USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1953 > Part 6
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For encouragement and valuable assistance we give our sincere thanks to you, Mr. Manager, the School Committee, the several Parent-Teacher Associations, the Registry of Motor Vehicles, the Massachusetts Safety Council, and to all other or- ganizations and persons who have helped in this most important duty-the protection of our children.
Automobile Accidents
In the report submitted by Sergeant Charles N. Wormstead, 3rd., who maintains the accident files for this department, in- teresting data and information is available which is very helpful to members of the Police Department as it provides us with figures showing when, where and by whom many accidents occur or are caused.
We find the following: Total number of accidents reported; 312; personal injury accidents reported, 183; property accidents reported, 129; pedestrian accidents reported, 18; bicycle ac-
cidents reported, 10; number of persons injured, 300; number of operators involved in accidents, 531; number of resident opera- tors involved, 123; number of non-resident operators, 408; ac- cidents occurring between midnight and noon time, 69; accidents occurring between noon and midnight, 243.
One person was killed in an automobile accident during the year 1953. This fatality occurred on the Newburyport Turnpike. For a number of years we have had no fatal accidents on town streets. All have taken place on either the Newburyport Turn- pike or the Salem Turnpike and are charged to the town of Saugus. This I believe is unfair as it brings our safety record down considerably for something we are unable to control, as the regulations for motor vehicular traffic on State roads are set by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and we can only do our best to enforce them.
In many cases permissable speed on these roads is, in my opinion, too high. I have attempted to have this matter remedied but have been unsuccessful. This is not to be construed as criticism of the Massachusetts Department of Public Works, nor the Department of Public Safety, as both departments have al- ways been most cooperative and the relations between those de- partments and the Police Department have been most pleasant and congenial.
Although we had 34 more accidents in 1953 than in 1952, I am not in the least discouraged, as motor vehicle registrations are increasing in number each year and the influx of out of State cars passing through Saugus is also much greater.
Your Police Department will continue to extend itself in an effort to prevent accidents, and as Rudolph F. King, registrar of motor vehicles, told me: "In view of the fact that you have two State roads passing through your town, you are doing an ex- cellent job, and one which no one can justifiably criticize," I am hopeful that we can by persistent effort maintain the very credit- table showing that is meant by the above:
Relative to the expenses of the Police Department, I would like to make clear that except for salaries of regular members of the department, the budget for 1953 was quite unsatisfactory, as the items listed under "expenses" were cut to an extreme. It was necessary to conduct the department without sufficient funds, and as a consequence many things necessary to the de- partment had to be foregone and as a result efficiency was low- ered in everything except the services of the men of the police force.
This is not a healthy condition and it is my hope that 1954 will see this rectified. I have submitted a budget, which in my opinion is reasonable and fair, having requested nothing that is not essential and for the benefit of the townspeople. Below is a table showing past and contemplated expenditures.
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APPROPRIATION 1953
Police Request for 1954
Manager's Recommendation for 1954
Salaries
Chief
$ 4,600.00
$ 5,000.00
$ 5,000.00
Captain
4,000.00
4,400.00
4,250.00
Sergeants
14,400.00
16,000.00
15,400.00
Patrolmen
49,525.00
54,800.00
51,600.00
Reserves
3,800.00
5,350.00
5,000.00
Expenses
Telephones
1,800.00
2.000.00
2,000.00
Printing
160.25
150.00
150.00
Postage
30.00
30.00
30.00
Dues and Expenses
110.00
150.00
150.00
Express
6.00
6.00
6.00
Office Supplies
108.55
110.00
110.00
Radio Maintenance
325.00
500.00
500.00
Directory
28.00
28.00
28.00
Equipment
354.00
350.00
350.00
Gas, Oil and Grease
1,750.00
1,800
1,800.00
Tires and Tubes
195.00
200.00
200.00
Laundry
7.98
8.00
8.00
Meals for Prisoners
25.00
25.00
25.00
Out of State Travel
125.00
125.00
Revolvers and Holsters
150.00
150.00
Uniforms
888.51
950.00
950.00
Ammunition
50.00
50.00
Paint Ambulance
350.00
350.00
New Cruisers
630.00
4,000.00
4,000.00
New Camera
1,000.00
1,000.00
As shown by the above figures, the Town Manager and I have seen pretty closely eye to eye on the necessities for this year, but perhaps a few items need some explanation.
