USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1934 > Part 11
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1-account main spring broke while running.
1-account gave 312 when should send 412.
Fire boxes repaired 4
Fire boxes tested 21
Fire boxes moved 7
Fire box numbers changed 2
Fire tappers, (in use 23)
Fire tappers removed 7
Fire tappers installed 18 (gain of 11)
Fire tappers repaired 20
Fire tapper failures 22 Tower bells (in use 3)
Tower bells rewound (total times) 156
Tower bells repaired 18
Tower bell failures 14 Punch register (in use) 1
Punch register failure 1
Punch register repaired 1
Crossarms (in use unknown)
Placed 374 Removed 209 Changed 31 Line wire (in use) about 85 miles Placed 80,680 feet Rewound 43,220 feet Failures 10
The Fire Alarm truck is in such condition as to be unsafe to use but has been used and driven 2100 miles and the Super- intendent's own car used 1918 miles. The truck was purchased in 1932, used, for $150 and the repair expense in 1934 was slightly under $100. A new heavier, larger truck would be more reliable and less expensive and is asked for.
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TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
During 1934 the battery, upon which the system depends, was repaired and rectifiers placed. This change has helped to maintain the power on the line.
All circuits, 3 in number, are overloaded and bells and boxes are all connected together on the same circuit. This should be changed and is contemplated if and when the money is available.
Respectfully submitted,
RAY S. WADE, Supt. of Fire Alarm.
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BOARD OF SELECTMEN'S REPORT
1934]
Report of Board of Selectmen
To the Citizens of the Town of Saugus:
It now becomes the annual duty of the Board of Selectmen to report to the citizens of the Town of Saugus upon their conduct during the past year and the conditions with which they have been forced to unceasingly cope. Probably never before in the history of Saugus has a board been faced with such potential difficulties as has prevailed over the last year. Many matters which in normal years would have been handled by the Board of Selectmen for the betterment of the entire community, have had to be regretfully laid aside until the time arrives again when improvements may be made without substantial effect upon the public purse.
Constantly in the minds of the members of the board of selectmen during the past year have been two objectives - separate and distinct, and yet closely interwoven with each other - the supreme need of hundreds, even thousands of our citizens, and the realization that the taxpayer was also con- fronted with an almost insurmountable burden.
The citizens and voters of Saugus saw fit last February to elect to the board of selectmen Messrs. Harry Woodward, George H. Quarmby, and C. Carroll Cunningham.
At the first meeting of the board, Mr. Woodward was the board's choice as chairman and Mr. Paul A. Haley was unan- imously selected as clerk and secretary.
ERA Problems
Your board desires to call to the attention of the people the vast problems of the last year revolving around unemploy- men. When the board assumed office, the C. W. A. was in existence with the late lamented George H. Ames as admin- istrator. Later the State designated Mr. Paul J. Hayes of Cliftondale as administrator. It is the desire of your board to report that they have co-operated to the utmost with these
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TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
gentlemen in their arduous work to provide labor for the town's unemployed.
There is nothing to indicate that the town's problems along these lines will be lessened in 1935. We must, obviously, prepare for measures to care for the ERA, if it be in existence, or other types of "work relief" which will be promulgated by the Pre- sident or enacted by Congress.
Mr. Harry Woodward, acting in his capacity as chairman of the board, has dispensed, with the approval of his colleagues, the necessary funds to administer the ERA during the past year. The cost of materials, roughly, is about $30,000. From this the town has received in wages for its citizens approxi- mately $200,000. Take, however, as a contrast one of our neighboring cities. Here the expenses have totalled $175,000 against $300,000 received in labor money.
It has been the constant duty and privilege of your board to do all possible for the success of the ERA. It has been their privilege to co-operate in every way and to make certain, insofar as possible, that all available equipment is furnished as requested and that the men be given all possible protect- ion in their earnest efforts to earn sufficient money to keep them from actual need.
