USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1937 > Part 13
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The year 1937 opened with the department having a large number of old departmental trucks and automobiles which, because of their age and condition, were a costly item to maintain. The Annual Town Meeting appropriated suf- ficient funds to replace several of these vehicles, and your Board has taken steps to re-equip the department in many particulars. It must be realized, however, that the job is far from complete, and that it is costly to continue to operate trucks and cars which are continually in the repair shop.
Your Board took steps this year to stop employees of the Public Works Department from using Town cars and trucks for other than on official business. By order of the Board, all cars and trucks are now located in the garage at
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TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
night, and the key is in the custody of the Police Depart- ment. When it is required that a car or truck be taken out for emergency purposes at night, the operator obtains the key at the police station by signing for it, and returns it after garaging the vehicle at the conclusion of his assignment. This appears to your Board to be good business and to abolish the temptation to use them for private affairs.
It has been a source of gratification to your Board that they have been able to do repair work this past year on 50 streets throughout the Town. This program was carried out in early summer. In every case the street was scarified and a coat of tar and pea stone applied. A complete list of the streets will be found in the report of the Superintendent of Public Works. This is a policy which should be continued and enlarged annually. There is no more wasteful policy than to allow the surfaces of our secondary streets to be ruined. A coat of tarvia and pea stone over a period of a few years should serve to keep these roads in good shape at reasonable cost.
It is true, however, that until such time as the Town in- augurates a system of drainage control that much of this work is wasted effort. The Town is sadly in need of drains for the removal of surface water in almost every section of the community and we recommend that an early start be made on this type of civic improvement.
With the co-operation of the State and County, under the provisions of Chapter 90 of the General Laws, the Town was able to widen Walnut Street from a point near Birch- wood Avenue, to the Newburyport turnpike intersection at Hawkes corner. It was also possible, under the same type of authorization, to reconstruct another section of the pro- posed Woodbury Avenue and Hesper Street route to Lynn.
This is work in which the Town receives $2 for each $1 expended from municipal funds. It is, unfortunately, avail- able only for through routes approved by the State Depart- ment of Public Works. It is, of course, because of the low relative cost work which the Town should continue to prose- cute. The State and County have already made allocations
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SELECTMEN'S REPORT
1937]
for 1938 for the continuance of the widening of Walnut Street from the Newburyport turnpike to Corbett's corner. There has, as yet, been no assurance that the State will contribute any funds for Hesper Street in 1938 as a new policy of one road to each community annually has been inaugurated. It is the hope of the Board, however, that it will be possible to gain a concession in this respect, and the Selectmen have al- ready taken measures to see that funds are made available for the continuance of the Hesper Street project.
Your Board has taken steps to see that the policy of con- struction started in 1936 was continued in 1937, whereby the Town becomes the contractor and the Superintendent of Pub- lic Works builds the road. The advantages are obvious. Local labor gets complete preference and the profit, which might accrue to the contractor, is actually expended on the road. The State requires that the Superintendent bid at the same price ranges as would a private contractor so that the con- struction is very economically done.
In any consideration of the work of the Public Works Department it would be only fair to stress the fact that the department has worked with greatly lowered budgets. The Town is expending for streets at the present time much less than they did back in the 1920's, and yet annually more streets are expected, and residents justifiably expect that they will be put into proper condition. To do so with the limited funds available is almost impossble and the depart- ment has done a very satisffactory job on a very limited bud- get. It goes without saying that if the citizens want their streets put into proper condition that they must be willing to appropriate sufficient funds at the Annual Town Meeting.
Your Board was pleased this year to complete a civic improvement in the East Saugus section which has long been needed in the construction of Dudley Street from Lincoln Avenue to Ballard Street. This road was built by the Public Works Department at a cost slightly under $3,500.
Police Department
The Board of Selectmen are glad to confirm the belief of the citizens that the Police Department is being wisely
220
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
and efficiently managed. The ratio of important crime to the population is lower than in many communities. Vigilant work by every member of the department is the obvious answer. During the year the Selectmen were pleased to name to the force Patrolman Carl G. Pearson, whose work is already attracting favorable comment.
