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ANUAL REPORT 1950
K
LOCAL HISTORY
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Saugus
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SAUGUS MASSACHUSETTS
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One Hundred and Thirty Fifth ANNUAL REPORT
for the year ending December 31st 1950
S
01
GUS.
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1815.
SAUGUS PUBLIC LIBRARY 295 Central St. Saugus, MA 01906
TOWN OF SAUGUS MASSACHUSETTS
FOREWORD
A nation may establish a system of free govern- ment, but it is through municipal institutions that the spirit of liberty is expressed.
It is at the city and town level that people have contact with their government. It is the duty of the city and town to serve the people to the fullest measure consistent with efficient manage- ment.
It is the duty of every American citizen to know his country and be proud of it.
Town Officers
The Election for Selectmen, School Committee and Town Meet- ing Members was held on Jan. 16, 1950.
The following Selectmen were elected by Proportional Repre- sentation :
John J. Bucchiere David J. Lucey
James P. Sullivan Alan F. Sawyer
William H. Robinson
The following were elected to the School Committee by Pro- portional Representation : Alice G. Blood John L. Silver
George A. McCarrier James W. Elsmore
William S. Braid
The following Town Meeting Members were elected by majority vote :
Edward E. Berrett
Precinct 1 Welcome W. Mccullough Harry F. Wentworth
Elmer R. Emmett
Henry A. B. Peckham
Precinct 2
Norman A. Bean, Jr. Arthur Dearing
George N. McKay
Thomas F. Quinlan
David R. Nagle
Precinct 3
George W. Pitman
George O. Walker
Donald Walker
Precinct 4
Alice G. Blood Robert L. Davis
Edward Gibbs, Jr.
Dexter Q. Rich
Robert G. Ballard
Richard Downes
Edwin M. Thompson
Horace J. Batchelder
George E. Pool, Jr. Precinct 6
Lyman E. Sproul
H. Warren Butler Harold E. Dodge
Frank Evans, Jr. Albion R. Rice
Precinct 7
Alexander S. Addison Earle W. Cousens
Albion L. Hogan
John C. Pitman
Herman G. Bunker Arthur E. Gustafson
David W. Hanson
Walter Roy
F. Dudley Bacon Frank K. Berthold
Hollis E. Hogle, Jr. Precinct 10
Arthur W. Anderson John B. DeFronzo
Anthony Grella George E. Robinson
Herbert W. Spence
Town Elections own
Referendum on Item 3. of Article 29. May 31, 1950 To affirm $10,877.00 for salary and expenses of Town Manager. Yes No Blanks Total
2376
849 5 3230
The regular state primaries were held on September 19, 1950. The regular election for State and County Officers was held on Nov. 7, 1950.
3
Nels A. Bloom Vernon W. Evans
Paul A. Haley Precinct 5
Clarence S. Kenerson Precinct 8
Edwin M. Holmes Precinct 9 Charles W. Donovan
Richard Merrill
Index
Page
Town Officers
3
Town Meetings 5
Board of Selectmen 10
Town Manager
13
Finance Committee 16
Planning Board
17
Board of Appeals
19
Town Accountant 19
Board of Assessors 21
Playground Commission
23
School Committee 25
Library
41
Board of Health 44
Public Welfare 49
Cemetery Commission 51
Veterans' Benefits 52
Police Department
53
Fire Department 55
Superintendent of Buildings 57
Sealer's Report 58
Tree and Moth Department 59
Public Works Department
60
Jury List
63
Accountant
65
Retirement Board
78
School Information
Inside Back Cover
At Your Service
Back Cover
1950 Town Meetings
Annual Town Meeting - March 20, 1950
Adjourned to March 27, April 3, April 10, April 17, April 24, 1950
Art. 1. To authorize Treasurer to borrow in VOTED
anticipation of revenue.
VOTED
Art. 3. To appropriate $2,000.00 for Chapter 90 Highway Maintenance.