The request for $2000 for telephones and teletypewriter is $200 over the amount expended in 1953. The increase is re- quested because of an increase on such charges and also with the hope in mind that a few more duty call boxes may be added to our system which is sadly lacking in this item.
The great increase asked for under "cruisers" is explained by saying that starting this year I wish to replace two cars a year, rather than one every two years as has been the custom. By doing this I feel that we will save money as the repairs on rolling stock should be lessened to a great degree, as it is only common sense to realize that operating charges increase rapidly each year a car is in use. Therefore, I feel that it will be eco- nomical to follow this procedure. This item if allowed, will pro- vide for the purchase of a new car. This will free the one car now available during the day time and used by me, the inspector and the captain, which is a very unsatisfactory arrangement as the car is not available many times when needed.
This item of $4000 is not an annual expense. The amount needed this year to replace two cars is greater than will be re- quested in future years. This is due to the fact that one car to be replaced is two years old and therefore of less value than one of later date. Also, the new car, when purchased will be usable for two or three years before replacement will be necessary.
The request for $1000 for a new camera, enlarger and sup- plies was made at the suggestion of the Town Manager. The purchase of these article will modernize the photographic depart- ment and will be of financial value to the town as a whole, as it is the manager's plan to use the Police Department for the tak- ing, developing and enlarging of all pictures needed by any de- partment.
This should more than pay for the cost as the years pass and is a very sensible plan.
Summary
During the year 1953, the program of highway painting and the installation of parking regulatory signs has been continued. We have repainted all parking stalls and crosswalks and new ones were added. Curbings are badly in need of painting as this project has been neglected and should be done in 1954. Signs prohibiting parking were installed on Winter Street, on the southerly side from Central Street to East Denver Street. Signs restricting parking were erected on Central Street, both sides, 'from Denver Street to Winter Street,' also on both sides of Hor- ton Street, Vermont Avenue and Centennial Avenue. The re- sults have been gratifying.
The erection of "One Hour Parking" signs on Central Street from Winter Street to Taylor Street should be done during 1954 as the Police Department is constantly receiving complaints of parking in this area, but cannot enforce the regulation until suitable signs are in place.
The assigning of an officer to teach safety to the citizens of Saugus, more particularly, the school children, has paid large dividends as the results have far exceeded our expectations. However, to do this important work, money is necessary, and if possible, I would recommend that a small sum be allocated for this purpose.
On October 1, 1953, after many years of existence, the local trial justice court, with Justice C. Carroll Cunningham presid- ing, was abolished, with all other such courts throughout the Commonwealth. We feel that this was a distinct loss. All criminal cases must now be taken to the District Court of South- ern Essex at Lynn, and during the past year a total of $11,028.90 was paid to the town from these two courts.
Plans have been made to institute this year the practice of registering all bicycles in Saugus. This will assist us, as each child will be given a copy of the bicycle laws as accepted by the
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town on March 10, 1943. By knowing what is required pertain- ing to bicycles and being informed as to certain prohibited prac- tices it is bound to increase our safety program. Also, by keep- ing records of all bicycles we will be greatly assisted in the re- covery and identification of lost or stolen bicycles.
By the purchase of a new and modern camera together with the modernizing of our photographic room, we will be better equipped to handle cases where pictures are necessary. Our services will be available to all town departments, which should amount to a considerable saving each year.
We intend to continue our concerted drive against the viola- tors of the law, particularly motor vehicle violations. We are conducting a 24-hour war against such persons with the hope that by so doing we may be instrumental in saving others from injury or death. We feel that we are doing a fine job and shall continue.
Up until about five years ago this department had 15 duty call boxes located in strategic locations throughout the town, but a former town official, for what was called economy, had 11 of them removed, thus leaving us with four, which is the number we now have. Common sense should tell citizens that this num- ber is not sufficient, and I am again calling your attention to this hoping that this serious condition may be rectified soon.
In my budget, submitted to you, I asked for and recom- mended the addition of five patrolmen to this department. We have the smallest force of any department in any community comparable to Saugus in population within miles of our town.
When it is considered that despite this fact we are called upon to perform more police work of all descriptions than in any of those others referred to, it becomes obvious that we are greatly undermanned. I have called this fact to the attention of each Town Manager during my term in office but to date have met with little success in having the size of the department in- creased. The need of more men is urgent and I hope that this lack of personnel will be given serious consideration.
