USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1946 > Part 12
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
405.60
576.45
16
August
1,274.29
227.35
424.76
622.18
15
September
1,390.14
239.35
463.38
687.41
16
October
1,458.70
349.33
486.23
623.14
16
November
1,531.12
355.70
510.37
665.05
16
December
1,469.22
369.91
489.74
609.57
17
$13,975.90
$2,828.26
$4,658.62
$6,489.02
The following is a summary of expenditures and reimbursements received from their respective sources:
Expenditures
Reimbursements
A. D. C. payrolls
$13,975.90
Federal-Aid
$2,828.26
Administration
1,019.49
From State-Aid
4,658.62
Total Expenditures
$14,995.39
$7,486.88
Federal-Administration 318.84
$7,805.72
Total Expenditures for 1946
Total Reimbursements for 1946
7,805.72
Net Cost to the Town for 1946
$7,189.67
Prior to October 1, 1946, the Federal Government reimbursed on Aid to Dependent Children aid 1/2 up to $18.00 per month for the first eligible child and 1/2 of $12.00 for each additional eligible child. This reimburse- ment was increased as of October 1, 1946, so that we now receive 1/2 up to $24.00 per month for the first eligible child and 1/2 of $15.00 for each additional eligible child, plus $1.50 for each eligible child.
During November, 1946, our payroll increased $232.82 when the State Standard of Budget was revised and became mandatory on Aid to De- pendent Children cases.
It is the opinion of this Board that the expenditures for the year 1947 may show a slight increase due to the liberalization of the State Standard of Budget.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK P. GAROFANO, Agent.
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
The total expenditure for Old Age Assistance during 1946 was $123,218.04 of which $4,404.90 was for administration and $3,671.48 was paid to other municipalities for aid rendered Saugus Settled cases. The following chart gives a true picture of Old Age Assistance granted to
$14,995.39
111
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
1946]
residents of Saugus during 1946 and the breakdown of reimbursements claimed from their respective sources:
Month
Payroll
Federal Grant
State's Share
Other Munici- palities
Saugus' Share
Cases
January
$9,004.92
$3,613.51
$3,907.84
$167.84
$1,315.73
203
February
8,810.48
3,674.91
3,695.20
184.09
1,256.28
205
March
8,969.65
3,706.65
3,784.15
243.01
1,235.84
206
April
9,347.23
3,803.16
4,014.05
233.89
1,296.13
211
May
9,642.98
3,814.82
4,232.12
224.03
1,372.01
214
June
9,391.18
3,827.60
3,997.32
210.73
1,355.53
212
July
9,615.22
3,897.08
4,117.21
210.38
1,390.55
213
August
10,248.04
4,034.80
4,457.52
253.62
1,502.10
218
September ..
10,307.33
4,050.83
4,520.04
223.94
1,512.52
223
October
9,787.67
4,758.75
3,619.19
171.75
1,237.98
220
November
10,561.20
5,010.31
3,979.46
217.45
1,353.98
225
December
10,747.75
5,031.26
4,069.03
282.50
1,364.96
224
$116,433.65 $49,223.68 $48,393.13 $2,623.23 $16,193.61
The following is a summary of the income received from their re- spective sources :
$49,223.68
Federal Grants-Administration
48,393.13
Other Municipalities
2,623.23
State Meal Tax
3,569.27
Recoveries on Bond & Mortgage
102.21
Total Recoveries on Old Age Assistance for 1946
$105,445.17
Total expenditures for 1946.
$123,218.04
Total Recoveries for 1946
105,445.17
Net Cost to the Town for 1946
$17,772.87
The following table shows children's exemptions as provided by law:
Single child in home of applicant $1,500 year net
Single child living apart
1,750 year net
Married child, spouse self-supporting, no dependents ..
2,750 year net
Married child, spouse dependent
2,750 year net
Married child, each additional dependent
500 year net
All contributions are based on 1/3 of the amount over and above these exemptions.
There are several bills in the legislature pertaining to changes in Old Age Assistance laws, viz:
1. To do away with citizenship requirement so that an alien is eligible.
2. Sixty at Sixty-which would grant all recipients $600 a year at the age of 60 or over.
3. Six different bills to increase the minimum allowance.
4. To take the State reimbursement out of the General Fund and make it a revolving fund to be used the same as the Federal Grants in Old Age Assistance.
