USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of Plymouth, MA 1924-1925 > Part 3
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3,300 00
Reserve Account (From Reserve Overlay),
5,000 00
5,000 00
Water Department, Maintenance,
19.000 00
19,000 00
Water Department, Construction,
7,000 00
7,000 00
Oak Grove and Vine Hills Ceme-
teries,
10,000 00
10,000 00
Burial Hill Cemetery,
2,000 00
2,000 00
Chiltonville, Manomet, South Pond and Cedarville Cemeteries
300 00
300 00
Town Debt and Interest,
36,500 00
36,500 00
, $672,557 93
$620,557 93
Appropriation under article 41,
3,500 00
$624.057 93
Article 6. To take such action as the Town may see fit in aid of the Plymouth Public Library.
The Committee recommends that the Town appropriate the sum of $6,000, including the dog tax for 1923, amount- ing to $1,441.26, in aid of the Plymouth Public Library.
Article 7. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceeding five hundred (500) dollars in aid of the Manomet Public Library.
The Committee recommends that the Town appropriate a sum not to exceed five hundred (500) dollars in aid of The Manomet Public Library.
Article 8. To see what appropriation the Town will make for the care and maintenance and improvement of the various parks, of the Training Green and public camp- ing places.
The Committee recommends that the Town make the fol- lowing appropriations under this article. Total $5,550 :
$4,250 regular Park Appropriation.
500 Care of Brewster Garden and Training Green.
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300 For Cutting Wood.
250 Nelson Street Playground.
250 Public Camping Places.
Article 9. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceeding sixty-four hundred (6,400) dollars for the maintenance and improvement of the Stephens Field Play- ground.
The Committee recommends that the Town appropriate the sum of one thousand (1000) dollars for the care and maintenance of the Stephens Field Playground.
Article 10. To see if the Town will authorize the Park Commissioners to acquire land for the purpose of a right of way from Sandwich street to the Stephens Field Playground and to make an appropriation therefor of fifteen hundred (1,500) dollars.
The Committee recommends that the Town take no action under this article.
Article 11. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceeding three hundred and fifty (350) dollars to pay the expense of the observance of Memorial Day.
The Committee recommends that the Town appropriate a sum not exceeding three hundred and fifty (350) dollars to pay the expense of the observance of Memorial Day.
Article 12. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate for the use of the Plymouth County Trustees for County Aid to Agriculture a sum not exceeding two hundred and fifty (250) dollars, and choose a Town Director as provided in Sections 41 and 45 of Revised Chapter 128 of the General Laws, and act thereon.
The Committee recommends the appropriation of a sum not exceeding two hundred fifty (250) dollars and the choosing of a Town Director under the above article.
Article 13. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceeding five hundred (500) dollars for Rifle Range expenses.
The Committee recommends that the Town appropriate a
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sum not exceeding five hundred (500) dollars for Rifle Range Expenses.
Article 14. To see if the Town will appropriate for the purpose of providing headquarters for Post 40, American Legion, a sum not exceeding six hundred (600) dollars, as provided in Section 9, Chapter 40 of the General Laws.
The Committee recommends that the Town appropriate a sum not exceeding six hundred (600) dollars under this article.
Article 15. To see if the Town will appropriate for the purpose of providing headquarters for the United Spanish War Veterans a sum not exceeding one hundred and fifty (150) dollars, as provided in Chapter 227, Acts of 1921.
The Committee recommends that the Town appropriate a sum not exceeding one hundred and fifty (150) dollars under this article.
Article 16. To see what action the Town will take in re- gard to the salaries of the Town Officers.
The Committee recommends the following salaries :
Chairman of Selectmen
$1,200
Town Treasurer
1,560
Tax Collector
1,740
Town Accountant
1,800
Assessors
1,300
Article 17. To see if the Town will accept or reject, by a "Yes" and "No" vote, the proposed widening of Main and Court streets between South Russell street and the Wool- worth building as planned by the Plymouth County Com- missioners.
The Committee recommends that a "Yes" or "No" vote be taken by ballot.
Article 18. To see if the Town will accept Section 37 of Chapter 82 of the General Laws providing for the establish- ment of building lines not more than forty feet distant from the exterior lines of highways and town ways.
The Committee recommends that the Town accept Sec. 37 of Chap. 82 of the General Laws outlined above.
