USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1951 > Part 13
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$ 253.80
Real Estate
19,959.48
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise
9,706.20
Polls
1,242.00
Real Estate Tax Title Credits
2,178.19
Water Liens Tax Title Credits
122.23
Common Sewer Tax Title Credit
30.00
Committed Sewer Interest Tax Title Credits
8.20
Total
$ 33,500.10
Total Collections, Abatements and Tax Title Credits Balance of 1951 Taxes Outstanding December 31, 1951
$2,879,236.58 195,274.42
Summary of Outstanding 1951 Taxes:
Personal
$ 2,049.54
Real Estate
101,159.32
Water Liens
1,872.17
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise
35,637.74
Polls
384.00
Common Sewer-Unapportioned
17,207.95
Particular Sewer-Unapportioned
35,562.89
Common Sewer-Apportioned
746.26
Particular Sewer-Apportioned
344.95
Interest-Apportioned Sewer
309.60
Total
$ 195,274.42
Fees Collected for Certificates of Municipal Liens in 1951
$793.00 2.00
Fees Collected for Mortgagee's Receipts
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK W. HOLBROOK, Collector of Taxes.
138
453.15
2,012,875.51
Water Liens
REPORT OF THE BUILDING INSPECTOR
January 3, 1952.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Town of Weymouth, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my annual report for the year ending December 31, 1951:
During the year, permits were issued for the following:
417 one-family dwellings
2 two-family dwellings
13 two-car garages
1 two-car garage and office
1 three-car garage
2 stores
2 storage houses
1 woodshed
1 tourist court
1 pumping station
1 club house
1 office building
3 greenhouses
1 business garage
1 restaurant
44 one-car garages
496 new buildings with an estimated cost of $3,026,553.00 289 alterations with an estimated cost of 222,511.00
785 total new buildings and alterations $3,249,064.00
Receipts for Permits were $3,517.00 17 Board of Appeal Hearings Receipts for Hearings were 195.00 16 Elevator Inspections
I wish to extend to your Board and to other Town officials my thanks for all the courtesies and assistance given me during the year.
Respectfully submitted, ANDREW A. CHISHOLM,
Building Inspector.
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
December 31, 1951.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my annual report for the year 1951.
The sealing fees amounted to $655.35.
My general work for the year is as follows:
Tested and sealed 1,283 weighing and measuring devices. Not sealed, 11, and condemned, 5.
Trial weighings and measurements of commodities sold or put up fir sale and summary of inspections after sealing 1,083 articles and devices.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES W. BURGESS, Sealer of Weights and Measures.
139
REPORT BY SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON SWIMMING POOLS AND WADING POOLS AS REQUESTED BY TOWN MEETING OF 1951
It is the opinion of the Committee that the installation of a swimming pool and wading pools would not be advisable at this time. The results of inquiries as to costs and problems of maintaining pools brought out the following problems:
1. Initial cost and maintenance costs.
2. Availability of adequate water supply.
To answer the first item, the Town of Lexington affords a fair gauge to go by. They operate a 35 ft. by 75 ft. pools. It was built in 1929 at a cost of $20,000. The estimated cost of the same pool today would be between $40,000 and $50,000. Labor, water and supplies cost around $3,500, varying from year to year. This does not include the cost of professional personnel needed for supervision and instruction. Depending upon the amount of supervision engaged, the total cost as to maintenance could run from $6,000 to $8,000. Wading pools 35 ft. by 35 ft. would mean an initial outlay of $3,000 to $5,000, depending upon excavation problems and extent of devel- opment.
The second problem is that of water supply. In the case of Weymouth, until the Town supply comes from a larger source, such as the Metropolitan system, it would be questionable as to availability of sufficient water supply in dry summers.
It would, therefore, seem unwise to recommend the addition of what could be termed a luxury in view of the continued demands of the taxpayer for critical services.
EVERETT J. McINTOSH, Chairman CHARLES H. DROWN, Secretary REINO LAINE
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSIONERS
January 7, 1952.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Town of Weymouth,
Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
The Park Department has, during the year 1951, carried on its usual recreation program at its various playgrounds. During this year, a number of activities were added to the program, and good use was made of all facilities. At Wessagusset Beach, swimming and life saving instruction was added to the program under the guidance of the Red Cross life guards. This program proved very popular and showed good results.
