USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1940 > Part 16
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In view of these items this de- partment recommends :-
*That all Fire Boxes be made "Standard" with locked outer doors. This will insure the re- ceipt of all alarms and by replac- ing the present door, which opens to expose the wires to the public, with a locked outer door makes ac- cess to the wires and works diffi- cult.
*That a gasoline operated elec- tric generator be placed in our Fire-Fire Alarm-Police build- ing for emergency service.
*That a Two-way radio be placed in service.
*That all town communication be placed under this department which must co-operate fully with the protection services.
*That this department be autho- rized to organize an emergency force to take over certain pre- assigned duties when the occasion arises. This force to be "a-dollar- a-year" force, to step forward only on extreme emergency.
*That a Public alarm system be installed.
*That more Fire Boxes b placed.
*That authority be given for the Fire Alarm to enter into Mutual Aid agreements with our boarder- ing Fire Alarm Forces that we go to their assistance or they come to ours as the case demands. (Tools, Men, Materials)
*The WPA be contacted with a view toward placing all Town Com- munication wires underground, place more police red lights, to see if a new fire alarm central Station can be purchased in the rough and assembled with their assistance. If any of the first recommendations can be carried out by them, these or all of them as part of the "National Defence Program".
In closing I wish to express my thanks to Mr. Joseph Rowe of the City of Lynn Electrical Depart- ment for his skilled and patient assistance on our repeater troubles and to Mr. Harry Harding, Ex- Fire Commissioner of Revere, for Material and Labor supplied en- abling this town to have a start toward a connection to Lynn.
Respectfully submitted,
RAY S. WADE
Report of the Planning Board
To the Citizens of the Town of Saugus;
The Planning Board is pleased to submit its annual report for the year ending December 31, 1940. Membership and organization for the year has been as follows; Chairman Walter L Roy, Clerk William H. Robinson, Harry W. Merrill, H. Warren Butler, and Frank A. Green.
The board has held its regular meetings every Monday and has held the necessary hearings on all articles found in the annual and special town meeting warrants.
Our recommendations have, in most cases, been sustained by the town meeting.
In connection with zoning ar- ticles, the board herewith invites all petitioners to meet with the
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TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
board for consultation regarding descriptions and locations con- tained in the articles. This will in many cases save a needless waste of money, time and effort which has occurred in many cases during the past year. In one case the town voted to "zone for business pur- poses" a parcel of property which was zoned for business in 1928. Here the petitioner was put to con- siderable expense and much time, and the town meeting despite the recommendation of this board that no action was necessary, considered the article for some time which could well have been devoted to more pressing work.
Much has been said during the past year regarding the scarcity of available sites for use as a town dump. We realize that this is a necessary thing for the town, but rather than see such a place exist- ing in our so-called "virgin" areas, our undeveloped areas where much is expected, we herewith make the suggestion that dumping be carried on in the rear of the local cemetery and on the southerly side of lower Ballard Street. Both locations if properly filled, will be to the credit of the town and will in years to come on the first mentioned loca- tion eliminate expensive expansion of the cemetery. Dumping on lower Ballard Street, using the heavier materials, would provide a base for future possible widening of the increasingly important road. A description of the road is unneces- sary as it is well known to all who are employed in Lynn or Boston. With increased employment in both of these places additional traffic has been thrown onto Ballard St. and when one considers that the town now enjovs the use of only a small part of the available land, we feel that safety is being sacri- ficed when the existing condition continues. Action should be started by the proper authorities to use some of the additional land which the town owns. and which runs along the side of the present devel- oped road.
The Zoning By-Law
Probably the most controversial legislation on the books of the town is the Zoning By-Law which was
adopted in 1928. Ignored or disre- garded by most citizens and home- owners, it is not thought much of until some individual finds himself seeking protection from having his property injured by a lower use of adjoining property. The last thing in the minds of many of our citizens and some of our officials is that some other party might be interested in establishing a neigh- borhood gasoline station, restau- rant or overnight tourists accomo- dations on the property next door or across the street from his own holdings. When such an occasion presents itself the first thing which can be invoked for the protection of the Property owner is the Zon- ing By-Law. Our point in this sec- tion is that too little interest is shown in helping to protect other property for the simple reason that everyone feels that whatever hap- pens to the other property in town it is no concern of persons who live on the next street or in some other section of the town. Some of our people are learning too late that the only way to protect any in- dividual parcel of property is through helping your neighbor pro- tect his place.
