USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Lincoln > Town Report on Lincoln 1956-1959 > Part 45
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The debt ratio like the debt limit represents the relationship between out- standing debt and assessed valuations. Lincoln's ratio on October 1, 1957, after the major borrowing, was 13% based on direct debt, and 20% including the pro- portionate share of the debt of the Regional School. The debt ratio is sometimes expressed net of state aid on capital account, i.e. excluding that debt which the
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state will repay when due (even though the town or the regional school district pays interest on it until it is due). This ratio for Lincoln is 8.7%.
All these figures are high. The ratio of 13 percent can be compared with similar ratios for 312 towns on October 1, 1956 (compiled by Tyler and Co.) and is higher than all but 28. Those of the 28 towns which have bond issues to support high schools should have their ratios compared not with Lincoln's 13 of course, but with the 20. The comparison is not a fine one because of the differ- ence in year, on the one hand, and the possibility, on the other, that Lincoln's assessments are lower than those of other towns.
Lincoln's per capita debt, based on an estimated population of 3,070 for 1957, is $325 for the direct debt before and $213 after state aid. Including the proportionate share of the regional school district obligations, it is $494 before state aid and $303 after. The per capita debt has the advantage of eliminating differences in the relation of assessed valuations to market. The Lincoln figure of $494 including its share of the overlapping debt, is higher than any direct debt in the state on October 1, 1956, and higher than any figure calculated by adding a proportionate share of a regional school debt in the summer of 1956 to the di- rect debt on October 1, 1956. Borrowing since October 1, 1956 has produced a higher figure in at least one neighboring town, and prospective borrowing in another is likely to do likewise.
Bond traders emphasize that the indications furnished by debt ratios and debt per capita are not the final test of a community's credit, either in the for- mation of its Moody rating, or in the market valuation which may differ. Some towns with excellent ratios have bonds that sell poorly, and below their rated levels. Lincoln's bonds have, up to the present, sold for yields which are lower than its class of A would indicate. The investing community which for Massa- chusetts towns is limited for the most part to Boston, Worcester and Springfield, has a "feel" for the bonds of separate communities.
These market opinions, however, are not impervious to continuous increases in debt. Bond traders suggest that debt ratios below 15 percent before state aid, or per capita debts below $300 occasion no concern to the market, while a debt ratio of more than 20 percent or a per capita debt above $400 requires explana- tion. If the community is believed to be prosperous and stable, the explanation may be accepted, and its credit rating maintained. If growth in assessed valua- tion keeps up with the expansion in debt, credit ratings can also be held up. But continuous expansion of debt without an expansion of the tax base has its limits.
The Long-Term Capital Requirements Committee has no action to propose with respect to the debt of the town, nor is it willing on this account to modify its existing recommendations. It is persuaded, however, that as its debt service ap- proaches $100,000 annually, the Town must give careful consideration to any addi- tional proposals for capital expenditure. For reasons of maintaining our credit standing, it is useful to delay needed expenditures where possible to enable annual amortization to reduce outstanding obligations, and above all to avoid all capital expenditure which is not absolutely necessary.
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Respectfully submitted, Long-Term Capital Requirements Committee
William M. Rand, Chairman
Maurice E. Shank
Elliott V. Grabill for the Selectmen
Everett A. Black for the Planning Board
C. P. Kindleberger, Clerk
William N. Page for the Finance Committee
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Annual Report Lincoln Massachusetts 1959
THE COVER
The spirit of our past and future heritage, created by Foster Nystrom of De Cordova Museum.
CONTENTS
TOWN CALENDAR
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Board of Selectmen
5
Officers and Committees .