Saugus receives more than its share of serious accidents as a result of the several State highways running through it borders. This condition was aggravated during the year by the construction of the Newburyport turnpike. This super-highway is an invitation to speed and at night, par- ticularly, it is very dangerous. Two of our citizens were so unfortunate as to be killed last fall in North Saugus.
The Selectmen concur with the Chief of the Police De- partment that this highway should be lighted and at the expense of the Commonwealth. They have requested our representative in the General Court to introduce a bill to this effect in the Legislature, and he has done so. The Select- men are co-operating with the Selectmen of Lynnfield in this matter, and hope to secure favorable consideration of the proposed act by the General Court this winter. The Select- men are also attempting to have the Commonwealth bear the expense of lighting the Salem turnpike in Saugus, which cost is now distributed between Revere and Saugus, believing that it is the primary obligation of the State.
The Selectmen have also caused the Town Counsel to file suit against the Commonwealth for the value of the lands taken from the Town Infirmary property for the construction of the turnpike. We do not feel that the Town should lose these valuable lands without recompense and it is our inten- tion to prosecute this suit in the courts.
Fire Department
During the past year your Selectmen have acted also as a Board of Fire Engineers, and this plan has worked so suc- cessfully that they recommend that it be continued. It has resulted in an economy of operation and the Board and Chief of the Fire Department are pleased to turn back to surplus a substantial sum from the Fire Department appropriation.
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SELECTMEN'S REPORT
1937]
This has been done without in any way stinting the department, and the force has functioned satisfactorily at all times. During the year a substantial amount of hose has been added, a new car purchased for the use of the Chief, and a W. P. A. project for the codification and clarification of records carried out successfully. The Board recommends that the Town continue to purchase a suitable amount of new hose annually.
Although the Board does not feel that it is necessary to add new permanent men to the fire fighting force at this time, they recommend that as many new call firemen as the Town can afford be added to the rolls.
Liquor Laws
Your Board has been most vigilant during the past year in seeing that the liquor control laws have been rigidly lived up to. It has not been the policy of your Board to grant li- censes indiscriminately and several applications have been rejected. Since, however, the Town has voted that the sale of all liquors shall be allowed, the Selectmen have no re- course other than to grant licenses.
Several license holders, however, have been brought be- fore the Board during the year, and hearings held on various alleged infractions of the law. When found guilty, they have been suitably punished or warned that any repetition of the offence would cause them to lose their licenses.
As a whole, it has been found that the local holders of licenses have, however, jealously guarded their franchises and Saugus has not witnessed the laxity in enforcement which has been prevalent in some other communities.
Believing that the Sabbath should be respected, your Board has this year enforced a new regulation requiring that no entertainment of any nature be permitted in liquor estab- lishments on the Lord's Day. We believe this to be reason- able and necessary. The Board has also prohibited the sale of beer by the pitcher to avoid so-called "needling" of the beverage.
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TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31 1
Loss of Member
During the year Mr. C. Carroll Cunningham resigned from the Board and this resulted in two members carrying on the work for the remainder of the year. Your Board adopted resolutions at the time of Mr. Cunningham's resig- nation wishing him success in his work for the Federal Home Owners' Loan Corporaton.
So co-operative have all officials and boards of the Town been with us that we have had a most enjoyable as well as successful year. We have found a disposition on the part of all to work for the best interests of the Town. There has been no petty bickering and no disposition to capitalize on the mistakes which are inevitable. The general intention and purpose of all has been to give their best for the welfare of the entire community.
Realizing that it is but human to err and that we all make mistakes both of commission and omission, we close this report of the activities of 1937 with the hope that it will be received as token of the interest and devotion we have given to the positions which the voters of the Town chose us to exercise. We have always borne in mind our trust to all of the people of Saugus and attempted to serve them to the best of our respective abilities.
