USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Lincoln > Town Report on Lincoln 1951-1955 > Part 16
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87
FIRE
fire department type first aid units. The following list represents the call men assigned to the Fire Department :
E. Macleod J. Cotoni
W. Porter
C. Smith
H. Lawson
E. Teabo
A. Davis, Jr.
F. Campobasso
D. Todd
J. Algeo
J. Campobasso
L. Todd Frank Gordon Jr.
D. Spooner
R. Malloy (Armed Services) W. Dean
R. Gormley C. C. Wood
F. Gordon
J. Knowles
W. Doherty
C. Lahnstein
W. Meriam
E. Murphy
O. C. Wood, Jr.
(provisional)
C. Bradley
A. J. DOUGHERTY, Chief C. K. FITTS, Clerk JOSEPH TRACEY, Board of Engineers
Report of the Inspector of Animals
The following animals have been inspected :
Cows, 2 years and older .. 209 Steers 12
Heifers, 1 - 2 years. 66 Horses 33
Heifers, under 1 year. 66 Goats 2
Bulls 10 Sheep 5
Swine 1,136
I have found the animals to be under the rules and reg- ulations of the Division of Livestock Disease Control and have supplied the Division of Livestock Disease Con- trol with a list of the owners and the number and kind of animals on the premises.
There is an epidemic among swine which is somewhat similar to the foot and mouth disease among cattle, but no case has been reported in Lincoln.
Eight dog bites were reported, six of these by local dogs, another by a dog that could not be located; the eighth bite was by an unlicensed Concord dog, and Con- cord took action against the owner of the animal.
ANDREW J. DOUGHERTY Inspector of Animals
A. Brooks
88
CIVIL DEFENSE - TREE WARDEN
Civil Defense Agency
The Lincoln Civil Defense Agency was placed on a standby basis during the year. Certain unfinished or- ganizational projects carried forward from 1951 were completed. All divisions, with the exception of traffic, have now been organized. The latter awaits final agree- ment on inter-town arrangements before volunteers to fill the posts will be recruited.
No appropriation is being asked in 1953. In 1952, $872.55, out of an allotment of $1,500.00, was expended. It is estimated that for the current year basic expenses will run about $375.00 for communications, $200.00 for clerical assistance, and $150.00 for supplies and material. This sum can be taken from the unexpended balance of the 1952 appropriation, with any overdraft coming from the Selectmen's fund.
The present policy is to continue on a standby basis, with a minimum of expenditure, to conform with the emergency laws still on the books.
ROBERT H. BOOTH, Director
Report of the Tree Warden
The Tree Warden's duties are established by State law and consist primarily of care of the public shade trees and control of Dutch elm disease. He has sole control of the shade trees, that is trees along the public ways, in parks, and on other Town owned property, including trimming, spraying, removal, and planting.
In the control of Dutch elm disease, he must detect infection and see to the removal of infected trees. Any infected trees on public ways or Town property are to be removed by his department or under his direction.
89
TREE WARDEN
He has authority to order the owners of other infected trees to remove them and the power to enforce his orders.
Resitox D-25, a liquid D.D.T., was used in both the general foliage spray to control the gypsy moth in late May and June and in the August spraying of the road- side elms. A five hundred dollar increase in the appro- priation is being requested for 1953 so that the work may be done more thoroughly.
A survey of all elm trees visible from the road was made this year to check on Dutch elm disease. Samples were cut from 97 suspects and the Shade Tree Labora- tory at the State College confirmed 73 as being infected, 45 on private property and 28 on public ways. Pursuant to vote and appropriation at the Special Town Meeting in November, all were removed at public expense with the exception of a few on private property which the owners preferred to destroy themselves. More infection will appear in 1953. All residents of the Town are urged to report to the Tree Warden anything of a suspicious nature in elm trees so that samples may be sent for an- alysis promptly.
Spraying of poison ivy along the roadsides was carried on in July with good results. A continuation of this pro- gram is recommended.
In order to do a timely and efficient job, the Moth Department will need a new sprayer of greater capacity and a second-hand truck on which to mount it. The pres- ent sprayer will be used for poison ivy work, replacing the inefficient and worn out equipment now available for that purpose.
I wish to thank the members of the Police Department for their prompt notification of storm damage, and the members of the Highway Department for their coopera- tion and help.