19
Town Clerk
29
Licenses
61
FINANCE
Auditors
62
Treasurer ·
63
Accounting Officer
67
Collector of Taxes
91
Board of Assessors
92
PROTECTION OF LIVES AND PROPERTY
Police Department
94
Fire Department
95
Civil Defense Agency
96
Tree Warden
97
HEALTH AND WELFARE
Board of Health
98
Nursing Committee
101
Inspector of Animals
102
Mosquito Control
103
Board of Public Welfare
105
PLANNING AND PUBLIC WORKS
Planning Board
106
Board of Appeals
113
Building Code Board of
Appeals 115
Highway Department
115
Inspectors
116
Water Commissioners
117
Long Term Capital Requirements Committee
118
Cemetery Commissioners
118
Conservation Commission
121
·
·
Lincoln Land Conservation Trust 121 Historic Sites Committee 123 Landscape Committee 126
School Building Needs Committee 127
Hartwell School Building Committee
128
SCHOOLS, LIBRARY AND RECREATION
Library Trustees
129
Library Addition Building Committee 136
Bemis Fund Trustees
136
Recreation Committee ·
137
DeCordova and Dana Museum and Park
139
Lincoln Scholarship Trust Fund
147
Elementary Schools
150
Regional School
167
STATISTICAL INFORMATION
Vital Statistics
182
Valuation List
187
Trust Funds
. 212
WARRANT FOR 1960
222
.
.
.
.
Report
of the Officers and Committees of the
Town of Lincoln
59 ? FOR THE YEAR 1960
016
LINCOLN, MASSACHUSETTS
Town Calendar
SELECTMEN -- Every Monday of each month, 7:30 P. M. at the town Hall, CLearwater 9-8850
SCHOOL COMMITTEE -- Third Monday of each month, 8:00 P.M. at the Charles Sumner Smith School, Clearwater 9-9400
BOARD OF ASSESSORS -- First Wednesday of each month, 8 P. M. at the Town Hall, CLearwater 9-8850
WATER COMMISSIONERS -- Meetings by appointment
BOARD OF HEALTH -- Meetings by appointment; call Dr. Gordon Donaldson, Clearwater 9-8192
BOARD OF APPEALS -- Meetings by appointment; call Town Hall, Clearwater 9-8850
PLANNING BOARD -- Second Wednesday of each month, 8 P.M. at the Town Hall, CLearwater 9-8850
Population -- 3,500 in 1960 (Estimated)
Town Area -- 8,572 acres
1959 Tax Rate -- $83.00 per $1,000 valuation
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING -- First Monday in March after the fifteenth - March 21, 1960
ANNUAL ELECTION OF TOWN OFFICERS - Saturday following Town Meeting - March 26, 1960
Qualifications for Registration - Twelve months continuous residence in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts prior to March 21, 1960, and six months continuous residence in the Town of Lincoln prior to March 21, 1960
Town Office -- Open Monday through Friday 8:30 A. M. to 5 P. M. Closed on Saturdays
General Government
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Warren F. Flint Elliott V. Grabill Charles K. Fitts, Chairman
Administration
As we reflect the growth and changes in Lincoln during the past decade, it becomes more apparent that ad- ministrative Boards and Committees responsible for the policies and general management of the various operating departments will require the utmost application of effort and co-ordination.
In 1952 the Selectmen reported to the Town as follows :
"Most of the Town Officers and Committees are serving on a part-time basis. They are busy earning a living and taking care of their own affairs, but give their efforts and as much time as possible to the Town be- cause they believe in this type of local government. Salaries, if any, cover out- of-pocket expenses. The Selectmen believe that this system should be continued but fully recognize that increased population and appropriations have multiplied the work to the point that not everything is being done, or can be expected to be done, as well or as economically as it should be. It must be added that except for the highly capable and tireless assistance of Mrs. Causer and Mr. Davis, the situation would have required attention long ago. Under a special article the Town will be asked to appropriate funds for the employment of a full-time man who might be termed Assistant to the Selectmen. It is contemplated that he will meet with the Selectmen and other Boards on request, do preliminary assigned work for them, co-ordi- nate purchasing and the use of Town Equip- ment, and be available for consultation on the day-to-day emergencies that arise. This
5
SELECTMEN
is not a position as Town Manager, for he would have only such duties as are delegated to him from time to time by the Town Officers who would continue to have full authority and to be fully responsible."
As a result of such thinking, the position of Admin- istrative Assistant was established by vote of the Town Meeting in March of 1953. In less than three years, this position was abandoned for numerous reasons that are un- important to enumerate here.
On March 26, 1956, Mrs. Elizabeth Causer was appointed as Executive Secretary of the Selectmen and has served fully and efficiently since that time. However, on May 4, 1957, she was also appointed to the position of Accounting Officer. As the Town has grown, these duties, coupled with her duties as Director of Public Welfare, have become onerous, and it is clearly unrealistic to expect that Mrs. Causer can continue or be expected to carry on all three positions.
