USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Lincoln > Town Report on Lincoln 1951-1955 > Part 28
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The Lincoln Civil Defense Agency is organized on the premise that because of its somewhat limited source of manpower and physical equipment its greatest value lies in being prepared to receive evacuees from bombed out areas and give temporary hospitalization to casual- ties in transit who may need intermediate care. Em- phasis. therefore, has been placed on establishing facili- ties and building up personnel for receiving rather than giving support to cities or towns which may experience a disaster.
Chief divisions of the organization as presently con- stituted include Civilian War Aid, Medical, Transportation and Communication. Under consideration and in the preliminary stage of organization is an Auxiliary Police Force. Such a group, under the direction of the Chief of Police, would be used in the event of an emergeny to supplement the regular force. It is anticipated that their primary duty would be that of traffic control.
The director wishes to thank all Agency personnel for the time and effort which they are so willingly con- tributing.
EVELETH R. TODD, Director Civil Defense Agency
Health and Welfare
1953 Report of the Board of Health
At the initial meeting of the Board in March 1953, Mrs. Nancy Hurd was elected Secretary, Mr. Warren Flint, member of the Nursing Committee, and Dr. Gordon Donaldson, Chairman. Mrs. Marion Ober was appointed Agent; Mr. William Davis, burial agent; Mr. Andrew Doherty, inspector of animals; and Dr. Alden Russell, inspector of slaughtering. Mr. Leslie Willard has proved most helpful as a Sanitation officer and advisor in the second half of the year in which he was available.
During the year, the following licenses were granted : overnight camps, 1; slaughtering of poultry, 1; piggeries, 4; convalescent homes, 1; homes for the aged, 2; sale of alcohol, 6; sale of oleomargarine, 5. In the past year, the Board of Health, under Chapter 134 of the State Laws, has taken on a new licensing job. Before the Planning Board can approve any new land subdivision de- velopment in Town, the Board of Health must first survey and approve the proposed water supply, sewage disposal and water drainage of said development. This Law of 1952 gives the Board of Health broad powers to control building, and a program as it applies to Lincoln has been described in a set of "Regulations for Cesspools, Septic Tanks, Vault privies, and Drainage." These reg-
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BOARD OF HEALTH
ulations are based on State Sanitary engineer recom- mendations, and copies are filed at the Town House.
The year 1953 was a healthy one for Lincoln, as far as contagious diseases are concerned. The following diseases, as required by State Law, were reported; Chicken pox, 27; German measles, 5; Mumps, 1; Per- tussis, 1; Tuberculosis, 1. No cases of Poliomylitis oc- curred. In spite of recent medical advances, it continues to be important that the diagnosis of contagious dis- eases be confirmed by a physician, and be reported im- mediately by him to the Board. Eleven instances of Dog Bite were recorded, and the procedure to be fol- lowed in the case of such an event is outlined in the Report of this Board in 1951.
Although over 400 dogs are licensed in the Town, only 138 were presented at the Dog Clinic on May 2nd for innoculation against rabies. The remaining animals presumably were innoculated by private veterinarians. The clinic this year will be held early in May, and due notice will be sent all known dog owners.
The Well Child Clinic continued to function under the able direction of Dr. John Davies. These monthly check- up clinics are open to all and a minimum charge is made for preventive innoculations of various types. 25 new babies were examined, 19 repeaters seen, and 53 pre- kindergarten children were checked during the year.
Dr. David Farrell again served as dentist in the Dental Clinic at the New School. Appointments were arranged for two days a week during the school term, and in this fashion a complete survey of the entire school was accomplished. Because of the number of treatments requested, the Clinic ran through the summer months. The general policy of the Lincoln Dental Clinic was described in the 1951 Report.
The Board of Health has continued its interest in the use of flourine in drinking water to prevent dental caries. There is little doubt that flouridation of water reduces
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HEALTH AND WELFARE
decay in children by 50 to 65 percent. It is endorsed by all medical and dental agencies. The amount of flourine necessary is 1 part per million of water, and the cost averages 5 to 8 cents per capita per annum. Al- though the all around safety of flouridation is not yet fully established, most opposition appears to stem from superstition and prejudice.
