USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1951 > Part 7
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24
It seems to the committee that these facts, when understood by the public in general, will convince our citizens that this problem is not one for the Tree Warden alone, but one which requires the cooperation of all our people. The committee suggests, therefore, that any resident who owns or sees elm trees with wilting and yellowing leaves or one that loses its leaves early or that in any other way appears in ill health should report it to the tree warden. Calls of this kind will not be troublesome to him, but, on the contrary, will assist him. In his office is a large map of the town where every diseased tree and every tree under suspicion is pin pointed, so that he can determine immediately if any trees reported are already on his list. Much has been accomplished along this line by en- listing the aid of the school children, obtained through the cooperation of Supt. Elmer S. Mapes and Miss Sarah E. Brassil. The Tree Warden has talked to the children and shown them slides. Perhaps parents can learn more than they suspect by talking to their boys and girls about this matter.
A rough survey in 1949 showed 54 diseased trees scattered over the town. In 1950 there were 373 such trees. If the increase should continue at this ratio through 1951, it would mean the required destruction of 2,000 elm trees, but this committee is confident that with the remedial measures now under way and planned for the summer, and with the hearty cooperation of the residents of the town, this calamity will be escaped, although it is certain that many hundreds of trees will have to be removed. Removal of diseased trees is not the whole answer to the problem. Fortunately much can be done by skilled pruning and by spray- ing with DDT at the proper time, as well as by feeding under some circumstances. Sound and healthy trees are less likely to be infected than those which have been weakened by various causes, particularly lack of attention. All of these facts are thoroughly familiar to the Tree Warden,
68
who, the committee finds, has attended all nearby conventions and schools where Dutch Elm Disease problems have been discussed, in order to become acquainted with any new methods or forms of treatment which might be presented. A program for scouting the town street by street has been arranged and the committee feels that as much progress is being made as is possible with the somewhat limited resources which the Town has so far been able to provide. The committee also feels that the residents of Weymouth will never regret the expenditures of whatever sum, in reason, is needed to prevent the loss of the great elm trees which are the glory of the Town.
Evaline B. Causer (Mrs. H. W.) Pres. Garden Club of Weymouth Roderick S. Forrester (Arborist) Edward I. Farrington
Robert E. Mitchell Ruth E. Carpenter, Wey. Garden Club V. Leslie Hebert Malcolm T. Shaw
Signed
Comes the question on Mr. Hebert's substitute motion
The Chair in doubt a recall vote is ordered. The noes have it and the motion is
LOST
Comes the question on the motion of the Appropriation Committee $5,000.00
SO VOTED
The Chair thanked the Committee on Dutch Elm Disease for its ex- cellent report and stated a MOTION is before the house to accept this report.
SO VOTED
Mr. Lane MOVED That the Town extend to this committee a vote of commendation for its excellent work; and that the Committee be con- tinued for further study of the Dutch Elm Disease. SO VOTED
MOVED
ARTICLE 28. That the sum of $2,500.00 be raised and appropriated for aerial spraying and the Board of Selectmen are instructed to enter into contract to have this work performed. $2,500.00 SO VOTED UNANIMOUSLY
MOVED ARTICLE 29. No action SO VOTED UNANIMOUSLY
MOVED
ARTICLE 30. That the Town accept the several reports of the Select- men, laying out as Town ways the following designated private ways and parts of them, to wit:
Fisher Road Shawmut Avenue from Shawmut Street Caldwell Street from Fort Point Road to 26 Caldwell Village Road from Pleasant Street to Morningside Path Nanset Road from Wessagussett Road Prescott Street
69
Seaver Road from Washington to 44 Seaver Greenvale Avenue
and the Board of Selectmen are hereby authorized to acquire by gift or purchase, or take by right of eminent domain in fee or otherwise for all purposes of a public street and highway in and over each of said streets as laid out and accepted and that the sum of $5,248 be raised and appropriated for materials for the working of the above named streets, including the acquisition of the fee above referred to and for the building of any bridges, drains or conduits or securing easements which may be necessary in con- nection therewith and that the Board of Selectmen are authorized to accept deeds of any reservation strips existing in connection with any of said streets, and provided further, that no work shall be done on any of these streets until 90% of the abutters, 100%, if, in the opinion of the Town Counsel that becomes necessary, have signed, executed and delivered to the Town Counsel proper releases. Provided further, that the final naming of those streets accepted must meet with the approval of the Planning Board and the work on those streets shall be performed under the direction of the Superintendent of Streets. $5248.00
Mr. Fern stated there are two other streets that should be included in this Article as plans and profiles are in order and they have been accepted by the Board of Selectmen and the Superintendent of Streets, and MOVED that the two streets - Oliver Road from Seaver to Lakeview and Lakeview Road from Oliver Road - be added to Article 30. Discussion involving Messrs. Lane, Nash, Fern, Crehan and Almquist ensued.
