USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report for the town of Duxbury for the year ending 1961-1965 > Part 27
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Respectfully submitted,
F. MICHAEL DEWIRE, Chairman
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CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Honorable Selectmen Town of Duxbury
The Conservation Commission of the Town of Dux- bury was created by a vote of the Town at the March, 1963, Town Meeting. Seven members were appointed by the Selectmen and monthly meetings have been held at the Planning Board room in the Duxbury Police Station. At the first meeting of the Commission, Francis C. Rogerson, Jr., was elected Chairman and Earle S. Tyler, Jr., Secretary.
Much of the spring and summer was spent in familiar- izing the Commission Members with their duties and responsibilities, identifying and indexing the various areas of land type and use within related problems such as the Duxbury Beach Association, the Duxbury Rural and Historical Society, the Planning Board, and others.
It is natural that many of the early meetings were concerned with the purpose and aims of the Commission. Various areas of interest were discussed, among them pesticide control, tidal marshes, town forests, the beach, parks and playgrounds. The list is long and all are important aspects of conservation. Many of these areas, however, are the direct concern of other groups and it was generally felt that in such cases all would be served best by an interested hands-off policy; neverthe- less, the Commission recommends that it be kept informed of what these groups are doing so as to be able to lend its support and counsel when asked. An example of this policy has been the Commission's excellent relations
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with the Duxbury Beach Association, a dedicated group who are doing a tremendous job of preserving, through intelligent use, one of the finest beaches on the Massa- chusetts coast.
Pesticide control has perhaps been the subject of more discussion at Commission Meetings than any other single topic. The position of the majority is this: While recognizing that the use of pesticides presents a problem of the severest, import, both to the wildlife population and to the human race, the Conservation Commission feels that the Federal Government and the State Pesticide Control Board are the proper agencies to thoroughly investigate the problem. Your Commission warns against indiscriminate belief in either side of this controversial question, but at the same time applauds the search for knowledge and recommends most strongly that the work of the appropriate state and federal agencies be supported and their conclusions adhered to.
Throughout the fall and to date, most of the Com- mission's time has been allotted to the problem of tidal marshes. The Secretary has investigated at great length the legal aspect of Wetlands Zoning. Meetings have beer held with the Cohasset Conservation Commission and those of the Towns of Marshfield and Norwell. Your Commission has accordingly undertaken a programto acquire by gift or easement the development rights to a substantial portion of the saltmarsh acreage withir the Town. At this writing easements have been or are about to be acquired which will effectively prevent any large scale development of our tidal marshes. This program has been carried out to date on a voluntary gift basis and it is the hope and expectation of the Com- mission that the townspeople will continue to show the concern and good will that they have up to now.
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The Commission feels that a town the size of Duxbury, favoredas it is with so much open land, should hold for future generations far more forest than it presently owns. The average resident who sees miles of woods today would be shocked to learn how little of this is protected from the developer's axe. Occasionally and for a variety of reasons, desirable parcels of land come on the mar- ket. Some are near the present town forest, some are scattered all over town. One of the responsibilities of your Commission is to keep track of these parcels and , whenthe Selectmen and the Commission agree, to pur- chase them for the Town. For this purpose an article has been insertedin the Town Warrant asking for $3, 500 to establisha Conservation Fund. This money need not be spent in one year. It may be added to in the future as the Town sees fit. It will make available to the Com- mission and the Selectmen ready cash with which to pur- chase land or easements when the time and the price are right.
It is with a feeling of dedication that the members of the Conservation Commission thank you for the pri- vilege of serving the Town.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANCIS C. ROGERSON, JR. Chairman EARLE S. TYLER, JR., Secretary WILLIAM B. ELLISON CHARLES A. LANE
CHARLES G. CAROTHERS, III WALTER G. PRINCE STUART HUCKINS
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REPORT OF THE TOWN HISTORIAN FOR 1963
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen;
The usual activities of this department were carried on in 1963. Students and researchers were helped, talks were given when requested, and innumerable individual requests were met.
Duxbury residents have been generous in lending fa- mily records and in furnishing information. Some early pictures were loaned for copying. Two maps and one bookwere purchased. Collecting material and informa- tion is important, but making it available is also a sat- isfaction.