The use of chlorine in town water, voted at Town Meeting in June, is unavoidable at present, and results from a recent series of unfavorable monthly water culture reports. Although chlorine is recommended in all surface fed drinking water sources, we feel that recent con- tamination of Sandy Pond has resulted from the in- creased activities about its shores; and stringent rules regarding building and habitation in general should be enforced if we are to protect our only water supply adequately.
Through Mrs. Hurd, the Board has maintained con- tact with the Union Health study. Progress with sur- rounding towns in organizing such a group has been slow, and some years may be required to evolve a working Union.
The garbage collection problem has not been solved, and the difficulties have not been lessened by a State Law (Chapter 655) requiring all garbage fed to com- mercial animals be heated to 212 degrees for 15 minutes before feeding. At present only 16 percent of house holders make use of Mr. Catoni's Garbage collecting service, and a town survey is now in progress to de- termine a solution to this problem. In the coming year, it is hoped that this independent service may be im- proved, and be conducted in a more business-like fashion.
Respectfully submitted, GORDON DONALDSON
61
NURSING COMMITTEE
Report of the Nursing Committee
The rapid increase in the Town's population over the last few years has made it necessary for our Community Nurse to spend more and more of her time at the schools, the Dental Clinic, and the Well Child Conference. Fortun- ately the bedside and welfare work have eased con- siderably with the result that it has been possible for her to cover all the necessary ground.
Again, this year, the Town has been able to secure the services of Miss Bates during Mrs. Ober's vacation. 1953 Summary
Number of calls
1,803
Number of new patients 48
Number of old patients 22
Number of patients died
12
Number of patients moved to hospitals or nursing homes. 5
Number of regular patients as of
12/31/53 13
Total Fees Collected 1953
Nursing calls
$ 352.25
Dental Clinic
934.30
Well Child Conference
31.50
1,318.05
Dog Clinic
69.00
Total
$1,387.05
Respectfully submitted, LUCY BYGRAVE WARREN FLINT, Chairman ALBERTA FRADD, Secretary
62
HEALTH AND WELFARE
Report of the Committee on Old Age Assistance and Public Welfare
At the close of the year 1953 there were thirty-six cases receiving Old Age Assistance in the Town of Lincoln. During the year seven cases were closed and six were added. Although the gross cost of Old Age Assistance was approximately the same as in 1952, the cost to the Town was considerably less because of a large balance in the Federal Grants account on January 1, 1953.
Following is a summary of expenditures and receipts in all categories :
Old Age Assistance :
Gross Cost
$35,359.83
Federal Government
13,427.70
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
18,315.10
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Meals Tax 818.30
Other Cities and Towns
1,333.56
33,894.66
Cost to the Town of Lincoln.
4,345.45
38,240.11
Balance in Federal Grants account
12/31/53
2,880.28
Reserved for Old Age Assistance. $35,359.83
Aid to Dependent Children :
Gross Cost $ 609.69
.....
Federal Government
383.94
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
28.96
Cost to the Town of Lincoln.
580.73
$ 993 .. 63
63
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
Balance in Federal Grants account 12/31/53 383.94
Reserved for Aid to Dependent Children $ 609.69
Aid to Disabled : Gross Cost $ 158.40
Federal Government
276.88
Commonwealth of Massachusetts 1,886.43
$ 2,163.31
Cost to Town of Lincoln
Balance in Federal Grants account 12/31/53 $ 276.88 ..
Reserved for Aid to Disabled
Respectfully submitted, M. ELIZABETH CAUSER, Public Welfare Agent.
64
HEALTH AND WELFARE
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 representatives from the other towns in this area mentioned in the 1951 Report.
On July 1, 1953 the State Legislature revised the original bill of 1949, removing the compulsion clause.
Lincoln's greatest present public health need - which would have been met in a union health plan - was for the services of a sanitation engineer. Mr. Leslie Willard, Assistant to the Town's Selectmen, has been the greatest help to the Board of Health in this field.
The opinion of the representatives in this area is that at the present time there is not enough real need nor interest in these communities to form a Union Board of Health. It is felt, however, that the idea should not be completely abandoned for the future. It is recommended that the chairmen of the various Boards of Health in this area continue to be alive to the problem and keep in communication with one another.
The Lincoln Committee to study Union Health Depart- ments recommends that it be discharged, leaving fur- ther study of the union plan to the Board of Health.
