USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1929 > Part 13
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REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON TOWN MANAGER
December 9, 1929.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of the Town of Weymouth. Gentlemen:
The committee appointed by the moderator at the last annual town meeting to consider the advisability of employing a Town Manager have unanimously adopted the following report. To the Town Meeting Members of Weymouth.
Your committee on the matter of changing our present form of. government to that of a Town Manager system, have carefully con- sidered the subject in all its relations, and after long and diligent deliberation, we feel that, the acceptance of the manager system would be for the best interests of Weymouth, and a decided step in advance as compared with our present system of government.
We therefore recommend, that the matter be given careful study and consideration by every citizen, to the end that we may at the proper time, and at the will of a majority of our .. people bring about this change.
Respectfully submitted. JOSEPH KELLEY, Chairman JOHN W. HEFFERNAN FREDERICK L. ALDEN 4
ALBERT E. GLADWIN . JOSIAH B. REED, Secretary.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON POOR RELIEF
Weymouth, Mass., January 7, 1930 To The Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
The committee. appointed to "study and report at the next Town Meeting what additional safeguards should be adopted to
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A BLOCK OF WEYMOUTH SEAMFACE GRANITE FOR A WEYMOUTH, ENGLAND, BRIDGE
WINSLOW M. TIRRELL 1862
1930 Selectman of Weymouth 1923 to 1930
RESOLUTIONS
Whereas it has pleased God in his wisdom to call Winslow M. Tirrell from active participation in the affairs of this Life to the Spirit World in the Life Beyond.
Be it resolved: that the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Weymouth hereby expresses its sense of loss in the death of a most efficient and valued mem- ber.
Be it further resolved; that, as the official representatives of the Community, the Selectmen testify that in the passing of Winslow M. Tirrell the Town of Weymouth has lost a valued citizen and a faithful public servant.
Be it further resolved; that a copy of these resolutions be filed with the Town records and a copy be sent to the relatives of our departed co-worker.
For the Board of Selectmen, EDWIN R. SAMPSON WILLIAM A. CONNELL.
9101 VOTERS
EXECUTIVE
MODERATOR
TOWN MEETING MEMBERS
FINANCE COMMISSION
5 SELECTMEN BD of PUBLIC WELFARE PARK COMMISSION
WITH
PLANNING BOARD
LIBRARY TRUSTEES
SCHOOL BOARD
PRESIDING
LEGISLATIVE
FINANCIAL
Above Boards
To
Serve without Pay.
ADMINISTRATIVE
TREASURER and COLLECTOR Collecting all Town Money
TOWN CLERK and ACCOUNTANT
CO-OPERATE
TOWN MANAGER
WITH
RECREATION COMMISSION
TOWN COUNSEL
REGISTRARS of VOTERS
PLAYGROUND SUPERVISORS
PART TIME STENO
and TOWN CLERK
DEPUTY
DEPUTY 1 CLERK
FULL TIME CHAIRM TWO ASSOCIATES 1 CLERK
SECTY ACTS AS PURCHASER & COMP. AGENT
MUNICIPAL BLDG JANITOR TEL. OPERATOR
SEALER .f WTS. & MEAS
POLICE CHIEF
FIRE CHIEF Also Forest Fire Worden
INSPECTION
SUPERINTENDENT PUBLIC WORKS
SUPERINTENDENT WATER & LIGHTS
TOWN ENGINEER
HEALTH COMMISSIONER
WELFARE INVESTIGATOR
FORESTRY (per diem)
CAPTAIN LIEUT. 3 SERGTS. 22 PATROLMEN
4 CAPTAINS 4 LIEUTS. 12 PRIVATES
BUILDINGS PLUMBING ELECTRICITY
CLERK
FOREMEN LABORERS
CLERK
FOREMEN LABORERS
RODMAN
INSPT FOOD, MILK ANIMALS SLAUGHERING
CLERK DIVIDED TIME
MOTH SUPRESSION
SHADE TREES
SUPT. FIRE, POLICE AND TRAFFIC SIGNALS
STREETS, SEWERS, DRAINS GARBAGE, PARKS, BUILDINGS.
WATER SUPPLY % DISTRIBUTION SUPERVISION of STREET LIGHTS
.
.
