USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1936 > Part 21
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Serial Bonds and Notes due 1937-44 5 per cent
8,000.00
Serial Bonds and Notes due 1937-43 41/2 per cent
7,000.00
Serial Bonds and Notes due 1937-54 21/2 per cent
84,000.00
$143,000.00
INVESTMENTS
H. S. Moody Land Company Fund
Balance January 1, 1936
$2,030.11
Interest
12.68
$2,042.79
April 15, 1936 paid Henry S. Moody, Trustee by Vote of Town Meeting March 2, 1936
2,042.79
N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R. 31/2 per cent Bonds due 1954
$17,000.00
WATER DEPARTMENT P. W. A. PROJECT No. 7468
RECEIPTS
Second Payment of Grant
$11,329.20
Final Payment of Grant
8,067.19
$19,396.39
Cash on hand January 1, 1936
5,191.84 .
Total
$24,588.23
PAYMENTS
Paid on Selectmen's Warrants
$18,733.18
Cash on Hand December 31, 1936
5,855.05
$24,588.23
Respectfully submitted
EDWIN R. SAMPSON, Treasurer of the Water Department.
Weymouth, Mass., Jan. 21, 1937.
I have examined the accounts of Edwin R. Sampson, Treasurer and Collector of the Weymouth Water Department, and find them correct. The records of the Collector's Department have been checked with the Treasurer at least once each month during the year, and I am satisfied that both reports are correct.
EMERSON R. DIZER,
Town Accountant.
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REPORT OF THE FEDERAL RELIEF PROJECTS IN THE TOWN OF WEYMOUTH
C. C. C.
During the past year approximately 100 boys from deserving families have been sent to various camps of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Be- sides being a fine training for the boys, they received $30.00 a month,, $25.00 of which went to the family of the boy and $5.00 to himself.
P. W. A.
A new Police Station was constructed on a site adjoining the old building. This work was done by John Hamre, & Son, under contract with the Town. The building is now complete and occupied by the Department and is adequate in every respect. The old building will be removed in the spring and the grounds graded and improved under a W.P.A. project. The total cost of the project was $39,600.00 of which sum the Federal Government contributed $12,735.00.
W. P. A.
An average of 450 people have been employed on W.P.A. during the past year. At one time nearly 600 were working, while at the present time, due to several Federal cuts, the number has been reduced to 375. Over $300,000.00 has been received by Weymouth men and women as wages.
Because of the fact that the Federal Government would not release proper projects last winter, summer jobs had to be started in order that the men might be employed. This retarded the years' program by some months. At the present time, only projects that may be properly worked in the winter, are in operation. These will be completed about March 1, 1937 at which time it will be possible to start whatever spring program is deemed advisable.
A committee of three, composed of George Marshall, Frank Pray and myself was in charge of W.P.A. until the special Town Meeting the first of December. At that time control of W.P.A. was returned to the Board of Selectmen. I wish to compliment Mr. Marshall and Mr. Pray for the interest and enthusiasm they showed while serving on this committee. The time and effort spent by these men in assisting the W.P.A. to properly function, is indeed commendable.
It is hoped by all Town Officials that the complicated W.P.A. set-up will be changed to something similar to C.W.A. If this is done, projects may be worked in a more efficient manner, also men and women who are. actually in need will stand a better opportunity of obtaining employment.
Following is a brief outline of the work done during the past year within the Town itself. Men also worked at Squantum, Hingham and Watertown projects. I refer you to the report of the Town Accountant for a more detailed breakdown.
Respectfully submitted, MARSHALL F. SPEAR
262
Name
Description
ART PROJECT
Painting historical structures in the Town.
$ 1,200.00
$ 70.00
BICKNELL MEADOW
Filling and grading of meadow.
976.00
278.75
BICKNELL SCHOOL
Interior and exterior painting of school.
1,467.00
532.63
BRADFORD HAWES PARK
Erecting con, bleachers, shuffle boards, general repairing, stone walls, grading in the park.
8,229.00
2,465.30
BRADFORD HAWES PARK
Repairing shelter and new stone piers in the park.
763.00
13.40
BROAD STREET
Sidewalk and curbing on Broad Street.
3,778.00
320.05
CHURCH STREET
Sidewalk and curbing on Church Street.
1,804.00
1,114.93
COLONIAL ROAD
This project includes grading, drainage and gravel- ling of the following streets: Roosevelt, Ashmont Southern Avenue and Lake Street.