Art. 4.
To transfer from surplus funds in treasury in Overlay Reserve Account to Judgments and Settlements to settle judgments in cases of Dorothy E. Gratinano and Kazimir Wish- newsky.
VOTED
Art. 5. To appoint an Inspector of Wires. LAID ON TABLE
Art. 6. To appropriate $1,144.50 to refund pin-ball machines for year 1949.
VOTED
Art. 7. To appropriate $1,000.00 for Mosquito Control.
INDEF. POST.
Art. 8. To deed to John F. Reagan lots 59 and 60 on Plan 16764-B.
INDEF. POST.
Art. 9. Bond issue for sidewalks and curbings VOTED
Art. 10. To allow Manager to leave Town Farm. VOTED
Art. 11. To appropriate $12,000.00 for installing com- VOTED
minutors at Sewer Pumping Station.
Art. 12. To accept provisions of Sect. 128 of Chapter 111 of General Laws, as amended by Chapter 468 of Acts of 1943 and Chapter 631 of the Acts of 1947.
VOTED
Art. 13. To accept Hillcrest St., Warren Ave., INDEF. POST. Glendale Ave.
VOTED
Art. 14. To record town meeting as opposed to House Bill No. 282 "An Act changing the method of electing selectmen and members of the school committee under Town Manager form of government in Saugus."
Art. 15. To dedicate for school purposes town owned land in vicinity of Hurd Ave. for school pur- poses.
VOTED
VOTED
Art. 2. To appropriate $6,000.00 for Chapter 90 Highway Construction. VOTED
Art. 16. To take by eminent domain or purchase for school purposes lots A82, A101, A132, A145 and A110 Pl. 2020 and 2021 in vicinity of Hurd Ave. and to appropriate $8000.00 for damages, sum to be transfered from unappro- priated funds in treasury.
5
Art. 17. To appropriate $550,000.00 for constructing and equipping an elementary school build- ing $10,000.00 to be raised in tax levy and $540,000.00 by bond issue.
VOTED
Art. 18. To set aside and dedicate all of Town Farm property on easterly side of Broadway for school purposes.
VOTED
Art. 19. To take or purchase for school purposes lots A2, A138 and A148 on Plan 1021 and 1022 on Broadway, and appropriate $37,000.00 for damages, said amount to be transferred from unappropriated available funds in the Treasury.
VOTED
Art. 20. To authorize the manager to sell, remove, or dispose of Town Infirmary.
VOTED
Art. 21. To authorize the Manager to secure funds from Federal Government for a new Senior High School.
VOTED
Art. 22. To authorize selectmen to purchase or take by eminent domain for school purposes lot A-2 on Plan 1030 on Elm and Walnut Sts. and appropriate $15,000.00 for damages said amount to be by transfer from unappropri- ated available funds.
VOTED
Art. 23. To authorize Manager, with approval of Sel- ectmen and Finance Committee to sell, raze or otherwise dispose of by removal the Mansfield School.
VOTED
Art. 24. To appropriate $3,000.00 for new and modern lighting equipment in classrooms of school buildings.
VOTED
Art. 25. To amend action of previous town meeting concerning sewer rates.
INDEF. POST.
Art. 26. To authorize Manager to acquire and install parking meters.
INDEF. POST.
Art. 27. To appropriate $11,700 for trans- portation of school choldren.
INDEF. POST.
VOTED
Art. 28 To appropriate $10,000.00 for permanent weekly increase in salary or wages of $2.50 to each full-time employee, except Manager and employees of School Department, effective April 1, 1950.
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Art. 29. Budget for Town (SEE ACCOUNTANT'S REPORT) Government.
Art. 30. To amend Sect. 4 of Art. 3 of By-Laws. VOTED
Art. 31. To permit operation of bowling alleys on Sundays.
VOTED
Art. 32 thru 42.
INDEF. POST.
Art. 43. To appropriate $6000 for improve- ment of Ballard St.