The Tax Angle
Contrastingly, it has been the sworn duty of your board to see that no funds have been wasted, that the town has received for every dollar expended from its coffers as nearly as poss- ible a dollar's worth of value. To make certain that every penny expended should be accounted for, the board has in- stalled an order system, has lived up to it rigidly, and has maintained at all times an efficient office system under which these and other problems have been handled to the gratifi- cation to all who have had contact with it.
It has been the constant aim of the board that the tax rate shall be kept as low as possible. Department funds have been jealously guarded to this end and the decline of 20 cents in this year's rate is to your selectmen an achievement for which they hardly dared to hope.
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BOARD OF SELECTMEN'S REPORT
1934]
In assisting to make this rate possible, the board wishes to thank the limited town meeting for its painstaking economy, all of the financial officers of the town, and the board of assessors.
Many Meetings
Probably never in the history of the Town has a board of selectmen been forced to devote so much time to the job. No less than 150 meetings, extending from an hour to five or six, have been held during the past year. Each member of the board, being chosen by the people on his individual ability, has felt, quite properly, that it was his duty to express his own opinions and those of his constituents, all to what he believed to be the best interests of the town. Certainly, no board of directors of another million dollar corporation would meet in perfect concord on each and every question arising for attention. The people of Saugus choose to be governed by a three man board instead of by a mayor in the presump- tive belief that they will gain in the end the combined intel- ligence of the trio before decisions of any nature have been made. That has been the case this year-that the board has debated at length-and quite frequently with wisdom-has, we believe, merely been a manifestation of the virtues of the New England type of government.
Fine Finances
That the finances of Saugus are in fine shape cannot be dis- puted. During the year Town Treasurer Harold E. Dodge sold short term notes for the amazing figure of 00.69 and bonds for the new fire and police station building over a period of 20 years were marketed at three and one quarter per cent, or one half of one percent lower than the town had previously ever sold bonds.
Interesting in this picture is the fact that by taking a grant from the Federal government instead of borrowing direct, the town saved about $6,000 over the 20 year period.
This fine financial standing must, at all costs, be preserved. Saugus has been the subject of favorable comment by the State Emergency Finance Board on its unusual standing and
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TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
such a condition must be improved rather than injured. Hence your board advises a most careful scrutiny of all bond issue proposals with a view to deciding their real worth before en- gaging in them and a continuation of the present conscientious spending of the town's funds.
It should, however, be the watchword of the Town that no worthy citizen shall be allowed to suffer because of the econ- omic factors at present gripping our town and country. We must sacrifice in all possible ways to see that those of our friends and fellow townspeople who are at present in the tolls of the vicious cycle of unemployment shall be allowed to return eventually to their normal employment without a spirit of bitterness prevailing against their government. Charity, tem- pered with wisdom, must continue to be the watchword of our administration.
The Liquor Laws
Thrust into the hands of the board this year has been the duty of complying with the demands of the voters that Saugus shall have all liquors. Twice the people of the Town have re- affirmed their belief that the town should have not only wines and beers but hard liquors. The board has felt it to be its unquestioned duty to comply with the mandate of the people.
Unfortunately, the law gives to the board of selectmen few, if any, perogatives. Gone are the restrictions of former years. Any person of good moral character is entitled to a license until the given number is exhausted.
But the board has seen almost universal satisfaction with the men operating establishments for the sale of liquor in Saugus. Not a single complaint has been brought either to the police department or the board of selectmen during the past year which was of sufficient weight to warrant an in- vestigation. If the people of Saugus wish the sale of liquor, as shown by their ballots, indications are quite clear that they are also well satisfied with the type of men licensed by this board. To the selectmen the question cannot be of a moral nature-the board must act solely on the issue involved-the fitness of the petitioner.
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BOARD OF SELECTMEN'S REPORT
1934]
Roads and Bridges
It is the duty of the board of selectmen to report to you that there is a vast and growing need for additional road building and bridge construction in Saugus. During the year the board has bought two trucks but these are only supplanting worn out pieces of equipment. We have been attempting to run ERA projects employing as high as 400 men with equipment de- signed for the use of a maximum of 50 during the summer months. The town has not seen fit to do road work of any nature for the past five years. We have sacrificed our road surfaces for the minor savings involved! Something, we be- lieve, must be done this year, and we commend the reader to the annual report of the public works department.
