USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of Plymouth, MA 1954 > Part 3
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The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,500.
Mr. C. Harvey Moore moved that the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,500 in aid of the Manomet Public Library.
Mr. James Valler moved to amend Mr. Moore's figures by substituting the sum of seventeen hundred and seventy- five dollars ($1775.00) in place of the sum of fifteen hundred dollars ($1500.00) in aid of the Manomet Public Library. Said sum of $275.00 for Other Expenses.
The original motion as amended by Mr. Valler was then put before the meeting and carried.
Article 11. To see what amount the Town will vote to raise and appropriate for the Reserve Account in the hands of the Advisory and Finance Committee.
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $10,000.
Voted: That the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $10,000 for the Reserve Account in the hands of the Advisory and Finance Committee.
Article 12. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceeding Five Hundred Dollars ($500) as provided in Chapter 40, Clause 37 of the General Laws; said appropriation to be spent under the direction of the Board of Selectmen. (Conventions and entertainment of distinguished guests).
The Committee recommends no action. Appropriation balance, as of January, 1, 1954, for the Entertainment of Distinguished Guests was $293.65.
Voted: That the Town take no action under Article 12.
Article 13. To see if the Town will raise and appropri- ate the sum of Six Thousand Dollars ($6,000) towards the employment of one or more district nurses; said appropria- tion to be expended under the direction of the Board of Selectmen.
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $6,000.
In the pas: 10 years with no increase in staff the burden of
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work which has been carried by the Community Nurse Association has increased something over 70%. In 1944 about 4000 visits were made by two nurses. In 1953 a total of 6800 were made by the same number of nurses with some parttime help. This has been made possible only by great increases in efficiency of the nurses' staff. Due to the discontinuance of home nurses' visits, which had been previously made by another agency, the case load carried in 1953 is about to be still further increased.
Voted: That the Town raise and appropriate the sum of $6,000.00 towards the employment of one or more district nurses, said appropriation to be expended under the direc- tion of the Board of Selectmen.
Article 14. To see what amount the Town will vote to raise and appropriate for the use of the Plymouth County Trustees for County Aid to Agriculture and to choose a Town Director, as provided in Sections 41 and 45, Revised Chapter 128 of the General Laws, and act thereon.
The Comittee recommends an appropriation of $150.
Voted: That the Town raise and appropriate the sum of $150.00 for the use of the Plymouth County Trustees for County Aid to Agriculture and choose a Town Director. On motion of James T. Frazier, voted: That Robert B. Bowler be appointed Town Director of County Aid to Agriculture.
Article 15. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum not exceeding Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) for advertising the advantages of the Town and for providing amusements or entertainments of a public char- acter; said appropriation to be expended under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, as provided by Chapter 36 of the Acts of 1954.
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $9,000, including $1,000 for Christmas lighting, for advertising the advantages of the town, but not for providing amusements or entertainments of a public character.
Voted: That the Town raise and appropriate the sum of $9,000 for advertising the advantages of the Town, including necessary expenses incurred outside the Commonwealth, $1,000 of which shall be for Christmas lighting, said appro- priation to be expended under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, but not to be used for providing amusements or entertainments of a public character.
Article 16. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money for the improvement of Standish Avenue
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($50,000), Chapter 90 Construction; Route 44 ($3,000), Chap- ter 90, Maintenance; said money to be used in conjunction with any money which may be allotted by the State or County, or both, for this purpose.
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $53,000, of which $50,000 shall be for Standish Avenue and $3,000 for Route 44 Maintenance.
Net cost to the town is $13,500.
Voted: That the Town raise and appropriate the sum of $53,000 under the provisions of Chapter 90 of the General Laws, of which $50,000 shall be for the improvement of Standish Avenue and $3,000 for maintenance of Route 44, contributions from the State and County to be returned to the Excess and Deficiency Account.
Article 17. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000) from the proceeds from the sale of cemetery lots and graves; to be expended by the Cemetery Commissioners for the improvement and em- bellishment of Oak Grove and Vine Hills Cemeteries, and the improvement and embellishment of Outlying Cemeteries; Eighteen Hundred Dollars ($1800) of this appropriation to be used for Oak Grove and Vine Hills Cemeteries and Two Hun- dred Dollars ($200) to be used for the Outlying Cemeteries.
