USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1936 > Part 13
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The need for this work to be gotten under way has long since been established. Without any question new industries have been lost to the town and fewer homes built due primar- ily to the lack of sewers. We are the second largest town in the State without sewers and the State Department of Health has strongly advised the urgent need for them.
Drainage is one of the town's greatest problems and should be considered with a Sewer system.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation facilities for the town can and should be greatly improved. The time consumed to commute between Saugus and Boston, a distance of less than 10 miles, is all out of proportion. The time necessary should not exceed 15 to 20 minutes and one should not be compelled to make several changes in such a short distance. The fare between Saugus and any part of Boston ought not to exceed 10 cents. With the new highway completed now under construction from Revere to the Turnpike at Felton Street a plan should be worked out whereby the town could enjoy rapid transit at a low cost.
There is great opportunity for improvement in the service between Lynn and Saugus and Cliftondale. Here again the fares should be reduced to 16 rides for $1.00. The rate of fare between North Saugus and Lynn was reduced in 1936 and a further reduction should be put into effect.
A transportation line should be established between North Saugus and Saugus Center. Saugus merchants would benefit greatly from this and residents of North Saugus could par- ticipate in the civic affairs of the town with greater con- venience.
Inadequate transportation facilities has been one of the town's greatest drawbacks. It is one of our major problems
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and careful study should be given this matter. With thou- sands of acres of undeveloped territory within such a short distance of Boston, great possibilities are presented the town for a very healthy and rapid growth. This will greatly en- hance property resulting in much needed revenue flowing into the town from increased valuations. Officials with a dog in the manger attitude have stood in the way of progress both in the matter of a sewer system and transportation claiming that the town must first have revenue. As a matter of fact industries will not locate here until we have a sewer system and people will not build homes to the extent that they would if the town offered them adequate transportaion at a proper rate. The truth of the matter is that we first must have sewers and transportation and the revenue will follow.
INSURANCE
The position of Director of Insurance was taken out of politics justifying the position of the writer who was the in- stigator of the rate reduction secured by the Director, Paul J. Hayes, amounting to approximately $1,700. on the fire schedule alone on the basis the policies were written. On the fire and theft insurance he secured a reduction from $1.25 to $.20 on a $100. on pleasure cars and $1.25 to $.36 on commer- cial vehicles. The foregoing enormous reduction was on fire insurance alone while that on theft was much more substantial. A survey was made by the Insurance Exchange which pointed out where further reductions might be made by effecting certain improvements, some of which will appear in the war- rant of the Annual Town Meeting.
Town Insurance has been allocated to local brokers on an equitable basis thereby eliminating the political discrimination of previous years.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
During the year the department lost the services of the late Frank W. Joy, who retired after 50 years of active service. His death took from our midst a valuable public servant and a splendid character.
New men were added to the department greatly increasing the efficiency of a capable force. A lieutenency was created and Roland E. Mansfield appointed to the position.
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When one considers difficulties other Communities have ex- perienced it might be well for citizens to ponder the fact that the department under Chief Stuart is above reproach and the moral standards of the town may, in part at least, be at- tributed to the fact of the rigid enforcement of the law by the department. The strictest enforcement of all laws is highly desirable for honest law enforcement without fear or favor, is bound to command respect.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Two permanent men were added to this department and new apparatus purchased. William R. Salsman was appointed Chief and has rendered a splendid administration maintaining the high degree of discipline established by the late Chief Mellen R. Joy.
George B. Drew was promoted to Captain and Joseph Maguire to the Lieutency position. Both have performed their duties in a most capable and efficient manner. Although our Fire Department is considered not of sufficient size as deemed necessary by many citizens, this ought not to in any degree detract from the excellent type of service rendered by a body of fire fighters, a credit to any community.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Ernest Merrithew was promoted to the position of Super- intendent and the splendid report submitted by him elsewhere in the report, which ought to be carefully read by all citizens and taxpayers will attest as to the wisdom of our action.
