USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of Plymouth, MA 1926-1927 > Part 21
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Elmer R. Harlow, Secretary.
REPORT OF ADVISORY AND FINANCE COMMITTEE, TOWN OF PLYMOUTH
FOR SPECIAL TOWN MEETING TO BE HELD MAY 21, 1927
The Committee has considered the Articles in this Warrant, and respectfully submits the following report.
Article 2. To see if the Town will indemnify the Commonwealth of Massachusetts against any and all
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claims for land, grade and drainage damages which may be caused by or result from the laying out, alteration, construction and reconstruction of the State Highway on the Plymouth-Sagamore Road in Plymouth, or any sec- tion or relocation thereof, and will authorize the Board of Selectmen to sign an indemnity agreement therefor in behalf of the Town, or take any other action with respect thereto.
The Committee recommends that the Town vote to indemnify the Commonwealth of Massachusetts against any and all claims for land, grade and drainage damages which may be caused by or result from the laying out, alteration, construction and reconstruction of the State Highway on the Plymouth-Sagamore Road in Plymouth, or any section or relocation thereof, and that the Board of Selectmen be authorized to sign an indemnity agree- ment therefor in behalf of the Town indemnifying the Commonwealth as aforesaid.
Article 3. To see if the Town will appropriate for Roads and Bridges the sum of seven hundred, four and 70/100 (704.70) dollars, that being the amount expended for services relative to plans for the proposed new high- way from Billington Street to land of Joseph Malaguti off Standish Avenue.
The Committee recommends that the Town appropri- ate for Roads and Bridges the sum of seven hundred, four and 70/100 (704.70) dollars.
Article 4. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceeding two thousand (2,000) dollars for resurfac- ing on Water Street Extension from Lothrop southerly.
The Committee recommends that the Town appropri- ate the sum of two thousand (2,000) dollars for resur- facing on Water Street Extension from Lothrop Street southerly.
Article 5. To see if the Town will appropriate twenty thousand (20,000) dollars to be expended on the Fire Alarm Signal System.
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The Committee recommends that the Town appropri- ate the sum of twenty thousand (20,000) dollars to be- expended on the Fire Alarm Signal System.
A study of the fire alarm situation indicates that cer- tain improvements should be made immediately. Parts of the existing under-ground cable are out of commission, and some of the overhead lines are in bad shape.
The Advisory and Finance Committee has given this matter considerable attention, and recommends that the Fire Commissioner install new cable from Jabez Corner to the box farthest north on Court Street. Thus the main wires north and south will be put under ground now. This appears to be vital to insure efficient service, and will safeguard a large section of the town.
An inspection of the system was made this week by an engineer of the New England Insurance Exchange.
A complete report is not yet available, but the engineer expressed the need of abandoning the overhead wires over Standish Avenue which serve the north part of the town. He stated that it was very unsafe to depend upon this line another winter, and urged the installation of a cable under Court Street to adequately serve the north section.
He pointed out some of the dangers to life and prop- erty due to the antiquated fire alarm boxes, and urged the replacing of them with modern equipment.
Advisory and Finance Committee, Town of Plymouth : Alton D. Edes, Chairman ; Alfred L. Barnes, Herbert A. Stockbridge, Aldo Giovanetti, William P. Libby, Myron L. Smith, George B. Sweeney, George A. Parks, William: H. Pridham.
Elmer R. Harlow, Secretary.
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REPORT OF ADVISORY AND FINANCE COMMITTEE, TOWN OF PLYMOUTH
FOR SPECIAL TOWN MEETING TO BE HELD
DECEMBER 17, 1927
The Committee has considered the Articles in the War- rant and respectfully submits the following report:
Article 1. To choose a Moderator to preside at said meeting.
Article 2. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceeding five thousand (5,000) dollars for land and property damages, awarded by the Plymouth County Commissioners under their decree No. 724 for the relo- cation of the State Highway from Vallerville to Costello's Corner.
The Committee recommends that the Town appropri- ate the sum of five thousand (5,000) dollars for land and property damages awarded by the Plymouth County Commissioners under their decree No. 724 for the relo- cation of the State Highway from Vallerville to Costello's Corner.