Signed : WILLIAM S. ROCKHILL, Chairman GEORGE H. QUARMBY.
223
REPORT OF HARBOR MASTER
1937]
Report of the Harbor Master
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
I wish to submit the fourth annual report of the Harbor Master for the year ending December 31, 1937.
Yachts and motorboats given assistance in distress and towed to a safe anchorage, five (5); removed from mid- channel, eight (8) ; unregistered boats reported missing, two (2) ; unregistered boats reported missing and returned to owners, two (2) ; duly registered boats given an anchorage, ten (10) ; float permits issued, one (1). Eighteen hundred miles were covered by motor boat for regular and patrol work.
One case of dumping into tide water was reported to the Public Works Department of Massachusetts. This dump has been partially cleaned out.
Through the efforts of this office a hearing was held on August tenth by the War Department pertaining to the dredging of the Saugus River. Up to this date no recom- mendation has been announced by the Boston branch or the Washington main office.
In conclusion I wish to thank the Honorable Board of Selectmen and all others who by their cooperation aided me during the past year.
Respectfully submitted
PHILIP A. FARNHAM, Harbor Master.
224
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Report of the Board of Fire Engineers
January 1, 1938.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and the Citizens of the Town of Saugus:
We herewith submit the annual report on the personnel, condition, and activities of the Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1937.
ROSTER
Chief William R. Salsman
Captain George B. Drew
Lieutenants
Ralph E. Berrett Joseph L. Maguire
Permanent Firemen
John Mclaughlin
Harold Atkinson
Alfred Bird
Albert Jervis
Warren Newhall
Norman Hull
George Parrott
Leo Cahill
Guy Collins
Frank Beckford
Robert Jacobs
John Ward
Call Firemen
Lewis O. Gray
Lewis Richardson
Frank Garofano
John Cahill
W. Randolph Popp
Fred Chesley
Arthur Gustafson Leslie Hitchings
Peter Walzer
Board of Fire Engineers
William S. Rockhill, Chairman George H. Quarmby Paul A. Haley, Clerk William R. Salsman
225
BOARD OF FIRE ENGINEER'S REPORT
1937]
During the year 1937 the Fire Department responded to 450 alarms and calls for fires and other duties. There were 72 box alarms and 378 telephone calls, 38 of which were followed by box alarms to call the firemen to duty. Twenty-four of the alarms were false or needless.
The apparatus traveled a total of 2,067 miles in re- sponding to calls: Engine No. 1, 174 miles; Engine No. 2, 489 miles ; Ladder No. 1, 411 miles ; Tender No. 2, 992 miles. The Chief's car traveled 5,472 miles in responding to alarms and in the performance of other duties.
The assessed valuation of buildings, autos, trucks, the insurance on buildings, automobiles and their contents, etc.,. were, as nearly as could be ascertained, as follows.
Assessed valuation of buildings, autos, trucks, etc.
$388,705.00
Loss on buildings, motor vehicles, etc.
25,655.00
Insurance on buildings, etc. 425,050.00
Insurance paid for losses on buildings, etc.
21,684.52
Estimated value of contents
384.400.00
Loss on contents
49,425.00
Insurance on contents 125,000.00
Insurance paid for losses of contents 46,343.29
During the year 63,500 feet of 3/4-inch hose, 9,650 feet of 11/2-inch hose, 10,650 feet of 21/2-inch hose was laid and used at fires, a total of 83,800 feet. 40,500 feet of the above hose was used at brush and woods fires. There were 31 tanks. of oxygen and 1 tank of Co2 used.
Alarms and calls by month for 1937:
Bell Alarms Telephone Calls
Total
January
4
19
23
February
10
35
45
March
8
56
64
April
8
57
65
May
8
34
42
June
5
10
15
July
5
35
40
226
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
August
1
31
32
September
4
9
13
October
4
28
32
November
7
43
50
December
8
21
29
Totals
72
378
450
Tabulation and classification of Fire Alarms and calls :
(1) Alcohol leaking on hot exhaust pipe.
