USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Duxbury Massachusetts for the year ending 1960 > Part 14
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Old Age Assistance came into being in 1931 for needy persons 70 years of age or over. In 1936 the age was reduced to the present 65 years. Many changes have taken place in this type of assistance in the 30 years of its existence. The last major change coming in 1952, at which time a lien was taken on property owned, as a requirement for Old Age Assistance.
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To-date, there has been a total of $57,966.29 re- covered, from liens, during the past ten years.
Aid to Dependent Children came into existence in 1913, and was known as Mother's Aid for widows with dependent children. The scope of this assist- ance has been greatly broadened in the past 48 years, and now may be granted to unemployed parents of minor children under certain circumstances.
General Relief or Public Assistance has come down through the years from the English Poor Laws, and is granted to persons in need who do not qualify for one of the other 4 categories of assistance.
The funds from which public assistance programs are financed come from the Federal Government and Town appropriations. The State reimburses the Town a portion of cost of the public assistance programs, but this money goes into the Excess and Deficiency Account from which future appropriations are made.
The total expenditures, as you will note from the Accountant's report total $106,398, to which the govern- ment contributed $57,247; the state and other towns con- tributed $36,349, leaving $12,802 as the town's share of the expense. The recoveries for the year amounted to $17,286.
It is interesting to note the various changes in hospi- tal rates which have increased over the years from $10.00 a week to anywhere from $6.75 to $33.28 per day, depend- ing on the hospital.
Respectfully submitted,
HOWARD M. CLARK, Chairman PAUL N. SWANSON EDWARD G. BOTTENUS ADRIAN N. CORDEAU PAUL C. BARBER
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REPORT OF THE PERSONNEL BOARD
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
and the Citizens of Duxbury :
The Personnel Board respectfully submits its report for the year ending December 31, 1961.
Eight formal meetings were held during the year. Many informal meetings were necessary in connection with a complete review of the written description of jobs or positions under the jurisdiction of the Board and also for a periodic review of the Wage and Salary Schedules. These reviews resulted in the adoption by the 1961 Town Meeting of an amended "Classification and Wage and Sal- ary Plan" which, in the opinion of the Board, provides more effective administration of the Plan and establishes more equitable Wage and Salary Schedules for both hourly and salaried employees. The amended plan also provides for establishing progression rates for intermittent or part time employees and certain other so-called fringe benefits, including a provision for paid holidays.
The Board wishes to express its appreciation for the cooperation of the Town employees, the Board of Select- men and all others who have assisted the Board during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES H. W. JENNER, Chairman JOHN T. HATHAWAY, JR. THOMAS J. LEGORE
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1861
REPORT OF THE MEMORIAL DAY COMMITTEE
1961
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
and the Citizens of Duxbury
The Memorial Day Committee respectfully submits the following report :
As is customary, the graves of all veterans were deco- rated by the Duxbury Boy Scouts and Legionnaires on Memorial Day Eve. A flag and flowering geranium were placed at each grave.
On Memorial Day a group of Legionnaires visited the five cemeteries of the Town and conducted services honoring the deceased veterans of all wars.
Enroute to Myles Standish Cemetery a wreath was placed at the Honor Roll and a brief service conducted at Blue Fish River, where a wreath was cast in the water to honor those lost at sea.
Following services held at Myles Standish Cemetery, a parade formed consisting of the Board of Selectmen, the Color Guard and Firing Squad of the Post, Legionnaires and Veterans, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Brownies marching to the music by the Duxbury High School Band to the First Parish Unitarian Church lawn. This year, for the first time, services were held out of doors, conducted by Commander Robert Palumbo, who was also the chief marshal of the parade.
The address was given by the Hon. Francis Perry and Robert Cooper, Jr., delivered the Gettysburg Address. The prayer was given by Chaplain John Dohoney.
At the conclusion of the service the procession moved to Mayflower Cemetery, where exercises were conducted
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at the American Legion Burial Lot and the Soldiers and Sailors Monument.
