USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1946-1948 > Part 7
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14.69
Costs Collected
122.85
Water Rates Uncollected January 1, 1946 Committed in 1946
65,565.84
Refunded
468.37
$ 69,559.32
Collected
$ 62,770.53 1.677.92
Abated
Water Rates Placed in Lien Accounts and Added to
1,318.25
Uncollected
3,792.62
$ 69,559.32
Bills Receivable Uncollected January 1, 1946 Committed in 1946
25,325.97
$27,687.17
Collected
25,115.91
Deposited by Treasurer
236.21
Deposited by Superintendent of Schools
120.00
Audit Adjustment
92.50
Abated
1,355.09
Uncollected
767.46
$ 27,687.17
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH R. DILLON, Town Collector.
101
$ 3,525.11
Special Assessments
$ 2,361.20
PLANNING BOARD REPORT
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
The Planning Board has held meetings and attended con- ferences during the last year, carrying on in the interim between adoption of the new planning law and its going into effect, one year after acceptance.
The new type planning board law, alluded to as "Chapter 211" should be of vital interest to all citizens, as it affects not only your material share in Scituate, but also protects those natural resources with which our town has been exceptionally blessed.
The new law gives the Planning Board considerably more jurisdiction than it had under the old law: so that the election of members to the Board, which takes place this year, should have more than the passing interest accorded this office in former years.
You have voted to accept an important law, implement it with a good board.
A mention of some of the duties of the new board may be en- lightening. It is incumbent on the board; to make studies and where necessary prepare plans of the resources, possibilities, and needs of the town and submit a report with recommendations to the Selectmen; to make and maintain a master of work plan, --- a most necessary adjunct not only for the Board itself, but for all town officials. Incidentally, the present Board has investigated the possibilities of an acrial survey, obtained costs, and are of the opinion that for the out'ay the benefits would be great.
The matter of sub-divisions is one of the most important affairs covered by the new law. In fact, the present Board asked you to accept "Chapter 211" at the last town meeting principally on account of the controls embodied in that law and not pres- ent in the old law. The high cost of building has a strong tend- ency to discourage the small builder and leave the field to the large operator. While it would be unfair to condemn all devel- opers, without controls there would always be risk of a developer opening a sub-division who had no more interest in Scituate than to derive the greatest profit for himself. Such a developer leaves a heritage which our town cannot afford to accept.
The new Board will have sub-division regulations, which if properly administered, will control developers without handicap- ping the housing growth.
102
VETERANS COMMITTEE REPORT
The Board is glad to report that the building code, which has been in force for one year, has worked out satisfactorily. Some small changes appear necessary, which the Board hopes that you will approve.
The Board wishes to acknowledge the help and encourage- ment of Mr. Shea, Chairman of the Selectmen.
MARK W. MURRILL, Chairman,
KENNETH MANSFIELD, Sec., GEORGE R. PAUL, CLIFFORD L. WARD, EVAN F. BAILEY, Scituate Planning Board.
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF VETERANS' SERVICES
The Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Scituate, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The following is the report of the Director of Veterans' Services for the year ending 1946:
There were 443 persons, enlisted and inducted, from the Town of Scituate during World War II. Over 75% of this num- ber have been discharged at this writing.
Upon being appointed Director of Veterans' Services, I opened an office in the Town Hall on Wednesday evenings and Saturdays to give advice and assistance to the veterans. In June, without cost to the Town, the services of a Veterans Administration con- tact man were obtained. This contact man has given valuable services each Saturday to not only the veterans of Scituate, but veterans from Norwell, Hanover, Marshfield, Cohasset and Pem- broke as well. The following is the list of services rendered:
Total number of interviews 630
Initial contact letters mailed 100
Discharges recorded 174
Certificates of eligibility
75
Bonus applications 60
Insurance forms 100
103
POST WAR DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
On the job trainees 14
Apprenticeships 10
Terminal leave papers notarized
25
Discharge photostats obtained 30
All other forms 110
Practically all benefits from State and Federal sources require photostats of discharges. Up until May of this year, an arrange- ment was made with the Town of Marshfield to provide photo- stats on a weekly basis. In May, Marshfield found it necessary to limit this service to once a month. This proved to be inadequate and as a result, veterans had to go to Boston to obtain photostats. I think in view of this the Town of Scituate should acquire a photo- stat machine.
