USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report for the town of Duxbury for the year ending 1956-1960 > Part 18
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At these meetings it was proposed that taxes on Railroad property be abated by the cities and towns concerned, that parking areas at stations be maintained at town and city expense, that passenger fares be increased, and that the assess- ment be reduced on that part of the South Station used for rail service.
The South Shore Transportation Committee felt we may continue to have rail service if this program was carried out.
Respectfully submitted:
JAMES H. W. JENNER, Chairman EDWARD L. BUTLER THEODORE M. CHASE JAMES HOLT CLARENCE W. WALKER
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REPORT OF THE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING March 9, 1957
The meeting was called to order at 1 P.M. by the Modera- tor, Bartlett B. Bradley.
A quorum being in attendance, the meeting was declared in order.
An invocation was given by Rev. John William Estes, Jr.
The Town Clerk read the call for the meeting and the return of service thereof.
It was voted to dispense with the reading of the warrant.
The tellers, Mary S. Crocker, Eunice B. Dohoney, Eileen Jones, Harry McNaught, Alice Merry, Roy F. Moody, Phyllis Randall, Gilbert F. Redlon, and Frank H. Williams, were sworn in by the Town Clerk.
There being no objection the Moderator declared that, as has been the practice, proponents of any article in the Warrant shall be given opportunity to speak on the question before the article may be tabled, and that he would read each article as the meeting progressed and would not repeat the motions unless requested to do so.
Under Article 1, it was voted that the appointment of neces- sary officers not chosen by ballot be left in the hands of the Selectmen.
Under Article 2, it was voted that the reports of the various Town Officers and Committees be accepted as printed in the Town Report.
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At this time Mr. Waghorne, Chairman of the Finance Committee, was recognized by the Chair, and, after introduc- ing the members of his Committee, made the following supple- mentary report:
SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
In late years it has been the custom of the Finance Com- mittee to request the privilege of submitting to the voters, at the Annual Town Meeting, a verbal Supplementary Report. This gives us the opportunity of stating briefly our views, recom- mendations and forecasts right up to the hour of the Meeting.
We had to provide final copy for the Warrant about three weeks ago. At that time, many figures were not available for the Special Articles and some of the Budgets were still being altered. We do not use the words "Recommendation at Town Meeting" unless necessary.
Since our first meeting on October 5th we have met 21 times, on two occasions for the better part of a full day. I think we have a very serious minded committee and certainly the members have been most regular on their attendance. In addition to meetings of the full group, individuals and sub-com- mittees have interviewed department heads and attended other committee meetings. We have tried to look at things from all angles.
It is not a function of the Finance Committee to actively debate the issues before you. A fair assumption is that we have heard all the arguments pro and con, consequently, we will in general give you only our own conclusions and some of the basic reasons for them.
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I have been told that some voters are missing today be- cause they thought the Warrant contained no controversial articles. If they are right it would be unusual and probably undesirable, but, controversial or not, the Town should realize that this is the first of a series of annual Town Meetings which will have a tremendous impact on the future trend of Duxbury both as to its development and its finances.
In years gone by we have worried about a $2.00 or $3.00 increase in the tax rate. The present rate of increase in the item Support of Schools together with Interest, Amortization and Maintenance in connection with a probable new High School could, even with allowance for increased assessed valu- ations, within 3 years add $12.00-$14.00 to our tax rate. When we add to this the constant added costs in nearly every Town department plus the probability of further Water De- partmental capital expenditures, and even modest improvement to our physical plant we come up with a staggering estimate of the tax load which real estate must bear. Consequently, even to the point of being considered niggardly we have tried to reach an agreement on a minimum practical figure on all matters before you today. Please keep this forecast in mind when voting.
We propose a figure of $10,000, for the Reserve Fund from which the Finance Committee may in cases of "Extra- ordinary and unforeseen" expenses transfer money to Town departments. It is our practice to do this only when the request comes before the money is expended or committed and only when it is certain that remaining Budget funds are inadequate. This $10,000 comes from the Overlay Reserve Fund which in turn accumulates funds each year from the Overlay which is the annual amount by which money raised by the assessors is in excess of actual appropriations and charges. Expenditures from the Reserve Fund do not directly affect the tax rate.
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Much publicity has been given to increased income re- ceived this year by towns and cities from State funds. As far as Duxbury is concerned here is the picture :- The excess of receipts over payments applicable to the determination of 1957 tax exceeds last years excess by approximately $22,500 which has a favorable influence of about $2.00 on the new tax rate. One bright spot in the overall picture!