PLAN FOR TOWN MANAGER
(See Committee's Report on Page 144)
SUPERVISORY
ADVISORY
SUPERVISORY
(An Honor)
CO-OPERATE
ASSESSORS
-
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protect the Town against unworthy applications for Poor Relief" beg leave to submit the following report:
The committee has had numerous meetings, one of which was with the Board of Selectmen and one with the Welfare Worker. The committee also met and interviewed several officials of ad- joining towns and cities who are faced with this same problem. Considerable individual investigation has also been made by different members of the committee.
Several plans have been carefully considered, but owing to the form of government under which the Town is now operating we are unable to discover a way which would eliminate all of our difficulties. However, we make the following recommendations:
That a more thorough investigation and follow-up of the dif- ferent cases be made. This would require the employment of a specially trained welfare worker at full time. This would necessi- tate an additional appropriation as the money now available for this purpose is not sufficient. That relations should be established between the welfare worker and the local industries, the Chamber of Commerce, and similar organizations, to further the finding of employment for men willing to work.
That a form of grocery order be used permitting only certain articles named on the back of this order to be purchased. This is used successfully in Brockton and can easily be modified to suit our demands.
We would like to call to the attention of the citizens, in considering the amount appropriated for the relief of the poor, the fact that a certain percentage of this amount is returned to the Town by other cities and towns for the care of their poor living in Weymouth. This fact makes considerable difference in the amount actually spent.
We believe that our appropriation is considerably in excess of towns of a like population and that by a more thorough in- vestigation and a closer follow-up of the cases this amount could be materially reduced.
Respectfully submitted. STANLEY T. TORREY, Chairman. GERTRUDE C. ANDREWS, Clerk. FRED L. ALDEN THOMAS FITZGERALD MELVILLE F. CATE
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON WARD THREE FIRE STATION
At a Special Town Meeting held February 9, 1929, it was voted to appoint a committee of five consisting of the Selectmen, Chief of the Fire Department and three members of the Appro- priation Committee to procure plans, specifications and bids for the erection of a Fire Station in Ward Three to replace the one burned and that the sum of $3,000.00 be raised and appropriated for plans and specifications, preliminary work and other necessary expenses and that said committee be authorized to let a contract. after competitive bidding for the erection of said building. Said contract to be contingent upon the Town appropriating the necessary money at the Annual Town Meeting in March 1929.
146
The committee organized with H. Franklin Perry, Chairman and Winslow M. Tirrell, Clerk. After looking at several plans as presented by architects we voted to engage Mclaughlin and" Burr of Boston, Mass.
We advertised for proposals of bids and John J. Gallagher Construction Company of Quincy was the lowest bidder and he was awarded the contract.
The building was completed and fully equipped within the appropriation of $40,000.00.
We regret to state that before this report was written the ยท Clerk, Mr. Winslow M. Tirrell and Chief, John Q. Hunt have died.
H. FRANKLIN PERRY
EDWIN R. SAMPSON FRED E. WAITE HOWARD DOWD FRANK A PRAY
ARTHUR R. LOHNES
W. B. CHALKE, JR.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON GOLF COURSE
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen of the Town of Weymouth: Gentlemen:
Your Committee appointed at the Special Town Meeting held Sept. 16, 1929, to look into the advisability of a Municipal Golf Course for the Town of Weymouth and suitable land for Park and Playground purposes which would offer facilities for a Municipal Golf Course for its citizens, submit the following report:
After a thorough study of the question of a Municipal Golf Course the Committee feels sure it would be self-supporting and would pay back to the town over a term of years all monies that the Town used for this purpose and would be not only of great interest to the people but a great asset to the Town and to that end the Committee recommends that the town acquire for Park and Playground purposes land which would offer facilities for a Munici- pal Golf Course for the use of our citizens, said parcels of land being located in North Weymouth, bounded and described on Plan made by Russell H. Whiting, Town Engineer, for Playground and Park purposes; and that a sufficient amount of money be appro- priated for the same and that a further sum be appropriated for for the preparation of this land for the purpose for which it is to be used.
This location in the opinion of the Committee is by far the most suitable and very much less expensive to develop.
Respectfully submitted JOSEPH KELLEY Chairman PATRICK J. DERRIG JOHN W. HEFFERNAN Secretary C. E. STILES GEO W. RING STANLEY HEALD HENRY P. TILDEN
147
REPORT OF THE POLICE SIGNALLING COMMITTEE
Your Committee appointed by virtue of a vote of the annual Town Meeting in 1928, and continued in office by vote of the annual meeting in March, 1929, for the purpose of installing the signal system authorized by the last mentioned meeting, begs leave to report that it contracted with The Gamewell Company of Newton Upper Falls, Mass., for the installation of the system as described in a report of the Committee dated December 20, 1928; that such system has been installed at a complete cost within the appropriation made by the Town therefor.