This year, being the 100th Anniversary of the Civil War, we pay special tribute to those who served in the bloodiest conflict in the history of our nation.
The Memorial Day Exercises were held out of doors as we were unable to have the church due to repairs inside. I had to transport chairs from Legion Hall to the church grounds and hired Steven Bulu and Arthur Hammond to assist me. Following is an account of the expenses of the day :
Flags
$65.45
Flowers
185.00
Wreaths
15.00
Programs
52.10
Organist (Mr. Ingalls)
5.00
Band (Duxbury High School)
70.00
Labor (moving chairs, etc.)
6.00
$398.55
The Committee would like to thank Laurel Freeman, Supt. of Cemeteries, the Police Dept., the Boy Scouts, and all other groups who participated in the ceremonies.
Respectfully submitted,
PAUL N. SWANSON
Jr. Vice Commander
Duxbury Post 223
American Legion
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REPORT OF THE SHELL FISH WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
I submit my report as Shellfish Constable for the year 1961.
There were twenty-two annual fee forms sent out and $27.75 collected from grant holders.
Two hundred ten bushels of quahaugs and seventy- five bushels of Cherrystones and Little Necks were trans- planted to Duxbury waters during the fall.
Soft shell clams have been limited to one bucket per week to license holders and the taking of scallops has been prohibited. These steps were taken with the thought of aiding natural propagation.
During June and July four cents was paid for each live horseshoe crab brought to me. There was a great response among the younger people to this program and over 12,000 of these predators were destroyed before the funds set aside for this were depleted.
Thirty-eight commercial permits were issued at $5.00 each, 1,272 family permits at $1.00, 56 family permits at $.50, and 44 free of charge to persons over seventy years of age.
Following is the record of shellfish and sea worms taken commercially during the year :
910 bushels mixed quahaugs @ $4.50
$4,095.00
103 bushels mixed quahaugs
3.25
334.75
310 bushels mixed quahaugs
5.00
1,550.00
296 bushels large quahaugs
2.50
740.00
70 bushels Cherrystones 4.80
336.00
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56 bushels Little Necks and Cherrystones
6.40
358.40
76 bushels clams
11.00
836.00
63 bushels mussels
2.50
157.50
38 bushels razors
9.00
342.00
42 bushels razors
10.00
420.00
2,800 sea worms
.03
84.00
Total all shellfish and worms
$9,253.65
Respectfully submitted, MANUEL OLIVER Shellfish Constable
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REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
January 19, 1962
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Duxbury, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
The following is my report for the year 1961.
First, in behalf of the members of the Duxbury Fire Department, I would like to thank Chief Eben N. Briggs for the many years he has devoted to the department. For myself, I would like to thank him for the opportunity of being his Deputy Chief for so many years, also, for the many hours of patient teaching which is now proving to be so very helpful to me. I am happy to say that Chief Briggs has retired in position only. He is still a very active and interested member of our department.
The acceptance of Article 19 brought the Fire and Forest Fire Departments under one head. I feel this has greatly improved the efficiency and operation of both departments. In making my report, I have considered both departments as one for the entire year.
Under Article 37, a new four-wheel drive vehicle was purchased and put in operation in July. This truck is proving to be very useful in all our emergency runs, espe- cially to places which are not easily reached by a regular two-wheel drive vehicle.
Article 51 was not accepted by the town. However, I believe we should consider very seriously the acquiring of a suitable site for a future Fire Station before all available land is used for other purposes.
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We answered 218 calls and the break-down is as follows :
Emergency
92
Automobile 13
Chimney
9
Building
19
Oil Burner
11
Long Bridge 3
Mutual Aid
3
Grass
11
Stand-By
15
Dump
6
Brush
26
Incinerator
1
Forest
9
Of these building and woods fires, there were none of them of very serious nature.
There were 2438 permits issued for open air fires; 59 oil burner; 34 bottle gas and 60 natural gas installa- tions were inspected. During the month of May all public buildings and stores were inspected. The quarterly inspec- tions were made on schools and churches as required by the Department of Public Safety.