12,920.00
4,719.26
COLUMBIAN SQUARE
Resurfacing Union and Pleasant Streets and also sidewalks, and building con. curb.
8,796.00
Town 2,819.66 State 11,900.00
COMMERCIAL STREET
Sidewalk and curbing on Commercial Street.
1,816.00
71.57
COMMODITY DISTRIBUTION
Use of trucks to distribute commodities to the various projects.
4,000.00
1,250.31
COUNTY MOSQUITO
Draining and clearing of swamp land.
15,000.00
69.98
FARM TO MARKET
Widening of Essex and Winter Streets.
10,000.00
1.367.95
FIRE STATION RECORDS
Typing card system.
360.00
131.19
FIRE STATION, WARD 2
Painting and repairing Fire Station.
777.00
19.13
GREAT HILL PARK
Building curbs and walls, filling, clearing and grubbing at Great Hill Park.
7,998.00
3,595.03
GREAT HILL ROAD
Construction of roadway, catch basins, etc.
2,856.00
474.87
Federal Funds
Town Expenditures
GREAT POND FILTER PLANT GYPSY MOTH CONTROL HIGH SCHOOL
Sub-grading, clearing, building, road, etc. Clearing, creosoting and spraying.
9,600.00
1,785.28
12,290.00
333.51
Painting interior and exterior of school.
2,309.00
862.51
HUMPHREY SCHOOL
Grading, filling, seeding and preparing baseball field.
8,895.00
1,931.19
HUMPHREY SCHOOL
Painting interior and exterior of school.
751.30
194.11
HUMPHREY SCHOOL
Pointing brick work and around window sills.
2,787.00
163.30
HUNT SCHOOL
Painting interior and exterior of school.
1,536.00
364.25
JOHNSON ROAD
Sidewalk and curbing on Johnson Road.
4,240.00
916.55
LAKE STREET PLAYGROUND
Building float and sand box, repairing wall and steps.
988.00
145.28
LAKEWOOD ROAD
Sidewalk and curbing on Lakewood Road.
2,854.00
1,254.98
LEGION FIELD
Erection of 23 brick wall piers.
525.00
53.80
LEGION FIELD RECREATION
Care of Tennis courts, field, etc.
612.00
24.11
LOWERING WATER PIPES
Lowering pipes on Lane Avenue and other streets to give winter service.
3,168.00
198.96
LOWERING WATER PIPES
Lowering pipes on Ridge Road to give winter service.
9,322.50
695.11
MOSQUITO & FLOOD CONTROL
Drainage and clearing of Old Swamp and Mill River land.
22,240.00
1,133.95
MUSICIAN'S PROJECT
Federal orchestra.
23,930.00
364.98
PARKS
Painting equipment in parks-swings, slides, etc.
402.60
110.83
PLEASANT & PINE STREETS
Elimination of curve. Building stone culvert.
8,003.00
4,341.81
POLICE STATION
Erection of stone wall, grading driveways, fill, etc.
3,341.00
970.32
POND SCHOOL
Clearing stumps, filling, draining, seeding, etc.
2,268.20
102.80
263
POND SCHOOL RECREATION PROJECT
Painting interior and exterior of school.
1,334.89
142.35
264
SEWING PROJECT STATE BEAUTIFICATION STATE SIDEWALKS
Clearing along State Highways.
20,000.00
Curb and walk on State Highways.
26,400.00
310.28
STATION ST. & FRONT ST.
Construction asphalt sidewalk.
1,452.00
545.99
STELLA TIRRELL PLAYGROUND
Excavation and fill and grading for football field and park.
9,374.00
2,018.43
SUMMER STREET
Sidewalk and curb on Summer Street.
3,160.00
2,226.78
SUNNYPLAIN AVENUE
Grade and surface Sunnyplain Avenue.
4,746.00
2,236.72
TOWN BARN
Repairing interior and extorior of barn.
2,125.20
201.85
TOWN CLERK'S OFFICE
Typing back records.
790.00
TOWN HALL
Painting interior.
781.00
334.98
TOWN HALL
Repairs to north and south end walls and roof.
5,521.80
1,711.20
TREE CLASSIFICATION
Designating and specifying trees on maps.
1,025.00
74.66
TREE SURGERY
Removing dead limbs and trees from town streets.
3,309.00
296.66
WASHINGTON SCHOOL
Interior and exterior painting of school. Maps showing water service connections.
611.00
332.76
WATER SERVICE MAPS
1,025.00
22.46
WEBB PARK
Erecting tennis courts, cutting and filling for foot- ball field.