The system has already demonstrated its usefulness in the apprehension of offenders in at least three cases. It has already proven its many advantages to the Police Department, and in the opinion of your Committee, the Town now has a system which will prove of much benefit to the Town and to its citizens in the future and that the investment has been a judicious one.
NEWLAND H. HOLMES P. J. DERRIG IRVING E. JOHNSON WILLIAM J. HOLBROOK
ARTHUR H. PRATT
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TOWN FOREST
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen:
This committee has been inactive for several years, but the acquisition of a large acreage of land suitable for the growth of pine and other evergreen makes it possible at this time to begin the development of a Town Forest.
We have accordingly asked for an appropriation of - $500.00 for the purchase and planting, of trees during the season of 1930.
JALMAR N. NELSON PARKER T. PEARSON CARL F. PRESCOTT FRED O. STEVENS FRANK H. TORREY Committee on Town Forest
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I, being Assistant Inspector of Animals, and on the death of the Inspector, Mr. Daniel Sullivan, August 1929, having been promoted by your Board to Inspector, herewith submit my report for the balance of the year 1929.
Number of Cows Inspected 76
Number of Cases of Rabies 2
Respectfully submitted, JOHN F. DWYER Inspector of Animals
324 Washington Street, Weymouth.
148
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Dec. 31, 1929.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of the Town of Weymouth: Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my annual report for the year 1929 with the sealing fees amounting to $364.86.
During the year 30 Fish, Fruit and Vegetable Licenses were granted at $10 each; 14 Junk Licenses at $25 each.
I want to again call to your attention Chapter 101, sec. 5-6-7-8-9, of the General Laws, relative to Transient Vendors coming into the Town and competing with our local merchants who are paying taxes here. This sort of thing I am constantly watching and can say that there has not been a case of this sort in Town this year.
There were two convictions made during the year both for Peddling without a license, they were both found guilty and paid fines.
My general work for the year is as follows: Sealed $811 Articles 81 Articles
Not Sealed
Condemned
19 Articles
Gas Pumps
195 Articles
Reweighings
321 Articles
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES W. BURGESS Sealer of Weights and Measures.
FIFTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE WEYMOUTH VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION
East Weymouth, Dec. 31, 1929.
Another year of service has been completed by the Wey- mouth Vis.ting Nurse Association.
Eleven regular monthly meetings of its officers and directors have been held in our comfortable room in the Weymouth Town Hall, with an average attendance of 10. During the year we have received help from different organizations and people interested in the work of the Association. Garments made to be used in the work of the Nurse have been given and sewing has been done on material we have provided. Several donations of money have been received and different groups of our friends have held Card Parties, the proceeds of which have been turned over to the Association. We have received new scales for use in the Baby Clinic.
Our Baby Clinic, entering its fifth year, is in a thriving condition, the number of babies wanting attention sometimes ex- ceeding the quota we have been obliged to set. The improvements in the condition of the babies brought by the mothers for advice and direction shows the work in this department to have been worth while. 1139 babies have been cared for during the year.
Our nurses, Mrs. Pratt as head nurse, with Miss Wilbur assist- ing, have rendered willing and efficient service, not only in their regular work for the sick, but also in giving instructions to groups of girl scouts and others. Their constant interest and helpfulness
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in all branches of the work of the Association, is most gratifying. Beginning in May, an increase of $200 in salary was granted to Mrs. Pratt. 5676 calls have been made during the past year by the nurses.
In charge of the Finance Committee, our usual Tag Day was carried on Oct. 5th and the Annual Membership Drive held during the weck of April 22nd, the result of both comparing favorably with that of preceding years. A most successful Rummage Sale was held on May 10th and 11th. Two Whist Parties under the auspices of the Association have been put on this year. The pro- needs of the first were used to help with the expense of sending two children to the Summer Camp of the Norfolk County Hospital, and the second to vard a fund for the proposed Pre-School Clinic. An operetta in charge of Mrs. Gibson came in February. This has bzen a successful year. Someone has said that the reward of work well done, is more work. If this is true, we may look forward to a year of greator service in helping to meet the needs of our growing community.