I have an article in this year's warrant to purchase radio equipment which is a must by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission and must be com- pleted by 1963.
As Fire Chief of the Town of Duxbury, I wish to thank all my officers, permanent men and firemen for their wonderful cooperation and understanding.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE S. BUTLER Chief
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DUXBURY FIRE DEPARTMENT
January 19, 1962
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Duxbury, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
I feel that it is my duty to put in a short fire report having served three months under the old system as Chief Engineer.
I certainly want to thank the voters of the Town of Duxbury in voting Article 19 whereby it made the Dux- bury Fire Department a Town Fire Department in which I had the privilege of serving another three months as the first Fire Chief. I think this was one of the finest things that happened in my career as Fire Chief. I truly feel it makes a better feeling, is more economical and more efficient to all concerned, firemen, officials and Chief.
Before, working under two different departments Fire and Forest Fire, it was very confusing and very hard to explain at many times. This way, whether it may be a forest fire, an inhalator call, building or any emer- gency, the operation is bound to be more efficient.
I am also very glad that Article 37, to purchase a new four-wheel drive truck for the Fire Department, was voted. Although my retirement came soon after the truck was put into commission, I feel that it was very well engineered by the newly appointed Fire Chief, George S. Butler, and has done a fine job.
I do want to express my feeling toward a parcel of land that I feel should be purchased soon for the building of a Fire Station somewhere in the vicinity of South Duxbury so that we will hold our insurance rating which
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means a good deal to every taxpayer in the Town of Duxbury.
I do want to say at this time that under the new appointments of Chief and Officers, I know they have done a very good job and if are still given a chance to serve another year, will possibly do better. From what I observe, the Fire Department seems to be running very smoothly and efficiently and I feel it will under the new administration.
Respectfully submitted, EBEN N. BRIGGS Retired Fire Chief
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REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and citizens of Duxbury :
Plans endorsed (not subdivisions) 28
Subdivisions approved 1
Approvals under Paragraph C 5
Public Hearings 3
The master plan for the Town of Duxbury, com- pleted in 1959, has been the guide in the objectives of the Board in 1961.
In anticipation of the future requirements of the Town for school sites, parks and active recreation areas, and space for other municipal services several recom- mendations were made to the Site Committee and we have worked closely with them in the matter.
With the cooperation of the Selectmen and Town Counsel, the Town By-Laws were studied and amendments formulated. Action on these amendments will be taken at the Annual Town Meeting.
The Selectmen requested that the Planning Board be responsible for the naming of new streets and we have assumed this responsibility.
The steady growth of the Town of Duxbury as a residential community continues. Your Board is hopeful that with appropriate revisions from time to time of zoning and controls, to guide the development and growth of Duxbury so as to maintain the attractive and unusual character that sets Duxbury apart.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We wish to acknowledge the co-operation and aid of the Board of Selectmen and the Inspector of Buildings in the enforcement of zoning and planning regulations. The Highway Superintendent, the Superintendent and Commissioners of the Water Department, and the Agent of the Board of Health have given their usual co-operation.
Respectfully submitted,
LUCIUS A. HOWARD, Chairman OLIVER L. BARKER, Clerk FANEUIL ADAMS CARL F. DANNER ATHERTON LORING, JR.
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REPORT OF THE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Saturday, March 11, 1961 High School Auditorium, Alden Street
The meeting was called to order at 1:00 P.M. by the Moderator, Bartlett B. Bradley. A quorum being in attendance, the meeting was declared in order.
The Town Clerk read the call for the meeting and the return of service thereof.
It was voted to dispense with the reading of the Warrant.
An invocation was given by the Reverend David J. Siegenthaler.
The Moderator made the following announcements : "As has been our previous practice, proponents of any article in the Warrant shall be given opportunity to speak on the question before the article may be tabled.
The Chair will read each article as we go along, unless by unanimous consent a long and wordy ar- ticle be exempt from this procedure by referring to the printed Warrant. The Chair may not repeat motions if, in the opinion of the Chair, the motion has been clearly stated, unless requested to do so. The Chair may request any amendments to be sub- mitted in writing."