INDEF. POST.
Art. 44. To set aside for highway purposes lots 155-156 Plan 2011.
INDEF. POST.
Art. 45. To rezone lot A53 Plan 1039 for business. VOTED
Art. 46. To rezone lot A155 Pl. 3015 for business purposes to depth of 100 feet.
VOTED
Art. 47. To amend zoning by-law. INDEF. POST.
Art. 48. To rezone for business purposes for depth of VOTED
500 feet, Town Farm site west of Turnpike.
Art. 49. To lease for fifteen years, to extend LAID ON TABLE present leases on Town Farm prop- erty.
Art. 50. To accept Chapter 124, Acts of 1945. VOTED
Art. 51. To appropriate $2500 to equip Stock- er St. playground.
INDEF. POST.
Art. 52. To appropriate $5000 for Anna Parker Playground.
INDEF. POST.
Art. 53. To take or purchase for playground lot A379 on Sweetwater St.
VOTED
Art. 54. To purchase from David R. & Eleanor M. VOTED Chiofolo lot A58 on Plan 2012.
Art. 55. To appropriate $650.00 to pay for purchase of lot A58 Plan 2012.
VOTED Art. 56-57-58-59.
INDEF. POST.
Art. 60. To appropriate $900 for cement sidewalks.
INDEF. POST.
Art. 61. To appropriate $7334.80 for sidewalk Walnut St. INDEF. POST.
Art. 62, 63, 64 and 65. INDEF. POST.
Art. 66. To appropriate $189.00 to reimburse Leo Cahill.
VOTED
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Art. 67 and 68.
INDEF. POST.
Art. 69. To appropriate $1100.00 to modernize Fire Alarm Switchboard.
VOTED
Art. 70, 71 and 72.
INDEF. POST.
Art. 73. To adopt Chapt. 657 of Act. of 1948. NOT VOTED
Special Town Meeting of April 10, 1950
Art. 1. To accept Hillcrest St.
VOTED
Art. 2. To accept Warren Ave.
VOTED
Art. 3. To accept Glendale Avenue VOTED
Art. 4. To accept Cleveland Ave. VOTED
Art. 5. To accept Nowell St.
VOTED
Art. 6. To accept Great Woods Rd.
VOTED
Art. 7. To accept Hobson St.
VOTED
Art. 8. To accept Fairchild Ave.
VOTED
Art. 9.
To accept Eustis St.
VOTED
Art. 10.
To accept Oaklandvale Ave.
VOTED
Art. 11. To accept Halstead St.
VOTED
Art. 12. To accept Atlas Ave.
VOTED
Art. 13.
To accept Bentley St.
VOTED
Art. 14. To accept Sussex St.
VOTED
Art. 15. To accept Glen Park Ave.
VOTED
Art. 16. To accept Seaview Ave.
VOTED
Art. 17. To accept Lindsell St.
VOTED
Art. 18. To accept Venice Ave. VOTED
Special Town Meeting of June 28, 1950
VOTED
Art. 1. To rezone for business purposes lot A-2 and A-146 Plan 1041.
Art. 2. To amend lot A10 Pl. 2009
NOT VOTED
Art. 3. To authorize the selectmen to sell Mansfield School Land.
INDEF. POST.
Art. 4. To appropriate $25,000 for sidewalks and curbings. Rescind Art. 9 of Annual meeting.
INDEF. POST.
Art. 5. To accept portion of Waban St.
INDEF. POST. co- VOTED
Art. 6. Sense of meeting that officials should operate with First Iron Works Assoc.
Art. 7, 8, 9, 10 INDEF. POST.
Art. 11. To appropriate $1273.00 for Elect. & Regis- tra. Account. Transfer from available funds.
VOTED
Art. 12. To amend Zoning Map. NOT VOTED
Art. 13 and 14. INDEF. POST.