The group in all towns and cities which seems the coolest in its attitude toward zoning and plan- ning attempts is that which large- ly inhabits Saugus, namely the taxpayer. This we believe is con- trary to their best interests but seems to be the policy of all Ameri- cans. We know that zoning has brought a great deal of order out of confusion, that tax assessments are more stable, that depreciation of property has been checked and that districts of our town have been made more healthful and more attractive.
We insure our property against fire, wind and storm or almost any- thing which may never happen and all this at considerable cost. Yet the best protection of property costing you nothing, is allowed to go unheeded until the time is past when protection is of any help. As a comparison, we are offered hospitilization for costs as low as three cents a day, yet we wait for aches and pains to send us to the
155
REPORT OF THE HARBOR MASTER
1940]
doctor or hospital at the rate of five or ten dollars a day.
We earnestly suggest that all of our citizens acquaint themsleves with the important features of the Zoning By-Law so that the benefits of it may be enjoyed by all.
Practically all of the projects which the board sponsored under the Works Progress Administra- tion are completed and much valua- ble information has been compiled. The completed maps and plans are on file in our office and may be con- sulted by anyone interested. Most interesting, perhaps, is the land use survey which shows the use and characteristics of every lot in town.
We take this opportunity to ex- press our appreciation to the many town departments, officials and committees who have assisted us during 1940. In closing we feel that with increased employment on national defence and other lines in the Greater Boston and Lynn areas, that the long expected de- velopement of the town will be- come more of a reality during 1941.
WALTER L. ROY, Chairman WILLIAM H. ROBINSON, Secretary
HARRY W. MERRILL H. WARREN BUTLER FRANK A. GREEN
Report of the Harbor Master
Honorable Board of Selectmen Gentlemen :
The annual report of the Harbor Master for the year ending De- cember 31, 1940.
Motor boats moored in river, 55 to 65.
Assistance given to boats dis- abled within the river, and towed to moorings or docks, 30.
Disabled boats towed in from outside of river, 7.
Requests for mooring space, 35. Personally supervised moorings placed at request of owners, 35.
Relocation of moorings after be- ing moved by high tides or wind, 50, at different intervals.
Two boats were beached because of leaks, and in danger of sinking near the channel, and causing ob- struction or damage to others, after the owners had been noti- fied of their condition, and neglec- ted to take care of them.
One registered motorboat found adrift at 1 A. M., towed to safe anchorage, and police notified on following day. Owner located by
police.
Three unregistered boats were reported missing, two were re- covered.
Several unregistered boats were found adrift at different intervals, and returned to their owners, or mooring places.
Two small registered motorboats partially submerged were towed to shore, and owners notified to secure proper moorings.
Several complaints were made, most of which were insufficient moorings. Owners were notified, and corrections were made under supervision of this office.
Approximately 350 miles were covered in patrol, and other work. Patrols being made daily.
37 boat owners were notified at different times, as to the condition of their boats which needed per- sonal attention.
About 450 hours were given to the duty and requirements of this department.
Respectfully submitted,
WALLACE A. OSGOOD)
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TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Report of the Cemetery Department
The Cemetery Department again closes the year within its appropri- ation, turning back a small balance to the Town treasury.
The receipts for the year were the highest in the history of the Department, being $13,381.05 or $2,227.68 in excess of expenditures. Had the department been able to collect all the current care charges and the balances due on land sales our receipts would have exceeded expenditures by well over $5,000.00. We are asking for an appropria- tion of $11,950.00 for 1941, to en- able us to pay our foreman and laborers the regular Town rate of pay.
Labor is the main item of ex- pense, accounting for $9,100.00 of the sum asked for, leaving only $2,850.00 for all other expenses.
