USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1940 > Part 18
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There are now in operation ap- proximately two hundred service connections for which the town will collect a rental fee for each tenant. The station has been in operation for one year with an average of 348,000 gallons being pumped daily at the present time. This is an increase of about 50,000 gallons per day over the amount in May of 1940. All locations for these connections are inspected by the agent of the Board of Health as to entrance to the plumbing and each department makes a careful check and record of the installa- tions.
It has been necessary to make adjustments to the station equip- ment and these adjustments will be made by the manufacturers to the satisfaction of the Commis- sioners.
Respectfully submitted, GEORGE H. QUARMBY,
Chairman.
EDWARD GIBBS, JR. HAROLD P. RICE
$68,848.91
169
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
1940]
Report of the W. P. A. Coordinator
January 17, 1941
Board of Selectmen Saugus, Mass.
Gentlemen :
As temporary coordinator of the W. P. A., appointed as of January 4, 1941, I submit herewith my re- port.
A summary of the activities of the W. P. A. in 1940, since it was not under my direction during that year, is necessarily omitted.
I wish, however, to make certain recommendations for the year 1941.
In order to prepare a budget to cover the year 1941, it will be nec- essary to have the projects pro- posed for this year drawn up not later that the first week in Febru- ary in order that the Town's share for each individual project can be figured. This in my opinion is the only way that it will be pos-
sible to plan the 1941 W. P. A. budget. In order to carry on with the money appropriated by the Town in the next Annual Town Meeting, it would then be neces- sary to hold strictly to these pro- jects, without any additions, un- less additional sums of money are appropriated to take care of them.
It should be noted that projects for 1941 should be closely identi- fied with the National Defense pro- gram.
I also suggest that the bookkeep- ing system of the W. P A. be al- tered in order to show the cost of each project at all times through- out the year. Under this system each project should be set up for a specific sum for the year, that sum to guide all expenditures.
Respectfully submitted,
ERNEST A. MERRITHEW
Report of the Board of Public Welfare
To the Citizens of the Town of Saugus
Your Board of Public Welfare herewith submits its annual re- port for the year ending December 31, 1940.
Temporary Aid Division
The amount appropriated at the Annual Town Meeting in March was $45,000.00 plus a Relief Loan Balance of $23.98; refunds amoun- ted to $223.76 making a total for the year of $45,247.74.
Our expenditures for the year 1940 were $36,805.61; $5,000.00 was transferred to the W. P. A. at a Town Meeting, December 3, 1940 and $800.00 for the purchase of Cemetery land, leaving a bal- ance of $2,642.13 which was re- turned to the Town Treasury.
The total number of families aided in this Division were 165 representing approximately 608 individuals.
Reimbursements from the Com- monwealth were $4112.55, and
from other cities and towns $4,522- .44, from individuals $397.61, re- funded checks $19.00, making a net cost to the Town in this De- partment $27,754.01 for the year.
Hospitilization, medical care and medicine continue to be a large factor in the expense of this De- partment. This is due to the fact that so many of our citizens are on W. P. A. and their earnings so small, that it is impossible for them to take care of emergency operations or extended illness.
Aid to Dependent Children Division
The appropriation at the An- nual Town Meeting for this Divi- sion was $5,750.00 augmented by Relief Loan Balance of $1,500.00.
Federal Grants to this Division were $2,581.03, refunds $155.80, making a total for the year 1940 of $9,986.83.
The expenditures for the year were $7,292.93 The sum of $2,693- .90 was returned to revenue.
170
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Reimbursements from the Com- monwealth were $3,969.33. The cost of this Division to the town was nil because the receipts of the Department plus the amount re- turned to the Treasury was $913.23 more than the actual appropria- tion for the year. This can par- tially be accounted for because of the fact that we received thirteen grants from the Federal Govern- ment.
The total number of families aided during the year in this Di- vision were 22 representing 69 persons.
The Aid to Dependent Children administration appropriation was $450.00, balance for 1939 $28.10, U. S. Grants $152.40, making a total of $630.50. The amount ex- pended was $521.83, the sum of $108.67 was returned to the Treas- ury, net cost to the Town for the year was $346.33.
Infirmary Division
The appropriation at the annual Town Meeting was $4,400.00 aug- mented by transfers of $2.93 and $30.70, refund $11.90, making a total of $4,445.53.
