USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1943-1945 > Part 25
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Your ambulance was purchased in 1940 and has proven itself a utility of worth while service. This past year the ambulance res- ponded to 195 trips totalling 10,110 miles. This vehicle is now developing mechanical defects due to its use over the years. While we are hopeful that it will continue to be serviceable the coming year it should be replaced in 1947.
We have four motorcycles which were purchased some time ago-to wit: 1935-1937-1939 and the latest one in 1940. Three of these vehicles have not been used for the past two years. One of them is in service during the summer months of each year. I rec- ommend that an article authorizing the Selectmen and Chief of Police to dispose of three of these vehicles by sale to be inserted in the warrant.
Respectfully submitted,
M. E. STEWART,
Chief of Police.
45
PARK COMMISSIONERS' REPORT
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSIONERS
1
To the Board of Selectmen,
Scituate, Massachusetts:
We submit our report for the year ending 1945.
The weather conditions were favorable and productive of re- sults. All the parks were fertilized and we were able to keep them in excellent condition in spite of the handicap caused by the theft of one of our power mowers from the tool house.
The Community house at the North Scituate playgrounds has been enjoyed by various groups throughout the town. We were fortunate in procuring some additional playground equipment which we hope to add to this coming year.
Considerable damage has been done all along the waterfront at Minot. This was due in part to a small outburst of vandalism the past fall and greatly increased by the weather elements and unusually severe storms.
The Board extends its thanks to all who showed a spirit of cooperation and who aided us in any way to carry out our program the past year.
Respectfully submitted, F. EUGENIA BROWN, ROY C. MERRITT, JOHN F. BURBANK, Park Department.
46
FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT
REPORT OF THE
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The report of the Fire Department for the year 1945 follows:
The department answered 255 emergency ealls during the past year. Of these calls, two were for major fires; one resulting in the deaths of five persons, and the other totally destroying "Hugo's" restaurant. In each case, the building involved was completely enveloped in flame when the apparatus arrived.
For the past several years mention has been made, in the an- nual reports, that the pumping equpiment of the department is of advanced age and in poor condition. During the state of war emergeney, just past, it did not seem at all practical to purchase new equipment. Now, however, it would seem foolhardy to put off the replacement of these units any longer. The committee which you appointed, at the request of this department, on September 20, 1945, has made a complete study of the conditions obtaining in the department and attached hereto is their report of their findings and recommendations. As I am a member of that committee, and to avoid repetition, I ask that their recommendations be incorpor- ated as a part of this report.
This department has long felt the need of some form of build- ing laws in the town and heartily endorses the program set up by the Planning Board as set forth in the article which that board is sponsoring in the warrant for the annual town meeting to be held in Mareh.
The various officials and departments with whom we have had dealings during the past year have been most co-operative. For their kindnesses, we are most grateful.
Respectfully, HOWARD H. COLE.
Chief.
47
FIRE WARDEN'S REPORT
REPORT OF THE FOREST FIRE WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The report of the Forest Fire Department for the year 1945 follows:
During the past year the department responded to fewer alarms than are normally expected, and no'extended forest fires were en- countered.
The burning over of grass lands was carried out to the extent permitted with the limited man power available. It is our intention to continue this work in the present year.
There are still some cases of persons burning without permits, but, in the main, the citizens of the town have been most co-oper- ative in abiding by the laws governing open air fires.
Respectfully,
HOWARD H. COLE,
Forest Warden.
REPORT OF THE
FIRE DEPARTMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Board of Selectmen:
This committee has made a thorough survey of your Fire De- partment operation and requirements and makes the following report and recommendations :-
PUMPING ENGINES
Engine No. 3
This unit was purchased in 1928 and designed for use as a hose wagon. Some time later it was equipped with a front end pump which, at best is only a makeshift. This unit is the primary pro- tection of your Harbor business district; First, Second and Third Cliffs; the thickly settled Sandhills, shore Acres and Lighthouse
48
FIRE DEPARTMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT
point areas; Greenbush; Scituate Center, and parts of Egypt. With- in these sections are, as you know, places of public assembly such as the High and Jenkins schools. five churches, the Satuit Play- house, the Women's Club and your town administration building. Engine No. 4.
