USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of Plymouth, MA 1941 > Part 3
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Article 26. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of fifteen hundred (1,500) dollars for replacing the motors in the traffic lights at Town Square, Samoset Street and Court Street.
The Committee recommends the appropriation of $1,500.00.
Article 27. Will the Town approve the installation of traffic control signals, to be located at Savery's Lane, Suosso's Lane and Court Street, and appropriate the sum of twenty-eight hundred and fifty (2,850) dollars for the installation of the same.
(By petition of Amedeo O. Collari et als.)
The Committee recommends that the Town take no action.
Article 28. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of three thousand (3,000) dollars for enlarging the present signal room at the Police Station, providing an additional office room and repairing the outside of the building.
The Committee recommends the appropriation of $3,000.00.
Article 29. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of five thousand (5,000) dollars for dredging the
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channel around Town Wharf.
The Committee recommends the appropriation of $5,000.00.
Article 30. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of six hundred (600) dollars for compensation and expenses of the Dog Officer.
The Committee recommends that the Town take no action.
Article 31. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of eight hundred (800) dollars for the purchase of an addressograph and equipment for the use of the Town Treasurer and the Board of Public Welfare.
The Committee recommends the appropriation of $800.00.
Article 32. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of one thousand (1,000) dollars to construct a recre- ational building at the Fresh Pond Reservation.
The Committee recommends the appropriation of $1,000.00.
Article 33. To see it the Town will appropriate the money in the Treasury received from the sale of tax possessions, amounting to two thousand five hundred and ninety-four and 38-100 (2,594.38) dollars for the construc- tion of a cement bridge over Carter's River, so-called, at Great Herring Pond in Cedarville.
The Committee recommends the appropriation of $2,594.38, from the source and for the purpose stated in the article.
Article 34. To see if the Town will establish a voca- tional school and for that purpose remodel the old high school building, install a new heating plant and ventil- ating system therein, erect, adjacent to said high school building, a building to be used as a garage shop, and
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purchase equipment for said vocational school, and appro- priate therefor the sum of forty-eight thousand (48,000) dollars. To meet the appropriation there shall be trans- ferred from the Excess and Deficiency Funds of the Town the sum of fifty-five hundred (5,500) dollars and the Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, shall be authorized to borrow a sum not to exceed forty- two thousand five hundred (42,500) dollars and to issue therefor the bonds or notes of the Town to be payable in accordance with Section 19 of Chapter 44 of the General Laws, so that the whole loan shall be paid in not more than ten years after the date of the issuance of the first bond or note or at such earlier time as the Treasurer and the Selectmen may determine. Said bonds or notes shall bear on the face thereof the wording "Ply- mouth School Loan Act of 1941." The work to be done hereunder and the erection of said building shall be under the direction of the School Committee and said Com- mittee is hereby authorized to contract for said work and the erection of said building in the name of the Town.
This Article and Article 35 are in the hands of a special committee.
Article 35. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of five thousand nine hundred (5,900) dollars to pay salaries and wages in connection with the operation of a trade or vocational school until December 31, 1941 and will appropriate the sum of one thousand six hundred (1,600) dollars to pay all other expenses of operation of such school until December 31, 1941.
Article 36. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of seven hundred and fifty (750) dollars, from money in the treasury received from the sale of cemetery lots and graves, to be expended for hard-surfacing roads and paths in Oak Grove and Vine Hills Cemeteries.
The Committee recommends the appropriation of $750.00, from the source and for the purpose stated in the article.
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Article 37. To see if the Town will authorize its Board of Health to lease, in the name and behalf of the Town, from the Plymouth County Commissioners, the land owned by the County of Plymouth, lying southeast- erly from the South Pond Road in said Plymouth, con- taining about eight and 5-10 (8.5) acres and shown on a plan entitled: "Plan of part of County Farm Property, to be leased to Town of Plymouth, Board of Health, Plymouth, Mass. Scale: 80 feet to an inch. Lewis W. Perkins, County Engineer, April 1, 1940," together with a right of way to and from the South Pond Road. Said land to be used for a public dump. Said lease to be for a term not exceeding fifty (50) years and at an annual rental not to exceed one (1) dollars, and upon such other terms and conditions as may be mutually agreed upon by said County Commissioners and said Board of Health.
