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TOWN REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31,1948
LOCAL HISTORY Ref. 352 Saugus v.61
DEWEY WHITE
SAUGUS MASSACHUSETTS
Town Officers 1948
Selectmen
JOHN C. PITMAN JOHN J. BUCCHIERE WILLIAM H. ROBINSON ALAN F. SAWYER JAMES P. SULLIVAN Manager; JAMES F. SHURTLEFF
School Committee
WILLIAM S. BRAID JAMES W. CURRIER HARRIET A. McADOO GEORGE A. McCARRIER JOHN L. SILVER
Supt., VERNON W. EVANS
Town Meeting Members
Precinct - 1. Edward E. Berrett Elmer R. Emmett Welcome W. Mccullough Henry A. B. Peckham Harry F. Wentworth
Precint - 2. George N. McKay Thomas F. Quinlan Arthur Dearing
Precinct - 3. George F Gosselin George W. Pitman Frederic J. C. Price, Jr. Donald Walker George O. Walker
Precinct - 4. Alice G. Blood Robert L. Davis Paul A. Haley
Walter F. Neal Harold P. Rice
Precinct - 5. Richard Downes Chester P. Gibson William Everett LaVene Prescott N. Murray Edwin M. Thompson
Precinct - 6. Edson E. Evans W. Ernest Light Edward J. O'Neil
Ralph H. Sweetster Harold I. Wilkinson Precinct - 7. Alexander S. Addison
Raymond P. Clark Earle W. Cousens
Albion Hogan Clarence Kenerson Precinct - 8.
Herman Bunker
William DeSimone Davis Hanson Edwin M. Holmes Margaret Lapan Precinct - 9. Frank K. Berthhold Walter W. Ossenfort George B. Dixon
Richard Merrill Fred C Smith
Precinct - 10. Arthur W. Anderson Cornelius McHugh Anthony Grella Paul F. Neal George Robinson
The Road To Progress
"History shows that great economic and social forces flow like a tide over communities only half conscious of what is befalling them. Wise statesmen forsee what time is thus bringing, and try to shape institu- tions and mold men's thoughts and purposes in accordance with the change that is silently coming on.
"The unwise are those who bring nothing constructive to the process, and who greatly imperil the future of mankind, by leaving great questions to be fought out between ignorant change on the one hand, and ignorant opposition to change, on the other."
JOHN STUART MILL
SAUGUS PUBLIC LIBRARY
295 Central St. Saugus, MA 01906
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Index
Page
At Your Service
2
Index
3
Selectmen's Report
4
Manager's Report
6
School Report
14
20
Cemetery Report
24
34
Finance Report
Welfare Report
34
Tree and Moth Report
Board of Health Report
35
Assessor's Report
35
Fire Department's Report
36
Sealer of Weights and Measures
36
Police Department's Report
36
Veteran's Benefit Report
36
Building Inspector's Report
37
Playground Report
37
Town Elections
Jury List
38
Water Tower
21
Contributory Retirement Report
22
Library Report
Accountant's Report
25
34
37
Town Meeting
39
3
Selectmen's Report
To the Citizens of the Town of Saugus :
Your Board of Selectmen presents herewith a report for the year 1948. As you will realize, this is the first town report under your new "Selectmen-Manager" form of government. Of necessity it differs from reports of previous years.
In 1947 you voted overwhelmingly to change the town's administrative organization from one of many independent boards, offices and com- missions to a centralized organization wherein practically all Town Departments come under the jurisdiction of a Town Manager. Past customs, practices and habits have had to be submerged in order to conform with our new Town Charter. Generally speaking we feel our new charter is particularly well suited to Saugus and its prob- lems. We are fully aware that the Town is pioneering in a new form of government and that we, as individuals and officials, must do all within our power to see our new government firmly established. We have been given and have ac- cepted that challenge.
We have maintained close contact with the office of the Manager. There has been no attempt on the part of the Board to dictate to him, nor has he entered into our affairs. There have been, and undoubtedly there will continue to be, at- tempts to disrupt, confuse and embarass the Board, the Manager and our new type of gov- ernment. These attempts originate mainly from a small number of people who are as yet not reconciled to your directed vote calling for a governmental change. Your constant vigilance is ever necessary to protect the maintainance of your chosen form of government.
The first task confronting the Board in 1948 was the selection of a qualified person to execute the tremendous tasks imposed upon the Manager under our new charter. From a field of more than forty interested persons, we finally agreed upon the selection of James F. Shurtleff as the first manager of Saugus. Through former as- sociations in Massachusetts, he is well acquainted
with laws affecting municipalities. He assumed his office on April 1, 1948 and during his first year has maintained himself well, fulfilled his duties well and has demonstrated that the decision of the citizens to change their system of gov- ernment was a proper step. Existing conditions are covered in Mr. Shurtleff's report which we have voted to adopt and accept and which is to be found elsewhere in this report.