Letters requesting tourist information, referred to this department by the Selectmen, have been answered and information folders sent. The Planning Board con- tinues to refer proposed street names to this department, in an effort to prevent duplication. Suggestions for names appropriate to a particular locality are sometimes re- quested. All this is interesting work, undertaken will- ingly.
Respectfully submitted,
DOROTHY WENTWORTH, Historian
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REPORT OF THE BUILDING INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my report as Building Inspector and Wiring Inspector for the year ending December 31, 1963.
Permits Issued 1963
Houses (also house & garage combinations) 44
Garages 19
Non-residential (includes storage buildings, office buildings, etc. )
12
Alterations & Additions
87
Sewage Disposal
90
Electrical
52
Miscellaneous (renewal permits, relocations,
etc.) 22
Total number of permits issued 326
Total Permit Fees Collected 1963 $2,792
Estimated costs of construction (as shown on "Application for Permit" Forms) totalled $1,118, 538
Petitions to the Board of Appeals filed
through this office numbered 28
Respectfully submitted,
ALBERT R. SCHOFIELD, JR. Building Inspector
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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE AND BUREAU OF OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and the Citizens of Duxbury:
The Board of Public Welfare respectfully submits the following report for the year 1963.
The major changes effected during 1963 included the change of the title of Aid to Dependent Children to Aid to Families with Dependent Children, a cost of living increase effective September 1, 1963, and the abolition of settlement effective January 1, 1964. Aid to Families with Dependent Children can now be granted in cases where children are deprived of support by reason of un- employment of parents living in the home.
The total cost of Medical Care in all categories of assistance amounted to $46, 700. 45 during 1963. Hos- pitalizationcosts increased, and there were more hos- pital days during the past year.
O. A. A.
30 days 745.12
M. A. A.
.392 days
5,921.28
A. F. D. C.
2 days 57.68
D. A.
422 days
5,706.98
G. R.
77 days
2,262.76
Due to unexpected emergency hospitalization, during November and December, it was necessary to request a transfer of money from the Reserve Fund to meet the final General Relief bills for 1963.
There were 9 children attending camp again this year
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through the help received from the Kiwanis, the Lions, the American Legion, the Rotary, the Council of chur- ches, the Girl Scouts of America, the Kiddie Kamp Inc., and Camp T. We wish to express our thanks to these organizations that helped make a vacation at camp avail- able for these children.
We also wish to thank the organizations for their donations for Christmas cheer for so many people.
The Board of Public Welfare wish to thank the Se- lectmen and the Police Department for their coopera- tion during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, HOWARD M. CLARK PAUL N. SWANSON NANCY B. TERAVAINEN EDWARD G. BOTTENUS ADRIAN R. CORDEAU
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REPORT OF THE DUXBURY FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Duxbury Finance Committee held its organiza tional meeting on June 11, 1963, at which time new members -- James Holt, Thomas J. Legore, Gillis K Turner and Robert G. White -- were welcomed and th following officers elected:
Charles H. Fargo, Chairman Haven Sawyer, Jr., Vice Chairman James Holt, Secretary-Treasurer
Two recommendations of last year's Finance Com mittee which were adopted at Town Meeting will hav long-range benefits to the Town. They are the orderl expansion of the water system and the closing of th Warrant forty-five days before Town Meeting.
As in the past, the Finance Committee made its fiel trips to meet the various department heads and to se how the departments operate, which gives the Committe a much better understanding of the budgets and article when they are submitted.
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Finance Committee members have kept abreast c Town activities through close liason with the Selectmer attendance at the Selectmen's Quarterly Meetings, an active participation at other Town Committee meeting throughout the year. Some special proposals that ma come up for Town consideration this year include: (A Water Front Committee Report incorporating added par king facilities in the Snug Harbor area; (B) Buildin improvements at the Mayflower Cemetery; (C) Tow Dump improvements; (D) North Duxbury school site.
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The wisdom of maintaining a large reserve fund pro- ved itself in 1963. Thirteen requests for funds were received and in each instance a transfer was approved. Certain budgets, such as Veterans Benefits, are very difficult to establish at the first of the year, for an extra case or two can be very costly, and when the need is established for funds, they must be forthcoming. The snow and ice transfers were occasioned by a much more severe December than usual. The total transfers for these two accounts came to $16, 700, which is greater by far than the total transfers of the last few years. We accordingly will ask for a Reserve Fund of $25, 000 at the next Town Meeting, as has been customary in the past.