Respectfully submitted,
DANIEL A. MacINNIS, JR., Tree Warden
Health and Welfare
Report of the Board of Health
In March of 1952, the Board of Health held its first meeting and voted to continue the duties of its members as of the previous year. Mrs. Nancy Hurd resumed her secretarial duties; Mr. Flint, member of the Nursing Committee; and Dr. Donaldson, chairman. Mrs. Ober was again appointed agent, and Mr. William Davis, burial agent. Mr. Andrew Dougherty was asked to continue as Inspector of Animals, and Dr. Alden Russell, Inspector of Slaughtering.
In May of 1952 various licenses were renewed or grant- ed: sale of wood alcohol, 5; maintenance of piggeries, 4; home for the aged, 2; convalescent home, 1; overnight cabins, 1; sale of oleomargerine, 1; slaughtering of poul- try, 1.
As required by State law, various diseases have been reported to the Board of Health by attending physicians : Measles, 305; chicken pox, 34; dog bite, 10; whooping cough, 4; mumps, 3; poliomyelitis, 3. The procedure for handling the problem of dog bite has been outlined in the reports of the past two years, and no changes have been made. Although advances have been made in the labora- tory in the understanding of poliomyelitis, the best prac- tical preventive in the summer months remains the avoid- ance of undue physical exhaustion and excessive sweat-
91
BOARD OF HEALTH
ing or chilling. Quarantine was not established last sum- mer, and none is justified in the present knowledge of poliomyelitis. Physical rest and avoidance of strenuous exertion with playmates, particularly in the week or two after exposure to the disease, does seem rational; and this will be encouraged in the ensuing year.
On May 3, 152 dogs attended the Dog Clinic and were innoculated against rabies. The clinic will again be held this year at the Town Barn; and this seems to be the logical time to license dogs with the Town Clerk, as well as protect your dog against rabies and yourself from law suits. Due notice will be sent dog owners well in advance of this clinic in May.
We were fortunate again in having Dr. John Davies conduct the Well Child Conference in a series of eleven clinics held at regular intervals through the year. These check-up clinics are open to all, and a minimal charge. is made for preventive innoculations of various types. Twenty-nine babies under one year, 47 children .between the ages of one and four, and 82 in the immediate pre- school age group, four to six, were presented for general physical examination.
The Dental Clinic continued its active pace in the past year. The general policy in this clinic was outlined in the Town Report of 1951. In June Dr. Harold Ehrlich was called into military service, and we were fortunate in securing Dr. David Farrell from the Harvard Dental School. After six years of training in medical and dental work at school, he comes very highly recommended, and has gained the confidence of his children patients and the respect of those who have worked with him.
The possibility of adding fluorine to the Town water supply has temporarily been tabled. It is still recom- mended as the best preventive of tooth decay, particularly if begun in infancy and continued for ten or twelve years, but some have felt that more data regarding its drawbacks and dangers in a rural community should be accumulated before it is used extensively.
92
HEALTH AND WELFARE
The Board has continued its interest in the Union Health movement, and the members have attended meet- ings in company with the special committee appointed by the Moderator to explore this program. As in any new legislation, certain flaws have been uncovered and reports from the State House indicate that steps are afoot to make this law, effective as of 1959, more ap- plicable and helpful to towns similar to Lincoln. A pre- vious report discusses this projected law in more detail. Among other worthwhile features, the Union Health or- ganization would provide a Sanitation Officer, shared by Lincoln with one or more other towns. At the present time the Board feels such an officer with special training in this field would be most useful in helping settle various problems which seem to appear with increasing fre- quency. It is felt that shortly a part time Sanitation Officer might be acquired, regardless of the immediate future of the Union Health Law.
Finally, some garbage nuisances continue to exist about Town, and we would call new residents' attention to the collection route conducted by Mr. Joseph Cotoni. It is hoped that an individual contract arrangement may be worked out whereby home-to-home garbage collection at regular intervals may be made for an annual fee.
NANCY HURD WARREN FLINT GORDON DONALDSON, M.D.