(3) Automobile accidents.
(1) Automobile tires.
(1) Automobile backed into fence.
(1) Awning fire.
(1) Buckfire in muffler.
(1) Backfire in carburetor.
(1) Bonfire.
(105) Brush fires.
(2) Cats in trees.
(1) Call for aspirator.
(5) Careless use of matches.
(1) Careless use of cigarette.
(3) Careless use of gasolene.
(1) Call for oxygen.
(2) Child playing with matches.
(1) Child locked in bathroom.
(1) Child fell into pond.
(10) Chimney fires.
(3) Defective oil burners.
(1) Defective wiring.
(1) Defective chimney.
(1) Downdraft in chimney.
(1) Dog in well.
(38) Dump fires.
(24) False alarms.
(1) Fence post.
(1) Firecrackers.
(1) First aid.
(1) Funeral detail.
(43) Grass fires.
227
BOARD OF FIRE ENGINEER'S REPORT
1937]
(1)
Horse in ditch.
(1) Hot exhaust pipe.
(1) Homelite for dragging purposes.
(1) Hot ashes in wooden barrel.
(12) Inhalator calls.
(2) Leak in ammonia plant.
(2) Leaves.
(1) Man lost in woods.
(23) Marsh fires.
(41) Needless.
(1) Overheated motor.
(2) Oil burners overflowing.
(1) Overheated oil heater.
(3) Overheated furnaces.
(1) Overheated stove.
(2) Overheated brakes.
(1) Overheated lamp.
(1) Police call.
(1) Plumber's torch exploding.
(2) Rescues from drowning.
(1) Rescue of squirrel.
(1) Rescue of dog.
(11) Rubbish fires.
(5) Set by boys.
(4) Set by unknown persons.
(9) Short circuit.
(2) Sparks from brush fire.
(2) Sparks from furnace.
(1) Sparks from decarbonizer.
(9) Struck by lightning.
(1) Smoking kettle on stove.
(2) Spontaneous combustion.
(2) Tree stump fires.
(2) Transfusions at hospital.
(1) Tar kettle.
(3) Undetermined.
(11) Unknown.
(2) Wires against trees.
(12) Woods fires.
The department was called out of town on five occasions.
228
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
The Fire Apparatus, Engine No. 2 and Ladder No. 1 and the G. M. C. Tender are in fair condition and good for many years to come provided they do not meet with accidents. The Oldsmobile Sedan, the Chief's car, is in good condition. En- gine No. 1, the Seagraves pumping engine, is very old and showing signs of needed repairs that will be very costly as it is very unreliable and in the past few years has had several costly repair jobs done to it. We recommend this engine be replaced with a new pumping engine.
The Fire Department has done excellent work in keep- ing the fire loss down to such a small amount, (approximate- ly $75,000) when it is noted that the department must cover a large territory nearly 111/2 square miles, and do so with a small number of men to man the apparatus and extinguish fires.
In closing we make the following recommendations:
We recommend a program calling for the installation of new hydrants every year, those we have are too few and too far between.
We recommend the taking of a parcel of land in the Cliftondale section of the town as a site for the erection of a new fire station.
We recommend the appointment of 5 call men. The work of the department has greatly increased in the past several years.
We recommend that 500 feet of 21/2 inch hose, 1000 feet of 11/2 inch hose, and 500 feet of 3/4 inch hose be purchased.
We recommend that a fire alarm box be installed at the corner of Linwood and Avon streets.
We recommend that two hydrants be installed on Wal- nut street between Elm street and the Lynn line a distance of about one half mile which now hasn't any hydrants.
We recommend that one hydrant be installed on Vine street between Main street and 68 Vine street, a distance of about 1880 feet, now without a hydrant.
