USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1947 > Part 9
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Under date of July 15, 1947 we wrote to the Finance Committee requesting transfer of funds in the amount of $10,000.00 to carry on through the year 1947. We also wrote to the Board of Selectmen on August 4, 1947 petitioning them to declare a state of emergency. We again wrote to the Finance Committee September 23, 1947, requesting a meeting to discuss a cash transfer to which letter we received no reply.
94
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Inasmuch as we were unable to obtain additional funds, either by transfer by the Finance Committee or by appropriation at the Special Town Meeting, it has been necessary that we carry over the amount of $11,763.06 as unpaid bills.
Your Welfare Board was unjustly criticized, on several different occasions, due to the fact that we did not apportion the insufficient appropriation granted by the town meeting in such a manner as to last the entire year. On October 15th the Finance Committee addressed a letter to our Chairman-excerpt from which is quoted below:
"The Committee was unanimous in its opinion that as head of your department it is your responsibility to see that funds allotted to you by vote of the Annual Town Meeting are appor- tioned in such a manner as to last the entire year."
We would like to state that no such responsibility rests upon the Chairman or the Board either. The idea is absurd. It is our respons- ibility to see that the needy are properly cared for and not to spread out an insufficient appropriation. How much aid shall be given in any case rests in the judgment of our Board. The Board of Public Welfare are public officers charged with the performance of an important pub- lic duty and are governed by the General Laws, Chapter 117.
The amount of money allocated to us by the Town Meeting, namely $13,000.00 was insufficient to take care of the bills we received during 1947 from other cities and towns, and other institutions (over which we have no control). The total amount billed to us by the above for the year 1947 amounts to $14,363.86 or $1,363.86 more than we were granted to take care of both our own cases and the outside recipients.
In conclusion the Board feels better qualified to estimate our budget than the Finance Committee. We believe this statement is proven by the fact that we originally requested $23,205.00 and expended $25,401.00. The Finance Committee felt, in their wisdom, that we could operate for $13,000.00. It would seem that our estimate was nearer correct than that of the Finance Committee.
We expect that there will be some increase in Temporary Aid for the year 1948 but assure you that we shall operate just as economically as possible. We dislike to carry over a large amount of unpaid bills and hope that the town meeting this year will not be deceived by believing that you are cutting the tax rate when you reduce budgets so low that departments become crippled before the year is over.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK P. GAROFANO,
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN
The total expenditure for Aid to Dependent Children during 1947 was $13,180.17 of which $1,018.58 was for administration. Following is a chart which gives a true picture of Aid to Dependent Children allow- ances made to residents of Saugus during 1947 and the breakdown of reimbursements claimed from their respective sources:
Aid to Dependent Children - 1947
Month
Payroll
Federal Grant
State's Share $418.93
Local $520.52
Cases
January
$1,256.80
$317.35
16
February
1,046.07
276.03
348.69
421.35
14
March
962.50
241.47
320.83
400.20
14
April
837.19
226.70
279.06
331.43
13
95
1947]
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
May
858.99
222.72
286.33
349.94
13
June
852.19
224.02
284.06
347.11
13
July
926.01
248.22
308.67
369.12
13
August
860.01
235.47
286.67
337.87
12
September
1,009.70
254.40
336.56
418.74
13
October
1,114.63
259.86
371.54
483.23
14
November
1,135.89
288.90
378.63
468.36
14
December
1,301.61
285.90
433.87
581.84
14
$12,161.59
$3,081.04
$4,053.84
$5,026.71
The following is a summary of expenditures and reimbursements received from their respective sources:
Expenditures
Reimubrsements
A. D. C. payrolls
$12,161.59
Federal-Aid $3,081.04
Administration
1,018.58
From State-Aid 4,053.84
$7,134.88
Federal-Administration 568.21
$7,703.09
Total Expenditures for 1947
$13,180.17
Total Reimbursements for 1947
7,703.09
Returned to Surplus
3,277.89
Net Cost to the Town for 1947
$2,199.19
During September, 1947, our payroll increased $149.69 when the State Standard of Budget was revised and became mandatory on Aid to Dependent Children cases.
The following is an explanation as to how the Federal and State government reimburses the Town on Aid to Dependent Children cases:
The Federal government reimburses the Town at the rate of one- half of $24.00 for the first child in the family and one-half of $15.00 for each additional child in the family plus $1.50 for each dependent child. The Federal government does not reimburse for aid given the "parent". The Federal government reimburses for 50% of all admin- istrative cost.