93
NURSING COMMITTEE
Report of the Nursing Committee
The Nursing Committee of the Town is made up of three members: one from the School Committee, one from the Board of Health, and one from the Town at large It is the purpose of this Committee to work with the Community Nurse on those problems which she en- counters in her work throughout the Town
At the present time Mrs Ober, our Community Nurse, as an agent of the Board of Health covers all the public nursing needs of the Town, as well as the school health program, which she directs in her capacity as School Nurse Mrs. Ober's duties under the direction of the Board of Health include bedside nursing, social welfare work, supervision of the Well Child Conference which Dr. Davies so ably conducts, registration of the Water Safety Class which the American Red Cross sponsors at Lake Walden, one morning and one afternoon a week as as- sistant to Dr. David Farrell at the Dental Clinic, assist- ance with the annual Dog Clinic, and conference attend- ance.
Owing to the rapid growth of the Town - population has increased from about 1,500 to over 2,400, and the elementary school population has increased from 118 to 483 since Mrs. Ober took this position twenty years ago - the time is fast approaching when one person will no longer be able to meet the demands. In an effort to apportion her time for maximum efficiency, Mrs. Ober is seeking to adhere to a more rigid schedule than has been the custom in the past. Barring exceptional circum- stances, the majority of her mornings will be spent at the school, and the afternoons devoted to community nursing and the clinics. It is also suggested that persons trying to reach Mrs. Ober leave their names for a return telephone call, thus eliminating insofar as possible eve- ning and week-end business calls. It is possible that
94
HEALTH AND WELFARE
some relief may be secured through volunteer assistance with routine duties. It is the suggestion of the Nursing Committee that our increasing public nursing needs be considered in any appraisal which the Town may make of the Union Health Program currently under study.
1951
1952
Total number of calls
1,769
1,890
Medical
790
1,164
Surgical
205
119
Pre-natal
49
35
Post-natal
12
24
Child Welfare
294
233
Well Child and Dental Clinic
251*
247
Social Welfare
42
97
Board of Health
78
92
Out of town (hospitals, conferences, supplies, etc.)
48
33
Fees collectedt
$445.75
$751.55
Well Child Conference only.
+ Includes all fees : nursing calls, dental, Well Child Conference.
Mrs. Ober reports that during the past year the school faculty and the bus drivers all received chest X-rays.
Again this year, as in the past, the Town has been fortunate in getting Miss Bates to substitute for Mrs. Ober during the latter's vacation in August.
LUCY BYGRAVE
ALBERTA FRADD, Secretary WARREN FLINT, Chairman
95
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
Report of the Committee on Old Age Assistance and Public Welfare
Fundamentally the aim of the public assistance pro- gram is, through financial assistance and service, to. meet the basic needs of those people who are unable to meet them through their own efforts or resources. Closely related to this aim is the responsibility to help people recognize and make full use of all their resources and capacities, as well as all available community resources, in meeting their problems and maintaining themselves in the most self-reliant way possible to them. Public assistance agencies are set up by the community as a whole to make sure that all members of the community have the means for adequate and healthy living. If the individual cannot obtain this from his own resources or through his own efforts, it is the responsibility of the public assistance agency to provide the means. The agency also has the added responsibility of helping the individual, within his abilities, to develop his resources and increase his efforts toward meeting his require- ments.
There are now four categories of Public Assistance, namely Old Age Assistance, Aid to Dependent Children, Aid to Disabled, and Public Welfare. The Federal Gov- ernment and the State contribute to the first three cate- gories and for this reason there are certain rules and regulations, established by them, that must be carried out in order to receive reimbursement under these pro- grams.
Following is a summary of expenditures and receipts in all categories.
Old Age Assistance:
Gross Cost
$36,419.88
Federal Government
13,803.01
Commonwealth of Massachusetts 17,401.91
96
HEALTH AND WELFARE
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Meals Tax 1,332.69
Other Cities and Towns 1,740.01
Cost to Town of Lincoln 10,419.45
$44,697.07
Balance in Federal Grants account,
reserved for Old Age Assistance 8,277.19
$36,419.88
The Old Age Assistance case load has been reduced from 42 at the beginning of the year to 37 at the close of the year. For this reason there is a substantial bal- ance held in reserve for Old Age Assistance in the Fed- eral Grants account and a smaller appropriation has been requested for the year 1953.
Aid to Dependent Children:
Gross Cost $192.40
About 75% of this amount will be reimbursed by the State and Federal Government.
Aid to Disabled:
Gross Cost
$2,583.10
Federal Government
90.00
$2,673.10
Balance in Federal Grants account, reserved
for Aid to Disabled 90.00
$2,583.10
Although only $90.00 was received in 1952 75% of the total amount will be reimbursed by the State and Federal Government.
