USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1945 > Part 8
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Whenever the exigencies of the schedule have allowed, some member of the staff has attended the various professional meetings of the Massa- chusetts Library Association, the North Shore Library Club, the Boston Book Review Club, and the Round Table of Children's Librarians. Such meetings do much to widen one's vision of the work of libraries, and the staff feels that it has gained many ideas for increasing the scope of its work and for the betterment of public relations.
The librarian takes this opportunity to express her appreciation of the kindness and helpfulness of the staff and trustees, and to thank also
102
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
the many kind friends of the library who have supplied the library with flowers, loaned phonograph records, and donated books. Service to the community is greatly aided by such pleasant co-operation.
Respectfully submitted,
ALICE HAMILTON BOYD,
Librarian.
We, the Board of Trustees of the Saugus Public Library, accept the report of the librarian, and submit it as our report.
(Signed),
ALBERT R. MAGEE, Chairman.
KALER A. PERKINS,
ASHTON F. DAVIS,
WALTER D. BLOSSOM, CHAUNCY V. WHITTREDGE, WILLIAM IRBY.
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION FORM OF STATISTICS-1945 ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31. 1945
Name of Library
Saugus Free Public Library
Town
Saugus, Massachusetts
Librarian Mrs. Alice Hamilton Boyd
Date of Founding
1887
Population Served
16,662
Assessed Valuation
$16,026,280
Library Appropriation Per Capita
$.696
Total Number of Agencies
6
Consisting of: Main Library, Cliftondale Branch, East Saugus Branch, North Saugus Branch, Lynnhurst Branch, High School.
Hours Open for Lending and Reference:
Main Library
52
Cliftondale
21
East Saugus
1012
North Saugus
4
Lynnhurst
3
High School
828 (hours per school year)
Book Stock:
Volumes at beginning of year
25,747
Volumes added
2,019
Volumes withdrawn
665
Total
27,101
Circulation Record:
Main Library
38,649
Cliftondale
25,032
East Saugus
8,832
North Saugus
4,798
Lynnhurst
3,587
High School
3,127
Total
84,025
1945]
REPORT OF PLANNING BOARD
103
Registration Record-1945:
Main Library
692
Cliftondale
374
East Saugus
126
North Saugus
77
Lynnhurst
26
Total
1,295
Registration Record Totals:
Main Library
2,605
Cliftondale
1,882
East Saugus
537
North Saugus
199
Lynnhurst
100
Total
5,323
Trustees Albert R. Magee, Chairman Ashton F. Davis, Secretary
Walter D. Blossom Chauncy V. Whittredge
Kaler A. Perkins William Irby
Staff Alice Hamilton Boyd, Librarian Marjorie P. Walkey, First Assistant Huldah Blackmer, General Assistant and Acting Branch Librarian, Cliftondale Branch Library Aginess I. Blossom, Branch Librarian, East Saugus Branch Library Maude Moses, Branch Librarian, North Saugus Branch Library Anna J. Swanson, Branch Librarian, Lynnhurst Branch Library
Hour Workers Audrey Myers, Virginia Nicholson, Ruth Garniss, Thomas Courant
Report of the Planning Board
To the Citizens of the Town of Saugus:
Your Planning Board herewith submits its report for the year of 1945. Your board organized last March with Jack A. Meeker as chairman and H. Warren Butler as clerk, but due to the induction of Mr. Meeker into the naval service a change was made in mid-year with William H. Robinson taking the duties of chairman. The usual hearings were held on zoning articles found in the warrant for the town meeting and some sessions were devoted to possible improvements in our rules governing laying out of real estate developments. A few minor details remain to be ironed out on one of the developments in the Iron Works vicinity and these will be cared for shortly by concentrated action on the part of the Town Counsel, Public Works Department and this board.
In fairness to this board, we make a record of the fact that we on November 15, 1945, entered the first bid to the Governor's committee by suggesting that the Breakheart Reservation be offered as a permanent location for the UNO organization. While the project itself would prob- ably be non-taxable, the homes erected and business following would be
104
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
a boon to the Town. We also offered the possibility of the use of the Town Farm area at the time of suggesting Breakheart.