Respectfully submitted EDNA A. BATES Secretary
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSIONERS
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen of the Town of Weymouth: Gentlemen :
BEALS PARK
The grass was kept mowed, walks trimmed and hedges kept in good shape at the lower end of the park. The upper part was used for playground work and much interest was created in this work. There were a number of band concerts held in the band- stand during this summer which seemed to be enjoyed by all.
We also started another playground at the Bicknell School grounds where playground equipment was installed to the enjoy- ment of the children and a goodly attendance at the playground work saved a lot of children from having to cross Bridge street to get to Beal's Park where the traffic is heavy.
RUFUS CLARK PARK
The grass was kept mowed and the grounds cared for during the summer.
WEYMOUTH HEIGHTS MALL
Since the Park Commissioners took this piece of land over last spring we have taken it from the rough, having it all graded loamed and seeded thus beginning to make it into a beautiful green. There was also a granolithic walk built through the park from a point on Church street nearly opposite to the oldest church in Weymouth to a point on North street, we contemplate putting a fence along the south side of the park and would have had it dore this year; but our town engineer has not given us the town boundary line as yet.
STETSON FIELD
Some new playground equipment was put on this field and seemed to be enjoyed by all.
150
LOVELL'S CORNER PLAYGROUND
The demand for playground and playground supervision 18 becoming more and more imperative, and it is with pleasure that we can report progress. The appropriation given us by the town, has enabled us little by little to equip our playgrounds not only for the children but with the installation of tennis courts in some parts of the town, we have increased the use of the grounds to a larger number of people. The grounds have been well kept during the season. The playground at Lovell's Corner has been well taken care of and protected by police. (While the larger percent of our young people are to be commended for their behavior and use of the playgrounds and parks there are always some who must be looked after, and by no one short of police either. For this reason the Park Commissioners would recommend that an extra amount be given the police that they might at least look out for Great Hill and Weston Park.) The equipment has been kept in good con- dition. A new tennis court has been installed and extensively used. Band concerts were held during the summer, and foot ball practice during Oct. and Nov. A new fence has been built part way on street line. Hawes Grove has been partly cleared of underbrush making room for young pines.
The annual 4th of July celebration was a success. (The Park Comm. are very much pleased with the result of our super- vised playground work and our supervisor Mr. McIntosh has been the right man in the right place, he has put in a great many hours on his own account, starting early in the season that his program might be perfected. The fine results of his men and women assistants who carried out the program under his direction were evident to all who knew about the work. We consider this the most important phase of our work. There is a demand for its extension in our town.)
Pond Plain some new equipment.
Lake Street, cleared and new equipment, should be graded and wall built.
Jackson Square, Kept mowed and trimmed.
Bailey Green, Kept mowed and trimmed.
GREAT HILL PARK
As Great Hill Park is becoming more popular both with the Town's people and outsiders the park commissioners planned to continue improvements. This year we cut off a good part of the unsightly underbrush leaving a few good shaped trees. Stones from the old stone wall we used in building curbing for the two islands which we plan to loam and seed in the spring.
Below the hill at the beach a bath-house was built. This proved without question to be enjoyed by all the bathers. The building consists of a large open pavilion, office, two showers, two toilets, and forty lockers. The popularity of the bath-house or bathing-beach depends upon the weather for while on some days the attendance was small on other days it was large. The average daily attendance at the beach was fifty-five and the average daily attendance at the bath-house was twenty-five.
151
WEBB PARK
The Base Ball Diamond at Webb Park was loamed, and general repairs were made on the equipment.
WESTON PARK
The pond at Weston Park was enlarged, making a very nice sizable pond for the children to skate on.
Electric Lights were installed on the walks with most satis- factory results.
The Base Ball field enlarged and partially loamed, and it is necessary that more work should be done on the Ball field to enlarge it. It will require quite a little blasting, and then should be properly graded. We feel sure it will be a very satisfactory field for the boys.
Our Tennis Courts were completed, and were a success from the start.
For a very small sum Mr. Craig had a beautiful garden on the Washington Street side that was admired by all.
A serious menace is, the Town dumping the drains that are contaminated by sewerage onto this Park. The Park Commissioners feel that if the Street Authorities and Board of Health do not remedy the matter, we will be compelled to seal these drains where they enter the Park for the safety, health, and lives of the children.
The Supervised Play on these Parks are growing each year. They should have the support of the parents for the good of the children.