The State reimburses the Town for one-third of the total aid given both the children and the parent. The State Department does not reimburse for administrative cost.
FRANK P. GAROFANO, Agent.
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
The total expenditure for Old Age Assistance during 1947 was $143,584.06 of which $5,386.90 was for administration and $6,149.44 was paid to other municipalities for aid rendered Saugus Settled cases. The following chart gives a true picture of Old Age Assistance granted to residents of Saugus during 1947 and the breakdown of reimburse- ments claimed from their respective sources:
Old Age Assistance 1947
Month
January
February
Payroll $10,981.59 11,111.03
Federal Grant $5,166.96 5,261.37
State's Share $4,134.36 4,211.72
Other Munici- palities $241.69 264.80
Saugus' Share $1,438.58 1,373.14
Cases 232 234
Total Expenditures
$13,180.17
$5,477.08
96
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
March
11,008.52
5,183.64
4,174.05
259.70
1,391.13
232
April
10,933.41
5,135.25
4,161.59
256.03
1,380.54
232
May
10,984.83
5,017.85
4,307.30
211.43
1,448.25
227
June
10,390.79
4,852.97
3,972.80
207.40
1,357.62
225
July
10,452.24
4,867.35
4,012.65
228.16
1,344.08
219
August
10,219.16
4,851.01
3,901.41
210.92
1,255.82
220
September
11,040.33
5.008.10
4,451.57
227.91
1,352.75
218
October
11,123.61
5,093.76
4,321.59
240.57
1,467.69
226.
November
11,733.82
5,247.09
4,698.54
240.63
1,547.56
231
December
12,068.39
5,244.92
4,986.64
238.30
1,598.53
233
Totals
$132,047.72 $60,930.27 $51,334.22 $2,827.54 $16,955.69
The following is a summary of the income received from their respective sources:
Expenditures
Reimbursements
O. A. A. payrolls
$132.047.72
Federal Grants-Aid .. $60,930.27
Administration
5,386.90
Federal
Grants-Admin. 2,366.23
State Share-Aid 51,334.22.
Other Municipalities
2,827.54
State Meal Tax
3,813.41
Recoveries
979.38
Return to Surplus
32.60
Total Recoveries on Old Age Assistance for 1947 $122,283.65
Total expenditures for 1947.
$143,584.06
Total Recoveries for 1947 122,283.65
Net Cost to the Town for 1947 $21,300.41
The State revised the Standard Budget September 1947 which increased food, fuel, clothing and personal care. At this time the figuring of carrying charges was changed to a prorating basis i. e. carrying charge expense were divided evenly between employable members of the household. In refiguring our budgets we found there were eighteen cases which received a reduction in their grant due to, the prorating amounting to $196.40 per month.
In November 1947 the State Department informed us that an opinion from the Attorney General's office showed that it was not the intent of the Legislature to prorate carrying charges consequently the standards of assistance was revised - INTERPRETATION:
"Effective immediately, all Old Age Assistance cases in which the recipient resides with one or more single employable children or with an employed spouse are to be reconsidered and rebudgeted. Retroactive adjustments are required on all such cases in accordance with the STANDARDS OF ASSISTANCE as revised by this letter and the. accompanying material. The adjustment must provide for the increase in the food, fuel and light, and household supplies and replacements, items retroactive to Sept 1st, in addition to payment for any deduction in the rent, fuel and light allowance which was effected due to pro-rating."
The eighteen reduced cases were refigured and retroactive pay- ments made as of September 1st.
This department wishes to express their sincere thanks to the State Department of Public Welfare, District Office #4, for their many courtesies to us and to all local agencies, merchants, and professional men who have been so kind to the department and recipients.
FRANK P. GAROFANO, Agent.
.
Other Municipalities
6,149.44
Total Expenditures
$143,584.06
97
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
1947]
INFIRMARY
Appropriated at the Annual Town Meeting Refund
2.72
$5,002.72
Unpaid 1947 bills
1,755.30
Expended in 1947
$6,758.02
Income from Board and Room
$750.00
Income from Sale of Stock and Produce
195.00
Income from U. S. G. Conservation
12.00
Income from Rifle & Revolver Club
1.00
Returned to Surplus
.33
958.33'
Net cost to the Town for 1947
$5,799.69
The Board of Public Welfare again voted not to plow and harrow land to be used for gardens as they felt enough people would not take advantage of it but those applying for lots were given the privilege of plowing and harrowing their own garden plots and reported that their gardens were very successful.