229
BOARD OF FIRE ENGINEER'S REPORT
1937]
We recommend that hydrants be installed at the follow- ing locations, in front of 16 Johnston Terrace, 11 Lincoln Court, on Oak Hill Road, Corner of Jefferson and Newcomb Avenues, Palmetto Street, and corner of Jefferson and Cleve- land Avenue.
We recommend that a hydrant be installed on Trull Cir- cle near Charlotte Road, this would give better fire protec- tion to fourteen dwellings.
In conclusion we wish to thank the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Superintendent Ernest Merrithew of the Pub- I lic Works Department, all the Town Officials, and citizens of Saugus, who, by their co-operation have aided this depart- ment to maintain a high degree of efficiency.
Signed by the Chief, WILLIAM R. SALSMAN.
Signed by the Board of Fire Engineers,
WILLIAM S. ROCKHILL, Chairman. GEORGE H. QUARMBY.
230
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Report of the Forest Fire Warden
January 1, 1938.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
I hereby submit the annual report of the Forest Fire Warden for the year ending December 31, 1937.
During the year 1937 there were 117 brush and woods fires, 43 grass fires, as against 108 brush and woods fires, and 41 grass fires in the year 1936.
During the year the following amount of hose was laid and used at brush, woods, and grass fires, 40,500 feet.
I recommend that the Town purchase 6 water pump cans, brush fire brooms, rakes, shovels, etc. for the extin- guishing of grass and woods fires as this type of equipment is in very poor condition.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM R. SALSMAN, Forest Fire Warden.
October 21, 1937.
Mr. Edward Gibbs, Jr.
The Board of Selectmen have directed me to send to you the following resolutions adopted by them following the death of the late Harry Woodward.
"Whereas, God, in His infinite wisdom, has seen fit to call unto Himself, Harry Woodward, and
"Whereas, Harry Woodward served the Town of Saugus for over a decade as a member of the Fi- nance Committee and as a Selectman, and whereas
1937]
FOREST FIRE WARDEN'S REPORT
231
his services were of such a nature as to commend him constantly to the people of the Town as a man of outstanding integrity, good judgment, and as a Christian gentleman,
"Now, therefore, we the Board of Selectmen of Sau- gus, do resolve.
"That the Town of Saugus, through its Selectmen, express to his family their sense of personal loss in the passing of a friend and faithful worker for the interests of the Town, and that a copy of these Reso- lutions be spread upon the record, included in the annual Town Report, and sent to the family of the deceased, and to the press.
Very sincerely,
PAUL A. HALEY, Clerk of the Board.
232
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Report of the Town Accountant
The Treasurer's Cash Account
The cash on hand December 31, 1937, was verified by me by actual count, and the cash in the bank was verified by reconciliation of the outstanding checks with the book and bank statements, and was further verified by letters received from the banks certifying to the amount to the credit of the town of Saugus at the close of the business, December 31, 1937.
Trust Funds
I have compared the savings bank books in the hands of the Treasurer with the amount called for in the Perpetual Care Fund account as being on deposit December 31, 1937, and the books and the amounts agree.
The George Melvin Wilson Library Fund and the Ben- jamin Johnson Library Fund accounts were verified by ex- amining the Bonds in the hands of the Treasurer, which are registered bonds, also the savings bank book.
The War Bonus Fund was verified by examining the savings bank book and the book and amount agree.
Respectfully submitted,
January 14, 1938.
EDWARD GIBBS, JR., Town Accountant.
233
TOWN ACCOUNTANT'S REPORT
1937]
Report of the Town Accountant
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
I hereby submit the following reports for the year ended December 31, 1937
RECEIPTS General Revenue
Taxes
Current Year
Polls
$ 7,890.00
Betterments
349.76
Personal
45,568.82
Real
286,071.80
$339,880.38
Previous Years
Old Age
Assistance .