Comes the question on Mr. Fern's amendment to Article 30. SO VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Comes the question on the Appropriation Committee's motion as thus amended.
Mr. Cicchese upon learning that it would cost $1400 additional for the work under Mr. Fern's amendment MOVED an amendment under the Appropriation Committee's motion under Article 30 that the sum of $1400 be added thereto. $1,400.00 SO VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Comes the question on the Appropriation Committee's motion under Article 30, as thus amended by Messrs. Fern and Cicchese. UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED.
MOVED:
ARTICLE 31. That the sum of $32,000.00 be appropriated to the Highway Department from available funds (Excess and Deficiency) to reconstruct, resurface, widen, straighten, reclocate and work $32,000.00
Union Street and/or Pond Street
or any portion of said ways and for the building of any bridges, drains or conduits or securing any easements which may be necessary and that the Board of Selectmen is authorized to accept any deeds of any reservation strips in connection with said streets; and provided further, that all dam- ages resulting or occasioned by the construction shall be a charge against the sum appropriated; the Board of Selectmen are hereby authorized to acquire by gift, or purchase or take by right of eminent domain in fee or otherwise for all purposes of public streets or highways in and over said street; that the above sum named shall be made available only if the State or County, or both, under General Laws (Ter. Ed.), Chapter 90,
70
will pay a sum of money proportionate to the cost of construction under the provisions of said Chapter; all payments from State and County to revert to the Excess and Deficiency Account; provided further, that such work shall be done by private contract under the direction of the Board of Selectmen and/or the State Department of Public Works. UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED.
MOVED :
ARTICLE 32. That the matter be referred to the next Annual Town Meeting.
Mr. Thayer MOVED an amendment to strike out "annual".
Comes the question of Mr. Thayer's amendment to the Appropriation Committee's motion that the phrase read: "next Town Meeting".
Mr. Lane explained the Chapter 90 project as it affects this Article, and Mr. Thayer stated in view of Mr. Lane's assurance of temporary work under the subject Article he would withdraw his amendment, and asked unanimous consent so to do.
SO VOTED.
Comes the question on the Appropriation Committee's motion. SO VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED :
ARTICLE 33. That the matter be referred to the next Annual Town Meeting.
Mr. Thayer stated the same remarks apply here as to Article 32, and MOVED the amendment that the word "annual" be deleted.
Comes the question on Mr. Thayer's amendment to Article 33. The noes have it and it is
LOST.
Mr. Thayer MOVED that the words "Thayer's Crossing so-called" be stricken out and "a point a few yards to east of Pierce Road" inserted.
Comes the question on Mr. Thayer's amendment. The noes have it and it is
LOST
Comes the question on the Appropriation Committee's motion that the matter be referred to the next Annual Town Meeting. SO VOTED.
MOVED :
ARTICLE 34. That the matter be referred to the next Annual Town Meeting.
Mr. Abbott MOVED that the Street Department be instructed to accomplish the work covered under the subject Article from available funds in the Highway Department budget.
Comes the question on Mr. Abbott's substitute motion. SO VOTED.
MOVED:
ARTICLE 35. No Action.
Mr. Lane MOVED the substitute motion : That the sum of $1,000 be raised and appropriated for the work outlined under the subject Article.
71
Comes the question on the substitute motion of the Appropriation Com- mittee. $1,000.00 SO VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED:
ARTICLE 36. That the matter be referred to the next Annual Town Meeting.
SO VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED:
ARTICLE 37. That the Board of Selectmen be instructed to take proper action to provide that Pleasant Street from Broad Street to Water Street be made a one-way street for motor traffic in a Southerly direction.
Mr. Fern stressed the hazardous "S" curve at the Police Station in East Weymouth and cited the anticipated cost of $17,000 for building up the street, land taking, etc. He MOVED the substitute motion:
That the Moderator appoint a Committee of five (5) to study the question raised by Article 37 and report with recommendations at the next Annual Town Meeting.
