USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Duxbury Massachusetts for the year ending 1964 > Part 3
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On the recommendation of the Department of Public Health the tuberculin testing program in our schools was continued with the cooperation of the Plymouth County Health Association. Whereas in 1962 all the school chil-
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dren were screened, the tests in November, 1963, and 1964 were done on selected grades (I-IV-VII-XI).
A comparison of the results of the Tuberculin Test on this group for the past two years shows:
% Tested 80.83
% Positive Number Positive
1963
0.30
1
1964
84.82
2.30 9
Therefore, the eight of this group who became posi- tive between 1963 and 1964 show us that these children have been in contact with tuberculosis in the past year. This does not mean that they have tuberculosis as an active disease - only that the germs have entered their bodies. It does mean, however, that tuberculosis is an ever-present menace to us all. X-rays of the nine positive children taken in December showed that none have active tuberculosis. This screening program will be continued.
The Communicable Diseases reported to the depart- ment during the past year were as follows:
Scarlet Fever 3 Whooping Cough 4
Chicken Pox 46
Mumps 2
Measles
23 Hepatitis 1
German Measles 14 Dog Bites 21
Please report all such diseases even though they may be mild and not seen by a physician.
Rat bait is always available at Dr. Starr's office and works well on any rodent problem.
We are grateful to the State Department of Public Health for their assistance and cooperation in the inspec- tion and licensing of eating establishments, chicken farms and the like.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE ROSS STARR, JR., M.D.
Agent.
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Report of the Shellfish Constable
Gentlemen:
I submit my report as Shellfish Constable for the year 1964.
Early in April two tons of lime was spread out in a small area in Bluefish River and one ton in the Back River. Several other small plots were tested with a com- bination of phosphate and lime. A section of the Blue- fish River that was limed now has a fair set of seed clams about one-half inch long.
During July, 250 bushels of mixed Quahaugs were purchased from Fairhaven and these were telescoped into Beach Channel between the Clapp Laboratory Float and Ellison's Wharf in the Back River.
Mussels are still being taken from Duxbury and Plymouth Bay for the New York Market, but the demand for Mussels is still very limited and consequently only a few shellfish men are engaged in this business.
After three very poor years for razors, several hun- dred bushels were taken last Winter and early Spring. Following is the record of Shellfish taken commercially during the year:
780 Bushels mixed Quahaugs @ $6.00 = $4,680.00
220 Bushels mixed Quahaugs @
4.00 =
880.00
321 Bushels large Quahaugs
@ 2.50 = 802.50
72 Bushels Little Necks @
8.60 = 619.20
210 Bushels Razors
@ 10.00
2,100.00
$9,081.70
Respectfully submitted,
MANUEL OLIVER, Shellfish Constable
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Report of the Duxbury Free Library
To the Trustees:
Nineteen sixty-four has come and gone and with its passing another year of library history has been added to the record. The year 1964 has seen most of the 1963 difficulties and problems intensified, because of the in- creasingly crowded conditions in the library and the ever- growing demands for all aspects of the library service. Without additional space and more help to meet and cope with these circumstances it will be almost impossible for the library to continue to function efficiently or to main- tain and expand the service expected of it by the com- munity.
Without more room for books and more help to carry on the library's activities, there seems to be no way in which the library can do much more for the community than is being done at present. Every month the question arises, "where to put the books" and where to put all the Duxbury residents who come to use the library for study, research, selecting good books and for reading the ex- cellent selection of periodicals. On many days every available chair is filled and it is not uncommon to find stu- dents sitting on the floor. From Grade I through Senior High School, the pupils flock to the library and every year they come in larger numbers.
All available space is being used. During 1964 a great deal of discarding of old and unimportant books has been accomplished, together with much shifting and re-arranging of various classes of books. This has been done in order to bring the books most in demand into the most accessible spaces.
The non-fiction collection in the library has to be shelved in so many different places that borrowers do not find these books easily and much circulation is un-
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doubtedly lost because of this condition. Duxbury is growing, the school population is growing and in order for the library to play its important role properly, it must have a chance to grow too. 1964 has also experienced an increasing use of the library by college students, many of whom are now commuters. These students are dependent upon the library for much of their research material and outside reading and it is hoped that the library will be enabled to furnish the necessary material as time goes on.