As the last four years have developed, it has become increasingly clear to the Selectmen that the Town must have some further help if all the duties of this office are to be carried out. For the past four years, the Selectmen have had official meetings every Monday evening rather than two a month in accordance with the previous schedule. Be- yond these meetings, many conferences are held with various state and government agencies effecting the internal af- fairs of Lincoln, and there are frequent conferences and meetings within the Town in order to deal with the numerous problems as they arise.
If we are to maintain our present form of Town govern- ment which is based upon government and policy decisions by elected and appointed Town boards and committees con- sisting of public-spirited citizens, it seems clear that added help must be acquired by the Selectmen in order to assign preliminary representative authority in areas re- quiring immediate attention. In other words, we feel that it is not only important but necessary that a repre- sentative of the Selectmen be present in Town at stated periods each week.
In the 1960 budget the majority of the board is recommending that the sum of $2,000.00 be appropriated for
6
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
the office of Executive Officer. In our opinion the per- son most qualified to fill this office is Warren Flint.
Regular scheduled hours, equivalent to two full days a week, will be established and made known to the Town so that the various problems arising within the Town may be handled without delay. Such a position would not only serve the various boards and officers requiring action at this level, but would also serve the citizens who may need immediate advice and assistance.
Mr. Flint's contribution to the Town, as Selectman, is a valuable one and we have complete confidence in his ability to perform the added duties outlined above.
Town Hall
Further progress in restoring the Town Hall was made during the past year. Painting of the lower hall was completed, leaving the upper hall as the one remaining area to be done.
Expanded use of the offices by the various boards and committees made it advisable to use office space, temporarily available, at the Fire Station for Mr. Davis, our Clerk and Collector. The Board of Assessors and Planning Board now occupy individual space at the Town Hall.
The problem of overheating one section of office space to receive a degree of comfort in another has re- sulted in the installation of two heating zones with auto- matic valves to control distribution. Although this appears as part of our 1960 budget, the selectmen felt it necessary to proceed with this work without delay in view of the unhealthy conditions existing prior to this change.
The 1960 budget reflects completion of interior painting and needed exterior repairs to the window flash- ings on the southwest wall.
We wish to express our gratitude to the Garden Club for their planning and the contribution they have made in planting the approaches to the Town Hall.
7
SELECTMEN
Public Safety - Fire
A review of the activities of the Fire Department during 1959 indicates an alert understanding, within the department, regarding the constant demands placed upon this call force of thirty officers and men. Training of all personnel was given during a five week period, in July and August, under the competent direction of Chief Thomas Tombeno of Concord. Further efficiency and con- tinued interest has been engendered by many meetings held at the Fire Station throughout the past year.
Installation of the electronic fire alarm transmitter and relay equipment was completed in October and automatic tie-ins to this system now include the Library, Hartwell School and St. Joseph's Church. The DeCordova Museum and Storrow House are scheduled to be included shortly.
In last year's report to the Town the Selectmen in- dicated the advisability of converting the rented property in North Lincoln to quarters suitable for dormitory use as a means of adding stand-by personnel when needed. Esti- mates from preliminary plans made such a move seem practi- cal. More detailed plans were drawn up and presented to several contractors for bid purposes. The resulting fig- ures made moving in this direction impractical, both from a point of view of the Town and the owner. In order to preserve a degree of safety, the new heating system will be installed in 1960 and further moves in final commitments in this area will depend on the future effects of the Historic Park and Route 2, as planning goes forward.
In 1946, the Town purchased two commercial pumpers at a cost of $6,250.00 each. Due to the shattering of the pump on the North Lincoln truck in 1957, this piece was converted and a new 500 gallon pump was installed at that time. Effective use of this equipment is envisioned for the next five years. The other truck, stationed at head- quarters, is in need of major repair and estimates indicate a possible outlay of $4,000 to $5,000 would be needed to make this piece in any way dependable. Even with this outlay, the maximum service span is uncertain. It is recommended that this apparatus be replaced at once. An
all purpose truck with adequate power and weight to carry 500 gallons of water and necessary equipment is now re- ceiving our attention. Detailed information will be pre- sented at the 1960 Town Meeting.