Mr. Hunt MOVED an amendment to Mr. Fern's substitute motion to include the Superintendent of Streets, the Police Chief and three other members.
Mr. Lane stated the Appropriation Committee asks unanimous con- sent to withdraw its motion, and will accept the new substitute motion.
Comes the question on Mr. Fern's substitute motion under Article 37, as amended by Mr. Hunt, to wit: That a Committee of five (5), to com- prise the Superintendent of Streets and the Chief of Police and three other members, be appointed by the Moderator to study the question raised by Article 37 and report, with recommendations, to the next Annual Town Meeting.
SO VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED :
ARTICLE 38. No action.
After Mr. Call had been assured by Mr. Lane that there is sufficient money in the Highway Department budget to take care of the work under Article 38, he MOVED the following substitute motion:
That the Highway Department be instructed to accomplish the work under Article 38 with funds already appropriated.
Comes the question on Mr. Call's substitute motion.
SO VOTED.
MOVED:
ARTICLE 39. No action.
SO VOTED.
MOVED:
ARTICLE 40. That the sum of $10,000.00 be raised and appropriated for construction of sidewalks and curbings on streets selected by the Board of Selectmen; provided further, that the above sum shall be used with an existing balance for such construction, and the Board of Selectmen are instructed to enter into contract to have this work performed.
72
Mr. Lovell MOVED the following amendment: That the money be divided approximately evenly so each section of Town would get its share.
Mr. Newton MOVED the substitute motion: That the sum of $10,000.00 be raised and appropriated for construction of sidewalks and curbings on streets selected by the Planning Board; provided further, that the above sum shall be used with an existing balance for such construction, and the Board of Selectmen are instructed to enter into contract to have this work performed.
Upon inquiry from Messrs. Lovell and Knox, Mr. Newton advised the Planning Board's long range program provided for an equal allocation of running sidewalks and curbings for each precinct.
Mr. Crehan MOVED that the sum under the subject Article be in- creased to $20,000.
Discussion followed.
Comes the question on Mr. Crehan's amendment.
More discussion followed with Messrs. Fern and Dasha.
Comes the question on Mr. Crehan's amendment to Article 40: That a sum of $20,000 be provided. The noes have it and it is
LOST.
Comes the question of Mr. Lovell's amendment.
SO VOTED.
Comes the question of Mr. Newton's substitute motion. The noes have is and it is
LOST
Comes the question on the Appropriation Committee's motion as amended by Mr. Lovell, to wit: That the sum of $10,000 be raised and appropriated for construction of sidewalks and curbings on streets selected by the Board of Selectmen; provided further, that the above sum shall be used with an existing balance for such construction, and the Board of Selectmen are instructed to enter into contract to have this work per- formed; and provided further, that the money be approximately evenly divided between the several sections.
$10,000.00 SO VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED:
ARTICLE 41. That the matter be referred to the Board of Selectmen. SO VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED:
ARTICLE 42. That the matter be referred to the Board of Selectmen. SO VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED:
ARTICLE 43. That the matter be referred to the Board of Selectmen. SO VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED:
ARTICLE 44. That the matter be referred to the Board of Selectmen. SO VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
73
MOVED:
ARTICLE 45. That the matter be referred to the Board of Selectmen.
Mr. Canniff mentioned the deplorable condition of Lake Street in front of the Housing Project, and estimated $1800.00 would take care of grading and sidewalk. He MOVED the substitute motion that the sum of $1800.00 be raised and appropriated for sidewalk in front of the Housing Project on Lake Street.
Discussion ensued with Messrs. Lane, Fern and Canniff.
Comes the question on Mr. Canniff's substitute motion.
Mr. Fern objected to reducing the sidewalk money allocated to East Weymouth and asked Mr. Canniff if - as had previously been estimated by Mr. Lane -$1,000 instead of the $1,800 would be acceptable. Mr. Canniff agreed and asked unanimous consent to reduce the sum in his substitute motion from $1,800 to $1,000.
Comes the question on Mr. Canniff's substitute motion, as thus amended: That the sum of $1,000 be raised and appropriated for a side- walk in front of the Housing Project on Lake Street.
The noes have it and the motion is
LOST.
Comes the question on the motion of the Appropriation Committee. SO VOTED.
