USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1931 > Part 8
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The committee, however, finds no request in the budget for funds to do the work. The Finance Committee suggests that the Department of Public Works prepare estimates and plans covering repairs on the worst of these structures and insert articles covering the cost in future Town Meetings. In the case of several of them action should not be delayed.
Concrete Block Shed
Superintendent Maggi asks in his annual budget an appro- priation for the construction of a concrete block shed to house his meter room and stock room for the service division of the Water Department and also a tool room and room for supplies. The Finance Committee, however, has had no request for a specific appropriation. In view of this, the Finance Committee has not gone into this subject at length. The committee recom- mends that the department prepare plans, specifications, and estimates and insert articles in the warrant for any future Town Meetings.
Cliftondale Square
The Board of Selectmen and Superintendent Maggi of the Public Works Department have presented to the Finance Com- mittee a request for an appropriation of $6,500 for the comple- tion of Cliftondale square. Work done so far has cost $3,000 and the appropriation made at a special Town Meeting last fall is depleted.
Superintendent Maggi declares that with the $6,500 he would be able to resurface the road as far as Ernest street and Myrtle street on Lincoln avenue and as far as Mount Vernon street on
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Essex atreet. He declares that there are 6,500 square yards in this area and that the cost will approximate $1.00 a yard.
The Finance Committee, however, by unanimous vote has decided to recommend to the Limited Town Meeting the appro- priation of $3,500. This, the superintendent declares, will take care of the square proper. The committee believes that this constitutes all that should be done this year. The committee does not feel that in a year when the town is pressed for appro- priations from all quarters, that an appropriation in excess of this amount ahould be made for the completion of a job which it was originally estimated would cost only $3,000.
Sidewalks and Curbing
Superintendent Alfred L. Maggi of the Public Works Depart- ment and members of the Board of Selectmen have submitted a budget to the Finance Committee asking $15,000 for sidewalks and curbing in 1931. The Finance Committee recommends $12,000.
Last year the town turned over to the Board of Selectmen the question of placing the walks and the method of construction to be followed. This year the Finance Committee recommends that this be settled on the Town Hall floor and that the Board of Selectmen be given definite instructions,
The Finance Committee is anxious to prevent, if possible, a repetition of the deplorable situation on Central street. This construction has aroused the unqualified disapproval of the committee. The type of walk constructed, in the opinion of the Finance Committee, is of such a style that within the next five years the town will probably be forced to tear it up and lay a walk presenting a more modern type of construction.
When the Finance Committee recommended to the Limited Town Meeting last spring the construction of sidewalks on Central street, it was with the understanding that the walks would be constructed with a grass plot between the curbing and the sidewalk. The Board of Selectmen, however, decided that this should not be done. The walk as constructed is only five feet wide and at the driveways is much narrower. The result- ing situation is a walk which is not only an eyesore but also a constant danger to the stranger.
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING.
1931]
The Finance Committee is convinced that the town should continue its sidewalk construction program. It should, how- ever, receive for the expenditure a walk which will not only be durable but will also be a thing of attractiveness, enhancing the value of the abutting property. It is unfair for the town to construct a walk and assess one-half of the cost upon the abutter unless a walk is to be built which will return to the abutter an increase in valuation and comfort to compensate him for his ex - penditure. The committee is convinced that the present walk is far from being an asset to the property abutters.
The Finance Committee believes that the town should con- tinue to provide walks for the main streets. A definite program should be adopted. If the walks are to be distributed over the entire town on the patch-work principal with each member of the Board of Selectmen allocating the sidewalk work in his own section, the town will never obtain sidewalks in the more neces- sary sections. The Finance Committee favors the expenditure of the entire appropriation annually on main streets until these have been entirely provided with walks. A definite policy should be started and followed through to its logical conclusion so that the principal streets will be provided for.
The Finance Committee favors the construction of a sidewalk on Winter street this year. Superintendent Maggi estimates that a walk eight-feet wide from Stocker street to the intersection of Winter and Central streets at the High School would cost $15,000 with its curbing.
