USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1937 > Part 16
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27
The efficency of the department has been enormously increased by the employment of a very competent health nurse. Following up tuberculosis cases and their contacts, visits to the Sanatorium, arranging for X-rays in question- able cases, investigation settlements. The careful investiga- tion of contacts in contagious diseases has been a great help in preventing the spread of contagious diseases. Never has the Board been able to handle this situation in such an effi- cient manner as in the past year.
As in the past years the sanitary conditions at the Town Hall are deplorable. This is not the first time that this con- dition has been brought to the attention of the citizens. The police station is many times better equipped to care for the needs of the few involuntary visitors than the Town Hall
275
BOARD OF HEALTH REPORT
1937]
with its many employees and public gatherings in the audi- torium.
An increasing number of complaints come to the Board of Health every year concerning overflowing cesspools. The average amount of water soaking into the ground through cesspools in the Town of Saugus is one hundred fifty three million gallons per year. The day is not far away when the Town will have to shoulder the burden of installing sewers. When this is done we can expect new, modern and first class buildings.
We have caused to be examined the water of the Saugus River that flows past the Stocker playground and the Town bathing beach on Ballard Street and find it highly polluted and unfit for bathing. This pollution is caused by the drain- ing of cesspools and private sewers. We consider this to be a serious health menace to the inhabitants of our Town who persist in bathing in these areas. Numerous warnings have been posted in these areas condemning them for bathing. Water examined by the State Department of Public Health at our request, from the pit excavated by B. Perini & Sons, located at Main Street, Saugus, west of the Newburyport Turnpike, has been found unfit for bathing.
We have also been in conference with the State Depart- ment of Public Health following numerous complaints with reference to the tremendous amount of stone dust from the various stone crushers. This is injurious to the health of those living in the surrounding districts and we hope to have it remedied in the near future.
The Board has devoted considerable time to the prepara- tion of new health regulations which have recently been published. These new regulations are up to date and equal to those of our surrounding communities.
Because of the cut in our requested appropriation we were unable to keep within our budget and have unpaid bills to the amount of $262.10. We have received from License Fees, refunds, subsidies and other cities and towns the amount of $3,093.70 which has been turned over to the Town treasurer. The total expenditure including $262.10 from
276
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
unpaid bills, amounts to $13,631.57 less the amount turned over to the Town treasurer makes a net expenditure of $10,537.86.
Respectfully submitted,
DR. JAMES A. CLARK, Chairman, DR. LEROY C. FURBUSH, Secretary, RICHARD J. SPENCER, Health Officer. Members of the Board of Health.
Report of the Plumbing Inspector
To the Board of Health,
Saugus, Mass.
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit the annual report of the Inspector of Plumbing of the Town of Saugus.
Plumbing permits issued up to November 1, 1937 112
Since assuming office November 1, 1937, the number of permits issued and the following inspections have been made by me during November and December.
Permits issued for plumbing 16
Inspections 120
Old Buildings 87
New Buildings 33
Miscellaneous inspections 8
Fees paid to Treasurer for plumbing permits $239.00.
Respectfully submitted
JOHN V. SPENCER,
Inspector of Plumbing.
Report of the Inspector of Milk, Food and Provisions
December 31, 1937.
Board of Health,
Saugus, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my annual report as Inspector of Health, Food and Milk.
277
BOARD OF HEALTH REPORT
1937]
In the broad field of public health activity, one may be surprised to find a community of interest that is predicated upon the simple proposition that all people must replenish their body energy with food and drink, the wholesomeness of the food and the condition of sanitation at the point of production, manufacture and distribution are problems we, as a health department, are directly responsible for.
My primary purpose and final objective is to see that the foods we eat and drink are produced, handled and dis- pensed in such fashion and under such conditions that the beneficial results we expect from them will be obtained.
The protection of milk from contamination from the time of production until delivery to the customer is the most important problem connected with clean and safe milk. Most of our dealers have a thorough knowledge of reasonable standards for dairy plant operation and maintenance. I have encouraged the use of modern equipment and also of maintaining it in a sanitary condition.