25
Article 19. To see if the town will authorize the Select- men to order the payment, from money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, of such amounts as may be awarded for damages occasioned by any widening made or building line established by their action, on the westerly side of Main and Court streets southerly from South Russell street.
The Committee recommends that the Town give the Selec- men the authority sought in the above article.
Article 20. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceeding twenty-five hundred (2,500) dollars for the payment of claims and demands for damages by persons whose property is affected by the alteration and reconstruc- tion by the Commonwealth of a portion of the highway leading from Plymouth to Bourne, as voted under Article 17 of the Warrant for the annual Town Meeting held March 25, 1922.
The Committee recommends an appropriation not to ex- ceed twenty-five hundred (2,500) dollars under this article.
Article 21. To see what action the Town will take in regard to the erection of a Town Hall as a Memorial Build- ing; to make an appropriation therefor, and to authorize the issue of notes or bonds of the Town to carry into effect any action taken under this article.
This Advisory and Finance Committee recommends to the Town that it erect a building substantially in accordance with the plans shown to the above committee, such building not to cost more than three hundred thousand (300,000) dol- lars.
Article 22. To see if the Town will vote to rescind the vote passed under Article 7 of the Warrant for the Special Town Meeting held on October 11, 1919, providing for the erection of a Town Hall for a Memorial Building and mak- ing an appropriation of $300,000.00 therefor.
The Committee recomemnds that the vote above referred to be rescinded.
Article 23. To see if the Town will vote to rescind the votes passed under Article 12 of the Warrant for the annual
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Town Meeting held on March 25, 1922, providing for the erection of a Memorial Building and making an appropri- ation of $60,000.00 therefor.
The Committee recommends that the vote above referred to be rescinded.
Article 24. To see if the Town will vote to rescind the vote passed under Article 14 of the Warrant for the annual Town Meeting held on March 25, 1922, providing for the erection of a municipal auditorium.
The Committee recommends that the vote above referred to be rescinded.
Article 25. To see if the Town will vote to discontinue that part of Water Street Extension easterly of the land of the Old Colony Railroad Company as shown on a plan en- titled "Proposed Re-location of Water Street Extension and Proposed Alteration of South Park Avenue" and ap- proved by the Selectmen.
The Committee recommends that the Town vote to dis- continue that aPrt of Water Street Extension above men- tioned.
Article 26. To see if the Town will vote to discontinue a portion of Water Street Extension easterly of the land of the American Woolen Company as shown on a plan entitled "Proposed Re-location of Water Street Extension and Pro- posed Alteration of South Park Avenue" and approved by the Selectmen.
The Committee recommends that the Town discontinue the portion of Water Street extension above mentioned.
Article 27. To see if the Town will vote to discontinue a portion of South Park Avenue as shown on a plan entitled "Proposed Re-location of Water Street Extension and Pro- posed Alteration of South Park Avenue" and approved by the Selectmen.
The Committee recommends that the Town vote to discon- tinue the portion of South Park Avenue described above.
Article 28. To see if the Town will authorize the Select- men to accept for the Town a Deed from the Old Colony
27
Railroad Company conveying that parcel of land lying west- erly of a line thirty (30) feet westerly from the line of the Railroad Station Platform and northerly of South Park Avenue to Court street, and a Deed from said Railroad Com- pany of the land lving easterly of the present easterly line of Water Street Extension as far as the line of private ownership extends.
The Committee recommends that the Town authorize the Selectmen to accept the deed of land above described.
Aricle 29. To see if the Town will vote that it is expedi- ent that a new way be laid out and constructed, easterly of the railroad tracks from Water street to the vicinity of the foot of Prince street and to Court street through or near Prince sreet, as recommended by the Planning Board.
The Committee recommends that the Town vote that it is expedient to construct a road as outlined in the above ar- ticle.
Article 30. To see if the Town will make an appropria- tion not exceeding thirty thousand (30,000) dollars for land and property damages and construction on a portion of the way set forth in Article 29, to extend northerly from Water street to the vicinity of the Robbins Lumber Yard.
The Committee recommends that no action be taken under this article until the report of the planning board has been presented.
Article 31. To see if the Town will make an appropria- tion not exceeding twenty thousand (20,000) dollars for resurfacing on Court street.
