From the Board of Selectmen – It is our hope that you enjoy these excerpts from past Town Reports.
PLAISTOW 50 YEARS AGO
Excerpts for the 1957 Annual Town Report
Cover: A sketch of Fire Building (current Historical Society) and Hills Insurance Agency.
Article 18. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Fire Engineers to install a telephone fire-call system and to appropriate the sum of one thousand dollars ($1000.00) to install and maintain the same.
Article 19. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Fire Engineers to hire a permanent man to be at the Fire House at night and to raise the sum of Twenty-five hundred dollars ($2500.00) to defray the cost. (DEFEATED).
Article 20. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of three hundred twenty-five dollars ($325.00) for cast iron wheels for 1 – Historic Cannon located in Pollard Park, said wheels to be purchased from Federal Penitentiary.
Article 22. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of forty-eight hundred dollars ($4,800.00) to widen the approaches and bridge on Westville Road over Pollard Brook. This sum to be supplemented by State Bridge Aid. (DEFEATED)
Actual Revenues from Motor Vehicle Permits for 1957 = $15,491.20
Total Gross Valuation Before Exemptions $4,298,709.00
Less: Soldiers’ Exemptions 226,525.00
Net Valuation on Which Rate is Computed $4,072,184.00
Some Departmental Budgets: Library = $2700, Fire Department = $4800, Health = $100
From the Report of the Board of Selectmen: The summer of 1957 being a dry season, it was necessary that the board supply hardship cases with water. This was done through the cooperation of the City of Haverhill, which furnished the town with water, which was delivered by our fire department tank truck. Fred C. Rand drove the truck and took charge of the cases. He was responsible for delivering 69,000 gallons.
…The board was also faced with the problem of relocating the town dump. Numerous complaints from citizens regarding the unsanitary and unsightly conditions of the location, plus the proximity of the heavily-traveled Route 125, forced the major move.
Several local areas were considered and reviewed. A decision to relocate was reached after public meetings were held. After sanction from the State Health Department and the State Fire Warden, the dump was moved to Greenough Road. … An ordinance was enacted in the year 1957 prohibiting parking on the Town Hall side of Elm street
and Main street. This was enacted because of a hazardous condition caused by the increased traffic at this location.
From the Report of the Plaistow Fire Department: It was apparent in the summer of 1956 that something would have to be done in regard to the housing of the new fire truck which was to be delivered in November… An addition of 36 feet by 28 was added to the rear of the building. It was discovered at that time the old building was unsafe. At the vote of Town
Meeting of March 1957, an appropriation of thirty five hundred dollars was voted for the razing of the old building and construction of a new one.
The firemen have donated their time in rebuilding the structure. The building completed is 74 feet by 28 feet. All labor has been donated. The lower part of the building is of cement block and fire-proof construction. The upper floor consists of a kitchen, a meeting hall, a bedroom and office space. A new forced-air heating system was installed. A fire pole was donated to the department. A new fire sign for the outside of the building was given by Mrs. Carrie Merrick in memory of her late husband, Gordon F. Merrick. The paint for the inside walls of the building downstairs was contributed by Mr. Warren G. Leathe and his father. Mr. Henry Mann, a member of the association, painted the interior of the building absolutely free of charge… The total amount of money spent has been
six thousand eight hundred and sixty eight dollars and fifty nine cents. Two thousand six hundred forty one dollars and fifty two cents was contributed by the Firemen’s Association. The rest from the appropriation at Town Meeting. The value of the building as it now stands would be at least twenty five thousand dollars.
From the Report of the Librarian: The bookmobile visited the Plaistow Library four times during the year; and the local Library had constant exchange of books with the State Library… As the year ends, the library is endeavoring to supply its readers with science books and technological material to answer the demands of the “Space Age”.
From the Report of the Board of Health: There were no Asiatic Flu, Influenza, Polio or Pneumonia cases reported to our town during the entire year despite the widespread respitory conditions early in the Fall which required the closure of the school for a period of about a week due to the great number of school children so afflicted.
From the Report of the Cemetery Trustees: January 1, 1958 Total of invested funds $23,200.00. We received this year 3 ½% the first six months of the year and 4 % for the second half due to the fact that some of the certificates were misplaced. … The trustees have on order perpetual care markers which will be placed on all lots in the Spring.
PLAISTOW 40 YEARS AGO
Excerpts for the 1967 Annual Town Report
On the Cover: A sketch of major roads in the area between Reading, Mass and Exeter, NH.