The Moderator also announced that spectators would be allowed to sit on the bleachers on the south wall of the hall.
Nancy Brock, Elwin Burdick, Andrew C. Burke, Mary Crocker, Robert Crocker, Eunice Dohoney, Eileen
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Jones, Alice Merry, Phyllis Randall and Nancy Tera- vainen served as tellers.
Under Article 1, it was voted that the appointment of necessary officers not chosen by ballot be left in the hands of the Selectmen.
Under Article 2, it was voted that the reports of the various Town Officers and Committees be accepted as printed in the Town Report.
Mr. Henry W. Palmer, Chairman of the Finance Committee, was recognized by the Moderator, and pro- ceeded to present the supplementary report of the Finance Committee :
"It is customary for the Finance Committee to make a supplementary report at this time so that any items not covered in its earlier reports in the "Town Report," the "Warrant," and the "Duxbury Clipper" may be brought to your attention before you vote. In the last issue of the Clipper the complete list of recent recom- mendations of the Committee were printed and an esti- mated tax rate of $69 for 1961 was forecast if the Town votes to follow all the Committee's recommendations. It should be noted that the "estimated tax rate" is subject to the final determination of the Board of Assessors.
With $69 as a base tax rate before the Town votes to spend more or less than the amount recommended by the Finance Committee, voters should know that for every $13,000 more voted the tax will go up $1.00 and for every $13,000 less the rate will decrease $1.00.
Since there are an increased number of articles in the warrant this year, in the interest of time, unless some special explanation is required, comments on each budget and article will be brief or omitted. Questions, of course, will be answered.
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This year, as in the past, the work of the Finance Committee has been strenuous and the hours have been long. All Department heads have been most helpful in aiding us in our actions. The Board of Seletcmen and the Assessors have given us much needed assistance. I particularly want to thank every member of the Finance Committee for their untiring effort and sincere teamwork in preparation for this meeting. I am particularly thank- ful to the wives who let their husbands spend so very many late nights away from home."
Mr. Palmer introduced the members of the Finance Committee to the meeting.
Under Article 3, it was voted to fix the compensation of the elected Town officers for the year as follows, and raise and appropriate the sum of $17,962.09 for the same :
Moderator
$40.00
Selectmen :
Chairman
1,200.00
Second Member
600.00
Third Member
600.00
Town Treasurer
2,277.60
Town Collector
4,016.89
Assessors :
Chairman
2,400.00
Second Member
900.00
Third Member
900.00
Town Clerk
2,277.60
Tree Warden
2,300.00
Water Commissioners :
First Member
150.00
Second Member
150.00
Third Member
150.00
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Under Article 4, it was voted to raise and appro- priate the sum of $3,605.00 for the several purposes as specifically stated by the Moderator as follows :
1- 3- 3 Accounting, Out of State Travel $90.00
1- 6- 3 Assessor's Map 400.00
1-11- 2 Personnel Board 50.00
1-12 Historian 100.00
2- 2- 4 Hydrant Rental 550.00
2- 2- 5 Fire, Out of State Travel 300.00
2- 5- 4 Tree, Out of State Travel 100.00
2- 8- 1 Sealer of Weights and Measures 385.00
2- 9- 1 Bounties 15.00
2-11- 1 Civil Defense 500.00
2-11- 2 Duxbury Beach Life Guard 700.00
3- 2 Vital Statistics 15.00
3- 3 Animal Inspection 150.00
3- 4 Inspector of Slaughtered Animals 25.00
4- 7- 7 Bluefish Tidegates 300.00
5- 7 Welfare, Out of State Travel 50.00
7- 6- 7 Aid to Agriculture 100.00
8- 1- 3 Water, Out of State Travel 200.00
8- 2- 4 Cemetery, Out of State Travel 75.00
Continuing under Article 4, it was voted to raise and appropriate the following amounts for the following Town Departments :
1- 2- 2 Selectmen's Department $5,005.00
(The original motion was for $4,005.00. An amendment to increase the amount to $5,005.00 was voted.)