If any of the above bills are passed by the legislature it will mean a considerable increase in the expenditure of Old Age Assistance for 1947.
Federal Grants-Aid
1,533.65
State Share-Aid
112
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
During 1946 the State changed its State Standard of Budget twice. On June 1, 1946, the adoption of a new standard of food allowance and recent rise in cost of fuel for heating purposes necessitated an increase of approximately $588.11 a month. The revised budget effective November 1, 1946, again increased the budget approximately $633.99 a month, making a total increase of about $1,222.10 a month with the above increase.
On October 1, 1946, the Federal Government increased its reimburse- ments from one-half of $40 per case to one-half of $45 per case with an additional $2.50 on each individual case. In addition to the above the Federal Government increased its share of administration from two- thirds of 5 percent to 50 percent of the total administration. This reduces the cost of aid and administration to the town by several thousand dollars.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK P. GAROFANO, Agent.
INFIRMARY
Appropriated at the Annual Town Meeting
$5,500.00
Special Town Meeting 1,000.00
$6,500.00
Expenditures for 1946
$6,457.26
Returned to Surplus
$42.74
Income from Sales
$140.00
Income from Lease of Land (Revolver & Rifle Club)
1.00
Income from Board and Room
470.00
611.00
Net Cost to the Town
$5,846.26
The Board of Public Welfare again voted not to plow and harrow the 14 acres allotted previous years for Victory Gardens as they felt enough people would not take advantage of it, but the same amount of land was left available for gardens.
There were several notices placed with the press and previous holders of garden plots were notified by letter that the land was again available, but they would have to provide for their own plowing and harrowing. Approximately 35 persons took advantage of this offer and many reported their gardens were very successful. Land will be available for home gar- dens in 1947 and it is the hope of this Board that the townspeople will again take advantage of this opportunity. Plowing and harrowing must again be provided by those using the plots.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK P. GAROFANO, Agent; GUSTAVE A. ANDERSON, Chairman; ERNEST M. HATCH, Secretary; HARRY F. WENTWORTH, Member.
113
REPORT OF BOARD OF SELECTMEN
1946]
Report of Board of Selectmen
To the Citizens of the Town of Saugus:
Your Board of Selectmen herewith submits its report for the year of 1946. Due to space limitations, we attempt only to cover the major problems and decisions which have arisen during the year.
LAND SALES
Perhaps our largest number of contacts have been with the citizens who have applied for the purchase of town-owned, tax possession land. The financial return to the town has been fair but it must be realized that these possessions seldom bring in the amount due the town. Our prime purpose has been to transfer this property from the non-revenue pro- ducing column back to the listing of the Assessors in order to obtain revenue. During the year the Board established the policy of advertising the sales and setting aside one night a month for the purpose of publicly selling to the highest bidder. It is our hope that this policy will continue in order that all citizens have the opportunity of obtaining land in which they may be interested. We call your attention to the amount derived from these sales, it being shown in the report of the Treasurer as income from tax possession sales.
LAND SALES TO VETERANS
During the year, your Board put in practice, the policy of selling to veterans, including those of the Merchant Marine, land in all sections of the town at a rate of $1 per lot. The only restriction has been that each veteran be sold only sufficient land to comfortably establish homes or businesses. This policy had long been recommended, but until this year no actual move had been made in this direction.
POLICE
In 1946 your Board sponsored in Town Meeting the new Fire and Police Retirement Act, enabling men to retire at the age of sixty-five, and under its provisions Patrolmen James P. Sullivan and C. Herbert Berrett were retired. We pay tribute to the long and understanding service rendered by both of these men. We call your attention to the report of the Chief of the Department found elsewhere.
FIRE
Reverting to the town's former policy of having the Fire Depart- ment administered by a body other than the Selectmen, we appointed four men to serve with the head of the department to operate this agency of town affairs. Their report is also entered separately.
ACCOUNTING
We would be remiss in our work if we did not at this time make note of changes in this office. The town as a whole and the Board in particular lost in 1946 probably the most qualified man in our entire financial or- ganization. We pay deep tribute to the late Ralph Quirk, the Town Ac- countant for many years. Certainly no more could be said than to repeat the opinion of an officer of the Commonwealth when he said, "There was no better accounting system or set of books in the State than those of Ralph Quirk. His methods had placed Saugus foremost in the State as far as the operation of the Account's Department was concerned." We feel confident that the work done by Mr. Quirk to organize and operate his office will stand for many years. On transfer from the Public Works Department, Carl Chapman is acting as Accountant under a provisional appointment.