Article 13. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,000.00 to be set aside in a Special Reserve Fund for the future purchase of new and improved equipment for the Fire Department. (Recommended by the Budget Committee)
Article 16. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,000 for a study and survey of the functional use of the Town Hall. (Recommended by the Budget Committee)
Article 18. To see if the Town will vote to allow the Trustees of the Public Library to use a portion of the Fred Rand Hall, approximately eight feet wide, for the temporary expansion of the Public Library, and to raise and appropriate the sum of $500.00 for the purpose of erecting a partition and making an opening from this proposed room into the present quarters of the Public Library, and to install sufficient lights in this new room, and that this temporary expansion project be supervised by a committee consisting of one Selectman, appointed by the Board of Selectmen, one Library Trustee, appointed by the Board of Library Trustees, the Judge of the
Plaistow District Court and the Moderator of the Town of Plaistow, and that if the town grants permission and appropriates the funds for this project, that the Committee so named, after reviewing all the problems pertaining to the use of the space asked for, shall have the sole right to approve or disapprove the above named project. (Recommended by the Budget Committee)
Article 19. To see if the Town will vote to transfer the amount of $650.00, a part of the unexpended balance of the Cemetery Account, to a special account for cemetery improvements.
Actual Revenues from Motor Vehicle Permits for 1967 = $42,899.96
Total Gross Valuation Before Exemptions $11,165,624.00
Less: Veterans Exemptions 365,780.00
Net Valuation on Which Rate is Computed $10,799,884.00
Some Departmental Budgets: Library = $6,085, Fire Department = $10,505, Health = $300
From the Report of Board of Selectmen: Much time and effort was extended toward obtaining the grant for the overhead water tower and tank through the Economic Division Administration. We still have additional papers to submit to the Portland office to conform with the requirements before the grant can be realized. However, we have been assured the grant will be forthcoming as soon as these processes have been finalized. The land on which the water tower stands was deeded to the Town this year.
…For the past three years our tax rate has steadily increased in spite of more dollars of building and our additional valuations have not been great enough to keep up with the increase in educational costs. …The town must give immediate consideration to additional police protection, the probability of another fire station in another part of town and we are also getting closer to a need for a water and sewerage system. The only way these services can be accomplished is by an increase in non-expense income from commercial and industrial enterprises. We welcome suggestions by all citizens and encourage the assistance of all townspeople in an effort to interest more industry in locating in Plaistow.
From the Report of the Cemetery Trustees: Jan 1, 1968 - Total invested funds $34,275.00.
From the Report of the Fire Department: The new fire truck arrived and was commissioned on September 15, 1967. …In looking to the future, I believe that serious consideration should be given to the thought of constructing a new fire station housing at least one piece of equipment to be built along Route 125 in order to respond more quickly to the shopping centers, businesses and Timberlane High School.
From the Report of the Industrial Commission: The year 1967 was good to the Town of Plaistow both industrially and commercially. The 100,000 gallon water tower has become a reality, as can be observed from most every corner in Plaistow. The Plaistow Bank and Trust Company was formed and together with the Plaistow Co-operative Bank built a beautiful modern facility on Route 125. Process Engineering, Inc. is working towards the completion of phase III of their plant. A modern gas compressor station is being built on Forrest Street. The new State Line Plaza opened this year and is growing rapidly.
From the Report of the Planning Board: There were three major subdivisions started this year. Section #2 of Wildwood Park off Sweet Hill Road, 100 lots. Bernard Collins, Dundee Drive and Collins Avenue, off Sweet Hill Road, 22 lots. Forest Acres, off Forrest Street, 28 lots.
From the Report of the Plaistow Board of Health: The District State nurse has been notified of premature births reported to this office. There were three such reports. Two beauty parlors were inspected by this board and two new ones rejected for many reasons such as location and objections from adjacent landowners.
Three sanitary complaints were received and inspected and all three were corrected with the cooperation of all involved. The new state law relative to pollution of water bodies has stimulated better sewerage disposal plans and a marked increase such installations.
PLAISTOW 30 YEARS AGO
Excerpts for the 1977 Annual Town Report
On the Cover: A photo of the gazebo behind Town Hall
Article 6. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Thousand Eight Hundred Dollars ($5,800.00) for the purchase of approximately one acre of land on Sweet Hill Road for future water resource needs (Map 71, Block 1, Lot 1). (Recommended by the Planning Board) (Recommended by the Budget Committee.)
Article 13. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Three Thousand Seven Hundred Dollars ($3,700.00) to conduct a Feasibility Study and Water Quality Testing Program to develop Kelly Brook Dam and Reservoir for a municipal water supply. (Recommended by the Planning Board). (Recommended by the Budget Committee.)
