USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report for the town of Duxbury for the year ending 1961-1965 > Part 4
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Under Article 37, a new four-wheel drive vehicle was purchased and put in operation in July. This truck is proving to be very useful in all our emergency runs, espe- cially to places which are not easily reached by a regular two-wheel drive vehicle.
Article 51 was not accepted by the town. However, I believe we should consider very seriously the acquiring of a suitable site for a future Fire Station before all available land is used for other purposes.
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We answered 218 calls and the break-down is as follows :
Emergency
92
Automobile 13
Chimney
9
Building
19
Oil Burner
11
Long Bridge
3
Mutual Aid
3
Grass
11
Stand-By
15
Dump
6
Brush
26
Incinerator
1
Forest
9
Of these building and woods fires, there were none of them of very serious nature.
There were 2438 permits issued for open air fires; 59 oil burner; 34 bottle gas and 60 natural gas installa- tions were inspected. During the month of May all public buildings and stores were inspected. The quarterly inspec- tions were made on schools and churches as required by the Department of Public Safety.
I have an article in this year's warrant to purchase radio equipment which is a must by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission and must be com- pleted by 1963.
As Fire Chief of the Town of Duxbury, I wish to thank all my officers, permanent men and firemen for their wonderful cooperation and understanding.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE S. BUTLER Chief
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DUXBURY FIRE DEPARTMENT
January 19, 1962
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Duxbury, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
I feel that it is my duty to put in a short fire report having served three months under the old system as Chief Engineer.
I certainly want to thank the voters of the Town of Duxbury in voting Article 19 whereby it made the Dux- bury Fire Department a Town Fire Department in which I had the privilege of serving another three months as the first Fire Chief. I think this was one of the finest things that happened in my career as Fire Chief. I truly feel it makes a better feeling, is more economical and more efficient to all concerned, firemen, officials and Chief.
Before, working under two different departments Fire and Forest Fire, it was very confusing and very hard to explain at many times. This way, whether it may be a forest fire, an inhalator call, building or any emer- gency, the operation is bound to be more efficient.
I am also very glad that Article 37, to purchase a new four-wheel drive truck for the Fire Department, was voted. Although my retirement came soon after the truck was put into commission, I feel that it was very well engineered by the newly appointed Fire Chief, George S. Butler, and has done a fine job.
I do want to express my feeling toward a parcel of land that I feel should be purchased soon for the building of a Fire Station somewhere in the vicinity of South Duxbury so that we will hold our insurance rating which
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means a good deal to every taxpayer in the Town of Duxbury.
I do want to say at this time that under the new appointments of Chief and Officers, I know they have done a very good job and if are still given a chance to serve another year, will possibly do better. From what I observe, the Fire Department seems to be running very smoothly and efficiently and I feel it will under the new administration.
Respectfully submitted, EBEN N. BRIGGS Retired Fire Chief
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REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and citizens of Duxbury :
Plans endorsed (not subdivisions) 28
Subdivisions approved 1
Approvals under Paragraph C 5
Public Hearings 3
The master plan for the Town of Duxbury, com- pleted in 1959, has been the guide in the objectives of the Board in 1961.
In anticipation of the future requirements of the Town for school sites, parks and active recreation areas, and space for other municipal services several recom- mendations were made to the Site Committee and we have worked closely with them in the matter.
With the cooperation of the Selectmen and Town Counsel, the Town By-Laws were studied and amendments formulated. Action on these amendments will be taken at the Annual Town Meeting.
The Selectmen requested that the Planning Board be responsible for the naming of new streets and we have assumed this responsibility.
The steady growth of the Town of Duxbury as a residential community continues. Your Board is hopeful that with appropriate revisions from time to time of zoning and controls, to guide the development and growth of Duxbury so as to maintain the attractive and unusual character that sets Duxbury apart.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We wish to acknowledge the co-operation and aid of the Board of Selectmen and the Inspector of Buildings in the enforcement of zoning and planning regulations. The Highway Superintendent, the Superintendent and Commissioners of the Water Department, and the Agent of the Board of Health have given their usual co-operation.
Respectfully submitted,
LUCIUS A. HOWARD, Chairman OLIVER L. BARKER, Clerk FANEUIL ADAMS CARL F. DANNER ATHERTON LORING, JR.
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REPORT OF THE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Saturday, March 11, 1961 High School Auditorium, Alden Street
The meeting was called to order at 1:00 P.M. by the Moderator, Bartlett B. Bradley. A quorum being in attendance, the meeting was declared in order.
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.
An invocation was given by the Reverend David J. Siegenthaler.