The Committee recommends that a sum not exceeding twenty thousand (20,000) dollars be appropriated for re- surfacing on Court Street.
Article 32. To see if the Town will make an appropria- tion not exceeding ten thousand (10,000) dollars for laying a hard surface on Standish avenue and Allerton street and on side streets between these ways and Court street.
The Committee recommends that the Town make an appropriation not exceeding ten thousand (10,000) dollars under the above article.
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Article 33. To see if the Town will make an appropria- tion not exceeding fifteen hundred (1,500) dollars for re- building the Old Zinc Mill Bridge at Eel River.
The Committee recommends that the Town appropriate a sum not exceeding fifteen hundred (1,500) dollars under the above article.
Article 34. To see if the Town will make an appropria- tion of five thousand (5,000) dollars to build a bituminous surface on the Bartlett Road in Manomet, from the State Highway toward the Manomet cranberry bog. (By peti- tion.)
The Committee recommends that the Town appropriate the sum of five thousand (5,000) dollars to surface the Bart- lett Road as requested in this article.
Article 35. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of thirty-five hundred (3,500) dollars for continuation of tarvia surface on a portion of White Horse road known as Taylor evenue. Said construction to extend as far as the above mentioned sum will permit. (By petition.)
The Committee recommends that the sum of thirty-five hundred (3,500) dollars for continuation of tarvia surface on a portion of White Horse road known as Taylor avenue, be appropriated.
Article 36. To see if the Town will appropriate one thousand (1,000) dollars to build a bituminous sidewalk on the easterly side of the State Highway between the Point road and Manomet Postoffice. (By Petition.)
The Committee recommends that the Town appropriate the sum of One Thousand Dollars to build a bituminous sidewalk between the Point Road and Manomet Post Office.
Article 37. To see if the Town will make an appropria- tion of six thousand (6,000) dollars to continue the building of bituminous surface on the Beaver Dam road, in Manomet. (By Petition.)
The Committee recommends that the Town take no action under this article.
Article 38. To see if the Town will vote to surface with asphalt and sand that part of the Bournedale road between
29
Costello's Corner and the portion of the State Highway northerly of the Bourne-Plymouth line near Great Herring pond, in cooperation with the Commonwealth and Plymouth County, and to make an appropriation therefor not exceed- ing eleven thousand, one hundred (11,100) dollars.
The Committee recommends that the Town make an ap- propriation not exceeding eleven thousand, one hundred (11,100) dollars as its share in the expense of surfacing the only unfinished section of the Bourne-Plymouth highway.
Article 39. To see if the Town will authorize the Select- men to dispose of by sale the lot of land and the school- house building thereon known as South Pond Schoolhouse at South Ponds.
The Committee recommends that the Town take no action under this article.
Article 40. To see if the Town will authorize the Select- men to dispose of by sale the lot of land with the school- house building thereon at Ship Pond, so-called, known as the Ship Pond Schoolhouse.
The Committee recommends that the building known as the Ship Pond Schoolhouse be turned over to the Selectmen to dispose of as they see fit.
Article 41. To see if the Town will authorize the pur- chase or taking by eminent domain of the land and the approaches thereto in the vicinity of the present Alden Street Schoolhouse for schoolhouse purposes, and make an appropriation therefor.
The Committee recommends that the Town appropriate the sum of thirty-five hundred (3,500) dollars for the pur- pose named in this article.
Messrs. Heavens, Gooding, Holmes, E. C. Finney dissent- ing ; Messrs. Harris, Parsons, Burns absent.
Article 42. To see if the Town will authorize the con- struction of a schoolhouse in the vicinity of the present Alden Street Schoolhouse and make an appropriation there- for including issuing bonds or notes of the Town for said purpose.
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The Committee recommends that the Town take no action under this article.
. Article 43. To see if the Town will accept Section 44 of Chapter 32 of the General Laws of 1921, relative to muni- cipal pensions for school janitors.
The Committee recommends that no action be taken on this article.
Article 44. To see if the Town will vote to establish a Town Forest, authorize, the purchase by the Town of cer- tain lands for that purpose as recommended by the com- mittee chosen to investigate the subject, make an appropri- ation not exceeding two thousand (2,000) dollars for pur- chase of said lands and an appropriation not exceeding one thousand (1,000) dollars for construction and reforest- ing.
