, Act of 1973
Public Law 874
Title II - Library-
Title VI - P.L. 89-313
Public Law 92-318 - Secondary; Clerical
Distributive Education, Project #COOP-375
Transportation Reimbursement
School Lunch Fund
School Athletic Fund
Adult Education
$3,056,301.86
283,324.54
111,291.32
558.39
491, 085.00
38,861.00
3,217.23
2,000.00
17,237.00
3, 991.00
129,435.64
145,498.77
8, 783.02
20, 901.50
$ 868,804.78
133
Federal Taxes
State Taxes
Teachers' Retirement
County Retirement
Teachers' Insurance
Blue Cross -Blue Shield
Group Life Insurance
Acton Education Association
M.T.A. Credit Union
Tax Annuities
Refunds
Public Telephones
Rentals
Insurance - Smoke Damage, ABRHS 2/25/74
In-Service Programs - Learning Disabilities
In-Service Program - Social Studies
Summer School - 1974
Special Education
Miscellaneous
Total Receipts
Total
Disbursements, 1974:
Maintenance and Operation
Construction
Fiscal Cycle Loan - Act of 1973
Title II - Library
Title VI - P.L. 89-313
Public Law 92-318 - Secondary; Clerical
Distributive Education Project #COOP-375
Distributive Education - Revolving Fund
Payment on Principal
Interest on Debt
School Lunch Fund
School Athletic Fund
School Athletic Fund Receipts
Adult Education
Federal Taxes
State Taxes
Teachers' Retirement
County Retirement
Teachers' Insurance
Blue Cross -Blue Shield
Group Life Insurance
Acton Education Association
M.T.A. Credit Union
Tax Annuities
Roof Repairs
Insurance - Smoke Damage, ABRHS 2/25/74
Article 10, Acton Special Town Meeting 6/11/73
In-Service Programs, Learning Disabilities
In-Service Program, Social Studies
Summer School 1974
Total Disbursements
Balance, December 31, 1974
Total
399,587, 66
105,876.63
106,094.97
15,030.44
1,270.25
8,227.34
956.08
16,048.31
21, 100.04
29, 787.42
1, 160.47
513.76
4,965.75
2,583.00
2,281.85
1,200.00
3,216.80
220,420.00
203.85
$2, 916,627.42
404, 930.65
486,845.37
2, 972.41
446.40
25,293.65
5,641.87
489.28
655,000.00
189,640.00
140,559.80
76,488.86
4,985.76
19,764.48
399,587.66
105,876.63
106,094.97
15,030.44
1,260.73
8,357.61
959.48
16,048.29
21, 100.04
29, 787.42
3, 133.49
2,583.00
4, 909. 12
2,423.27
874.36
2, 978.43
$5,253,010.89
$6, 121,815.67
$5,650,690.89
471, 124.78
$6, 121,815.67
Prise ilia Felt
Treasurer
134
VOCATIONAL REGIONAL SCHOOL
Charles E. Courtright, Acton's Representative
The Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical School District Committee is pleased to submit its
fourth annual report to the citizens of the District's member towns of Acton, Arlington, Belmont,
Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Stow, Sudbury, Wayland and Weston.
The year 1974 marked the culmination of the District's initial planning phase with the opening of
classes for the boys and girls comprising the Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical School's first
ninth grade class.
Unfortunately, delays in the construction of our new building forced us to begin the year in tem-
porary quarters in the Rose Hawthorne School Building in Concord, which we were able to rent from
the Archdiocese of Boston.
Our first class was selected in the spring of 1974 from approximately 600 applicants. A quota
based on the ratio of high school students from each member town to the total number of high school
students in the District was established for each town. For those towns which exceeded their pre-
scribed quotas, 80% of the first class was chosen by a random selection procedure. The remaining
20% were chosen by the school systems of the towns in which those students reside. On October 1,
1974 the enrollment in the Minuteman School, by towns, was as follows:
Acton 42
Arlington 95
Belmont 40
Boxborough 11
Carlisle 8
Concord 42
Lincoln 12
Lexington 78
Stow 14
Sudbury 43
Wayland 36
Weston 5
Despite the more limited space in the Rose Hawthorne building and our new personnel, a full
range of academic courses was offered, including mathematics, science, communications art (English)
and human relations (social studies). Repeating five -week introductory courses in eight of the following
vocational and technical areas are also required of each ninth-grade student:
Building Trades
Power Mechanics
Machine Shop
Metals Fabrication
Horticulture
Graphic Arts (Printing)
Foods
Distributive Education
Health Services
Commercial Art
Electronics
Instrumentation
Prior to the beginning of school, the students were tested, interviewed and evaluated by the Min-
uteman faculty, with the assistance of consultants from Boston University, so that to every extent possi-
ble they could be placed in vocational and technical programs most compatible with their nterests and
aptitudes.
Highlights of first months of actual operation of the new school included:
1. The successful implementation and "shake-down" of our transportation system, a
complex operation for transporting all of our students to and from school each day.
2. Implementation of an innovative individualized student reporting system which was
completed and sent to each parent in November.
3. An open house evening at the Rose Hawthorne building attended by approximately
500 parents to acquaint them with the educational activities in which their sons and
daughters are participating, with demonstrations, exhibits and an opportunity for
questions and answers.
4. A second parents evening held in December featuring faculty presentations and the
initial steps toward creating a parents' organization.
5. Initiation of core evaluations for our students with special needs and the implemen-
tation of instructional programs to meet those needs.
