USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report for the town of Duxbury for the year ending 1956-1960 > Part 6
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The Finance Committee is also concerned with the infor- mation that Duxbury will again face serious building problems in 1959 or 1960. Conversations on this point brought out the fact that both Committees feel that it is time for Duxbury to have another evaluation of its schools, such as that pro- vided by the Harvard Graduate School of Education ten or eleven years ago.
This survey would evaluate all aspects of the school prob- lem in Duxbury - current curriculums, methods of teaching, teacher compensation, and current building suitability. All of this is done in the light of the town's ability to pay for educa- tion. The survey would also make recommendations for the future operation of the schools, including future building needs and possibilities of meeting these needs in joint efforts with other towns. The School Committee will definitely pre- sent to the town - at the next regular town meting - its re- quest for funds to have such a survey conducted. Time is needed to select the group best qualified to make the survey and to determine the costs.
The three points are summarized as follows:
1. A definite study will be made by a new committee on the problem of "merit" compensation plan for teachers in 1956, and recommendations will be made to the School Committee in time for its use in preparing its 1957 budget.
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2. The School Committee will definitely have an article in the warrant of the next regular town meeting, if not earlier, requesting funds for an outside survey of Dux- bury's current educational program, to include rec- ommendations for improving that program in the future.
3. This same survey will be specifically designed to study the problem of future school building needs, including a study of the possibility that educational or financial ends or both may be served by Duxbury joining in its efforts some other town or towns.
On the basis of complete agreement on plans for the future regarding the above three points, and also on the basis that public announcement of this agreement has been made to the town at this town meeting, the FINANCE COMMIT- TEE and the SCHOOL COMMITTEE of Duxbury JOINTLY RECOMMEND the School Department's 1956 budget request of $299,220.
For the Finance Committee WILLIAM A. SCHERFF, Chairman
For the School Committee MORRISON M. BUMP, Chairman
Support of Schools $299,220.00
It was voted unanimously to adopt the following resolu- tion presented by Mr. Francis W. Perry:
"WHEREAS: The report of the School Committee, as printed in the Annual Town Report, indicates the student growth at the High School level will necessitate the pro- vision of new facilities by the year 1959; and WHEREAS: There is indication that the neighboring
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Town of Marshfield coincidentally faces a similar prob- lem; and
WHEREAS: There exists the possibility that a Regional High School to serve both Towns might concievably offer a good solution to this mutual problem; therefore
RESOLVED: That it is the sense of this meeting that this possibility be explored.
Further RESOLVED: That the School Committee be in- structed, acting itself, by sub-committee, or through a committee of citizens appointed by it, to invite the School Committee of Marshfield and/or any other officially ap- pointed committee of that Town interested in the school housing problem to meet with it and thoroughly explore the possibilities of such a Regional High School as a solution to our mutual problem. And, that Committee be instructed to report its findings, in a manner it deems proper, to the Town as soon as practicable."
Still acting under Article 4, it was voted to raise and appro- priate the following amounts for the following Town Depart- ments:
Public Use of School Facilities
$1,200.00
Americanization and Vocational
2,131.68
Duxbury Free Library
7,000.00
Parks and Playgrounds
2,574.00
Unclassified
830.00
Workmen's Compensation Insurance
5,000.00
Town Retirement System
6,915.40
Printing and Delivering Town Rports
1,623.67
Town Hall Recreation Center
1,745.00
Fire Insurance Schedule
2,751.25
Group Accident Insurance
735.85
Floodlights - Train Field
400.00
Water, M. & O.
30,840.00
Water, Service Connections
7,000.00
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Cemetery Department
17,516.44
Elementary School Bonds
15,000.00
High School Wing Bonds
15,000.00
Sea Wall Notes
2,000.00
Elementary School Wing, Bonds
15,000.00
Interest
11,780.00
Water Dept. - Maturing Debt
9,500.00
Water Dept. - Interest
783.75
Under Article 5, it was voted to raise and appropriate $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, 1956, 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, 1957, and the date of the 1957 Annual Town Meeting, in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year of 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 8, it was voted to raise and appropriate $100.00 for the use of the Plymouth County Trustees for the County Aid to Agriculture, and Malcolm C. Brock was chosen as Town Director as provided in Sections 41 and 45 of the Revised Chapter 128 of the General Laws.