Water Department
This department also requires deep study and attention at the hands of the limited town meeting. It is our intention, when the new fire and police station is completed, to use the old building as a headquarters for the public works department and to absorb the billing and collections of water accounts into the department of the tax collector.
During the year, the board regrets to inform the citizens, the town lost the services of a veteran and conscientious mem- ber of the department in the person of Robert H. Cunningham, foreman of the water extension department, who passed to his reward after a period of illness. Men of the type of this venerable and Christian gentleman are almost impossible to replace.
New Police Building
In December of 1933, the limited town meeting voted a bond issue of $65,000 for a new combination fire and police station. Nothing was heard of the project until late last summer. Then the National Department of Interior through Harold L. Ickes, secretary, announced that the Public Works Administration in accordance with the National Industrial Recovery Act had voted to allocate 30 per cent of the cost of the building to the Town.
Your board, desiring to keep the construction of the build-
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TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
ing entirely free from politics and to secure the good offices of persons who might be able to devote more time to the job than they were able to, decided to appoint an advisory board to construct the building, subject to the approval of the Board of Selectmen. They selected Messrs. Arthur D. Hitchings and Paul A. Haley, members of the Saugus High School Building committee; Chief John T. Stuart of the police department; Arthur W. Price of the board of fire engineeds, and Mr. Fred C. Smith. The town proceeded to select John W. Beal, of the firm of J. Williams Beal Sons of Boston, as architect, and William E. Thompson of Cliftondale as associate architect. Plans were drawn. When bids were opened, however, it was found that the initial bid was $70,000, excluding cells, furni- ture, a contingency fund, and several other items.
Going back to the limited town meeting the board received an additional appropriation of $25,000, bringing the total to $90,000. The job is now in progress and is providing many local men with work. We believe that the Town will have reason to be extremely gratified with the structure when com- pleted.
Police Department
During the year, as ordered by the limited town meeting, the board added an additional policeman, Walter F. Neal, to the department. The police force has been functioning extremely well this year under the able direction of Chief John T. Stuart and well commend the citizens and voters to his report printed elsewhere.
Fire Department
During the year the old fire station was moved to the Town Garage lot to make way for the new station. We commend the reader's attention to the report of the Board of Fire En- gineers.
Other Appointments
In all ways possible, your board has co-operated with the requests of the Federal government for ERA, CWA, FHA, and other bodies. The board appointed a grievance board to sit for the purpose of sifting complaints within the ERA as re-
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BOARD OF SELECTMEN'S REPORT
1934]
quired by executive order from Boston. Sitting are Samuel Parker, Mrs. Blanche Magee, Walter Dyer, Otto F. Persson, and Dr. Mary M. Penny. The board co-operated with the Federal Housing Administration by appointing a lengthy com- mittee to bring in plans for an "Old Home Week" program next July.
In Retrospect
Looking backward, the board feels that it has given of its utmost during the trying year of 1934 to bring to our citizens the finest of its abilities. Where it has failed must be ascribed as due to the frailities of human nature. It has spent over 700 hours in actual deliberation and as many, if not more, in work of all types both inside and outside of the Town Hall. Its ability has been taxed to the limit, its resourses to the breaking point, but it has continued unswervingly forward with minds focused upon that object which each member has believed to be for the ultimate good of the town of Saugus and its citizens.
Today the condition of the Town of Saugus is unassailable ! Its ERA funds have been administrated so conscientiously that not even the faintest breath of scandal has permeated the at- mosphere. It has been the constant aim of your board to do what they believe the people of the town would do under sim- ilar circumstances. For our successes we neither ask nor expect any plaudits-for our mistakes we accept whatever rebuke may be justifiable.
HARRY WOODWARD, Chairman GEORGE H. QUARMBY C. CARROLL CUNNINGHAM
To the Citizens of the Town of Saugus:
While agreeing in the most part with the report written by the Clerk of the Selectmen and signed by the Board, I feel that there are certain incidents which should be called to the attention of our citizens.