Respectfully submitted,
NANCY D. HURD RICHARD K. CONANT JEAN M. MURPHY BRADFORD CANNON ELLIOTT R. HEDGE
Planning and Public Works
Report of the Planning Board
The Planning Board was organized with Howard Snelling, Chairman, and Richard J. Eaton, Clerk. Our principal activities during the year were concerned with sub-division control, matters referred to us in an advisory capacity by other Town officers, and consideration of future needs of the Town (long-range planning).
Sub-divison Control
The General Court enacted in 1953 a major revision of the sub-division law, which imposes additional admini- strative duties on ourselves, the Town Clerk and the Board of Health. Our present regulations, adopted as recently as 1950, require considerable revision. A pre- liminary text has been prepared for circulation among other Town officers for critical review, final revision and publication early in 1954. During the year the following sub-divisions were conditionally approved.
Stratford Realty Company, off Trapelo Road, June 9, 1953.
Harold W. Demone, off Cambridge Turnpike, October 8, 1953.
Numerous technical details concerning other sub-di- visions, previously approved or still pending, were acted
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PUBLIC WORKS
upon or considered. Our Board was frequently consulted by land owners in respect to zoning and sub-division problems. Improved techniques of sub-division control have been developed as a result of cumulative experience in this field.
Advisory Opinions
Our Board participated in several joint meetings with other Town Boards, viz: - the Selectmen, the Board of Health, the Water Commissioners and the Fire Commis- sioners, to consider such matters as the Town dump, "Chapter 90" road construction, laying-out of existing roads, fire station site, and regulations of the Health and Water Boards affecting sub-divisions. By request, we made formal recommendations in respect to the Town dump and the fire station site.
Long-Range Planning
Despite a recent doubling of the frequency of our meetings, sub-division control and other routine duties overshadow our function of long-range planning. The basic pattern or "master plan" of Lincoln's physical de- velopment was wisely established by a good zoning by- law nearly twenty-five years ago whereby 99% of the area of the Town was dedicated to single family resi- dences on approximately one acre lots. In consequence the Town has been largely protected from the ills of unplanned commercial and industrial development and over-intensive residential construction, such as have been suffered by many other suburban communities. This basic pattern, still valid, has been subject to constant refinement over the intervening years.
Present studies suggest the possiblity of further im- provement. For example, it may well be advisable to increase our present minimum lot size (in undeveloped single residence districts) to one and a half or two acres, thus reducing the number of potential house sites by one-third or one-half and minimizing burdensome expan-
67
PLANNING BOARD
sion of educational plant, water supply and other Town services, to say nothing of public sewage disposal facili- ties. Such a proposal, if coupled with a policy of low assessments on farms, orchards and wood land, may tend to retard the conversion of undeveloped areas into suburban house lots. The Town of Wayland has already taken steps in this direction and the Town of Weston is currently considering them.
There are those who believe that Lincoln would gain much by the introduction of a light-industrial research or office district. The benefits to be obtained relate to an expanded tax base, development of a broader economic and social pattern in the Town, and the absorption of areas not well suited to residential development.
The Board is still uncertain as to both issues and is endeavoring through discussion and study to define the problems and the various implications. It is unanimous, however, in feeling that these matters require continuing study by both the townspeople and the Board.
The subject of protecting the watershed of Sandy Pond is attracting increasingly favorable consideration and was explored by the Board in more detail during the year. There is strong sentiment within the Board that ample areas for future recreational facilities should be acquired in the north and south ends of Town, while there still remains a choice of suitable undeveloped sites.
Another aspect of the concept of a master plan is the future ramification of our road-net. This subject has received continuing attention on the part of the Board over the years, and is presently a major consideration in our dealings with sub-division applicants.
Respectfully submitted, HOWARD SNELLING, Chairman RICHARD J. EATON, Clerk ALAN McCLENNEN ARTHUR T. HOWARD EVERETT A. BLACK
68
PUBLIC WORKS
Report of the Regional Planning Board
In the fall of 1953 the Lincoln School Committee was advised by the towns of Concord and Weston that they would be able to accept Lincoln high school students on a tuition basis for only a limited time. All their facilities would soon be needed to provide for their own high school pupils. Lincoln would have to look elsewhere for high school instruction. At the recommendation of the Lincoln School Committee, a special town meeting was called on October 5, and the moderator was instructed to appoint a committee to study the problem and to recommend a solution.