This pumping engine was purchased in 1925, and when new, was rated at 350 G. P. M. capacity. A pumper of this capacity is not recognized by the Board of Insurance Underwriters as pro- ducing a fire stream. Needless to say, even this low capacity can- not be produced by this pump after twenty years of operation. This unit is the first line of protection for the North Scituate, Minot, West End, Man Hill and Egypt districts. In these sections are located business establishments, two churches, two assembly halls and the Hatherly school.
This committee feels, strongly, that all the districts of the town are equally important and equally in need of the best possible fire protection. We, therefore, recommend the purchase of two pump- ing engines, of not less than 750 G. P. M. capacity cach, to replace the present equipment.
FIRST AID EMERGENCY TRUCK
The first aid work of the department has become a major and valuable part of the service. The present method of transporting the equipment is, at best, not efficient. In many cases the depart- ment has been forced to use privately owned cars with a consequent loss of time in responding. The equipment used is, in some cases delicate and is, of necessity, subject to abuse when transported in this manner. It is obvious that in cases requiring first aid it is imperative that the equipment be delivered speedily and in proper working condition. The attached statement, signed by the several physicians practicing in the town, is, we think, indicative of the value of this service.
We, therefor, recommend the purchase of a truck of suitable design for the proper stowing and transportation of this equip- ment.
FIRE STATIONS
This committee has inserted, in the warrant for the annual town meeting in March, an article asking for the appointment of a committee to investigate the possible disposal of the North Scituate and Minot fire stations and to consider the construction and location of a new station to serve the districts now covered by the North Scituate station.
49
SUPERVISOR CARE OF VETERANS' GRAVES
CHIEF'S CAR
The present car is now seven years old and would require major repairs which would cost several hundreds of dollars. This expenditure would be, in our opinion, very poor business economy. We therefor recommend the purchase of a new car.
Fire Department Advisory Comm.
REPORT OF THE
FIRST AID SERVICE
To the voters of Scituate:
The first aid service of the Scituate Fire Department, particu- larly the use of oxygen, has without question saved many lives in recent years and promoted the comfort of others who were incur- ably ill. There is a growing need for this highly valuable service, and the physicians who sign this statement feel that in order to be properly prepared for emergencies which do not always come singly, the oxygen equipment should be moderately increased and more adequate and dependable transportation should be provided for it.
Signed, M. D. MILES, M. D., DR. CLIFFORD L. WARD, JR., THEODORE STALK, M. D., RUTH BAILEY, D. O., MILTON J. BERLAD, M. D.
REPORT OF THE
SUPERVISOR CARE OF VETERANS' GRAVES
December 26, 1945.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I submit my report as Supervisor of Veterans' Graves in the Town of Scituate for the year 1945.
50
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT REPORT
During the past year 163 graves situated in the various tombs and cemeteries have been cared for, an increase of one grave over last year.
I have inspected all graves and I find that all cemetery cor- porations and caretakers are continuing to cooperate with me in my efforts to see that all graves are properly cared for.
All neglected graves show a great improvement in their con- dition.
I wish to thank all who are continuing to assist me in my efforts.
Respectfully submitted, ELMER F. RAMSDELL, Supervisor Care of Veterans' Graves.
REPORT OF THE
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
To the Citizens of the Town of Scituate:
The following is a report of the work done by this Department during the past year.
The year 1945 has been an exceptionally busy one, due to extreme weather conditions. With the exception of an earthquake, we have had almost everything else to contend with: heavy snow, high tides, gales, and floods, and with the continual freezing and thawing this winter, many of our roads have been left in a deplor- able condition. Therefore, it will be necessary to ask for a much larger appropriation this year than we have had for several years, in order that we may put them back in decent condition.
The following is a brief summary of work done in 1945:
ROADS REBUILT
Old Oaken Bucket Road, gravel and tar mixed in place
5,800 lin. ft.
Gilson Road, gravel and tar mixed in place 3,100
6 :
Clapp Road, gravel and tar mixed in place
3,000
66 66
Marion Road, gravel and tar
1,270
Oceanside Drive, gravel and tar
1,000
66
Norwell Avenue, gravel and tar
2,000 66
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HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT REPORT
Egypt Beach Road, gravel and tar
500
66 66
Sea View Avenue, gravel and tar
1,050
66 66
Total length of road resurfaced
17,720 66 66
SIDEWALKS
Six hundred (600) feet of new sidewalk was rebuilt on Front Street from the corner of Brook Street to Beal Place, and from Otis Street to Allen Street. All remaining sidewalks were patched and put in fair condition.