Further construction was completed at the East Weymouth and the Pond Plain playgrounds. The initial stages of development were completed at the Mosquito Plain Playground, and many repairs and improvements were made at the other playgrounds.
Plans have been made to develop other newly acquired play areas as well as those now under construction. The Department also plans to in- crease the playground program and the facilities at Wessagusset Beach.
Respectfully submitted, EVERETT J. McINTOSH, Chairman JOSEPH D. SLATTERY, Clerk OTTO C. MASON
140
REPORT OF ELECTRIC LIGHTING COMMITTEE
December 31, 1951.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
This Committee renewed its regular contract with the Weymouth Light and Power Company to light the streets of the Town at the same rates that have been in force since 1941.
We are now maintaining 1,163 lights, of which 1,954 lights are of 100 candle-power at $18.00 per year, and 62 are mercury lights at $95.00 per year.
Our monthly bill is just under $4,100.00.
We installed about 100 new lights the first half of the year, at which time Federal restrictions on copper wire went into force. Since July, the Company has been able to get barely enough wire to service the many new homes.
The result is there is a large number of unlighted streets with little hope of conditions being any better in 1952.
We have an unexpended balance of about $1,300.00, and our budget for 1952 is $50,838.00.
Respectfully submitted,
OLINDO GAROFALO, Chairman J. HERBERT LIBBEY, Clerk ALFRED S. TIRRELL ROGER S. LOUD ARTHUR F. SARGENT
REPORT OF THE PLUMBING INSPECTOR
January 2, 1952.
Mr. Andrew A. Chisholm, Building Inspector, Town of Weymouth, Massachusetts.
Dear Sir:
I herewith submit my annual report for the year ending December 31, 1951.
During the year, 833 plumbing permits were issued.
Receipts for permits were $3,842.00.
During the year, 415 permits were issued for cesspools and septic tanks.
Receipts for permits were $415.00.
There was a total of 3,410 fixtures installed in new and old buildings.
New Buildings 456
Old Buildings 377
Estimated Value $336,800.00
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS J. MacDONALD, Plumbing Inspector.
141
REPORT OF THE HARBOR MASTER
December 31, 1951.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Town of Weymouth, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I respectfully submit my report of the activities of the Harbor Master's Department for the year 1951.
Weymouth's Waterfront was patrolled from the 15th of April until the 15th of November, with an approximate mileage of 1,800.
1951 service and assistance calls were rendered during the year, as follows:
Lost rowboats recovered
25
Persons assisted
30
15-ft. to 45 ft. small sail and power boats assisted 20
Capsizings attended to
4
Investigations
15
Small races convoyed
16
Inter-club races convoyed
2
Police calls answered
10
Lost sail boats recovered
3
Lost power craft recovered
3
Dragging for drowned persons
2
A separate generator and battery has been installed on the boat to make the two-way radio more efficient and dependable.
May I again extend my heartfelt thanks for the co-operation of all Town officers and others who still willingly give their time and efforts to help me.
Respectfully submitted,
CECIL L. EVANS, Harbor Master.
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
Following is the report of the Inspector of Animals for the year ending December 31, 1951.
Places Inspected
53
Cows Inspected
176
Young Stock Inspected
39
Bulls Inspected
2
Goats Inspected
28
Sheep Inspected
14
Horses and Ponies Inspected
70
Swine Inspected
3
Dogs Quarantined
176
Monkeys Quarantined
1
Cases Investigated
16
Respectfully submitted,
January 4, 1952.
JOHN H. REIDY, Inspector of Animals.
142
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF VETERANS' SERVICES
December 31, 1951.
The Honorable Board of Selectmen, East Weymouth, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
We submit herewith to you and through your Board to the townspeople the annual report of the department for the year 1951.
In a review of our activities and expenses for the year just past, it is surprising to note that our records show a lesser amount expended, but a larger number of cases processed. This was brought about by, first; a change in Government procedure in handling Family Allowance, and, second, because of a change in ruling as to settlement as established by residence at time of recall to active duty in the armed forces. Both issues resulted in a marked reduction in both number of cases and amount spent as compared to the last five months of the year priod. However, it must be kept in mind that all new residents of the Town who were recalled to active duty after August 8, 1951, pick up a Weymouth settlement when discharged from their present period of service.