A five day week without reduction in pay was put into effect for all employees of the department. New equipment was purchased to replace rolling stock which caused no end of expense and a policy of standardizing the department was put into effect.
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Under the direction of Town Engineer John Dyer an effi- cient staff contributed valuable service to the town particular- ly on cement sidewalk construction and making the surveys and plans on street acceptance.
MACHINERY ACCOUNT
In the interests of economy the town should establish a
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machinery account for the Public Works Department. This will enable rentals to be collected for all trucks and equipment used on Chapter 90 work. After a matter of 3 or 4 years a sizeable fund will be established from which to purchase equip- ment and rolling stock without the necessity of seeking new appropriations.
TRAFFIC REGULATIONS
Traffic regulations and parking areas should be established in order to relieve traffic congestion and improve safety con- ditions on our highways. Police officers would thereby be enabled to devote their time to patroling beats in residential areas. Regulations have been prepared which meet with the approval of the State Department of Public Works. There should be no further delay in their adoption.
TOWN COUNSEL
The position of Town Counsel the past year has required the services of a man of tact and good judgment. William E. Ludden has exemplified both and in an efficient manner has performed a difficult task.
BUILDING INSPECTOR
The duties of Building Inspector with the enforcement of the Zoning By-law as an added responsibility require the ser- vices of one who is qualified by experience and training in the building trade and a man who is fair and impartial in his decisions. Daniel B. Willis fulfills all the requirements for the position. In his appointment, as in the case of Mr. Ludden, the stigma of removal by a previous Board after many years of faithful service was wiped out.
TOWN HALL
The lower floor of the Town Hall should be remodeled in order to provide better office conditions for several of the de- partments. Plans have been prepared and the work could be done under a W.P.A. project.
The way and manner in which the building is kept reflects great credit on the custodian Justin E. Mansfield and his as- sistant Charles Davis, both men well beyond their three score and ten years of life. In recognition of their faithful services they were given Sundays off with no reduction in their pay.
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STATE AID AND SOLDIERS' RELIEF
Under the administration of Director Charles M. O'Connor the cases of veterans requiring consideration by this depart- ment were handled in an efficient and capable manner. He has been commended by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion which is indicative of the fact that his appointment was satisfactory.
MARSHES AND AIRPORT
Great possibilities exist for the development of the 2000 acres of marshes in Saugus. The writer was instrumental in securing a Legislative study as to the advisability and desir- ability of industrial development of the marshes and the wid- ening and deeping of the channel of the Saugus River. The town might well direct its endeavor to the end that industries be located on this desirable location.
It is likewise well worth considering the possibilities which the Old Race Track and Flying Field afford for a most desir- able site for an Airport for private enterprise.
Newly constructed and improved traffic arteries and high- ways connecting not only the North and South Shore but this State with those both south and north of us as well as Canada, certainly presents, not merely a potential but a practical pro- position with a large area available as a terminus for ship- ments via water, rail, truck or air we can ill afford to let the opportunity slip away from us of making Saugus one of the most progressive municipalities of the East. We cannot af- ford to disregard the natural advantages we possess, but must seize upon these possibilities.
POST OFFICE AND POSTAL RATES
A town the size of Saugus should have a Post Office building commensurate with our needs. There is an immediate need for a sub station in Saugus Center. Saugus being in the Met- ropolitan Area should be entitled to 2c postage on first class mail in the Boston area as well as to Lynn.
UTILITY RATES
The cost of telephone calls between Saugus and Boston ought not to exceed 5c. Here again we are in the Metropolitan district and ought to participate in its advantages. Zone areas
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should be extended in order to make possible lower rates.
Electric light and power rates should be reduced both for the town and its inhabitants. A program of putting wires underground should be undertaken.
The New England Power Association was granted a permit to erect towers and run transmission lines through Saugus and over three of its highways. The writer refused to attend a special meeting called at 12.25 A. M. to vote away valuable rights, particularly when the Company located its power house in Melrose, a short distance beyond the Saugus line, the taxes from same to go to Melrose.