Article 20. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) to defray the expense of Old Home Day for the citizens of Plaistow (RSA 31:4 XXI). (Recommended by the Budget Committee.)
Article 29. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for the installation of a well, pump and drinking fountain at the public Recreation Field. (Recommended by the Budget Committee.)
Article 40. “Be it resolved by the Town of Plaistow that the New Hampshire Housing Commission be and is authorized to operate in the Town of Plaistow, in the State of New Hampshire, that said New Hampshire Housing Commission is authorized to sponsor a project for the elderly/low income under Section 8 of the U.S. Housing Act of 1937 as amended, for any of the following accommodations; (a) existing standard housing 30 dwelling units; (b) rehabilitated housing 10 dwelling units. The Total number of Dwelling units authorized by this and all previous authorizations shall not exceed 40 dwelling units.”
Actual Revenues from Motor Vehicle Permits for 1977 = $136,293.00
Total Gross Valuation Before Exemptions $50,045,602.00
Less: Elderly and Blind Exemptions 704,250.00
Net Valuation on Which Rate is Computed $49,341,352.00
Some Departmental Budgets: Library = $24,100, Fire Department = $40,809, Health = $600
From the Report of the Selectmen: The EDA Federal Water Main and Reservoir Project ($352,000.00) has been completed from the Fire House to the Keezer Manufacturing Plant. Also from the Railroad tracks to the northern end of Maple Ave. and into the reservoir located N.W. of the Exeter-Hampton Electric Maintenance Building. It is hoped that we will have sufficient funds to bring the water line from Old Westville Road to the east side of the B & M Railroad tracks. …The Library was moved to their new quarters on Elm Street by the Summer CETA youth and the Highway Department. The new quarters were dedicated October 9, 1977, thanks to the large gift from Mrs. Nelson in memory of her husband and for the many smaller gifts from others. Revenue Sharing funds on hand and anticipated during
1978 amount to $90,000.00. The entire amount has been requested for purchase of the Lagasse Land and Building pending a decision of the townspeople whether or not to approve this purchase. Another request has been received to complete the second floor of the Library at a cost of $25,000.00. …The Band Stand presented by the Plaistow Lion’s Club was completed and dedicated on November 13, 1977. Many thanks to the Lions and to the donors. This bandstand is a symbol of the generosity and the cooperative sprit which has been expressed by the citizens, businessmen, and Lions who joined together to unselfishly give of their time and money to complete this project.
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From the Report of the Cemetery Trustees: Dec 31, 1976- Total invested funds $51,694.04.
From the Report of the Police Department: This year is my fifth year as your Chief of Police. During this time the department has grown full a full-time chief and one full-time officer to the Chief and three full-time officers.
From the Report of the Fire Department: The new truck, a 1250 GPM pumper, was delivered in early December, and we expect it will be placed in service shortly. The station was completely painted inside and out by members of the department with some assistance from CETA employees. Again we have requested the inclusion of a section in the building code requiring smoke detectors in all new or extensively remodeled buildings. We request your support in this legislation. We also suggest that each home owner consider installing one or more in his home. They are very inexpensive, extremely reliable, and could save your life.
From the Report of the Civil Defense: The rescue truck, which is housed in the Fire Station is funded primarily through the Civil Defense budget. The vehicle is a quick-response type of vehicle. It is exceptionally well equipped for automobile extrication and various types of emergency rescue work. The rescue truck is manned by trained personnel of the Fire Department. The Plaistow Firemen’s Association has started a fund this year, for the purpose of contributing to the purchase of a new vehicle to replace the present truck.
From the Report of the Planning Board: Proposals now under consideration include a subdivision in the Pine Street-Hilltop Road area creating 50 new lots and a development in the Sweet Hill Road-Newton Road area providing for a 400-unit mobile home park, a 120-bed nursing home and 50 units of elderly housing. The latter proposal will require amendments to several ordinances in order to be permitted and will therefore be presented at two statutory public hearings prior to calling a special town meeting. The citizen’s group named Sounding Board has concluded its work of over one year and this board has approved the first four chapters of the Master Plan incorporating suggestions of the Sounding Board. We are currently working on the final chapter of the plan.
From the Report of the Board of Health: Sewerage drainage is still a major problem. With the increasing population and the projected residential and industrial growth of the Town, prompt action must be taken. Mr. Jim Dube, member of this Board of Health, is making a concentrated effort to meet this challenge to our community.
PLAISTOW 20 YEARS AGO
Excerpts for the 1987 Annual Town Report
On the Cover: A copy of the proclamation naming Plaistow as a “Bicentennial Community”.