6. The initiation of student activities, including election of class officers and a student
advisory committee, a fall dance attended by about 300 students, the regular publication
of a school newspaper, and a raffle conducted by the Distributive Education students
which made the first contribution to the treasury of the class of '78.
135
Progress on the new school building has been slow but steady, and the construction is of very high
quality. In December, the School Committee decided to accept beneficial occupancy of the completed
areas of the building so that students, faculty and staff could begin 1975 in their permanent quarters.
The task of moving materials, equipment and people was accomplished during the winter vacation and
school opened on January 13 at 758 Marrett Road, Lexington, the School's permanent address.
In December, collective bargaining negotiations commenced with the Minuteman Regional Faculty
Federation, Local 3191, American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO. Kenneth Bilodeau was selected
to act as the School Committee representative, with Ruth Wales as alternate. Attorney Alan S. Miller
has been employed as negotiator for the School Committee.
Looking ahead to 1975, our administration and faculty are developing programs and curricula for
the present students when they become tenth graders in the fall, and are continually reviewing and eval-
uating the present year's program so as to institute improvements as the need is seen and to prepare
for next year's incoming ninth graders. The new year will see the completion of our building, further
refinements in and automation of our budgeting and business systems, and the doubling of our enroll-
ment to about 900 students. Also, we look forward to developing and, hopefully, implementing new
plans for additional services the District can offer on a regional basis to its twelve member towns.
As with any new organization, the challenges at Minuteman have been many, and progress has at
times seemed frustratingly slow. The school administration, faculty, and staff have shown extraordin-
ary dedication and willingness to exert every effort to ensure the success of our first operational year.
We are grateful to Superintendent-Director Sains and all of his staff for their hard work.
During the year four new members joined the Committee: George Cormier from Stow, William
Fitzgerald from Lexington, and Frederick Heinrich from Wayland to fill the vacancies noted in our 1973
report, and George Banfield from Boxborough to replace Roger Morse, who resigned during the sum-
mer. Roger was an original member of the School Committee and of its Building Subcommittee. His
contributions will be missed.
The entire School Committee and staff express their appreciation and thanks to the officials,
parents and citizens of our member towns for their support and efforts on behalf of the new school.
Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical
School District Committee
Acton Charles E. Courtright
Arlington Rico A. Merluzzo
Belmont Henry L. Hall, Jr., Chairman
Boxborough George B. Banfield
Carlisle Kenneth L. Bilodeau
Concord Lydia A. Smith
Lexington William P. Fitzgerald
Lincoln Ruth W. Wales
Stow George G. Cormier
Sudbury Alfred C. Cron, Vice -Chairman
Wayland Frederick L. Heinrich
Weston Albert V. B. Kelsey
Michele G. Lombardo, Treasurer
Samuel H. Sains, Secretary
* tt
J The pay of a Revolutionary soldier ranged from 6 and 2/3 dollars per month for *
J privates to 20 dollars per month for captains. *
136
Deborah Sampson, of Plympton, Massachusetts,
was America's first Wac. News of the Boston
Tea Party and the Battles of Lexington and Con-
cord "stimulated her vigorous nature." Tired
of farm-life, she made herself a set of men's
clothes and enlisted in the Continental Army as
Private Robert Shirtliff. Her service was dis-
tinguished by her courage and despite two
wounds, her secret was not discovered until she
fell seriously ill. When mustered out, she mar-
ried and embarked on a career as a lecturer -
sounding the "first call to American womanhood
to take its place in the new liberty."
Finances
1
if'
Reed's Barn
(Photo by Jayne Mulholland. ABRHS)
138
BOARD OF ASSESSORS
John H. Loring, Chairman
During 1974, the Board of Assessors held regular meetings on the first Tuesday of each month in
addition to a number of special meetings.
The responsibility of the Assessor is, equality in assessments, to all property owners. This had
led us into investigating and considering a computerized valuation system that simulates the market
comparable approach to valuation. This system values a subject property by selecting several recently
sold comparable properties, whose characteristics are stored in the computer, and making appropriate
adjustments to the subject property. The value is then determined on all properties that are similar
and made available on a readable form. The Board feels that by having all available real estate data
compiled and stored in the computer along with the sales price, as property is sold, then the goal of
fair and equalized values can be maintained for all property owners.
The use of electronic data processing equipment is being looked into with other Boards and Com-
mittees with the thought of being able to share data information which will make the program work more
efficiently and economically.
This is the same type of program that the State Tax Commission has decided to explore since the
Supreme Court's recent decision that all cities and towns must value all property at full and fair cash
value.
1974 - Six Month
Net Amount to be Raised
Total Valuation as of 1/1/74
$ 3,240,656.87
$132, 973,565.00
Tax Rate $24.50
Fiscal 1974 - 1975
Assessed Values
Real Estate
Personal Property
Total
Tax Rate Breakdown
School $34. 78
General 18.42
Tax Rate $53.20
Real Estate Tax
Personal Property Tax
Total Taxes
Amount of money to be raised:
Town charges
Audit of Municipal Accounts
Mosquito Control Projects
Health Insurance Program
School Lunch Program (including elderly)
Free Public Libraries
Special Education
Special Education Grant
State Parks and Reservations
Metropolitan District Area Planning Council
State Assessment System
Motor Vehicle Excise Bills
Air Pollution Control
County Tax
County Hospital
Overlay
$127,657,415.00
5,317,800.00
$132, 975,215.00
6, 791,374.28
282,906.96
$ 10,525,829.00
4,599.63
6,829.22
145.27
12, 995. 00 -x
5,538.75
21,000.00
52,768.00
67,394.00
738.35
561.80
2,506.65 "
805.58
367, 754. 90 .