The Board still favors the use of the betterment system in the ac- ceptance and construction of streets and sidewalks whereby those who derive the benefits pay the expenses thus lowering the tax assessment on those who receive no improvements. We note with satisfaction that the work of filling lower Ballard Street for future widening is progress- ing satisfactorily. The project was first suggested some eleven years ago by the Board.
One vital subject suggested for study if traffic congestion in the area of Cliftondale Square, and the adjoining part of Essex Street. We earnestly suggest study by the Town of the possibility of off-street park- ing. Our present suggestion would be to lower the sidewalk at the Clif- tondale School and allow parking in the rear of the building. This spot constitutes one of the most serious hazards in town due to the narrow width of the roadway, causing traffic delays and accidents.
In conclusion we extend our appreciation to the many citizens and town departments who have assisted us during the past year.
(Signed), WILLIAM H. ROBINSON, H. WARREN BUTLER, FRANK A. GREEN, WALTER L. ROY, JACK A. MEEKER.
January 15, 1946.
Tree Warden's Department
To the Citizens of Saugus:
The following is a report of our activities for 1945:
We received and took care of three hundred and fourteen calls dur- ing the year for various services, such as removing limbs over roofs and piazzas, branch obstruction, travel, dead wood, fallen limbs, etc. We also removed twenty-two trees, mostly large elms which were dead and in dangerous condition. These trees will be replaced with young maples, either Norway or American Reds. In continuing our program started in 1944 we planted one hundred and seventy young trees along the road- sides, each precinct receiving a share. We hope to continue this work yearly until all streets in town have the proper shade and appearance. Other work of this department consisted of pruning, cavity work, cabling and elm beetle control, All elms were sprayed with lead arsenic and pyrethrum twice. This treatment was effective, as the foliage was heavy and showed very little feeding anywhere in town. We expect to rid the town of this pest entirely in the near future, as the United States De- partment is devising new methods and insecticides to fight them and is keeping us informed of its progress.
In closing, I wish to thank the Superintendent of Schools, teachers and all other town departments for their cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE L. PEARCE, Tree Warden.
1945]
REPORT OF BOARD OF ASSESSORS
105
Report of the Board of Assessors 1945
Number of Polls Assessed
5,200
Number of Persons Paying on Property 7,531
SCHEDULE OF PROPERTY ASSESSED
Number of Dwelling Houses Assessed
4,145
Number of Acres of Land Assessed
4,696
Number of Acres of Land Exempted
1,360
Number of Acres of Land (Special Assessment)
413
Number of Horses Assessed
52
Number of Cows Assessed
221
Number of Bulls, Yearlings, Heifers Assessed
16
Number of Swine Assessed
882
Number of Fowl Assessed
12,487
All Others
445
Number of Dogs to Be Registered:
Total 1,476
VALUE OF REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY
Land, Exclusive of Buildings
$3,694,275
Buildings, Exclusive of Land
11,056,565
Personal Property
1,275,440
Total Valuation of Assessed Property $16,026,280
PUBLIC PROPERTY EXEMPT FROM TAXATION
Final Taking of Unredeemed Real Estate
$ 233,352
Town Property
3,164,288
Religious Societies
436,125
Civic, Charitable, Historic and Literary
35,375
City of Lynn, Park Division
350
City of Melrose
25
Commonwealth of Massachusetts-
"Breakheart Reservation"
124,418
United States of America-
"Post Office"
54,275
Total Valuation of Exempted Property
$4,048,208
SPECIAL VALUATION
City of Lynn-"Water Shed"
$18,450.00
Tax Committed to Town Accountant
$846.86
Tax Rate Per One Thousand-$45.90
BASIS OF TAXATION
Town Appropriations
$896,612.63
Amount Voted for Available Funds
16,548.37
Revenue Deficit
8,981.92
State Tax
16,864.00
Charles River Basin
1,506.69
Metropolitan Parks Reservations
3,490.31
Males 924, Females 283, Spayed 269
106
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Nantasket Beach Maintenance
310.98
Boulevards
215.86
State Audit of Municipal Accounts
2,104.95
State Examination of Retirement System
79.04
Hospital or Home Care for Civil War Veterans
104.00 144.97
County Tax
27,181.21
Tuberculosis Hospital Assessment
7,595.47
Overlay
25,386.93
Gross Amount to Be Raised
$1,007,127.33
Less Town Income, Overestimates and Transfers of Avail- able Funds
261,110.02
Net Amount to Be Raised by Taxation on Polls and Property
$746,017.31
Net Amount Raised by Taxation on Polls and Property :
On Polls
$ 10,400.00
On Personal Property
58,542.70
On Real Estate
677,063.55
Gain in Fractions
11.06
Total Taxes Levied on Polls and Property $746,017.31
TAXES OF STATE, COUNTY AND TOWN COMMITTED TO TAX COLLECTOR
January 31, 1945 On Sewers
$ 77.50
March 8, 1945
On Sewers
139.33
March 9, 1945
On Sewers
55.41
March 14, 1945
On Polls
10,400.00
March 20, 1945
On Sewers
93.06
April 17, 1945
On Sewers
59.52
Interest
1.30
April 18, 1945
On Sewers
74.19
Interest
1.63
April 27, 1945
On Sewers
49.20
Interest
.63
May 2, 1945
On Sewers
66.60
Interest
.90
May 23, 1945
On Sewers
120.43
June 9, 1945
On Sewers ..