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Under Article 9, it was voted to apply the dividend of $691.38 from the Plymouth County Dog Fund to the support of schools.
Under Article 10, it was voted to appropriate to the Cem- etery Department the sum of $520.00 now in the hands of the Town Treasurer.
Under Article 11, it was voted to appropriate $10,000.00 to the Reserve Fund from the Overlay Reserve Fund.
Under Article 12, it was voted to raise and appropriate $1,000.00 to continue revision of the Assessors' Maps.
Under Article 13, it was voted to raise and appropriate $1,000.00, and transfer $2,000.00 from available funds now in the Treasury, for the Town's share of Chapter 90 Highway Maintenance.
Under Article 14, it was voted to raise and appropriate $6,000.00, and transfer $18,000.00 from available funds now in the Treasury, for the Town's share of Chapter 90 Highway Construction.
Under Article 15, it was voted to raise and appropriate $750.00 to be expended under the direction of American Le- gion Post No. 223, July 4th Duxbury Days Committee, subject to the approval of the Selectmen, and in connection with this year's parade only.
Under Article 16, it was voted to appropriate $80,000.00 from the Excess and Deficiency Account to be used to reduce the tax rate.
Under Article 17, it was voted to raise and appropriate $15,000.00 to be added to the Town Stabilization Fund.
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Under Article 18, it was voted to raise and appropriate $2,400.00 to purchase a sand spreader for the Highway De- partment.
Under Article 19, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,500.00 to be used to improve or reduce a curve on Alden Street.
Under Article 20, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,750.00 for the purpose of improving the road at Howland's Landing.
Under Article 21, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $8,000.00 for the purpose of improving Winter Street, Temple Street, and Autumn Avenue.
Under Article 22, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $125.00 for the purpose of maintaining the Tide Gates at Bluefish River.
Under Article 23, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $750.00 for the purpose of installing a storm sewer system from the Bay Avenue area to Cut River in the Town of Marshfield.
Under Article 24, it was voted to accept the Life Guard Tower and the equipment used by the Life Guard on Dux- bury Beach during the summer of 1955, which service was sponsored last year by the Duxbury Rotary Club.
Under Article 25, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $700.00 to provide Life Guard service on Duxbury Beach from June 30th through September 3rd, 1956.
Under Article 26, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $850.00 for the purpose of installing electrical striking mechanism for the Town Clock in the Pilgrim Church.
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Under Article 27, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $442.00 for the installation of Street Lights on Elm Street, Summer Street, and such other locations as designated by the Selectmen.
Under Article 28, which reads "To see what action the Town will take in regard to dredging the Basin", it was moved and seconded "that the Selectmen be instructed to proceed with the dredging of the basin and dispose of the waste ma- terial at sea by scows". An amendment to dredge and dispose of the waste material on land as originally contemplated by the Selectmen was defeated by a vote of 176 to 169. The orig- inal motion "that the Selectmen be instructed to proceed with the dredging of the basin and dispose of waste material at sea by scows" was then passed by a vote of 202 to 118.
Under Article 29, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,400.00 for the exchange of a Motor Vehicle for the Police Department.
Under Article 30, it was voted to return to the Treasury the following unexpended appropriation balances:
1955 Police Car
$215.68
Town Forest Improvements
27.84
Bluefish Tide Gate Search
42.00
Captain's Hill Road
186.97
Ch. 90 Highway Maintenance 1955
3.77
Highway Dump Truck
21.00
Highway Repairs for Water District
92.50
Longview Avenue
4.73
Oakwood Road Improvement
39.04
Pickup Truck for Highway
204.00
Pilgrim By-Way
113.08
Resurface Standish and Temple Streets 1.61
Resurface Temple and Winter Streets 6.13
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High School Stage Repairs
556.45
High School Stage Equipment 158.97
Eradication of Rag Weed
8.56
Island Creek Fish Ladders
179.70
Old Town Hall Remodeling
8,100.00
Total
$9,962.03
Under Article 31, it was voted unanimously to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,232.59 to pay any unpaid bills of 1955.
Under Article 32, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $450.00 to pay contributions to contributory retirement systems on account of members thereof in the military or naval service, as provided in Chapter 708 of the Acts of 1941 as amended.