The Moderator made the following announcements : "As has been our previous practice, proponents of any article in the Warrant shall be given opportunity to speak on the question before the article may be tabled.
The Chair will read each article as we go along, unless by unanimous consent a long and wordy ar- ticle be exempt from this procedure by referring to the printed Warrant. The Chair may not repeat motions if, in the opinion of the Chair, the motion has been clearly stated, unless requested to do so. The Chair may request any amendments to be sub- mitted in writing."
The Moderator also announced that spectators would be allowed to sit on the bleachers on the south wall of the hall.
Nancy Brock, Elwin Burdick, Andrew C. Burke, Mary Crocker, Robert Crocker, Eunice Dohoney, Eileen
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Jones, Alice Merry, Phyllis Randall and Nancy Tera- vainen served as tellers.
Under Article 1, it was voted that the appointment of necessary 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.
Mr. Henry W. Palmer, Chairman of the Finance Committee, was recognized by the Moderator, and pro- ceeded to present the supplementary report of the Finance Committee :
"It is customary for the Finance Committee to make a supplementary report at this time so that any items not covered in its earlier reports in the "Town Report," the "Warrant," and the "Duxbury Clipper" may be brought to your attention before you vote. In the last issue of the Clipper the complete list of recent recom- mendations of the Committee were printed and an esti- mated tax rate of $69 for 1961 was forecast if the Town votes to follow all the Committee's recommendations. It should be noted that the "estimated tax rate" is subject to the final determination of the Board of Assessors.
With $69 as a base tax rate before the Town votes to spend more or less than the amount recommended by the Finance Committee, voters should know that for every $13,000 more voted the tax will go up $1.00 and for every $13,000 less the rate will decrease $1.00.
Since there are an increased number of articles in the warrant this year, in the interest of time, unless some special explanation is required, comments on each budget and article will be brief or omitted. Questions, of course, will be answered.
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This year, as in the past, the work of the Finance Committee has been strenuous and the hours have been long. All Department heads have been most helpful in aiding us in our actions. The Board of Seletcmen and the Assessors have given us much needed assistance. I particularly want to thank every member of the Finance Committee for their untiring effort and sincere teamwork in preparation for this meeting. I am particularly thank- ful to the wives who let their husbands spend so very many late nights away from home."
Mr. Palmer introduced the members of the Finance Committee to the meeting.
Under Article 3, it was voted to fix the compensation of the elected Town officers for the year as follows, and raise and appropriate the sum of $17,962.09 for the same :
Moderator
$40.00
Selectmen :
Chairman
1,200.00
Second Member
600.00
Third Member
600.00
Town Treasurer 2,277.60
Town Collector
4,016.89
Assessors :
Chairman
2,400.00
Second Member
900.00
Third Member
900.00
Town Clerk
2,277.60
Tree Warden
2,300.00
Water Commissioners :
First Member
150.00
Second Member
150.00
Third Member
150.00
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Under Article 4, it was voted to raise and appro- priate the sum of $3,605.00 for the several purposes as specifically stated by the Moderator as follows :
1- 3- 3 Accounting, Out of State Travel $90.00
1- 6- 3 Assessor's Map 400.00
1-11- 2 Personnel Board 50.00
1-12 Historian 100.00
2- 2- 4 Hydrant Rental 550.00
2- 2- 5 Fire, Out of State Travel 300.00
2- 5- 4 Tree, Out of State Travel 100.00
2- 8- 1 Sealer of Weights and Measures 385.00
2- 9- 1 Bounties 15.00
2-11- 1 Civil Defense 500.00
2-11- 2 Duxbury Beach Life Guard 700.00
3- 2 Vital Statistics 15.00
3- 3 Animal Inspection 150.00
3- 4 Inspector of Slaughtered Animals 25.00
4- 7- 7 Bluefish Tidegates 300.00
5- 7 Welfare, Out of State Travel 50.00
7- 6- 7 Aid to Agriculture 100.00
8- 1- 3 Water, Out of State Travel 200.00
8- 2- 4 Cemetery, Out of State Travel 75.00
Continuing under Article 4, it was voted to raise and appropriate the following amounts for the following Town Departments :
1- 2- 2 Selectmen's Department $5,005.00
(The original motion was for $4,005.00. An amendment to increase the amount to $5,005.00 was voted.)
1- 3- 1 Accounting 5,738.00
1- 3- 4 Finance Committee 215.00
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1- 4- 2 Treasurer's 4,036.00
1- 5- 2 Town Collector's 5,765.00
1- 6- 2 Assessor's 6,434.00
1- 7 Law
2,500.00
1- 8- 2 Town Clerk's 2,033.00
1- 9 Election and Registration 2,285.00
1-10 Planning Board 2,307.00
1-11- 1 Appeal Board 1,460.00
(The original motion was for $1,260.00. An amendment to increase the amount to $1,460.00 was voted.)