29,290.40
92, 717.74
$ 7,074,281.2'
139
Gross, to be raised
Estimated Receipts and Available Funds
from Various Sources
Net Amount to be Raised
$11, 191, 519.93
4, 117,238.69
$ 7,074,281.24
Richard W. Remmy, Clerk
Lorens A. A. Perssons, Member
Ralph E. Dodge, CM. A., Assistant Assessor
(HATFKOPESTyrrr
COULD BE THE WORLDS
MOST VALUABLE
SEAL ESTATE -
/Q-/4
WAQRSHf? UUMiCUTT,
ST.PETERSSUZfrSifLA.
The Wayside Inn was originally Howes Tavern. Ezekiel Howe led the farmers of
Sudbury, Massachusetts, to do battle at Concord.
»»<*<»^«
140
TOWN ACCOUNTANT
Donald O. Nylander
This is my twentieth and last annual report to the Town of Acton. The cooperation received from
the various Boards, Departments and Committees during these years of rapid growth of the Town, and
resultant substantial increase in financial transactions, has been sincerely appreciated.
The material presented provides an interim statement of the Town of Acton as of December 31,
1974, the mid-point of the first normal fiscal year.
BALANCE SHEET
SUPPORTING SCHEDULES
December 31, 1974
Schedule 1
Unexpended Budget Appropriation Balances
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Moderator:
1. Salary $
2. Expenses
Finance Committee:
3. Expenses
Selectmen:
4. Salaries
5. Expenses
6. Capital Outlay
7. Legal Services
8. Legal Services Expenses
9. Appraisals and Surveys
10. Out-of-State Travel
Town Office Clerical Staff:
11. Salaries
Engineering Department:
12. Salaries
13. Expenses
14. Capital Outlay
Town Accountant:
15. Salary
16. Expenses
Town Treasurer and Collector:
17. Salary
18. Expenses
Town Assessors:
19. Salaries
20. Expenses
Town Clerk:
160.00
21. Salary
20.00
22. Expenses
Elections and Registrations
85.00
23. Salaries
24. Expenses
18, 793.64
Planning Board:
8,476.21
25. Salaries
790.50
26. Expenses
10, 178.75
615.01
Personnel Board:
600.00
27. Expenses
1,222.53
63, 101.75
30, 118.12
2,875.46
100.00
2,534.42
203.19
7, 109.72
5,577.71
8,485.29
3,660.71
Board of Appeals:
28. Expenses
Industrial Development Commission:
29. Expenses
Conservation Commission:
30. Expenses
Archives Committee:
31. Expenses
Public Ceremonies and Celebrations:
32. Expenses
Buildings and Grounds Maintenance:
33. Salaries
34. Utilities
35. Expenses
36. Capital Outlay
3,014.46
688.62
5,893.65
2,476.44
4, 715.70
14,083.29
0
194.85
100.00
453.95
195.00
2, 182.00
9,489.44
15,593.02
15, 180.73
3, 700.00
141
Town Report Committee:
Town Utilities:
37. Expenses $
6, 500.00
65. Hydrant Rental $
25.00
66. Street Lighting
22,
232.05
Youth Commission:
38. CODE
2,244.41
HIGHWAYS
39. Expenses
4, 159.07
Highway Department:
Historical Commission:
67. Salaries arid Wages
71,
502.97
40. Expenses
114.89
68. Overtime for Snow
10,
139.78
69. General Expenses
15,
183.15
Council on Aging:
70. Drainage
945.73
41. Expenses
3,392.84
71. Snow and Ice Control
27,
526.60
72. Machinery Expense
9,
656.59
PROTECTION OF PERSONS AND PROPERT
73. Gasoline and Diesel Fuel
4,
120.71
74. Chapter 81 Maintenance
0
Police Department:
75. Chapter 90 Maintenance
3,
171.98
42. Regular Salaries
131,688.29
76. Capital Outlay
285.44
43. Other Salaries
71, 729.21
44. Expenses
11,688.88
HEALTH AND SANITATION
45. Capital Outlay
145.00
Health and Sanitation:
Fire Department:
77. Salaries
20,
845.09
46. Regular Salaries
157,661.99
78. Expenses
22,
397.25
47. Other Salaries
42,378.77
79. Garbage Collection
25,
917.52
48. Expenses
11, 819.21
49. Capital Outlay-
137.03
Inspector of Animals:
80. Wages
170.00
Sealer of Weights and Measures:
81. Expenses
30.00
50. Salary
305.02
51. Expenses
33.30
Plumbing Inspector:
82. Expenses
5,
275.50
Insect Pest Control:
52. Wages
2, 774.90
CEMETERIES
53. Expenses
4,202.00
Cemeteries:
Town Forest Committee:
83. Salaries and Wages
27,
172.68
54. Expenses
100.00
84. Expenses
9,
557.46
85. Capital Outlay
2,
940.00
Tree Department:
55. Wages
3,499.87
RECREATION
56. Expenses
4,463.70
Recreation:
Inspector of Wires:
86. Salaries and Wages
27,
345.35
57. Expenses
6,500.00
87. Expenses
88. Capital Outlay
15,
215.77
0
Inspector of Gas Piping/ Appliances:
58. Expenses
3,541.00
VETERANS' AID
Building Commissioner:
Veterans' Services:
59. Salaries
16,817.83
89. Salary
3,
905.00
60. Expenses