The greater part of the year's efforts have been directed towards changing office routine and detail and personel where deemed advisable. Proper organization is necessary before a phy- sical program can be started. Few will realize the extreme changes found necessary in order to provide efficiency of operation.
The second step in the over-all program constitutes a complete retooling of the Public Works Department. This department provides you with both service and safety. However, we find that practically all equipment on hand is of little value. Past purchases of second-hand and inadequate equipment has placed this department in a position whereby it is impossible to provide desired and necessary services. We urgently recommend the adoption of the Manager's request that funds be provided by the Town Meeting so as to allow the complete re-tooling of this depart- ment within a period of two years. Only with proper and sufficient equipment can we attempt to provide you with the many improvements necessary.
The Board has shown a genuine interest in the proper protection of your property by ad- hering to the provisions of the Zoning By-Law and has discouraged many conditions and re- quests which could only result in being a detri- ment to your Town. We favor wholeheartedly the preparation and adoption of a master plan covering planning, zoning and physical and finan- cial programs that the future growth of Saugus may be properly guided.
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We have held all necessary hearings on matters presented to us and have endeavored to satisfy the petitioners while still protecting the interests of the Town. We have maintained close relationships with government at the county and state levels and have carried out our duties in both legislative and administrative channels. Our strenuous objections have forestalled at- tempts of the Boston & Maine Railroad to dis- continue passenger service over our branch line to Boston. Legislation has been introduced to' control, by a proposed state law, certain unwanted conditions found in several places, not alone in Saugus, catering to the tourists trade. We have been represented at hearings concerning requested improvements to the Saugus River and other matters effecting the government of our town.
We point with pride to the rapid reduction of Tax Title Loans owed the Commonwealth. Past efforts on the part of the town awarded us the dubious honor of being the last community in the state to retire this depression incurred responsibility. At the start of 1948 there re- mained a balance of some $84,000. Through an' established practice of seeking all outstanding taxes or the assessed valuation as the sale price this account is now considerably reduced and should be completely retired early in 1949.
We express our appreciation to the Town
Meeting, town employees and the citizens as a whole for support rendered during the year. Time alone will tell the results of efforts ex- pended. Only through a fair and open-minded town meeting and satisfied and willing employees can Saugus become a leader in progressive and efficient town government.
In looking back over 1948 we realize that some errors may have occurred, however they must be classified as human errors and we can only hope, being human, to avoid repetition. We must remember that we are all a part of the unguided past, that we were all responsible for the inefficient, un-coordinated and loose system that led us to our present form of government.
This is not to be construed as a detailed report of the activities of the Town for the year, for that we refer you to the reports of the Manager and the various departments, they deal in detail with the operation of our municipal corporation in which we are all stockholders.
We ask your continued support through 1949
(Signed)
John C. Pitman John J. Bucchiere William H. Robinson Alan F. Sawyer
JOHN J. BUCCHIERE
JAMES P. SULLIVAN
ALAN F SAWYER
WILLIAM H. ROBINSON
JOHN C. PITMAN
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Manager's Report
This, the first annual report of the Manager, attempts to portray to the citizens of the Town progress made by their municipal gov- ernment during the year 1948. It will also deal briefly with various problems that face the Town and include certain recommendations as to- how we may best solve them. It will also point to a number of advantages that are Saugus' together with suggestions as to how they may best be developed.
1948 has been a year of governmental progress. For this fact Town meeting members, officials, citizens, employees and department heads equally share in the credit.
The tax rate for 1948 was reduced $1.30 and had it not been for more than $19,000 in un- paid bills inherited from the previous year the rate could have been reduced more than $2.30. This fact is one in which the Town may take pride since Saugus was the only major Town or City in the State to reduce its tax, the average tax rate for all cities and towns in the State having in- creased $3.30 for the year. Another 1948 inovation was the fact that the Town closed its books for the year 1948 with all bills paid in full for the first time in many years. In addition, income exceeded expenditures by more than $19,000.