It was obvious to the new committee that only two courses of action were open, namely to build our own high school or to join with a neighboring town to form a regional high school district. Upon consulting the Massachusetts School Building Assistance Commission, the committee was advised that a high school should have a minimum of 500 pupils to operate efficiently from a financial standpoint and still offer a well rounded educational program. The committee, however, has fore- cast that even after ten years Lincoln elementary schools would be graduating only half that number. Study of the experience of other towns the size of Lincoln which have attempted to operate small high schools confirmed the thinking of the Massachusetts School Building Assistance Commission. All of these towns report an extremely high cost per pupil. Most of them are now studying the prospects of forming a regional district with a neighbor- ing town to cut the cost per pupil and to offer a more comprehensive program.
The committee then contacted towns adjacent to Lincoln to determine whether there was any interest in forming a regional district with Lincoln, or in accepting students on a tuition basis. Concord and Weston had already given their negative answer. Lexington and Waltham showed no interest whatsoever. Bedford was
69
PLANNING BOARD
staggering under the load imposed on them by the air- port development. Wayland was comfortably situated for some years and could not immediately be interested. Sudbury, however, was a definite prospect. The town has a small high school but is finding the cost per pupil high and the educational program limited.
In early November this committee and a similar com- mittee from Sudbury met and formed a Regional District School Planning Board. The results of its innumerable meetings are reported in a pamphlet being mailed to the voters in each town. After much study and after con- sultation with the Massachusetts School Building Assist- ance Commission, the Board of Selectmen, and the Fin- ance Board of Sudbury and Lincoln, this committee recommends the building of a regional school to ac- commodate 500 pupils. The legal document establishing such a regional school district is printed in the pamphlet being mailed to you. It has been approved by legal council of both towns and the Massachusetts Department of Education. You will be given the opportunity to ap- prove or disapprove the formation of the regional school district by so marking your ballot in the March election.
Respectfully submitted,
ERNEST P. NEUMANN, Chairman VICTOR A. LUTNICKI MALCOLM L. DONALDSON
1
70
PUBLIC WORKS
Report of Board of Appeals
The Board of Appeals has during 1953, as during 1952, been required to act on numerous petitions.
While the Board of Appeals has jurisdiction on various matters, in the Town of Lincoln, the primary purpose of the Board is to act more or less as a safety valve from rigid enforcement of the Zoning By-Law when such enforcement would constitute hardship to some indi- vidual. The amended Zoning By-Law, adopted by the Town Meeting held March 2, 1953, tightened up the pre- viously existing Zoning By-Law in accordance with the wishes of the Town.
While the Board attempts to give relief in the occasion- al instances in which hardship actually occurs to an individual, the Board is careful not to give relief in a way which would alter the basic impact of the presently existing Zoning By-Law. Thus, the Board of Appeals has consistently refused to indulge in spot zoning, to take any action which would appear to be in any way detrimental to the Town, or to take action which would, in effect, modify the general application of the presently existing By-Law. It is the function of the Planning Board to: recommend, and the Town Meeting to vote general changes in zoning in any area in the Town. It is not the function of the Board of Appeals to anticipate such action by permitting, for example, a business use in a residential area.
Decisions of the Board of Appeals are enforced by the building inspector and, through him, by the Selectmen and their agents. The Board itself has no power or responsibility to enforce its own acts.
Set forth below is a summary of the decisions of the Board.
March 24, 1953
Application of Harold T. Ashworth for a variance
71
ZONING APPEALS
to permit the construction of a building 27 feet from the line of way, denied.
Permission granted to Norman Brisson to sell nursery products such as bulbs, peat moss, spray materials, fenc- ing etc. Permission to sell garden tools or hand or motor propelled equipment denied.
Permission granted to William R. Pearmain for a var- iance to permit the construction of a building on land on Medina Road.
May 12, 1953
Permission granted to Norman Brisson for a temporary permit to store landscaping and construction equipment in a one story shelter in gravel pit off North Great Road.
Application of Joseph Morrissey to keep dogs in a build- ing on Airport Access Road, denied.
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 the ponies be restricted to her property and not to exceed three in number.
Permission granted to John C. and James J. Canella for continuation of an extension of a non-conforming use subject to restrictions set forth by the Board of Appeals and on file at the office of the Town Clerk.