2,420.91
90. Expenses
275.00
91. Aid
14,
291.42
Dog Officer:
61. Wages
1,200.00
PENSIONS
62. Expenses
500.00
Pension Fund:
Building Committee:
92. Expenses
2.00
63. Expenses
75.00
INSURANCE
Civil Defense:
64. Expenses
196.08
Insurance:
93. Group Health Premiums
63,
368.28
94. Other Insurance
26,
656.42
95. Insurance Advisor
750.00
142
MATURING DEBT AND INTEREST
TOWN GOVERNMENT
Highway Department Building:
96. Maturing Debt
97. Interest
Highway Department Equipment:
98. Maturing Debt
99. Interest
Anticipation of Revenue Notes:
100. Interest
LIBRARIES
Memorial Library:
101. Salaries
102. Expenses
103. Books
104. Capital Outlay
West Acton Library:
105. Salaries
106. Expenses
0
3,565.00
0
5,610.00
19,037.50
46,426.41
10, 702.46
9,060.86
1, 730.00
3,616.24
773.12
MATURING DEBT AND INTEREST
LIBRARIES
Library Addition:
107. Maturing Debt
108. Interest
LOCAL SCHOOLS
Local Schools:
109. Operating Expenses
110. Maturing Debt and Interest
on Teachers ' Summer Pay
Borrowing
Blanchard Auditorium:
111. Expenses
1, 904.085.46
99, 950.00
17,595.64
MATURING DEBT AND INTEREST
LOCAL SCHOOLS
McCarthy School:
112. Maturing Debt S
113. Interest
Merriam School:
114. Maturing Debt
115. Interest
Douglas School:
116. Maturing Debt
117. Interest
Gates School:
118. Maturing Debt
119. Interest
Conant School:
120. Maturing Debt
121. Interest
ACTON-BOXBOROUGH REGIONAL SCHOOL
DISTRICT
0
0
2,
0
160.00
6,
0
740.00
14,
0
362.50
36,
0
625.00
Regional Schools:
122. Operating Expenses
123. Transportation
124. School Athletic Fund
125. Maturing Debt and Interest
on Teachers' Summer Pay
Borrowing
126. Maturing Debt and Interest
VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS
Minuteman Vocational School:
127. Operating Expenses )
128. Maturing Debt and Interest)
1,549,353.83
8,378. 17
43,443.00
0
134,428.50
65, 382.00
Other Vocational Schools:
129. Tuition and Transportation
TOTAL
36, 519.69
$5, 183, 908.48
Schedule 2
Unexpended Article Appropriation Balances
143
Town
Meeting
Article
Date
No.
6/24/57
6
3/09/58
39
10/19/64
2
12/05/66
12
3/13/67
10
3/13/67
32
3/10/67
33
3/09/70
19
3/09/70
21
3/09/70
55
3/09/70
62
6/29/70
4
6/27/70
7
3/08/71
36
3/08/71
38
3/08/71
46
3/08/71
46
3/08/71
46
3/08/71
46
3/08/71
46
3/08/71
51
3/08/71
54
3/08/71
64
3/13/72
12
3/13/72
18
3/13/72
34
3/13/72
41
3/13/72
45
3/13/72
54
3/13/72
55
3/13/73
17
3/12/73
19
3/12/73
24
3/12/73
27
3/12/73
28
3/12/73
29
3/12/73
32
3/12/73
34
6/18/73
6
6/18/73
10
5/13/74
6
5/13/74
12
5/13/74
15
5/13/74
22
5/13/74
24
5/13/74
25
5/13/74
32
5/13/74
34
5/13/74
44
5/13/74
45
5/13/74
57
12/3 /74
8
12/3 /74
10
13/3 /74
12
12/3 /74
13
W. Livingston
A. Davis
H. Davis
E. White
Purpose
Civil Defense Power Unit
Archives Committee
Douglas School
Regional Disposal Planning Committee
Gates School
Emergency Operating Center
Town Forest Access Construction
Conant School
Kennedy Land Lease
Tot Lot Equipment
Mount Hope Cemetery Improvement for New Section
Assabet Regional Refuse Disposal Planning Board for
Engineer Consultant
Highway Funds - Chapter 768, Section 4, 1969
Youth Commission
State and Edney Land Purchase
Conservation - Eminent Domain,
Conservation - Eminent Domain,
Conservation - Eminent Domain.
Conservation - Eminent Domain,
Conservation - Land, Main Street to Pope Road
Highway Department - Resurfacing High, Adams and Parker Sts.
Highway Department - Chapter 90 Construction
Town Forest Picnic Facilities
Recycling Operation and Maintenance
Basketball Courts - Elm Street
Conservation - Keizer Land
Mosquito Ecology Study
Highway Department - Equipment Purchase
Highway Department - Chapter 90 Construction
Town Common
Cemetery Department - Truck Purchase
West Acton Library - Improvements
Highway Department - Sidewalk Construction
Highway Department - Chapter 90 Construction
Government Surplus Property Purchase
Highway Department - Equipment Purchase (Bond Proceeds)
Engineering Department - Programmable Calculator
Recreation - Development of Town Owned Land
Mosquito Fogging Machine
School Department - Maintenance Equipment Storage
School Department - Teachers' Summer Salaries (Bond Proceeds)
Memorial Library - Sunday Staffing
Section (b) - Development of Sanitary Landfill Site off Quarry Rd.