Respectfully submitted,
M. ELIZABETH CAUSER, Public Welfare Agent.
97
UNION HEALTH DEPARTMENTS
Report of the Committee to Study Union Health Departments
The Lincoln Committee, members of the Board of Health, and Mrs. Ober, have continued to meet with similar committees and representatives of Boards of Health of most of the towns mentioned in last year's report. Concord, Lexington, Sudbury and Lincoln repre- sentatives have most faithfully attended the meetings this year, but it is hoped that Acton, Bedford, Carlisle, Wayland, Stow and Maynard may be reactivated in the coming months.
Under discussion were Public Health Services already rendered in the various towns, i.e .- Sanitary Inspection, Health Units, Nursing Services, Well Child Clinics, and all measures that might be called for under the terms of the Act. Meetings are always open to anyone inter- ested in attending.
There has been discussion during the fall of 1952 about new proposed amendments to the original Act. These amendments have to do with the compulsory clause and also a proposal providing financial assistance by the Commonwealth for local Health Departments. Since these amendments are scheduled to come before the pres- ent Legislature for decision, the Lincoln Committee and those of the neighboring towns are in accord that we should reserve recommendation for action by our towns until we know the results of the proposed amendments.
However, we do recommend again that the Committee be continued in existence for another year, the Moderator being empowered to make such changes in its member- ship as he may find necessary.
NANCY D. HURD RICHARD K. CONANT JEAN M. MURPHY BRADFORD CANNON ELLIOTT R. HEDGE
Planning and Public Works
Report of the Lincoln Planning Board
The Planning Board was organized with Alan Mc- Clennen, Chairman, and Howard Snelling, Clerk. Ac- tivities during the year covered three fields: subdivision control, zoning changes, and general long term planning.
Subdivisions
During the year the following subdivisions were ap- proved :
Robert Pearmain, August 28, 1952, Medina Road, off Trapelo Road ;
James A. Carrig, October 22, 1952, Morningside Lane, off Bedford Road.
Several other subdivisions and land problems were con- sidered.
Zoning Amendments
The general amendment to the Zoning By-Law and Map which was passed unanimously by the Town in March, 1951, was never approved by the Attorney Gen- eral. Upon recommendation of counsel, the Board is re-submitting the matter to the Town in order that it may properly be placed before the Attorney General again. The Board expects that some additional changes will be recommended to the Town.
99
PLANNING BOARD
On May 7, 1952, a public hearing was held on the pe- tition of John O. Wilson and others requesting considera- tion of a proposal to create a Light Industrial District off the Airport Road. The Board devoted several meet- ings to the matter. Since the petitioners have not pre- sented the matter to the Town for approval, the Board has taken no further action on it.
On May 7, 1952, a public hearing was held on the petition of Norman Brisson and others for an extension of the business area on North Great Road 544 feet west- erly. This area had been considered as suitable for the proposed use when the Board was reviewing the by-law and map in 1950 and 1951. Since the petitioners have not presented the matter to the Town for approval, the Board has taken no further action on it.
Long Term Problems
The Planning Board has been giving some attention to the matter of the reservation of added land under public control. Two possibilities present themselves. The first is active play areas, which, as the Town grows, it may be found desirable to have north of Route 2 and south of the railroad. The second is the desirability of protecting the watershed of Sandy Pond.
The Board, at the request of the Selectmen, has been studying alternative locations for a Town Dump. It is hoped that detailed recommendations may be made at the Town Meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
ALAN McCLENNEN, Chairman HOWARD SNELLING, Clerk WILLIAM T. KING RICHARD W. EATON ARTHUR T. HOWARD
100
PUBLIC WORKS
Report of Board of Zoning Appeals
The Board of Appeals has met more frequently during 1952 than any previous year.
The primary function of the Board of Appeals is a semi-judicial one. Because the Town of Lincoln is pro- tected by a carefully defined zoning by-law, the Board of Appeals exists to hear appeals by individuals who feel that special circumstances entitle them to relief from a rigid application of the zoning by-law to their particular circumstances.
Each case is thoroughly and fully considered on its individual merits and in relationship to any possible effect not only on an immediate neighborhood but also on the Town as a whole.
Every effort is made by the Board to decide appeals arising under the zoning by-law fairly, impartially, and for the good of the Town as a whole. Of course the Board of Appeals is not an enforcement agency. The Board has no power whatsoever to enforce provisions of the zoning by-laws. Violations of the zoning by-law must be dealt with primarily through individuals and agencies under the Board of Selectmen. Set forth below is a summary of the decisions of the Board.