At a special meeting held in December, the Town appropriated $4,500.00 from available funds for the purchase and laying out of the Wilson land, so called, located on Winter Street, opposite the High School and adjoining the present cemetery. It is anticipated that it will be three of four years before sale of lots can be made, but feel that in time this new tract will be a valuable addition to your ceme- tery.
Your Commissioners feel pleased to have been advised that River- side Cemetery stands second in the Commonwealth throughout the year in its appearance.
Respectfully submitted, HENRY A. B. PECKHAM WILLIAM E. LUDDEN BENJAMIN A. FULLERTON
Report of the Playground Commission
To the Citizens of Saugus:
The playground commission dur- ing the past year operated under a handicap due to lack of money be- ing appropriated and the transfer of Stackpole field to the school com- mittee. However in spite of these handicaps we were able to secure four instructors due to the kind- ness of the Finance Committee giving us a transfer. These in- structors were located at the North Saugus School house and the Lynn- hurst school house where the school committee very kindly granted us the use of the school yards for playground purposes, the two boys instructors were stationed at Gol- den Hill where this year due to the close supervision there was no danger in swimming. The W.P.A. furnished instructors for the Anna Parker, Bristow St. and Stackpole Field playgrounds. The equipment which was in poor shape was all put in first class condition this
year. In co-operation with the W. P. A. we have again been able to offer to the citizens of the town ideal skating conditions at the Anna Parker ground.
We feel that the town should set a definite amount of money each year for the improvement of the existing playgrounds and also a set amount for equipment each year. At the Stocker playground a bad condition exists
along Stocker St. and Riverside Court caused by the embankment caving in onto the playground. This con- dition has been called to the atten- tion of the Board of Selectmen and should be remedied. Thanking all of the departments that have co-operated with us this past year. CHARLES CHESLEY,
Chairman. EDWARD J. AMERY, JR., EDWIN M. HOLMES,
Secretary.
Playground Commission.
157
REPORT OF BOARD OF SELECTMEN
1940]
Report of the Board of Selectmen
Following up the ideas brought out at a series of conferences held with department heads, town boards, committees and interested tax payers, at which budgets were examined and discussed, the Board of Selectmen have during the year 1940 adhered to their policy of 1939 in maintaining the strictest economy in operating the depart- ments under their control. Posi- tions vacated during the year have not been filled. The duties of those positions have been added to other employees of the various depart- ments. Due to the rider adopted in 1940 annual town meeting, on appropriation which prevented sal- ary increases over 1939, we have been prevented from making any raises in the pay of these em- ployees, though the additional work undoubtedly deserves additional pay. No new positions have been created. Your board has held sixty- six regular and special meetings during the year, also attending many conferences with State offi- cials and departments, attempting at all times to better the condition of the town. This reflects in town fares and additional transporta- tion services to the General Elec- tric Co., Lynn.
In the matter of coordination of departments, the Sewer Depart- ment inventory was placed under the Public Works Department stock room. Bids for all materials purchased by the department in large quantities was properly ad- vertised, hearing held, and the board awarded contracts at con- siderable savings to the town. In 1940 the Soldiers Relief Agent and the Superintendent of Buildings were placed under Civil Service by vote of a previous town meeting. In the appointment of men to these positions, your board, using the list from the Civil Service Com- mission, appointed those men quali- fied to carry out the duties of those offices. The board also, by careful consideration and study of previ- ous years, set the hours of work, duties and the compensations in as equitable manner as pos- sible for the year 1940. We wish
to remind the citizens that the extra services and responsibili- ties placed upon employees of the Public Works Department, with no increases in pay or personnel will require additional study to render the same prompt and effi- cient service that the citizens have enjoyed in the past.
Several meetings and hearings were held on the application of the Drive-In Theater Inc. before grant- ing them a license to operate. Though the operation of this thea- ter in 1939 was not acceptable to the citizens and the board, taking into consideration the promises made by their offices which had not been fulfilled, we granted a license for the following reasons. First: The employment of local people during the season. Second: The investment by this company and the potential valuation assessment as an increased revenue to the town.
There have been many requests by citizens in various sections of the town for road work, drains, etc. and though the board would like to grant these to such loca- tions where the need is great, the limited funds available do not al- low such additional work. Water extensions are of vital importance to the town and consideration should be given to this when mak- ing appropriations.