Under Article 33, it was voted to accept the provisions of Chapter 332 of the Acts of 1955, an Act which adds Sections 42-G, 42-H, and 42-I to Chapter 40 of the General Laws and makes it possible to levy betterment assessments for the ex- tension of water mains, so that the property owners directly benefited may pay a proprotionate part of the cost, based either on street frontage, area to a fixed depth of way, valuation for the purposes of Taxation or any combination of all three.
Under Article 34, it was voted to appropriate the sum of $3,500.00 to be used for the purpose of making a complete survey by competent engineers of that part of the Town not now supplied with water, and the preparation of a master plan for future development with blue prints showing recommended extensions in the order of their importance, the sizes of mains, the capacity and location of additional storage requirements and the estimated costs in detail of the various recommenda- tions.
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At this time a testimonial was given to Mr. Charles R. Crocker on his retirement from the Board of Selectmen and Assessors. Mr. Philip Delano, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen and Assessors presented Mr. Crocker with a plaque inscribed: "Charles R. Crocker -- In Recognition of 29 Years Faithful Service to the Town of Duxbury. School Committee 1927-33. Selectman and Assessor 1933-56." Mr. Crocker was also delighted and deeply moved by Miss Isabelle Freeman's presentation of a book containing testimonials from town, county and state officials. Mr. Walter Prince, on behalf of several hundred of Mr. Crocker's friends, presented him with a TV set, after which Mr. Crocker received a standing ovation.
Under Article 35, it was voted unanimously 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 Massachusetts for the improvement, development, mainte- nance 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 Con- necticut 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 Common- wealth.
Under Article 36, it was voted unanimously to transfer the sum of $20,000.00 from the "West Duxbury Water Mains Ap- propriation," and to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen to borrow $46,000.00, and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor, payable in accordance with the provisions of Chap. 44 of the General Laws, so that the whole loan shall be paid in not more than twenty years from the date of the issue of the first bond or note; and that the Board of Water Commissioners be and hereby is authorized
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to expend such appropriation, or as much of it as needed, to install water mains and hydrants from the existing facilities on Oak Street, on Elm Street, Summer Street to the Tarkiln School, and 2600 feet on Chandler Street easterly from Sum- mer Street; the all being subject to the findings of the survey authorized under Article 34; or with the advance approval of the Survey Engineers.
Under Article 37, it was voted unanimously, in accordance with the provisions of Sec. 38A of Ch. 41 of the General Laws, that the Collector of Taxes shall act as Town Collector.
Under Article 38, it was voted to accept Ch. 670 of the Acts of 1955. This provides for increasing the retirement al- lowances of certain persons.
Under Article 39, it was voted that no action be taken on this article which reads "To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $450.00, for the purpose of provid- ing police protection at Duxbury Beach, easterly of Gurnet Road, during certain specified hours, said money to be ex- pended under the direction of the Police Department, or take any other action thereon."
Under Article 40, it was voted to accept as a gift, with a vote of thanks to Mr. Edwin M. Noyes, a quitclaim deed to Foote Shores Lots T and U in the subdivision of Lot 64 as shown on Block P. of the Assessors' Map.
Under Article 41, it was voted to accept the provisions of Section 11A of Chapter 85 of the General Laws, which pro- vides for the registration and regulation of the operation of bicycles in this Town.
Under Article 42, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $800.00 to repair, grade and asphalt the hard surfaced
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avenues in Mayflower Cemetery, the work to be done by the Highway Department. Any available balance to be used to extend the hard surface on Mayflower and Locust Avenues.
Under Article 43, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $75.00 for the purpose of re-purchasing Cemetery Lot No. 1365-A.
Under Article 44, which reads "Will the Town vote to install a water main from the intersection of Bay Road and Loring Street along the easterly side of Bay Road running south to the intersection of proposed Bay Farm Road a dis- tance of approximately 786 feet and appropriate a sum of money therefor", it was moved and seconded "that no action be taken under Article 44." An amendment made and duly seconded reading as follows: "That an eight (8) inch water main be installed extending from the junction of Bay Road and Loring Street southerly on Bay Road for a distance of about seven hundred and eighty-six (786) feet to the junction of Bay Road and a new road to be known as Bay Farm Road and that a hydrant be installed at this junction and that this work be done forthwith and that Thirty-Six Hundred ($3600) dollars be appropriated therefor and the petitioners, namely Chester L. Heckman and Percy L. Walker, shall pay such part of the cost of such main and the laying thereof as may be determined by the survey which is to take place pursuant to Article 34 of this meeting" was defeated. Th original motion to take "no action" then was passed.