Art. 17. To authorize Manager to lease Lynnhurst Playground. VOTED
8
Special Town Meeting of July 27, 1950
Art.1.
To accept Union St. and portion of Marion Rd. VOTED
VOTED
Art. 2. To authorize Selectmen to take or purchase or otherwise land necessary for construction of Union St. and portion of Marion Rd. as altered and relocated.
Art. 3. To appropriate $10,000 for purchase price or land damages and incidental expenses under Article 2. Transfer from Sale of Real Estate and Excess and Deficiency Accounts.
VOTED
Art. 4. To alter Greystone Road by discontinuing a portion thereof. VOTED
Art. 5. To alter Central Street by discontinuing a portion thereof lying between Marion Rd. and Pleasant St.
VOTED
Special Town Meeting of Oct. 23, 1950
Art. 1. Art. 1. To install parking meters.
REFER TO SELECTMEN AND MANAGER FOR STUDY
Art. 2. To accept deed from Kenneth G. and Ruth E. Strom for lots A130 and A131 Plan 1030 and to appropriate $165.00 to pay for same.
Art. 3. To amend Article IX of the By-Laws. VOTED
VOTED
Art. 4. To execute deed to John F. Reagan for lots 59 and 60 Bennett Ave.
INDEF. POST.
Art. 5. To amend by-laws by adopting by-law for Civil Defense.
VOTED
Art. 6. To rescind part of vote under Art. 9 of Annual Town Meeting which authorized $25,000 for sidewalk program.
VOTED
Art. 7. To appropriate $5,000 for bleachers at Stack- pole Field. VOTED
Special Town Meeting of Dec. 6, 1950
Art. 1. To appropriate $45,000 for sewer near School St. $5,000 from available funds and $40,000 by bond issue.
VOTED
Art. 2. To authorize the Selectmen to purchase or take by eminent domain an easement for sewer purposes. VOTED
9
Board of Selectmen
David J. Lucey, Chairman
John J. Bucchiere
James P. Sullivan
Alan T. Sawyer
William H. Robinson
June 22, 1951
The Town Manager form of government which exists in Saugus today has virtually stripped the Board of Selectmen of any real control in the governing of this community. In fairness to this board and future boards the people should understand this clearly, and not have the impression that we have the power formerly vested in this office. The Manager's office has the authority in at least ninety per cent of the decisions that are to be made, and with this authority goes the responsibility for the same. Any reference to the Selectmen as a board of directors is not based on fact in practice or by law.
One major function of the Board of Selectmen was performed this past year, that of selecting a manager. Other duties, such as licensing authority, seller of tax title lands, appointive authority to certain boards, surveys, etc., have been performed to the best of its ability, and always with the town's interest at heart.
DAVID J. LUCY
Chairman
The year 1950 has been a memorable period in Saugus town affairs. After a difficult and stormy first half our new Town Manager, Norman G. Young, assumed office July 1, 1950. At that moment there were serious and pressing problems facing your new Town Manager and Board of Selectmen.
The Hurd Avenue Elementary School had been authorized by the annual town meeting several months before and no real start could be made in its constructions until a permanent Manager had been appointed. Because of the Referendum and Recall petitions the ordinary process of the Selectmen's appointing a Manager was blocked and postponed for approximately 11/2 months. This was unfortunate because the new School was needed so desperately and the persons really penalized were our children. With unusual speed and efficiency architects were interviewed, school buildings visited, bids advertised, and the work started under the supervision of individuals and concerns who are recognized leaders in their fields. In spite of malicious attempts of certain individuals to destroy the faith and confidence of our citizens concerning the quality and workmanship of our new School, thoughtful persons throughout the Town know that upon the completion of this School we will have a building of which to be proud.