This year a large increase has been made in testing and sampling milk. Bacteria on the whole has had a much lower count with but few exceptions. These few cases of high bacteria count in my opinion were due to carelessness and the improper cleansing and washing of bottles and utensils. The processes of cleansing and sterilization are often thought of as one but they are separate and distinct, and should be treated as such.
The proper functioning of the bottle washer is an ex- ceedingly important point in milk sterilization and safety. The most satisfactory way to determine the efficiency of bot- tle sterilization is by rinsing the bottle with sterile water and examining this water for bacteria by the Standard plate method.
This year I have made 6019 inspections of over 80 stores, roadside stands, and clam plants. A large amount of meat, fish, and vegetables were condemned by me as unfit for human consumption. In one case it was necessary to suspend the license in order to force the owner to clean up and keep his establishment in a sanitary condition. In another
278
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
instance, because of the condition of fish and other food, it was necessary to insist on a change in management before I could get co-operation.
The new regulations of the Board of Health in regard to the conditions under which baking, milk, ice cream, and food products are manufactured, stored or offered for sale will be of great help during the coming year.
The new addition to the Town By-Laws regarding the operation of trailers and overnight camps in Saugus will be of much assistance in remedying conditions now existing from a health standpoint.
In conclusion I wish to thank you, the State, and adjoin- ing City Inspectors for the cooperation I have received this past year.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES WILSON, Inspector of Health, Food and Milk.
Report of the Public Health Nurse
To the Board of Health,
Saugus, Mass.
Gentlemen :
I am pleased to submit my first annual report as Public Health Nurse for the year ending December 31, 1937.
My services started on March 15.
Number of home visits, 1821.
Diseases reported and followed up :
New Cases
Anterior Polyomyelitis 1
Anthrax
1
Chicken Pox 25
Measles 153 Measles (German) 3
279
BOARD OF HEALTH REPORT
1937]
Mumps 5
Paratyphoid B 2
Pneumonia (Lobar) 8
Scarlet Fever
92
Tuberculosis
9
Whooping Cough
48
The home visits also covered the investigation of old Tuberculosis cases and their contacts; the contacts of the Scarlet Fever cases for this year ; as well as the miscellaneous complaints and the inspection of boarding homes for infants.
Diphtheria :
There have been no actual cases of Diphtheria since 1933. This, I believe, is due entirely to the excellent co- operation between the home, the school and the Board of Health.
In Diphtheria Prevention Work, 286 Grade I and 35 Kindergarten pupils were recorded. Of these, 174 are ready for inoculation, 52 had been inoculated previous to the date of record and 95 refused benefit. .
Scarlet Fever:
It is interesting to note that the Scarlet Fever cases were mild during 1937. Of the 92 reported, only 1 resulted in death, 88 were cured and 3 are active.
Tuberculosis :
Much progress has been made in handling Tuberculosis. While there are 81 cases on record at the close of the year, there were but 5 deaths attributed directly to this disease. Of the old cases on record, 70 were closed, 10 arrested, and 7 proven negative.
I am greatly indebted to Dr. Olin Pettingill, Superin- tendent of the Essex Sanatorium, and his staff, for their assistance and many courtesies, also to Vera Griffin, Secre- tary of Essex County Health Association, Inc., and to the.
280
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
North Reading and Lakeville State Sanatoriums, as well as other institutions.
I have transported 395 pupils to and from the Dental Clinic and 32 patients to Sanatoriums, as well as assisting in handling 5 Essex County Health Camp cases.
Besides this specific work, I have arranged and indexed data for more complete records.
May I suggest for the general good health of Saugus that all cases of communicable diseases be reported promptly and urge a stricter adherence to quarantine regulations ?
I wish to acknowledge my appreciation of the coopera- tion received from the public health authorities of the Com- monwealth, the public health nurses of neighboring towns and cities, the personnel of our School Department and the citizens of Saugus.