PARKING SPACES
The fourth lane of the Harbor Parking Space was brought to grade and given two applications of tar. The Sand Hills Parking Space was completed.
SURFACE TREATMENT
Sixteen (16) miles of road was surface treated, sand covered. Sixteen (16) miles of road was scraped and excess material disposed of.
Six hundred fifty (650) tons of Bituminous concrete patching material was used.
DRAINAGE
Eight (8) catch basins with outlets were constructed in various parts of the Town, mainly : 2 on First Parish Road, 1 on Oceanside Drive, 3 on Mann Lot Road and 2 on Country Way.
All catch basins were cleaned in the Spring and Fall.
Two hundred (200) feet of new drainage was constructed on Country Way.
At the present time there are many drainage problems in the Town which we hope to take care of in 1946.
Thirty-five hundred (3500) linear feet of guard rail were re- paired and painted.
SIGNS
All sign posts were re-set and the signs put in order. Due to the fact that we had two Victory Days which were celebrated with
52
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
exuberance, we regret to report that much damage was done to signs.
At Minot Beach and North Scituate Village, the streets were cleaned each week, and at Humarock, the streets were cleaned once each month during the summer season.
In conclusion, we wish to thank the heads of the Town Depart- ments for their fine co-operation given us in 1945, also the many citizens whose suggestions and interest have been most welcome.
Respectfully submitted, MATTHEW L. BROWN, Surveyor of Highways.
REPORT OF THE
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Scituate, Mass., Jan. 22, 1946.
Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
Report for year, January 1 to December 31, 1945.
Inspections
383
Adjustments
16
Condemned, Gasoline Pumps
2
Later sealed
Condemned Yardstick
1
Condemned Counter Scale
1
Trial reweighs
50
Collected fees
$72.99
Adjusting fees
1.50
$74.49
Respectfully,
PAUL C. ADAMS,
Sealer, Weights and Measures.
53
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE REPORT
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
To the Voters of Scituate:
The Board of Public Welfare wishes to extend its thanks to the Town Departments, individuals, and organizations who have cooperated with us during the past year. As a full account of our expenditures will be found in the report of the Town Accountant, no recapitulation of them here is necessary.
Respectfully submitted, W. M. BROWN, Chairman, ANNIE M. SOMERS, FRANKLIN T. SHARP, Board of Public Welfare.
REPORT OF THE
WAR PRICE AND RATIONING BOARD No. 271
January 14, 1946.
Board of Selectmen,
Town of Scituate, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
All O. P. A. Town Boards were relieved of further authority on September 30th, 1945, and Area Boards to cover a larger territory were established. Our Area Board is at Town Hall, East Wey- mouth.
We were asked to designate some of our Board to serve on the Area Board, and the undersigned volunteered and are so serving.
We maintained, until December 31st, a contact office at 72 Front Street, through which our citizens could transact all Ration business. Our people must now deal directly with the Area Board.
All bills have been paid and we have on hand an unexpended balance of $1,210.25, which we are asking authority to transfer to the E & D Account.
Respectfully submitted, PHILIP L. SCHUYLER, RUSSELL L. FISH, ROBERT E. O'HERN. September 28, 1945.
54
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT REPORT
Board of Selectmen, Town of Scituate, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
As this Board ceases its activities, it is my pleasant duty to express to you our appreciation of your confidence and backing.
Your refusal to ask favors for friends, or attempt to influence our actions, has made it possible for us to conduct our activities on a just and equitable basis-every citizen has been given abso- lutely the same consideration.
We believe Scituate has been outstanding in this phase of rationing.
Cordially yours, PHILIP L. SCHUYLER, Chairman.
REPORT OF THE
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
We submit herewith a report of the work accomplished by this department during the past year and give a brief resume of what we hope to accomplish in the ensuing years under a full time Engineering Department.
1. Establishing street lines for the erection of walls, fences and hedges. It is of utmost importance with the present increased traffic conditions that encroachunents on our none too wide high- ways be kept to a minimum.
2. Preparing plans and indexing land acquired by the Town under foreclosure procedure.
3. Examining and checking all preliminary Land Court plans for street lines, etc.
4. Appearing at Massachusetts Land Court Hearings in the interest of the Town.
5. Cooperation with various Town Departments.
55
TOWN COUNSEL'S REPORT
6. Preparing cost estimates for proposed Chapter 90 Highway work.
7. Attending County Highway hearings.
8. Inspection of damage and preparing estimates for repairs to sea walls.
9. Preparing drainage studies for the Highway Department.
10. Staking out and bounding accepted streets.
11. Restaking and replacing missing highway bounds.
12. Considerable work has been accomplished in revising and correcting the Town Maps, more particularly through the Huma- rock Section.