In order to effect some improvements in Town procedure between now and the next Annual Town Meeting we make the following recommendations and request that the Selectmen or proper Board give them prompt consideration :-
First - To the two suggestions made by us at the last Annual Town Meeting.
a. The unification of all Town sponsored Recreational activities under one committee and one Budget.
b. To the establishment in this Town of a civic group or committees to study and guide the growth of desireable industry in the Town as a contributing factor towards lower taxes and more jobs.
Second - To so modify present procedure that complete data may reach the Finance Committee at least 6 weeks before Town Meeting.
Third - To provide the Finance Committee at the earliest possible date all work sheets, comparative figures and data bearing on the preceding and current tax year so that the Com- mittee may hereafter intelligently compute the approximate tax rate before funds are voted.
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Fourth - To request the Personnel Board to review the salaries paid the Assessors in terms of the importance of the office and time spent, and in the hope that they may, in the future, be more adequately compensated.
To expedite matters I will originate the motions which, of course, may be amended from the floor. Each motion will be, at the suggestion of the Moderator, in the positive, whether the Finance Committee agrees or not. If we are favorable to the motion, we will, in cases where we think there may be opposition, state briefly our reasons for arriving at the budget figure or supporting the Special Article. If we are opposed, we will so state and ask to be recognized, first giving the pro- ponents an opportunity to state their views.
You will notice that several of the Budget totals are very slightly higher than the figures printed in the warrant. In nearly every case this is due to a last minute inclusion at the request of the Personnel Board, and as required by Town By-Law, of some allowance to take care of step rate pay increases should Town employees so qualify during 1957. I will not take the time to make further reference or explanation of these differ- ences, as the budgets are acted upon, unless requested to do so.
We are indebted to the Assessors for giving us this very latest estimate regarding our probable 1957 tax rate. If the Town votes as recommended by the Finance Committee, the new tax rate will be, as near as can be now estimated, $61.20 which represents an increase of $8.20. For each $12,000 variation up or down from the total, you will raise or lower this rate by approximately $1.00.
In closing I would like to suggest how fortunate we should consider ourselves in having in our Town such a splendid group of Town Officers, Department heads and employees. We have
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found every evidence of high intelligence, devotion to duty and a willingness to work long hours, all of which contributes greatly to the convenience, safety and pleasure of living in Duxbury.
The Finance Committee
A. CHARLES WAGHORNE, Chairman
RALPH H. OSBORN, Secretary
WINTHROP A. CLARKE
G. LINCOLN DOW, JR. ROGER N. HEYWOOD
IRVING H. LOCKE
STANLEY H. MERRY
THEODORE W. PAGE
EDWARD G. WADELL
Under Article 3, it was voted to fix the compensation of the elected Town Officers for the year as follows:
1-1 Moderator $
40.00
1-2-1 Selectmen -
Chairman
1,400.00
Second Member
512.50
Third Member
512.50
1-4-1 Town Treasurer
1,848.00
1-5-1 Town Collector
4,960.00
1-6-1
Assessors -
Chairman
1,400.00
Second Member
600.00
Third Member
600.00
1-8-1 Town Clerk
1,848.00
2-5-1 Tree Warden
1,900.00
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8-1-1 Water Commissioners - First Member 150.00 Second Member 150.00 Third Member 150.00
and raise and appropriate the sum of $16,071 for the same.