The Finance Committee however, does not favor an eight foot walk. The committee unanimously recommends that the town construct a six-foot walk with a two-foot grass plot be- tween the curbing and the walk. This method should be less costly, and the results to the town are far more positive than bringing the walk out to the curbing line. All modern towns and cities construct the grass plot type of walk and the Finance Committee is convinced that a six-foot walk with a two-foot grass plot would provide a fine type of walk for the town. The width should be standardized on all future construction.
This should result in a saving over the estimate of $15,000 for an eight-foot walk. The Finance Committee, therefore, recommends $12,000 for a granolithic sidewalk and curbing on Winter street, starting at Stocker street, and extending towards
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Saugus Centre, the walk to be six feet in width, with a two-foot grass plot between the curbing and the walk.
The Finance Committee calls attention to the fact that the mount of money returning to the town from betterment assess- ments will not be as heavy as on previous projects because of the fact that a large portion of the walk will be in front of Riverside Cemetery. The committee feels, however, that because of the fact that Winter street is a main artery and because of the school children and cemetery, that this project should be undertaken next.
Snow and Ice
The town spent for snow and ice removal in 1930, $6, 100. The Public Works Department has asked for an appropriation of $6,000 for this work in 1931.
The Finance Committee, however, in view of the fact that the winter has not been marked with many bad storms, believes that $5,000 is ample for such work this year. If the funds should be exhausted towards the latter part of the year, it is probable that any deficit could be taken care of by the reserve fund. The Finance Committee believes that it would be advis- able to make a smaller appropriation this year than to vote an additional $1,000 which would be included in the tax levy and might not be needed.
Water Purchase
The town appropriated $19,000 for water purchase last year. There is an unpaid bill against this department which must be met at the present Town Meeting so that the actual cost last year was $20,371.28.
- This appears, however, to be a fluctuating amount, dropping in various years and rising in others. The Finance Committee feels that $20,000 is a reasonable appropriation for 1931, al- though the Superintendent of Public Works has recommended $22.000. As there is no certainty as to the actual cost, the committee is reluctant to recommend the appropriation of this additional $2,000, which may not be required. The committee bas voted, therefore, to recommend $20,000.
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Water Maintenance
The budget of the Department of Public Works for Water Maintenance remains identical with last year at $23,500. Sup- erintendent Alfred L. Maggi of the department declares that he sees no necessity for a change in the budget.
The Finance Committee, therefore, recommends the appro- priation of $23,500 for this department.
General Extensions
For the purpose of General Water Extension the Annual Town Meeting last year provided an appropriation of $6,000. The request this year is for $10,000.
This money is intended for the purpose of providing water for new construction. The Board of Selectmen and Superin- tendent are of the opinion that a larger sum will be needed this year than in former seasons.
The Finance Committee, however, has reason to believe that this sum lends itself easily to the payment of political debts. Certain citizens who do not care to present a special article to the Town Meeting are provided with water for their construc- tion work through this fund.
The Finance Committee, therefore, recommends $4,000 for general water extension in 1931. The committee believes that all money in excess of this amount should be furnished by the Finance Committee from the reserve fund. Citizens of the town may rest assured that unless the project is worthy that the Finance Committee will not transfer the funds necessary from the reserve fund. The committee believes that to provide the Board of Selectmen with a fund of $10,000 to disburse as they wish for the purpose of giving water would be most unwise on the part of the town. The fund should be retained entirely for the purpose of installing water mains to new homes in various parts of the town and not for the purpose of rewarding political friends or sections of the town which have supported the can- didacy of any member, or members, of the Board of Selectmen. The spectacle of contractors appealing vainly at the Town Hall for water should not be allowed to continue.
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Water Meters
The program of the town of installing meters on unmetered fixtures has progressed to the point where a very few homes without meters remain. Superintendent Maggi requested $2,000 for this purpose in 1931 against $3,000 expended in 1930.