The total expenses for the year were $4,445.53. Receipts from the sale of produce amounted to $86.00, making a net cost to the Town of $4,359.53.
During the year there were 13 men and 7 women, inmates of the
Infirmary, and at the present time there are 12 men and 6 women.
We feel that our Town Infirmary is in excellent condition, but the State Department is insisting that a sitting room be provided for the women inmates. This can be taken care of by the erection of a closed- in piazza on the north side of the building.
In making the foregoing reports of Temporary Aid, Aid to Depen- dent Children and Infirmary, we have endeavored to give a clear and concise account of the business transacted during the year.
We have striven continually to give the best possible service at the least possible expense to the tax- payers. In following a consistent policy a board is apt to be criti- cized in certain quarters, but we feel that the taxpayers recognize our earnestness to do not only our duty to the applicant but maintain our very real responsibility to the taxpayers.
We wish to take this opportunity to thank all individuals and other charitable organizations of the town for their cooperation and help in the alleviation of Suffering and Want.
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR C. DUNK, Chairman GUSTAVE A. ANDERSON,
Secretary. ERNEST M. HATCH
Report of the Bureau of Old Age Assistance
To the Citizens of the Town of Saugus :
Your Bureau of Old Age Assis- tance herewith submits its annual report for the year ending De- cember 31, 1940.
In this Division the amount ap- propriated at the Annual Town Meeting in March was $41,000.00. Federal Grants to this Division for the year amounted to $38,481- 66 plus refunds $1,012.59, making a total of $80,494.25.
The expenditures in the Division were $75,082.04 and the sum of
$5,412.21 was returned to the Town Treasury, receipts of the De- partment from the Commonwealth and cities and towns were $27,011- .94 making a net cost to the Town of $8,575.85 for the year.
The number of recipients under Old Age Assistance shows an increase from a year ago, and, as naturally follows, the expense of the Division has been correspond- ingly higher.
Hospitalization, including nur- sing home care and burials, has been quite a large item during the
171
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF PLUMBING
1940]
year, and although we are even- tually reimbursed in part by the State Department, the initial cost of the above has to be paid out of the current appropriation.
It has been our constant endea- vor to serve the Old Age Assis- tance recipients in the best pos- sible manner, and we have had many evidences of sincere apprec- iation from the recipients and their friends.
The Old Age Assistance admin- istration appropriation at the Town Meeting was $1,200.00, aug- mented by Federal Grants of
$1294.45, plus a transfer from the Reserve Fund of $125.00 making a total of $2,619.45.
The expenditures were $2,512- .54; the sum of $106.91 was re- turned to revenue. The net cost of administration for the year was $1218.09.
Respectfully submitted, ARTHUR C. DUNK,
Chairman. GUSTAVE A. ANDERSON, Secretary.
ERNEST M. HATCH
Report of the Inspector of Plumbing
December 31, 1940
To the Board of Health Saugus, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
It is my privilege as Inspector of Plumbing for the Town of Sau- gus to submit my annual report for the year ending December 31, 1940.
As you gentlemen know, the General Laws state that your plumbing inspector "Shall inspect all plumbing in process of con- struction or repair for which per- mits have been granted, and shall report to the appointing board violation of any law, ordinance or by-law, rule or regulation, rela- tive to plumbing."
For the past twenty-six months it has been necessary to exercise a close watch over the many new sewer service connections as they have been laid. In this work the clerk of the sewer department has been especially cooperative.
During the year 1940, 382 per- mits have been issed for plumbing; 1910 inspections have been made on plumbing permits that have been issued. 191 inspections were made relative to overflowing cess- pools; 37 locations for cesspools were laid out; 40 locations for sep- tic tanks were laid out; 77 dry wells and filter beds for sewerage disposals from cesspools and septic
tanks were laid out to take care of the overflow. 7 wells for drinking water purposes were also located.
Fees collected and turned over to the Town Treasurer in 1940 amounted to $405.00.
Comparison of number of per- mits issued :
1936
101
1937
126
1938
247
1939
246
1940
382
Comparison of attempted viola- tions :
1938
76
1939
42
1940
49
The increase in the number of permits issued may well be attribu- ted to the continued vigilance and inspections by the Plumbing In- spectors department.
