USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1963 > Part 1
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7
avincial
Report
SAUGUS MASSACHUSETTS
U. S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 157 LYNN. MASS. BULK RATE
Page One
ANNUAL
SAUGUS PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 1729 00051 5756
LOCAL HISTORY Ref. 352 Saugus v.76
of Saulus 1963
TOWN REPORT
1963
1963 Report Town Manager
-
JOHN O. STINSON TOWN MANAGER
SAUGUS BOARD OF SELECTMEN: Left to right: Frank K. Berthold, Herbert T. Upton, Chairman Vernon W. Evans, Dr. Frederick J. Wagner, Richard L. Reynolds.
For Reference
Not to be taken
from this library
SAUGUS SCHOOL COMMITTEE, Left to right: Daniel H. Silver, Mrs. Jean Sherman, Atty, Bradbury Gilbert, Peter A. Rossetti and Richard J. Evans.
The year 1963 has presented our Government with probably the greatest challenge, for under the. clouds of political charge and counter-charge, we faced the most serious problems in the Town's existence.
- It demanded the maximumuseof its modern administrative system and an extraordinary effort on the part of our employees and offi- cials. This combination has proved to be a unique asset to thecitizens of Saugus.
You will find the details and specific items of progress accom- plished in 1963 in the appropriate department's report. Here, 1 will attempt to generalize the scope of our activities, our accomplish- ments, and our future aspirations. GOALS OF 1963
1. The creation of an acceptable design for a new Junior High School which (a) would meet the educational needs of its pupils, and (b) would not, because of its expense, jeopardize other essen- tial programs, such asanadequate Sanitation system, police protec- tion, fire defense, all so urgently needed. This was accomplished Late in the year, although the final acceptance and start of final design did not start until early in 1964.
2. The need for a uniform and definite set of administrative in- structions and methods which would apply to all departments. A manual called "The Blue Book". patterned after a study of the Administrative practices of some of our most progressive cities and towns across the country, was published last summer, so that
it could be used in developing the 1964 budget.
3. A simpler and more compre- bensive budget was developed. Through the years, the budget had become complicated, excessively long, and difficult to understand. Tbe format and size has been changed. An effort to relate dol- lars requested to services per- formed has been started and will continue to be made.
4. An expanded Public works effort highlighted by a two year 'sewer program was accepted at the 1963 Town Meeting. This was com- pleted with the exception of several service laterals and some pavi during 1963 -- "a year early. In addition, through the prudent con- trol of expenditures, we were able to add approximately 8,000 feet of additional sewer to the original estimated footage, ali within the Same appropriation.
5. As the Town pushed forward in these and other areas, a dis- asterous series of fires aggra- vated an already unsatisfactory school housing problem. But with the cooperation of all departments, the loss of instructional time has been kept to a minimum. While only temporary solutions are available now, it is anticipated that 1964 will produce concrete progress with the start of the Junfor High School, and the addi- tion of needed elementary class=" rooms.
A YEAR OF PLANNING: Despite the demands of emner- gency and expanded programs
(Continued on Page 2)
11
1
Page Two
1963 Report Board Of Selectmen
To The Citizens of Saugus:
It is an undisputed fact that the year 1963 produced more real, tangible civic improvements than in any other single year in the history of our town.
Below are listed only the high- -lighis of the 1963 program, which space permits in a report of this nature.
(1) Five and one balf miles of bituminous concerete and bitumi- nous concrete pavement highways were reconstructed.
(2) Approximately one and one quarter miles of gravel road con- struction were completed.
(3) Approximately three miles of new sanitary sewer lines were installed.
(4) Two thousand linear feet of gravel road, with oil seat coat, were completed.
(5) Nearly one mile of drainage installations was completed.
(6) Scores of the newest type large modern street lights were installed in various sections of the town.
(7) One hundred and twenty- eight new water services were installed.
(8) New hydrants and water extensions were provided for better fire protection.
(9) Two new elementary schonl buildings, one in Oaklandvale and one in Lynnhurst, with a total of twenty-two new classrooms, were constructed.