Highway Department - Chapter 90 Construction
Sidewalk Construction
Department Vehicles
Recreation - Great Hill Development
Fire Department - Pumper Purchase
Cemetery Department - Pave Roads in Mount Hope
Cemetery Department - Woodlawn/ Mount Hope Planning
Reserve Fund
Collective Bargaining
Treasurer/ Collector and Accountant Salaries
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Contract
Refuse Disposal Study
300.00
792.75
741.65
8.91
296.09
1, 000.00
10.29
10,203.57
10.00
199.30
892.00
954.20
17.33
48.67
7, 000.00
365.00
9, 130.00
2, 551.00
8, 948.00
4,006.00
6, 500.00
30, 800.00
750.00
390.00
1, 903.33
333.46
800.00
251.78
30, 800.00
1,019.20
11.50
18.10
5, 901.22
30, 800.00
112.40
3,499.70
59.75
15, 564.30
355.00
85.62
5, 030.00
728.52
2, 693.08
30, 800.00
10, 000.00
21,652.00
82,468.55
40, 925.00
3, 000.00
10, 000.00
55, 292.52
7, 500.00
13, 000.00
1, 835.58
27, 500.00
$490, 980.80
TOWN OF
BALANCE
DECEMBER
ASSETS
Cash:
Petty Cash Funds
General Funds
Federal Revenue Sharing Funds, P.L. 92-512
Certificate of Deposit
Accounts Receivable:
Tax Levies:
1966 Personal Property
196 7 Personal Property.
1968 Personal Property
1969 Personal Property
1970 Personal Property
1971 Personal Property
1972 Personal Property
1974 Fiscal Personal Property (18 months)
1975 Fiscal Personal Property
1972 Real Estate
1974 Fiscal Real Estate (18 months)
1975 Fiscal Real Estate
1975 Fiscal Special Real Estate - Chapter 497
Special Assessment - Street Betterments
Motor Vehicle Excise:
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
Tax Titles
Tax Possessions
Taxes in Litigation
Departmental:
Schools
Cemetery
Fire
Aid to Highways:
Middlesex County
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Total Accounts Receivable
Under -Assessments:
Metropolitan District Area
Mosquito Control
Special Education
$
384.00
483.58
1, 116.16
529.19
1, 003.10
3,431.47
15,580.29
53,876.13
140,416.01
136,024.10
4,413.75
793.72
191.30
333.00
642.75
36,312. 19
101,822.28
220.00
886,328.23
140,623.37
496.35
520.80
306.00
531.30
939.55
819.00
397.33
2,426.57
141,667.30
399.48
69,231.22
3,565, 935.49
335. 16
3, 784,005.55
152.30
352,844.03
5,207.47
1, 116.64
1, 167.05
138, 134.47
856.80
2, 797.80
4, 234.00
51, 027, 171.60
850,000.00
Estimated Receipts
4, 282,627.51
7,888.60
1, 183, 980.58
Total Assets
$7, 351,668.29
ACTON
SHEET
31, 1974
LIABILITIES, RESERVES AND SURPLUS
Employees ■ Payroll Deductions
Guarantee Deposits - Board of Appeals Hearings
Sales Tax on Medallion Sales
Performance Bond Deposits
Unclaimed Checks
Premiums on Bonds
Trust Fund Income Transfer Balances
Unexpended Budget Appropriation Balances - Schedule 1
Unexpended Article Appropriation Balances - Schedule 2
Revolving Funds:
Off-Duty Police
School Cafeteria
Federal Grants - Education
Federal Revenue Sharing Funds P. L. 92-512 Unencumbered
State Grants:
Highway Repairs - Chapter 825, Section 1
Special Education - Chapter 766
Over-Assessments:
County Tax
County Hospital
State Recreation Area
Air Pollution Control District
State Aid Reserved for Appropriation - Library
Reserve for Petty Cash Funds
Cemetery Land Fund
Receipts Reserved for Appropriation - County Dog Fund
Middlesex County Dog License Fees
Road Machinery Fund
Tax Title Foreclosures
Overlays Reserved for Abatements of Tax Levies:
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
1974 (Fiscal - 18 months)
1975 Fiscal
Overlay Surplus Reserve Fund
Revenue Reserved Until Collected:
Special Assessment - Street Betterments
Special Assessment - Chapter 497
Taxes in Litigation
Departmental
Tax Titles and Possessions
Aid to Highways
Motor Vehicle Excise
Surplus Revenue
Total Liabilities, Reserves and Surplus
$ 158.80
21, 859.77
41,842.00
52, 768.00
182, 171.89
17,253.95
659.52
30.39
259. 19
126.87
306.00
109.69
939.55
819.00
688.58
21,571.82
31,229.89
152.30
335. 16
1, 116.64
1, 167.05
5, 207.47
138, 134.47
352, 844.03
£ 2,165.60
496.00
4.79
8,600.00
1, 152.75
759. 10
10, 921.97
5, 183, 908.48
490, 980.80
22,018.57
27,489.69
8, 935.08
94, 610.00
200, 115.75
5, 538.75
220.00
4,380.35
2,899.59
48.75
1, 167.02
335.00
56,050.59
27, 822.21
498, 957. 12
702, 090.33
$7, 351,668.29
146
DEFERRED REVENUE ACCOUNTS
Apportioned Street Assessments Not Due
$ 14,637.28
DEBT ACCOUNTS
Net Funded or Fixed Debt
$3,210,000.00
LOANS AUTHORIZED - NOT ISSUED
Conservation Purposes - Chapter 40, Section 8C
$ 600,000.00
In 1775, 300,000 people lived in Massachusetts.