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $2,000 from the Proceeds from the Sale of Cemetery Lots and Graves.
Voted: That the Town transfer from the Proceeds from the sale of Cemetery Lots and Graves the sum of $2,000 to be expended by the Cemetery Commissioners for the im- provement and embellishment of Cemeteries, of which $1,800 shall be for Oak Grove and Vine Hills Cemeteries and $200 for Outlying Cemeteries.
Article 18. To see if the Town will vote to accept the land located on the easterly side of Route 3, Samoset Street, Plymouth, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, conveyed to it by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts through its Depart- ment of Public Works by instrument dated August 18, 1953 and recorded with the Plymouth County Registry of Deeds on December 1, 1953, in Book 2311, Page 406; and authorize the use thereof for cemetery purposes by its Cemetery Com- missioners; said land to be subject to the conditions contained in said deed from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The Committee recommends favorable action.
Planning Board approves.
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Voted: That the Town accept the land located on the easterly side of Route 3, Samoset Street, Plymouth, Plym- outh County, Massachusetts, conveyed to it by the Common- wealth of Massachusetts through its department of Public Works by instrument dated August 18, 1953, and recorded with the Plymouth County Registry of Deeds on December 1, 1953, in Book 2311, Page 406; and authorize the use thereof for Cemetery purposes by its Cemetery Commissioners; said land to be subject to the conditions contained in said deed from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Article 19. To see if the Town will vote to accept twenty-six (26) cemetery perpetual care funds amounting to Six Thousand, Four Hundred Dollars ($6,400) received and deposited in the Plymouth Federal Savings and Loan Association and the Plymouth Savings Bank in the year 1953 in accordance with the usual votes of the Cemetery Com- missioners and Selectmen, and listed as New Funds in the town report.
The Committee recommends favorable action.
Voted: That the Town accept twenty-six Cemetery Per- petual Care Funds amounting to $6,400, received and de- posited in the Plymouth Federal Savings and Loan Associ- ation and the Plymouth Savings Bank in the year 1953, in accordance wtih the usual votes of the Cemetery Commis- sioners and Selectmen, and listed as New Funds in the Town Report.
Article 20. To see if the Town will vote to transfer from available funds the sum of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000) to reduce the tax levy of the current year.
The Commi'tee recommends the transfer of $200,000 from available funds to reduce the tax levy of the current year.
Voted: That the Town transfer the sum of $200,000 from available funds to reduce the tax levy of the current year, as recommended by the Advisory and Finance Committee.
Article 21. To see if the Town will vote to transfer from available funds the sum of Twenty-five Thousand Dol- lars ($25,000) for the Stabilization Fund as authorized by the provisions of Chapter 124 of the Acts of 1945.
The Committee recommends the transfer of $25,000 from available funds to the Stabilization Fund.
Voted: That the Town transfer from available funds the sum of $25,000 for the Stabilization Fund, as authorized
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by the provisions of Chapter 124 of the Acts of 1945, and recommended by the Advisory and Finance Committee.
Article 22. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from Parking Meter Receipts, the sum of Two Hundred Dollars ($200) for repair parts for parking meters.
The Committee recommends the transfer of $200 from Parking Meter Receipts.
Voted: That the Town transfer from the receipts from Parking Meter Fees the sum of $200.00 to be expended by the Police Department for maintenance and repair of the meters.
Article 23. To see what amount the Town will vote to raise and appropriate for Civil Defense; said money to be expended under the direction of the Selectmen.
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $400. This amount, together with the March 1st balance of $829.95 in the account, is sufficient to meet the needs of the department as approved by the Commi.tee.
Mr. C. Harvey Moore moved that the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $400.00 for Civil Defense, to be expended under the direction of the Board of Selectmen.
Mr. James Frazier moved to amend the motion of Mr. Moore by substituting the figure of three thousand three hundred and seventy-six dollars and eighty-nine cents ($3,376.89) for the figure four hundred dollars ($400.00) said money to be spent under the direction of the Plymouth Board of Selectmen, but the motion to amend was lost.
