USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1950 > Part 2
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Within the past year the town's property valuation has in- creased approximately $600,000 which will enable the town to follow recommendations of the Finance Committee, to maintain a stable tax rate and still allow for increased expenses and salary increases.
The Finance Committee recommends a weekly payment of $2.50 to each and every full-time employee of the town government except the Town Manager and employees of the school department. This money will be considered as a permanent increase for the final 39 weeks of the year 1950.
The School Department budget has been increased by $41,265.50 over last year. The School Department is following its policy of step raises for teachers which will have a tendency toward increasing the cost of town government each year.
The Finance Committee recommends the town vote to raise by bond issue the sum of $25,000.00 for the purpose of installing sidewalks and curbings, said sum to be expended under the so-called Betterment Act.
The Finance Committee recommends the appropriation of $10,000 to be used under the direction of the Town Manager and the Playground Commission to further develop the facilities and equip- ment of our playgrounds.
The Committee has earnestly endeavored to study all budgets and make such recommendations as will direct the town toward sound and progressive government.
We appreciate the assistance and cooperation of all town officials and department heads who have helped us in our work.
Respectfully submitted, FINANCE COMMITTEE
Norman Driver, Chairman Robert G. Ballard
Richard Downs Bertrand D. Westendarp
Frederick Flaherty, Secretary Arthur Anderson Lyman E. Sproul Lowell Goding
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Planning Board
Joseph T. Hess, Chairman
Edward E. Berrett, Clerk
Gordon C. Mallar Henry L. McIntyre
Kaler A. Perkins
A Master Plan should represent a long-range program for the present needs and future growth and development of our Town in a manner to make the most effective use of all economic and social resources. Planning of that type has been of major interest to the Planning Board and should influence the physical development of Saugus along sound, substantial lines.
Early in 1950 a portion of the Master Plan was completed and adopted by the Planning Board. This was the comprehensive plan and program for the development of public school facilities and was completed by the Town Planning Engineer who worked with a sub- committee of the Planning Board over a period of approximately twelve months. This plan was reviewed in detail by the Town Planning Engineer and Planning Board and adopted unanimously by the Board of Selectmen and members of the School Committee at a joint meeting which was also attended by the planning sub- committee on school facilities. This sub-committee later compiled a brochure of the school facilities report and distributed 300 copies to all departments and civil organizations of the Town and to inter- ested citizens. At the Annual Town Meetings those articles in the warrant dealing with recommendations from the school facilities report were summarily adopted. Later in the year plans were com- pleted and work started on the new 13 room modern, elementary school on Hurd Ave.
Another phase of the Master Plan completed was the population survey. It is interesting to note that the calculated curve of popula- tion growth as extended from 1945 showed a possible population of 18,000 in 1950 - the extended, theoretical, "S"-curve extended from 1945 showed a theoretical population of 17,300 by 1950 - the 1950 census disclosed an actual population increase to 17,379.
During 1950 further work was carried out to restore the Saugus Iron Works. Central Street was closed by permission of the County Commissioners and a permanent by-pass built around the area as recommended by the Planning Board. The final by-pass road was located so as to reduce land damages to a minimum.
Surveys were made at the request of the Board of Selectmen and reports submitted. Among these was the proposal for an oil storage farm on the Saugus Marshes. This project was studied and recommended by the Planning Board. Many streets were reviewed and reports sent to the Board of Selectmen before the public hear- ings. The Planning Board continued its policy of recommending for
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acceptance only those streets that had been put into reasonable con- dition.
During the year all petitions to amend the Zoning By-Laws and Zoning Map were referred to the Planning Board and hearings were held in accordance with the law.
Many plans of sub-divisions and other such proposals were reviewed and recommendations made accordingly.
The Board fully realized the need for professional planning services and endeavored to obtain such. Several prospects were interviewed.
Much assistance is needed to complete the zoning studies. This phase of the Master Plan is very important to the proper develop- ment of our residential areas and the proper location of business enterprises, industries, parks, cemeteries, etc. Industry and business must be encouraged since it is so necessary to the proper growth of the Town and to the relief of the home owner.
Playgrounds have been improved by the Town and by civic organizations and recommendations made by the sub-committee on Parks and Playgrounds of the Planning Board for additional sites.
There are many more studies needed to complete the Master Plan. These are vital to the future of Saugus and will require much time and study. Professional advice and assistance will be necessary. Continued interest and cooperation from the citizens of the Town will be vital to the progress of the work.