Under Article 45, it was voted to authorize the Selectmen to negotiate a 99-year lease of the Partridge Academy lot with the Corner Stone Lodge A. F. and A. M., for the purpose of building a replica of the old Partridge Academy building, to be used as a Masonic Temple, and if at the end of two years no action has been taken, this authorization will become null and void.
- --
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Under Article 46, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $5,500.00 to acquire, either by purchase or by eminent domain, certain parcels of land containing a total of approximately eleven and one-half acres and situated on both sides of Lake Shore Drive, to be used as a source of water supply and the necessary protection thereof.
Under Article 47, it was voted unanimously to raise and appropriate the sum of $2.75 to pay unpaid bills of 1954.
Under Article 48, it was voted unanimously to transfer, on recommendation of the Finance Committee, the sum of $42,000. from the Elementary School Wing appropriation to an appropriation for the construction of a two-room addition to the Elementary School, and authorize a committee to pre- pare plans and specifications, receive bids, and construct said two-room addition to the Elementary School.
Under Article 49, it was voted unanimously to accept the following amendments and additions to the By-Law Covering the Classification of Personnel and the Administration of Stan- dard Rates of Salaries and Wages:
1. Change title of position listed in Grade 1, Schedule B to Junior Clerk.
2. Change title of position listed in Grade 2, Schedule B to Senior Clerk.
3. Add the position of Laborer, Water Department to be classified as Grade 11 Position in Schedule A.
4. Add the position of Foreman, Water Department to be classified as Grade 12 position in Schedule A.
5. Add the position of Superintendent, Water Depart- ment to be classified as Grade 11 position in Schedule B.
6. Add the position of Building Inspector to be classified as a Grade 12 position in Schedule B.
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7. Add the position of Fire Department Custodian to be classified as a Grade 6 position in Schedule B.
8. Change the classification of Tree Climber to a Grade 12 position in Schedule A.
Under Article 50, which reads "Will the Town vote to accept the following amendment to the By-Law, changing the present Classifications of Positions and Pay Schedule of the Police Department which is as follows:
Police Chief 3,655. 3,977. 4,300. 4,623. 4,945.
Patrolman 2,815. 3,016. 3,217. 3,418. 3,620.
Intermittent Patrolmen
(hourly) 1.12
1.20
1.28 1.36 1.45
to the following classifications and pay schedule:
Police Chief
4,500.
4,945. 5,200.
Sergeants
4,000. 4,200. 4,400.
Patrolmen
3,400. 3,620. 3,900.
Intermittents (hourly) 1.28 1.36 1.45
or take any action in relation thereto", it was explained that because of the form of this Article 50, no action could result from a vote on it. This was on advice of Town Counsel. The only positive action that could be taken was offered in the following motion: "That the Selectmen be authorized to es- tablish the position of Police Sergeant in the Duxbury Police Department". After being duly seconded, it was so voted.
Under Article 51, it was voted to amend the By-Laws by rescinding a portion of the Building Code and adopting By- Laws in place thereof and in addition thereto, as specifically set forth in a separate brochure which is hereby incorporated and made a part of this article, and raise and appropriate the sum of $100.00 to cover the cost of printing the revised "Code". (Yes 140; No 5)
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DUXBURY BUILDING CODE
Article I
SECTION 1-GENERAL PROVISIONS
The following provisions constituting a portion of the by- laws of the Town of Duxbury, Massachusetts, shall be known and may be cited as the Duxbury Building Code. It shall be so construed as to secure for the inhabitants of the town the beneficial interests and purposes thereof which are: public safety, health, and welfare through structural strength and stability, and reduction of fire hazard. It shall take effect immediately after it has been approved by the Attorney General of the Commonwealth and has been published or posted as required by law.