It is the intention of this department, if allowed to continue, to accomplish the following:
1. To index and file the numerous plans that have accumulated in the Town Hall.
2. To survey and lay out new streets with considerable thought given to lines, grades, and drainage problems.
3. Cooperate more closely with other Town Departments and Public Utilities.
4. To revise and bring the Town Maps up to date. Some of these maps haven't been touched since they were made in 1917. It is very important that the Town have a complete and up to date set of plans, if and when Federal and State funds are made avail- able for municipal projects.
5. To revise and complete the house numbering project.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN E. BAMBER,
Town Engineer,
HENRY A. LITCHFIELD, Ass't. Town Engineer.
56
TOWN COUNSEL'S REPORT
REPORT OF THE TOWN COUNSEL
The year 1945 has been marked by the renewal of progressive activities suspended during the war, renewed activity as usual re- sulting in legal problems recurrent and new. There have been cases and matters involving licenses, highways, real estate, storm damage, variances and other zoning questions, welfare, appropria- tions, town meetings, taxation, etc.
As in the past I have rendered gratuitous service in railroad transportation matters and in compiling the town by-laws with Data on Special Acts of the Legislature accepted by the Town. VERNON W. MARR.
BY-LAWS OF THE TOWN OF SCITUATE
Compiled to Date by Vernon W. Marr of the
Original Committee on By-Laws (1929)
PART I
(A) BY-LAWS OF THE TOWN OF SCITUATE AS APPROVED BY THE SUPERIOR, COURT, NOVEMBER 20, 1899
(B) AMENDMENTS AND ADDITIONAL, BY-LAWS
(A) BY-LAWS
ARTICLE I
General Conduct of Town Affairs
Section 1. The financial year shall begin with the first day of January and end with the thirty-first day of December.
Section 2. The annual meeting shall be held the first Monday in March.
Section 3. Town meetings shall be notified by posting an at- tested copy of the warrant, calling the same, in the Post offices, at the Town House, seven days at least before the day appointed for
57
TOWN COUNSEL'S REPORT
said meeting, and by publication in a newspaper, if any be pub- lished in the town.
Section 4. At the annual meeting the reports of the Select- men, Overseers of the Poor and all other Town officers, and all standing committees shall be first in order, after the choice of a Moderator.
Section 5. All motions shall be submitted in writing at the discretion of the Moderator or Clerk.
Section 6. Twenty-five voters shall constitute a quorum for the raising and appropriating of money under an article in the warrant providing for such action. See Amendment, Annual Town Meeting-1929.
Section 7. The annual report of the Town Officers shall be printed and distributed at least ten days before the Town Meet- ing.
Section 8. The duties of all Town Officers not specially pro- vided for by law nor by these rules shall be determined by the rules of parliamentary law contained in Cushing's Manual, as far as they are adapted to town meetings.
ARTICLE II Streets and Public Lands
Section 1. The Selectmen or Road Commissioner may grant permits to any persons to build sidewalks in front of their own land, or on any of the streets or ways of the town, whenever the public safety will permit; which permit shall specify the width and mode of constructing the same.
Section 2. Whenever complaint shall be made to the Select- men that the practice of coasting on any of the streets or sidewalks in the town has become dangerous to the public safety they may, if they shall judge it expedient, post up a notice in some conspicu- ous place, on the side or corner of such streets, forbidding all persons to coast upon the same; and if any person shall be found coasting upon the same after the posting of such notice he shall pay a fine of not less than one dollar nor more than five dollars for every offense, to be recovered of the offender, his parent or guardian.
Section 3. No person shall wheel, drive or draw any hand- cart, bicycle, handsled or any other carriage of burden or pleasure, baby carriage excepted, nor permit any horse or other beast to go
58
TOWN COUNSEL'S REPORT
upon any sidewalk, nor to encumber the same with any boxes, barrels or any articles whatever to interfere with the convenient use of the same.