$ 4.00
Polls
556.00
Betterments
238.72
Personal
5,722.29
Real
117,142.10
123,665.11
Special Assessments
Gypsy Moth 1937 $ 547.74
Gypsy Moth Previous Years
314.60
862.34
Motor Vehicle Excise
Current Year
$ 21,547.72
Previous Years
4,150.63
25,698.35
Carried forward
$490,106.18
234
TOWN DOCUMENTS [Dec. 31
Brought forward Sale of Land Tax Titles Redeemed and Sold
$490,106.18 389.75
53,839.71
$544,333.64
343.00
Deeds and Certificates From the
Commonwealth :
Income Tax
$ 36,745.15
Corporation Tax
5,891.71
Refund-
Boulevard Maint. $ 25.75
42,662.61
County of Essex-
Dog Account
1,930.42
From Cities and Towns Lynn Water Shed Tax
680.81
Fines :
Court Fines
730.24
Licenses :
Junk
$ 20.00
Pool
44.00
Auto Dealers
30.00
Victuallers
52.00
Hawkers and
Peddlers
52.00
Liquor
8,050.00
Entertainment
60.00
Miscellaneous
47.50
$ 8,355.50
Rentals
Town Hall
264.00
Total General Revenue
$599,300.22
Carried forward
$599,300.22
235
TOWN ACCOUNTANT'S REPORT
1937]
Brought forward
$599,300.22 -
Commercial Revenue
1
General Government
Selectmen
Permits $ 10.00
Town Accountant
Sale of Machine
and Toll Calls 15.45
Tax Collector
Fees and Costs
523.75
Town Clerk
Fees and Permits
845.50
Total for General Government
$
1,394.70
Protection of Persons and Property
Building Inspector
Permits
444.00
Sealer of Weights and Measures
Fees
101.49
Total for Protection of
Persons and Property $ 545.49
Health and Sanitation
Health
Licenses,
Permits, etc $ 212.00 156.25
Rental Clinic Fees
From the Commonwealth :
Subsidies for Cities
and Towns $ 992.16
Contagious Diseases 801.60
1,793.76
From the County :
Anti-Rabic Vaccine
273.40
Carried forward
$ 2,435.41 $601,240.41
236
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Brought forward
$
2,435.41 $601,240.41
From Cities and Towns : Board and Care 390.65 Plumbing Inspector Fees 239.00 $ 3,065.06
Total for Health and Sanitation
Highways Highways and Bridges
Gas Tax Refunds $ 1.29
From the Commonwealth
Chap. 90 Grants 3,054.53
From the County : Chap. 90 Decrees 1,672.38 $ 4,728.20
Total for Highways and Bridges Charities and Soldiers' Benefits
Board of Welfare :
United States Grants :
O. A. A .- Aid Only $ 27,109.13
O. A. A .-
Admin. Only 903.57
Mother's Aid 1,902.66
29,915.36
From the Commonwealth :
Reimbursements :
O. A. A. $ 12,173.42
Mothers' Aid
700.08
Temporary Aid 3,379.71
16,253.21
From Cities and Towns : Reimbursements
2,897.77
Infirmary :
Sale of Produce
$ 196.00
Board
7.50
Sale of Motor
25.00
228.50
Soldiers' Benefits
State Aid
$ 1,300.00
Military Aid
915.00
Carried forward $ 2,215.00 $ 49,294.84 $609,033.67
1937]
TOWN ACCOUNTANT'S REPORT
237
Brought forward $ 2,215.00 $ 49,294.84 $609,033.67 100.00
Soldiers' Burial
2,315.00
Total Charities &
Soldiers' Benefits
$ 51,609.84
Education
Schools
Tuition $ 1,832.83
English Speaking Classes 155.85
Sale of Old Books. 65.64 $ 2,054.29
From the Common- wealth :
Educational
Measure $ 16,556.70
State Valuation 11,371.94
$ 27,928.64
Library :
Fines
$
40.00
$ 30,022.93
Enterprises and Cemetery
Water Department:
Water Rates
$ 36,956.75
Fixture Rates .
540.75
Maintenance
597.07
Turn-ons
67.00
Water Liens
2,742.95
Recording
47.95
$ 40,952.47
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