(10) One hundred and thirty- nine new sewer connections were completed.
(11) New edgestone, bituminous concrete and granolithic sidewalk construction was completed in .Cliftondale Square, Washington Square, and Monument Square,
(12) Water reverie (income) was increased from $178,885.35 in 1962 to $192,567.70 in 1963. or an increase of $13,682.32 in one year.
(13) Sewer rental and sewer assessment revenue was increased from $36,104.52 in 1962 to $60.907. 83 in 1963, or an increase of $24,803.31 in a single year.
All of the above civic improve- ments were accomplished in 1963 with but a slight increase in the tax rate. In fact, over a three year period embracing the years 1961, 1962. and 1963, an almost stable tax rate bas been main- tained.
The Board of Selectmenis justly proud of the physical civic im- provements, for our town, which were accomplished in the year . 1963. We are, as a community. indebted to our Town Manager, Mr. John O. Stinson, to our town officials, and to our dedicated municipal employees for their co- operative efforts to this end.
We regret exceedingly the resig- nation of one of our colleagues, Selectman Herbert F. Upton, Dr. Upton was an honest, able. and conscientious member of our Board of Selectmen. His loss was not only a personal one to each of his colleagues, but it represented a distinct loss to our community and to the citizens of Saugus.
Respectfully submitted: Vernon W. Evans, Chairman. Frank K. Berthold Richard L. Reynolds Frederick J. Wagner Board of Selectmen
Report Town Manager
(Continued from Page_I)
conducted last year. 1963 was note- worthy in that research and plan- ning was accomplished for future programs. An integrated Public Works Program was initialed to support the growing needs for sewer, drainage and highway con- struction planning, Plans havebeen formulated to extend and improve the water system, so that the fire department will have adequate water pressure and supply to fight and control fires.
A long-range building program . to replace outdated and inadequate building facilities, both for schools and other departments, was launched during 1963, along with long-range development of onr fire defense and police security capa- bilities. Also, the expansion of the playground facilities over a perind of several years was in the planning stages during 1963. All of these programs were ac- cepied at the 1964 Town Meeting and are, at this time, under var- ious stages of concrete develop- ment.
There are still many areas, however. that demand serious study and the resulting solution. Examples of such areas include (1) the outdated building and bealth department codes and general by- laws; (2) a close co-ordination of town boards and committees with respect to coherent and more un- ified policies; (3) the construction of adequate facilities for student and governmental functions; (4) a more adequate inspection system in all areas including health, build- ing and fire-safety (tonamea few), are avenues where study, research
and solution must be developed. Finally, and above all, we are beginning to take a long look to where we are going in the next ten to twenty years, and what we should and will be doing now to accomplisb these goals.
The final and never-ending re- sponsibility of my office Is to see that each tax dollar is spent in the most efficient manner. We are not a wealthy town; but we are a town with needs far beyond our immediate ability to provide for these needs. I have purposely a voided "crash programs" which are usually the cover-up for lack of planning and analysis; and typi- cally, these cost extra dollars already earmarked for other es- sential projects.
I would like to close the books of the 1963 with a deep and sincere "thank you"" to theBoard of Select- men, the Finance Committee, and to the Town Meeting Members -- the three essential keys to the Town's progress. Their integrity and effort has made this year one" of steady progress and develop- ment. For Saugus has now many long-range programs which will produce a continious and steady rate of improvement. We shall continue to develop others to cover all areas of municipal respon- sibility.
The confidence in predicting this is based on a sense of pride in what we have just accomplished; a sense of awakening of what we as a citizen and official can do together. The sum of my report to you is this: Last year was our best year to date, Next year will be better.
1963 Report Playground Commission
Mr. John O. Stinson Town Manager Sangus, Massachusetts
During 1963 our eight week sum- mer program, under the direction of Jack White, continued to improve and attract an increased number of children daily. Mr. White is to be complimented for his sincerity, hard word and devotion in his po- sition of Recreation Director.