May 21, 1953
Application of James A. Carrig for permission to use a building on his property on North Great Road for a temporary office, denied.
June 30, 1953
Application of Joseph Hurd for a variance to permit alterations to a building on Lincoln Road, denied.
72
PUBLIC WORKS
Permission granted to St. Anne's Church for a variance to allow alterations to the church on Concord Road.
Permission granted to Walter Barthel and Raytheon Mfg. Co. to erect a pole on property on Virginia Road.
September 21, 1953
Permission granted to Walter J. Morette for a variance to permit construction of a building on land on Virginia Road.
Application of Gill Wyner Co., Inc. for permission to remove loam from the property of Joseph Morrissey on Airport Road, denied.
November 16, 1953
Permission granted to Mary E. Silva for a variance to permit the construction of dwellings on two lots of land on North Great Road.
Permission granted to Bob Bernson for a variance to permit the construction of a dwelling on land on Weston Road.
Permission granted to Townsend and Barbara Horner for a variance to permit the construction of an addition to garage on Sandy Pond Road.
Respectfully submitted,
ELLIOTT V. GRABILL, Chairman JAMES DeNORMANDIE, Secretary HENRY B. HOOVER CHARLES K. FITTS THOMAS B. ADAMS Board of Appeals
73
WATER COMMISSIONERS
Report of Water Commissioners
Twenty-two meetings were held during the year.
Subdivisions
The Permain subdivision on Tabor Hill Road, formerly Medina Road, comprising 5 lots, and the Carrig sub- division on Morningside Lane and Sunnyside Lane, be- tween Bedford Road and Route 2A, comprising 48 lots, reecived attention of the Board in the way of conferences, inspections and resulting orders to the respective sub- dividers. Bonds are on file to protect the Town through one winter against defective pipe systems.
Harold W. Demone laid 600 ft. of 8 inch transite pipe at Oak Knoll Road off Route 2, in accordance with Water Works regulations.
Stratford Realty Company, Harold Adler, President, commenced installing a water system under Water Board regulations, in a subdivision off Trapelo Road, on part of the former Pollard Estate. 2,200 feet of 8 inch transite pipe, including hydrants, valves, fittings, etc., has been laid.
In order to avoid a useless waste of time, the Board invites those planning subdivisions to meet in conference before starting.
Renewal of Main
In accordance with vote passed under Article 2 of Special Town Meeting held October 5, 1953, the Water Works borrowed $3,500 to lay 1,088 feet of 8 inch transite pipe, with necessary fittings, from Arnold's Corner to Hanlon Estate. This replaces two inch pipe. The Water Works supplied all but 200 feet of pipe which was pur- chased at $1.95 per foot. 10% of the contract price is being withheld to protect the Town through Spring against defects in installation.
74
PUBLIC WORKS
John Gilbert, Water Works Superintendent, inspected the installation of all the aforementioned pipe systems.
Injured Hydrants
Three hydrants were damaged by automobiles during the year and the Water Works collected the cost of repairing two. This is the custom when the damager is known. In spite of the help of the Police, the owner of the third car is yet unidentified.
Meters
About one hundred meters remain to be installed. Those installed are being read now, and will be read again in about six months. The July billing will be based on the results of those readings.
Chlorinating Apparatus
Water purification equipment was installed in the pumping station as directed by the State Department of Public Health, and as voted in Special Town Meeting of October 5, 1953.
Pitometer Survey Report
The scope of work made by the Pitometer Company was as follows:
A test of the pumps for efficiency and a measurement of the total consumption.
A division of the distribution system into two districts and a measurement of the flow into these districts over a twenty-four hour period.
Further investigation in both districts for the purpose of locating all underground leaks of the mains and services.
The preparation of a map showing Pitometer District boundaries and gauging points.
The preparation of charts showing the variation of flow into each district.
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WATER COMMISSIONERS
As a result of the Pitometer Water Waste Survey it has been definitely proved that underground leakage was practically nil in the Lincoln Water System. Con- trary to what was expected at the start of the Survey, the system was found to be in exceptionally good condi- tion in this respect. The Survey did find, however, that there were several cases of excessive waste and these cases have been noted. As is to be expected in an un- metered system a large percentage of the water supplied to the system goes to waste. The Town of Lincoln has already taken the best method to prevent this waste and that is to meter the entire system.
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