All aplications for licenses and permits were carefully considered by the board and in granting or rejecting them especial care has been taken relative to general rev- enue. A constant check has been kept on all holding such licenses or permits, and several persons have been before this board and received warning in regards to operation and maintenance of their properties. The instructions of the board have been carried out by the holders of these licenses.
On October 14, 1940, at the re- quest of the Town Treasurer, a series of meetings were started with the Town officials, finance committee, and a committee from the Tax Payers Association, for
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TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
the purpose of studying the Tax Title situation in Saugus. Several meetings have been held and an appropriate article will be inserted in the Annual Town Warrant to provide funds to cover expenses incurred in connection with fore- closure of these Tax Titles, and the beginning of a program to liquid- ate the entire amount over a period of years.
The town having voted to grant all alcoholic liquor licenses in 1940, this matter was given much con- sideration when applications were received for public hearings before the board. There were twenty-two applications received for all al- coholic beverage licenses. The board could grant by law, four Package Goods Store licenses and twelve all alcoholic licenses, to be consumed on the premises; also five wine and malt beverage li- censes and five club licenses. In granting these licenses, your board considered not only the location of the premises, but the valuations for tax purposes in the general revenue. Your board also increased the license fees to the following amounts :
Package Goods Stores $300.00
All Alcoholic Beverages 450.00
Wine and Malt Beverages 200.00
200.00 Club
Nineteen licenses have been granted with the amount of $7,200 in fees collected.
In accordance with the voted article of the special town meeting, November 25, 1940, the board has appointed the following men to serve on the committee to erect Veteran's Memorial on the lot
a in the Riverside Cemetery.
MR. WILLIAM H. ROBINSON Past Commander of American Legion Post #210.
MR. J. STANLEY CASHEN
Past Commander of American Legion Post #210
MR. FRED HAWKES Member of American Legion Post #210.
MR. ALFRED H. WOODWARD Past Commander of American Legion Post #210
MR. GORDON C. MARR Superintendent of Cemeteries.
The excavation or loam, gravel, and stone from land in Saugus, has become a serious problem. On January 3, 1941 the board voted that all permits granted be for one week only at a fee of $5.00 and renewal be weekly at a fee of $2.00 per renewal. Each applicant must also file a bond in the penal sum of $1,000 as protection to the town. The fees and bonds apply on all commercial permits. A committee, consisting of the Town Counsel, Superintendent of Buildings, and Mr. Merrill of the Planning Board, were appointed on December 23, 1940 to study the zoning laws to prepare and present an article to the Annual Town Meeting that will provide a penalty on the Zoning law regarding the violations of the removal of gravel.
To better coordinate the pur- chases of the departments under the Selectmen, the board has con- sidered for some time a system of requisitions by the department heads which must be countersigned by the Selectmen. A motion to this effect was voted upon the January 13 meeting, limiting the amount of purchases by department heads to $100 without signatures of ap- proval by the Selectmen. The Town Accountant is recommending an in- cumbrance system on purchases to show all incurred purchases a- gainst the existing balance of the departmental accounts. We recom- mend the support by the citizens of this proposition The foregoing proposal has been studied by all concerned and brought to a head by the experience revealed in our W. P. A. investigation.
As in 1939 we present a break- down of the tax dollar,showing the cost of appropriation per $1,000 of valuation of the essential services which the citizens of the town re- ceive :
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REPORT OF BOARD OF SELECTMEN
1940]
Division
Appropriated
on Base Rate Cost per $1,000 of Valuation
General Government
$ 55,693.54
$ 3.5077
Protection of Life and Property
85,081.30
5,3587
Health and Sanitation
23,152.02
1.4581
Highways and Bridges
54,991.22
3.4635
Charities and Soldiers' Benefits
121,227.00
7.6353
W. P. A. Projects
39,583.61
2.4931
Schools and Libraries
240,373.79
15.1395
Recreation and Unclassified
38,108.34
2.4001
Enterprise and Cemeteries
46,824.23
2.9491
Interest and Maturing Debt
96,123.00
6.0541
Totals
$801,158.05
$50.4592
Respectfully submitted, EDWARD GIBBS, JR.,
Chairman. GEORGE H. QUARMBY HAROLD P. RICE
ADDENDA TO SELECTMEN'S REPORT
To the Taxpayers of Saugus:
The undersigned, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, invites your attention to certain innova- tions and improvements in your government, which with the coop- eration of his colleagues on the Board and others, have been put into force and effect during the past year.