The circulation for 1964 amounted to 68,886, an in- crease of 1970 over that of 1963, resulting in the largest recorded library circulation to date. The adult circula- tion was 33,956 and the junior 34,930. Once again the adult circulation has grown and remains not far below that of the junior. Based on an approximate population of 5,000, the library's 1964 circulation averages about 12 books per capita. The American Library Association con- siders a 5 books per capita circulation a satisfactory one.
In her 1963 Annual Report the librarian described in detail the establishment of the branch library in the library of the Duxbury Intermediate School. This new venture has proved to be highly satisfactory to the offi- cials of the Duxbury Intermediate School and to the librarian and staff of the Duxbury Free Library. The branch library continues to be administered by two li- brary assistants who go over the Intermediate School on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday for an hour.
Fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade classes visit the library alternately, accompanied by their teachers. No books are circulated from this branch except by the Duxbury Free Library assistants. About 1,500 books are on deposit in the school branch. The collection is continually being added to, changed and kept up-to-date; requests are filled as they are received. Emphasis is also placed on making each pupil realize that this small collection is but an intro-
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duction to a far wider selection available to him in the main library. By introducing the public library to the school-pupils in this way, it is hoped that every boy and girl will be stimulated to make his and her way to the main library and to become acquainted with its resources. During the 1964 calendar year, 6,348 books were circulated from the School Branch Library.
On Thursdays the Elementary School classes visit the library as usual. Five First Grades come to the library for Story Hours and by December many First Graders are able to read enough to take out books. Second- and third-grade classes are avid readers and on Thursdays the library circulation climbs to between 450 and 500. Sixteen Elementary School classes visit the library, alternately on Thursdays. Because of the growth in the school popu- lation, one second grade has to visit the library at 2 p.m. on Fridays. All of these classes are accompanied by their teachers. Every day finds the library filled in the afternoon with junior and senior high school students engaged in finding material for their outside work and hunting for books on their required reading lists. Many of the elementary scholars come too after school is closed.
New methods of teaching are replacing the use of one book for many and boys and girls are faced with the problem of searching for their needed material in many different directions. The library staff is constantly busy, endeavoring to help these numerous seekers after knowledge.
843 registrations were recorded in 1964 (201 more than in 1963). 485 of these were new borrowers (162 more than in 1963). 358 were re-registrants because of their four-year card expiration. Since June, 1952, 8,426 registrations have been recorded. During 1964, 623 reg- istrations have been withdrawn. There are now 2,930 active registrations, 220 more than in December, 1963.
-
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The expenditures for books and periodicals for the year 1964 amounted to $6,050.90. This figure does not include the $125.00 periodical bill which came too late to be included in the 1964 payments. With this $6,050.90, 2,138 titles were purchased; in 1963, 2,067 titles were ac- quired for about $5,900. The constant rise in book prices is another problem confronting every library. Exceeding- ly careful book-selection is exercised in order that the best purchases available are added to the library col- lection.
The total library appropriation from the Town of Duxbury for 1964 was $16,437. It is hoped that this review of the library's activities will result in a further appre- ciation of the importance of the library in the community, and that adequate funds will be appropriated with which to maintain and extend the services of the library to everyone.
Many of Duxbury's summer residents and visitors are ardent supporters of the library and are always eloquent in their praise of the books and attention which they receive here. From all sources the library receives count- less expressions of warm-hearted thanks for services rendered.
The over-all needs of the library have been referred to above. One specific and urgent need which must be mentioned is the installation of a new catalogue-card case. The one in use at present is filled almost to capacity and it is so old that it is in danger of falling apart. An- other smaller need is that of a new encyclopedia to use especially with junior-high school pupils. It would fill in the gap between the World Book and The Americana. In pointing out the needs of the library there are always some perennial problems. The need for larger book-funds and for additional help in the library to take care of the growing demands made upon it. As the book collection
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expands, the cataloguing consumes more and more time. The discarding and re-arranging of books has occupied many hours. During 1964, 493 old and worn-out books have been discarded.
Careful disposition is made of all books removed from the library shelves. The majority of them are completely worn out and are taken to the dump. Adult books with some use still left in them are given to the Salvation Army which distributes them to their various libraries. Children's books which are not too shabby and soiled are given to the Unitarian Alliance and through their efforts the books are sent to a Negro School in North Carolina where they are deeply appreciated. Whenever the library staff is aware of a boy or girl who has a special attachment to a particular book, care is taken that he or she is given the book when it is discarded.