47.85
June 19, 1945
On Real Estate
677,074.00
June 19, 1945
On Personal Estate
58,543.31
June 19, 1945
On Sewers
4,006.82
June 19, 1945
On Interest
1,027.69
June 19, 1945
On Water Liens
2,759.92
August 3, 1945
On Sewers
55.50
September 20, 1945
On Sewers
40.95
October 3, 1945
On Sewers
101.05
October 3, 1945
On Sewers
90.60
October 9, 1945
On Estate of Deceased Persons
324.06
October 9, 1945
On Estate of Deceased Persons ....
298.91
October 20, 1945
On Sewers
49.99
November 6, 1945
On Estate of Deceased Persons ...
327.14
November 28, 1945
On Sewers
30.85
Interest
.17
November 28, 1945
On Sewers
78.59
Interest
.41
December 19
On Polls
46.00
..
Interest
3.20
June 9, 1945
On Sewers
78.15
Smoke Inspection Service
1945]
REPORT OF BOARD OF ASSESSORS
107
ABATEMENTS
Levy of 1932
Real Estate Tax Title
$ 9.75
Levy of 1933
Penalty Interest
179.77
Levy of 1934
Real Estate Tax Title
13.48
Levy of 1935
Real Estate Tax Title
249.88
Levy of 1936
Real Estate Tax Title
233.68
Levy of 1937
Real Estat Tax Title
184.51
Levy of 1938
Real Estate Tax Title
21.45
Levy of 1939
Real Estate Tax Title
28.70
Levy of 1940
Real Estate Tax Title
14.81
Levy of 1941
Real Estate Tax Title
19.48
Levy of 1942
Real Estate Tax Title
10.60
Levy of 1936
Real Estate
9.28
Levy of 1937
Real Estate
6.46
Levy of 1943
Polis
2.00
Levy of 1943
Real Estate
381.30
Levy of 1943
Water Liens
5.00
Levy of 1944
Real Estate
3,626.05
Levy of 1944
Personal Property
355.35
Levy of 1944
Polls
242.00
Levy of 1944
Water Liens
17.00
Levy of 1945
Real Estate
20,022.25
Levy of 1945
Personal Property
166.31
Levy of 1945
Gypsy Moth
2.75
Levy of 1945
Polls
2,942.00
MOTOR VEHICLES ASSESSED
Lêvy of 1945
3,926
ASSESSED VALUATION OF MOTOR VEHICLES
Levy of 1945
...
$373,090
MOTOR EXCISE COMMITTED TO TAX COLLECTOR
March 29, 1945
$4,236.36
July 12, 1945
6,516.32
July 13, 1945
537.31
July 23, 1945
212.86
August 23, 1945
200.81
September 27, 1945
225.91
October 31, 1945
243.42
November 26, 1945
150.00
December 20, 1945
137.99
ABATEMENTS
Levy of 1944
$318.13 169.31
Levy of 1945
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE H. MASON, FRANK EVANS, ALBION RICE, Board of Assessors Town of Saugus.
108
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Report of The Contributory Retirement Board
To the Members of the Retirement System, Saugus, Massachusetts.