At present there are no complete figures available for expenditures and credits for the year, but as usual a detailed report will be provided by the Town Accountant in his summary. In this connection, we have recently received a report of our State credit for 1950, which totals $32,049.61, or slightly in excess of 50% of the total expended.
Again we wish to take advantage of this opportunity to thank all organizations, veteran and other, who so generously aided us in the per- formance of our duties during the year. And, too, we wish to thank your Board and all Town departments for their kind co-operation.
Respectfully submitted,
RAYMOND E. STEIN, Director.
REPORT OF WIRING INSPECTOR
January 3, 1952.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Town of Weymouth,
Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my annual report for the year ending December 31, 1951.
During the year, 1,493 permits were issued.
Receipts for permits were $3,016.50.
I wish to extend to your Board and to other Town officials my many thanks for all the courtesies and assistance given me during the year.
Respectfully submitted, JOSEPH W. ROSS, Wiring Inspector.
143
REPORT OF THE TOWN ENGINEER
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of Weymouth:
Gentlemen:
My forty-fifth Annual Report as Town Engineer of Weymouth is sub- mitted herewith.
Although considerable survey work has been done and plans made in accordance with instructions from your Board, the preparation of Assess- ors' maps and accompanying data still remains the major item.
This last-mentioned item includes 65 sheets or maps each covering approximately 200 acres, or a total of nearly 13,000 acres.
On these maps, corrected to January first of each year, are shown the taxable real estate, including the buildings thereon, and the owners of record.
Typewritten cards covering each transfer are prepared each year for the use of the Assessors, and are filed at their office for future reference.
It may be of interest to note that covering the years 1915 to 1950, both inclusive, a complete set of maps showing the owners of record and the existing buildings for each successive year are on file at the Assessors office.
Previous to 1915, partial sets are on file.
The maps for 1951 are in process of preparation and will show between 1,700 and 2,000 changes in ownership and many additional buildings.
The block system has been established and adopted in Weymouth whereby each parcel of land is shown on the tax bill rendered; by the map number, block number, and lot number, and can be easily found and iden- tified on the maps.
Information for the above from the Norfolk Registry of Deeds, the Norfolk Registry of Probate and the Land Court is sometimes augmented by the loan of plans (not on record) from private parties, and such assist- ance is always appreciated.
The individual Assessors' maps can be bought from the Town for pri- vate use, and in several instances complete sets are purchased each year by various departments of the Town.
During the past year, 1,000 small revised street maps were printed and the sixth Atlas of the Town was published.
In addition to the constant use of each latest Atlas by the Town de- partments, many copies have been sold to banks, real estate men, lawyers, etc., thus reducing the cost to the Town.
It was the intention to publish a revised zoning map of the Town during 1951, and the map was revised in accordance with the action of the Com- mittee chosen for the purpose.
The necessary approval of the Attorney General has just been received and I assume the map will be published shortly.
The necessity of recording all legal papers relative to a change in ownership of land is again stressed, and the fact that the present saving of a recording fee may result in future cost of many times the amount
144
saved in order to establish the correct ownership, by Land Court registra- tion or otherwiise is again noted.
Briefly listed is other work done by the Engineering Department during the past year: Street lines for shutters; plans and staking of drainage easements and drains; profiles, and staking and grades for street construc- tion; lines for sidewalk and curb construction; plans for street widenings; topographical surveys and plans; staking lines of school property; descrip- tions of land taken for school purposes; plan of proposed relocation of a part of Pleasant Street; plan of right-of-way to playground off Century Road; taking elevations and giving grades for parking area off Jackson Square; investigation of street lines on plans sought to be registered in the Land Court; prints taken for Town departments; descriptions of lands sold by the Town; and other incidental work.
For aid and assistance shown me and my assistants in our work throughout the Town the past year, I extend my thanks to your Board; to all other departments of the Town and their employees, and also to many private citizens.
Respectfully submitted, RUSSELL H. WHITING, Town Engineer.
REPORT OF ALEWIFE FISHERIES
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my report of Alewife Fisheries for the year ending December 31, 1951.
As this was the first year that the fish ladders were in operation, all work was done under the supervision of Mr. John Burns, Construction and Maintenance Engineer of the Division of Marine Fisheries, Department of Conservation.