Eighty percent of them were of English descent.
In the two centuries since American independ-
ence, approximately 48 million people have mi-
grated to the United States and probably one-
third of them have returned home or moved on
yet again.
147
DEFERRED REVENUE ACCOUNTS
Apportioned Street Assessment Revenue:
Due in 1975 to 1991, inclusive
$ 14,637.28
DEBT ACCOUNTS
Inside Debt Limit:
Florence A. Merriam Elementary School
Public Works Facility
Highway Department Equipment
Outside Debt Limit:
Florence A. Merriam Elementary School
Carolyn Douglas Elementary School
Paul P. Gates Elementary School
Luther Conant Elementary School
Fiscal Cycle Loan - Acts of 1973:
Teachers' Summer Salaries
30,000.00
125,000.00
255,000.00
90,000.00
385,000.00
725, 000.00
1,285,000.00
$ 410,000.00
$2,485,000.00
315,000.00
$3, 210,000.00
Conservation Purposes
LOANS AUTHORIZED - NOT ISSUED
$ 600, 000. 00
In the summer of 1775, Colonel Benedict Arnold,
then still very much on the side of the Americans,
turned to the town of Deerfield, Massachusetts,
to arrange for food shipments for the patriots
who had just captured Fort Ticonderoga. Deer-
field Minutemen were already enroute to Bunker
Hill.
148
ACTON STREET DIRECTORY
A
D
Adams Street
A-2
Acton Meadows
G-4
Agawam Road
C-4
Alcott Street
D-2
Algonquin Road
D-5
Anne Avenue
C-3
Apple Valley Drive
A -3
Arborwood Road
C-2
Ashwood Road
C-2
Azalea Court
D-l
Balsam Road
D-3
Barker Road
C-3
Baxter Road
B-4
Bayberry Road
D-l
Berry Lane
D-2
Betsy Ross Circle
B-5
Beverly Road
C-3
Billings Street
A-4
Birch Ridge Road
B-5
Black Horse Drive
A -5
Blanchard Street
A-4
Brabrook Road
D-l
Bridle Path Way
E-l
Broadview Road
B-2
Bromfield Drive
D-2
Brook Street
E-2
Brookside Circle
B-2
Brucewood Road
C-3
Bullette Road
D-5
Captain Brown's Lane
C-4
Captain Forbush
C-4
Carlisle Road
G-2
Carlton Drive
A-2
Carriage Drive
B-2
Cedar Terrace
C-4
Central Street
B-3,
D-5
Chadwick Street
B-2
Charter Road
C-4
Cherokee Road
D-5
Cherry Ridge Road
B-5
Church Street
B-4
Clover Hill Road
B-2
Conant Street
A-2
Concord Road
D-2
Collidge Drive
D-4
Coughlin Street
D-3
Country Club Road
A-2
Cowdrey Lane
D-3
Craig Road
C-l
Crescent Street
B-2
Crestwood Lane
B-4
Cricket Way
D-2
Crooked Lane
B-3
Cross Street
G-2
Davis Road
E-2
Deacon Hunt Drive
C-4
Doris Road
C-3
Downey Road
B-4
Driftwood Road
C-2
Duggan Road
A-4
Durkee Road
B-4
Eastern Road
G-2
Elm Court
C-4
Elm Street
C-5
Eliot Circle
D-3
Emerson Drive
D-2
Esterbrook Road
E-2
F
G
H
K
Ethan Allen Drive
B-5
Evergreen Road
D-3
Fairway Road
A-2
Faulkner Hill Road
B-3
Fernwood Road
C-2
Fife & Drum Road
D-3
Flagg Road
D-l
Fletcher Court
A-3
Flint Road
B-4
Flintlock Drive
A -5
Foley Street
B-2
Forest Road
C-2
Fort Pond Road
E-4
Foster Street
C-2
Fox Hill Road
B-2
Francine Road
C-3
Fraser Drive
B-4
Garfield Lane
D-3
Gerald Circle
A-2
Giaconda Avenue
A-2
Granite Road
F-3
Grasshopper Lane
D-2
Great Road
D-l,
Greenwood Lane
D-3
Gristmill Road
A -5
Hammond Street
D-4
Harris Street
F-3
Harvard Court
E-2
Hatch Road
B-2
Hawthorne Street
D-2
Haynes Court
B-4
Hayward Road
C-4
Heald Road
D-3
Hemlock Lane
D-3
Henley Road
F-3
Hennesey Drive
B-3
Heritage Road
C-2
Hickory Hill Trail
D-3
High Street
A-2
Highland Road
A-5
Hillcrest Drive
C-2
Hillside Terrace
C-4
Homestead Street
B-4
Horseshoe Drive
D-2
Hosmer Street
C-2
Houghton Lane
C-4
Huckleberry Lane
D-3
Huron Road
D-5
Independence Road
B-2
Iris Court
D-l
Isaac Davis Way
C-3
Jackson Drive
D-4
Jefferson Drive
D-3
John Swift Road
D-3
Joseph Reed Lane
C-4
Juniper Ridge Road
B-5
Karner Road
D-5
Keefe Road
D-l
Kelley Road
C-3
Kinsley Road
B-4
Larch Road
D-3
Laurel Court
B-3
Lawsbrook Road
C-l
Ledge Rock Way
F-3
F-4
149
L Liberty Street