8,432.00
3,314.84
WESTON PARK
Grading, terracing and recovering tennis courts with wire netting.
1,436.00
491.87
WESTON PARK DRAIN
Drainage from Broad and Franklin Streets.
768.00
506.31
Care of Parks, playgrounds and instructions in athletics. Federal Project. Making garments for the needy.
7,029.60
72,000.00
1,764.64
265
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
January 7, 1937
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
As Secretary of the Board of Public Welfare I respectfully submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1936:
Upon assuming the position of Secretary of the Board of Public Wel- fare in March of this year I immediately attempted to carry out the mandates of the Board and by the application of business methods I have been able to solve many problems which were most confusing and at the same time derived the results which are most gratifying. I might say that investigations have been carried on successfully and that the co-operation of those in the department was all that anyone could expect.
The Soldiers' Relief was separated from the Welfare Department as per my recommendation because I was of the opinion that it had no asso- ciation with welfare, which meant a loss to my department of approximately $400.00 for administration expenses. However, I believe the solution has worked out very satisfactory.
The Federal Government has become a part of our welfare program through the Federal Security Act which applies to Old Age Assistance. On my recommendation Miss Margaret Hyland was appointed Old Age Assistance Agent. The Federal Government has also become a part of the Mothers' Aid program which is now effective.
Because of the assistance of the government, more or less detailed work has had to be carried on in the filing of reports etc. This involved con- siderable work and attention on the part of the entire department. How- ever, I can say that I believe that this department is on a par with any other department of a similar nature. There has been practically no con- fusion and no trouble within the department and everything seems to be quite harmonious.
The medical situation is one that I have given a lot of thought to and through the efforts of the town physicians, namely, Dr. Spaulding, Dr. Danforth, Dr. Zibel, and Dr. Drake, the service has been exceptionally good. As per an arrangement which I had made with the Weymouth Hospital and the town physicians there has been a decided saving of money on medical attention and hospitalization. The medical staff at the Wey- mouth Hospital very graciously consented to offer their services for ob- stetrical, surgical, and other services at the Weymouth Hospital without cost to the town and I believe the Board of Selectmen should recognize this valuable service which has saved the town thousands of dollars and relieved distress amongst our unfortunates.
During the year I have been confronted with more or less lay offs amongst workers on W.P.A. and P.W.A. projects. In August there was a lay off of 150 and in the month of December approximately 100 more. There was some demand made upon my department in view of these facts.
I am very happy to say that as a result of efforts, with the co-operation of those associated with the department, I have saved many thousand of dollars on the original appropriation, both in administrative costs and in relief, and when you consider that other neighboring towns and cities have increased their expenditures considerably this is something worth while to consider.
In reference to expenditures for welfare during the coming year my opinion is that there will be a decrease in the demands made upon the
266
department, providing the Federal Government continues its present pro- gram, and, further than this, it would be expected that the placing of as many recipients as possible under Old Age Assistance and, also, Mothers' Aid will help to lower the expenditure of welfare. I find myself some- what confused as to how to estimate the possible demand made for Old Age Assistance and Mothers' Aid due to the flexibility of the law. Arriv- ing at these conclusions referred to above, I might say the whole thing is problematical and I have endeavored to take care of the items referred to in my budget which I have submitted for the ensuing year.
In conclusion I wish to thank the Board for its confidence in me and that I assure them that I have applied myself to the position with one object in view and that is in rendering service unselfishly to the town.
Very truly yours, JOSEPH. A. FERN Secretary, Board of Public Welfare
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
January 21, 1937
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
The beauty and care of shade trees is an investment that is an asset to any town. Here in Weymouth we have many thousands of beautiful trees. We have a great many trees which constitute a liability both to the good trees, (by spreading injurious insects and diseases), and to the public as a hazard.
Our budget does not give us a chance to keep all of our trees in the best condition. We must overlook the healthiest, and concentrate our attention to the poorest ones. At this rate we will always be caring for poor trees, and each year have more. In other words we are not getting ahead of the game.
Some of our public spirited citizens have bought trees which we have been glad to accept by planting them. Some 200 trees, which were pur- chased by citizens, have been set out throughout the town.
We have done considerable trimming and removal of limbs which were dangerous.
Last summer the Department sponsored a W.P.A. Shade Tree Survey Project. This survey of street trees gave us a check on all trees, as to height, diameter, location, and condition. This information has been transferred to maps.