The Committee recommends that the Town take no action under this article as we are informed that any action so taken will not be recognized as legal.
Article 38. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of six thousand five hundred (6,500) dollars, to be used for the purchase of Triple Combination Fire Truck to replace machine purchased in the year 1916.
The Committee recommends the appropriation of $6,500.00.
Article 39. To see if the Town will authorize the transfer of a sum not exceeding ten thousand (10,000) dollars from the Reserve from Overlaying of Taxes to the Reserve Account in the hands of the Advisory and Finance Committee.
The Committee recommends that the Town authorize the transfer of the sum of ten thousand (10,000) dollars from the Reserve from Overlaying of Taxes to the Re- serve Account in the hands of the Advisory and Finance Committee.
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Article 40. To see if the Town will authorize the Water Commissioners to purchase for the Town a parcel of land in Manomet adjoining Wanno's Pond, so-called, containing 0.8 acres, more or less, and shown on the plan hereinafter referred to as the parcel outlined in red, to- gether with the full, free and exclusive right to lay in the existing cartway extending from Bartlett Road to the northeasterly corner of land of the Town of Ply- mouth on which the water tank stands, as shown on said plan, pipes for conveying water, and the right at all times to enter upon and open said cartway for the laying, main- taining, repairing and replacing of such pipes, and will make an appropriation of five hundred (500) dollars therefor. Said plan is entitled: Town of Plymouth Plan Showing Purchase and Right of Way from Porter T. Harlow. Scale: 60 feet to the inch. Jan. 31, 1941. A. E. Blackmer, Town Engineer.
The Committee recommends favorable action by the Town and appropriation of $500.00.
Article 41. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of seven thousand (7,000) dollars for the construc- tion and development of an auxiliary water supply on the land described in Article 40.
The Committee recommends the appropriation of $7,000.00.
Article 42. To see if the Town will appropriate, from money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated, the sum of fifteen thousand (15,000) dollars for repairs and alterations to the Town Infirmary, to be expended under the direction of the Board of Public Welfare.
The Committee recommends that the Town take no action.
Article 43. To see if the Town will instruct the Mod- erator to appoint a committee of fifteen to investigate and report to the Town, not later than the next annual
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town meeting, on the necessity, if any, of a new building for town offices and make an appropriation of eight hun- dred (800) dollars for necessary expenses.
The Committee recommends that a committee be ap- pointed but no appropriation made.
Article 44. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of thirty-two thousand five hundred (32,500) dollars, to be added to money already appropriated and to be paid to the State Treasurer, all of said moneys to be expended for the improvement of Plymouth Harbor, only in the event that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts makes available for such purpose a sum, at least equal to the total contribution of the Town, and the United States of America makes available for such purpose a sum, at least equal to the total contribution of the Town of Ply- mouth and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. To meet the appropriation there be raised in the tax levy of the present year the sum of seven thousand five hundred (7,500) dollars and the treasurer, with the approval of the selectmen, be authorized to borrow a sum not exceed- ing twenty-five thousand (25,000) dollars and to issue bonds or notes therefor, which shall bear on their face the words "Plymouth Harbor Improvement Loan, Act of 1941." Each authorized issue shall constitute a separate loan, to be payable in accordance with the provisions of Section 19 of Chapter 44 of the General Laws, so that the whole loan shall be paid in not more than five (5) years after the date of the issuance of the first bonds or notes.
The Committee recommends that the Town take no action under this article as we are informed that any action so taken will not be recognized as legal.
Article 45. Will the Town approve of turning back to the Town the sum of twenty thousand (20,000) dollars, already appropriated and set aside for the purpose of dredging a basin in Plymouth Harbor, to reduce the 1941 tax rate of the Town of Plymouth.
(By petition of William H. Barrett et als.)
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The Committee recommends that the Town take no action for the obvious reason that definite action should first be taken, at another meeting, on the subject matter of the preceding article.