I submit to the thinking people of Saugus that no man can be 100% wrong. At some time he must have a streak of in-
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TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
telligence which would entitle his ideas to consideration by his colleagues. The record of this Board of Selectmen is sub- stantial proof that a solemn pact was made between my col- leagues during the month of February 1934 to refuse to even consider any ideas which I might put forth during my term. In all fairness it should be stated that the Chairman of the Board intends to be fair but results have proven that his judgment is exceedingly poor.
Lack of space forbids a complete analysis of 1934's record but certain flagrant abuses should be brought to light.
The expenditure of thousands of dollars for repairs of broken down machinery and second hand equipment purchased by the present acting head of the Public Works Department is evidence enough to actuate a close observance of the affairs of this department.
An immediate investigation and reorganization of the water department should be undertaken with the end in view of benefiting the Town's finances with a substantial profit from this department.
Purchases made by the Board of Selectmen or their agents should be divided among the several merchants in the Town and the policy of buying from only political henchmen im- mediately stopped.
Split contracts are still very much in evidence and should be stamped out.
Appointments of any kind should be based primarily on merit rather than political expediency. The wholesale dis- charge of competent veteran precinct officers merely because of their associations is in my humble opinion a monument to the short-sightedness of the majority members, and shows lack of a moral obligation which our citizens should expect in men elected to the high office of Selectmen.
The camouflaged appointment of an advisory committee for the purpose of building our new combination Fire and Police Station is concrete evidence of the inability of the majority Selectmen to cope with the situation, especially after having been instructed to do so by the Town Meeting.
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BOARD OF SELECTMEN'S REPORT
1934]
It is possible to cite many more instances of glaring abuses throughout the year 1934 but these few mentioned should arouse our people to a more active interest in the expenditures of their money and the method of administering their affairs.
Our forgotten policy of street repairs should be revived. A new policy of sidewalk construction should be adopted. The advisability of establishing a municipal crusher to assist in the repair of our accepted and unaccepted streets is a question which well merits our attention.
All sessions of Town Boards should be open to the Public with an opportunity for every citizen to express his opinion on all matters.
In closing let us all decide that Saugus must go forward. How, when, or where is up to our citizens but she must go forward.
Respectfully submitted, C. CARROLL CUNNINGHAM
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TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Report of the Board of Health
The expenses of this Department $11461.43 exceeded the sum of the appropriation of $9000.00 for the year 1934. The difference must be taken care of by the Unpaid Bills. This has been made necessary on account of the increased number of persons that had to be hospitalized that could not pay for themselves. At the present time we have twenty-one patients with tuberculosis. Fourteen in Essex Sanatorium, five in North Reading State Sanatorium and two in Lakeville Sana- torium, also two persons in the Contagious Hospital for which we have to pay $28.00 per week. It is impossible to forecast what the years expenses will be to run the Department for the coming year, but based on the present hospital charges and the known expenses it will amount to $14,000.00.
This year the Board advertised for bids for collection of garbage based on a three year period, preference to be given to the bidder that would dispose of the collections out of town. The successful bidder to deposit with the town a surety bond to the amount of one third of the total of the three year con- tract. The contract was awarded to Henry E. Caswell of Wakefield, the lowest bidder that would dispose of the gar- bage out of town for the sum of $2525.00 per year.
DOG CLINIC
There has been a great increase in the number of persons bitten by dogs in this town and there has been some cases of rabies in dogs. The Board of Health decided that for the protection of persons and animals that all dogs should be inoculated against rabies, and therefore we established a clinic last summer from June 30 to July 27 for the inoculation of dogs. All persons presenting their dogs at this Clinic that could pay were charged $1.00 per dog. Those that could not pay had their dogs inoculated free. The net cost to the town for this Clinic was $345.79. The inoculation of dogs is a pre- ventative of the spreading of rabies and if another epidemic
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BOARD OF HEALTH REPORT
1934]
of dog biting should occur next summer the Board feels that it would be their duty to operate another clinic.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY O. WESTENDARP, Chairman RICHARD J. SPENCER, Secretary MYRON H. DAVIS, Dept. Physician
Report of Inspector of Milk and Dairies.