Article 8. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Forty Thousand Dollars ($40,000.) for expenses of hiring a town manager. Said sum includes salary for six months, and includes advertising, interviews, benefits, worker’s compensation, taxes and relocation assistance. Starting date to be July 1, 1988. (Not Recommended by the Budget Committee.)
Article 16. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Thousand One Hundred Ninety-four Dollars ($5,194.) for a 1988 Ford Backhoe for the Highway Department and authorize the selectmen to withdraw Thirteen Thousand Six Hundred Dollars ($13,600.) from Capital Reserve; and further authorize the selectmen to withdraw Eleven Thousand Dollars ($11,000.) from the Federal Revenue Sharing Fund, both to offset the purchase, and to authorize the selectmen to trade in the old backhoe for Twenty-two Thousand, Five Hundred Dollars ($22,500.) towards the purchase. (Not Recommended by the Budget Committee.)
Article 18. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.) to offset the expenses for Old Home Day. By Petition. (Recommended by the Budget Committee.)
Actual Revenues from Motor Vehicle Permits for 1987 = $588,673.00
Total Gross Valuation Before Exemptions $481,355,870.00
Less: Exemptions 1,500,000.00
Net Valuation on Which Rate is Computed $479,855,870.00
Some Departmental Budgets: Library = $62,976, Fire Department = $85,950, Health= $5,060
From the Board of Selectmen’s Report: … Long range plans are being formulated for the disposal of all solid wastes. A septage committee has been formed to look into all alternatives to septic systems. Your selectmen are exploring a clean potable water source for future generations to enjoy, and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services is placing pressure on all cities and towns to solve the solid waste disposal problems. … One unfavorable result of the town’s growth has been the lack of affordable housing. Many new residents have been unable to secure affordable rental apartments in town. This is not just a local problem, but it is most prevalent in the southern part of the state. … During 1987 we lost our longtime Fire Chief, John D.
Fitzgerald. The new public safety complex has been named in his honor, recognizing the many years that John dedicated to the department as well as his efforts in securing larger quarters for the fire department.
From the Report of the Fire Department: ... Two new pieces of apparatus placed into service, engine 7 as a replacement and snorkel 8, a used 75 ft. aerial tower that is Plaistow’s first aerial apparatus, were welcome additions to the department.
From the Report of the Chief of Police: … We added two full-time officers as approved by the voters as well as an additional full-time secretary and dispatcher. …Budget year 1988 will be an important year for the Department and Town as far as the Communications Center is concerned. We will be budgeting for a 2 position radio console and reel-to-reel recorder and sufficient dispatchers in order to realize our goal of 24 hour dispatch, 7 days a week. The cost to implement is indeed expensive, however, if we delay another one or two years, I believe to costs become greater and more of a burden on taxpayers.
From the Report of the Town Water Line: The water lines in town proved that they are a must and certainly should be extended further up Route 125. The fire that destroyed the Agway shop and business on Route 125 was fed water from a hydrant located back at Westville Market. The fire that burned down the Little River complex on Route 125 in Kingston had water that was being shuttled from hydrants at the Plaistow line on Main Street.
From the Report of the Highway Department: DRAINAGE: the department installed two badly needed catch basins with the accompanying drainage last year. One was installed on Witch Lane and the second at Kelley Road. We used 1,300 feet of drainage piping on these projects.
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From the Report of the Trustees of Trust Funds: Dec 31, 1987- Total invested funds $70,083.99.
From the Report of the Health Department: 1987 was a busy year for the Health Department. It was the first year that someone was hired solely to deal with the health issues facing town residents.
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From the Report from Librarian: Another year has passed and again, through the generosity of the townspeople, the library has grown and changed with the times. With the passage of Warrant Article #30 at the March 1987 Town Meeting, we were able to add an additional person to our staff and open another day, thus allowing the library to be open six days a week.
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From the Report of the Highway Safety Committee: Probably the most important accomplishment for the town and for the Highway Safety Committee was the firming up of a reconstruction date for the Route 125 B&M Railroad overpass. If everything goes as scheduled, Plaistow will have more than one mile of four-lane highway, and a new bridge, along its busiest state street. The town owes a big thank you to its legislative delegation for the fight our senators and representatives, as well as our governor’s councilor, fought to retain the overpass project in the 1989 TIP element.
PLAISTOW 10 YEARS AGO
Excerpts for the 1997 Annual Town Report
On the Cover: A drawing of Town Hall by A.J. DiPirro 8 years old.