In closing, may I extend to you, as Town Manager, my thanks for all the consideration you have shown me. It is greatly appreciated and your attitude toward me will never be forgotten. My thanks are also extended to all members of the Police Depart- ment for their loyalty and zeal, to all town officials and private citizens who have assisted me, and by so doing lightened my burdens during the year 1953.
Respectfully Submitted, ROLAND E. MANSFIELD Chief of Police
TOWN OF SAUGUS - POLICE DEPT.
Bicycle Registration as required under Chapter 85, Section 11A, of the General Laws (Acts of 1941, Ch. 710) and adopted by the Town March 10, 1943.
"A resident of Saugus may not operate a bicycle in Saugus unless it is registered.
"Police shall register all bicycles owned by persons residing within the city and issue certificates of registration, which shall be in effect, unless suspended by the police for cause, so long as registrant owns said bicycle.
"Upon the sale or the transfer of a registered bicycle, the registrant shall remove the registration plate and surrender the same to the Police Department, or may, upon application, but without payment of additional fee, have said plate assigned to another bicycle owned by the applicant.
"Rental agencies shall not rent or offer any bicycle for rent unless it is registered and has a plate attached.
"Persons buying or selling bicycles, shall make a report to the police of every bicycle bought or sold by them, a description of bicycle, name and address of buyer or seller, and number of registration plate.
"Every bicycle shall be equipped with a red reflector visible from the rear and at least two inches in diameter.
"A fee of not more than 25 cents shall be collected for each registration plate and certificate issued.
"All bicycle operators shall conform to traffic rules and regulations.
"No operator of a bicycle shall permit any person in excess of the number for which such bicycle is designed and equipped to ride thereon.
"No operator of a bicycle shall permit it to be drawn by any other moving vehicle.
"Violation of any of the bicycle laws shall be punishable by a fine of one dollar and in addition the police may suspend the registration.
"If a minor (under 21 years old) violates the bicycle law, the police instead of prosecuting in court, may, with the consent of parent, impound such bicycle for a period not exceeding 15 days.
"This law shall apply only to a bicycle at least one wheel of which exceeds 20 inches in diameter."
ROLAND E. MANSFIELD CHIEF OF POLICE
DOG OFFICER
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ISN'T THIS THE DOGGONDEST MESS?" asks Blackie, the handsome brindle Great Dane of Mr. and Mrs. Chester P. Nickerson of 12 Myrtle Street, of his canine pal, "Sheila," proud possession of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis P. Sanborn of 14 Myrtle Street. Although they are in the temporary custody of Dog Officer William F. Cahill, the two handsome animals have no reason to feel alarmed, for a "police officer is a dog's best friend." Both Blackie and Sheila know that their proud owners have paid their license fees and that Patrolman Cahill-named dog officer this year by Manager Walter E. Lawrence-is merely paying a friendly visit and will not take them to the "Pound." No wonder, however, that digni- fied Blackie looks so uncomfortable. When a dog has paid his license fee, it's very humiliating to pose in the hands of the law, even for publicity purposes, and Sheila looks as though she was prepared to cut and run at any minute.
Walter E. Lawrence, Town Manager, Town Hall, Saugus, Mass. Dear Sir :-
I wish to present my stewardship as Dog Officer from the day of my appointment July 1, 1953 to December 31, 1953. It may be enlightening to the citizens of Saugus to know that of the 34 cities and towns in Essex County, the town of Saugus ranks first in the county as to the total number of dogs. This report is not based on population.
Upon taking over the duties of Dog Officer, I found the records to show a total of 1596 dogs registered as of the January 1953 survey. Upon checking the figures with the Town Clerk, I found a total of 1093 dogs licensed. Further checking showed a total of 503 dog owners that had not paid their license fees.
I then made a stencil form for the purpose of notifying the delinquents, together with telephone calls that their licenses had not been paid. The results of many long hours were very rewarding, although it was necessary to bring 10 of these delin- quent dog tax cases into court. The entire 503 license fees were collected, along with others that were not listed. There were a total of 1679 dogs licensed for the year 1953. Money collected by the Town Clerk for dog licenses amounted to $4411.
It was necessary to bring to the courts a persistent violator of the laws pertaining to the operation of a dog kennel. The license has been revoked and the operator has appealed to the district court in Lynn.
The following compilation is taken from my own files and also the files of the Police Department. These complaints have been investigated and acted upon by your Dog Officer after his regular tour of duty as a permanent police officer, except in emergencies:
Complaints received, 471. Dogs sheltered, 19. 11 dogs re- turned to their owners. Four sent to the Animal Rescue League. Two died. Two disposed of.