Monument Square Using Rotary Traffic
Board of Appeals
December 29, 1950
Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Town Hall,
Saugus, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith a report in brief of the activities of the Board of Appeals during 1950:
The Board has held 22 meetings, during which it has taken action on 27 appeals from the zoning by-law.
Of this total, 22 petitions have been granted, 2 of them with strong restrictions.
The remaining five petitions were denied, either because of strong neighborhood objections, being beyond the scope of the board, or because in the opinion of the board it was inadvisable to grant the variances sought.
Sincerely, PAUL A. HALEY Secretary
Town Accountant
Carl E. Chapman December 31, 1950
In compliance with the provisions of Chapter 41, Section 61 of the General Laws, I herewith submit the following Annual Report of the business transactions by the Town Departments, and, the financial condition of the Municipal Corporation for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1950.
General Financial Condition
The financial condition, over that of previous years, has con- tinued improvement. The levy for the 1950 taxes was made in August and on December 31, 1950 the Tax Collector had received over 84% of the levy.
We started the year with $238,582 surplus in the Excess and Deficiency Account. By vote of Annual and Special Town Meetings the following amounts were transferred:
Capital Investments
$73,700.
Land Purchase
Chapter 90 Work
19,000.
Refunds
1,309.
Departmental
1,273.
Tax Title
10,236.
Miscellaneous
77.
Total
105,595.
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During the year the following amounts were added to the surplus :
Tax Title and Tax Possession Sales $24,057.
State and County Chapter 90 Work 8,937.
Revenue Account Tax Title and Miscellaneous
36,448.
361.
Total
69,803.
On December 31, 1950 we have $202,790 Surplus in this account.
Our loss of approximately $19,280 in Estimated Receipts from the Commonwealth Income and Corporation Taxes were exceeded by our gain of $25,370 in Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise Taxes.
Temporary Loans
There were no outstanding temporary loans on December 31, 1950. Ten years ago we had $350,000 outstanding and four years ago $200,000 was outstanding. The property owners are paying their taxes promptly. The issuing of tax bills at an early date in the year will decrease the amount of temporary borrowing. Our cash balance in banks on December 31, 1950 was $705,547 of which $400,000 is held in a special account for the Hurd Avenue School Construction.
Tax Title Loans
The bonded indebtedness increased in 1950 from $430,000 to $799,000 due to issuing $400,000 bonds for school construction.
Our borrowing capacity, inside the debt limit, is now $535,000 of which $40,000 has been authorized for sewer construction in connection with the Hurd Avenue School.
Town Indebtedness
Although we paid off the final balance on tax title loans of $835,000 on April 22, 1949 it would be well to look at the record. Ten years ago we owed $312,863 on these loans and in 1946 we had paid all but a $87,548 balance. In three years this balance was paid off. Since 1949 all income from such sales is credited to our Surplus Account.
New Homes For Saugus
Board of Assessors Assessors
1950 Recapitulation
Town Appropriations
Overlay Deficits for the year 1946
$1,336,319.59 54.15 4,754.71
State Audit of Municipal Accounts
State Examination of Retirement System
53.50
Gypsy and Brown Tail Moths
1,000.00
Smoke Inspection Service Metropolitan Assessments
31,673.85
County Tax
56,052.11
Tuberculosis Hospital Assessments
15,390.35
Overlay
26,991.24
Gross Amount To Be Raised
1,472,719.84
Estimated Receipts and Available Funds
Income Tax
131,647.77
Corporation Taxes
68,548.92
Tax Title Redemptions and Tax Possession Sales
40,544.09
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise
57,573.27
Licenses
22,113.95
Fines
1,160.04
Old Age Assistance Meals
1,465.76
General Government
5,267.72
Protection of Persons and Property
2,090.39
Health and Sanitation
1,771.50
Charities (other than federal grants for aid to dependent children)
61,104.63
Old Age Assistance (other than federal grants) Veterans' Benefits
61,104.63
Schools
2,628.42
Libraries
736.86
Insurance
1,312.89
Public Service Enterprises (such as Water Dept. etc.)