ECONOMY AND EFFICIENCY
Several months ago at the instigation of the writer a con- ference was held of all town officials, the purpose of which was to devise ways and means of effectuating economy in the town government by combining requisitions in seeking bids and purchasing through a central agency. It was also pro- posed to meet each month and by an exchange of ideas to for- mulate plans to increase the efficiency of the various depart- ments. It had strong indications of proving very beneficial to the taxpayer but no further conferences were held. They should be undertaken again and serious consideration given them.
TWO DISTINGUISHED CITIZENS
Within recent months Saugus suffered a distinct loss in the death of two of its outstanding officials. Dr. Myron H. Davis as a member of the Board of Health rendered a public service of such a high type it is doubtful if the gap caused by his loss can ever be filled by one with such humanitarian viewpoints. Walter A. Wilson as Tax Collector and Town Clerk filled the position in such a capable and efficient manner as to win the respect and affection of countless numbers of persons. His courteous treatment of taxpayers might be the goal for any town official to emulate. The town can ill afford to lose the services of these two men of such sterling character.
MEETINGS AND PUBLICITY
Last June the writer recognized the fact that reports of the meetings were injurious to the town, in that matters were
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treated with out of all proportion to their importance. At that time it was proposed without success that all civic, im- provement and women's organizations be invited to send rep- resentatives to a conference for the purpose of formulating plans to advertise the town, its historical background, indus- trial advantages, etc. Plans were devised by the writer for the Board to use the facilities of radio station WHDH to ad- vertise Saugus, but of no avail.
IN CONCLUSION
With a background of 16 years in active public service and motivated with the thought of how best to serve the town, I refused to be deterred from my policy of carrying out the prescribed duties of the office regardless of the consequences.
With the encouragement that comes from doing that which one believes to be for the ultimate good of the town of Saugus and its citizens it behooves him to take time by the forelock and improve upon those possibilities. The continual shelving of new ideas and building and planning only sufficient to the needs of the day does not spell progress.
In this report I have endeavored to inform the minds of the people. To follow their will is the duty of an elected official.
I have ever found, in my progress through life, that acting for the public if we always do what is right, the approbation denied in the beginning will surely follow in the end.
Respectfully submitted, C. F. NELSON PRATT
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Report of Cemetery Commissioners
The Commissioners are pleased to report that during 1936 the receipts were $11,309.00 against expenditures of $8,113.00. The permanent fund increased during the year about $4,500. and when interest comes back this will furnish quite a sub- stantial income toward running the cemetery.
We had 146 funerals last year, and at the present time have nine lots and partial lots left in the main cemetery, in addition to 11 lots on which prices run from $315 to $600 each.
It will be recalled that some years ago Superintendent Light purchased at a tax sale, the property which is known as the "700 Section" in the rear of the Monteith property for some $27.00. The first grave was opened in June of 1935 and since that date we have received over six thousand dollars from this plot of land.
It is felt that as we now have a permanent Superintendent and a permanent Foreman, with no extra pay for overtime work, we should add another permanent employee to the Ceme- tery to take care of extra funerals occurring on the same day, requiring constant attention. We are making application for a new lowering device, costing about $298.00, and another set of greens, as when three or four funerals come in one day, the employees cannot chase from one grave to another with the greens and lowering device. As these are a source of in- come they make a good investment for the Cemetery Depart- ment.
We wish to acknowledge, with thanks, the splendid co- operation given us by the Public Works Department and the Welfare Department.
An article appears in this year's Warrant asking for $3,000 .- 00 for filling and grading the depression on the Montieth Lot, and with the small number of lots available it is hoped that the Town will grant this request.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY A. B. PECKHAM, Chairman,
WILLIAM E. LUDDEN, BENJAMIN A. FULLERTON, Cemetery Commissioners.