The Playground Commission continued to support many other youth activities which included the Police Athletic League, Babe Ruth Baseball; Little League Baseball and Peanut Hockey. Our winter basketball program was limited dne to the school gymnasium avail- ability this year.
The Playground Commission spent many hours this past year making a critical appraisal of our playground facilities and develop -- ing plans to improve them to keep in step with our growing com- munity and its increasing chil- „dren population.
The results of our critical ap- praisal of the playground facil- ities indicates that the facilities are inadequate. underdeveloped and do not meet the barest mini- mum for a good physical develop- ment and recreational program_ We are way behind our surround- ing communities.
Here are some of the facts: 1. We normally have ten play- grounds but in 1963, we only had eight. This was due to construc- tion of two new schools on the sites of the Lynnhurst and Oaklandvale Playgrounds. Complete new play-
grounds must be constructed at these sites in 1964.
2. Our town of 22,000 popula- tion bas only one regulation base- ball diamond. This is at Stackpole Field and requires moving the stands twice a year in order to use both the football field and the baseball diamond as the seasons change, This field is in full use and does not meet the needs of . the boys of our town. About 300 boys who played baseball from the age of eight through twelve stop playing at the age of thir- teen due to the lack of regulation diamonds. It is planned to com- plete work at Anna Parker in 1964 and construct two new regulation diamonds. We really should have four in town.
3. Tennis Courts - We have none in town while the city of Pea- body has 250 to 300 children ac- tively participating in a planned supervised tennis program. Mayor Henry Wall, in his inauguration address, announced plans to build additional tennis courts in Lynn, The town of Wakefield bas beautiful courts. We are hoping to correct this situation in 1964 and have re- quested funds in our budget.
4. Four outdoor basketball courts are required at various playgrounds to meet the minimum requirements in each playground location.
5. Handball courts are non exis- tant in our town. Each playground should have a unit that will attract older boys and men to frequent the playgrounds.
Our playgrounds in general do not have any aesthetic appeal. They - receive the barest of maintenance and upkeep usually finish the sea-
1963 Report Assessor's Dept.
During the past year the Assessors placed a value upon the following type properties:
Real Property . 11,649
Personal Property 256
Polls 5,506
Motor Vehicle Excise .12,269
COST OF OPERATING THE ASSESSORS DEPARTMENT FOR 1963 WAS AS FOLLOWS:
Salaries $17.416.00
9.885.00
AN ANALYSIS OF THE TAX RATE FOR 1963 EXPENDITURES
Town Appropriation $4,172,749.87
Appropriations taken from Available Funds 394,941.00
Tax Title Foreclosure 3.500.00
Court Judgments 1,832,55
3.646.44
Overdrawn appropriations of prior years
436.65
Shellfish Purification
107.95
State Parks and Reservations
34.929.60
State Audit of Municipal Accounts
8,196.58 62.40
State Examination of Retirement System
Smoke Inspection Service 464.56
Metropolitan Water
65,853.12
County Tax . . 89,572.43
Tuberculosis Hospital Assessment 18,664.65
Overlay
GROSS AMOUNT TO BE RAISED $4.944.958.27
ESTIMATED RECEIPTS AND AVAILABLE FUNDS
Income Tax
284,403.76
Corporation Taxes
100,311.15
Old Age Tax (Meals) .
6.788.22
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise
460.245.25
Licenses
28.917.89
Fines
1,365,50
Special Assessments 5,336.34
General Government 8,538.19
Protection of Persons and Property 9.410.80 Health and Sanitation Charities (other than federal granis) 20.105.61 54.153.16 Old Age Assistance (other than federal grants). Veterans Services 35,910.60 14,736.90 55,343.94
School ( Funds from Income Tax not to be included) Libraries
1,800.91
Public Service Enterprises (such as Water Dept.)
Cemeteries (other than trust funds and sale of lots) Interest: On Taxes and Assessments
State Assistance for Schonl Construction
Reimbursement: Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 22 & 22 A County Tax
4.493.71
Metropolitan Parks
1,531.03
.Net Amount to be raised by Taxation
on Polls and Property ..