I have been grateful for the opportunity of serving with you, Gentlemen of the Board of Health, and thank you most sincerely for your suggestions, cooperation and encourage- ment. I believe that you have carried on the good work of our late and beloved Dr. Myron H. Davis, whose service for humanity has long been an inspiration to me.
Respectfully submitted,
N. JESSIE O'NEIL, R.N.
Report of Supervisor of the Dental Clinic
To the Board of Health,
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my annual report of the Dental Clinic. One more successful year has been added to the records of the Dental Clinic. Good teeth are a very important factor in the health and happiness of a child. Each year as I look over the children I am more convinced of the value of the Dental Clinic. It is a wonderful thing for this town. The
281
BOARD OF HEALTH REPORT
1937]
appropriation that you spend for the clinic is more than worth it.
A detailed report follows :
Total number of deciduous extractions 286
Total number of permanent extractions 29
Total number of fillings 126
Total number of prophylactic treatments 184
Total number of patients 625
A fee of $.25 is charged for each visit. Total receipts for the year $156.25.
Respectfully submitted
ROGER P. BECKMAN, D.M.D.
282
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31.
Annual Report of the Planning Board
To the Citizens of the Town :
The Planning Board presents, herewith, its annual re- port for the year 1937, which has been the busiest period of activity in the thirteen years of its existence. The Board or- ganized on March 2 with Attorney M. Edward Hayes as chair- man, William H. Robinson as clerk, Harry W. Merrill, H. Warren Butler and Walter L. Roy. A total of forty-eight reg- ular meetings, thirty-four rezoning hearings and two Board of Survey hearings together with five joint meetings on bill- board applications comprise the record of the board's activi- ties during the past year. We have attended conferences at Concord, Wellesley, Salem, Harvard College and Tufts Col- lege which were operated by the American Society of Plan- ning Officials, the Massachusetts Federation of Planning Boards and the State Planning Board. We hold member- ship in the Society and the Federation and derive much benefit from both.
The hearings on rezoning articles are called for under the provisions of Chapter 269 of the Acts of 1933 which states that all articles pertaining to amendments of the Zoning By- Law and Map shall be given a public hearing by the board before consideration by the Town Meeting.
The Board of Survey hearings are a new function for the board, they being transferred from the Board of Select- men to the Planning Board with the adoption, by the Town, of Chapter 211 of the Acts of 1936. We consider this a more desirable allocation of the powers of the Board of Survey and made a radical change in the policies of the Board during the past year. In the past, real estate developers were al- lowed to enter the Town and have all necessary expenses borne by us, this including construction of streets and water extensions. One of our hearings on this work was merely a change of lot lines but the other involved a large area of
283
PLANNING BOARD REPORT
1937]
land. On this second application, the board ordered the pe- titioner to bear all expenses connected with the construction of streets and the laying of water mains and secured approx- imately one acre of land in the Oaklandvale section of the Town, without any expense, for future schoolhouse, play- ground or other municipal purposes. In obtaining this pro- perty we believe that we have saved a good sum of money which will some day be realized when a new schoolhouse is necessary in that section named. The Town will not be forced to pay an exhorbitant price for a location.
We are considering the selection of an advisory commit- tee to assist us in furthering our aims and in obtaining newer thoughts on which to go forward in attempting to assist the Town to its proper development. This matter will shortly be brought to various organizations and we request that those interested contact the board.
W. P. A. Project
During the past year, the Board has enjoyed the services of a number of workers on a W. P. A. project calling for a survey of the water system of the Town. This work will re- quire six months more for completion but it will give us the most complete information of the system that has ever been on record. We are securing the location, size, depth and material of every water pipe on every street of the Town. This will allow the Town to estimate when and where it is- necessary to make replacements caused by defective or in- adequate services. The workers have found a number of serious and interesting situations and the results of the work are being mapped and filed in the Public Works Depart- ment where they will be accessible when troublesome oc- casions arise.