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The list of transfers is as follows:
6/21/63 Print Bylaw and Building Code $ 310.00 98.96
6/27/63 Insurance
9/26/63
Veterans Benefit
3,000.00
11/14/63
Fire Department
2,800.00
12/16/63
Public Welfare
2,000.00
12/16/63
Veterans Benefit
2,500.00
12/16/63
Unclassified (Flags)
75.00
12/16/63
Cemetery Department
300.00
12/16/63
Snow & Ice
1,000.00
12/16/63
Snow & Ice
1,000.00
12/23/63
Snow & Ice
3,000.00
12/26/63 Snow & Ice
6,000.00
12/23/63 Veterans Benefit 200.00
$22,283.96
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The Finance Committee wishes to thank the citizens, Town Officials, Department Heads, and other commit- tees for their assistance and counsel in helping us in our task.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES H. FARGO, Chairman HAVEN SAWYER, JR., Vice Chairman JAMES HOLT, Secretary THOMAS J. LEGORE
WALLACE L. MACAULAY GILLIS K. TURNER
CLARENCE W. WALKER
STANLEY D. WATERS ROBERT G. WHITE
43
REPORT OF DUXBURY FREE LIBRARY
To the Trustees:
December 31st, 1963 brings to a close another year of activity, growth and change in the Duxbury Free Li- brary. At such a time it is fitting to pause briefly and to review the past year's events.
In her Annual Report for 1962, the librarian gave a detailed account of what had taken place in the library during her ten and one-half years as librarian of the Duxbury Free Library. It doesn't seem necessary to repeat that review at this time. Suffice it to say that the problems and conditions of 1963 are identical with those of 1962, enhanced by having been intensified by another year of increased use of the library.
In the last six months of 1952, 22, 252 books were issued; during 1963 the library enjoyed its largest cir- culationto date, a total of 66, 916; 44, 664 more than in 1952. The adult circulation was 32, 772 and the junior 34, 144. Itisa matter of much satisfaction to the libra- rian that the adult circulation continues to grow and is not far below that of the junior.
Based on an approximate population of 5,000, the library's 1963 circulation averages a little over 13 books per capita. A 5 bookper capita circulation is considered a satisfactory one by the American Library Association.
For the past nine years, the School Program has been a very important part of our library service. All Elementary and Intermediate classes visited the library
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with their teachers, to learn how to use the library, to become acquainted with its contents and to select good books to read.
The purpose of this Program was to help all children tobecome familiar with their public library and to em- phasize its importance to them during school days and in later life.
During the first half of 1963, it became apparent that a change would have to be made in the conduct of this program. In the Intermediate School, with the ad- vent of new teaching methods, time for the trip to the library was being eliminated. The classes continued to come to the library as best they could until school closed in June.
In Augustat the request of Dr. Handy and Mr. Cain and with their assistance, the librarian worked out a new plan for the School Program. It was decided to open a public library branch for the fourth, fifth and sixth grades in the Intermediate School Library. One whole side of the room was set aside for the books from the library and a desk installed. The library staff se- lected some 1200 books to be arranged on the shelves. With the help of Mr. James A. Walke the books were transported to the Intermediate School. The librarian and her assistants arranged the books on the shelves. The classes visit the library with their teachers as they formerly did in the Main library building. The branch library is administered by two library assistants who go over to the Intermediate School on Mondays, Tues- days and Wednesdays for one hour. No books are cir- culated from this branch except by the Duxbury Free Libraryassistants. The collectionis added to, changed and kept up-to-date as requests are received.
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This new plan began to operate about October 1st and is proving to be of great benefit to the pupils and a great relief tothe library staff and the public. The con- gestion which occurred in the library when the classes assembled there was most uncomfortable. From October -- December 31, 2380 books have been circulated in the School Branch Library. So far, everyone who has par- ticipated in this new program feels that it is off to a good start and that it will develop into an improvement which will benefit all concerned. It is hoped that enough help and money for books will be forthcoming to carry on this part of our library work.