Due to the installation of the sewer a new plumbing code has been prepared which should be put into operation during the year 1941.
Recently there has been brought to our attention the serious con- sequences resulting from faulty or improper installation of illumina- ting gas services and appliances.
Because of the increase in the number of fatal accidents which have resulted from the above men- tioned conditions there is under
172
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
consideration a set of regulations which will compel safe and correct installation of such services and appliances.
Citizens of Saugus must realize that all health and sanitary regu- lations are drawn up and enforced for their own protection.
As Plumbing Inspector, I am always ready and willing to give any information relative to the plumbing laws. It is also my duty to continue to enforce such regu- lations as have been accepted and approved by local authorities for the betterment of public health and
to overcome some of the conditions in Saugus pertaining to sanitary distribution of water supply and proper facilities for the disposal of human and other wastes.
I wish to extend my appreciation to members of the Board of Health, to various other departments and to residents of Saugus who have cooperated with me in the perfor- mance of my duties.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN V. SPENCER, Inspector of Plumbing
Report of the Board of Health
To the Citizens of the Town of Saugus:
The Board of Health herewith submits its annual report for the year ending December 31, 1940.
Health conditions in Saugus this past year have on the whole been excellent, with the exception of tuberculosis, consequently the Boards activities have called for a continuation of its careful preven- tion work in various directions.
There is no question but that the work of the Board in this and other years has contributed to the ex- cellent health record of the com- munity. The main thing is that Saugus has that record, and that it is the duty of the Board to over- look no health menace, actual or potential, which might adversely affect it.
Tuberculosis still remains with us without letup. At the present time we have in Essex Sanatorium, Lakeville State Sanatorium and other Sanatoria 19 patients, with 2 more patients to be hospitalized as soon as room is found for them. There is no question but that we would have a great many more than this if it were not for the constant check kept on arrested cases and also the constant check being made on all contacts by hav- ing X-rays and other examinations at specific times.
Diptheria prevention work has
been curtailed this year due to the Finance Committee's refusal to appropriate sufficient money ($200.00) to carry on this highly important function.
The Board has been highly com- mended by the State Department of Public Health for its work done this past year, and they consider us one of the best balanced Boards in the Commonwealth. The Board's personnel consists of a Public Health Nurse, Health and Milk Inspector and a Sanitary and Plumbing Inspector.
The Board of Health this year was confronted with the added duties of Board of Health Agent to the Sewer Department, as re- quired by law. The new sewer system was put into operation in 1940 and many applications were made to connect to it. The duties of this job are very important. When an owner of a house, store or other building files an applica- tion with the sewer department, this application is given to the Agent so that the property and its present plumbing can be prop- erly inspected and passed, then the application is returned to the sewer department for their final approval, before being allowed to connect with the sewer system.
A great deal of progress has been made this year in the laying of sewers in precincts 1, 2, and 7.
173
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
1940]
For years we have advocated the installation of a sewer system in the congested sections of the Town. We have been in conference with the Mass. Department of Public Health many times for approval of projects under W. P. A. setup for the laying of lateral sewers in the congested Cliftondale sec- tion. However, the pollution of the Saugus River still continues. Sew- age from public buildings is still discharging into it. We trust that this will be remedied this coming vear by the connecting of these buildings with the sewer system.
Once again we would like to bring to the attention of the citi- zens the unsanitary conditions of the toilets in the Town Hall. These toilets are used by citizens and em- ployees alike. We suggest that steps be taken to install proper toilets for men and women in some suitable place at the rear of the first floor of the Town Hall.
The inspection of grocery stores, milk plants, dairies and restau-
rants have been satisfactorily done this year, due to the deligence of the Milk and Health Inspection. Every progressive person realizes that substantial increase in the general consumption of clean, safe foods is one of the most important factors in the promotion of com- munity health. Not one case of communicable disease has been traced to milk or food in the Town of Saugus during 1940.
We are pleased to report that the receipts of the Health Depart- ment for the year 1940 were $4201.68. This money was received for License fees, Permits, Subsidies and Reimbursements. We are re- turning to the Town Treasurer an unexpended balance of $102.34.
Respectfully submitted, DR. JAMES A. CLARK, Chairman. MR. RICHARD J. SPENCER, Secretary. DR. LEROY C. FURBUSH, Health Officer.