In Memoriam
MYRON H. DAVIS, M. D.
Born Belchertown February 20, 1863 Died Saugus January 21, 1937
Member of Board of Health Palmer, 2 years Member of School Board Hardwick, 24 years Member of Saugus Board of Health, 1931 - 1937 Resident of Saugus, 26 years .
"O Blessed life of service and of love,
Full of such duties as God's angels know:
His servants serve him day and night above,
Thou servedst day and night we thought, below.
O faithful heart, that recked not care or pain When duty called thee, or when love did lead,
Thou gavest freely, asking not again, The word of comfort or the costly deed.
O gentle hands, so busy evermore With healing touch or helpful tenderness:
'Twas yours to lift the burdens others bore, Your sole reward the joy of usefulness.
DR. MYRON H. DAVIS was devoted to the health and happi- ness of the community and of everyone who sought his ser- vices. Human need was the one and sufficient passport that took him far and near. Poor and well-to-do, friendly and critical alike received his attention and care. The formula he acted upon and that made him the most loved man in the town of Saugus was this: "Where there is illness and they want me, I will go". That formula was born in his heart and no man could take it from him. His interest in the sewerage system for Saugus was in line with his ideals of comfort and health for all. His friendship for young and aged was a living thing in his soul. He generated friendliness. He had a sound mind, a tender heart and a will to serve. This trinity created the personality of the Beloved Physician. His monument is in the hearts of the people he served. Saugus will long miss him. Like the Master of ancient Galilee, he came not to be minis- tered unto, but to minister. Were Saugus, blessed of all com- munities by his presence for twenty-six years, to establish a Clinic within its borders where the unfortunate could find a Helping Hand, it would, in so doing, perpetuate the spirit, the memory and the ideals of Myron H. Davis, the Friend of Man.
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Report of the Board of Health
The Board of Health again wishes to call to the attention of the taxpayers of Saugus the vital necessity of a public health nurse for the town. We must not neglect that most basic principal on which good citizens and progressive active minds depend, namely health. Future wealth and happiness in adult life depends entirely on nature's most priceless pos- session-good health, which in turn depends on prevention and proper care of disease in childhood and adolescence.
It is with these few intrigueing facts that the Board of Health again wishes to impress on the voters and taxpayers of the Town of Saugus the need for a public health nurse. Must we forfeit the future health of our young ones to a few who see life only in terms of dollars and cents? The saving. to the town even in this sense can be made to total thousands of dollars because of the vast field undertaken by a public health nurse. Let us be sensible, let us be progressive-give Saugus a public health nurse.
The sanitary conditions in the Town Hall are in a deplor- able condition. It is in direct violation of the State Law. There is not anywhere near enough toilets and washrooms to care for the present employees. The men's toilet in the basement and the women's toilet at the entrance of the hall are not sanitary or healthful. As the auditorium of the hall is let from time to time for dances, church fairs etc. the con- ditions are unbearable. We recommend that toilets and washrooms for the employees and the general public be in- stalled either in or near the court room.
The amount appropriated for this department for the year 1936 was $11,000.00. Our expenses amounted to $11,286.15. The difference will have to be taken care of by Unpaid Bills. It is impossible to estimate the number of cases sent to the Contagious Hospital. This year the amount expended was much larger than the previous year. The amount expended
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for medicine was also a great deal higher in taking care of these cases. Our expenditures for the care of Tuberculosis patients in the Essex Sanatorium, North Reading State San- atorium and the Lakeville State Sanatorium are increasing. We have had to enter three new patients in the past two months.
The department has had to expend more money this year to treat persons bitten by stray and rabic dogs, with Anti Rabic Vaccine. The greater part of these cases were children. Because of the large number of these cases we established a Dog Clinic whereby owners of dogs could have them inocu- lated free of charge. Many people took advantage of this clinic, however, due to the lack of cooperation on the part of others we have decided to discontinue this clinic next year. We innoculated 227 dogs.