Land will be available for home gardens in 1948 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
ERNEST M. HATCH, Secretary HARRY F. WENTWORTH, Member
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, 1947.
The activities of the Board have been many and varied during the past year. We were unable to do many things for the protection of the Public Health that were quite necessary, due to lack of funds.
Only 40 samples of milk were taken for the entire year. There should have been at least 200 to cover all the milk dealers with their several grades of milk, both for home deliveries and stores. Good clean milk with low bacteria count and at least up to Massachusetts standards in fats and total solids are essential for our infants and growing children.
Sanitary conditions are improving but all too slowly. A few laterals. have been added to the sewer lines but only for short distances. These included a short distance on Pearson Street, all of Lincoln Court and Lincoln Avenue from Myrtle Street to Cliftondale Square. This did eliminate a very bad health menace on Lincoln Court. Fifty-one sewer connections were approved. There are numerous areas in Town as bad as Lincoln Court, which should be connected to the common sewer at the earliest possible date. Among these are Olive Avenue, Oak Hill Road and Brigg's Court. These areas however do not eliminate polution from the Saugus River as it is still running in from the High School, Town Hall and Salter Mills area. Sewer construction for Central Street
$5,000.00
98
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
to Adams Avenue should get under-way this year to eliminate the High School and some provision made to care for the Salter Mills area.
Our own Town Hall has sanitary conditions which should not be tolerated any longer. The Board of Health for several years has brought this to the attention of the citizens but like the weather it is talked about but nobody does anything about it. The problem is squarely up to your Board of Selectmen.
Increase in medicine and medical care was up about 68%. This increase is due to the increased costs of medicine and increased cost of hospitalization, plus an increased number of cases requiring hospitaliza- tion. Tuberculosis costs for this year increased $646.00. This was due to the increase in patients at the Sanatorium.
One hundred seventy-eight dogs were quarantined for dog bites during the year. This item of health protection requires expenditure of much time, and many times a whole day may be spent on locating one dog.
The Diphtheria Clinic conducted at the Health office for the pro- tection of first grade and kindergarten children is only fairly well patronized, but with the 60 in the Clinic and 234 in the first grade and kindergarten already protected plus 87. under the age of one year, the percentage is fairly high and is preventing the incident of diphtheria in that age group. There is an increase of diphtheria in the High School age group and the Board of Health urge all students in the High School to have either three doses of Toxoid or a booster dose, if they have not received protection since the first grade.
Plans are under way for improved care of the children's teeth in the Dental Clinic and by a process of elimination, more children requiring treatment may be cared for.
An article in the Warrant for the 1948 Town Meeting, on petition of the Board of Health, requests the sum of $2,000.00 for Mosquito Con- trol. This is only a small amount of what should be expended for the elimination of mosquitoes in the inland areas. This will apply to the purchase of the latest types of chemicals and for labor in application, in mosquito breeding areas.
Last year the garbage contract was awarded to Henry Paulino of Peabody for a period of three years. We have no regrets in our choice ·of bidders. Never before. has the job been so well done and seldom do we get a complaint that garbage has not been collected.
Whatever our endeavors may be we are indebted to the employees of our department for the faithful and efficient manner in which they perform their duties.
Respectfully submitted,
MR. ARTHUR W. PRICE, Chairman; DR. JAMES A. CLARK, Health Officer; DR. LEROY C. FURBUSH, Secretary.
99
REPORT OF BOARD OF FIRE ENGINEERS
1947]
Report of the Board of Fire Engineers
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and the Citizens of the Town of Saugus:
We hereby submit the annual report on the personnel, condition and activities of the Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1947.
ROSTER
Chief George B. Drew
Captain Joseph L. Maguire
Lieutenants
Ralph E. Berrett
Albert F. Jervis
Permanent Firemen
Harold Atkinson
Norman Hull
Alfred Bird
Frank Beckford
Warren Newhall
Robert Jacobs
George W. Parrott
Robert Champoux
Leo Cahill
Guy Collins
Charles Ryder
John LaViska Leslie Hitchings
Call Firemen
Arthur Gustafson
Hubert Connolly
Randolph Popp
Nathaniel Diamond
Lewis Gray
Paul Corson
Peter Walzer
Lawrence Trecartin
Edwin Holmes
Joseph Vatcher
Walter Wetmore
George M. Berrett
Board of Fire Engineers
James B. Boyle, Chairman
Vincent McGilvray, Jr.