1. The meetings of the Board have been made open to the public so that any and all who desired to observe the actions of the Board, at all possible times, to the extent of the seating capacity of the Sel- ectmen's Room could be present and do so. The Finance Committee has likewise made its hearings public. By invitation, the officers of the Saugus Taxpayers group and the 200 Club have been re- quested to specially avail them- selves of this arrangement. These taxpayers have been present at all meetings. The result has been that
many suggestions from citizens
present have been made and adop- ted. Tendencies toward to great liberality, in view of high tax rates, have been checked. Especially is the Board indebted to the officers of the Taxpayers group, whose constant attendance at all meetings of these two important boards has
been a matter of great satisfaction and help. It is impossible to mis- represent the attitude of your Board to any great extent because of the abundance of testimony available to the contrary. Here we feel is a real display of New Eng- land democratic government really at work.
2. By means of these coopera- tive measures your tax rate was very substantially reduced in 1940, and a further substantial reduction of the same is practically assured for 1941.
3. All departments except the W. P. A. department, have either lived within their. budgets or re- turned substantial sums. These sums, returned as a whole, amount to over $16,000 or $1.00 on the tax rate. These are very substantial accomplishments.
4. Out of these cooperative measures, and with the patient ser- vice of both citizens and officials, special committees have
been formed to justly consider and han- dle governmental cases calling for investigation and discipline, as well as to carry out desirable works for the public good. Notable among these committees is the Tax Title Committee, so called, which is working and planning the even-
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TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
tual liquidation of Tax Titles. It will be heard from in the near fu- ture. Other committees have heard and investigated and sought to adjust any tendencies to overspend budgets, or depart from the will of the Town Meeting; also, such a committee is now thoroughly in- vestigating irregularities in the W. P. A. department. This includes a thorough investigation of bills contracted (but not paid) by the Coordinator without due authority and in excess of the appropriations for the W. P. A. together with a small misappropriation of funds under his charge. The work of this committee will result in lasting benefits to that department as well as to the taxpayers. Already it has resulted in the resignation of the Coordinator. This cooperative work between citizens and officials is inspiring, and the Town may well congratulate itself upon the work of public spirited citizens who are thus asserting public officials at great inconvenience to themselves.
5. Attention is also invited to the admirable report of the Town Accountant and the betterment of Town Finances by comparison with last year's report. For those who are interested in such matters (and who is not) a few comments may be in order:
(a) Outstanding Temporary Loans in Anticipation of Taxes and Revenue :
December 31, 1939 $400,000.00
December 31, 1940 350,000.00
A reduction of $ 50,000.00
(b) Outstanding Tax Title Loans:
December 31, 1939 $319,690.73
December 31, 1940 312,862.97
* A reduction of $ 6,827.76
(c) Tax Title Borrowings:
Year of 1939 $100,000.00
Year of 1940 50,000.00
*A reduction of $ 50,000.00
*Note: This is the first time in Saugus' financial history since bor- rowing on tax titles were made possible (1933), that these items have shown such reductions in any year, and the 1940 borrowings of $50,000 only are the lowest bor-
rowing ever made in any year. See remarks in "Tax Titles" below.
(d) No bonded indebtedness has been added during the year. A "pay as you go" policy has been followed. The Town's Total Indebtedness which includes every kind of loan, was reduced as follows:
December 31, 1939 $ 1,368,190.73 December 31, 1940 1,240,862.97
A reduction of $
127,327.76
These are solid Financial Gains, not easily depreciated or "laughed off" even by those politically minded.
(e) On December 31, 1939 there was outstanding on the 1939 Prop- erty Tax the sum of $394,381.00.
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