8
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
In order to establish a Fire Department under the direction of a chief, certain sections of Chapter 48 of the General Laws must be voted by the Town. We are re- questing town counsel to prepare these articles for action at the annual Town Meeting.
Andrew Dougherty's resignation, as required by law, became effective January 9th, 1959, and we will miss his unfailing response to duty. This vacancy was filled by William Dean, who, with the other officers and firemen, is to be commended for a job well done.
Public Safety - Police
Law enforcement has many facets related to the pro- tection of persons and property. Immediate detection and apprehension of persons committed to crime within our borders has been a deterent to such activities.
The Selectmen are responsible for all policies estab- lished to effectively cope with administrative authority in the hands of Chief Algeo. It may seem to many that insufficient attention is being given the subject of traffic enforcement. The fact of the matter is that in 1956 the Selectmen, after conference with the Chief, agreed to a policy of warning for the first offense and Registry action or court action for all second offenses, depending upon the violation.
Knowledge of these violations through other means is automatically filed with the Registry, except where the case merits action by the District Court. These would include driving under the influence and driving to en- danger.
We feel that our present policy is fair and with such, the town is in a position to act, without influence, agains all persons who continue to abuse the traffic laws. A review of this policy will be made in the coming year in order to re-appraise its operational effectiveness.
A highly technical problem relating to an F. C. C. ruling effecting transmission of police and general govern- ment communication is under study at this time. Certain decisions must be made prior to August 3rd, 1960. In view of this, the selectmen have added $1,500.00 to the
9
SELECTMEN
communications expense budget which, we feel, will take care of any changes required as of that date. The 1960 budget also reflects additional funds in the special police account for the purpose of expanding our traffic enforcement duty combined with extension of night patrol service.
There will be an article placed in the warrant recom- mending the replacement of the police cruiser including radio equipment compatible with any communications system change.
Our appreciation for the efforts of Chief Algeo, Sergeant MacInnis and officers of the department is hereby extended.
Public Safety - Road Network
We feel it important to comment on our road system as it relates to public safety.
The Town has received approval of speed zones cover- ing the entire road complex. The Selectmen have also been granted approval of their request to erect official stop signs on Silver Hill Road, Page Road, and Winter Street where they intersect Trapelo Road. Attested copies of these legal speed limits, with other pertinent data, will be filed with the justice of the District Court in Concord. Speed signs will be erected on the following roads in 1960 : Farrar, Morningside, Sunnyside, Weston and Silver Hill.
Approximately 90% of our children are transported to and from school by busses whose routes involve practically every road in Lincoln. It is essential that glaring points of danger, such as width, vision and radius, be corrected. We firmly believe this can be done without losing the characteristic rural atmosphere enjoyed by all of us. Most of this falls into the category of spot improvement. Our report to the Town on highways will cover suggested areas on which work should go forward without delay.
With the exception of Routes 2, 2A, 126 and 117, the Town must depend upon its own initiative and resources to maintain safe traffic flow on the following roads that carry most of the inter and intra-town flow: Lincoln, Bedford to Route 2, Sandy Pond, Lexington, Weston, Silver
10
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Hill, Old Sudbury, Baker Bridge, Codman, Conant, Page, Tower and Mill Street. We have omitted from this list Virginia Road due to its location in relation to the Historic Park. We have also deleted Old County Road pending further planning studies.
Highway Department
The major part of highway construction during the past year was concentrated on a few of the Town's most used roads. Old Sudbury Road, because of the laying of a new water main in 1959, required major re-construction. Silver Hill Road, because of its disrepair and dangerous corners, was widened and rebuilt. Lincoln Road, from the Smith School to the Center, was resurfaced with a mix-in-place.
The Town voted at the 1959 annual meeting to use Chapter 718 funds of $14,029. to rebuild Bedford Road from the Monks drive to the foot of the hill. This con- struction was put out on contract and has been completed. The Board feels that the road is much safer and that the drainage is greatly improved.
Farrar Road was rebuilt by the State with Federal funds, and is now an excellent road. Your Board spent many hours keeping this road to minimum standard of width in order to preserve the abutters' equity and to save as many trees as possible for the sake of beauty.