89,942.57
Cemeteries (other than trust funds and sale of lots)
6,805.47
Interest: On Taxes and Assessments
1,445.17
Old Age Tax (Meals) Ch. 307 Acts 1949
2,024.14
Chapter 804 Acts 1949
2,478.21
Lynn Watershed Tax
722.71
Estates of Deceased Persons
1,181.81
Additional amount approved by Commissioner
102,098.53
County T. B. Hospital
1,794.32
Charles River Basin
817.81
Nantasket Beach
203.85
Metropolitan Water
10.20
Total Estimated Receipts and Available Funds
620,313.96
Net Amount to be Raised by Taxation on Polls and Property 852,405.88
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6,400.79
430.35
Number of Polls - 5200 Valuation: Personal Property Tax on Personal Property Valuation: Real Estate Tax on Real Estate Fraction Tax Rate - $41.00 Total Taxes Levied on Polls and Property
10,400.00 1,839,984.00 75,439.34 18,696,730.00 766,565.93 .61
852,405.88
Table of Aggregates
Personal Property Only
379
Real Estate Only
8603
On Both Personal and Real Estate
176
Number of Persons Assessed
9158
Number of Polls Assessed
5200
Value of Assessed Personal Estate
Stock in Trade
$ 91,220
Machinery
20,305
Live Stock
25,240
All Other Tangible Personal Property
1,703,219
Total Value
$ 1,839,984
Value of Assessed Real Estate
Land exclusive of Buildings
$ 3,711,935
Buildings exclusive of Land
14,984,795
Total Value
18,696,730
Total Valuation of Assessed Estate
20,536,714
Taxes For State, County and City or Town Purposes Including Overlay
On Personal Estate
75,439.55
On Real Estate
766,566.33
On Polls
10,400.00
Total Taxes Assessed
852,405.88
Number of Live Stock Assessed
Horses
42
Cows
32
Bulls
3
Swine
600
Fowl
4320
Number of acres of Land Assessed
5038
Number of Dwelling Houses Assessed
4125
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise
Number of Vehicles
6773
Value of Vehicles
2,691,670
Excise Tax
87,685.66
Arthur E. Gustafson, Chairman Delmont E. Goding F. Dudley Bacon
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Playground Commission ommission
Five playgrounds were in operation during the 1950 season. Each playground was supervised and an extensive program of field and crafts activities was carried on under the able direction of our playground director and arts and crafts instructor.
Because of a substantial budget allowed us for this season we were able to start the necessary projects needed at each playground. Never before has the town attempted and carried out such a con- structive program of building, repairing, painting, construction of ballfields, and actually landscaping the areas to get the most out of them.
For our playgrounds in general we purchased the entire stock for the arts and crafts program, equipment for the sports program, and new working equipment for the caretakers so as to make the playground department as independent as possible. We employed six girl supervisors, one male director, two permanent caretakers, and five part-time workers.
It is well to note here that the Playground Commission has officially taken over the upkeep of the Stadium at Stackpole's Field. This, in itself, is a step in the right direction. Under one department, such as ours, the field will at all times be kept in proper repair, both in regard to sanitation and field conditions. We list below some of the projects undertaken this year at the Stadium.
1. Hot top covering for both entrances as well as in front of bleachers.
2. Bleachers inspected and repaired.
3. Bleachers cleared underneath of debris.
4. New American Flag
5. New plumbing fixtures in club house.
6. New plumbing fixtures in visitors' club house.
7. New water pipe to gridiron.
8. Painted entire club house inside.
9. Painted entire club house inside (visitors).
10. Painted all toilets.
11. New clothes hangers in all club houses.
12. Painted outside club house.
13. Repaired leaks in roof of club house.
14. New shut-off vales in shower room to control hot water.
15. Construction of new baseball field.
16. Seeded parts of gridiron.
17. New fountain and outlet for baseball field.
To give some idea as to what has been accomplished at each of the playground areas, we will list the most important projects.
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Anna Parker Playground
1. 100' x 100' black-top area.
2. Constructed new baseball backstop.
3. Constructed new swing uprights.
4. Moved large shelter and put on new piles.
5. All heavy equipment secured in cement.
Bristow Street Playground
1. New cement steps to shelter.
2. New floor in shelter.
3. Repaired blacktop sidewalk in front of playground.
4. All heavy equipment secured in cement.
Stocker Playground
1. New bubbler.
2. Painted shelter.
3. Approximately 500 yds. of fill for new softball field.
4. Pipe for basketball upwrights.
5. All heavy equipment secured in cement.
Lynnhurst Playground
No work done due to undecided location for playground.
We have a good beginning, perhaps it is more than a beginning. This year of 1951 will see most of our projects, already begun, com- pleted.
We are grateful to all Town Officials and departments for their help. We have received excellent cooperation from the School De- partment, Public Works, and organizations interested in our work, and we wish to thank them.