3.100,337.99
RECAPITALIZATION
Number of Polls -- 5,506@2.00 each
11,012_00
Personal Property: Valuation $ 2,950.840 @ $78.30 231,050.77
Real Estate: Valuation $36,504.019 @ $78.30
2,858,264.69
$39,454,859
Plus gain to avoid fractional divisions of tax rate
10.53
Total Taxes levied on Polls and Property
$3,100,337.99
Tax Rate $78.30
1963 Report Harbor Master
May Ist to Labor Day set Moor- ings in river for 22 new boats which makes a total of one Hun- dred and Fifty-Seven Boats from Fox Hill Bridge to Polish Beach.
son in worse condition than they were when the season started.
This past year, our commis- sion met with yon on several oc- casions and received more cooper- ation in 1963 than any member of the commission can recall re- ceiving in the five previous years. We haven't scratched the surface in developing the facilities that our citizens are entitled to have for the proper physical develop- ment and recreation for them and their children.
We will continue to plan and work toward developing the best play- ground facilities and programs of any community In our area. THE PLAYGROUND COMMISSION
Vincent J. Murray, Chairman Joseph F. Bruno Arthur E. Burke
Its getting to be a problem to moor boats in the Saugus River on account of the narrow channel. Chamel is filling up with sitt very rapidly. Found 3 stolen boats 2 adrift in river and one aground on river bank stripped. Had num- erous complaints from boat own- ers of gangs stealing the equip- ment and stripping their boats also stealing the gas from their tanks. I stayed aboard boats. several nights to catch the raiders; also called upon the Saugus Police and Coast Guard for aid in catching the culprits. It is really getting serious with the gangs raiding the boats in the river. The gangs are equipped with fast boats, I am helpless without a fast boat to catch them. I gave chase in my car but when I get there, they had vanished. Spent over 500 hundred hours around the river with my car; made over 1,500 miles chasing speeders and keep- ing order in River.
Harbor Master Leo Belliveau
178,157.54 12.191.15 -18.268.09 145.283.31 2,386.23
Amount to be taken from available funds
394.941.00
150.000.47
1963 ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
:Expenses
Overlay Deficits
1
1963 ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
Page Three
1963 Report Civilian Defense
To The Town Manager
Behind this report and these words and operating very quietly, effectively, efficiently, and con- slanty is the result of several years of strong organizing effort, drill, practice, correction and more drill practice and correc- tion, a group of volunteer citizens called upon to operate when and where needed in emergencies of all types, whether it may be in furnishing lighting equipment at scene of disaster, water or fires, airplane crashes, accidents, drownings with the use of the "DUK", pumping cellars or streets, or patrolling traffic duty in congested areas, particularly Sunday Church services, and most important the patrolling of all schools and public buildings every night for protection against fires, and this group of volunteers is more commonly known as your Saugus Civil Defense.
The volunteer members of the Saugus Civil Defense Fire & Res- cue Auxiliary, beaded by Chief William O'Brien, aod quartered at Civil Defense Headquarters, 447 Main St. have logged 16,055 man hours for the year of 1963. This is a record high for the 12 year history of the group. The group consists of 40 men, and they are interested in asking other citizens to become volunteers and receive training to aid when needed. In the year of 1963 this group re- sponded to 46 calls for emergency assistance in the Town of Saugus, and 9 out of town calls to Revere, Chelsea, Boston, Malden and Lynn, This unit also answered 37 calls for non-emergency lighting for various civic events throughout the town. This unit worked long hours during both the Saugus High School and the Jr. High School fires. from the sounding of the alarms with ambulance coverage, light- ing units, and pumps. The group during the year of 1963 attended many training programs at the Topsfield Training Center plus participating in an assimulated disaster plan test at the Danvers State Hospital.
The present equipment consists of (1) Jeep, (2) Pumpers. (2) Light- ing Trucks, (2) Ambulances, (1) Duk (1) Canteen Truck, (1) Fire Pump Trailer, (2) Lighting Trail- ers, plus Pumps, plus light and heavy rescue equipment of all types.