To the Board of Health:
I have made frequent examinations of all dairies. Prac- tically all of them are in excellent condition. Samples have been taken from all of the dairies and tests made at the Lynn Board of Health with satisfactory results.
I have issued 107 milk licenses and five pasteurization licenses. Total receipts amounting to $103.50.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN W. HITCHINGS, Inspector.
Report of Inspector of Animals
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
As required by the State Department of Animal Industry, I made a careful examination of all dairy animals and the places in which they were kept in January and February. All appeared healthy and kept under proper conditions.
I have inspected and stamped as fit for food at time of slaughtering :
6
Swine
Calf 2
Of the many cases reported to me of persons bitten by dogs only two proved to be positive cases of rabies.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN W. HITCHINGS,
Inspector.
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TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Report of the Plumbing Inspector
December 31, 1934.
To the Board of Health:
GENTLEMEN :-
In accordance with the requirements of the laws of Massa- chusetts, relative to plumbers and plumbing, I herewith sub- mit my annual report for the year ending December 31, 1934.
The number of inspections made during the year, will be found in the following table :
Total number of inspections 524
Permits issued for plumbing 82
New buildings 13
Old buildings 69
Cesspools inspected
New and old buildings 131
Miscellaneous inspections 49
Fees paid to Treasurer for plumbing permits $164. Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS C. SUTHERST, Plumbing Inspector.
Report of Supervisor of the Dental Clinic
To the Board of Health:
GENTLEMEN :-
I herewith submit my annual report of the Dental Clinic.
Needy children from the first two grades are treated at the clinic.
A small fee of $.25 is charged for each visit.
Dental certificates were awarded to the children who had their work completed.
A detailed report follows : Total number of deciduous extractions ... 260
Total number of permanent extractions .. 20
1934]
BOARD OF HEALTH REPORT
209
Total number of fillings 179
Total number of prophylactic treatments 160
Total number refused treatment 5
Total number of patients 624
Receipts for the year were $156.00.
Respectfully submitted,
ROGER P. BECKMAN, D.M.D.
December 27, 1934.
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TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Report of Planning Board
The Saugus Planning Board herewith submits their annual report to the citizens of the town.
The board organized on February 6, 1934 with Charles H. L. Kahler as chairman, Alvah L. Rich secretary and Barnet Shapiro, William H. Armstrong and William H. Robinson. On October 1, Mr. Rich resigned and Mr. Robinson was elected to fill the position for the remainder of the year.
The planning board has had a number of hearings on articles pertaining to the Zoning by-laws in the various town meeting warrants and has submitted recommendations as required by law.
We feel that building lines should be established in the busi- ness districts of the town with the same ultimate result as has been attained in surrounding communities. Our neighboring city of Melrose has taken care of this problem in such a manner that they will be able to widen main streets without consequent damage to esablished business property. That this action should have been taken many years ago in Saugus, is best shown by the deplorable conditions existing in Clifton- dale Square from Oak Hill Road to Jackson Street and more recently in Saugus Centre from Jasper Street to the junction of Central and Winter Streets. Sooner or later the town will be forced to remedy this situation.
Another situation which should be cared for by the town is found on lower Ballard Street. One of the most travelled streets in the town, we suggest that the town widen, straighten and lower the high crown on this street. With the narrow, winding contour of the road, it is a serious safety hazard and should be improved from Dudley Street to the Salem Turn- pike.
We also urge the eradication of all spots along the Saugus River which contain, at the present time, all kinds of dump
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PLANNING BOARD REPORT
1934]
fillings. Not only are these places unsightly but in some in- stances they are composed of materials which are ideal for the breeding of rats and mosquitoes.
The board feels that the mosquito control work be continued, not only on the large marsh area, but in all small places which are sheltered from the sun, thus allowing these spots to remain moist and watery.
We have been successful in securing a number of directional signs from the State Department of Public Works at inter- sections along the Newburyport turnpike.
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