Article 46. To see if the Town will accept and allow as a town way, Knapp Terrace, from Court street easterly over the Knapp property to land of the Old Colony Rail- road, as laid out by the Selectmen and reported to the Town, and appropriate the sum of one hundred (100) dollars for land and property damage and expenses of acquiring titles.
(By Petition)
The Committee recommends that the Town take favor- able action and appropriate $100.00.
Article 47. To see if the Town will accept and allow as a town way, Savery Avenue Terrace, off Savery Avenue northerly and easterly to land of Augusto Gio- vanetti, as laid out by the Selectmen and reported to the Town, and appropriate the sum of one hundred (100) dollars for land and property damage and expense of acquiring titles.
(By Petition)
The Committee recommends that the Town take favorable action and appropriate $100.00.
Article 48. To see if the Town will accept and allow as a town way, Margerie Street, from Oak Street west- erly to Vine Hills Cemetery, as laid out by the Selectmen and reported to the Town, and appropriate the sum of one hundred (100) dollars for land and property damages and expenses of acquiring titles. (By Petition)
The Committee recommends that the Town take favor- able action and appropriate $100.00.
Article 49. To see if the Town will accept and allow as a town way, Ocean View Avenue, from Standish Avenue westerly and northerly to Nick's Rock Road, as
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laid out by the Selectmen and reported to the Town, and appropriate the sum of one hundred (100) dollars for land and property damages and expense of acquiring titles.
(By Request)
The Committee recommends that the Town take favor- able action and appropriate $100.00.
Article 50. To see if the Town will accept and allow as a town way, Cordage Terrace, from Standish Avenue westerly, southerly and westerly to Cordage Terrace Ex- tension, as laid out by the Selectmen and reported to the Town, and appropriate the sum of one hundred (100) dollars for land and property damages and expense of acquiring titles.
(By Request)
The Committee recommends that the Town take favor- able action and appropriate $100.00.
Article 51. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen to sell, after first giving notice of the time and place of sale by posting such notice of sale in some convenient and public place in the Town fourteen (14) days at least before the sale, property taken by the Town under tax title procedure, provided that the Selectmen or whomsoever they may authorize to hold such public auction may reject any bid which they deem inadequate, or take any action relative thereto.
The Committee recommends that the Town take favor- able action.
Article 52. To see if the Town of Plymouth will ap- propriate the sum of two hundred (200) dollars for the purchase of game, to be distributed in the township of Plymouth, according to Chapter 142, Section 1, Art. 41 of the Acts of 1938, allowing towns to make such appro- priations.
(By petition of James S. A. Valler et als.) The Committee recommends that the Town take no action.
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Article 53. To see what action the Town will take with reference to purchasing for a public airport the Plymouth Airport property of the Cape Cod School of Aeronautics, said property being located on South Meadow Road and containing about 244 acres of land; the purchase price of said property being twenty-four thousand five hundred (24,500) dollars and the Town to purchase said property only provided the Federal Gov- ernment will agree to expend a sum not less than fifty thousand (50,000) dollars for the improvement of the same as an airport under a WPA project and the Town's purchase price therefor to be considered as the Town's contribution toward such a WPA project.
(By petition of Hugh R. Maraghy et als.)
The Committee recommends that the Town take no action.
Article 54. Will the Town approve of a survey to be made to determine the feasibility of a municipal owned and operated electric lighting plant for the town of Ply- mouth and appropriate the sum of four thousand five hundred (4,500) dollars to cover the cost of the same.
(By petition of William H. Barrett et als.)
The Committee recommends that the Town approve of a survey and appropriate $4,500.00.
Article 55. To see if the Town will ask the General Court for authority to bond the Town for $100,000.00 to build a Municipal Electric Light Plant and the Moderator to appoint a committee of five to fight for the same.
(By petition of Freeman S. Cornish et als.)
The Committee recommends that the Town take no action.
Article 56. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of two hundred and twenty-five (225) dollars for the purpose of reimbursing former Forest Fire Warden, Arthur W. Weston, for the loss of his truck, which was destroyed while in the performance of his duty.
(By petition of Arthur S. Weston et als.)
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The Committee recommends that the Town take no action.