Chester Gay, Chairman Doris J. Driver, Secretary Rev. Wilbur Zeigler
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Recess At Oaklandvale Schoolyard
School Committee
Dr. John L. Silver, Chairman 35 Main Street
Term expires, 1952
George A. McCarrier 31 Prospect Street
Term expires, 1952
William S. Braid
Term expires, 1952
6 Allison Road Miss Alice G. Blood
Term expires, 1952
5 Enmore Road James W. Elsmore
9 Henry Street
Term expires, 1952
Superintendent of Schools
Vernon W. Evans 94 Chestnut Street Office, High School Building
Tel. Sa. 8-0805
Tel. Sa. 8-0775
Superintendent's Secretary
Anna V. Jacobs, 504 Central Street Tel. Sa. 8-0792
In Charge of Attendance
Frances R. Mclaughlin, R. N. Harold E. Haley 8 Smith Road 72 Jasper Street
School Physicians
Dr. Leroy C. Furbush Dr. Joseph O. Ward
420 Lincoln Avenue 40 Main Street
Dr. James A. Clark Dr. Priscilla Flockton
545 Lincoln Avenue 24 Main Street
Dr. Edwin B. Faulkner 42 Chestnut Street
School Nurse
Frances R. Mclaughlin, R.N., 8 Smith Road Tel. Sa. 8-1089-W
High School Principal
John A. W. Pearce, 5 Myrtle Street Tel. Sa. 8-0782
At a meeting of the School Committee on January 31, 1951, it was voted to accept the annual report of the Superintendent of Schools as the report of the School Committee required by the statutes.
Dr. John L. Silver
Chairman, School Committee
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Retirements
The Saugus School Committee deeply regrets the retirement of our Superintendent of Schools, Vernon W. Evans.
Mr. Evans was born in Saugus, attended our local schools, graduated from Saugus High School in 1913 and received his degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1917 at Boston University.
In 1918, following his service in World War I in the Army of the United States, he returned to Saugus to become a member of the High School teaching staff.
In 1930, Mr. Evans was appointed High School principal and, in due time, he succeeded to the office of Superintendent of Schools, a position which he has held for eighteen years.
We consider ourselves especially fortunate in having had a man of Mr. Evans' training and experience, as head of our school system, and we feel that the high standards attained under his supervision were due, in a large measure, to his devotion to duty.
We thank him for all that he has done for the youth of Saugus and we wish him great happiness in his retirement.
Signed :
John L. Silver, Chairman
George A. McCarrier William S. Braid
Alice G. Blood James E. Elsmore
Alice L. Seaver eaver
PRINCIPAL AND TEACHER
More than Forty Years of Faithful Teaching Service to the Elementary Children of Our Community.
School Committee
Dr. John L. Silver, Chairman George A. McCarrier William S. Braid Alice G. Blood James W. Elsmore
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Enrollment-December 11, 1950
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Spec.
Totals
Armitage
43
39
42
39
34
32
229
Ballard
50
44
53
40
65
45
297
Centre
42
38
29
109
Cliftondale
41
42
44
40
167
Emerson
34
34
35
32
135
Felton
56
54
42
51
24
227
Legion Bldg
13
12
25
Lynnhurst
18
19
18
18
12
11
96
No. Saugus
14
23
24
19
20
17
117
Oaklandvale
23
26
18
14
16
20
117
Roby
60
40
42
42
63
48
295
Sweetser
43
68
116
68
11
306
High
230
197
186
156
769
Central Jr H
157
139
296
Totals
352
375
356
324
277
241
273
207
230
197
186
156
11
3185
Superintendent's Report
To the Honorable School Committee and the Citizens of Saugus:
It is both the duty and the privilege of the Superintendent of Schools to submit his eighteenth annual report, the same being the fifty-eighth annual report.
The 1950 Budget
At the annual Town Meeting of 1950 the School Department was voted a General School Budget amounting to $440,357.67. In addition a transfer of $300.00 from the Reserve Fund of the Finance Committee proved necessary. Thus the 1950 total General School Budget was $440,657.67.
Net 1950 Educational Cost
Although the sum of $440,657.67 (General Budget) was appro- priated in 1950 for the ordinary expenses of education, this sum does not represent the actual amount of money expended by the taxpayers of Saugus for education (ordinary School Department expenditures).