In 1964 two new Trustees were added to the Duxbury Free Library: Mr. Richard C. Crocker and Mr. Edward B. Peters. These two new Trustees were appointed to fill the vacancies left by Mr. William B. Coffin and Mr. Hec- tor M. Holmes who died in 1963. Mrs. Winifred T. Couch who was injured in a fall in July of 1963 has not returned to the library. Her many friends have missed her very much.
The librarian extends her appreciation and thanks to all those who have contributed to the continued success and growth of the library in 1964. To the Trustees for all of their co-operation and understanding of the problems confronting the library; to the Staff, Mrs. Odeal O. Moody, Mrs. Margaret R. Bates, Mrs. Winona Strachan and Mrs. Mercy K. Goin who have carried on so loyally and efficiently throughout another busy year and who faith- fully upheld all of the traditions of the library during the librarian's absence in Europe and Morocco last fall. Jean Baker, Susan Rich and Beverley Thomas have as-
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sisted everyone faithfully. Mr. James E. Walke has done his share in helping the library staff in every way and has kept the library a bright and shining place in which to work and for all to enjoy. To the Duxbury Garden Club for an exceptionally wonderful display of plants and flowers throughout 1964. These beautiful decorations have added much to the pleasure of the Staff and to all who visit the library.
To all who have in any way remembered the library with books, periodicals, money, plants and flowers. All of these gifts are deeply appreciated and are sincere expres- sions of the high regard in which the library is held by the donors.
The future of the Duxbury Free Library depends upon the help and co-operation of every citizen in the community. It is hoped that this help and co-operation will be forthcoming.
Respectfully submitted,
MINNIE BURKE FIGMIC,
Librarian.
Report of the Treasurer of The Duxbury Free Library, Inc. for the Year Ended December 31, 1964
Including payments made by the Town of Duxbury for the Library.
Receipts
Library Town of
Treasurer Duxbury Total
In bank & cash 1/1/64 $640.20
From Trust Funds:
Wright $4,448.92
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Winsor
1,152.45
Hathaway
149.15
Duxbury
Hall 285.50
Hunt
40.63
$6,076.65
Donations
100.00
Fines
1,510.22
Appropriation ($16,437)
$16,302.23
Total Receipts
$8,327.07
$16,302.23
$24,629.30
Expenditures
Salaries
$13,371.43
$13,371.43
Janitor Services
$960.00
960.00
Books
3,617.28
2,433.62
6,050.90
Rebinding
556.61
556.61
Library Supplies
678.14
678.14
Maintenance-
Building
354.33
354.33
Insurance
50.00
497.18
547.18
Telephone
152.30
152.30
Fuel, Lights & Water
1,195.56
1,195.56
Miscellaneous
23.09
23.09
Total Expenditures
$7,587.31
$16,302.23
$23,889.54
Balance in bank and
Petty Cash 12/31/64
739.76
739.76
$8,327.07
$16,302.23
$24,629.30
Respectfully submitted,
C. RUSSELL EDDY,
Treasurer
Duxbury Free Library, Inc.
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Report of the Water Commissioners
January 12, 1965
Hon. Philip W. Delano Chairman, Board of Selectmen
Town of Duxbury
Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
Attached herewith is the annual report of the Water Commissioners for inclusion in the Town Report.
Also attached is the report of the Water Superintend- ent, to the Commissioners, for inclusion in the Town Report re data pertaining to the operation of the Water Department that is requested by State Law.
Respectfully,
J. A. BORGESON COL. L. B. GALLAGHER A. H. WALKER Water Commissioners
To the Citizens and the Honorable Board
of Selectmen of Duxbury
The Water Department completed the year 1964 with a theoretical deficit of approximately $2,083.09. It is to be noted, however, that if the uncollected water bills and water liens outstanding on December 31, 1964, had been collected in full there would have been a surplus of $9,230.18. The tabulation below gives a condensed sum- mary of the financial situation of the Department in a cumulative manner based on total commitments so that its operations can be readily compared in each category from year to year. Further details are given in the excellent report of the Town Accountant. Due to the early date this report is required to be submitted, there may be
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some differences in a few items in the tabulation as com- pared to the Town Accountant's report.
Water Balance, December 31, 1963
-$5,047.09
Uncollected, December 31, 1963
8,003.64
Charges to Consumers Minimum
$32,261.23
Excess Water
38,075.90
Unmetered Water
152.00
Meter Removals
1,312.56
Service Connections & Misc.