The Board have received an increasing number of com- plaints of overflowing cesspools. The land and drainage in the thickly settled sections of the town has become saturated after years of use. There is only one solution to this problem and that is a sewerage system to take care of these centres. We cannot over emphasize the fact that proper sewerage, sanitation and public health go hand in hand for the public welfare of the people.
We have had many complaints of pollution of the Saugus River by sewage, dumping of garbage and clam shells. We are endeavoring to put a stop to this practice. We also have had many complaints of out of town contractors who dump old auto bodies and other debris around town. In each in- stance we have forced these contractors to remove this debris.
Respectfully submitted,
DR. MYRON H. DAVIS, Chairman, DR. JAMES A. CLARK, Secretary, RICHARD J. SPENCER, Health Officer.
Report of the Inspector of Milk, Food and Provisions
Board of Health, Saugus, Mass.
December 31, 1936.
4 .
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GENTLEMEN :
I herewith submit my annual report as Inspector of Milk, Food and Provisions.
We have again increased in the number of dealers serving Saugus milk, over the year 1935. There has been a great improvement both in Dairies and processing. Bacteria on the whole has had a much lower count and the percentage of butter fat is greater. Testing and sampling procedures are subjects of tremendous importance in assuring the Towns- people that they are consuming milk of a high standard. Practically all milk either raised or brought into Saugus at the present time is as good in sanitary quality as certified milk was fifteen or twenty years ago. It is through con- scientious work that this has been brought about along with cooperation of the dealers themselves.
I have issued 122 Milk Licenses, 4 Pasteurization Licenses, and 20 Oleomargarine Licenses. This year 2 Ice Cream Man- ufacturing Licenses were issued for the first time. This advent of small freezers in local stores has brought new problems. The sanitary interest in ice-cream, which has al- ways been secondary to that of milk, has been increased. The installation of freezers in any number greatly increases the Inspector's load. The weakest link in the ice-cream business today is in retailing the product. Most ice-cream companies have so much at stake that they can't afford to produce any- thing but the best. Ice-cream that has received every pos- sible sanitary consideration in its manufacturing may be de- livered to a retail store where little or no attention to sani- tation is paid. The scoop is kept in a container from which water is emptied only at infrequent intervals. This permits bacteria to grow in large numbers. I have tried to remedy this.
I have made 2682 inspections of stores in all sections of the Town since May 1, 1936. These inspections were made in over 70 Stores, 7 Roadside Stands, 3 Clam and Crabmeat Plants. I found conditions in many meat and grocery stores were not sanitary. Fish and Meat not properly iced, pastry etc. uncovered and exposed to dust and flies. In most cases I found instant cooperation on the part of the store keepers
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and I might add that the independent merchants were very helpful. However there have been instances where I have found fruit, fish, meat and poultry that were unfit for human consumption. These articles of food were condemned by me. It is impossible to overemphasize the importance of these regular inspections for of course this is of immeasurable value to the health of the Town's people.
In conclusion I wish to thank you, the State and adjoining City Inspectors for their cooperation with me in following out what I believe to be for the best interest of our citizens.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES WILSON, Inspector of Milk, Food and Provisions.
Report of the Plumbing Inspector
December 31, 1936.
To the Board of Health,
Saugus, Mass.
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, 1936.
The number of inspections made during the year, will be found in the following table :
Total number of inspections 568
Permits issued for plumbing
100
New buildings 27
Old buildings 73
Cesspools inspected,
New and old buildings 115
Miscellaneous inspections, septic tanks 15
Fees paid to Treasurer for plumbing permits, $200.00.
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS C. SUTHERST, Plumbing Inspector.
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Report of Supervisor of the Dental Clinic
December 28, 1936.
To the Board of Health:
GENTLEMEN :
I herewith submit my annual report of the Dental Clinic.
The clinic was conducted the same as in previous years, only the needy are supposed to go.
Dental certificates were awarded to the children who had their work completed.
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