The first three grades all come to the library with their teachers as usual and the Story Hours are held for the first-grade pupils. The Elementary School pupils all come on Thursdays; that is the only day that classes visit the library. Junior and Senior High School pupils frequent the library in increasing numbers. The last nine years of library visiting has become a habit with many. We hope that it may be a life-long one. There just wouldn't be time or space now to attend to the classes if they came as they did formerly. At 2:00 P. M. the library is filled up with Junior and Senior High School students.
A very interesting incident, connectedwith our School Program occurred early last summer. A representa- tive from Dr. Francis Keppel's office in Washington visited the library at his request "to find out how we had managed to get so many children to read so many books !"
Dr. Francis Keppel is the Federal Commissioner of Education and in the spring of 1963 all public libra-
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ries throughout the country were asked to fill out detailed reports of their libraries' activities, and to mail them to Dr. Keppel's office. Our visitor related that Dr. Keppel was so impressed with our junior circulation figures, 32, 655 for 1962 that he was most interested to know how we had accomplished this feat. Our visitor and Dr. Keppel are both interested in the relation of the public library to the schools and what part is being played by public libraries to further good reading among our grade school youngsters. In 1963 this junior circu- lation amounted to 34, 144.
It gave the librarian much pleasure to be able to tell Dr. Keppel's inquirer the history of our School Program and to furnish the librarian's Annual Reports wherein there is a yearly record of the development of this pro- gram. Our visitor was full of admiration and praise for what this program had accomplished and left with the promise that Dr. Keppel would be informed of all that had been learned. In the face of all this evidence of an important job, successfully developed and carried out, it would have been very disappointing to have to abandon the School Program. The proof came to the library that our library had been doing what was expected of it, in a way to attract attention!
642 registrations were recorded in 1963. 323 of these were new borrowers and 319 were re-registrants because of their four year card expiration. Since June 1952, 7, 583 registrations have been recorded. During 1963, 573 registrations were withdrawn. There are now 2710 active registrations.
Around $5900 was spent for books in 1963, including $113. 95 for the periodical bill. For approximately'
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$5786. 05 spent for books, the library purchased 2067 books at an average price of about $2. 70 per volume. More room for more books, help in processing and cat- aloguing them are dominant problems which are struggl- edwith daily. It is hoped that there will be an increase in in the 1964 Book Budget. The prices of books climb weekly and the demand made upon the library increase daily.
The total library appropriation for 1963 was $13, 932, which included $1181. 75 received from the State as "Li- brary Aid." Duxbury is a growing community; the schools enroll more pupils every year and the library is busier than ever before. It is impossible to keep up with all this acceleration without sufficient funds to carry on. It is hoped that an increase in the library's appropriation may help the library to extend and develop its services and to reach still further into the lives of the community.
The 1963 library history was deeply saddened by the death of two of its devoted and beloved Trustees, Mr. William B. Coffin and Mr. Hector M. Holmes.
On July 1st, Mrs. Winifred Couch who has been a member of the Staff for fourteen years, fell and broke her foot. She has not yet been enabled to return to the Library.
At the end of 1963, the Trustees and the Town Offi- cials are still confronted with the problem of what to do about enlarging the library .
Each year the influence of the library reaches fur- ther afield. All who use the library are aware of the
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present limitations. Itis the hope of all concerned that a remedy for this situation may be developed in 1964.
Once again the librarian wishes to express her thanks and appreciation to all who have helped to carry on the continued growth and increased work in the library; to the Trustees for all of their understanding and help as new problems arise, tothe staff who have valiantly car- ried on successfully in a crowded year, Mrs. Winifred T. Couch (absent for six months), Mrs. Margaret R. Bates, Mrs. Winona Strachan, Mrs. Mercy K. Goin and Mrs. Odeal O. Moody who has been of immense help tothelibrary during Mrs. Couch's absence. Josephine Borgeson, Jean Baker and Susan Rich have also been of great assistance to the library staff since last August. Mr. James E. Walke, keeps the library bright and shi- ning and is in every way a valuable member of the library staff. To the Garden Club for all of its gifts to the library and for its lovely weekly displays, so much enjoyed by everyone.