The following refunds, as far as can be ascertained at the writing of this report, have been returned to the town treasury during the year 1950:
State Reimbursement (State Aid to Education) $96,379.81
Tuition from City of Boston (Boston Wards) 278.51
Tuition from Commonwealth (State Wards) 2,783.15
Miscellaneous Income 158.07
Out-of-Town Tuition
114.28
Unexpended Balance 277.33
$99,991.15
This total sum of $99,991.15 in various forms of refunds lessens the cost of education to the taxpayers of Saugus by that amount. To find the net cost we subtract this sum of $99,991.15 from the total amount appropriated ($440,657.67). The difference, or $340,666.52, represents the net cost to the taxpayers of Saugus for the ordinary expenses of education for the year 1950.
In 1948 the net cost was $340,396.82. In other words the net cost of education in 1950 was almost identical with the net cost in 1948.
The State Survey
The report of the survey of our school system, made by the State Department of Education at the request of the School Com- mittee, has been completed.
A careful perusal of the report indicates that, in the main, it is almost a complete facsimilie of reports of the Superintendent of Schools and local School Committees for the past twenty years.
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In one particular respect it goes much further than any of the recommendations of either the Superintendent of Schools or any of the School Committees. The State report recommends the creation of new positions in the school system which, conservatively esti- mated, would cost from $40,000 to $60,000 per year. With this recommendation, however desirable, I cannot agree. With increased taxes certain to come at local, state, and federal levels, our com- munity is in no financial position to create from $40,000 to $60,000 worth of new positions in any department.
The basic weakness of all surveys is that they rarely, if ever, take into consideration the financial structure of the community or its ability to pay.
While by no means exhaustive, the survey report does contain some good recommendations and suggestions. Most of them, how- ever, depend upon the expenditure of large sums of money which, in these times, are just not going to be available.
The survey report has been mimeographed and copies placed in each school for the benefit of principals, teachers and parents. A copy is also available in the office of the Superintendent of Schools for any citizen to read.
Our Urgent Goals
We are now obviously living in an era when tremendous expen- ditures are going to be necessary for the defense of our nation. This fact, coupled with unbridled inflation, means that all citizens are going to be forced to bear very heavy burdens of taxation.
In such a period even educational goals must be reappraised and only those goals which are urgent should be advocated. On the other hand, critical as the period may be, education must not be damaged by ruthless, senseless, and unsound so-called economies. The education of our youth is the basic foundation and strength of our American democracy. If it is unduly weakened and under- mined democracy itself is in danger.
Therefore certain educational goals in our community must not be abandoned but must be reemphasized since they represent only minimum goals of education. I list the following as goals of the utmost importance :
(1) A reduction in the size of our classes especially in the elementary schools.
No teacher, however capable, can properly teach and instruct pupils in classes ranging in size from 37 to 44 pupils.
(2) The retention of an experienced staff of teachers. Such a staff must be maintained even if teachers' salaries ultimately have to be still further increased.
(3) The placing into actual operation of a long range school house construction program.
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Such a program can be carried out especially when it is remembered that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts underwrites one-half of the principal cost of all new school buildings constructed in our community.
(4) The appropriation of adequate sums of money for the purchase of the tools of education.
By tools of education I mean such items as text- books, supplies, and the many other accessories used to supplement the work of the teacher.
(5) The installing of proper classroom lighting in all of our school buildings and the placing into proper and safe condition of all of our school play areas.
Both are not only desirable but both, in my opinion, represent minimum standards of what our children are entitled to.
The five goals listed above are urgent and all are within our means even in times such as these.
There are many, many other needs of our school system which towns like Norwood, Brookline, and Wellesley have long ago taken care of in their school systems. For the present, however, we may as well face the truth and realize that Saugus, with limited finances, cannot offer to its children all of the educational advantages offered by such communities.
Our immediate task is to provide our children with a good sound basic education without frills, fads or fancies. This we have been doing and shall continue to do. If we do this, in times such as' these, we shall be doing about all that can be expected of us or of the community.
Textbook Replacement Program
School textbooks have to be constantly replaced in order that our pupils may have the advantages of the best modern tools of education. Textbooks also wear out thus necessitating periodic replacement.
For the past two years we have been carrying out a systematic textbook replacement program in our elementary schools. Text- books are being replaced in the fields of Arithmetic, Geography, and History. The old textbooks in these three fields are being completely replaced with the best and most modern textbooks available. The Arithmetic program is now practically completed. The Geography replacement program is more than one-half completed and the History replacement program is off to a good start. The year 1951 should see the completion of both the Arithmetic and Geography program and should see the History program well on the way to completion. Some idea of the size of this task can be gained from the fact that the Arithmetic textbook replacement program alone involves approximately 2000 books.
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