1- 3- 1 Accounting 5,738.00
1- 3- 4 Finance Committee
215.00
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1- 4- 2 Treasurer's 4,036.00
1- 5- 2 Town Collector's 5,765.00
1- 6- 2 Assessor's 6,434.00
1- 7 Law
2,500.00
1- 8- 2 Town Clerk's
2,033.00
1- 9 Election and Registration
2,285.00
1-10 Planning Board 2,307.00
1-11- 1 Appeal Board 1,460.00
(The original motion was for $1,260.00. An amendment to increase the amount to $1,460.00 was voted.)
1-13 Town Office and Buildings 6,370.00
2- 1- 2 Police 55,622.00
2- 2- 2 Fire 25,922.00
2- 2- 6 Hydrant Service
26,222.00
2- 3- 2 Insect Pest Control 4,236.00
2- 4- 1 Control Dutch Elm Disease 8,255.00
2- 5- 2 Tree 3,406.00
2- 6- 2 Forest Fire
5,040.00
2- 7- 1 Building Inspector 4,397.00
2-10- 1 Shellfish Constable 3,095.00
3- 1- 1 Health Department
5,200.00
3- 5- 1 Town Dump
3,700.00
3- 6- 2 Mosquito Control
7,550.00
3- 7 Greenhead Fly Control
1,500.00
4- 1- 2 Highway
53,667.00
4- 2- 1 Bridge
9,702.00
4- 3 Snow and Ice Removal
37,000.00
4- 4- 1 Town Landings
2,154.00
4- 6- 1 Street Lights 6,200.00
4- 8- 1 Harbor Master
2,967.00
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5- 1 Welfare Department 76,032.00
5- 6- 2 Veterans' Benefits
14,468.00
6- 1 School Department 486,420.00
(School Budget was amended to read $483,179., being the figure after deduct- ing $3,241. for football purposes for Junior High. Amendment failed. The amount of $486,420. was voted.)
6- 2 Public Use School Facilities 2,000.00
6- 3- 1 Vocational and Americanization 3,920.00
6- 4- 2 School, Out of State Travel 250.00
6- 4- 3 Vocational Training-Adult 1,060.00
6- 6 Free Library 13,132.00
7- 4- 1 Parks and Playgrounds 2,342.00
(The original motion was for $1,842. An amendment to increase the amount to $2,342.00 was voted. The amend- ment read as follows :
"That the Town raise and appropri- ate an additional sum of $500. to be ex- pended at the discretion of the Select- men to assist in the continuation of the Little League program for 1961.")
7- 4- 2 Tarkiln Youth Center 1,150.00
7- 4- 4 Old Town Hall Recreation Center 3,220.00
7- 4- 7 Train Field Floodlights 400.00
(Voted that the sum of $400.00 be raised and appropriated for Train Field Floodlights, with the understanding that the Board of Selectmen will re- quire the Duxbury Soft Ball Associa- tion to pay any sum billed the Town in excess of this amount by the Plym-
84
outh County Electric Company for lighting service.)
7- 2- 1 Fire Insurance Schedule 9,000.00
. 7- 2- 2 Workmen's Compensation Insurance 6,900.00
7- 2- 3 Group Insurance-Police and Firemen 900.00
7- 2- 4 Group Insurance-General 11,200.00
7- 6- 1 Unclassified 1,010.00
(The original motion was for $960.00. An amendment to increase the amount to $1,010.00 was voted.)
7- 6- 2 Town Retirement 12,909.00
7- 6- 4 Print and Deliver Town Reports 2,214.74
8- 1- 2 Water Department 43,229.00
(The original motion was for $43,- 229.00. An amendment to increase the amount to $43,929.00 was defeated.)