Article 57. To see if the Town will authorize the Honorable Board of Selectmen for the Town of Plymouth to construct, according to the plans of the Town Engin- eer, a so-called Fish Way or Herring Run through the so-called Town Brook or adjacent lands or through the dam at the so-called Bradford and Kyle factory into the so-called Poor House Pond and to acquire by purchase, gift or eminent domain the lands and easements necessary therefor and will appropriate the sum of sixteen hundred (1,600) dollars for the expenses necessary therefor and for the balance of the plans of the Town Engineer for so-called Herring Runs or Fishways in so-called Town Brook the Honorable Board of Selectmen for the Town of Plymouth are hereby authorized to construct through WPA or other so-called relief projects, etc, said Herring Runs or Fishways.
(By petition of Philip Jackson et als.)
The Committee recommends that the Town take no action.
Article 58. Will the Town adopt a By Law on Com- petitive Bidding to read,
Section A
No contract for construction work whether for repairs or original construction or for the purchase of apparatus, supplies or materials, the estimated cost of which amounts to fifty (50) dollars or more, except in cases of special emergency involving the health or safety of the people or their property, shall be awarded unless proposals for the same have been invited by the officer, board or com- mittee authorized by the town to make the contract.
Section B
The officer, board or committee may exempt a pur- chase or contract from any or all of the provisions of
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the preceding section when, in their opinion, an emer- gency exists requiring immediate action on such pur- chase or contract to protect the health and safety of persons or property, or when no reasonable substitute can be obtained for the article or service to be purchased or contracted for. Evidence indicating that such an em- ergency exists or that no reasonable substitute for a purchase or service can be obtained shall be furnished to the Selectmen in writing by the officer, board or com- mittee making such purchase or contract and shall be kept on file with other records of such transaction.
(By petition of William H. Barrett et als.)
The Committee recommends that the Town take no action.
Article 59. Will the Town approve that all appro- priations voted on at town meetings amounting to five thousand (5,000) dollars or more must be voted on by ballot, this vote or ruling to take effect on its passage.
(By petition of William H. Barrett et als.)
The Committee recommends that the Town take no action.
Article 60. Will the Town adopt and approve of a By-Law to appropriate five hundred (500) dollars for a free bed at the Jordan Hospital, as applied in Chapter 111, Section 74, Volume I, Ter. Ed. of 1932.
(By petition of William H. Barrett et als.)
The Committee recommends that the Town take no action.
Article 61. Will the Town adopt and approve of Chapter 115, Section 22, Vol. I, Ter. Ed. of 1932 of the General Laws, that gives the right to the Selectmen to appoint annually caretakers for all veterans' graves in the Town of Plymouth that are neglected by next of kin's or guardian's who are financially unable to assume
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this responsibility and appropriate a sum of money not to exceed fifteen hundred (1,500) dollars annually.
(By petition of William H. Barrett et als.)
The Committee recommends that the Town take no action.
Article 62. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money not to exceed five hundred (500) dollars to provide eye glasses or spectacles for public school children eighteen (18) years of age or under who are in need thereof and whose parents or guardians are finan- cially unable to furnish the same, said appropriation to be expended by the School Committee.
(By petition of William H. Barrett et als.)
The Committee recommends that the town take no action.
Article 63. To see if it is the sentiment of the Town that the Plymouth School Committee and the faculty of all the Plymouth Schools, direct when possible or otherwise suggest that students purchase class pins, class photographs, musical instruments and such other material as may be directly purchased with other than town funds for student use, be purchased from Plymouth business men.
(By petition of William R. LaRocque et als.)
The Committee makes no recommendations as the article does not call for action by the Town but for the sentiment of the voters.
Article 64. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of three hundred (300) dollars, in accordance with the provisions of Clause 37, Section 5, Chapter 40 of the General Laws (Ter. Ed.) for providing proper facilities for the holding of conventions and the reception of dis- tinguished guests, said appropriation to be expended un- der the direction of the Board of Selectmen.
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The Committee recommends the appropriation of $300.00.