A -3
Lilac Court
B-3
Lillian Road
D-5
Lincoln Drive
D-4
Littlefield Road
C-5
Longfellow Park
D-2
Long Ridge Road
E-3
Lothrop Road
B-4
M Madison Lane
D-4
Magnolia Drive
D-l
Main Street
A-2, H-3
Mallard Road
C-4
Maple Street
B-3
Marian Road
B-5
Martin Street
B-3
Massachusetts Avenue
D-l, B-5
Mead Terrace
B-4
Meadow Brook Road
D-3
Merriam Lane
B-2
Minot Avenue
D-2
Minuteman Road
D-3
Mohawk Drive
C-5
Mohegan Road
C-4
Monroe Lane
D-4
Musket Drive
D-3
Myrtle Drive
D-l
N Nadine Road
C-3
Nagog Hill Road
D-3
Nagog Park
F-4
Nash Road
B-4
Nashoba Road
C-5
Newtown Road
D-3
Nonset Path
F-3
North Street
G-2
Notre Dame Road
B-5
Noyes Street
A -4
O Oakwood Road
C-2
Old Colony Lane
C-l
Olde Lantern Road
A-5
Old Meadow Lane
B-2
Old Village Road
D-2
Olde Surrey Drive
B-2
Oneida Road
D-5
Orchard Drive
C-5
P Parker Street
A-2
Patrick Henry Circle
B-5
Patriots Road
D-3
Partridge Hollow
E-3
Partridge Pond Road
C-3
Paul Revere Road
B-5
Pearl Street
B-4-
Phalen Street
D-2
Pr.4.ox Lane
D-l
Pine Street
B-3
Pinewood Road
C-2
Piper Road
B-3
Piper Lane
B-3
Pond Ridge Drive
C-2
Pond View Drive
B-2
Pope Road
D-l
Powder Horn Lane
A-5
Powder Mill Road
A-l
Proctor Street
E-l
Prospect Street
B-3
Puritan Road
A-2
Putnam Road
D-3
Putter Drive
A-2
Q Quaboag Road
C-4
Quarry Road
F-3
R Railroad Street
B-3
Redwood Road
C-2
Revolutionary Road
D-3
River Street
B-2
Robbins Street
A -3
Robert Road
A-l
Robinwood Road
C-2
Rose Court
D-l
Route 2
C-3,
D-5
Russell Road
C-2
S Saint James Circle
C-3
Samuel Parlin Drive
D-4
Sandas Trail
C-4
School Street
B-3
Seminole Road
C-4
Seneca Road
C-5
Simon Hapgood Lane
E-l
Simon Willard Road
D-3
Sioux Street
C-4
Smart Road
A -4
Smith Street
E-l
South Street
G-2
Spencer Road
C-4
Spring Hill Road
F-l
Spruce Street
C-4
Stoney Street
C-3
Stow Street
A -3
Strawberry Hill Road
E-2
Sudbury Road
A-l
Summer Street
B-5
Sylvia Street
A -3
Squirrel Hill Road
A-5
T Taft Lane
D-4
Taylor Road
C-3
Thoreau Road
D-2
Ticonderoga Road
A-5
Townsend Road
B-4
Trask Road
D-3
Tuttle Drive
B-3
V Valley Road
B-2
Vanderbelt Road
B-2
W Wachusett Drive
D-5
Wampus Avenue
F-3
Washington Drive
D-3
Wayside Lane
B-4
West Road
C-4
Wetherbee Street
D-l
Wheeler Lane
G-2
Whittier Drive
D-2
Willis Holden Drive
E-4
Willow Street
B-4
Wilson Lane
D-4
Windemere Drive
A-5
Windsor Avenue
B-4
Winter Street
B-5
Wood Lane
D-3
Woodbury Lane
D-3
Woodchester Drive
A-5
Wright Terrace
B-5
Note: The Town Report Committee would like to thank the Engineering Department for the much
needed, revised Street Directory and Town Map which is in this Report.
CONCORD;
SttB&Z PR.IVATE ways
f?aiVAXC, UMACCCDTEO
;::-]nOA05 AP^SOVLO UNDCC TMC
Su&DtVI&iON COMTCOL LAW (CHAW ♦/ a.)
AS AMENDED TO JANUARY I, 1974
MAP OF
TOWN OF ACTON
MASSACHUSETTS
SHOWING LOCATION OF STREETS
FEBRUARY 1957
SCALE IN FEET
1^^^^ST° I°°° "^ T* *°°°
152
AGON
OF GENERAL INTEREST
ACTON, as the name of our Town, has several possible derivations: (1) The old Saxon word Ac-tun
meaning oak settlement or hamlet in the oaks; (2) the Town of Actor, England; (3) the Acton family of
England, a member of which supposedly offered a bell for the first meetinghouse in 1735.
Incorporated: July 3, 1735
Form of Government: Open Town Meeting-Selectmen-Town Manager
Population in 1970: 14, 770
Area: 20 square miles approximately
Location: Eastern Massachusetts. Middlesex County, bordered on
the east by Carlisle and ^oncord, on the west by Boxbor-
ough, on the north by Westford and Littleton, on the south
by Sudbury, and on the southwest by Stow and Maynard.
25 miles northwest of Boston.
Town Records:
In ews papers:
History:
Elevation: At Town Hall, 268 feet above mean sea level.
Town Annual Reports, 1861 to present.