The Committee recommends that this appropriation be granted.
Article 45. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of two hundred (200) dollars for a survey and plans for a playground in the north end of the town.
The Committee recommends that the Town take no action in regard to the above appropriation.
Article 46. To see if the Town will make an appropria- tion for the purchase of Old Fort Standish at Saquish for park purposes.
The Committee recommends that the Town make no ap- propriation under this article.
Article 47. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceeding seventy-one hundred and fifty (7.150) dol- lars for acquiring certain land on the north side of Town Brook for park purposes.
The Committee recommends that the Town appropriate the sum of seven thousand one hundred and fifty (7,150) dollars for acquiring certain land on the north side of Town Brook for Park purposes.
Article 48. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen to extend the present "White Way" lighting
31
sytem northerly from Samoset street to the corner of Aller- ton and Court streets.
Th Committee recommends that the Town take no action under this article.
Article 49. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money not exceeding nine hundred (900) dollars to pay the expenses of the observance of July Fourth, and of an Old Home Day in connection with Forefathers' Day, said money to be expended by the Board of Selectmen.
The Committee recommends that the Town make an ap- propriation not to exceed nine hundred (900) dollars for the proper observance of these holidays.
Article 50. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceeding five hundred (500) dollars for public band concerts, said money to be disbursed by the Board of Select- men.
The Committee recommends that the Town appropriate a sum not exceeding five hundred (500) dollars for public band concerts.
Article 51. To see whether the Town will raise and ap- propriate the sum of one hundred thirty-one (131) dollars to reimburse the estates of William B. Arnold and Thomas Arnold and Susan E. Arnold for taxes paid by them to the Town of Plymouth for fifteen consecutive years assessed on property which was not in existence. (By petition.)
The Committee recommends that the Town take no action under this article.
Article 52. To see if the Town will authorize the trans- fer of a sum not exceeding five thousand (5,000) dollars from the Reserve from Overlayings of Taxes to the Reserve Account in the hands of the Advisory and Finance Com- mittee.
The Committee recommends that the transfer mentioned in the above article, be made.
Article 53. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate for granolithic sidewalks all reimbursements for granolithic construction during the year.
32
The Committee recommends that the appropriation in ar- ticle 53 be made.
Article 54. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum not exceeding fifty thousand (50,000) dollars from the surplus now standing as a credit balance on the Excess and Deficiency Account to reduce the tax levy of the current year, as recommended by the Assessors.
The Committee recommends that the Town vote to appro- priate a sum not to exceed fifty thousand (50.000) dollars from the Excess and Deficiency Account to reduce the tax levy of the current year.
Francis J. Heavens, Chairman: Alfred S. Burns. John B. Finney, John A. Harris, Isaac B. Holmes. Edward C. Holmes. Earl W. Gooding, Willard H. Parsons, Russell Snow. James S. Swanton. Charles R. Wood. John D. Brewer. Guy R. Cole. Charles W. Gifford. Allen D. Russell, Secretary.
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING. SEPT. 6. 1924.
Article Two :
To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceed- ing Six hundred (600) dollars for the Law Department.
The Committee recommends appropriation of Six hundred 600) Dollars.
Article Three :
To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceeding Three hundred and fifty (350) dollars for the Rifle Range.
The Committee recommends appropriation of Three hun- dred and fifty (350) dollars, the same to be expended under the supervision of the Selectmen.
Article Four :
To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceeding One thousand (1.000) dollars for the Tree Warden's De- partment to defray expense of clearing away shade trees broken down in the recent storm.
The Committee recommends appropriation of One thou- sand (1,000) dollars.
33
Article Five :
To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceeding Two thousand (2,000) dollars for Roads and Bridges to defray expense occasioned by the recent storm.
The Committee recommends appropriation of Two thou- Article Six :
To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceeding Two thousand (2,000) dollars for Sewers.
The Committee recommends appropriation of Two thou- sand (2,000) dollars.
Article Seven :
To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceeding One thousand (1,000) dollars for further hard surfacing on the Bartlett Road, in Manomet.
The Committee recommends that no appropriations be made.
Article Eight :
To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceeding One thousand (1,000) dollars for care and maintenance of the Parks.
The Committee recommends appropriation of One thou- sand (1,000) dollars.