Under Article 4, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,464.00 for the several purposes specifically stated by the Moderator as follows:
3-3 Accounting, Out of State Travel $ 80.00
3-4 Finance Committee 50.00
11-2 Personnel Board 60.00
12 Historian
100.00
2-4 Hydrant Rental
550.00
2-5 Fire, Out of State Travel
300.00
8-1 Sealer of Weights and Measures
385.00
9-1 Bounties
10.00
2 Vital Statistics
15.00
3 Inspector of Animals
150.00
4 Inspector of Slaughtered Animals
25.00
8 Poison Ivy Control
200.00
7 Welfare, Out of State Travel
100.00
4-2 School, Out of State Travel
200.00
1-3 Water, Out of State Travel
100.00
2-4 Cemetery, Out of State Travel 75.00
3 Boomer Square 64.00
Continuing under Article 4, it was voted to raise and appropriate the following amounts for the following Town Departments :
2-2 Selectmen's Department $3,800.00
3-1 Accounting Department 4,530.00
4-2 Treasurer's Department 3,439.50
4-2 Town Collector's Department 4,472.60
6-2 Assessors' Department 5,474.00
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7 Law Department 2,500.00
8-2 Town Clerk's Department 1,412.50
9 Election and Registration
1,805.00
10 Planning Board
2,170.00
11-1 Appeal Board
905.00
13 Town Office and Buildings
7,670.00
1-2
Police Department
39,396.40
2-2 Fire Department
22,548.00
3-2 Insect Pest Control
4,510.00
4-2 Control Dutch Elm Disease
6,590.00
5-2 Tree Department
3,991.00
6-2 Forest Fire Department
4,356.00
7-1
Building Inspector
4,446.00
10-1 Shellfish Constable
2,797.00
11-2 Duxbury Beach Life Guard
700.00
1-1 Health Department
3,900.00
5-1 Town Dump
2,510.00
6 Mosquito Control
7,550.00
7 Greenhead Fly Control
1,500.00
1-2 Highway Department
41,980.00
2-1 Bridge Department
9,639.00
3 Snow and Ice Removal
26,000.00
4-1 Town Landings
2,539.00
6-1 Street Lights
6,400.00
8-1 Harbor Master
1,910.00
1 Welfare Department
64,437.50
6-2 Veterans' Benefits
13,680.00
1 Support of Schools
337,129.65
2 Public Use of School Facilities
1,200.00
3-1
Vocational and Americanization
1,704.00
4-3 Vocational Training Adult
610.00
6 Duxbury Free Library
8,000.00
2-1 Fire Insurance Schedule
3,850.00
2-2 Workmen's Compensation Insurance
6,000.00
2-3 Police and Fire Group Insurance 750.00
4-1 Parks and Playgrounds
2,855.00
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4-2 Tarkiln Recreation Youth Center 1,500.00
(Before the final vote on the Tarkiln Recrea- tion Youth Center, an amendment was made that the amount be reduced to $800., but after an explanation of the needs of the Center, the amendment was withdrawn.)
4-4 Old Town Hall Recreation Center 2,910.00
(The original motion under this item was for $2,010. An amendment to increase the amount to $2,910. was carried by a vote of 168 Yes, 149 No. The motion as amended was then voted.)
4-7 Train Field Floodlights 450.00
6-1 Unclassified 990.00
At this time a resolution was presented and adopted which read as follows:
RESOLUTION
That the Town of Duxbury accept the invitation from the Mayflower II Reception Committee to participate in the ceremonies being planned in connection with the arrival of Mayflower II, and that the Board of Selectmen be empowered to name a committee of Duxbury citizens to plan Duxbury's participation in this event.
6-2 Town Retirement 11,364.40
6-4 Print and deliver Town Reports 2,450.00
1-2 Water Department 39,061.00
2-2 Cemetery Department
18,296.00
1-1 Interest on Temporary Loans
150.00
1-2 Interest on Water Loans
2,020.75
1-3 Interest, General Debt 10,972.50
2-1 Sea Wall Notes 2,000.00
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2-2 Water Department (District) Notes 8,500.00
2-3 West Duxbury Water Extension 6,000.00
2-4 Elementary School Bonds 15,000.00
2-5 High School Wing Bonds 15,000.00
2-6 Elementary School Wing Bonds 15,000.00
Under Article 5, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $400.00 to be expended under the direction of the American Legion for the observance of Memorial Day.
Under Article 6, it was voted unanimously to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1957, and to issue a note or notes therefor, payable within one year, and to renew any note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year in accordance with Section 17, Chapter 44, General Laws.
Under Article 7, it was voted unanimously to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money from time to time between January 1, 1958 and the date of the 1958 Annual Town Meeting, in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year of 1958, and to issue a note or notes therefor, payable within one year, and to renew any note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year in accordance with Section 17, Chapter 44, General Laws.
Under Article 8, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $100.00 for the use of the Plymouth County Trustees for the County Aid to Agriculture, and appoint Mr. Malcolm Brock, Town Director as provided in Sections 41 and 45 of the Revised Chapter 128 of the General Laws.
Under Article 9, it was voted to apply the $953.35 dividend from the Plymouth County Dog Fund to the support of schools.
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Under Article 10, it was voted to appropriate to the Cemetery Department the sum of $240.00 now in the hands of the Town Treasurer.