Selectmen's Minutes, (microfilm) 1800-1829, 1935-1955
Town Meeting Records, 1735-1956
Vital Records, (microfilm) to 1850, 1850-1956
Assabet Valley Beacon, March 1963 to present
Acton Minute -Man, June 1973 to present
A brief historical and political background is available in the League of Women Voters'
pamphlet, Acton - Know Your Town, 1974. For specific reports, vital records, docu-
mentaries, directories, etc., visit the Acton Memorial Library.
153
INDEX
Page
Accountant 140
Acton Garden Club 72
Acton, Of General Interest 152
Animals, Inspector of 44
Appeals, Board of 22
Archives 68
Assessors, Board of 138
Births 74
Building Inspector 51
Cemetery Commission 22
Charlotte L. Goodnow Fund 25
Civil Defense 52
Conservation Commission 53
Council on Aging 24
Dog Licenses 118
Dog Officer 44
Elections 78
Elizabeth White Fund 25
Engineering Department 37
Finance Committee (See Warrant Supplement)
Fire Department 55
Health, Board of 45
Highway Department 26
Historical Commission 68
Historic District Study Committee 70
Homeowner's Inventory 63
Housing Authority 26
Insect Pest Control 54
Jury List 116
Libraries 30
National, State and County Officials 1
1975 Celebration, Advisory Committee 71
Planning Board 32
Police Department 59
Public Schools, Acton 119
Recreation Commission 33
Sealer of Weights and Measures 54
Selectmen, Acton 6
Street Directory and Map 148
Street Light Committee 37
Town Forest Committee 39
Town Government Organizational Chart 4
Town Manager, Acton 6
Town Meetings, Proceedings of 83
Town Officials and Appointments 9
Town Report Committee 19
Tree Warden 39
Veterans' Agent 65
Veterans' Graves 65
Vocational Regional School 134
Wires, Inspector of 54
Workmen's Compensation 66
Youth Commission 40
-Notes-
OFFICE HOURS
Town Office (Selectmen,
Town Manager, Clerk)
Treasurer and Collector
Assessors
School Superintendent
Asst. School Superintendent
Board of Health
Veterans' Agent
Library Hours:
Memorial Library-
Citizens, West Acton
8-4:30 (Tues. 7:30 p.m.)
8-4:30 (Tues. 7:30-8:30 p. m.)
8-4:30 (Tues. 7:30-8:30 p. m.)
8-4:30
8-4:30
8-4:30
No Regular Hours
Mon. -Fri., 9 a. m. - 9 p. m.
Saturday, 9-5 p.m.
Mon., 7-9 p.m.
Tues. -Fri., 10-5 p.m.
Town Hall
Town Hall
Town Hall
A-B Regional H.S.
A-B Regional H.S.
Office at Forest Road
At Home
263-2761
263-7018
263-5012
263-9503
263-9503
263-4736
263-4757
263-2232
263-9222
MEETINGS
DAY & TIME
PLACE
Annual Town Election
Annual Town Meeting
Appeals Board
Assessors
Building Committee
Conservation Commission
Finance Committee
Board of Health
Historical Commission
Industrial Development Commission
Library Trustees
Planning Board
Recreation Commission
School Committee: Regional
Local
Selectmen
Youth Commission
1st Monday in March
2nd Monday in March
2nd Monday of each month
or when necessary
1st Tuesday of each month
4:30 p.m.
1st and 3rd Wednesday of
each month, 7:30 p.m.
1st and 3rd Wednesday of
each month, 8:00 p.m.
4th Wednesday of each
month, 8:00 p.m.
1st and 3rd Tuesday of
each month, 7:30 p.m.
2nd Wednesday of each
month, 7:30 p.m.
1st Wednesday of each
month, 8:00 p. m.
1st Thursday of each
month, 7:45 p.m.
2nd and 4th Mondays of
each month, 8:00 p.m.
2nd and 4th Tuesdays of
each month, 7:30 p.m.
2nd and 4th Mondays of
each month, 7:30 p.m.
3rd Monday of each month,
7:30 p.m.
Every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
2nd and 4th Wednesday of
each month
Precinct Fire Stations
Blanchard Auditorium
Town Hall
Town Hall
Hearing Room at Forest Road
Hearing Room at Forest Road
Hearing Room at Forest Road
Hearing Room at Forest Road
Hearing Room at Forest Road
Town Hall
Memorial Library
Hearing Room at Forest Road
Hearing Room at Forest Road
Jr. High School Music Room
Jr. High School Music Room
Town Hall
Town Hall
Acton Memorial Medallions
FOR MASSACHUSETTS BICENTENNIAL LITERATURE AND INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Boston 200
P. O. Box 1773
Boston, Massachusetts 02114
Bristol County Development Council
154 No. Main Street
Fall River, Massachusetts 02722
Hampshire County Bicentennial Commission
County Court House
Northampton, Massachusetts 01060
Berkshire County Bicentennial
107 South Street
Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01201
Plymouth Chamber of Commerce
6 5 Main Street
Plymouth, Massachusetts 02360
Essex County Council
P. O. Box 756
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Old Sturbridge Inc.
Old Sturbridge Village
Sturbridge, Massachusetts 01566
Central Massachusetts Tourist Council
100 Front Street
Worcester, Massachusetts 01601
C\
875-1775 is the telephone number of the Central Tourist Information Center for Massa-
chusetts. Call between 8:00 A.M. and 10:00 P.M. (after April 15, 1975) from
any place in the state to receive listings of Bicentennial events and accommo-
dations.
.WELLS BINDERY, INC.
" /REFERENCE BOOK 0CT 1976
ACTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY WALTHAM, mass. 02154
ACTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01720
Live Music Archive
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