10,684.96
$82,486.65
Abatements
$103.50
82,383.15
Hydrant Service (Public Safety)
Maintenance & Operation
$51,927.00
Out-of-State Travel
200.00
Commissioners' Salaries
450.00
Special Articles
Art. 50 (1964) Replacements
2,226.79
Art. 51 (1964) Radios
1,792.90
Transfer from Reserve (Est.)
1,400.00
Fixed Charges
Amortization (Extensions 1962)
3,853.33
Interest on Debt
8,459.50
Maturing Debt
Old Water Loans
3,000.00
West Duxbury
5,000.00
Phase I
15,000.00
Autumn & Winter Sts.
2,000.00
Old Rte. 3, etc.
3,000.00
Franklin St.
4,000.00
Uncollected Water Bills
December 31, 1964
11,007.67
Uncollected Water Liens
December 31, 1964
305.60
TOTALS
$113,622.79
$111,539.70
Deficit
$2,083.09
Mr. Alpheus H. Walker was elected to a three-year term as Commissioner on March 21, 1964. The Board was organized at its meeting on March 23, 1964, and Mr. John A. Borgeson was elected chairman, and Mr. Alpheus H. Walker was elected secretary.
During the year, the following was accomplished, in addition to routine operations and maintenance.
26,200.00
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New Services and Renewals. During the year, 79 new services and 12 renewals were installed. The new serv- ices included 29 services to old houses not previously connected to the system and 50 services to new buildings. The fast increase in the number of services continues.
Maps and Records. Work on the comprehensive map and intersection valve location maps was continued to include recent extensions and is now complete to date.
Radios. The two-way radio installations authorized at the last Town Meeting have been installed. The system consists of a main station at the Partridge Road office and a set in each of the three Water Department vehicles. It is believed that this expenditure is thoroughly justified from the improvement in service to the consumers, more efficient employment of personnel and savings in time and vehicle mileage.
Retirement of Mr. George L. Damon. With the re- tirement as of December 31, 1964, of Mr. George L. Damon, Foreman of the Water Department, the Town loses one of its most able, conscientious and likeable em- ployees. He began his service with the old Fire and Water District in 1935 and has been a full-time employee since 1945. He has served the Town efficiently and loyally. He had a most thorough knowledge of all the intricate tech- nical details and past history of the Department, and his services will be greatly missed. Mr. Ronald C. Garnett will replace him as Foreman.
Water Bills. The Commissioners would like to point out that a considerable number of consumers fail to pay their bills within the thirty-day period allowed for pay- ment. Nonpayment necessitates a lot of increased paper work. Delinquent accounts must be penalized 4% and then reported to the Assessors for inclusion on the next tax bill as a lien on the property. It is hoped that the necessity for this procedure can be materially reduced in
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the future by the prompt payment of bills within the 30-day period.
Five-Year Extension Plan. At the 1964 Town Meet- ing threee extensions recommended in the plan were au- thorized: Autumn Avenue-Winter Street, Lake Shore Drive and Oak-School Streets. The total authorization was $49,000.00. A contract was awarded to the Midway Excavators of 10 Collins Avenue, Amesbury, Mass., for these extensions and work was completed on August 17, 1964. The total cost of the work was $44,099.00. At this time, these extensions make town water available to 32 families. Action on the two other petitions on hand, East Street and Lincoln Street, was postponed.
Moulton Road and Church Street. The Town voted $4,600.00 at the 1964 Town Meeting to replace an old inadequate main on Church Street from Cox's Corner 528 feet 6 inches westward, and also authorized the comple- tion of a loop on Moulton Road to improve circulation and service in that area.
This work was completed by the Midway Excavators of 10 Collins Avenue, Amesbury, Mass., on June 2, 1964. All main sizes were in accord with the Basic Plan.
Search for New Water Sources. During the year 12 test wells were driven by D. L. Maher Company under the supervision of Whitman & Howard Engineers at a total cost of $3,259.00. One well just north of Church Street on Este's property gives some promise, and it is planned to request money to give this well an extensive pumping test and also to continue the search, particularly in the northwest Duxbury area.
Personnel. It is the belief of the Commissioners that the personnel plan adopted at the last Town Meeting needs revision. Consultations with the Personnel Board in this matter have produced no changes as of this time.