1-13 Town Office and Buildings 6,370.00
2- 1- 2 Police 55,622.00
2- 2- 2 Fire 25,922.00
2- 2- 6 Hydrant Service 26,222.00
2- 3- 2 Insect Pest Control 4,236.00
2- 4- 1 Control Dutch Elm Disease 8,255.00
2- 5- 2 Tree 3,406.00
2- 6- 2 Forest Fire
5,040.00
2- 7- 1 Building Inspector 4,397.00
2-10- 1 Shellfish Constable 3,095.00
3- 1- 1 Health Department
5,200.00
3- 5- 1 Town Dump
3,700.00
3- 6- 2 Mosquito Control 7,550.00
3- 7 Greenhead Fly Control 1,500.00
4- 1- 2 Highway
53,667.00
4- 2- 1 Bridge
9,702.00
4- 3 Snow and Ice Removal
37,000.00
4- 4- 1 Town Landings
2,154.00
4- 6- 1 Street Lights 6,200.00
4- 8- 1 Harbor Master 2,967.00
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5- 1 Welfare Department 76,032.00
5- 6- 2 Veterans' Benefits
14,468.00
6- 1 School Department 486,420.00
(School Budget was amended to read $483,179., being the figure after deduct- ing $3,241. for football purposes for Junior High. Amendment failed. The amount of $486,420. was voted.)
6- 2 Public Use School Facilities 2,000.00
6- 3- 1 Vocational and Americanization 3,920.00
6- 4- 2 School, Out of State Travel 250.00
6- 4- 3 Vocational Training-Adult 1,060.00
6- 6 Free Library 13,132.00
7- 4- 1 Parks and Playgrounds 2,342.00
(The original motion was for $1,842. An amendment to increase the amount to $2,342.00 was voted. The amend- ment read as follows :
"That the Town raise and appropri- ate an additional sum of $500. to be ex- pended at the discretion of the Select- men to assist in the continuation of the Little League program for 1961.")
7- 4- 2 Tarkiln Youth Center 1,150.00
7- 4- 4 Old Town Hall Recreation Center 3,220.00
7- 4- 7 Train Field Floodlights 400.00
(Voted that the sum of $400.00 be raised and appropriated for Train Field Floodlights, with the understanding that the Board of Selectmen will re- quire the Duxbury Soft Ball Associa- tion to pay any sum billed the Town in excess of this amount by the Plym-
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outh County Electric Company for lighting service.)
7- 2- 1 Fire Insurance Schedule 9,000.00
. 7- 2- 2 Workmen's Compensation Insurance 6,900.00
7- 2- 3 Group Insurance-Police and Firemen 900.00
7- 2- 4 Group Insurance-General 11,200.00
7- 6- 1 Unclassified 1,010.00
(The original motion was for $960.00. An amendment to increase the amount to $1,010.00 was voted.)
7- 6- 2 Town Retirement 12,909.00
7- 6- 4 Print and Deliver Town Reports 2,214.74
8- 1- 2 Water Department 43,229.00
(The original motion was for $43,- 229.00. An amendment to increase the amount to $43,929.00 was defeated.)
8- 2- 2 Cemetery Department 18,706.00
9- 1- 1 Interest on Temporary Loans 50.00
9- 1- 2 Interest on Water Loans 7,460.50
9- 1- 3 Interest, General Debt 38,893.75
9- 2- 1 Sea Wall Notes 2,000.00
9- 2- 2 Water Dept. (District) Notes 7,500.00
9- 2- 3 West Duxbury Water Extension 5,000.00
9- 2- 4 Water Phase I Bonds 15,000.00
9- 2- 5 High School Wing Bonds 15,000.00
9- 2- 6 Elementary School Wing Bonds 15,000.00
9- 2- 7 Elementary School Bonds 15,000.00
9- 2-17 Water, Autumn and Winter Notes 2,500.00 Junior-Senior High School Bonds 49,620.00
Mr. Philip W. Delano, Chairman of the Board of Se- lectmen, made a short speech calling the attention of the
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meeting to the retirement of Mr. Edwin M. Noyes, Col- lector of Taxes for the Town of Duxbury for the past thirty-three years. Mr. Delano read the inscription on a plaque which was presented to Mr. Noyes on behalf of the Town:
To Edwin M. Noyes In recognition of 33 years of Devoted Service to the Citizens of Duxbury as the Collector of Taxes 1928
1951
Presented March 11, 1961
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 proper observance of Me- morial Day.