The Division of Marine Fisheries reports that they are quite satisfied with the operation of the fish ladders, and state that approximately fifty barrels of alewives reached Whitman Pond.
The Weymouth Sportsmen's Club, Inc., provided 480 man hours to the cleaning out of rubbish and debris from the Herring Brook, between the waterfalls at the electric light company pole yard to the railroad bridge. This work was completed prior to the herring run which started April 2, 1951, and ended about May 16, 1951.
During the run of the herring, the brook was patrolled by a district coastal warden, and members of the club who were appointed as deputy coastal wardens. Because of this surveillance, violations were kept at a minimum.
On April 26, 1951, six cubic inches of smelt spawn, approximately 1,250,000 eggs, were transplanted in the brook from Watertown.
At this time I should like to thank the Board of Selectmen and Mr. John O'Leary, Superintendent of Streets, whose co-operation and cour- tesies extended were greatly appreciated.
Respectfully submitted, FRANK A. THIBODEAU, Chairman, Alewife Committee.
145
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
January 2, 1952.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Weymouth:
During the year 1951, your Planning Board has held not only the regu- lar monthly meetings, but 21 special meetings acting on ten new projects and a revision of the Zoning By-Laws, as well as many special inspection details within the various developments.
At the present time, some thirty-odd sub-divisions are in various stages of completion, and it is expected there will be a decrease in new projects during 1952.
All developments within the Town, approved after September 18, 1950, will be completed according to the new rules and regulations set up by the Board on that date and are under bond so to do. As the bonds on these developments are set up on a twenty-four month basis, the practical results of the new regulations can not be analyzed until the expiration of that time. All other developments will be completed under the Regula- tions of 1941, some of which are under bond.
Although a great deal of time was consumed during the year in respect to new developments and the problems created thereby, time was found to consider many problems that are confronting the Town at the present time. Chief among these are the incinerator problem, the parking problem, Chief among these are the incinerator problem, the parking problem, sidewalks, resurfacing and relocation of Town ways, drainage, development of beaches and parks and parking problems in all sections of the Town, as well as the development of Great Hill Park. Many of these will be presented to the Town meeting in March, 1952. Others will remain under study. In the near future, an additional meeting will be had with the Braintree Planning Board to further consider the possibility of a traffic cut-off in Weymouth Landing to relieve traffic congestion at this point.
Pursuant to the provisions of the General Laws under which the Planning Board operates, a Master Plan has been started and 50% of the basic layout work completed. When this mandatory provision is completed, it will be presented to the Town Meeting for adoption and recorded in the Registry of Deeds.
In conclusion, we wish to take this opportunity to thank the various Town departments, officials and employees who have co-operated to the fullest in rendering their assistance.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN F. NEWTON, Chairman WILLIAM B. HARTY, Clerk WALTER B. HEFFERNAN GEORGE P. MAPES SANDY ROULSTON ROY H. ROSEWELL HENRY R. SARGENT
146
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
January 9, 1952.
Honorable Board of Selectmen
Weymouth, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit the Annual Report of the services rendered by the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1952.
Causes of Arrest
Crimes against the Person
39
Crimes against Property
85
Crimes against Public Order
582
706
Miscellaneous Report
Complaints investigated
1428
Doors and buildings found open and secured
895
Buildings inspected
184
Summonses and warrants served for out-of-town departments
443
Street lights out
91
Wagon calls
122
Ambulance calls
130
Messages delivered
152
Animals killed
26
Fires reported
6
Defective streets
10
Missing persons located
11
Search for gaming implements
3
Property recovered
$19,337.25
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD F. BUTLER, Chief of Police.
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PERSONNEL BOARD
January 7, 1952.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Weymouth, Massachusetts.
Herewith is submitted the first annual report of the Personnel Board.
With the acceptance of a Pay Schedule at the 1951 Annual Town Meet- ing, the Classification and Pay Plan became effective; however, because of a vote to pay a uniform temporary cost of living increase to all full-time employees, the wage scale was distorted somewhat, and with the ever- changing economic conditions we approve another temporary increase for 1952 with the hope that in another year a revised Pay Plan may be sub- mitted to the Town for acceptance.
It is understandable that, like most new Plans or policies, there were
147
some misrepresentations and even resentment by some department heads, but it appears now to have ceased.