Article Nine :
To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceeding Twenty-five hundred (2,500 dollars) for clearing the basin of Town Brook and maintenance of the Elder Brewster Garden.
The Committee recommends appropriation of Twenty- five hundred (2,500) dollars. Messrs. Gooding and Mellor voting in the negative.
Article Ten :
To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceeding Eight hundred and fifty (850) dollars for moving and re- pairing the building on the land recently acquired for a right-of-way to the Stephens Field Playground.
The Sommittee deems it inexpedient that such appropri- ation be made at this time and recommends no action.
34
Article Eleven :
To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceeding Twenty-five hundred (2,500) dollars for the Miscellaneous Account for the following items :-
Certification and printing of the several issues of bonds. Study and report on the Town Departments made by Gaylord C. Cummin.
Expense occasioned by the visit of the National Encamp- ment of G. A. R.
Construction of base and setting for the statue of the "Pilgrim Maiden," to be placed in the Elder Brewster Garden.
The Committee recommends appropriation of Twenty-five hundred (2.500) dollars provided the legality of an appro- priation for the second item as listed is favorably passed on by the Town Counsel before the holding of the Town Meet- ing.
Respectfully submitted,
Francis J. Heavens. Chairman ; Earl W. Gooding, Frederick R. Snow, James S. Swanton. Charles R. Wood, Guy R. Cole, Charles W. Gifford, Howard M. Douglas. Albert L. Mellor, Elmer R. Harlow, Secretary.
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING, OCTOBER 4, 1924.
Article Two :
To see if the Town will appropriate from money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the sum of Twenty- five thousand (25,000) dollars for the use of the Wharf Committee for the purpose of making additions and re- enforcements to the present structure in accordance with plans submitted by the engineers.
The Committee recommends the appropriation of Twenty- five thousand (25,000) dollars.
(Messrs. Mayher and Swanton voting in the negative.
35
and Mr. Gifford not voting as he is a member of the Wharf Committee.)
Respectfully submitted,
Francis J. Heavens, Chairman; Earl W. Gooding, Willard H. Parsons, Frederick R. Snow, James S. Swanton, Jolin D. Brewer, Charles W. Gifford, Allen D. Russell, Albert S. Anderson, Howard M. Douglas, Philip Mayher, Elmer R. Harlow, Secretary.
36
Report of the Selectmen
A resume of the business of the Town for the past year must necessarily be of a somewhat sketchy character. The details and figures will be found by those who care for them in the separate reports of the different Department Heads. In the past it has been customary to take up these matters under the various headings that the reports carry and this procedure will be followed in this report.
The Departments directly under the supervision of the Selectmen are taken in their order. First the.
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
The work of this part of the Town's activities has been carried on as usual by continuing the policy of surfacing the side streets with an application of Tarvia blotted with sand and in some cases where the Travel seemed to be heavier with stone of various sizes as the needs of the locality seem- ed to demand.
We now have all the side streets north of Shirley Square covered. This method is inexpensive as compared with the old method of covering with gravel and insures at least one year's wear with the consequent freedom from washing, which was so troublesome in the past. We hope to continue this until all the minor streets are covered. A large section of Court St. has been remade with Bituminons Macadam and the troublesome crown of the road removed. This re- sults in a large accession of usable road surface and in com- bination with making the Street Railway tracks usable (as we are doing as fast as possible) gives a very considerable relief to the traffic.
It is to be hoped that this policy may be continued until all of the road bed possible may be put in use, as the con-
37
stantly increasing traffic is creating a problem that at the present time has no solution in sight.
It will undoubtedly be necessary to open other streets for through travel as other Towns and Cities are doing, and in the report of the Planning Board, you will find a suggestion that merits your closest scrutiny. This plan is a very com- prehensive one and is of a magnitude to warrant a period of years for its completion. But when finished it should care for a large volume of traffic for many years.
The sidewalk question is one that calls for considerable attention. The minor walks on the side streets have been covered with a Tarvia and stone mixture making a dry and serviceable walk. It is our wish to continue this policy until every street off the Main St., has at least one good walk. There are several of the older walks in the center of the Town that have become so broken up that further repairs are practically wasted and these should be rebuilt. The Granolithic walks have been extended and this type of walk is now a very considerable portion of the whole.
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