The Contributory Retirement Board herewith submits its ninth an- nual report for the year ending December 31, 1945:
ACTIVE MEMBERS
Group 1
Male 45
Female 24
Total 69
Membership December 31, 1944
Enrolled during 1945
1
1
2
46
25
71
Withdrawals
0
2
2
Retired
1
0
1
Deaths
0
0
0
45
23
68
Group 2
Membership December 31, 1944
35
0
35
Enrolled during 1945
1
0
1
36
0
36
Withdrawals
6
0
6
Retired
0
0
0
Deaths
0
0
0
30
0
30
Active Members, December 31, 1945
75
23
98
PENSIONERS
Membership, December 31, 1944
5
2
7
Retired during 1945
1
0
1
6
2
8
Deaths during 1945
1
1
2
Total Membership, December 31, 1945
80
24
104
ACTIVE MEMBERS GROUP 2
On Leave of Absence in Armed Forces of the United States Edward F. Newbury Reserve Policeman November 1942
5
1
6
DEATHS DURING 1945
None.
109
WITHDRAWALS DURING 1945
Name
Occupation
Date of Withdrawal
E. Frances Abbott
Assistant Librarian
May 14, 1945
Joseph P. Rossetti
Call Fireman
May 1, 1945
Blanche A. Rumson
Junior Clerk-Typist
Dec. 31, 1945
Edgar T. McKenney Rosario A. Bucchiere
Police Officer
Dec. 31, 1945
Police Officer
Dec. 31, 1945
William C. Banks
Call Fireman
Dec. 31, 1945
James J. Dow
Call Fireman
Dec. 31, 1945
Lewis E. Richardson
Call Fireman
Dec. 31, 1945
PENSIONERS
Name
Occupation
Date Retired
Raymond D. Hatch
Janitor
September 8, 1937
Albert C. Day
Pumpman
July 1, 1939
Lillian Shores
Chief Clerk
May 17, 1941
*Andrew C. Lynn
Jr. Bldg. Custodian
January 2, 1943
Maurice F. O'Neil
Jr. Bldg. Custodian
July 10, 1943
John Dyer
Town Engineer
November 12, 1945
*Temporarily re-employed during the continuance of the existing state of war in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 16 of the Acts, Special Session, 1942.
DEATHS DURING 1945
Name
Occupation
Date of Death
Thomas C. Sutherst
Plumbing Inspector Janitress
February 16, 1945
Sarah W. Porter
September 14, 1945
The following members who were on leave of absence in the Armed Forces of the United States were honorably discharged and returned to employment during 1945:
Name
Occupation
Henry M. Hodgkins
Meter Man
George M. Berrett
Tree Surgeon
Robert F. Griffin
Laborer-Motor Equipment Operator
James H. McCadden
Sk. Laborer-Water Pipe Layer
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS SUMMARIZED
Cash Receipts
Cash Payments
Cash on Hand
Investments
$15,000.00
Jan. 1, 1945 ..
$2,037.18
Expenses
1,340.33
Employees' Contributions : Group 1
7,161.94
Group 2
765.84
Prior Service
2,971.74
Appropriation by Town:
191.29
Pensions (Accrued Li- ability)
7,540.00
Group 1:
Deposits
665.68
Interest
16.44
Interest Deficiency
318.89
Group 2:
Military Service
369.56
Deposits
489.89
Expense
1,127.55
Interest
10.08
Investment Income
2,150.00
Cash on Hand 12/31/15
4,438.22
$25,314.96
$25,314.96
Retirement Allowances: Annuities Paid
191.29
Subsequent Service .... Refunds :
Pensions (Normal Li- ability)
3,844.00
REPORT OF CONTRIBUTORY RETIREMENT BOARD
1945]
110
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
BALANCE SHEET, December 31, 1945 After Closing
Assets
Liabilities and Reserves
Cash on Hand
$ 4,438.22
Annuity Savings Fund: Group 1 .... $38,108.73 Group 2 .... 1,272.06
Cooperative
Bank
$39,380.79
Annuity Reserve Fund: Group 1 $1,894.82
Shares .... 2,000.00
90,533.37
Group 2 .... None
Interest Deficiency
...
735.91
1,894.82
Pension Accumulation Fund: Group 1 .... $51,398.01 Group 2 2,050.41
53,448.42
Military Service Fund .... 778.84
Expense Fund 204.63
$95,707.50
$95,707.50
STATEMENT OF CASH AND SECURITIES, DECEMBER 31, 1945 BEFORE AMORTIZATION
Cash on Hand:
Merchants National Bank ....