January 7, 1952
Permission granted to John C. and James J. Canella for extension of a non-conforming use to permit the sale of new and used automobiles on their premises, subject to restrictions set forth by the Board of Appeals and on file at the office of the Town Clerk.
Permission to remove loam from property on Bedford Road granted to James A. Carrig subject to terms and conditions set forth by the Board of Appeals and on file at the office of the Town Clerk.
101
ZONING APPEALS
February 26, 1952
Permission granted to Robert P. Condit to use a Multi- lith Duplicator in his home on Concord Road.
Permission granted to Joseph Hurd for a variance to permit the construction of a store on Lincoln Road.
Permission granted to Philip Corrigan for a variance to permit the construction of a garage and breezeway on property on Winter Street.
March 10, 1952
Permission granted to Domenic Dominichello for a va- riance to permit alterations to a building on Mill Street.
Permission granted for one year only to Mary A. and Delia M. Neville to store contractors equipment in a barn and yard on Nelson Road.
Permission granted to Lena Primak for a variance to permit alterations to her property on North Great Road.
March 24, 1952
Permission granted for one year only to W. Newton Nelson to store contractors equipment in a barn and yard on Nelson Road.
Permission granted for one year only to Norman F. Brisson to store contractors equipment in gravel pit off North Great Road.
April 28, 1952
Permission granted to Ferdinand L. Troisi for a vari- ance to permit alterations to his property on Old Sudbury Road.
Permission granted for one year only to Mildred Bowles to rent ponies on her property subject to the approval of the Board of Health and provided that ponies be restricted to her property and not to exceed three in number.
102
PUBLIC WORKS
July 16, 1952
Permission granted for one year only to Francis Um- brello to use a trailer on his property on South Great Road for sleeping quarters for hired help, subject to re- strictions set forth by the Board of Appeals and on file at the office of the Town Clerk.
Application of Joseph Morrissey for permission to re- move loam from his property on Airport Road not acted upon.
Application of Pasquale B. Conti for extension of a non-conforming use not acted upon.
September 9, 1952
Application of Pasquale B. Conti for extension of a non- conforming use denied.
Permission granted to Paul F. Shepard to use a build- ing as a dwelling on Virginia Road.
Application of George Dubina for a variance to permit the use of property on Concord Turnpike for business purposes denied.
Permission granted to Merrill and Hope Hunt to con- tinue the use of their house for two families for a period of one year under section 21 of the zoning by-laws.
Respectfully submitted,
ELLIOTT V. GRABILL JAMES DeNORMANDIE HENRY B. HOOVER CHARLES K. FITTS
103
WATER COMMISSIONERS
Report of the Water Commissioners Policy of the Board on Extension and Improvement of the System
The Department is run as nearly as possible on a pay- as-you-go basis, no borrowing having been done since well before the War, when the 12" main was laid on Bed- ford Road. When a sufficient accumulation exists in the Water Works Treasury, a project is undertaken. A strong effort is made to give priority to possible projects in order of their value to the Town as a whole. For instance, the present project is the metering of the Town in an effort to put the charges for water on a fair basis and to elim- inate wastage. Since this project, spread over three years, costs some $6,000 a year, and since water works surplus has been used in the efforts to locate a practical new water supply, no important extensions or replacements of pipe can be contemplated for the immediate future.
There are several areas in Town where increased pop- ulation or the age and small original size of the present pipe would warrant extension or replacement. In making a selection as to which one of these areas to attend to first, the Board must take into consideration a number of factors. Among these are : cost of project in each area (which in turn is a function of the distances involved and the terrain) ; number of persons served in each area ; future population trends in the Town and so on. In ad- dition, decisions must be reached as to whether it is better to complete a smaller project as soon as funds are avail- able or to wait perhaps another year and save toward a larger one. In any event, the Board tries to settle each situation in as logical a manner as possible.
Routine Works
The Commissioners employed a superintendent and two men full time during the year. They operated the pumps, repaired leaks, attended to general upkeep and
104
PUBLIC WORKS
repairs, including attention to the hydrants, renewed worn-out services, and installed new ones. This is the routine work of the Water Works. The balance of the time and the balance of income was used in purchasing and installing meters.
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