New Town Maps
During the last few months of the past year the board undertook the task of securing new and up-to-date maps of the Town, including a new town map, the Zoning Map and a. map showing the accepted streets of the Town. The last mentioned was very interesting in that it showed that of a
284
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
total of some 600 streets, the Town has only accepted about 140.
We intend to proceed on maps showing transportation systems; population maps, including one on school popula- tion ; tax exempt property, to show that portion of the Town from which no income is derived ; surface drainage and land use maps. The cost of the completed maps was taken from our annual appropriation but will, without a doubt, be re- turned with the sale of this material to the citizens and in- terested parties. At this writing, we have orders to insure about half the expenditure being returned. We do not in- tend to release this material for public sale until we have secured a copyright on those maps which we feel it is ad- visable to protect for the Town. Citizens who are interested in securing this material may obtain the price by contacting members of the board.
We have released, for public sale, the results of the aerial survey completed during the past year. Copies or individual prints can be had at very reasonable prices. This was done with the cooperation of the aerial photo section of the Massachusetts National Guard and gives a complete pic- ture of the Town as seen from the air. It has been very help- ful at meetings and hearings during the past year when dis- putes arose regarding property and streets.
The Building Set Back
During the last few town meetings the board has at- tempted to secure legislation which would have the effect of placing business establishments, located on state highways, back from the road for a distance up to as much as forty feet. We were not successful. Our reasons for advancing this proposition include a better movement of traffic, more substantial business establishments and better roadside con- ditions. What is to be gained if we allow refreshment stands and gasoline stations to locate just inside the sidewalk line, thus forcing patrons and the travelling public to stop on the roadway after having the state spend some three million dol- lars to construct a modern highway in an effort to speed and free through traffic? By keeping business back from the
285.
PLANNING BOARD REPORT
1937]
highways we may find the solution of the problem of what to do about the small and unsightly structures which line our section of the Newburyport Turnpike. This effort has been satisfactory to the majority of property owners along the road and will again be presented to the Town Meeting. We earnestly request your support.
U. S. Route 1 is the one means of conveying to the travel- ling public and potential home builder the standing and at- titude of the people toward the conditions in the Town. It is the best means of inducing more property and a bigger Saugus. Throughout the State and along the entire Turn- pike, we find no place that sponsors so poor an advertise- ment on a main road as our own Town. It is your problem and we suggest that you aid us in our next attempt for pas- sage of this legislation.
The Billboard Problem
The board advanced to the Town Meeting, last year, the solution of the billboard problem, but the meeting voted to refer the matter to a special committee. We considered this matter for more than a year before its submission and feel that it is foolproof, having been upheld by the State Supreme Court in litigation between one of the major billboard opera- ting companies and the Town of Concord. There are in- stances in the town where advertising signs have been erect- ed without a permit by the Selectmen or the Building In- spector and over the objections of neighbors, who vigorously protested them. Without the necessary legislation, we are powerless to stop such practices and are wide open to the mercy of the advertising concerns who have no regard for the citizens' feelings or comfort. This too is your problem.
Gravel Pits
The town has suffered irreparable damage for many years but was put to the breaking point last year in the mat- ter of borrow pits, otherwise known as gravel pits. The practise in this line is for some party to secure some location, usually on our main roads, for the purpose of obtaining gravel, filling or crushed stone. Upon completion of opera- tions, the owners usually allow the property to revert to the
286
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
town on an unpaid tax assessment. The town then proceeds to hold the land, and in most cases continues to hold it in- definitely, there being no one interested in owning a huge hole. Ths procedure has and will continue to leave the Town without any revenue from some of the property that once was desirable. We would dare to suggest that nearly one hundred acres of land have been lost to the Town as far as financial return is concerned. When revenue is lost on one piece of property we all know that it will be made up by splitting the difference, no matter how small, over that pro- perty which supports the Town.
Another angle on this subject is that it is a sure way to prevent the developments which should be taking place on some of our vacant land. In one case a man who controlled some desirable land in an outlying section of the Town, re- leased the property when operations started on a gravel pit. He was nearly ready to start on thirty odd homes. This mat- ter is now in the hands of a special committee and we recom- mend that if action is suggested that you follow the sug- gestions of that committee.