114
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
WATER
While no actual construction will start until the spring of 1947, to avoid working frozen ground, the much discussed connection of the town water system with that of the Metropolitan District Water Commission has been instituted. A change has been made in the location of the stand- pipe in North Saugus to gain ten feet in elevation, thus increasing pres- sure. Contracts have been awarded for the construction of the standpipe and for the purchase of materials necessary to connect from the Saugus- Revere line to the junction of Lincoln Avenue and Central Street. The Board is currently working on the tie-in from Franklin Square to Hamilton Street, awaiting permission of the City of Lynn to carry lines through Boston Street in that city. It is the intention of the Board that the con- struction on Lincoln Avenue be done under private contract for reasons outlined in our comments on the Public Works Department. A contract has also been signed with the M. D. C. to supply water at a volume which will eliminate additional pumping.
LICENSES
In order to properly set up a system of licensing in Saugus, we have made changes in the expiration date of practically all licenses issued by the Board. Formerly licenses were renewed on expiration which might be at any time during the year. All licenses from now on will expire on December thirty-first of the year in which they are granted. This tends to simplify clerical work and records and the town should know at the end of each year just what enterprises are being carried on and what revenue may be expected. Adjustments, made to increase revenue, were made on practically all fees charged for licenses. These are shown under the report of the Collector of Selectmen's License Fees. It is the request of the Board to the Town Meeting to change the dates and fees on those licenses covered by Town By-Laws.
PUBLIC WORKS
Complete details of the operation of the Department are shown in both the report of the Acting Superintendent and the Treasurer. However, as this seems to be the most discussed division of our activities, we take a good share of our report to bring out many pertinent facts.
Seldom, if ever, has a full Board of Selectmen devoted as much time to studies and conditions in this department as has this Board. Detailed examination of equipment, systems employed, records, personnel and inspections on the actual work in process have consumed many months. At best the department is still in poor shape regarding equipment, storage room and buildings. We well realize that it is the popular sport among those interested in town affairs to find fault with our Public Works De- partment. However, if as much time and more thought were given to constructive and helpful criticism as has been devoted to tearing the division apart, by many supposed authorities, including those who created some of the conditions, the department and the town would func- tion much better. Comments of some remind us of the poem describing how difficult it is to build and how outnumbered the builders are by the wreckers.
Your Board has personally viewed every major job undertaken this year and when we consider what equipment is on hand we are not dis- satisfied on too many scores. Old and obsolete equipment, in some cases of an age where manufacturers no longer make replacement parts, has greatly hampered the efforts of the crew. Individual trucks that consume quarts of oil per day are of no value to the department, yet they are operating every day of the week for lack of money to repair or replace. It is safe to state that there are not more than six vehicles, including a roller, which can be profitably operated. These must be used on all phases
115
REPORT OF BOARD OF SELECTMEN
1946]
IN MEMORIAM RALPH QUIRK
WHEREAS-
Almighty God in His infinite plan has called RALPH QUIRK to his eternal reward; and
WHEREAS-
RALPH QUIRK gave so willingly of his life and talents to be of service as Town Accountant both to his fellowman and to the Town; and
WHEREAS-
His service was so like that of the Master . . . .
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED-
That the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Saugus, in ses- sion this second day of December, 1946, give thanks for the life and service of RALPH QUIRK and hereby vote that these resolutions be spread upon its official records and that a copy of the same be sent to his bereaved widow and children.
WILLIAM S. OLIVER, Chairman; C. CARROLL CUNNINGHAM, WILLIAM H. ROBINSON.
116
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
of the work covering streets, water and sewer work. We feel that at least thirty per cent of the time of the divisions has been lost due to improper and poor equipment. These claims are no reflection on the employees. Too many citizens feel that once equipment is purchased that it lasts forever. When we are forced to operate equipment that was purchased some fifteen or twenty years back, we know it to be false economy. It therefore is the unanimous recommendation of the Board that all trucks more than five years old be disposed of and replaced with modern ones. This we propose to do under either a road machinery account or bond issue to be retired in three years, at which time the process would again be repeated. This would mean that every three years we would replace any or all equipment, except the seldom used. When you consider that it is costing in the neighborhood of $12,000 a year to maintain obsolete and broken down trucks, we feel this to be the proper solution. Details cover- ing the equipment on hand is included in Mr. Chapman's report.