$4,278.84
In Treasurer's Office
159.38
$ 4,438.22
Bonds :
U. S. Treasury 23/4 % 60/65
$12,233.40
Town of Saugus Sewer 234 % 62
5,174.86
State of North Dakota 4% 60
1,125.11
U. S. Savings Series G 21/2 % 53
10,000.00
U. S. Savings Series G 21/2 % 54
10,000.00
U. S. Savings Series G 21/2% 54
10,000.00
U. S. Savings Series G 21/2 % 55
10,000.00
U. S. Savings Series G 21/2 % 55
1,000.00
U. S. Savings Series G 21/2 % 55 U. S. Savings Series G 21/2% 55
1,000.00
U. S. Savings Series G 21/2% 56
10,000.00
U. S. Savings Series G 21/2 % 56
1,000.00
U. S. Savings Series G 21/2 % 56
1,000.00
U. S. Savings Series G 21/2 % 57
15,000.00
Paid-up Shares:
10 Saugus Cooperative Bank
$2,000.00
2,000.00
$94,971.59
$94,971.59
Respectfully submitted, RALPH QUIRK, Chairman. WILLIAM H. ROBINSON, Secretary. DELMONT E. GODING.
1,000.00
88,533.37
Investments :
Bonds
....
$88,533.37
111
SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
1945]
Report of the Superintendent of Public Works
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Town Hall
Saugus, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
The Public Works Department through the appropriations to the allied divisions operated through 1945 and were able to transfer small balances to the Surplus Account.
Public Works Administration
All administrative duties and records have been carefully carried out for the several divisions of the department. Commitments for water and sewer have been properly compiled and a cost system of all work performed has been kept up to date.
Ash Division
The work of this division has so greatly increased, not only in area covered but in the individual house collection, that it is now impossible to complete the work with one truck and crew. It now takes five days for our collections, plus additional trucks and crews, in order to cover the present routes. The elimination of the Winter Street, Essex Street and Lynnhurst dump has increased our hauling mileage daily. By collec- tion and time study we find there is a loss of ten to twelve hours in going to dump and returning to locations. This is a loss of more than one working day per week. Locations not now collected are demanding that it be done. In order to continue we must have a second crew. When the present dump is filled there is a problem confronting the town for new locations or an incinerator. We have with our new truck eliminated one man from the crew, but the constant call for additional help from the highway men retards the work of that division. As I stated before the Finance Committee and the Town Meeting the purchase of a new truck does not mean that the one crew can do this work. The growth of the town has increased the work to about double the past. A new schedule will be printed and put into effect this spring.
Highway
The Highway Department has just completed a very busy year, with a total complement of six men. Two major projects were completed, namely the Guild Road Drain and the Central Street Culvert. Twenty- two streets were surfaced or resurfaced. Repairs to the Ballard and Central Street bridges. Drains and basins rebuilt and cleaned. Because of the early thaw in 1945, our streets having lifted made it necessary to use tons of Road Patch. Through the cooperation of the Board of Select- men and the Finance Committee we were able to add a Cletrac Bulldozer to our list of equipment. Delivery of this equipment was made in the latter part of December, 1945. However, we feel that much can be ac- complished with this unit in the future. It is time the town realized that the amount of work that is expected from this department and the need of more men. Therefore, I am asking for additional men in the Highway Division.
112
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
The department should have at least two new trucks in the coming year. I hereby submit a list of the varied work that the Highway Depart- ment is called upon to do: Build Roads, Resurface Roads, Patch Roads, Clean, Repair and Build Catch Basins, Storm Drains, Culverts, Gutters, Sweep Streets, Cut Greens, Gravel and Grade Roads, Erect Street Signs, Repair Bridges, etc.
There is much work to be done by the Highway Division because of constant demands to the Board of Selectmen for road surfaces, drainage and care of drains. I am recommending that additional appropriations be made to the labor account in order that we may employ more men and especially for the Highway Division. We have a foreman and six men for this work. We must take men from this crew many times to assist the other divisions. We should have a crew of men working most of the year in cleaning catch basins and drains and construction of new drain- age system. The town has grown but the personnel of the Public Works Department has not been increased.