Under Article 11, it was voted to appropriate the sum of $10,000.00 to the Reserve Fund from the Overlay Reserve Fund.
Under Article 12, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,000.00 to continue revision of the Assessors' Map.
Under Article 13, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,000.00, and transfer from unappropriated avail- able funds in the Treasury the sum of $2,000.00 for Chapter 90 Highway Maintenance.
Under Article 14, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $6,000.00 and transfer from unappropriated avail- able funds in the Treasury the sum of $18,000.00 for Chapter 90 Highway Construction.
Under Article 15, it was voted that the sum of $750.00 be raised and appropriated to be expended under the direction of American Legion Post No. 223, July 4th Duxbury Days Com- mittee, subject to the approval of the Selectmen and for ex- penses of the parade only.
Under Article 16, it was voted to appropriate from the Excess and Deficiency Account the sum of $40,000, to be used to reduce the tax rate. An amendment to change this amount from $40,000 to $60,000 was defeated.
Under Article 17, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $30,000 to be added to the Town's Stabilization Fund.
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Under Article 18, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,100.00 to purchase a sand spreader for the Highway Department.
Under Article 19, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,800.00 to purchase a truck chassis for the Highway Department.
Under Article 20, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $8,000.00 to continue the improvement of Temple Street and Winter Street.
Under Article 21, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,600.00 to replace the Tide Gates at Bluefish River and for competent engineering advice regarding same; said gates not to be replaced as now constructed if engineering opinion indicates the present design to be defective, outmoded or such as to cause the Town continuing high operating and maintenance costs. An amendment was made, seconded, and voted favorably to the effect that if the cost exceeds $1,600 that the Selectmen may accept funds for this purpose from the abuttors.
e
Under Article 22, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $400.00 for the installation of street lights on Depot Street and Bay View Road at locations to be determined by the Selectmen.
Under Article 23, it was voted that the Town accept from Charles R. Crocker, Agent, the sum of $100.00 to be held in trust and to be known as the George Chandler Flower Fund; the interest thereon to be expended for flowers to be placed at the monument of George and Sarah Chandler on Lot 169, Mayflower Cemetery, on May thirtieth each year, and any surplus interest to be used for the care of said Lot 169.
to
P fc T
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Under Article 24, it was voted to accept from the Duxbury Rural and Historical Society the sum of $10.00 to be expended on the improvement of the Standish Cellar Lot.
At this time a Resolution was presented and adopted, which read as follows:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS the Myles Standish Cellar Lot is of significant historical importance to our Town; and
WHEREAS the Myles Standish Cellar Lot is dear to our citizens;
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED:
It is the wish of this Meeting that its endorsement be given to the Appeal of the Myles Standish Cellar Lot Committee, which seeks to raise funds for the lot's perpetual care.
Under Article 25, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,000.00 for the improvement of the Standish Cellar Lot and instruct the Park Supervisors to proceed im- mediately to establish the boundaries of the lot, clear the way to the Myles Standish Spring, fertilize and mow the lot, and erect a memorial sign.
Under Article 26, it was voted to authorize the Selectmen to grant an easement to the Plymouth County Electric Com- pany and the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for Pole Locations and Wire Crossing Rights on and over Town property at Mattakeesett Court, Lot 140, Block S, shown on the Assessors' Map on file in the Town Office, providing
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electric and telephone service to the Parking Area and Town Pier.
Under Article 27, it was voted to return to the Treasury the following unexpended appropriation balances:
Fire Department Rescue Boat
$ 135.39
Ch. 90 Construction, 1955
2.61
1956 Ch. 90 Maintenance
22.23
Howland's Landing Road
15.26
Highway Tractor Mower
.30
Alden Street Curve Reduction
193.38
Bay View Road, Construction
4.65
Indian Trail, Storm Sewers
497.33
Resurface Temple, Winter, Bow
14.56
Elementary School New Wing
7,700.00
Elementary School Building Comm.
141.90
Little League Bleachers
52.00
75' Baseball Diamond
25.66
Town Clock, Electrification
20.00
Storm Sewer, Bay Avenue
750.00
Total
$9,575.27
(An amendment to remove from the above list the $52.00 for Little League Bleachers was defeated.)