Section 4. Every owner or occupant of premises in the town sliall keep the same free from all nuisances and sources of filth injurious to the public health and safety ; and any nuisance, source of filth or cause of sickness found on private property must be removed upon notice of the Board of Health and within such time as it may designate. If upon notice from this board any premises are not put in proper sanitary condition, the same shall be vacated upon the order of the Board.
Section 5. No person shall place or cause to be placed in any public or private way of the town the contents of any sink, cess- pool or privy, nor place any dead animal, or dead animal or vege- table substance, rubbish or garbage in the same, except for the purpose of immediate removal therefrom, under a penalty of not less than five nor more than twenty dollars for each offense.
Section 6. The words "public or private way" in the foregoing section shall be understood to include alleys. lanes, yards, beaches, or any other place where the presence of such refuse shall give offense to neighbors.
Section 7. One or more persons standing on any sidewalk or crosswalk, in such a manner as to obstruct a free passage for foot passengers, who shall not disperse immediately when ordered by any of the Selectmen, police officers or constable of the town, shall severally forfeit and pay a fme of three dollars for any violation of this By-Law.
Sections 8 and 9 not approved.
Section 10. No person shall move any buildings through any street, lane or alley without license from the Selectmen.
ARTICLE III Miscellaneous
Section 1. Whoever posts, affixes or in any way attaches any poster, handbill, notice, advertisement or placard to or upon any wall, fence. building or structure, shall forfeit and pay for each offense a fine of not less than five dollars nor more than twenty dollars.
Section 2. Whoever paints, draws or stamps any letter, notice, figure, advertisement or marks upon any wall, fence, post, tree, building or structure not his own, without the permission of the
59
TOWN COUNSEL'S REPORT
owner thereof, or without said permission, mars, defaces or dis- figures in any way, such wall, fence, post, tree, buildings or struc- ture, shall forfeit and pay for each offense a fine of not less than five nor more than twenty dollars.
Section 3. Any persons congregating together in a disorderly manner, who shall not disperse when ordered by any constable or police officer, and any person or persons congregating or loiter- ing about in any school house yard, or outbuilding, not being a member of the public schools, who shall not immediately disperse and leave the premises when ordered or requested to by any school official, constable or police officer of the town, shall severally for- feit and pay a fine of five dollars for every such offense. See Amendment, Annual Town Meeting, 1930.
Section 4. No person in a nude state shall bathe or swim in any public or exposed place in the town.
Section 5. It is ordered that it shall be the duty of the con- stable and police officers to enforce the foregoing By-Laws.
Section 6. These By-Laws may be amended at any annual town meeting, articles for that purpose having been inserted in the town warrant.
See Annual Reports 1898 and 1899.
(B) AMENDMENTS AND ADDITIONAL BY-LAWS
1900 ANNUAL REPORT
See Annual Town Meeting, Article XXXIV.
It was voted:
"To amend Sections 4, 5 and 6 of Article II of the Town's By- Laws."
1904 ANNUAL REPORT
Annual Town Meeting, Article XXVI, page 66:
"To see if the town will cause an addition to its present By- Laws, a clause making it legal for its Selectmen to grant licenses for the purchase and sale of old junk, or act thereon. "Voted, Yes."
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TOWN COUNSEL'S REPORT
1905 ANNUAL REPORT
Annual Town Meeting, Article LI.
It was voted:
"That the town instruct its constables to enforce the town By- Laws upon the written request of any citizens of the town."
1910 ANNUAL REPORT
Annual Town Meeting, Article XIX, page 60.
In re advisory committee it was voted:
"That this town do choose an advisory committee of seven non-officeholding taxpayers, who shall serve without pay, and whose duty it shall be to investigate and consider all financial propositions or articles to be brought before the town, and to report or advise thereof in open town meeting before action thereon by the town.
"Committee chosen in open meeting: Joseph A. Ward, Charles H. Tilden, Albert D. Spaulding, John T. Fitts, Clifton B. Lee, John Cummings, Edgar Tilden."
1911 ANNUAL REPORT
Annual Town Meeting, Article XXXIII.
"Voted, That the town do adopt By-Laws under Chapter 130 of the Acts of 1910, providing for a permanent Advisory Board as proposed by the Town Advisory Committee in their printed report."
Article XXXIV.
"Voted, That the town do continue its Advisory Committee of non-office-holding taxpayers, who shall serve without pay, whose duty it shall be to investigate and consider all financial propositions or articles to be brought before the town and to report or advise thereof in open town meeting before action thereon by the town."
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