Under Article 6, it was voted to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of revenue, be- tween the date of the 1961 Town Meeting and the date of the 1962 Town Meeting, and to issue a note or notes therefor, payable within one year, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44 of the General Laws.
Under Article 7, it was voted to apply the dividend from the Plymouth County Dog Fund, in the amount of $1,013.00, to the support of schools.
Under Article 8, which reads as follows: "To see if the Town will vote to appropriate to the Cemetery De- partment a sum of money now in the hands of the Town Treasurer," it was voted that, there being no money in the hands of the Town Treasurer for this purpose, no action be taken.
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Under Article 9, it was voted that the Town appro- priate the sum of $25,000. from the Overlay Reserve to the Reserve Fund.
Under Article 10, it was voted to raise and appro- priate the sum of $1,000.00 and transfer from unappro- priated available funds in the Treasury the sum of $2,000.00 for Chapter 90 Highway Maintenance.
Under Article 11, it was voted to raise and appro- priate the sum of $7,000.00, and transfer from unappro- priated available funds in the Treasury the sum of $21,000.00 for Chapter 90 Highway Construction.
Under Article 12, it was voted to raise and appro- priate the sum of $950.00 to be expended under the direc- tion of American Legion Post No. 223, July 4th Duxbury Days Committee, subject to the approval of the Select- men, and for Parade expenses only.
Under Article 13, it was voted to appropriate the sum of $156,000.00 from Surplus Revenue to reduce the tax rate.
Under Article 14, it was voted to appropriate from available funds in the Treasury the sum of $50,000.00 to be added to the Stabilization Fund.
Under Article 15 it was voted that the Town return to the Treasury the unexpended appropriation balances as listed below totaling $1,261.95 :
1960 Police Cruiser $271.25
Highway-Tree Barn 2.23
Sand Spreading Attachments
237.90
Mullins Avenue Construction
.32
1960 Ch. 90 Maintenance
.08
Memorial Day 31.88
Water Reservoir Repairs 25.01
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Water Priorities I to V
46.98
1960 Water Department Truck 556.30
1960 Cemetery Dept. Truck 90.00
Under Article 16 it was voted to raise and appro- priate the sum of $2,500.00 for the exchange of a motor vehicle for the Police Department.
Under Article 17 it was moved and seconded to amend the "Classification and Wage and Salary Plan" as printed and corrected in the warrant. An amendment was made that the Highway and Water Superintendents be re- stored to Grade 11. This amendment failed. The original motion was then voted "to amend the Classification and Wage and Salary Plan so that it will read as follows :
BYLAW-GOVERNING THE CLASSIFICATION OF PERSONNEL AND THE ADMINISTRATION OF STANDARD RATES OF SALARIES AND WAGES
1. TITLE
The Classification of Positions and Pay Schedules appended hereto and provisions of this bylaw shall be the CLASSIFICATION AND WAGE AND SALARY PLAN (hereinafter referred to as the Plan) for the payment of Salaries and Wages to the employees of the Town of Duxbury except such positions as are exempted.
2. APPLICATION
The Plan shall apply to all officers and employees in the service of the town including temporary em- ployees of the town, except those positions filled by popular election and those under the direction and control of the School Committee. Nothing herein, however, shall bar using the Plan or its provisions or
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facilities provided by the Personnel Board as a guide to authorized officials or committees in determining the compensation of such otherwise exempted em- ployees or officials.
3. TITLES OF POSITIONS
No person shall be employed or paid as an employee in any position subject to the provisions of the Plan under any title other than those in the Schedules or under any title other than that of the job, the duties of which are actually performed. The job title in the Plan shall be the official title of the position and shall be used in all administrative and employment records, and in every other connection involving personnel or fiscal processes.
4. THE PERSONNEL BOARD
There shall be a Personnel Board consisting of three members, one of whom shall be a member of the Board of Selectmen chosen to serve by that Board, one of whom shall be a member of the Finance Com- mittee chosen to serve by that Committee, and one of whom shall be a person, other than an employee of the Town, selected by the member representing the Board of Selectmen and the member representing the Finance Committee acting jointly. The Personnel Board shall organize annually. Vacancies on the Personnel Board shall be filled in the manner pro- vided for in the original selection. In the event that the first two members fail to agree on the third mem- ber, he shall be appointed by the Town Moderator. In the event both of the aforementioned elected offi- cials terminate their membership simultaneously, the Town Moderator will reappoint the third member of the Board for an additional term of one year. The Personnel Board shall serve without pay.