10
At the same critical start of the new Manager's administration, the work on Central Street being conducted by the Old Iron Works Association had reached a climactic moment. Our former Town Manager had made promises concerning the Town about which the Board of Selectmen, Town Meeting Members, or Saugus citizens had not been told. As a result, the Association was disgusted with the Town because of misunderstandings and Saugus citizens were suspicious of the Association. Because of the fine intermediary efforts of Norman G. Young, with the co-operation of the Selectmen, the Association proceeded to agree to construct a highway, side- walks, curbing, drainage, and to pay any land damages in excess of $5000 up to any amount not exceeding $10,000. The Old Iron Works Association thereupon decided to continue the work which they had thought of abandoning and the Town received about $40,000 in valuable improvements which would never otherwise have been received. As the excavation and restoration of the First Iron Works progresses, the people of Saugus gradually are becoming aware of the fine improvements this National Shrine will be to the Town of Saugus. This may well be the start of a series of events which will bring our Town up to a standard which we, who love Saugus, would like to see realized.
It is reasonable for citizens to ask what has the Town to show for its four short years of administration under Management form of government. Some of our newcomers are impatient for improve- ments they see in other communities but those of us who have spent our lifetime here see many changes which might be taken for granted unless enumerated.
It would be valuable to discuss these improvements in more detail here, but limited space prevents that possibility. This can be done better elsewhere but here listed are some of the advantages already realized through Management - surface treatment of roads, most of which had had no work done on them for the last twenty- five years or longer - over 175 streets have been so improved. It should be realized this is a maintenance program and should not be confused with new permanent construction. We have now reached a stage where new surfacing can be commenced. Drainage and new water extensions have been installed - better subdivision regulations have been put into effect requiring real estate developers to construct their share of roads, sidewalks, and drainage lightening the financial load on our Town which is already over-burdened. New personnel have been added to our Fire and Police Departments. Salaries and wages of all employees have been increased including those in our School Department. Additional teachers have been employed; a half million dollar school commenced; additional equipment for our Public Works, Fire and Police Departments; extensive repairs and improvements to our public buildings, includ- ing schools. All this has been done on a pay-as-you-go basis with the exception of bonds issued for the new School. The Town has kept within its income and has put aside a surplus every year which never was done to such an extent under our old form of government.
In closing it might be stated what some thoughtful persons
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have been saying throughout the Town "Events which occurred during 1950 show conclusively that the Town can never go back to the old form of government operated under the control of the politicians. If some elected officials could attempt so strongly to run the Town on a political basis under management form of govern- ment, just think what would have been done without a Manager in control."
Signed, William H. Robinson Alan F. Sawyer
A Minority Report
By Selectman John J. Bucchiere for the year 1950
To the Citizens of Saugus :
At the Annual Town Meeting in March 1950 I publicly stated that if the anti Town Manager forces got the control over the new appointment of a Town Manager we then, would face financial disaster. At this time I point at the public record of our new all time high expenditures, that are going to give us the highest tax rate in history.
It is very unfortunate for the townspeople that some of our elected officials did not have the courage after being elected to keep their public pledge, for if they had, we today could boast of a Town that was second to none within these United States. The progress that was made by the total elimination of false economy and gross mis-management of our town affairs was recognized throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as one of the greatest single community wide achievements ever accomplished.
Since Town Manager form of Government for Saugus we have been able to start a new era of activities, those activities for the time being have become stagnated by a small minority group who have placed their selfish political welfare above that of our Town, and as I have predicted in the past I so predict for the future, that unless the people of our town band themselves together once and for all and eliminate the cancerous condition created by cheap and rotten politics, we definitely face disaster.
The high tax load proposed by the present administration is unjust, unfair and unnecessary for the general welfare of our Town. Progress for the Town of Saugus can only be made with an honest plan for future expansion only within the peoples ability to pay the bill.
I have dedicated my public services in the past before all opposition for a better Saugus. I have a great deal of faith in our town and its people, therefore I wish to dedicate my future public services as a real American to a Greater Saugus that will be a shining example of public service to its people, more so then any other Community within our great Commonwealth.