The Zoning By-Law
The Zoning By-Law is one of the most important and highly discussed pieces of legislation on the books of the Town. Very controversial, it is the object of much debate on the Town Meeting floor.
It is designed to promote the health, safety, morale and convenience and general welfare of the citizens of the Town, to lessen the dangers of fire and congestion and to im- prove and generally beautify the Town.
It divides the Town into several classifications, governs the use of land and buildings and covers the area of the lot to be used; percentage of lot to be covered, setbacks in resi- dential areas; yards; accessory uses; non-conforming uses; district boundaries ; occupancy permits ; enforcement and the appeals.
Saugus now is at the very crossroads of its existence. Our course in the next few years will decide whether we are
287
PLANNING BOARD REPORT
1937]
to continue in our present trend or whether we will have something of which to be proud for some generations to come. The law is designed to protect the persons who ven- ture to invest in real estate in our Town. If properly en- forced and operated it prevents the intrusion of objection- able establishments on the property located immediately next to that of the average home owner. When these busi- nesses are placed next to the homes, the home owner usually finds that in transferring his property to another party, he cannot receive the true share of his investment. Naturally, the property has, in most cases, depreciated. The solution to this matter is a stricter enforcement of the law. Saugus is and will be a community of residences, therefore the protec- tion of homes is and should be paramount to the right to op- erate a business, a right that has been exercised altogether too freely to the detriment of persons and property.
With the placing of the Building Inspector under the provisions of the Civil Service, a hope is seen that enforce- ment of this law will improve. The Building Inspector will be open to much more than criticism. It is his duty to see that buildings and property comply in all respects with this and other laws. He is responsible for the issuance of occu- pancy permits that show that the building or use of land com- plies with the law.
The General Laws carry a provision that no municipal officer or board shall grant permits until the request is agree- able to all state and local laws and by-laws. Under this law many gasoline and liquor permits are, in our opinion, alloca- ted to those who have received a "variance." The only legal method of establishing a business area or location is to peti- tion the Town Meeting to amend the By-Law and Map so that such a change may be had. The Planning Board must hold a public hearing on all such requests and no action can be taken by the Town Meeting in the absence of the required recommendation. If a person feels that he desires a business with full legal rights and protection let him petition the Town Meeting for it. Hearings are required by state law and the board endeavors to render a fair recommendation to the meeting. We advise all such petitioners that plans must be
288
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
presented at hearings and that no recommendations will be- given in the absence of plans.
Town Meeting and Committees
It has been suggested that in order to save time and to ascertain the full facts on articles of the warrants, that var- ious committees be appointed to investigate certain requests. These might include street acceptances and water extensions. We follow the advice of the Finance Committee on financial articles but have no advice on street acceptances. Without this advice, we have accepted deplorable streets that run through swamps and off of cliffs. These streets will prob- ably never be put in proper condition yet they are the re- sponsibility of the Town after acceptance. The proposed committee should inquire as to the physical condition of the street and on water extensons might inquire if the return will be sufficient for the cost. While this is in its first stages, we hope to work out some acceptable plan for operation of this. suggestion.
Fire Proof Vault-Public Works
It has come to our attention that for lack of suitable storage space in this department important plans and maps are allowed to remain on tables and open shelves in the Pub- lic Works Department. It is estimated that the value of this material is about $30,000. It is a collection of many years and in the event of a fire. it could not be replaced for more than the sum named. Many years and many dollars are re .. presented in this material. We do, therefore, recommend that funds be made available to allow the Department to have installed a fire proof vault for the safety of this material and suggest to other departments that if they have valuable records or materials that they take a similar step.
Removal of the Fire Alarm System
We find that the key of our fire protection system, the alarm registering system is still housed in the Public Works Building. Some distance from the Fire Station and a wooden building, we consider it to be false economy to permit this
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.