Under Article 28, it was voted to instruct the Selectmen to appoint a Committee of five, to study the boat mooring basin and to develop a plan for its improvement together with cost estimates; and to raise and appropriate the sum of $200.00 to defray any necessary expenses for engineering advice and
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sketch; said plan to provide the following improvements to meet the needs of the present and the foreseeable future:
1. Sufficient, safe, mooring space for all resident boat owners.
2. Adequate shelter from south and southeast winds and the resulting seas.
3. Adequate parking space for persons using the basin.
4. An adequate channel to connect with the main Dux- bury Bay Channel (now marked by Federal Govern- ment Buoys. )
5. Wharves and floats of adequate size and so located as to be readily accessible from the parking areas.
6. A safe float swimming area easily accessible from the parking area but separated from the boating area.
7. A disposal area for materials dredged from the moor- ing basin, so located that low cost dredging methods may be used.
Under Article 29, it was voted that the Town will assume liability in the manner provided by Section 29 of Chapter 91 of the General Laws, as amended by Chapters 516 and 524, Acts of 1950, for all damages that may be incurred by work to be performed by the Department of Public Works of Mas- sachusetts for the improvement, development, maintenance and protection of tidal and non-tidal rivers and streams, harbors, tidewaters, foreshores and shores along a public beach outside of Boston Harbor, including the Merrimack and Connecticut Rivers, in accordance with Section 11 of Chapter 91 of the General Laws, and authorize the Selectmen to execute and deliver a bond of indemnity therefor to the Commonwealth.
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Under Article 30, it was voted to return to Water Surplus the following unexpended appropriation balances:
Lake Shore Drive, Water Source $ 1,500.00 Water Main Extension (for developments under Planning Board) 10,000.00
Tremont Street Extensions, 1953 429.85
Tremont and Elm Streets, 1946 1,660.48
Alden Street - 1952 - Water
1,710.47
$15,300.80
Under Article 31, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $300.00 for the Duxbury Pony League for 1957, with the recommendation that this group in the future become self-supporting.
Under Article 32, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $500.00 for the purpose of constructing a Little League baseball diamond to be located in the area designated by the Selectmen in the general vicinity of the present Little League diamond.
Under Article 33, it was voted to gratefully accept certain sums of money granted to the Town of Duxbury under the terms of the Will of Benjamin M. Feinberg, and authorize the Board of Selectmen and the Town Treasurer to receive the said sum or sums in trust for the purpose provided by Clause 23 of the Will of Benjamin M. Feinberg, which reads as follows:
"23. I give and bequeath to the Inhabitants of the Town of Duxbury, Massachusetts, for educational purposes, the sum of Fifteen Hundred ($1,500.00) Dollars. Said sum shall be held in Trust by the Town of Duxbury and the Principal thereof shall be invested so that the members of the School Committee of said Town may make an annual
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award to a member of each year's graduating class of the High School, who intends to pursue his or her education further, either in a college, university, trade school, or other institution of higher learning. It is my desire that preference be given to a student who may be in need of financial assistance. The amount of such award shall be determined by the Trustees and shall be paid out of the annual income or out of the undistributed income of this Fund.
"25. It is my hope that my descendants may add to one or more of the Funds created under Paragraphs No. 22, 23 and 24 of this instrument. For purposes of Paragraphs No. 22, 23, and 24 hereof, the term 'annual income' shall be the 'net income', as herein defined, for the 'fiscal year' of the Fund which ends prior to the date of graduation for which such award is to be made. The term 'Net Income' as herein used shall include income received from all sources, other than gains from sales or exchanges of property, held by such Fund, after deducting all expenses properly chargeable against Income. Any gains or losses from sales or exchanges of property held by such Fund shall be re- garded as an addition to or as a charge against Principal. The fiscal year of such Fund shall be the twelve month period commencing with the first day of the month in which such Fund shall be created."
Under Article 34, it was voted to amend the Protective By-Law in the following particulars:
(a) By extending the business district in that part of Dux- bury called Island Creek to include therein those two certain parcels of land adjoining said business district and shown as Lots K 64 B and K 51 A 3 on the Assessors' Map of Duxbury, said lots being on the northerly side of Tremont Street (Route 3-A); and
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by changing and amending accordingly the Map en- titled "Map of the Town of Duxbury, Massachusetts, to Accompany Protective By-Law", dated January 1944; and by amending Section 2, of said Protective By-Law by adding as the final sentence of said Sec- tion 2, the following:
"Said Protective By-Law map shall be changed and amended to reflect any changes in the boundaries of said business districts," and
(b) By amending Paragraph 8 of Section 4 of said Pro- tective By-Law by adding as the final sentence of said Paragraph 8 the following:
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