The original motion was then put before the Meeting and carried.
Article 24. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $41.00 to meet the payment of certain bills contracted prior to January 1, 1954 or take any action relative thereto.
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $41 for the following Police Department 1953 bills:
Jordan Hospital
$30.00
William C. Gould, M. D. 11.00
Voted (Unanimously): That the Town raise and appro- priate the sum of $41.00 for the payment of Police Depart- ment bills contracted in 1953.
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Article 25. To see if the Town will vote, in accordance with Section 110A of Chapter 41 of the General Laws to close the Town offices on Saturday; and to keep said offices open continuously to the public each weekday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except for those offices having less than two regu- lar full time employees and provided that the total hours of work per week for each regular employee shall be those presently reported to the Personnel Board as a regular week, the distribution of time to be left to the head of each office concerned.
The Committee recommends that the town offices shall not be closed on Saturdays, but that they shall be kept open continuously to the public each weekday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except for those offices having less than two regular full-time employees, the total hours of work per week for each employee to be those presently reported to the Personnel Board as a regular week.
Voted: That the Town Offices shall not be closed on Saturdays, but that they shall be kept open continuously to the public each weekday, except Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and each Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., except for those Offices having less than two regular full-time employees, the total hours of work per week for each regular employee to be those presently reported to the Personnel Board as a regular week.
Article 26. To see if the Town will authorize the Select- men to purchase from Jennie M. Burgess, Lot No. 139 of Plat 19 of the Assessors' Plans, located on the southerly side of Town Brook for Park purposes, and make an appropria- tion therefor.
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $150. Planning Board approves. This is also in accordance with the recommendation of the Plymouth Compact of 1950.
Voted (Unanimously): That the Town authorize the Selectmen to purchase from Jennie M. Burgess, for Park purposes, Lot No. 139 of Plat 19 of the Assessors' Plans, lo- cated on the southerly side of Town Brook and to raise and appropriate the sum of $150.00 therefor.
Mr. C. Harvey Moore moved that Article 96 be taken up before Article twenty-seven and it was so voted.
Article 96. To see what action the Town will take on the report of January 7th filed by the Planning Board as directed by Articles 59-64 of the March, 1953 Town Meeting to study
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waterfront protection (shore erosion) and as confirmed under Article 8 of the Special Town Meeting on September 17, 1953, particularly as to those parts of the report relating to long-range principles and control by zoning. (By Petition).
The Committee recommends the adoption of the report of the Planning Board, dated January 7, 1954, and filed with the Town Clerk, the suggestion in this report that "part of the cost be borne pro rata by the owners of the properties to be benefitted" to be made definite by requiring that 1/8 of the cost, if the County participates, 1/4 if it does not, be deposited with the Town Treasurer before action by the Town is taken, in order that the owners' contributions may be voted as part of the appropriation. They further rec- ommend that the Planning Board be directed to consider the advisability of amending the Zoning By-Law as sug- gested in their report.
The Committee points out that this report specifies dis- tinctly a series of tests which must be satisfied before relief can be granted in an individual case and that it is the re- sponsibility of the Board of Selectmen to see that these tests are met before presentation of any proposals to the town for action.
REPORT OF PLANNING BOARD ON WATERFRONT PROTECTION
At the last annual town meeting the warrant included six articles (Nos. 59 to 64 inclusive), each proposing an appropria- tion for waterfront protection at a particular location. The Town did not make any of these appropriations, but asked the Planning Board to make "a study of waterfront protec- tion." It is in response to that reference to the Planning Board that we make this report, after considerable study and after consultation with engineers and with the Massachusetts Department of Public Works, Division of Waterways.
Nature of Report: It is our understanding that the Town desires our views and recommendations on the problem of waterfront protection as a whole-what it comprises, its mag- nitude, how it may be approached and dealt with. We do not understand that we were asked to express an opinion on the merits of particular proposals.