Article I SECTION 2-EXEMPTIONS AND NON-APPLICATION
No building, except one-story, wooden buildings less than 10 feet square which are not to be used as habitations, and ordinary outbuildings used in connection with a farm shall hereafter be constructed, structurally altered, remodeled, re- built, or removed, nor shall the plumbing or electrical wiring in a building be installed, materially altered, or removed unless the proposed work is in conformity with all by-laws of the Town of Duxbury, and a permit therefor has been obtained.
This by-law shall not apply to (A) buildings or structures owned by the United States or the Commonwealth of Massa- chusetts, (B) buildings for the construction of which a permit from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is required, (C) bridges, quays, and wharves. Ordinary repairs to structures or any appurtenances thereof, which do not affect the strength
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or fire risk or violate any requirements of the code may be made without application or permit or notice to the Inspector, but such repairs shall not include the cutting away of beams, or supports, or the removal, change or closing of any stairways or required means of exit or the construction or alteration of soil or waste pipe. If application is made for permit to alter, remodel or rebuild one component part of a building, nothing in this code shall require, under this application, the changing of unrelated component parts of the building to conform to the provisions of the code.
Article I
SECTION 3-VIOLATION
It shall be unlawful to occupy, or maintain any building which subsequent to the adoption of this by-law has been con- structed, structurally altered, remodeled or rebuilt in violation of any by-law of the Town of Duxbury, or a building which has been condemned by the Inspector of Buildings as unsafe.
Article I SECTION 4-VARIATIONS IN SPECIFIC CASES
The Board of Appeals may vary the provisions of this code in specific cases which appears to them to have been con- templated by this code or in cases where its enforcement would involve practical difficulties or unnecessary hardship, and wherein desirable relief may be granted without substantially derogating from the intent and purpose of this code, but not otherwise. The decision in such cases shall be unanimous and specify the variations allowed and the reasons therefor and such decision shall be filed in the office of the Inspector after the hearing and a certified copy shall be sent by mail or other- wise to the applicant for, or holder of, the permit.
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Article I SECTION 5-CONFLICT WITH OTHER BY-LAWS
Nothing in this by-law shall be construed as repealing or limiting the application of the Zoning By-Law or any other by-law of the town relating to the location or construction of buildings or other structures and when the provisions of this and another such by-law are both applicable, the more strin- gent provisions shall prevail; provided, however that when a person has obtained a permit under this by-law for the con- struction, alteration, remodeling or reconstruction of a build- ing or structure, he shall not be required to take out a permit under the Zoning By-Laws for the same work.
Article II SECTION 1-BUILDING INSPECTOR
The Board of Selectmen shall within 60 days after this by-law takes effect, and thereafter annually, appoint an In- spector of Buildings, who shall hold office until 30 days after the next Annual Meeting of the Town or until his successor has been appointed. No person, however, shall be appointed as Building Inspector, who has not had at least five years ex- perience as a builder, registered civil engineer, registered archi- tect, or as a superintendent, foreman or competent mechanic in charge of construction. The Board of Selectmen may, it at any time it seems expedient to do so, appoint a temporary Inspector of Buildings, an Inspector of Wiring, or an Inspector of Plumbing, whose terms of office shall be determined by the Board.
The compensation for each Inspector so appointed shall be determined by the Board of Selectmen, unless otherwise fixed by vote of the Town.
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Article II SECTION 2-POWERS AND DUTIES OF INSPECTOR
The Inspector shall keep complete records of all applica- tions for permits, the action taken thereof, the date of receipt of request for inspection, the date and nature of the inspection made, and all notices and orders issued by him. The Inspector shall, upon receipt of an application for a permit, inspect the property in question within 48 hours, Sundays and holidays excepted, and issue a permit immediately if work described in application is in conformity with the Duxbury Building Code and Zoning By-Laws. Whenever it has been established that any building is unsafe, or this code has been violated, the Inspector shall, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen cause to be charged upon the owner or the lessee of the prem- ises or upon the person responsible for any violation a written notice containing a description of the particulars in which the building is deemed unsafe or of the violation together with the order of the Inspector requiring that the building be made safe or vacated; or that any part of a structure erected in viola- tion of the code be removed or of any other action deemed necessary for compliance with the code and work permit issued thereunder.
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