There are on hand many tasks delegated by the Town Meeting to be done in the Public Works. These, together with ordinary maintenance on streets, sewers, water and drains, constitute more work than can be ac- complished in 1947 by the present number of employees. It is the feeling of the Board that no additional work be allocated us, excepting those tasks which are actual emergencies or where it is financially expedient to spend time and money to save present installations.
While new employees have been added to the department in 1946, the increase is practically nil due to retirements and changes in per- sonnel. A new departure this year limits to fifteen days, the time which an employee may be absent due to illness. Governed in all cases by the provisions of Civil Service, we feel that personnel has taken a definite upswing this year and should continue to improve under proper supervision.
Steps must soon be taken to provide proper housing for the number of pieces of equipment which presently are stored in locations other than the Public Works property or left outdoors for lack of garage space. This applies if the Department is forced to continue operations with present equipment. With new contemplated vehicles, consolidation might be had but we have at present only one heated structure, and that only in fair condition.
The Department was most fortunate in 1946 in being able to carry on a fairly central location for the disposal of rubbish. We appreciate the inconveniences to which the residents of Raddin Terrace were subjected. In this location we carried on dumping operations from May to December and accomplished the dual purpose of eliminating a mosquito breeding bog and a future extension of Raddin Terrace to Staff Road (formerly Ash Street). It must yet be completed by completely covering with gravel. No funds are as yet available for this purpose and we feel that this should properly be included yearly in the Rubbish and Ashes Account. We are presently using the lower Ballard Street location for disposal, but this constitutes a long and expensive haul. A more central location, properly controlled, would increase the number of loads which could be carried daily. We have been forced to operate up to four trucks a day at times for this purpose. This takes men away from other tasks and means that some other job must be neglected. We are not at this writing making comment on the proposal to have the work done by contract, detailed work not yet being completed.
No Chapter 90 road construction work was undertaken during 1946 for the reason that the Commonwealth did not award its bids until late in December. Those contracts will be carried out in 1947 using 1946 funds. For some unknown reason the Commonwealth rejected, at least
117
REPORT OF BOARD OF SELECTMEN
1946]
temporarily, construction on upper Central Street. However, the town appropriation is being carried on the books for possible use in 1947 along with the start of work in the Golden Hills section and the completion of the Woodbury Avenue-Hesper Street, contracts on the latter two having been awarded. The Board is unanimous in its recommendation that the major new project for Chapter 90 work in 1947 be lower Ballard Street, from Dudley Street to the Salem Turnpike, including the removal or replacement of the old bridge.
It is the intention of the Board that in 1947 our present system of surface drains be completely gone over, this not having been done since the days of the W.P.A. when several hundred men were available for the same amount of work which is expected from the present handful employed.
The Board is highly pleased with the response given on work pro- jected under the so-called "Betterment Act" whereby the section receiv- ing the improvement pays a share of the cost of new street construction. This system is in effect in many neighboring towns and cities and is one method whereby a reflection is had in the tax rate. At present the whole town pays for something which no one but the abuttors use. It is our proposal that a proper job be done and one-half the cost be assessed back to the abuttors, payment to be spread over a period of ten years. This enables the town to project its street program over a period of years without having to provide enormous sums of money to benefit a scattered few. It has been known to happen in Saugus that as much as $4000 has been expended in order to provide some improvement for one or two properties. This represents, in the case of water, some hundreds of years before returns are seen on expenditures. Certainly, the adoption of the mentioned act or some substitute would help to decrease the overall ex- penditures and show some reflection in our tax levy.
The Department is currently under the supervision of Charles C. DeFranzo, formerly foreman of the sewer division. He is on a temporary assignment, under Civil Service regulations still being eligible to return to his former position. It is not the intention of the Board to create a position of assistant to the superintendent. We deem it more important to concentrate on the bookkeeping and clerical organizaion to properly maintain the records of the department. Situations have been found where no knowledge has been recorded on water installations, bill collec- tions and record analysis. These are not matters which have occurred in recent years but have carried through from many years ago. Efforts are currently being made to correct and record these situations.