Our Storm Patrol has been active during all severe storms, as in the past year. I want to thank all of the departments for their co-operation and all others who have aided in our work.
Respectfully submitted,
V. LESLIE HEBERT
Tree Warden
PROGRAM OF MOTH AND TREE WORK
Jan.
Feb.
March
April
May
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Gypsy Moth Control Browntail
Tent Caterpillar
Fall Webworm
Canker Worms Elm Leaf Beetle
Dormant Spray
Spraying Shade Trees
Spraying Fruit Trees Removing Trees
Pruning & Tree Surgery Fertilizing Tree Planting Poison Ivy Control Emergency Work Consultation
This program lists the more important phases of the work to be done in each department showing the time of year during which it must be accomplished to advantage. It means that both Moth and Tree Departments must be in operation twelve months of the year.
267
268
REPORT OF MOTH SUPERINTENDENT
January 21, 1937
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
The Moth Department, originally created to control Gypsy and Brown Tail Moths, has grown to tremendous proportions in the last few years. It now assumes the responsibility of controlling every insect and disease which attacks our trees. The most common insects being Gypsy and Brown Tail Moths, Elm Leaf Beetles, Tent Caterpillars, Canker Worms, Apple and Other Fruit Pests, Scale Insects, Satin Moths, Fall Web-Worms and numerous species of Aphids, Galls, Etc.
We were handicapped this year by not being able to use our large shade tree sprayer. This machine was originally a horse-drawn vehicle, purchased in 1913. Its original engine was worn out and replaced with another engine which is also practically worn out.
Several years ago, when all spraying equipment was ordered by the State to be motorized, this machine was mounted on a 1923 GMC truck chassis. This truck equipped with solid rubber tires, which are now il- legal, was withdrawn from active service after using it for one week, this year. The front end is whobbly and unsafe, and the brakes are in bad shape. The whole piece of equipment does not warrant the expense that it would cost to make it workable and safe for the road.
One of our small orchard sprayers gave us a great deal of trouble, but we can make that one do another year at least.
In co-operation with the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture, and with the co-operation of the school teachers and pupils, we collected upwards of 30,000 tent caterpillar egg clusters. This made a noticeable reduction in the number of unsightly nests along our Highways. Edward Baker, a student in the High School, won a medal awarded by the Massa- chusetts Department of Agriculture, for the largest number of egg clusters collected in Weymouth.
Gypsy Moths are on the increase. We have found large numbers of them in wooded sections of the town.
Canker Worms gave us trouble in the Weymouth Heights section. Other insects were quite generally distributed throughout the town.
With the open weather we've been having this winter, indications are that we'll have increased numbers of insects to combat.
Respectfully submitted, V. LESLIE HEBERT
Moth Superintendent
269)
REPORT OF THE WEYMOUTH PLANNING BOARD FOR 1936 - 37.
To the Citizens of the Town of Weymouth:
The Town of Weymouth has just passed through a year in which many changes of permanent and beneficial nature were made. Many of these improvements were recommended by the Planning Board, so it is with pride that we report the construction of a new Police Station, as well as a new Fire Station at North Weymouth. Both buildings are distinct architectural additions to our list of municipal buildings. We recommend a continuance of such work for the coming year by asking that it approve the report to be submitted by the South Weymouth Fire Station Committee,. and take such appropriate action as will insure its erection. We approve of the need for the building, the use of the present site and the sum of money that is to be asked for to carry out these plans.
It has been very clear in the recent reports of the Planning Board that there should be a determined and rigidly adhered to schedule of im- provement of the streets and sidewalks of the Town of Weymouth. We state unequivocally that there is no civic betterment more welcome to the residents of a Town than this. 1
Insofar as the curbing and sidewalks program is concerned, the amount of work done during the past year was most disappointing to us; whereas in 1934, we spent approximately $6,500, and in 1935, we spent something over $12,000, in 1936 the comparatively small sum of $4,500 was the total expenditure. While it may be true that there were circumstances which prevented a greater outlay on this score, we somehow feel that if a more strenous effort had been made by those in charge of the W.P.A. that the sidewalk expenditures of the Town would be more in proportion to the sums laid out in former years. It is interesting to note that the greatest number of articles in the Town Warrants of the last three years has con- cerned itself with the acceptance, or improvement, or repairs of streets and sidewalks. Further, the great number of requests for sidewalks and curbings in our files, testify to the demand for such expenditures. We sincerely hope that this year the Board of Selectmen and through them, the active director of the W.P.A. will make it a point of major import in their emergency street program for the coming year.