To all of our other library friends who have so gen- erously donated money, periodicals, books, plants and flowers a very special thanks is offered. In 1963 the library received more gifts of this sort than ever before, such gifts, reflecting without any doubt, the esteem in which the library is held in Duxbury. May the future bring the opportunity for a still greater service to be rendered by the Duxbury Free Library.
Respectfully submitted,
MINNIE BURKE FIGMIC Librarian
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REPORT OF THE VETERANS' AGENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
I respectfully submit my report as Agent and Direct- or for the Department of Veterans' Services for the year 1963.
During the year 1963, this department had its heaviest case load, a total of 22 cases, representing 75 people who received Veterans' Benefits.
The work of this office shows a considerable increase each year, not only in the amount of aid, but in the num- erous problems concerning the rights and benefits due to each individual veteran.
The facilities of this office are open to Veterans and their Dependents Monday through Saturday by appoint- ment. Please call WE4-5506 or WE4-2044 for an ap- pointment.
We have continued to register young men for Draft Board No. 129 where it is necessary for them to register, within 5 days after they reach 18 years of age. This year 28 men were registered.
Our appropriation was $16, 833. 00 and due to unem- ployment and unfor seen medical expenses it was neces- sary to obtain from the Finance Committee an additional sum of $5, 700. 00 to carry this Department through the last three months of the year. The State Department of Veterans Services will reimburse the Town for approx- imately half of the amount expended.
Respectfully submitted, Henry P. McNeil Agent
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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Board of Appeals held twenty-five public hear- ings during the year ending December 31, 1963. All the hearings were held in the Primary School Building.
Of the twenty-five hearings, seven were for vari- ances or special permits in the business zones and eighteen in the residential zones.
On the seven petitions in the business zones, five were approved substantially as requested, one was de- nied, and no action was taken on one because the petition- er did not appear at the hearing.
On the eighteen petitions for variances in the resi- dential zones, twelve were approved substantially as requested and six were denied. On one of the denials the petitioner has brought action in the Superior Court against the Board, alleging that it had exceeded its authority granted under Chapter 40A of the General Laws and that it (the Board) had erred in its decision. This case is still pending in the Superior Court.
The members of the Board wish to express their appreciation of the valuable services of H. Russell Chandler, for many, many years a member of the Board. and to note their sincere regret that he found it necess- ary to resign from the Board.
Respectfully submitted, ROBERT SEYMOUR. Chairman EDWARD P. HOBART. Secretary ROBERT NICKERSON
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REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens and the Honorable Board of Selectmen of Duxbury:
The Water Department completed the year 1963 with a deficit of approximately $5, 080. 75. It is to be noted, however, that if the uncollected water bills and water liens outstanding on December 31, 1963 had been col- lected in full there would have been a surplus of $2, 858.64. The tabulation below gives a condensed summary of the financial situation of the Department in a cumulative manner based on total commitments so that its operations canbe readily compared in each category from year to year. Complete details are given in the excellent report of the Town Accountant. Due to the early date this report is required to be submitted, there may be some differences in a few items in the tabulation as compared to the Town Accountant's report.
ater Balance, December 31, 1962 collected, December 31, 1962 9,938.22
$ -3,726.40
harges to Consumers
Minimum
$ 29,995.99
Excess Water
29,280.60
Unmetered Water
108.00
Meter Removals
1,468.70
Service Connections & Misc.
$ 69,342.07
batements
110.40
69,231.67
ydrant Service (Public Safety)
28,502.00
mortization (Extensions 1962)
3,853.33
laintenance & Operation
49,696.00
ut of State Travel
200. 00
*30.19
ommissioners' Salaries
450.00
*37.50
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Special Articles
Art. 39 (1963) Maps
1,200.00
Art. 40 (1963) Air Compressor
2,350.00
Art. 41 (1963) Search for Water
4,000.00
Art. 42 (1963) Truck
2,850.00
Unexpended Appropriation Balance Return
Fixed Charges
Interest on Debt
7,058.35
Maturing Debt
Old Water Loans
3,500. 00
West Duxbury
5,000.00
Phase I
15,000.00
Autumn & Winter Sts.
2,000.00
Old Route 3, etc.
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