Report of the Inspector of Animals
Honorable Board of Selectmen, Saugus, Mass.
Gentlemen :
I hereby submit my annual re- port for the year ending Decem- ber 31, 1940.
I have inspected the following number of animals at various times this past year.
Cattle
356
Swine
1263
Goats
24
I have placed in quarantine 105 dogs reported to me as having bit- ten citizens. I have made 215 in- spections of these dogs to observe their condition.
The inspection of cattle has been quite frequent this year due to the requirements of the Mass. Depart- ment of Agriculture, Division of
Livestock Disease Control. Eight cows were condemned this year be- cause of tuberculosis.
This winter I have found quite a few cows with Eczema or Itch. These cattle were removed from the rest of the herd and properly treated. The cause was removed in all instances and the quarters cleaned and disinfected.
Many improvements have been made this year in the cattle barns in town. The replacing of new tie-ups planking and installation of better ventilation under my di- rection, has greatly improved con- ditions under which these cattle are housed.
Respectfully yours,
CHARLES WILSON, Animal Inspector.
174
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Report of the Milk and Health Inspector
To the Board of Health Saugus, Mass.
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit, for your ap- proval, my annual report as In- spector of Food, Milk and Health.
Among the foremost problems of Milk and Food inspection is that of bringing about a more sat- isfactory milk supply in Saugus.
Milk has been described as man's most nearly perfect food and at the same time, the most dangerous from the standpoint of transmis- sion of disease. This is not to be doubted in view of the mass of evidence incriminating milk as the cause of numerous epidemics. Therefore, the problem is to keep our milk supply free of contamina- tion which might result in out- breaks of disease.
An analysis of milk samples taken during the past year has, with the exception of a few sam- ples, proved that the milk delivered in Saugus is well within the re- quirements of the law. The few dealers with a high bacteria count have been brought into line and their count is now a great deal lower and within the limit al- lowed by law.
A large amount of meat, fish and vegetables were condemned as unfit for food by me this past year. In many instances this condemned food was found in restaurants. Sanitary conditions in most estab- lishments are at the present time very good.
The Board of Selectmen have
been of great assistance in with- holding victualers licenses until such time as conditions were made clean and sanitary. Clam and lob- ster plants in town have also been regularly inspected.
Regular inspections of bakeries and soft drink bottling plants have been made and found in good con- dition.
The large number of trailer and Overnight Cabins in Saugus re- quire frequent inspections. All camps in Saugus are now equipped with hot and cold running water, proper toilet facilities, showers and slop sinks. It can truthfully be stated that as far as the clean- liness of the cabins and sanitation are concerned conditions are very good.
This past year I have investiga- ted many complaints of nuisances in various sections of the Town. The control of nuisances in an up to date Health department is very important work. The sense of smell is one that cannot be ignored. Pri- vate dumps have been the cause of as many complaints as any other subject, due particularly to dust, rats, flies and foul odors. In all instances I have notified owners to abate these nuisances and have posted the land prohibi- ting further dumping.
In closing may I thank you, the Board of Selectmen and the Police Department for the co-operation I have received.
Respectfully yours,
CHARLES WILSON.
175
SUPERVISOR OF DENTAL CLINIC
1940]
Report of the Public Health Nurse
To the Board of Health, Saugus, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I am pleased to submit my an- nual report as Public Health Nurse for the year ending December 31, 1940.
Number of home visits 1817
Diseases reported and followed up: New Cases Chicken Pox 11
Diphtheria
1 97
Measles Measles (German) 7
Mumps 38
Pneumonia (Lobar) 15
Scarlet Fever 17
Tuberculosis :
Pulmonary
7
All Others
2
Whooping Cough 26
The home visits also covered the investigation of old Tubelcular cases and their contacts; contacts of Scarlet Fever cases; as well as miscellaneous complaints and in- spection of boarding homes for in- fants.
Deaths from Communicable Dis- eases :
Whooping Cough (complications) 1 Diphtheria 1
The number of new cases and deaths from tuberculosis continues to fluctuate from year to year as may be expected from such cases.