Reconstruction on Trapelo Road under Chapter 90 is now complete down to the Cambridge Reservoir.
Hearings on layouts of Silver Hill Road and that portion of Bedford Road improved under Chapter 718 funds have been held. A hearing on the layout of Library Lane will be held shortly so that all three can be properly acted upon at the annual meeting.
Roads resurfaced (seal coat) : Woodcock Lane Bedford Lane (2A to Virginia Road) Woods End Road Old Cambridge Turnpike
Chapter 90 construction: Trapelo Road (1200 feet; bituminous concrete) South Great Road (Concord end; 1600 feet; bituminous concrete)
11
SELECTMEN
Chapter 90 maintenance:
South Great Road (Weston end; 3700 feet; mix- in-place)
A spray program for poison ivy and roadside brush control was carried out on the majority of the Town's roads.
In September a mechanic was hired to service all Town equipment. It is the belief of the Board that this addition of a man in this area will both save the Town money and add greater efficiency in all the departments served.
There are many roads in Town where school busses travel regularly that are unsafe at any speed because of insufficient width. The Board intends at the March meeting to ask the Town to support a bond issue to supple- ment the Highway budget for the correction of major danger spots and other urgent construction. There follows a list of roads to be considered under the proposed bond issue :
Sandy Pond Road ( from corner at Pumping Station to site of old ice house)
Baker Bridge Road (from Sandy Pond Road to big stone) Old Sudbury Road Silver Hill Road Ballfield Road
Library Lane (road widening and drainage)
A drainage trunk line is under consideration for the South Lincoln business center and will be given priority in the near future along with rebuilding of the road.
It is clearly understood that the Town wishes to maintain as much beauty along its ways as possible. It is also well recognized that the Town looks with disfavor on Chapter 90 construction standards. It is the intent of the Board to do everything possible in its road re- construction to adhere to the wishes of the Town and at the same time maintain standards which allow safe travel? at reasonable speeds. Looking to the future, every effort will be made to develop the circumferential roads in an effort to keep the major portion of through traffic on the outskirts of the Town.
12
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Parks and Public Trees
The Selectmen and the School Committee have reviewed our present arrangement relative to the mowing and leaf removal of the Town's various properties. Acreage in- volved and the cost of capital equipment necessary to handle this program make it economically advantageous to continue our present contractual agreement.
Last year the oaks were affected by anthracnose and oak leaf minor. Emergency spraying was ordered by the Selectmen as a precautionary measure against permanent damage. Item #140 in the 1960 budget reflects a sum necessary to control this hazard and will be used only if deemed essential by the Tree Warden.
The Dutch Elm disease continues to take its toll of the public trees. A heavier concentration of spraying in areas that would be severely damaged by their loss, along with prompt removal of diseased trees, is scheduled for 1960. We are also including funds to be taken from free cash and made reimbursable to the town for removal of dis- eased elms on private property. Such removal would be made with the consent of the owner except where such dis- eased trees imperil the public elms, as defined by the statute.
The Landscape Committee is to be commended for their progress this year. A vital part of our future conserva- tion depends upon the efforts of this committee.
A drainage program around the Pierce House was started this year and extensive pruning and removal of dead trees was completed. Further work required will be pursued this coming year.
Effective planting of the Fire and Police Station grounds is included in the project for 1960.
In sections of the Town affected adversely by tree removal, we earnestly request the cooperation of property owners to permit entry for planting trees where such would enhance their uninterrupted growth.
Mr. Albert Brooks, our Tree Warden, deserves a great deal of credit for his competent handling of the Tree & Moth Department.
13
SELECTMEN
Historic Sites' Committee
Probably nothing has had a greater impact, both present and in the future, on the Town of Lincoln than that of what a year ago was the proposed Minuteman National Park. In order to understand and attempt to cope with all the problems emanating from this new development, the Selectmen appointed an Historic Sites Committee on March 31, 1959, to assist them in evaluating information and establish proper communication between the inhabitants of the affected area and the governmental agencies dealing with the proposed park.
Under the initial chairmanship of R. Langdon Wales and subsequently that of John McHugh, this committee, in the opinion of the Selectmen, has done an excellent job. It is filing its own report of its activities.
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