During the nine months of existence, 51 applications from department heads and employees have been considered by the Board -11 of these were grievances which have been amicably disposed of - excepting one on which a Civil Service report is awaited. Seven cases were denied and all others were approved in whole or in part.
It is the Board's opinion that when well established the Classification and Pay Plan will prove of value to employees and the Town alike.
The Board wishes to thank all who have rendered assistance, and par- ticularly the Personnel Officer-William A. Taylor-for his excellent co- operation work.
SANDY ROULSTON EDWARD F. BUTLER OAKLEY A. KUNZ Personnel Board.
REPORT OF THE STREET DEPARTMENT
January 4, 1952. Weymouth, Mass.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit the annual report of the Street Department for year ending December 31, 1951.
The following streets were accepted at the 1951 annual and/or special Town meetings:
Fisher Road Nanset Road
Oliver Road
Shawmut Avenue
Prescott Street
Lakeview Road
Caldwell Street Seaver Road
Bald Eagle Road
Village Road
Greenvale Avenue Bonnie Road
Great Republic Avenue Rainbow Lane
Colonial Road
Colonial Road: It was voted by the 1950 Annual Town Meeting to accept this street, but the necessary releases could not be secured by the Town; so a new plan was submitted and accepted at a Special Town Meet- ing during 1951. The releases were obtained, but too late to work the street this year.
A contract for construction of approximately 8,000 feet of permanent sidewalks and curbing in the different sections of the Town was awarded to G. Lilla, East Weymouth.
No work was done under Chapter 90 on Union Street and/or Pond Street; the appropriation is being held over for additional funds in 1952.
Drainage was our biggest problem this year, and will continue to be a problem next year.
The following drainage conditions were corrected:
Kensington Road.
Vicinity of Lone Pine Path, Judson Road, and Harland Road.
148
East Street, from North Street to Weymouth Engineering Co. (1150 ft. 10 in. pipe installed.)
Essex Street was widened; about 2,000 feet of ledge was removed and a retaining wall built.
Summer Street was widened at the entrance of Belmont Street.
The following equipment was purchased: Elgin Sweeper; Hough Front End Payloader, Jaeger Mixer and Condenser; Thor Paving Breaker, Rock Drill and Clay Digger.
Personnel: Albert E. Ahlstedt retired due to ill-health.
My thanks are extended to all the Town department heads for their very fine co-operation throughout the year, and especially to Tree Warden Leslie Hebert, who was especially helpful to this department.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN J. O'LEARY, Superintendent of Streets.
TREE AND MOTH DEPARTMENT
December 31, 1951.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Weymouth, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The Tree and Moth Department of today is a far cry from the Tree and Moth Department of sixteen years ago when I first took office. The changes that have taken place are too numerous to mention here. From the hand tools of that day, we are now completely mechanized. Chain saws have replaced the hand cross-cut saw. Trucks equipped with winches and a tripod derrick save many man hours in handling and moving heavy logs and stumps.
The mist blower has replaced the hydraulic sprayer, which required an operator and six to eight men to drag the heavy hose lines along the street at a snail's pace.
A generator provides us with power to operate electric saws and other equipment, as well as a flood light for emergency work at night.
An air compressor, operating drills for cabling and bracing trees, chisels for cavity work, a soil auger for soil testing, and tree feeding, and a stump-cutting auger for removing stumps below grade, makes an all-around piece of equipment for many phases of tree care.
Airplanes and helicopters supplement our work of spraying and truly brings us up to date.
Sixteen years ago, it was necessary for me to travel on foot or hitch rides about Town to carry out my duties as Tree Warden.
There can be no doubt as to whether or not the taxpayers' tree and moth dollar is giving him a better return today.
149
Akin to the growth of these departments with the Town is the new pattern of its functions and duties. Keeping abreast of the times with our methods of tree care has always been my goal.
Whereas, in my early days on the job, I was visiting around seeking advice from other tree wardens, now other towns are calling on us for advice, or sending representatives here to consult with us.
Proof of our standing in the realm of tree care was demonstrated this past summer when thirty-five world scientists made a visit to Weymouth to observe our Dutch Elm Disesae control program. These scientists, members and guests of the American Phytopathological Society, were much impressed with the manner in which our Dutch Elm Disease problem was being handled. Copies of their written statements were sent to your Board for your files.
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