George Gosselin, Secretary George B. Dixon
During the year 1947 the Fire Department responded to 649 alarm and calls for fires and other duties. There were 103 box alarms and 546 telephone calls. Thirty-one of these box alarms were false or needless.
The apparatus traveled a total of 2,369 miles in responding to calls. Engine #1, 6 miles, Engine #2, 292 miles, Engine #3, 422 miles, Engine #4, 1286 miles, Ladder #1, 363 miles. The Chief's car traveled 3,253 miles in responding to alarms and other calls of duty.
The assessed valuation of buildings, autos, trucks, the insurance on buildings, automobiles and their contents, etc., were as nearly as possible ascertained as follows:
Assessed valuation of buildings, autos, trucks, etc. . $146,120.00
Insurance on buildings, automobiles, etc 594,400.00
Loss on buildings, motor vehicles, etc. 21,650.00
Insurance paid for losses on buildings, etc. 21,374.00 Estimated value of contents 69,700.00
Insurance on contents 55,200.00
13,875.00
Loss on contents
Insurance paid for losses on contents
13,875.00
100
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
During the year, 16,700 feet of 21/2 inch hose, 15,850 11/2 inch hose 106,500 feet of 34 inch hose was used to extinguish fires. A total of 139,050 feet. Of the above used hose, 98,800 feet was used at dump, brush and grass fires. There was 612 feet of ladders used, 38 tanks of oxygen and other first aid equipment used.
The Fire Apparatus Engine #1 is old and unreliable and used only in extreme emergency. Engine #2 is in good condition, Engine #3 is in good condition, Engine #4 is in good condition, the Ladder truck is getting old, being 17 years old it should be replaced with a new Junior Aerial Ladder Truck. The Chief's car is seven years old but is in fair condition.
The Fire Department has done excellent work in keeping the fire loss down to such a minimum, approximately $35,525 with the valued amount of property involved in fire being about $215,820. It should be noted that the department has a large area to protect, nearly 111/2 square miles with a minimum amount of men to extinguish fire and man the apparatus.
We recommend the program calling for the installation of new hydrants and fire alarm signal boxes be continued, as there are several places in the town where hydrants and boxes are a long distance apart.
In conclusion, we wish to thank thes Honorable Board of Selectmen, Superintendent of the Public Works, the Chief of Police, all town offi- cials and the citizens of Saugus who by their cooperation have aided this department in maintaining a high degree of efficiency.
Signed by the Chief George B. Drew Signed by the Board of Engineers
James B. Boyle Vincent F. McGilvray, Jr.
Report of the Superintendent of Public Works
Honorable Board of Selectmen Town Hall Saugus, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The following is a report of the activities and accomplishments of the Public Works Department for the year 1947.
WATER
This department increased its revenue to the Town Treasury in the amount of $10,204.91 over the preceeding year.
The amount paid for Water Purchase for the year 1947 was $17,320.00. This amount is $4,115.69 less than was paid for water pur- chase in the preceding year. We believe this great saving due to major leaks that were located and repaired within the year. This department installed 1500 feet of 10" Water Main on Hesper Street and completed the following:
Repaired and reset 460 meters.
101
SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
1947]
Installed 88 new services.
Renewed 89 old services. Repaired 129 old services. Installed 100 New Hersey Meters.
Hydrant maintenance including installation, renewal, flushing dead ends and anti-freeze.
The M. D. C. water system is under construction on Lincoln Avenue. Several home services were broken and repaired by this department. The M. D. C. Standpipe at Hobson Street, North Saugus, is well under construction. We have given this project all possible aid, to insure an early completion.
We have many overground summer services that should be metered and several services and mains that should be lowered to keep from freezing.
HIGHWAY
This department, other than the permanent construction of Pearson Street, was constantly busy with the following maintenance:
Patching of various surfaced streets.
Cleaning and repairing catch basins.
Repairing guard rails and bridges.
Cleaning of gutters and culverts.
Sweeping, and drains.
Traffic lines and erection of street signs.
Completion of Hesper Street and Sweetwater Street
permanent road construction under Chapter 90.
ASHES
Here we are again, going into 1948 with the same conditions pre- vailing.
One ash unit can not possibly collect the ashes and rubbish in this town. For example, the maintenance cost for 1947 was $749.27-Regular Labor $6,588.50, extra labor from Highway Department $3,122.02, repre- sents a total of $10,459.79. This represents a total of over 3,000 man hours lost to our Highway Department.
SEWER
Maintenance and repairs at Sewer Pumping Station. Sewer Con- struction Lincoln Avenue to Square. Sewer Lateral at 55 Essex Street. Routine Sewer Maintenance.