8- 2- 2 Cemetery Department 18,706.00
9- 1- 1 Interest on Temporary Loans 50.00
9- 1- 2 Interest on Water Loans 7,460.50
9- 1- 3 Interest, General Debt 38,893.75
9- 2- 1 Sea Wall Notes 2,000.00
9- 2- 2 Water Dept. (District) Notes 7,500.00
9- 2- 3 West Duxbury Water Extension 5,000.00
9- 2- 4 Water Phase I Bonds 15,000.00
9- 2- 5 High School Wing Bonds 15,000.00
9- 2- 6 Elementary School Wing Bonds 15,000.00
9- 2- 7 Elementary School Bonds 15,000.00
9- 2-17 Water, Autumn and Winter Notes 2,500.00 Junior-Senior High School Bonds 49,620.00
Mr. Philip W. Delano, Chairman of the Board of Se- lectmen, made a short speech calling the attention of the
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meeting to the retirement of Mr. Edwin M. Noyes, Col- lector of Taxes for the Town of Duxbury for the past thirty-three years. Mr. Delano read the inscription on a plaque which was presented to Mr. Noyes on behalf of the Town :
To Edwin M. Noyes In recognition of 33 years of Devoted Service to the Citizens of Duxbury as the Collector of Taxes 1928 1951
Presented March 11, 1961
Under Article 5, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $400.00 to be expended under the direction of the American Legion for the proper observance of Me- morial Day.
Under Article 6, it was voted to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of revenue, be- tween the date of the 1961 Town Meeting and the date of the 1962 Town Meeting, and to issue a note or notes therefor, payable within one year, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44 of the General Laws.
Under Article 7, it was voted to apply the dividend from the Plymouth County Dog Fund, in the amount of $1,013.00, to the support of schools.
Under Article 8, which reads as follows: "To see if the Town will vote to appropriate to the Cemetery De- partment a sum of money now in the hands of the Town Treasurer," it was voted that, there being no money in the hands of the Town Treasurer for this purpose, no action be taken.
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Under Article 9, it was voted that the Town appro- priate the sum of $25,000. from the Overlay Reserve to the Reserve Fund.
Under Article 10, it was voted to raise and appro- priate the sum of $1,000.00 and transfer from unappro- priated available funds in the Treasury the sum of $2,000.00 for Chapter 90 Highway Maintenance.
Under Article 11, it was voted to raise and appro- priate the sum of $7,000.00, and transfer from unappro- priated available funds in the Treasury the sum of $21,000.00 for Chapter 90 Highway Construction.
Under Article 12, it was voted to raise and appro- priate the sum of $950.00 to be expended under the direc- tion of American Legion Post No. 223, July 4th Duxbury Days Committee, subject to the approval of the Select- men, and for Parade expenses only.
Under Article 13, it was voted to appropriate the sum of $156,000.00 from Surplus Revenue to reduce the tax rate.
Under Article 14, it was voted to appropriate from available funds in the Treasury the sum of $50,000.00 to be added to the Stabilization Fund.
Under Article 15 it was voted that the Town return to the Treasury the unexpended appropriation balances as listed below totaling $1,261.95 :
1960 Police Cruiser
$271.25
Highway-Tree Barn
2.23
Sand Spreading Attachments
237.90
Mullins Avenue Construction
.32
1960 Ch. 90 Maintenance
.08
Memorial Day
31.88
Water Reservoir Repairs
25.01
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Water Priorities I to V
46.98
1960 Water Department Truck 556.30
1960 Cemetery Dept. Truck 90.00
Under Article 16 it was voted to raise and appro- priate the sum of $2,500.00 for the exchange of a motor vehicle for the Police Department.
Under Article 17 it was moved and seconded to amend the "Classification and Wage and Salary Plan" as printed and corrected in the warrant. An amendment was made that the Highway and Water Superintendents be re- stored to Grade 11. This amendment failed. The original motion was then voted "to amend the Classification and Wage and Salary Plan so that it will read as follows :
BYLAW-GOVERNING THE CLASSIFICATION OF PERSONNEL AND THE ADMINISTRATION OF STANDARD RATES OF SALARIES AND WAGES
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