Respectfully submitted, FRANCIS W. REA, Chairman JOSEPH KELLEY CHARLES W. BURGESS, Clerk. Park Commissioners
REPORT OF PLAYGROUNDS
Public Playgrounds have been in operation four years. It is not necessary to state its growth. By this time I am sure the citizens of Weymouth fully realize the value of this department.
On the first day the attendance more than doubled that of last year. There were 530 last year against 1386 this year. These figures will help you to realize the number of children utilizing our parks and equipment. With the large number attending, to care for equipment and keep things going is practically all a Teacher can attend to.
There are now playgrounds established at
Beals Park Bicknell School Grounds
Lake Street Park Lovell's Corner Playground
Pond Plain Playground
Webb Park
Stetson Field Weston Park
The new, playgrounds opened were Webb Park and one at Bicknell School Ground. The Humphrey School Playground was Transferred to Lake Street Park.
152
Lake Street Park was an innovation and certainly a successful: one. This playground held the record attendance. Two sea horses, duck, frog and water balls were constantly used by the, bathers.
Many inter-playground games of baseball for the boys and volley ball for the girls were played with keen competition.
Paddle tennis was introduced and received with great en- thusiasm.
At Pond Plain a play entitled "Party Day" was given at the Community House under the direction of Miss Olive Hackett. Handwork made by the boys and girls was on sale. The money thus realized was used for a picnic at Weymouth Beach with frankfurt roast and other treats.
Weston Park is much improved with its attractive walks, new equipment, shelter and refreshment booth. The tennis courts. are in constant use and appreciated by both old and young.
The usual Special Activity days were continued during the term. Parades of various kinds, stunts and short plays were held on those days.
The main objective this year was the Junior Town Govern- ment. This proved a worthwhile project and certainly was enjoyed by all. I am pleased to say that I received many words of com- mendation from business men in all walks of life. They heartily endorsed the idea, believing it to be very instructive and helpful . to the future voters of the town.
The Town Ballot Boxes were used at the election and children instructed in their use. A great deal of interest was taken in this, many of the youngsters canvassing for votes.
I might also say that I was very much encouraged with the cooperation of the various town officials. They gave the Junior officers many interesting facts concerning the workings of the different departments.
The Town of Weymouth was entrusted to the Juniors for one hour on Aug. 1, 1929.
The final event of the season was a Playground Picnic at Weymouth Beach. The Weymouth Rotary Club provided busses for transportation and nearly five hundred children arrived with lunches and bathing suits. This afforded the rest of the children an opportunity to try the water toys. Many of the children roasted frankfurts and marshmallows. Sports were enjoyed and the new bath house taxed to its highest capacity.
During the last week Moving Pictures were taken at all play- grounds. John Healy kindly donated his camera and services. He visited each ground and the picnic with the Director and as a result we have five hundred feet of very interesting activities.
Any organization desiring to see the films may, by getting in touch with the Playground Director.
Please accept my sincere thanks for the splendid co-operation of the teachers, the generosity of the Weymouth Gazette and Transcript for paper space and election ballots and all who in : any way helped during the past season.
Respectfully submitted,
EVERETT J. McINTOSH,
Director of Playgrounds
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REPORT OF JUVENILE MEETING
The first regular meeting of the duly elected "juvenile board" of selectmen was held Monday, July 29, 1929, at the Town Hall. The meeting opened with J. D'Allesandro as temporary chairman, with the following members of the board: Helen Doble, Walter Dodge, Robert Fletcher and June Scheible
The first matter of business was the administering of the oath of office to the new board which was done by the present Town Clerk Clayton Merchant.
The board then proceeded with the regular business and appointments. The first choice was that of J. D'Allesandro as chairman of the board, and June Scheible as Clerk. The next business was the appointment of the various town officers. The following were nominated and appointed: Town Clerk, Dorothy Hersey, North Weymouth; Board of Health: Joseph O'Kane, Pond Plain; Ellen Hollman, Lovell's Corner; Stewart Loud, Weymouth Landing; Tree Warden, August Calen, Pond Plain; Town Ac- countant, Esther Rossetter, North Weymouth; Supt. of Streets, Lester Jones, Lovell's Corner.
Chief of Police was the next office to be filled. This brought forth the names of four candidates. They were John Kohler, Willard Hunt, Larry Karstunen and Kenneth Randall. It was voted that the choice be made by ballot. The result was as follows: Koliler, 1 vote; Hunt, 1 vote; Karstunen, 1 vote; Ran- dall, 2 votes. Upon a motion of one of the members it was voted that the election of Randall be made unanimous.
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