I wish to express my appreciation to the various depart- ments who aided me in my new duties.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM F. CAHILL, Dog Officer
43
SAFETY COUNCIL
Secretary Joseph G. Fisher and Chairman Fred L. Hawkes discuss methods of combatting accidents as shown in background
Town Manager Walter E. Lawrence,
Town Hall, Saugus, Mass. Dear Sir:
I submit herewith the report of the Saugus Safety Council for the past year, this report being the first of the council since its appointment and organization.
Since the original appointments were made to the council, two additional names have been submitted by the Town Man- ager. They are Safety Officer Walter J. Elsmore of the Police Department and Chief George B. Drew of the Fire Department. Their advice and counsel has been of great value.
The council meets on the first Tuesday of each month, with the exception of July, August and September and has held seven meetings during the past year. Although its accomplish- ments are not visible to the naked eye, many ideas for the improvement of our safety standing have come from these meetings.
The council is making a study of traffic conditions on the two turnpikes that run through the town, and, from data being
accumulated will, in the near future, forward suggestions to the State Department of Public Works for safer driving on these roads. The council also has under study suggestions sub- mitted by the wiring inspector Mark Randall, who feels that there are many cases of faulty and defective electrical wiring and installations that are dangerous hazards and should be corrected.
The council makes an annual report to the National Safety Council. It is confident that this report will improve the stand- ing of the town in comparison with many other communities in the Commonwealth.
The council would be negligent in its report if it did not commend the excellent work done by Patrolman Elsmore in his safety work among school children. He has worked many hours, beyond his regular duty, to equip, instruct, and drill these children in School Traffic Safety Patrols. Safety Officer Elsmore is now equipping the patrols with rubber coats and hats to combat the rainy and snowy weather. His efforts have been greatly aided by generous contributions of many Saugus business men and Parent-Teacher organizations. Chief Roland E. Mansfield should also be thanked for his untiring efforts to make Saugus a safe town, particularly where auto driving and traffic is involved.
The majority of the members of the council are men whose knowledge and contact with town safety problems has been limited, but with the experience of the past few months behind them, they are looking forward to a better and safer Saugus.
The council has been a committee without funds and this has somewhat retarded many things that could have been done had we been financially able. Town Manager Walter E. Law- rence has pledged his support and aid to see that the council has a small fund from which to draw whenever these con- tingencies occur.
If the Safety Council does nothing else but educate the citizens of our town in the value of safety, it will have accom- plished a great deal and prove its worth. The council looks forward to 1954 as a year with fewer accidents of all kinds, and the safest year in our history.
Let all citizens strive to make Saugus a safer town in which to live.
Respectfully: FRED L. HAWKES, chairman and for: JOSEPH G. FISHER HERBERT P. MASON LEWIS P. SANBORN ROLAND E. MANSFIELD
WALTER J. ELSMORE GEORGE B. DREW Saugus Safety Committee
44
TOWN CLERK and TAX COLLECTOR
16
"IT'S A PLEASURE TO GIVE THEM YOUR MONEY, when you see their wonderful smiles." This compliment was paid by a Saugus taxpayer to the attractive and pleasant trio pic- tured above who constitute the personnel of the office of the Town Clerk and Tax Collector. Town Clerk Ruth E. Stevens, center, also serves as Tax Collector, Water Collector, member of the Board of Registrars of Voters, and Clerk of the Board of Selectmen, and she has the same ready smile and quiet efficiency in each position. Francis P. Price, left, and M. Grace O'Neil, right, complete a triumvirate of gracious public servants who instinctively know that the best public relations includes the ingredients of courtesy and efficiency, all topped off with a pleasant smile.
I respectfully submit the following report of the Town Collector's office for the year 1953.
The amount committed for taxes and assessments from various departments amounted to $1,590,978.19. As of Decem- ber 31, 1953, 93 per cent of the levy has been collected.
Departmental expenses for 1953 amounted to $10,892. The amount requested for 1954 is $10,997.
The work in this department, combined with that of the Town Clerk, election and registration, and selectmen's clerical is accomplished with an office force of only two clerks. The per- sonnel has remained the same for the past five years, despite the increased volume of work in each department.