Article 3. To see if the Town will accept and allow the relocation of the westerly line of Court Street over the land of Josephine M. Crosby, as laid out by the Selectmen and reported to the Town, and appropriate the sum of thirty-five hundred (3,500) dollars for land and property damages.
The Committee recommends that the Town accept and allow the relocation of the westerly line of Court Street over land of Josephine M. Crosby as laid out by the Se- lectmen and reported to the Town and appropriate the sum of thirty-five hundred (3,500) dollars for land and property damages.
Plymouth Three
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Article 4. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of two thousand (2,000) dollars for plans and speci- fications for additional accommodations for the Senior and Junior High Schools.
The Committee recommends that the Town appropri- ate the sum of two thousand (2,000) dollars for plans and specifications for additional accommodations for the Senior and Junior High Schools.
Article 5. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of four thousand (4,000) dollars for abatements of taxes of the current year in excess of the overlay pro- vided for by the Assessors.
The Committee recommends that the Town appropri- ate the sum of four thousand (4,000) dollars for abate- ments of taxes of the current year in excess of the over- lay provided for by the Assessors.
Article 6. To see if the Town will authorize payment from the unexpended balance of the Market Street Fence appropriation for one-half of the cost of the cement con- crete sidewalk laid on Sandwich Street near the foot of Market Street.
The Committee recommends that the Town authorize the payment of the sum of seventy (70) dollars from the unexpended balance of the Market Street Fence appro- priation for one-half the cost of the cement concrete side- walk laid on Sandwich Street near the foot of Market Street.
Article 7. To see if the Town will appropriate for Roads and Bridges the sum of six hundred, seven, and 90/100 (607.90) dollars received in August, 1927, for re- surfacing streets and replacing sidewalks occasioned by placing the electric light wires in under-ground conduits, and for use of the steam roller.
The Committee recommends that the sum of six hun- dred seven and 90/100 (607.90) dollars received as stated
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in this Article be appropriated for Roads and Bridges.
Article 8. To see if the Town will authorize the pay- ment from the current year's appropriation for the Health Department of certain unreported bills of the years 1925 and 1926, amounting to one hundred and eight (108) dollars.
The Committee recommends that the Town authorize the payment from the current year's appropriation for the Health Department of certain unreported bills of the years 1925 and 1926 amounting to one hundred and eight (108) dollars.
Article 9. To see if the Town will rescind the vote passed at the special town meeting held November 13, 1926, under Article 18, relative to the lease of the Town Wharf, and will authorize its Relocation Committee to amend the agreement made by and between the Town and the James Millar Company, dated October 6, 1924, so that the rental shall be one thousand (1,000) dollars per annum, and not fifteen hundred (1,500) dollars per an- num. In the event of the renewal of the agreement as provided under Article D, the rental shall be fifteen hun- dred (1,500) dollars per annum, as agreed in the original lease of October 6, 1924, which is now in effect.
The Committee recommends that the Town rescind the vote passed at the special town meeting held November 13, 1926, under Article 18, relative to the lease of the Town Wharf and authorize its Relocation Committee to amend the agreement made by and between the Town and the James Millar Company, dated October 6, 1924, so that the rental shall be one thousand (1,000) dollars per an- num and not fifteen hundred (1,500) dollars per annum. In the event of the renewal of the agreement as provided under Article D. the rental shall be fifteen hundred (1,500) dollars per annum as agreed in the original lease of October 6, 1924, which is still in effect.
Article 10. To see if the Town will appoint a Com- mittee to revise the Town By-Laws.
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The Committee recommends that the Town appoint a Committee to revise the Town By-Laws.
Advisory and Finance Committee, Town of Plymouth : Alton D. Edes, Chairman ; Alfred L. Barnes, Roy E. Bea- man, Edward A. Buttner, Guy R. Cole, Aldo Giovanetti, Isaac B. Holmes, William P. Libby, George A. Parks, Willard H. Parsons, William H. Pridham, Herbert A. Stockbridge, George B. Sweeney.
Elmer R. Harlow, Secretary.
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REPORT OF SELECTMEN
The year 1927 has been a normal one as regards the activities of the Town. The usual amount of routine work has been accomplished. It has been the policy of the Highway Department to continue the hard surfacing of the side streets and at the present time the larger part of them are covered with what has proved to be a very sat- isfactory surface and this has also worked out as an econ- omy in maintenance. It is hoped to continue this work into the outlying districts as fast as the annual appro- priation will allow.