Plymouth Beach: The condition of Plymouth Beach (Long Beach) is undoubtedly well known. In heavy storms the sea comes through to the harbor, the breakwater has slumped in places and it is being washed severely in others. We are advised, however, that the Federal Government has accepted the responsibility for the protection of Plymouth
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Harbor and that, therefore, they may be expected to make the necessary repairs. The need for these repairs has already been called to the attention of the U. S. Engineers' Office by the Selectmen, we understand. Very likely it will be desirable to follow the matter, and this the Selectmen undoubtedly have in mind.
If Plymouth Beach can be so handled, it appears that it is the rest of the shoreline with which we are concerned.
General: There are certain general observations which we feel should be made.
(1) The problem of waterfront protection is a large one, or can become a large one.
(2) Except at prohibitive cost, in most cases there is no way in which shore erosion can be entirely prevented. Gen- erally, all that may be expected is that it will be retarded.
(3) The Town has no legal obligation to protect against shore erosion. The Town may, of course, decide to take such action, but is not required to do so.
(4) Certainly such actions will be proposed, and the Town will wish to deal with each one fairly, in accord with some consistent practice.
Method of Approach: We were at first inclined to believe that a comprehensive survey of the whole shoreline should be made, but we now feel that the expense, and delay, of such a survey is not warranted. Since the shoreline is some 20 miles in length, it cannot be protected by any one project, if indeed this were either needed or were within financial capabilities. Rather, all that can be contemplated is work at the most urgent and justifiable spots. Each case must be considered separately and on its own merits, and if it comes before the Town, become the subject matter of an article in the warrant - like those referred to in the first paragraph above.
The procedure must be, it seems to us, that of the Select- men examining each proposal, and where they think justified, petitioning the Department of Public Works to make sur- veys and estimates, and determining the willingness of the State and County to participate in the cost.
Recommended Principles: Where erosion is endangering private property, it seems to us these tests should be met, before proposing action to the Town, and in making appro- priations:
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(1) The need must be pressing and urgent.
(2) In all cases, the total cost of the protection (not merely the Town's part of the cost) should bear some reason- able relation to the loss to the Town which will result if the work is not done (such as loss of taxable property).
(3) In general, property of several owners should be endangered; work at one location to protect one house does not seem a proper expenditure of town funds.
(4) It should be determined that the retardation of erosion-waterfront protection-is the cheapest way to pro- tect the property, as compared, for example, to moving the house back.
(5) Part of the cost should be borne pro rata by the owners of the properties to be benefitted; as a suggestion, 1/s of the total cost if the County participates, 1/4 if it does not.
To repeat, we believe that each proposal should be con- sidered on its merits, as determined by testing against the above principles.
Extent of Waterfront Protection: No exact estimate of magnitude can be made. There are something like 20 miles of shore frontage, but not all of it is subject to damage by erosion. Of that part which may be eroded, some is entirely undeveloped, and of little value. Expenditure to protect it is unnecessary at this time. However, when all these allowances have been made, it is obvious that points of potential damage are numerous; and it seems to us the Town would be exercis- ing prudence in appropriating only for those situations that are urgent, clearly of public interest, and economically sound.
Control by Zoning: It has been suggested that the future need for this expensive protection might be reduced, if the Town amended its Zoning By-Law, by a provision requiring that no house be set nearer the top of a cliff than some spec- ified distance.
JAMES A. WHITE, Chairman WALTER H. NEAVES ELLIS W. BREWSTER AMEDEO V. SGARZI A. LINWOOD ELLIS
Voted: That the Town adopt the report of the Planning Board, dated January 7, 1954, and filed with the Town Clerk, the suggestion in this report that "part of the cost be borne
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pro rata by the owners of the properties to be benefitted" to be made definite by requiring that 1/8 of the cost, if the County participates, 1/4 if it does not, be deposited with the Town Treasurer before action by the Town is taken, in order that the owners' contributions may be voted as part of the appropriation; and that the Town further vote to direct the Planning Board to consider the advisability of amending the Zoning By-Law as suggested in their report.
Article 27. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) to be spent in conjunction with sums to be provided by the State or County, or both, for the construction of waterfront protection at Long Beach, so-called, (a continuation of 1952 work) ; the Town to assume liability as provided by Section 29, Chapter 91 of the General Laws as amended for damages incurred hereunder.