Signed, SELECTMAN JOHN J. BUCCHIERE
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Town Manager
Your present Town Manager took office on July 1st, 1950. Half the year was past and on every side were strange faces and in- numerable problems. There was no time to become acclimated before attacking those problems that must have immediate attention. This applied most particularly to the "First Iron Works" restoration and the "Hurd Avenue School".
The First Iron Works restoration had reached a crisis. No exploratory work under Central Street had been possible for several months due to the indecision of the Town regarding a relocation of Central Street. Most people will never realize how close the Iron and Steel Institute was to an abandonment of the entire project.
Within a period of one week, the problem was resolved to the mutual satisfaction of both the Town and the First Iron Works Assoc. Inc. This was evidenced by the action of the Board of Select- men at their meeting of July 10, 1951 calling for a public hearing and a Special Town Meeting to accept the new layout. History will prove the tremendous importance of this project to the Town of Saugus. In the Town Manager's opinion it will be the date line from which the growth of the modern Saugus will be measured.
The Annual Town Meeting of 1950 had left a mandate to con- struct the Hurd Avenue Elementary School on its preselected site. An Architect had to be selected, plans prepared, bids advertised and a contract awarded before construction could start. The date line fixed for completion was September 1, 1951. To a number of archi- tects that was not possible. The selection of an Architect for such a large project is an arduous task involving many interviews and difficult decisions. On August 3rd, 1950 George H. Sidebottom and Associate of Reading, Massachusetts was chosen as the Architect. The selection proved to be a wise one and we are now assured that completion will be substantially on schedule. The Manager wishes to give full credit for the valuable assistance rendered to him by the members of the School Construction Advisory Committee and the members of the School Committee.
Another problem that demanded the Manager's prompt atten- tion was the initiation of a sizable highway surface treatment pro- gram. The surfaces of most streets in Saugus were in a deplorable condition, and the town had never had a realistic annual highway program. The first step therefore was to initiate this work with a minimum of delay so that advantage could be taken of as much warm weather as possible. Bids were received on September 14th, 1950 and, before bad weather had set in 84 streets involving 194,349 square yards of surface had been completed.
13
The results obtained during my first half year in matters, such as highways, water mains, street cleaning, building maintenance, etc. were mostly satisfactory, and budget time was approached with a rather definite picture of the insufficiencies of the past and a well rounded plan of the needs of the future. Hundreds of good citizens of Saugus have been most encouraging in their expressions and most friendly in their contacts with me.
The most disappointing feature of this year has been the inability of your Town Manager to find a workable basis of operation with the Board of Selectmen. From the very first I have been sub- jected to a constant series of abusive and obstructive tactics in Selectmen's meetings that has prevented any calm and dignified joint consideration of our many problems. Rather these meetings are exhibitions of crude politics entirely unworthy of the elected representatives of the good people of Saugus.
I find that the proper relationship between Selectmen and Manager never has been established since Chapter 17 was put into effect. Some of the Selectmen still want to retain the administrative powers which were delegated to the Manager in that instrument. Until the voters of Saugus remedy this situation and elect men to office who will place duty above politics and assume their office with dignity and respect for others, town management will not fully assume its proper role in Saugus. Pending this time, your Manager will put forth his best efforts to administer the town's affairs fairly and efficiently.
NORMAN G. YOUNG
Town Manager
First Iron Works In America
GREAT SECTION OF 300 YEAR OLD OVERSHOT WATERWHEEL WHICH POWERED AMERICA'S FIRST SUCCESSFUL BLAST FUR- NACE BELLOWS. FOUND INTACT ON FLOOR OF WHEEL PIT, TWENTY-TWO FEET BELOW CENTRAL STREET. IT'S ORIGINAL DIAMETER WAS FIFTEEN FEET AND TEN INCHES.
First Iron Works In America
Finance Committee
To the Citizens of Saugus :
Your Finance Committee submits herewith its annual report with recommendations for the year 1950.
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