Article 65. To see what action the Town will take with respect to the adoption of the Stamp Plan, so-called, for the distribution of Surplus Commodities in the Town of Plymouth in cooperation with the State Department of Public Welfare and the Surplus Marketing Adminis- tration of the Department of Agriculture of the United States of America.
The Committee recommends that the Town adopt the Stamp Plan, so-called, as set forth in the article.
Respectfully submitted,
ADVISORY AND FINANCE COMMITTEE TOWN OF PLYMOUTH
Daniel F. Mulcahy, Chairman; William H. Armstrong, Adams W. Bartelli, Porter T. Harlow, Raymond E. Miskelly, Clement A. Briggs, Paul H. Manion, Milton R. Millman, John H. Murray, Robert J. Tubbs, Harvey S. Hatch, Charles G. Darsch, Ralph H. Gilbert, Forlong C. Hilton, William L. Pavesi.
Attested: Elmer R. Harlow, Secretary.
Annual Report
OF THE
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
OF THE
Town of Plymouth
1820
For Year Ending December 31, 1941
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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Since last reporting to you the activities of the Select- men and the various departments under their jurisdiction, we see the possibility of the whole financial structure of not only our town government, but the state and federal government also, being changed, brought about by the necessity of spending huge amounts of money for defense in a war that was not of our making.
In the last report we told you that the financial condi- tion of the town was one of which we could well be proud. This condition still exists but no one can say how much longer this is to continue, as we are unable to anticipate what moneys we will be asked to spend to assure us of our way of life.
The conditions of the unemployed have improved immensely and the relief loads are not nearly as great as they have been in the past. There are no WPA men working in the town of Plymouth. However, seventy-five men are working on defense projects at Camp Edwards and the Hyannis Airport, the conditions being that the town pay transportation. These men were taken from our local sewer project at the request of the federal government, so that important defense projects could be completed. Upon the completion of this work undoubt- edly these men will be returned to the projects not essential to defense.
A great deal of consideration has been given the Police Department, as traffic has become a very serious problem, with so many troops at Camp Edwards, and we believe that the Chief and his men are to be complimented on the efficient work they have done. Two of our best officers were taken by death and one other was retired during the past year. Three new men have been appointed in
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their places and we feel sure that they will carry on the work so ably done by their predecessors. Considerable repair work has been done at the Police Station to make the quarters suitable to carry on the important work of this department.
The Highway Department has operated in its usual efficient manner and the demands of the public for better streets and sidewalks have been given a great deal of attention. Chapter 90 work on Samoset Street, or Route 44, has been continued this year with the aid of the county and state government.
The headquarters of the various departments have been inspected from time to time and found to be in a satisfactory condition. Few, if any, complaints have been reported to the Board regarding the sale of liquor and the revenue from this source was about the same as in previous years.
A substantial reduction in the Soldiers' Relief was occasioned by the men obtaining work on defense pro- jects. However, we anticipate a sharp rise due to being required to aid the dependents of the men called to the armed forces.
The local defense committee is holding meetings and giving freely of their time in an effort to determine what is best for us to do and how much money will be neces- sary to adequately protect persons and property in any eventuality.
JAMES A. WHITE, HOWARD M. DOUGLAS, JAMES T. FRAZIER, WILLIAM H. BARRETT, JOHN A. ARMSTRONG,
Board of Selectmen.
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REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS AND SEWERS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit a report of the work done in the Street and Sewer Departments from January 1 to Decem- ber 31, 1941.
SEWERS
One hundred and sixty (160) feet of eight inch pipe was laid on what is now called Cape Cod Terrace for a new main sewer line for houses that are to be built during the summer months. A large number of new sewer connections have been made and old ones have been relaid with iron pipe. Several mains have been dragged and cleared of tree roots.
STREET CLEANING
The usual work of street cleaning has been carried out. All catchbasins have been cleaned and drains relaid with new and larger pipes to take care of the water during heavy rains.
ASPHALT SIDEWALKS
Approximately 11,960 sq. yds. of hot-mixed sidewalks have been laid on various streets in the north and south parts of the town. Streets where WPA men have laid cement curbing, the old sidewalk was replaced with a hot-mix top. A number of streets have been graded with gravel and will have a top surface this coming year.
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