The Committee will ask for consideration of Article 96 prior to action under this article, since they feel that action by the town on the Report of the Planning Board on Waterfront Protection should precede action on any specific article on the subject.
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $5,000.
Voted: That the Town raise and appropriate the sum of $5,000.00 to be spent in conjunction with sums to be provided by the State or County, or both, for the construction of waterfront protection at Long Beach, so-called, (a continu- ation of 1952 work), the Town to assume liability as pro- vided by Section 29, Chapter 91 of the General Laws as amended for damages incurred hereunder.
Article 28. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Eight Thousand, Two Hundred and Fifty Dollars ($8,250) to be used for shore protection at the following locations and in the following amounts:
High Cliff $1,500
Harlow's Landing 2,000
East White Horse Beach 1,250
Manomet Avenue (Manomet Bluffs) 1,500
Warren's Cove 2,000
Any appropriation made hereunder to be spent in conjunction with sums to be provided by the State or County, or both; and provided further that owners of property abutting the areas to be protected contribute at least one-eighth of the cost of the projects; work to be started not less than 10 days
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after said contributions by the abutters have been deposited with the Town Treasurer; the Town to assume liability as provided by Section 29 of Chapter 91 of the General Laws as amended for all damages incurred hereunder.
The Committee recommends no action.
Mr. C. Harvey Moore moved that the Town take no action under Article twenty-eight.
Mr. James Frazier requested that each item listed for Shore protection be taken up separately and the Moderator approved.
Mr. James Frazier moved to amend the motion of Mr. C. Harvey Moore by substituting the following: That the Town appropriate the sum of $1,500.00 to be spent in conjunction with sums to be provided by the State or County, or both for shore protection at High Cliff; provided that the owners of property abutting or benefitted by such protection con- tribute $1,500 if the county participates, $3000 if the County does not participate; contributions to be made by certified checks payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and delivered to the Town Treasurer; work to be started not less than 10 days after delivery of such checks to the Town Treasurer. The motion to amend was lost.
Mr. C. Harvey Moore moved that the Town take no action under Item "Harlow's Landing."
Mr. James Frazier moved. to amend the motion of Mr. C. Harvey Moore by substituting the following: That the Town appropriate the sum of $2,000 to be spent in conjunc- tion with sums to be provided by the State or County or both, for shore protection at Harlow's Landing; provided that the owners of property abutting or benefitted by such protection contribute $2,000 if the County participates, $4,000 if the County does not participate; contributions to be made by certified checks payable to the Commonwealth of Massa- chusetts and delivered to the Town Treasurer; work to be started not less than 10 days after delivery of such checks to the Town Treasurer. The motion to amend was lost.
Mr. C. Harvey Moore moved that the Town take no action under Item "East White Horse Beach."
Mr. James Frazier moved to amend the motion of Mr. C. Harvey Moore by substituting the following: That the
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Town appropriate the sum of $1,250 to be spent in conjunc- tion with sums to be provided by the State or County, or both, for shore protection at East White Horse Beach; pro- vided that the owners of property abutting or benefitted by such protection contribute $1,250 if the County participates, $2,500 if the County does not participate; contributions to be made by certified checks payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and delivered to the Town Treasurer; work to be started not less than 10 days after delivery of such checks to the Town Treasurer. The original motion as amended by Mr. Frazier was put before the Meeting and taken by a show of hands, 39 in the affirmative and 103 in the negative, the motion as amended was lost.
Mr. C. Harvey Moore moved that the Town take no action under Item "Manomet Avenue."
Mr. James Frazier moved to amend the motion of Mr. C. Harvey Moore by substituting the following: That the Town appropriate the sum of $1,500 to be spent in conjunction with sums to be provided by the State or County, or both, for shore protection at Manomet Avenue (Manomet Bluffs) ; provided that the owners of property abutting or benefitted by such protection contribute $1,500 if the County partici- pates, $3,000 if the County does not participate; contributions to be made by certified checks payable to the Common- wealth of Massachusetts and delivered to the Town Treas- urer; work to be started not less than 10 days after delivery of such checks to the Town Treasurer. The original motion as amended by Mr. Frazier was put before the Meeting and carried.
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