The Finance Committee, however, after investigation, is of the opinion that $1,500 is ample for this work. This sum has been recommended.
Installing Gates
Superintendent Maggi finds that there is a crying need for ad- ditional gates in the water service of the town. When a leak occurs at present, it is often necessary to shut off the water in an entire section while repairs are being made. The superin- tendent recommends that the town institute a policy of provid- ing water gates, setting aside a definite appropriation for this purpose every year.
Investigation indicates that this is something which should be started at once. The danger from fire is particularly bad as in the event of a break in the main an entire section must be at once shut off, In the event of a fire occurring, the situation would be very serious.
The superintendent recommends an appropriation of $1,000 for such work this year. The Finance Committee recommends this figure.
New Equipment
Superintendent Maggi of the Public Works Department has requested several pieces of new equipment for 1931 for the use of the Water Department.
The action of the Finance Committee on these requests follows :
AIR COMPRESSOR-To pursue the unemployment relief work of the past winter the purchase or rental of an air compressor was essential. More than three feet of frost was encountered and it would have been virtually impossible for the town to
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continue its program without the use of the compressor. The Finance Committee, by unanimous vote, gave its consent to the Superintendent of Public Works to rent a machine with the un- derstanding that the rental would be applied to the purchase price if the machine was eventually bought.
The machine is the latest type available with three outlets. Superintendent Maggi declares that it will be invaluable in water extension work and other projects in which ledge is en- countered. The cost of the compressor with necessary tools and hammers is $3,600.
The Finance Committee recommends the appropriation of $3,600 for the purchase of the compressor.
ONE AND ONE-HALF TON TRUCK-The superintendent re- quested an appropriation for a one and one-half ton truck. The committee finds that the trucks are all in reasonably good con- dition. The Finance Committee believes that the purchase of this truck should be deferred for at least another year. The requested appropriation of $2, 200 is not recommended.
FORD FOR METER WORK-The superintendent requests an appropriation of $550 for a Ford with a box body for meter work. He declares that the small machine would be of great value in this type of work. The Finance Committee recom- mends the requested appropriation.
Cemetery Department
Last year Riverside Cemetery cost the town of Saugus $5,604 to maintain. The receipts from the burial ground were $6,368.79, exclusive of the amount taken in for perpetual care, which totalled $7,296.So. The perpetual care fund of the town now totals $51,000 all of which is deposited in savings banks with the bank books held by the Town Treasurer.
The Finance Committee is recommending $6,165 for the ex- penses of the cemetery in 1931. This is the request of the Board of Commissioners.
The items showing an increase are as follows :
SALARY-The Board of Commissioners unaminously recom- mended a raise of $100 in the salary of the Superintendent. In
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view of the fact that the committee is convinced that his work has resulted in one of the most attractive cemeteries in this entire section, the committee recommended the increase as being a very justifiable one. This brings his salary to $2,000.
LABOR-The Commissioners ask for $3,000 for labor against $2,729 expended in 1931. They plan considerable more work during the year.
MISCELLANEOUS-The other items are all small. The Com- missioners wish to expend $250 for plants and shrubs for 1931 against $191.50 in 1930, and $300 for cement and hardware against $175 expended in 1930.
Old Parish Burial Ground
The Board of Commissioners also have charge of the Old Parish Burial Ground in Saugus Center, which is now owned by the town. Last year $450 was spent in rehabilitating the premises. This year the Commissioners ask for $1,000 for this purpose. The Finance Committee believes that this is some- thing which should be done and that the town owns in the old cemetery a priceless historical relic as well as a charge imposed upon them by their ancestors. Neglect of the dust of the revered should never be tolerated by generations which follow.
The Commissioners wish to spend this money in raising the wall at the lower end of the burial ground, filling in a depres- sion at the rear, and other work of this character. They also wish to do considerable beautifying. Practically all of the money will be spent for labor, sand, cement, and filling.