Water Division
The work of this division is not confined to the regular eight-hour working day, but is constant. Men are on call day and night to perform the services upon call of the water takers. We have had to use men from the Highway Division in order to take care of the many demands on this division. During the year we billed 384 accounts for repairs, maintenance and services, bringing in an income of $3,611.20. This represents new services, service renewals, service repairs, blow outs and turn-on and turn-off of water.
Our total income for 1945 was $46,848.41 and expenses, including purchase of water, amounted to $44,455.38, making a profit of $2,393.03 for the Water Division. There are 62 fixture accounts, 30 summer ser- vices and 3,779 metered accounts, a total of 3,871 water accounts.
This division can and should show a large profit for the distribution of water if the recommendations of past years are adopted. Saugus al- lows the largest amount of water (6,666 cu. ft. or 50,000 gallons) for the least amount of cost ($10.00 per year) than any other town or city that we have checked.
I again recommend that either the amount of water per year be reduced to 4,000 or 5,000 cu. ft. or that the rate per year be increased to $12.00 or $15.00. There is a tremendous loss of water, for which this division receives no income, through the hydrants by the Fire Depart- ment each year. A rental of $25.00 per year, per hydrant, should be ap- propriated to the Fire Department budget to be paid to the Water Division. This would favorably compare with many other towns and cities. No matter where or how the water is obtained we should charge enough so that the division can be adequately manned and the appropria- tions sufficient to improve the working conditions.
In 1945 we received on our appropriation for new equipment the sum of $1,000 to be expended for a new testing machine and water meter room. Because of war conditions our new equipment was received late in the year, though bids were awarded and orders placed early in the summer. We purchased a new Ford Meter Testing Machine that tests three meters at a time. This has been erected and is in use at the present time. The machine cost $346.50. Our water meter room has been built and equipment set up for this work.
For many years this work of the division has been neglected because of lack of appropriation to properly perform the work. We now have a room that will be equipped to repair and test meters and an additional
113
SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
1945]
man has been assigned to assist the meter man. There are many meters out that must be tested, cleaned, repaired and given a final test before being reinstalled in the buildings. In the past year I have had many meters tested by the Water Department, Town of Danvers, and we find that in nearly every case the meter is not registering on the 1/4" test. These meters must be corrected because we are losing much income. The consumption of water in homes is metered and when the meter does not register on a small stream we lose income.
To correct conditions that have prevailed over many years past will take a long time, but eventually all meters will be registering properly. Many of the meters now out or in buildings are so old they are obsolete and cost of repair and test would be equal to the cost of a new meter. I am asking for an additional appropriation in the budget to purchase 500 meters for replacement. Under the present system the home owner pays for a new meter. I recommend that all new meters or replacements in the future be paid for by the town and owned by the town. Periodically these meters should be brought into the shop and be cleaned and tested and a charge be made for this work plus cost for any necessary repairs or replacement of parts. Most of the meters in homes that are not work- ing are too old and must be replaced with new. Fixture accounts must be changed to metered accounts. We have a lot of trouble with frozen meters and frozen services each year. If the fault is the home owner's in not having proper heat and care of meters, they should be charged the cost of thawing and repairs.
Snow and Ice Removal
In order for Saugus to keep up its reputation of the plowing of snow we must have new and heavy trucks. We are at present using trucks that were purchased by the Sewer Commission for hauling gravel, sand and materials. They are too light for the highway work, especially in removal of snow. Of our present equipment the five-ton International Dump, the Grader, the New Cletrac tractor and blade and the derrick Brockway are the best pieces of equipment we have. The light trucks should be replaced with heavy ones, preferably four wheel drive with dump bodies. Our trucks range from 1924 to 1938 with the exception of the International 1940 model purchased as a used truck.
The equipment is constantly in for repairs during snow storms, making it impossible to keep up with any schedules. The small tractor, purchased in 1938, has been used constantly for road plowing, though purchased for sidewalk work. Its cost of maintenance is high because of age and usage. Tractors must be used in the hill sections where it is impossible to plow with trucks. I recommend the purchase of at least two heavy trucks and a new small tractor. Many tons of sand and salt were purchased during the year and spread upon the streets. The depart- ment needs a new and fast sand spreader in order to cover the roads and hills of Saugus.
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