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5. DUTIES OF PERSONNEL BOARD
a. The Personnel Board shall administer the Plan and establish such policies, procedures and regulations consistent with the Plan as it deems necessary.
b. The Board shall maintain written descriptions of the jobs or positions in the Plan describing the es- sential characteristics, requirements and general duties. The descriptions shall not be interpreted as complete or limiting definitions and employees shall continue to perform any duties assigned by their superiors.
c. The Personnel Board shall maintain personnel records of all employees, including therein such information as it deems desirable, said records to be kept by the Town Accountant on behalf of the Personnel Board. Department Heads shall furnish such information as shall be requested for this purpose.
d. It shall be the responsibilty of the Department Heads to continuously review the written descrip- tions of the jobs or positions under their jurisdic- tion and notify the Board when the descriptions have substantially changed and do not adequately describe the regularly assigned duties. In addition, the Personnel Board from time to time, shall re- view the work of all positions subject to the Plan. Such reviews shall be so scheduled as to cover all such positions at intervals of not more than three years. In case of necessity, the Personnel Board may add a new position to the Plan or reclassify an existing position, subject to the subsequent ratifica- tion of its action by a formal amendment of the Plan at the next annual town meeting.
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e. The Personnel Board shall, from time to time, re- view the Wage and Salary Schedules. It shall keep
informed as to pay rates and policies outside the service of the Town and shall recommend to the Town any action deemed desirable to maintain a fair and equitable pay level.
6. EFFECTIVE DATE
The Plan shall become operative on the effective date of this by-law.
7. INSTALLING PLAN
a. All present employees included in the Plan shall be eligible to receive pay based upon their job classifications as provided by the Schedules adopted herewith.
b. No pay shall be reduced as the result of the installa- tion of the Plan. Any existing rates above the maximum shall become Personal Rates and apply only to the present incumbent. When his employ- ment ends, no successor shall advance beyond the maximum for the job.
8. INCREASES
a. Automatic Increases to the Normal Maximum Rate Progression through the rate ranges from the minimum or hiring rate to the normal maximum rate will be automatic except as indicated below. The Department Head must certify, to the Per- sonnel Board prior to any increase, as to the adequacy of the performance of the employee. At that time, the Department Head may recommend, for the Personnel Board's approval, either with- holding all or any part of the progression increase or delaying its processing for a period not to exceed one year when the employee is again eligible. For
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each year of continuous service (more than 6 months work in any progression year) an employee may receive the appropriate amount as the schedule indicates until the automatic maximum rate is at- tained. Intermittant employees (not working the regular scheduled work week) will accumulate time towards their automatic increase until at least six months is credited.
b. Merit Increases to the Merit Maximum Rate
Progression from the normal maximum rate to the merit maximum rate will be based upon meri- torious performance of work. Consideration for merit increases will be given at intervals of not less than 11/2 years of continuous service with amounts as indicated by the appropriate schedule. Some of the criteria for measurement of the employee's meritorious performance will be the ability to per- form in an above average manner, the ability to accept and comprehend new and varied work and assignments, the ability to work with fellow em- ployees and any other criteria which may be in- herent to the particular employee's work assign- ments. The Department Head must certify to the Personnel Board prior to any increase as to the meritorious performance of any employee. At no time will an employee exceed the merit maximum rate of the job classification.
9. PROMOTIONS AND TRANSFERS
a. Transfer to a Job Within the Same Grade
The employee will receive the same rate as pre- viously paid.
b. Promotion to a Higher Rated Job
The employee will receive the minimum of the job rate or his own rate which ever is higher.
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Under exceptional circumstances a progression increase may be extended if the appropriate Town Officers or Trustees feel that the qualifica- tions and performance warrant it, and the Per- sonnel Board approves it as being within the intent and scope of the Plan.
c. Transfer to a Lower Rated Job
If an employee should be transferred and reclassi- fied to a lower rated job, he shall enter it at his own rate or at the maximum of the job, whichever is the lower.
10. NEW PERSONNEL
The hiring rate shall be the minimum of the rate range for the job unless otherwise authorized, for all new employees, by the appropriate Town Officers or Trustees and the Personnel Board. Such authoriza- tion for hiring above the minimum rate will be given on the basis of ability and qualifications for the per- formance of the job and will be supported by a written statement of the reasons prior to the actual hiring of the individual.
11. EMERGENCY RATES
In case of emergency of short duration, the appro- priate Town Officers may temporarily authorize a rate of pay necessary to prevent interruption of Town services essential to the health, safety and welfare of the people of the Town.
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