MOVED:
ARTICLE 46. That the sum of $4,000.00 be raised and appropriated for the purpose of covering and/or laying of pipe in the so-called Smelt Brook in Washington Square, provided the Town of Braintree, the State and County contribute similar sums for such work to be completed in such manner as may be determined proper by the Selectmen of Weymouth and Braintree; the sum appropriated shall be used together with $5,000.00 voted under Article 23 of the Annual Town Meeting, March 6 and 8, 1950.
$4,000.00
SO VOTED.
MOVED:
ARTICLE 47. That the matter be referred to the Highway Depart- ment.
UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED.
MOVED:
ARTICLE 48. That the sum of $1,500.00 be raised and appropriated to the Highway Department for materials for the purpose of correcting a drainage condition in the vicinity of Lone Pine Path, Judson Road and Harland Road; such work to be done by the Highway Department under the direction of the Superintendent of Highways. $1,500.00 SO VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED:
ARTICLE 49. That the sum of $1,000.00 be raised and appropriated to the Highway Department for materials for the purpose of correcting a drainage condition on East Street; such work to be done by the Highway Department under the direction of the Superintendent of Highways.
$1,000.00
SO VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
74
MOVED :
ARTICLE 50. No action.
SO VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED :
ARTICLE 51. That the matter be referred to the next Annual Town Meeting and the Board of Selectmen be instructed to complete a study of costs and traffic conditions which will be occasioned by the proposed parking area on the Bicknell School grounds.
This was a controversial article. Mr. Cadman for the sponsors reported on the meeting held with Chief Butler and members of the School Com- mittee in an effort to arrange for a parking space in the Bicknell School grounds. Chief Butler's principal concern was with the entrance to the proposed parking lot. Mr. Fern mentioned the summer parking ban on Bridge Street imposed by the State and the handicap worked on both merchants and shoppers alike, and MOVED the substitute motion:
That, in view of the fact of the entrance question, the subject Article be referred to the next special Town Meeting for action.
Mr. Gunn offered the amendment: That along with the motion to refer Article 51 to a Special Town Meeting there be a discussion of the parking and traffic problems throughout Weymouth.
The Chairman ruled this amendment out of order as not being ger- mane to the subject Article.
Comes the question on the substitute motion of Mr. Fern.
Mr. Cain asked if this study could be made to include other areas, to which the Chair replied that the Article does not include the phrase, "or take any other action in relation thereto," and that, therefore, the Chair cannot entertain such a motion, as it is not within the purview of this Article.
Comes the question on the substitute motion of Mr. Fern.
Discussion followed with Messrs. Cain, Dasha, Newton and Mahoney. The latter advised it was the vote of the School Committee to exclude any entrance from the school driveway, and that a sub-committee comprising Dr. Drake, Mr. Mapes and Mr. Leo Madden had met with the sponsors' group and consented to release some of the Bicknell School grounds for parking.
Comes the question on Mr. Fern's substitute motion: That the subject Article be referred to the next Special Town Meeting for action. SO VOTED.
MOVED:
ARTICLE 52. That the sum of $6,000.00 be raised and appropriated and with the sum of $1,500.00 voted under Article 56 at the Annual Town Meeting, 1949, shall be used to secure plans and specifications for a public works garage and offices; such work to be directed by the Committee of seven appointed under Article 56 referred to above; provided further, that the Board of Selectmen shall call a Special Town Meeting at the request of this Committee for the purpose of providing funds for construction of this new building. $6,000.00
Mr. Lane offered the following amendment: That the Superintendent of the Water Department and the Superintendent of Sewers be added.
75
Comes the question on the motion of the Appropriation Committee as thus amended.
SO VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED:
ARTICLE 53. That the Town vote to name Lakewood Road exten- sion Scott Road.
SO VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED:
ARTICLE 54. That the Town vote to name roadway now known as Hyde Street and Trefton Avenue as Hyde Street.
SO VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED:
ARTICLE 55. That the Town vote to ratify the action of the Board of Selectmen in accepting on its behalf an easement for drainage purposes from the Weymouth Development Company off Neck Street in accordance with a plan of Town Engineer, Russell H. Whiting, C. E., dated October 21, 1949.
Discussion ensued with Messrs. Shaw, Nash and Dasha.
Comes the question on the motion of the Appropriation Committee. SO VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED:
ARTICLE 56. That the Town vote to accept by gift or purchase, or take by right of eminent domain in fee or otherwise for drainage purposes, certain land of the Weymouth Development Company at or near the junc- tions of Shaw, Curtis and Neck Streets, and that the sum of $1.00 be raised and appropriated for such a gift, purchase or taking.