The building of the addition to our beadquarters is expected to start in the early spring of 1964, as soon as weather permits, the foundation is all in, the lumber has arrived, and this work will be performed by all our volunteers with no cost to the town for build- ing.
Your Director has been very busy attending maoy meetings and seminars during the past year and formulating new programs in training and excercises for the year of 1964, which will be aug- mented with the regular Saugus Fire and Police Departments. I hasten to remind you citizens, however, that our preparedness plans are not confined to paper plans, or simply for the purpose of good public relations --- Good publicity --- or a patriotic front. Our plans and action through ex- tensive training must be "real"" in ever sense of the word. Citi- zens who are interested in want- ing to become volunteers in learn- ing fire and rescue procedures. police traffic, fire-arm practice,
1963 Report Town Collectors Department
TAXES
COMMITMENTS COLLECTED. ABATED REFUNDS
Dec. 31,1963
Real Estate
$2,860,366.60
$2,637,258.99- $143,993.48 $38,720.50
$117,834.63
Personal Property
231,050.77
225,089.58
1,303.26
176.18
4,834.11
Sewer Rentals added Taxes
1,223.50
1.184.55
38.95
Apportioned Sewer
3,295.05
2,893.68
248.49
152.88
Int. on Appor. Sewer
943.63
826.40
72.20
45.03
Apportioned Sidewalk
379.90
370.09
9,81
Int_ on Appor. Sidewalk
32.99
32.21
.78
Water Liens added to Taxes
15,139.68
12,095.55
3,044,13
Int. on Appor. Water Main Apportioned Water Main
640.88
583.38
5.82
51.68
Polis
11,020.00
10,648.00
240.00
4.00
136.00
Motor Vehicle Excise
462.356.00
320,462_34
35.604.49
3,015.04
109,304.21
Water
183,885.23
151,524.66
216.68
23.76
32,167.65
Warer Maintenance
3,931.76
2,217.65
49.94
1,664.17
Sewer Rentals
18.417.50
15,694.50
6.00
6.00
2,723,00
Sewer Main
41,325.95
8,516.47
1,936.55
30,872,93
Water Main
857.35
263.90
593.45
Old Age Assistance - State
5.772.03
5,772.03
Aid to Dependent Children
1,885.70
1,885.70
Disability Assistance
599.33
599.33
Medical Assistance to Aged
5,755.49
5,755.49
Veterans Benefits
25.00
25.00
TOTALS
$3.850.963.85 $3,405,309.07 $183,954.51 $41,939.48
$303,639.75
Mr. John Stinsoo
Town Manager
Town Hall
Saugus, Massachusetts
Dear Sir.
The Saugus Industrial Develop- ment Commission of the Town of Saugus submits it's annual report for the year 1963.
The Commission held a number of meetings throughout the year, working oo various projects to at-" tract business and industry to the Town
Unlike many other Towns in the Commonwealth, Saugus does not have any town owned land set aside for a small Industrial Park. All attractive sites are privately owned making the work of this
1963 Report Treasury Dept.
Submitted, herewith, is the report of the Treasury Dept. of the "Town of Saugus for the year ended December 31, 1963.
The duties of the Town Treasurer are to receive and disburse all monies of the Town, borrow temporary money in anticipation of revenue, if necessary, and to float all Bond Issues, The Treasurer is custodian of all Trust Funds, Cemetery Perpetual Care Funds and the Contributory Retirement Fund. Tax Titles and Tax Possessions also come under the jurisdiction of the Treasurer.
Casb in Treasury, January 1, 1963
$1,482,401.67
Receipts to December 31, 1963
7,376,666,74
$8,859,068.41
Expenditures to December 31, 1963
7,615,233,2º%
Cash in Treasury, December 31, 1963
$1,243,834.63
WEIGHTS
Avoirdupois
60
VOLUMETRIC MEASURES
Liquid Measure, 1 gal,
or under
19
Saugus Trust Co.