The rounding of street corners has also progressed in a satisfactory manner and many of the old square cor- ners, especially where they enter the main streets, have been eased and made more easily turned.
A beginning has been made on Water Street where the road has been swung to the east in consequence of the deal made with the Old Colony R. R. Co. by which land in that location was exchanged for land in front of the station. It is intended to finish this street, and an appro- priation is asked for to do this and continue the Water Street reconditioning to Nelson Street.
The usual practice of sidewalk extension has been car- ried on as the appropriation would allow, and our walks are fast approaching a condition that will be a credit to the Town and certainly will be appreciated by those who use them. It is not too optimistic to predict that the present policy if carried out for a few years more will give to all of our walks a surface that will be enduring and a source of pride to all.
The Sewer Department has added as fast as circum- stances would permit to the already considerable system.
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There has been a large amount of new building, some new tracts have been opened, and these have all been sewered. This, of course, is the only thing to do both from a sanitary standpoint for the general health, but also for the private comfort and convenience.
The Police Department has functioned in its usual ef- ficient manner. The social conditions of the Town have been normal and good order has prevailed. Crime of a serious nature has been practically neglible. The statistics of the report of the Chief of Police will give to those of an inquiring disposition all the information that is avail- able. Traffic, which is the serious matter to engage the activities of the department, has been handled in a very satisfactory way. With the physical layout of our Town it is unavoidable, especially on Sundays when the tourists crowd in here, to prevent some delay in the steady stream of travel that uses our Main Street. But the conditions here are no different than in other places, and until some more practical solution of the traffic problem is thought out than at present obtains, there must be some conges- tion. On the whole the situation has been well handled and many compliments have been received of the conduct of the officers.
The finances of the Town are in as good condition as anyone could expect. The large outlay caused by the payments on the Memorial Building and the Town Wharf has some bearing on the tax rate, and will continue to do so until these obligations are discharged. The hall has been used by the different organizations for their various purposes, and has proved itself well adapted for such use. It has developed that sightseers have made it one of the objects of their research, and many have ex- pressed themselves as delighted with it, and have con- gratulated the Town on its acquisition. It is not prob- able that the hall will ever be a money maker, but it will always be one of our objects of interest and a local con- venience, as well as an ornament to the Town. It is gratifying to see that the use of the hall has increased
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considerably over last year, and the receipts for this year have paid about half of the running expense.
It is perhaps not out of place at this time to call the at- tention of the voters to the approaching business meet- ing of the Town. This is the one time in the year when the individual voter can voice his ideas of what is or is not a proper use of his money. There are many articles all calling for an expenditure of money. Many of these are practically necessary and require no argument. But there are others that while they may be good projects and will add to our comfort and convenience, still there may be from a financial standpoint good reason why the people should pause and consider carefully before approv- ing. The tax rate is largely in the hands of the voters themselves. The Departments make what they consider proper requisitions, and there is no disputing the fact. that they are better prepared to know what is best for the interest of the Town. Still, if the people are willing to do without certain things, it is entirely within their ability to refuse to grant the money. It is unfortunate that so few of the voters will take the trouble to inform themselves by getting in touch with the heads of the de- partments or talking with the Selectmen about the dif- ferent matters that they may be interested in. Many a misunderstanding could be avoided by such contact. And while on this subject it may be of value to the general public to inform them that any citizen may at any time go to the Town House and have the records of the meet- ings of the Selectmen placed at their disposal for review. It should be unnecessary to have to give this information, but unfortunately the idea seems prevalent that the pro- ceedings of the officers of the Town are a sealed book as far as the ordinary citizen is concerned.
There are a number of petitions for surfacing roads, all of more or less merit. If the voters see fit to give the money asked for, these will be done in the proper order. None of them are large projects, but all will work to the
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advantage of some little community which is now badly handicapped in the Spring by the condition of their roads. The Town should look at such problems with a very careful scrutiny. It does not follow that because there are few to use a road, that they are not entitled to such improvement as they ask for. It should be the policy of the Town to make the Center available for all citizens at all times, and a somewhat larger expenditure than usual will result in future economy of maintenance.