It should be pointed out that the above was not brought about by a reduction of services, rather, services were improved. It was brought about by reducing materially the unessential and non-productive costs of government and putting tax dollars effectively to work. For example, more than $32,000 is being saved on expenditures for administrative salaries alone, representing a tax saving of nearly $1.80. Material savings have been made as a result of centralized purchasing. To cite two examples, $2700.00 was saved on the purchase of water meters for the year and ap- proximately a like amount on the purchase of fuel for heating Town buildings. Proportionally as
great savings have been made on purchases all down the line. The coordination of the efforts of the various departments has resulted in equal or better service at reduced costs. Small items such as the proper discounting of bills and the deduction of federal excise taxes, as allowed by law, have resulted in substantial savings. In one instance alone $2000.00 was refunded by the government for needlessly paid Federal taxes on previous purchase of gas and oil.
To summarize the preceding paragraph, it can be said that during 1948 needless tax ab- sorbing feather cushions have been removed from under the seat of our municipal government, result- ing in more service for considerably less cost.
* * * *
Not withstanding the establishment of a sound financial policy and the reduction in tax- ation, perhaps the Town's greatest gain during 1948 has been the rebirth of civic interest and pride on the part of many Saugus citizens, and the caliber of citizen who has unselfishly accepted appointment to the various municipal boards and commissions. Motivated entirely by civic interest, men and women of outstanding character and ability have entered into the administration of public affairs and have devoted many long hours to the service of our Town.
More than any other factor, these men and women have contributed most to the lifting of our governmental standards. I wish to publicly express my sincere appreciation. *
* *
To summarize the activities of our govern- ment during the past year I shall briefly deal with the various departments.
Administration: On April 1st there was established a general manager's office. The es- tablishment of this office molded seven separate and distinct branches of our municipal govern- ment, each a governmental authority into itself, into one municipal governmental unit. This office became the centralized hub of our Town govern- ment and responsible for the administrative direct-
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ion of all governmental activities with the except- ion of the departments for education.
Within the frame work of administration Ruth Stevens, a career clerk, has been promoted to the office of Clerk and Collector without re- placement and is operating that department at a new standard of efficiency while at substantial savings. Delmont Goding, another career clerk, has been elevated to the position of Assessor, billing is being placed on I.B.M. and this office is operating with one less clerk and one less part time employee. The cemetery office has been moved into the Town Hall with its clerk also serving as clerk to the
licity, and with courage, the Board of Health re- moved this disgraceful blight from our community and as a result has set a pattern now being followed throughout the entire State. Our Board's action, not only cleared up a bad local problem with reference to the operation of overnight cabins, but has resulted in the formation of a State wide cabin operators' association, established for the purpose of self policing, and promises to produce. State Legislation which will aid all local governments, including those less courageous than our own, in controlling the operation of overnight cabins. The above, I believe, stands as another example of a responsible government facing squarely its res- ponsibilities. In addition plans are well under way to expand and improve the vital services of this department.
Manager and the position of administrative super- intendent was abolished following resignation. The office work of the Election and Registration department has been absorbed by regular office employees, thus eliminating a separate office and one full time employee. Public Works administra- tive costs have been reduced to the extent of one general foreman, retired, and one office clerk, transfered. Adjustments made allowe for the operation of the Town Hall with one less custodian ยท Health Department: Aside from routine operations this department, to the credit of the Town, recognized the fact that for years there has existed a cancerous growth of immorality within the borders of our Town. In advance of wide pub-
Dead mosquitos don't bite, - Saugus employs air borne sprayers for effective mosquito and pest control.
Cemetery Department : This department, rendering efficient service, is operating at an annual overall saving of approximately 25% and in addition is rendering valuable assistance to other departments, thus effecting further econo- mies in the operation of our Town. Mr. Powers' work, since his promotion to general foreman in charge of the Cemetery Department, has been most creditable.
Tree & Moth Department : The Tree Warden's Department and the Moth Department
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have been combined and associated with the Department of Public Works, resulting in reduced payroll costs to the Town. This department under the able and co-operative direction of Mr. Pierce has been most helpful during off-season periods by assisting other departments with such work as street marking, etc.
Planning Board: One of, if not the most important department in the Town, it is through the Planning Board that we must map the future of our Town. As the Town may trace many of its most serious present day problems, financial, operational, as well as its lack of proper facilities,
Street construction, a major problem. Pictured above is the 1948 reconstruction on Central Street
to the absence of proper planning during the past, even to the extent of gross abuses of the most basic principles of sound planning, to a great degree the Town must look to our present Planning Board for the solution of these problems. Also it is to the Planning Board that we must look for proper direction of our Town's promised future growth that we may insure a development that will strengthen our economy as well as insure the health, education and happiness of our present and future citizens. Our present Planning Board is an able one and has made excellent progress. It is basing its recommendation upon expert advice and its recommendations should and must be given
very serious consideration in every instance. Citizen support is essential.