At the present time we have the
following patients in Sanatoria : Essex Sanatorium 17 Lakeville State Sanatorium 1 Veterans Administration 1
Due to the funds received from the sale of Christmas Seals and private organizations of the town, we were able to send seven chil- dren to Health Camps who were contacts of tubercular patients.
I have assisted Dr. Leroy Fur- bush and Dr. James Clark in the innoculation of the pupils in Grade 1 and Kindergarten against Diph- theria.
I feel some plan should be es- tablished that more children who are unable to go to their family physician could be protected a- gainst Diphtheria.
I have transported the children to and from the Dental Clinic; patients to and from Essex Sana- torium for X-Ray examinations and children to health camps.
I would like at this time to ex- press my appreciation to you Gen- tlemen of the Board of Health for your encouragement and coopera- tion, also, to Dr. Arthur Chernoff for reading "Tuberculin Patch Tests" and to all other persons who have assisted me in my work.
Respectfully submitted,
N. JESSIE O'NEIL, R. N., Public Health Nurse.
Report of Supervisor of the Dental Clinic
To the Board of Health: Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my annual re- port of the Dental Clinic. The Clinic is conducted on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 9 o'clock throughout the school year.
568 children were treated at the Clinic this year.
370 Dental Certificates were awarded to children who had all their dental work completed. Total receipts for the year amounted to $142.00.
Respectfully submitted,
December 26, 1940 DR. ROGER P. BECKMAN
176
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Report of an Audit of the Accounts of The Town of Saugus
For The Period from March 31, 1937 to March 19, 1940
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Dept. of Corporations and Taxation Division of Accounts State House, Boston
December 12, 1940 To the Board of Selectmen, Mr. Edward Gibbs, Jr., Chairman Saugus, Massachusetts Gentlemen:
I submit herewith my report of an audit of the books and accounts of the town of Saugus for the period from March 31, 1937 to March 19, 1940, made in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44, General Laws. This is in the form of a report made to me by Mr. Herman B. Dine, Assistant Director of Accounts.
Very truly yours, THEODORE N. WADDELL, Director of Accounts
Mr. Theodore N. Waddell Director of Accounts Department of Corporations and Taxation State House, Boston Sir:
As directed by you, I have made an audit of the books and accounts of the town of Saugus for the per- iod from March 31, 1937, the date of the previous examination, to March 19, 1940, and submit the following report thereon:
The financial transactions, as recorded on the books of the various departments receiving or disburs- ing money for the town, were ex- amined and reconciled with the books and records in the office of the accountant and the treasurer.
The books and accounts in the ac- countant's office were examined and checked in detail. The recorded receipts were compared with the treasurer's books and with the records in the several departments collecting money for the town or responsible for the billing of
charges due the town. The records of disbursements were checked with the treasury warrants, with the payments as shown by the trea- surer's books, and with the ap- proved pay-rolls and vouchers on file. The appropriations, transfers, and loans authorized, as entered on the ledgers, were checked with the town clerk's records of town meet- ing votes and with the finance com- mittee's records of transfers from the reserve fund.
The ledger accounts were ana- lyzed, a trial balance was taken off proving the accounts to be in bal- ance, and a balance sheet showing the financial condition of the town on March 19, 1940, was reported and is appended to this report.
As may be noted from the ap- pended balance sheet, there are out- standing taxes, assessments, and water charges dating back many years. It is recommended that a complete settlement of all outstand- ing levies prior to 1939 be obtained.
The books and accounts of the town treasurer were examined and checked in detail. The recorded receipts were analyzed and com- pared with the records in the sev- eral departments in which charges originated or in which money was collected for the town, and with other sources from which money was paid into the town treasury. The disbursements were checked with the selectmen's warrants au- thorizing the treasurer to pay out town funds and with the accoun- tant's books.
The cash book additions were verified and the cash balance on March 19, 1940, was verified by ac- tual count of the cash in the office and by reconciliation of the bank balances with statements furnished by the banks of deposit.
It is recommended that all re- ceipts be promptly entered in the treasurer's cash book, and that dis- count on loans and state assess-
Balance Sheet - March 19, 1940 TOWN OF SAUGUS General Accounts
ASSETS
Cash:
General:
In Banks and Office, $94,842.16
Special Deposit:
Surplus War Bonus Funds and Accumulations, 7,280.00
Advance for Petty:
Tax Collector, 100.00
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