Curbing at Riverside
The third proposition of the Commissioners is to launch a curbing program around the lots at Riverside Cemetery. At the present time, during storms, a bad situation exists. The board wishes to curb a section of the cemetery this year, one- half of the cost being paid by the lot owners, and the price of the vacant land will be raised in this section, so that the town will eventually get back the entire cost of the project. It is planned to extend this work over a period of several years. They are asking for $500 for this purpose and the project meets
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with the unanimous approval of the Finance Committee as another step towards the improvement of an already beautiful burial ground.
The Finance Committee, therefore recommends the total appropriation of $7,665 for the Riverside and Old Parish Burial Grounds.
Legion Building
The Finance Committee was confronted this year with a new budget in the form of a request from Saugus Post 210, Ameri- can Legion, that the town assume the cost of heating and light- ing their building in East Saugus. The sum of $175 was asked for this purpose.
Commander Joseph G. Fisher of the Post appeared before the committee in favor of this article and presented reasons tending to show why, in his opinion, this grant should be made by the town. Mr. Fisher declared that it was the custom of all surrounding towns to pay for this expense and that the Post was asking for nothing which was not enjoyed by neighboring communities.
Although the Board of Selectmen unanimously voted to favor this article, the Finance Committee, by majority, dis- approves of the town launching into such a program. It is the opinion of the majority of the committee that once the preced- ent is established that the town will be called upon for an annual appropriation for this purpose over a period of a great many years.
The town gives Saugus Post 210, American Legion, the building which they now occupy free of rent. During the past year the town has spent $700 for the purpose of entertaining visiting Legionaires and $200 to repair the building. There is an article in the present warrant asking for $4,000 additional for housing.
There are now over 300 members of the Post. It stands today at its strongest point in history and is an organization of which every member of the town is proud. High in its ideals and striving always for the betterment of the community, the American Legion is an organization which stands preeminent for the welfare of the community.
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The majority of the Finance Committee, however, was unable to see the justice of the Post in asking the town to assume this additional burden. Of the total membership of the Post, a contribution of only 60 cents a year would be necessary to pay for the coal and heat which they ask the town to supply. The majority of the committee feels that the needs of the town of Saugus are too great, that the demands upon the tax rate are too stringent, and that the Legion should not ask the town to heat and light a building which they are obtaining free of cost.
On this question the committee was recorded by roll-call vote : Mr. Alexander S. Addison, Mr. Edward Gibbs, Jr., Mr. Paul A. Haley, and Mr. Charles E. Stillings, were recorded against the appropriation. Mr. Bertrand D. Westendarp and Mr. Frederick R. Sharp were recorded in favor.
Board of Health
The budget of the Board of Health, as recommended by the Finance Committee, shows an increase this year. Last year the department spent $4,013.64. This year they asked for $5,120 and the Finance Committee is recommending to the Limited Town Meeting a total of $5,030.
The increase is occasioned principally by two causes. First, the desire of the board to increase the compensation of its physician, and secondly the necessity for additional funds for the cost of maintaining tubercular patients at the Essex County Hospital at Middleton.
PHYSICIAN'S SALARY-Dr. George W. Gale, physician of the Board of Health for the past 35 years, is retiring this year. This mean that the board will be forced to obtain a physician, either by election or by appointment.
Dr. Myron H. Davis is a candidate for the position. The Finance Committee, however, has no certainty that he will be elected. The Board of Health has, however, submitted that during the past few years the physical condition of Dr. Gale, who is 94 years of age, has been such that it has been necessary to engage a physician to actually carry on the work of the department. Dr. Davis has done this work, it was stated, in a very acceptable manner. The Board of Health felt, however, thar the $100 previously paid Dr. Gale should be raised to $500.
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The needs of the town are increasing daily, they declare, and there is considerable health work which should be done which the board has been unable to do in the past because of a lack of funds.