Department of Public Works: Saugus Department of Public Works faces in all probabil- ity more serious problems than any like depart- ment in the Commonwealth. Taking even the most optomistic view, it will be many years before Saugus can hope to construct, or reconstruct, all the many miles of streets, accepted and unaccepted immediately in need of attention.
With funds available for this department's use limited, it will require many years before a program of sidewalk construction and curb in- stallation even approaches completion.
To think of completing the installation of our sewer system soon is beyond the realm of possibility.
The Water Department faces the problem of extending its facilities and of replacing many of its present lines as well as installing many new and replacing many old valves, hydrants and other appurtenances to the system.
The problems of the Department of Public Works are not problems suddenly thrust upon it. They are the result of many years of neglect, the product of many years of improper municipal planning, and the result of many years of curtail-
Without benefit of special appropriations, a program of essential water main extensions was launched during 1948.
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ment of essential expenditures. It would appear that sufficient money has been appropriated in the total overall annual municipal budgets during past years to have avoided the present plight of this Department, but it appears that the above men- tioned tax absorbing feather cushions upon which the seat of our municipal government has been luxuriously resting for some time has had priority over essential expenditures required for reason- able maintenance and desired improvements.
However, progress has been made during the past year and progress will be made in increas- ing strides during the years immediately ahead, although the impossible should not be expected. It will take time and great sums of money, more money than Saugus has to spend at this time, to correct the conditions faced by this department. To think otherwise would be devoid of reason.
During the past year a start was made upon a street construction program with the re- paving of Saugus Center. A program was insti- tuted for the building and acceptance of unaccepted streets with six streets repaired and ready for acceptance. A program calling for the maximum amount of Chapter 90 (State Aid) street con- struction and maintenance possible was instituted. A program of replacing used and worn out equip- ment as well as the purchase of additional equip- ment was launched in order to allow the depart- ment to do its job efficiently.
Water meters are the cash register of the Water Department, registers that have not been ringing true for many years. During the past year considerable progress was made upon a program of proper metering of all water used by all con- sumers. In August the connection was completed with the M.D.C. water supply system, a notably progressive step which has resulted in furnishing all sections of the Town with a water of superior quality in sufficient amount and at adequate pres- sure. Without benefit of special appropriations water mains were extended on the Lynn Fells Parkway, on Essex Street, on Lewis Lane and on Highland Avenue. A number of improvements
were made in the system as a result of installing new valves and the replacement of old ones and by the replacement of many old services. Progress was made towards an objective of a proper set of records and mapping of the system.
The Sewer Division during the past year recognized the need of maintaining its system and much was done to restore the original efficiency of the same with particular attention being paid to its pumping equipment which is in poor con- dition. All persons with sewer service available but not connected with the system were notified that connections must be made and after long delay the department's mains approach 100% usage
Fire Department: Although the report of this Department is covered by the report of the Fire Commission, it might well be pointed out that the 48 hour week for firemen was instituted during 1948 as directed by the voters of the Town. This was done at very little added cost to the Town and at a saving of approximately $30,000 from the original request made and recommended as neces- sary. By requiring all men, and they, in return for a working schedule of their choice, pledging to respond to all box alarms, whether on duty or not, the Town by adding one man to the Department, rather than ten additional men as requested, is affording greater protection to the Town than ever before, and at a substantial tax saving. Tax- payers must be appreciative of the efforts of the commission.
Police Department: Upon the retirement of Chief Stuart, Captain Wheaton was elevated to the position of Captain in charge of the Depart- ment, accepting a Chief's full authority and res- ponsibility and receiving the Chief's full com- pensation. Outstanding in character and ability Captain Wheaton's leadership has been exemp- latory and the Department's work effective.
Building Repairs and Maintenance : Under the competent direction of Melborne Macleod, appointed Superintendent of all Town buildings in April, remarkable progress has been made towards restoring our town buildings, particularly our
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school buildings. With emphasis first being placed upon health and sanitation, safety, and structural preservation, a start has been made upon a pro- gram which will, if continued for a period of five years, alleviate a very bad situation. Progress has been sufficient during the past nine months to render the need for a proposed $250,000 bond issue unnecessary.
Work done during 1948 includes extensive exterior repairs and the painting of four school buildings; the checking and repairing of all boilers and heating systems with extensive repairs at the High and Sweetser Jr. High Schools; the instal- lation of stokers at the Public Works garage and the Library; the repair of all fire alarm systems; the repair or replacement of all drinking fountains ; the repair or replacement of toilet facilities; the installation of State Safety requirements in all buildings, a long delayed requirement; and the repair of all school room floors including new flooring.
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