$794,667.61
National Shawmut Bank
103,631.86
Boston Safe Deposit & Trust Co.
33,708.88
Petty Cash
50.00
National Shawmut Bank, Special Account
464,535.71
Stabilization Fund
44,247.00
$1,440,841.06
Add: Deposits in Jan., 1964 applicable to 1963
58,244.82
-Yard Sticks
TRIAL WEIGHINGS
COMMODITY TOTAL NO. TESTEDNO.CORRECT.NO. INCORRECT
UNDER OVER
Bread
35
28
7
Butter
44
42
2
The following Trust Funds are in the custody
of the Treasurer:
Surplus War Bonus Fund
$915.53
Fostwar Rehabilitation Fund
24.15
Benjamin N. Johnson Library Fund
159.71
Meats & Provisions
183
63
21
99
Potatoes
12
0
12
Lobster Meat 8
6
2
70,000.00
Contributory Retirement Fund
Casb in Checking Account Securities
346,882.48
$635.528.95
With an amount of $3,500.00, Tax Titles were brought up to date and redemptions showed an income of $11,326.33.
Respectfully submitted,
Treasurer.
first aid and all other phases of Civil Defense Safety and Pro- tection, contact your CD Director by calling 233-2065.
My appreciation to the many de- partment heads for their aid and courtesy during the year of 1963, Town Manager Stinson, Supt, of Public Works, E, Pesce, Supt, of Public Buildings, W. Daniels, Ex- Chief J. Maguire, Fire Dept, Ex- Chief R. Mansfield, Police Dept. and thepresent acting Chiefs, Capt. Jervis of the Fire Dept, and Capt. Forni of the Police Dept.
Respectfully submitted
L. Farle Dumas
Director Civil Defense
1963 Report Sealer of Weights And Measures
To the Town Manager:
The following is the Annual Report of your Sealer of Weights and Measures. This report includes the number of gasoline pumps, gasoline trucks, oil trucks, scales and other weighing and measuring devices, tested and inspected during the year from January 1, 1963 to December 31, 1963.
Included is a list of trial weighings, retests and other inspections made during this perind. SCALES
.
SEALED
Over 10,000 pounds
9
100 to 5,000 pounds
1
Under 100 pounds
106
1 gal
AUTOMATIC LIQUID MEASURING DEVICES
Gasoline
136
Oil, Grease
24
Vehicle Tank
81
"Bulk storage
LINEAR MEASURES
17
$1,499,085.88
Deduct: Checks Outstanding
255,251.25
Casb in Treasury, December 31, 1963
$1,243,834.63
Confectionery
36
28
2
6
Flour
11
6
3
2
Fruits & Veg's
120
25
2
93
Grain & Feed
6
6
Cemetery Perpetual Care Funds Casb in Savings Account Securities
114,424,69
A total of 455 food packages were inspected, 18 pedler licenses checked, one pedler's scales, 28 fuel trucks, 12 gasoline trucks and 43 retests were made on gasoline pumps after sealing.
A total of $625.40 was turned in to the Town Treasurer during the year for Sealing Fees.
Respectively submitted, John T. Ludwig,
Sealer of Weights and Measures.
UNCOLLECTED
The following Town Collector's fees were collected during the year 1963: Certificate of Municipal Liens Water Lien Releases
$1,057.00 9.00
$1,066.00
Respectfully submitted
Phyllis E. Dodge,
Town Collector
Commission most difficult in securing industry and business. In January of 1963 the Indus- trial Development Commission, after several weeks of study, pre- sented to the Planning Board apro- posal that we felt would start us on the road to securing industry for Saugus. We asked the Planning Board to rezone the Town dump . areas on upper Main St. for light industry. Several small light in-
dustries were interested in the area if it were zoned as an In- dustrial Park.
A hearing oo the proposal was held with the Planning Board and with the Selectmen in attendance. After a lengthy discussion on the proposal by the Chairman of our Commission and several mem- bers, the Board of Selectmen voiced their disapproval of the suggestion, with the end result,
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.