(Mr. Lane indicated a discrepancy in the dates under Article 55 and asked permission to check.)
Comes the question on the Appropriation Committee's motion under Article 56. $1.00 UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED.
MOVED:
ARTICLE 57. That the Town vote to change the name of that section of Garfield Avenue which joins Thayer Avenue and continues in a South- westerly direction to Thayer Avenue.
SO VOTED.
MOVED:
ARTICLE 58. No Action. (Town Counsel ruled action illegal.)
Mr. Turnesa for Weymouth Veterans' organizations presented the request of these organizations for funds or headquarters, citing action in other towns and reading excerpts from the General Laws on Veterans' Benefits.
Mr. Fern stated the Weymouth veteran groups are seeking guidance, and asked Judge Nash for a ruling. Judge Nash cited several cases and quoted passages from the General Laws and summed up by ruling that the allocation of public funds for the purposes requested would be the appropriation of public money for private purposes and not a legal ex- penditure.
76
Comes the question on the Appropriation Committee's motion. SO VOTED.
MOVED:
ARTICLE 59. That the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $350.00 for the observance of Armistice Day under direction of the Wey- mouth Veterans' Counsel. $350.00
SO VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
(Mr. Lane stated he now had the correct dates under Article 55. The Chair stated if no objection the date October 21 under the subject Article shall read October 31, 1949. The ayes have it and it is SO VOTED.)
MOVED:
ARTICLE 60. That the matter be referred to the Board of Selectmen for further report and plans of proposed alterations to the World War II Honor Roll.
SO VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED:
ARTICLE 61. That the sum of $75,000.00 be appropriated for the de- velopment and preparation of the site of the South Junior High School, together with the sum of $1,238,000.00 provided under Article 1 of the Special Town Meeting, April 3, 1950;
Of the sum appropriated, $19,651.81 shall be raised and appropriated and $5,348.19 shall be transferred from the Abigail Adams and Pratt School Construction Account, and the Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, is hereby authorized to borrow a sum not to exceed $50,000.00 in accordance with General Laws (Ter. Ed.), Chapter 44, so that the entire sum shall be payable in not more than twenty (20) years from date of first bond;
The sums appropriated shall be expended under the direction of the South Junior High School Building Committee appointed under Article 1 of the Special Town Meeting held on June 28, 1948.
Mr. Mahoney offered an amendment to the first paragraph: That the sum of $75,000.00 be raised and appropriated for the completion of the South Junior High School, together with the sum of $1,238,000.00 provided under Article 1 of the Special Town Meeting, April 3, 1950.
Mr. Gunn commented about the performance bond for the South Junior High School and where it was placed, and asked a question of the Secretary of the Appropriation Committee relative to the placing of the bond and the name of the agent who placed same. After a long discussion, the Moderator ruled that any further comment about the performance bond for the South Junior High School was entirely out of order both from the standpoint of relevence to the subject matter under discussion and also because personalities were called into play.
Comes the question on Mr. Mahoney's amendment.
SO VOTED.
Comes the question on motion of Appropriation Committee as amended. $75,000.00
SO VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
77
MOVED :
ARTICLE 62. That the Town vote to name the new Junior High School the South Junior High School, and that the auditorium of this school be named the "Mary E. Holbrook Auditorium" in honor of the late Mary E. Holbrook, former member of the Weymouth School Committee.
Mr. Mahoney submitted the following substitute motion:
That the Town vote to name the new Junior High School the South Junior High School and that the auditorium of this school be named the "Prince H. Tirrell Auditorium".
Comes the question on Mr. Mahoney's substitute motion. SO VOTED.
MOVED:
ARTICLE 63. That the Town vote to name the new elementary school on Pearl Street the Edison School in gratitude for greater contributions made to the Town of Weymouth by the industrial firm which bears the name.
Mr. Mahoney MOVED the following substitute motion:
That the Town vote to name the new elementary school on Pearl Street the John J. Pershing School.
Mr. Clark offered the following substitute motion:
That the Town vote to name the new elementary school on Pearl Street the Elden H. Johnson School and that the sum of $300.00 be raised and appropriated for dedicatory exercises.
Private Elden Johnson is a World War II Congressional Medal of Honor man. A citation, signed by President Truman, was read to the meeting.
Comes the question on Mr. Mahoney's substitute motion. The noes have it and it is LOST.
Comes the question on Mr. Clark's substitute motion. $300.00 SO VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.