At the risk of being boring, we revert to the equipment problem. It has been said that "you can close your eyes to the sunshine, but the sun still shines." We find the problem of a like nature. Unless drastic steps are taken to correct a situation we know still exists, we can neither progress nor can the citizens expect top efficiency from a department which has been allowed to disintegrate, through lack of proper equipment to fill the many and varied services required of it.
We take this opportunity to express our appreciation to the many town departments and employees who have assisted us during the year and to the citizens who have been both helpful and patient. We have made efforts to attempt to satisfy as many as possible, fully realizing that what affects one of you affects each of us.
WILLIAM S. OLIVER. C. CARROLL CUNNINGHAM, WILLIAM H. ROBINSON, Board of Selectmen.
January 13, 1947.
118
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Report of the Planning Board
To the Citizens of the Town of Saugus:
Your Planning Board herewith submits its report for the year of 1946. The board organized in March with Jack A. Meeker as Chairman and Clerk, H. Warren Butler, William H. Robinson, Walter L. Roy and James O. Smith. The board accepted with regret the resignations of Mr. Robinson and Mr. Smith, who due to the pressure of business in the Selectmen's office felt that it would not be fair to either the remaining members or to the town to continue on this Board. Mr. Edward E. Berrett and Mr. George A. Smith were appointed at a joint meeting of the Plan- ning Board and the Board of Selectmen to fill out the above terms.
This Board has had one of its busiest years, and held the usual hear- ings, on all articles pertaining to zoning found in the Town Warrant. Considerable study and investigation has been made regarding a change of government for the Town of Saugus and we recommend that the Plan filed as House Bill #1660 by Speaker Frederick Bancroft Willis be adopted.
At the request of the Board of Selectmen a thorough study was made of the voting precincts of the Town of Saugus. After careful con- sideration and investigation the Board made the following recommenda- tions: To increase the number of precincts from eight to ten, and to change the present precincts' lines as shown on the map presented to the Board of Selectmen.
In conclusion we extend our appreciation to the many citizens and town departments who have assisted us during the past year.
EDWARD E. BERRETT, Chairman; H. WARREN BUTLER, WALTER L. ROY, GEORGE A. SMITH, JACK A. MEEKER, Secretary;
Planning Board.
Report of the Engineering Department
Mr. Carl E. Chapman Acting Superintendent Public Works Department Saugus, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
The following is a report of the work completed by the Engineering Department in the year 1946:
Scope of Work
Surveys, drains, water, Assessors' plans, street lines and grades, releases, Public Works estimates, plans and drawings.
Street Lines and Grades at Request of Abutters
Edison Street, Baker Street, Dudley Street, Lincoln Avenue and Fairview Avenue.
119
REPORT OF ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
1946]
Releases
Basswood Avenue, Stone Street, Intervale Avenue, Gates Road, Greystone Road, Fairchild Avenue, Marion Road, Union Street, Wonder- land Avenue, Juliette Road, Cherry Street, Hobson Street, Hillcrest Street, Hurd Avenue, Pelham Street, Clement Road, Gates Road, Great- wood Road, Bridge Street, Westford Street, Tuttle Street, Old County Road, Glen Park Avenue, Glendale Avenue.
Drains
Work on drains was performed on the following streets: Lincoln Avenue
Hayden Road
Denver Street Centennial Avenue
Plans, Drawings and Tracings
Many plans, tracing and drawings were made during the year, con- sisting of Land Court records and plans on file at the Registry of Deeds in Salem revising assessment sheets for the Assessors and preparing drawings for other departments.
Acceptance Plans
Plans and profiles for the following streets were made for acceptance:
Basswood Avenue
Clement Road
Fairchild Avenue
Westford Street
Hobson Street
Glen Park Avenue
Pelham Street
Intervale Avenue
Bridge Street
Cherry Street
Glendale Avenue
Hurd Avenue
Stone Street
Gates Road
Wonderland Avenue
Tuttle Street
Hillcrest Street
Sewer
Plans and profile were made for the following streets: Riverside Court, Vincent Street, Stocker Street, Summer Street for a distance of 500 lin. ft., Lincoln Court, Pearson Street construction, Lincoln Avenue from Myrtle Street to Cliftondale Square.
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.