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It is believed that the Water Superintendent's grade should be merged with the Highway Superintendent and Police Chief classifications as it is done in many towns. It also is believed that greater differentiation should be made between the pay of the Superintendent, the Fore- man, and Water Mechanics to more accurately reflect the varying degrees of responsibility involved in the various positions.
It is intended to bring these matters again to the at- tention of the Personnel Board.
Status of Appropriations - December 31, 1964
Town Art. Warrant Item
Appropriation and/ or Balance
Amount Expended
Unexpended
Recommended Action
4
64 Maintenance and Operation
$53,375.45*
$53,319.32 199.05
$56.13
AC
4
64 Out-of-State Travel
200.00
.95
AC
4
64 Commissioners' Salaries
450.00
4 64 Maturing Debt
32,000.00
32,000.00
4 64 Interest
8,459.50
8,459.50
33
63 Franklin St.
3,142.69
2,417.23
725.46
AFT
41
63 Search for Water
4,000.00
3,804.35
195.65
PNC
43
62 Extensions - Cross, Vine, King Phillips Path and Chandler . .
958.93
953.39
5.54
AFT
50
64 Church St. and Moulton Rd.
4,600.00
4,584.61
15.39
AFT
51
64 Radios
2,800.00
2,799.75
.25
AFT
52 64 Autumn, Winter, Oak Sts., and
Lake Shore Drive
49,000.00
44,099.71
4,900.28
AFT
*AC - Automatic Closure AFT - Available for Transfer
PNC - Project not completed TOTAL AVAILABLE FOR TRANSFER $5,843.51
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AC
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THE FUTURE
The demand for water during the summer was the greatest in the history of Duxbury. The maximum day's demand on June 30th was 1,993,000 gallons. This exceeded the previous maximum day's demand in recent past years by 385,000 gallons. This jump was due mainly to the especially dry summer and also in part to the unusual increase in number of consumers, such as the inclusion of North Duxbury during the year. The normal rated pump- ing capacity of all the pumps in the department is 2,154,000 gallons per day, which gives an 8% margin over the maximum day's demand under perfect operating con- ditions. The achievement of the complete use of the maxi- mum pumping capacity requires the utilizations of the maximum storage capacity through adequate feeder main diameters and a complete system of automatic controls.
While it is true that 1964 (next highest was 1957) was an unusual year, there is no assurance that 1964 demand will not be duplicated next year or even slightly exceeded.
In the Five-Year Plan which was submitted by the Water Commissioners at last Town Meeting providing for an average annual expenditure of approximately $45,000.00, it was pointed out that in connection with the extension program it might happen that certain improve- ments to the existing system would become necessary at some future time. This would necessitate that further extensions be temporarily postponed or restricted in scope until the immediately needed improvements were made if expenditures are to be kept within the limit pre- scribed. It is believed that we have reached that time. The situation that is the most pressing now is to provide more water to Washington Street area at times of the greatest demand. We do not have to worry too much about the North and West Duxbury areas in the immediate future from a demand standpoint. There may be petitions
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for extensions, but no demand questions will be involved.
We have storage capacity at Birch Street that is not fully utilized at this time. Also the stored water there cannot be transported to the downtown areas fast enough to prevent excessive draw-down of Captain's Hill Reser- voir due to the postponed completion in its entirety of the 12-inch main to Hall's Corner recommended in the Basic Plan. It is therefore the plan of the Water Commissioners to submit articles at the next Town Meeting to correct the changed conditions for the Town's consideration so as to conform with the Basic Plan.
Millbrook. It is the belief of the Commissioners that the recommendations of Whitman & Howard (Town Re- port 1963, p. 63) that a new gravel-packed well be con- structed at Millbrook to replace the existing equipment, be carried out without further delay. Action in this mat- ter was postponed at the Town Meeting of 1962.
Petitions. No new petitions for extensions as outlined in the Five-Year Plan have been received. Attention is invited to the fact that no action was taken on the East Street petition and the Lincoln Street petition at last year's Town Meeting.
Hydrant Service. The charge for hydrant service to be included in Article 4 of the 1965 Town Warrant is $26,700.00. This amount was computed in accordance with the formula approved at the 1963 Town Meeting as rec- ommended in the Hydrant Service Committee's Report.
It is estimated that the financial situation in 1965 will be approximately as in the following table. Figures are given to the nearest hundred dollars. No allowance is made for special articles which, should they be voted at the 1965 Town Meeting, will decrease the indicated surplus.
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