In the Planning Board Report for 1935, a Public Works Program which included the construction of sidewalks and curbs, reconstruction of accepted streets and the construction of others, drainage, demolition of burnt and dilapitated buildings, as well as other projects of merit, was laid out with the expectation that such would be done and thereby result in long desired improvements.
The sidewalk and curb program was so arranged that each part of the Town was to benefit by the recommendations, thus bringing about a more equitable distribution of permanent improvement. We had hoped that more of this kind of work by W.P.A. labor would have resulted in a con- siderable saving to the Town and for that reason we stressed the im- portance of this work. Some of our recommendations have been accepted, but in the great majority of cases nothing has been done. It is, however, our desire to continue as far as possible, the original program and if it were possible to further other projects, our endorsement will be gladly given.
In view of the fact then, that we have not any power that is suf- ficiently strong to compel department heads to follow our plans, plans which were most effective and well-received during 1935, but not last year, we have two suggestions to make that might correct this weakness. First, that the Town Meeting raise and appropriate $14,000 for street and side- walks, such sum to be part of the W.P.A. allotment and to be spent ex-
270
clusively on the most necessary streets and sidewalks. Second, that all articles that deal with streets be referred to the Planning Board for ap- proval and that when the W.P.A. desires streets to work, the Planning Board will submit a list to it in order of their importance.
We feel that a systematic program to rebuild old streets will be most economical for the Town. Streets that were accepted at the Annual Town Meeting of this year designated to be constructed by W.P.A. labor have not been done, and with other streets that may be accepted in 1937 there should be a determined effort to have those streets completed at the earliest possible time. The continuation of Middle Street from Central Square towards North Weymouth, the reconstruction of Pond Street from the railroad to the Abington line, the reconstruction of West Street from . Main Street to Braintree, the relocation of Pleasant Street from Water Street to the new Police Station, the widening and straightening of Forest Street, and the widening, resurfacing and straightening of Norton Street, seem to us to be of the greatest importance and should be given preference over all other streets.
Drainage throughout the Town in general has been given serious thought by this Board and the seriousness and inconvenience especially during the spring weather has given deep concern. To remedy a con- dition such as exists over a wide area is indeed a problem, but owing to the W.P.A. mosquito control a very commendable work has been done by opening up swamp areas and thereby materially descreasing the damage that has been done in previous years as well as deleting the consequences brought about by disease bearing insects. In lieu of active drainage being undertaken, we strongly recommend the continuation of mosquito control work.
If and when the times are more propitious, the construction of a sewerage system which has long been comtemplated should, we believe, begin as soon as it is feasible. Sewers would eliminate a very great in- convenience to householders, and greatly increase health conditions.
During the past year two or three efforts have been made to obtain from the Board of Selectmen, licenses for automobile graveyards. Be- lieving that the Town of Weymouth is rapidly becoming a home community rather than an industrial neighborhood as it was formerly, we state our position to be that outside of the licenses already granted and the locations already set aside for automobile graveyards that the Town should take such action that would prevent the further issuance of licenses to any except those hereinbefore mentioned.
Under contemplation also by the Planning Board is the setting aside of a piece of land, perhaps a portion of the Town Farm, for a municipal horticultural nursery. In view of the fact that there is an extensive development of our parks and playgrounds as well as a determined effort on the part of department heads to beautify the buildings and grounds under their supervision, it is readily seen that the Town would in a very short time derive a most beneficial return and note an economic saving.
While we are now considering the efforts of the Park Commission may we suggest in the spirit of constructive co-operation that the Park Department endeavor to clean up those small W.P.A. projects which either because of lack of funds or because of oversight tend to create conditions that are slightly offensive to those interested in such work. The plans for the coming fear as suggested to our various members by the Park Commissioners indicate a real and substantial desire to make Weymouth a leader in the development of its reacreational facilities. To these plans we give our heartiest support and urge that the Town Meeting Members do likewise.
The Town of Weymouth is blessed with a natural advantage which very few cities and towns in the country can boast; a waterfront adaptable
271
for industry and for amusement alike. As far as development for rec- reation is concerned, we would strongly recommend that there be con- structed, beside the public bathing beach at Great Hill, a public landing. Years ago the Town of Weymouth was always readily accessible to visiting yachtsmen and with the increase in yachting in recent years it would be' to the advantage of the town to provide a landing for them.
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