Article 5. Shall the town vote to establish a paid water superintendent position and vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $3,359 to fund the position for the first year. Said sum will
cover the cost of wages and social security/medicare payments for the first year. The water department superintendent position will be established as a working supervisor position of approximately 5 hours per week. (Recommended by the Board of Selectmen and Budget Committee)
Article 11. Shall the town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $8,000 for capital improvements to the town cemetery off Elm Street to include the paving of the interior roads. (Recommended by the Board of Selectmen and Budget Committee)
Article 14. Shall the town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $22,373 which represents the salary, fringe benefits, uniforms, and equipment for an additional full-time police officer position beginning January 1, 1998, as continued funding (three year, 75%-25% grant position) of a Federal Police Hiring Supplemental Grant of which approximately $16,780 is reimbursable under the COPS FAST Federal Grant. This is the final year of the grant and the funding ends around September 1, 1998. (Recommended by the Board of Selectmen and Budget Committee)
Article 15. Shall the town vote to establish a new full time police officer position and vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $10,584 for the 1998 fiscal year to fund the position for the four month period of September 1, 1998 through December 31, 1998 which follows the expiration of the Federal COPS FAST Police Hiring Grant. If approved, the cost of a new officer may have proposed funding entirely within the operating budget of the ensuing fiscal years beginning with an estimated 1999 fiscal year sum of approximately $33,000. (Recommended by the Board of Selectmen and Budget Committee)
Article 28. Shall the town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $539 to increase the Tax Collector’s salary by $500 from $18,000 to $18,500. The additional $39 is to cover town payments to social security and medicare. (Recommended by the Board of Selectmen.) (Recommended by the Budget Committee.)
Actual Revenues from Motor Vehicle Permits for 1997 = $885,441.00
Total Gross Valuation Before Exemptions $433,159,935.00
Less: Exemptions 4,484,150.00
Net Valuation on Which Rate is Computed $428,675,785.00
Some Departmental Budgets: Library = $164,141, Fire Dept = $165,107, Health = $22,142
From the Report of Board of Selectmen: … The future of Plaistow looks brighter as we continue to work together. Officials from Plaistow, New Hampshire and Haverhill, Massachusetts held a joint meeting and formed committees that are working for the betterment of both communities and the region by addressing the traffic problems on Route 125. This type of coexistence can only benefit us all and is a positive trend.
From the Report of the Cemetery Sexton: The big news of 1997! We finally addressed the drainage problems at the Plaistow Cemetery. This problem has been with us for several years and it looks as though we can put this behind us now and move on.
From the Report of Fire Department: During this past year, we replaced the breating air compressor, used to replenish our SCBA units. This was done in cooperation with 4 other
towns that share that piece of equipment. In the fall, we took responsibility for one of our Hazardous Material District emergency response trailers. This is a storage trailer that contains supplies and materials to be used in response to a Hazardous Material spill anywhere in the 14 towns that make up the District. So far, we have responded to 2 situations, out of town, requiring the trailer.
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From the Report of the Health Department: This past June we presented the ServSafe Food Safety of the National Restaurant Association to participants. This course was made possible through a Public Health Grant from the State of New Hampshire. It was offered to State Health Officers as a Municipal Block Grant Funding. Funding was in the amount of $3,879.00. This amount paid all expenses associated with this class.
From the Report of the Highway Department: The Highway Department and Senter Brothers Construction combined forces to install some much needed drainage structures at the Plaistow Cemetery, located off Elm Street. We installed four complete catch basin structures, 520 feet of pipe and a detention pond. We also brought in some fill to bring up the elevation in the middle section of the cemetery. All this in hopes of eliminating the water problems that have existed for some time. With help from the voters, we plan to hot top the access roads in and out of the cemetery next year.
From the Report of the Highway Safety Committee: Among the projects we addressed during 1997 were: the intersection of Elm and Main Streets; an industrial complex off Old County Road; worked with the City of Haverhill, Mass., to get Haynes Boulevard made one way; a large subdivision on Greenough Road; drafted criteria to recommendations for lowering speed on town roads; succeeded in getting the intersection of Routes 121A and 125 on the State Transportation Improvement Plan for fiscal year 1999 (with great help from the Rockingham Planning Commission); met with residents of Auburn Street about speeding vehicles and vehicles not stopping at intersections in the area; dedicated the new Michael C. Weston Memorial Park and Ride on Westville Road; and addressed new changes at State Line Plaza.
From the Report of the Water Department: In June of this year I had the water tower inspected, as it must be done every 5 years according to the specs. When it was done we found out that we have a very big problem inside the tower. The pipes that heat the tower are all broken away and ready to fall from the rust. This was done in 1985 with all new pipes and 12 years later they are gone again. Also, the inside will need painting again and the outside will need painting soon at a large cost to the taxpayers of the town.
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