The Finance Committee unanimously agrees that $500 is a small sum for a municipality of 15,000 to pay for health ser- vices. The Committee, therefore, has included in the budget an item of $500 for the salary of the physician.
AUTOMOBILE TRANSPORTATION-The town has been paying Chairman Charles E. Light of the board the sum of $240 annually for the use of his car. This is the largest amount paid for this service to any town official. As the Finance Commit- tee has established a flat rate of $150 for this service, and as the committee is unable to see where Mr. Light is forced to use his car more than any other officials receiving less compensation, it is recommending $150 for this service in 1931 and has added this total to the salary of the chairman. The item becomes, therefore, salary and transportation. The committee feels that this reommendation is consistent with its policy and is also fair compensation to Mr. Light for gasoline and oil consumed in the town's business.
TUBERCULOSIS PATIENTS-Due to an increase in the number of patients maintained by the town at the Essex County Tuber- culosis Hospital, the Board of Health will require $2,500 for this purpose this year. Last year only $1,500 was appropriated but there are unpaid bills totalling over $1,200. The com- mittee has recommended $2,500.
The Finance Committee calls to the attention of the Limited Town Meeting the increasing and unavoidable expense thrown upon the town by this hospital. This year we are forced to appropriate $2,258.80 for an addition to the hospital and $3,770.05 for maintenance, in addition to the $2,500 for the care of the town's patients. This is becoming an increasingly severe burden upon the town which can be lifted only by legislative action.
There are no other changes in the budget of the Board of Health to merit comment. The Finance Committee, therefore, recommends $5,030 for the Health Department in 1931 against a request of the board for $5, 120.
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Inspector of Animals
The Finance Committee is recommending $785 for the expenses of the department against $685 expended in 1930. The increase is due to the decision of the committee to recom- mend an increase for the director from $600 to $750 a year. This is, however, in actuality, merely giving the inspector the same compensation for the use of his car as is granted to other officials doing a similar amount of work. The committee has not increased the salary of the inspector as indicated but has merely attached the amount which should be paid in automobile transportation to the salary item, indicating that the $750 is to be paid for salary and transportation.
Other items in the budget remain identical with last year.
Collection of Ashes and Garbage
These two items are included in a three-year contract, signed by the Board of Health in 1930, and are, therefore, not subject to change by the Finance Committee. The collection of ashes will again cost the town $4,900 this year and the collection of garbage $3,000.
Insurance
The Insurance budget of the town shows a slight increase this year. The expended total in 1930 was $5,691.73. This year the request is for $6,322.03. This is a fixed charge against the town and there appears little opportunity for reduction. The Finance Committee, therefore, recommends the appropriation of $6,322.03 for insurance charges in 1931.
Playgrounds
The Finance Committee has recommended in its entirety the budget of the Board of Playground Commissioners. The budget calls for expenditures of $3,650 against $4,375.70 expended in 1930.
The Board of Playground Commissioners wish to expend the money, chiefly, as follows: Stackpole's Field, caretaking and grading, $350; bleachers, $750; instructor, $250; miscellane- ous, $150; Cliftondale Playground, labor, $250; filling, $1,500 ; woman instructor, $100; male instructor, $300.
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
The Finance Committee believes that the expenses of the town for playgrounds are at a minimum and that the work of the commission is of such a nature that the benefit derived from the small expenditure annually is of great magnitude.
Reserve Fund
The Finance Committee recommends to the annual Town Meeting a reserve fund of $20,000 instead of $6,000 as appro- priated last year.
This is recommended solely in the interests of more efficiency in town government. The Finance Committee believes that with this reserve fund it will be possible to complete the year with a minimum of town meetings.
Besides the cost of calling these special Town Meetings, the fact must also be taken into consideration that the wastefulness extends not only to money but also to time. There are nearly 240 members of the Limited Town Meeting. Estimating their time at only 50 cents an hour, a net loss of $120 an hour is sustained during every hour that the Town Meeting is in session.
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