RECOMMENDATIONS
As your Acting Superintendent I therefore submit to the honorable Board of Selectmen the following recommendations for approval -.
( Adequate snow fighting equipment for snow removal only. (Equip- ment can not work 52 weeks and properly remove snow.)
A new ash truck and crew to clean up existing routes within a work week.
Our various departments are, in my opinion, undermaned to the point where it is physically impossible to carry on the amount of work planned and desired. Bearing in mind the above statement I therefore recommend that a definite program be set up to include Permanent Road Construction; Proper Drainage Systems; Sidewalks and Curbings;
102
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Continuance of Sewer Mains and Laterals, the Replacement of all cement water mains and replacement of old and obsolete main gates that will not close.
We are proud to relate that our Public Works Department finished the year 1947 in the black and without an unpaid bill.
I wish, at this time, to thank my entire group of employees, the Cemetery Department, Tree Warden's Department and all other depart- ments that have worked so diligently for the welfare of the Public Works Department.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES C. DeFRONZO, Acting Superintendent.
Report of the Superintendent of Buildings
Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town Hall
Saugus, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report as Superintendent of Buildings for the year ending December 31, 1947.
The following report lists the Type, Number and Value of the per- mits issued during the year :
Type
Number
Value $607,200.00
Additions and . Repairs
285
117,807.00
Garages
45
17,690.00
Sheds
25
7,750.00
Green Houses
4
16,300.00
Gas Stations
4
56,100.00
Foundations
3
2,050.00
Insulations
25
7,980.00
Barn
1
1,000.00
Stores
2
4,000.00
Office
1
3,000.00
Chimney
1
30.00
Move Buildings
3
Demolish
22
Excavate
7
Sign
11
Gas Pump
1
529
$840,907.00
I have turned over to the Town Treasurer the total amount of $1,344.00 received for permits issued during the year.
In conclusion I wish to thank all town departments for their co- operation, especially the Board of Assessors.
Respectfully submitted,
MELBOURNE MacLEOD, Superintendent of Buildings.
Dwellings
89
103
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
1947]
Report of Planning Board
To the Citizens of Saugus:
The Planning Board herewith submits a report of some of its activi- ties during the past year and offers several pertinent facts for those who may be concerned. Changes in the make-up of the Board have occurred with Jack A. Meeker resigning immediately following his elec- tion in March and Edward Berrett resigning in September. Mr. Meeker's office was filled by the remaining members of the Board sitting jointly with the Board of Selectmen resulting in the election of William H. Robinson to serve the balance of the year. The position of Mr. Berrett was not filled due to the fact that little time remained prior to the form of government being changed, all terms expiring upon the event of the 1948 election.
The Board has held the necessary required hearings on zoning mat- ters appearing in Town Warrants. Several articles were inserted by the Board to determine the attitude of the Town as a whole and neighbor- hood groups in particular regarding the establishment of additional in- dustrial or business areas. On several matters, objections from those who would be most immediaetly affected was overwhelming while on others no interest was shown. We appreciate the reactions of those interested and suggest that far greater interest be shown by all groups. where changes in zones are liable to affect the immediate districts.
We regret that several matters relating to the requests of individ -- uals who sought either protection or relief from the law were shown lack of consideration during the past Town Meetings. It is a sad state of affairs when persons seeking to bring additional revenue into our treasury are shunted to the end of the warrant of the Town Meetings only to be left unsatisfied when the meeting is forced to adjourn due to lack of interest.
The Board has co-operated with citizens and town officials in con- nection with the new manager form of government for 1948. The major task along this line was the division, at the request of the Board of Selectmen, of the Town into ten new voting districts. Considering the availability of voting facilities, natural barriers, transportation, large areas of vacant or hilly land and the intent of the law to divide the total registration as equally as possible, we feel an honest effort was made to give the greatest convenience to the larger number of voters. Of the total number of voters registered at the time, the following divi- sion was made:
Precinct One 993
Precinct Six 646
Precinct Two
784
Precinct Seven 895
Precinct Three
775
Precinct Eight 798
Precinct Four
763 Precinct Nine 715
Precinct Five
584
Precinct Ten 732
The higher numbers are found in areas which have reached a high or near high point in building, while the lower figures occur in the areas where much expansion is possible. It is our recommendation that the polling place for the northern end of Town be rotated, one election at a time or every two years, between North Saugus and Oaklandvale. The area covered is necessarily large due to the scarcity of residents.
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