In conclusion we wish to thank the different depart- ment heads for their earnest effort to do the best they could with the amount placed in their hands for their work. And to those who have called our attention to various matters which have needed correction we also extend our thanks. There are many things of minor im- portance that it is impossible for the authorities to know, and when brought to notice we are only too glad to recti- fy them if they need it.
To those of a statistical mind we would call attention to the financial reports of the different departments. They give an accurate account of the financial side of the Town and show where the money has gone.
WILLIAM T. ELDRIDGE, FRANK C. SMITH, WALTER E. BENT, HENRY W. BARNES, JR., FRANK EASTWOOD.
Selectmen of Plymouth.
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REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS AND TOWN ENGINEER
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Plymouth, Mass.
Gentlemen :-
In accordance with an annual custom I herewith sub- mit a report of the work done by this Department during the year 1927.
NEW EQUIPMENT
Three new pieces of equipment were purchased during the past year in accordance with the recommendation made in the 1926 report.
A three ton International truck with a three yard steel dump body was purchased of W. H. Morton Co., Inc., at a net cost to the Town of $3,593.00.
A "Wehr" grader, so called, which is a Fordson tract- or with caterpillar tread and blade for grading, was pur- chased of the Kingston Motor Mart, at a cost of $1,992.50.
A sand and asphalt mixing plant for sidewalk work for $1,650.00.
SNOW REMOVAL
The total cost of snow removal and equipment during 1927 was $11,795.00. The equipment for snow removal remained substantially the same as in the preceding year, and the work of snow plowing was carried out without serious difficulty.
There was added about 4,000 feet of snow fence dur- ing 1927, which will aid materially in reducing snow drifts in the highway.
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SANDWICH ROAD
An appropriation of $8,000.00 was made to continue the penetration macadam on Sandwich Road from the Nathaniel Ellis place, so called, to Terry's Corner.
This work was completed with the amount appropriat- ed, and finishes the work begun three years ago, of a penetration macadam road from Bramhall's Corner to Terry's Corner.
BROOK ROAD BRIDGE
In accordance with a recommendation made in the report of 1926 an appropriation of $500.00 was made to replace the wooden floor on this bridge with steel I beams encased in concrete.
This work was done in accordance with plans pre- pared in this office and within the amount appropriated for the work.
ASPHALT MIX MACHINE FOR SIDEWALK WORK
In the report of 1926 a recommendation was made that an asphalt mix machine be purchased for use on side- walk work.
In accordance with this recommendation such a mach- ine was purchased of the Barber Asphalt Company, for $1,650.00.
We sent to this Company a sample of sand and stone dust that would be used in the sidewalk mix, and by their advice we used a mixture of equal parts of sand and stone dust with a specially prepared asphalt furnished by the Barber Asphalt Company.
They also sent a man down to instruct us in the use of the machine.
During the past season we have laid about 9,300 sq. yds. of this asphalt mix, mostly on sidewalks, but have built some gutters and have widened some shoulders with it, also.
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Our first season's work has proved very satisfactory, and we should be able to resurface many of our old side- walks and build some new ones during the coming year at a cost which does not exceed $.60 a sq. yd.
I recommend an appropriation of $7,000.00 for side- walks for 1928.
GRANOLITHIC
An appropriation of $6,000.00 was made for grano- lithic sidewalks for 1927.
Bids were asked of local contractors for a price per square yard for 4" sidewalk and a price per lineal foot curbing 24" deep, with the clause in the specifications that if the foundation was not satisfactory the unsatis- factory material should be removed and cinders or coarse gravel substituted. The cost of the additional work for cinder or gravel foundation to be borne by the Town.
stead, who agreed to put in the sidewalk for $2.00 per sq.
The lowest bid received was from Sampson & Kier- yd., and the curb for 65 cents per lineal foot.
Wherever this work has been done in front of private property the abuttors have paid one-half the cost for the granolithic walk and the Town has borne the whole cost of the curbing.
There has been put in during the past year 2,908 sq. yds., exclusive of Town House and Grant Store, of gran- olithic sidewalk and 4,314 lineal feet of granolithic curb- ing.
I recommend an appropriation of $6,000.00 for gran- olithic walks during 1928.