Respectfully, RUTH E. STEVENS Town Collector
To the Citizens of the Town of Saugus:
I hereby submit my report as collector of Town Clerk's fees for the year 1953:
Marriages
$ 410.00
Mortgages
1,665.00
Discharges and Assignments 80.00
Business Certificates
29.00
Gasoline Registrations
24.00
Miscellaneous
109.25
Certified copies
46.75
Paid to Town Treasurer $ 2,364.00
REPORT OF COLLECTOR OF LICENSE FEES
Liquor
$ 15,975.00
Entertainment
765.00
Victualler
390.00
Juke Box
1,425.00
Peddler and Junk
20.00
Auctioneer
8.00
Gasoline
2.00 10.00
Firearms
Golf Driving Range
10.00
Pool and Bowling
28.00
Taxis
11.00
Auto Dealer first class
60.00
Auto Dealer second class
140.00
Auto Dealer third class
20.00
Second Hand Furniture
5.00
Scrap Iron
2.00
Paid to Town Treasurer
$ 18,871.00
REPORT OF DOG LICENSES COLLECTED
949 Males at $2.00
$ 1,898.00
188 Females at $5.00
940.00
510 Spayed Females at $2.00
1,020.00
5 Kennels at $25.00
125.00
8 Kennels at $50.00
400.00
3 Kennels at $10.00
30.00
Paid to Town Treasurer
$ 4,413.00
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Mrs. Ruth Stevens Town Clerk Saugus, Mass. Dear Mrs. Stevens:
I hereby submit my resignation as a member of the Board of Selectmen, effective as of November 23, 1953.
I am reluctant to take this step but, unfortunately I have no other choice. My personal physician has so ordered, and, in the interest of my future health, I must obey.
I desire to express my appreciation to the many citizens who have so generously assisted me in previous elections and to assure them that I have always endeavored to fulfill the confi- dence which they have shown in me during the past years.
Please be assured that I shall always be interested in the welfare of our town in the years ahead.
Sincerely,
HARRY F. WENTWORTH 11 Emory Street
REPORT OF HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSES ISSUED
278 Fishing Licenses at $3.25
$903.50
262
Hunting Licenses at $3.25
851.50
112
Sporting Licenses at $5.25
588.00
34
Minor Fishing License at $1.25
42.50
46
Female Fishing Licenses at $2.25
103.50
1
Minor Trapping License at $2.25
2.25
1
Non-Resident Military Sporting License at $2.00
2.00
12
Duplicate Licenses at $.50
6.00
25
Sporting (Licenses (Free)
23
Military and Naval Sporting Licenses (Free)
1
Old Age Assistance Sporting License (Free)
799
$2,538.00
Fees paid into Town Treasury
184.75
Paid to Division of Fisheries and Game
$2,353.25
Signed:
RUTH E. STEVENS, Town Clerk.
ASSESSORS
-
"WHAT'S A FAIR MARKET FIGURE?" asks Arthur E. Gustafson, center, chairman of the Board of Assessors, as he and his colleagues, after hours of viewing new property, return to their Town Hall office to establish fair and equitable valuations. Gustafson, a man of broad experience in the building and construction field, forms his opinion only after hearing the views of his associates, Delmont E. Goding, left, full-time assessor, and F. Dudley Bacon, right, skilled executive and student of real estate values. Collectively, they form a well-balanced board, whose fair and just assessments have almost uniformly been sustained by the State Appelate Tax Board.
To the Town Manager:
Your Board of Assessors has expended every effort to main- tain proper assessments, being ever mindful of the increasing costs of our municipal government and services. School costs, alone, are rapidly approximating 50 per cent of the total, which means nearly half of every tax dollar assigned to educational purposes.
This in itself, is indicative of the need of some sustaining businesses or industry in Saugus to relieve the homeowners of part of the tax burden. New homes, while welcome additions to our total valuation, cannot be expected to allieviate the situation to any great extent due to the additional costs for schools and services, which are contingent upon such influxes of population,
46
5
Trapping Licenses at $7.75
38.75
Town Manager Walter E. Lawrence, recognized this problem soon after he took office, and has displayed tremendous energy toward providing the answer through his efforts to attract new industry to town.
In the course of the year, there have been 116 completed new dwellings added to the tax rolls. Increases in valuations of more than $1,250,000 over 1952 have resulted from new con- structions and revaluation of our business and industrial sites. Motor vehicle assessments have increased from a total of 7,004 in 1952 to 7,606 in 1953.
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