LIGHT SURFACING STREETS
An appropriation of $7,500.00 was made to continue the work of light surfacing streets during 1927, and a special appropriation of $2,500.00 for similar work on Clifford Road, from Warren Avenue to Doten Road.
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With this money available the following streets were light surfaced.
Clifford Road, Billington Street, from Standish Mills to Thomas Farm, Summer Street, from Billington Street to Watson's entrance, Winter Street, Washington Street, Stoddard Street and Newfields Street, and the total num- ber of square yards of this work done in the streets list- ed above was 24,235.
I recommend an appropriation of $7,500.00 to continue this work during 1928, on the following streets. Savery Avenue, Hall Street, Ocean View Avenue, Bradford, Rob- inson Streets, Howes Lane, Lewis School, Alden, Cherry Spooner and Summer Streets.
CALCIUM CHLORIDE
The South Pond, Long Pond, Cedarville road, from Manuel Medara's to Cedarville, and the shore road from near Golf Ground to old Taylor Farm, have been treated with Calcium Chloride the past year, with the usual sat- isfactory results.
Owing to extremely heavy rainfall during the month of August, namely 11.36", it was not necessary to use as much of this material as otherwise would have been used and, consequently, there is a balance of $1,061.76 which was not used for dust laying.
I recommend an appropriation of $6,000.00 for dust laying for 1928.
SEWERS
An 8" sewer, 500 feet long, was laid on Alvin Road, west from Oak Street after a plan and profile of this road had been approved by the Selectmen, as a Board of survey.
An extension of 100 feet on Towns Street and 32 feet , on Brookside Avenue, was also made.
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All sewer manholes and catch basins have been cleaned during the year.
PRINCE STREET SEWER
An appropriation of $12,000.00 was made to lay a sew- er on Prince Street, Cordage Street and Hedge Road, to serve a section that has not been accessible to the exist- ing sewer system.
Under this appropriation an 8" cast iron outlet pipe was laid to a guzzle about 850 feet off shore, and an 8" sewer line was put in on Prince Street, Cordage Street and Hedge Road to connect with this outlet.
WATER STREET EXTENSION
A special appropriation of $2,000.00 was made at a Special Town Meeting, held on May 21, 1927, for resur- facing a portion of Water Street Extension, south from Lothrop Street.
Under this appropriation 1,150 sq. yds. of 4" pene- tration macadam were built.
When the new Town Wharf was built, a portion of Water Street, easterly of land of New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Company, was abandoned to the Railroad Company in return for their rights on the shore, that were relinquished to the Town, and a new road was laid out easterly of the old one.
I recommend that this new road be built during 1928, and that the section of Water Street Extension from Lo- throp Street to Nelson Street be macadamized.
The estimated cost of this work is $10,000.00, and I recommend an appropriation of this amount to carry out this work.
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ALVIN ROAD
A new street called Alvin Road, running westerly from Oak Street to Vine Hill Cemetery, was opened up during the year, and several houses built thereon.
A plan of this street was approved by the Selectmen, as a Board of Survey, and water and sewer pipes laid in it.
If the layout of this street is accepted at the March, 1928, Town Meeting, I recommend an appropriation of $3,000.00 to surface it and build sidewalks.
SHORE ROAD
An appropriation of $2,500.00 was made to hard- surface a section of the Shore Road beginning at White Horse Road and running northerly 1165 feet to a point near the entrance to the Priscilla Beach development.
I recommend an appropriation of $2,500.00 to con- tinue this work during the coming year.
SURFACING RIGHT OF WAY
It is expected that the deed of the right of way extend- ing from Court Street to Water Street, past the Memor- ial Building, will be conveyed to the Town at an early. date.
When this conveyance has been made it will be neces- sary to grade and surface this roadway, and I recom- mend an appropriation of $2,000.00 for doing this work.
PARKING PLACE
The parking place at the rear of the Memorial Town Hall should be surfaced in order to improve the condi- tions during wet weather.
I think a 4" coating of cinders, well rolled with a cov-
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ering of stone dust, would make a satisfactory surface, and I recommend that $2,000.00 be appropriated for this purpose.
The necessary lines and grades for new road construc- tion and sewer work have been furnished from the Town Engineer's Office during the past year, and record plans for sewer construction and miscellaneous work have been prepared, and are on file.
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR E. BLACKMER,
Superintendent and Town Engineer.
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