I cannot too greatly emphasize to the veterans the necessity for having their discharges recorded. Of the total number of veterans discharged from the services, only 174 have had theirs recorded. I request at this time that all veterans who have not done so bring in their discharges.
Respectfully submitted,
HERBERT R. DWYER, Director of Veterans' Services.
REPORT OF THE SCITUATE HARBOR AND TOWN PARKING SPACE POST WAR DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Board of Selectmen of Scituate
Gentlemen:
Since our last annual report your Committee has been con- sidering the projects mentioned at that time, such as the widen- ing of Front street, the extension of Front street to a point near the junction of Hatherly and Jericho Roads, the repairing of Ed- ward Foster Bridge, the rebuilding of the bulkhead around the public parking space, the dredging of a boat channel to a public boat yard, made by a filled area near Edward Foster Road and the construction of a sewerage system for the Harbor district. We feel that all these projects are desirable and important, but in view of the fact that the Town is faced with providing funds in such large amounts for schools, roads, etc., do not deem it ad- visable to proceed with these improvements in this particular
104
.
POST WAR DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
year. These are for long term planning and can await a more favorable time.
At a meeting of the Committee held June 30, 1946, the fol- lowing vote was taken:
Voted: To request the Selectimen to send a resolution to Congress through our representative Mr. Charles L. Gifford, petitioning it for a review of House Document #556 of the Sev- enty-fifth Congress, to determine if any modification of the exist- ing project is desirable at this time. This was speedily acted upon by your board and by Mr. Gifford and notification was received that a hearing would be held before the United States Army En- gineers on December 3, 1945. Previous to this, we advertised a hearing to be held on November 6, 1946, so that all parties inter- ested might see the plans for dredging which the Committee had in mind and incorporate in our presentation to the Army Engi- neers, any suggestiin which seemed worth while. This pre-hear- iug was well attended, many views were expressed so that the Committee was enabled to appear at the Hearing of December 3, 1946 with a definite and generally adapted plan.
The hearing was conducted by Major Kearns and General Moses of the United States Army Engineers. Mr. Pettey, repre- senting General Hale of the Massachusetts Department of Public Works, Division of Waterways, stated that the department was in favor of the further improvement of the Harbor and very willing to cooperate.
Your Chairman, Mr. Shea, welcomed the Engineers and as- sured them of the financial responsibility of the Town. Your Committee Chairman presented the urgent need of the improve- ment and submitted a written report to the Engineers showing the value of the improvement from an investment standpoint. The Chairman, at the suggestion of Major Kearns, introduced the proponents. Mr. Dwyer, in an able manner, outlined the de- sired improvement which was shown on a large map. The yacht- ing and commercial interest both local and coastwide, were rep- resented by spokesmen who presented the need. The coast- guard was represented by Chief Bernard B. Wood, who spoke of the desirability of the improvement. Mr. Frank S. Davis, Chair- man of the Maritime Division of the Boston Chamber of Com- merce, presented the case from a coastwide viewpoint and Mr. Pryor. President of the Propellor Club, spoke of our harbor as one of the best and stressed the need of deeper water and more anchorage space. There were no opponents.
The committee feels that the engineers will make a favor- able report and if they do that, the Town should make every
105
OLD COLONY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
effort to have the money allocated by Congress for the project. We are grateful for what has been done in the past by the Fed- eral and State Governments and look forward to the further im- provement of our beautiful harbor.
Respectfully submitted,
PHILIP S. BAILEY
GEORGE F. DWYER RUSSELL L. FISH CHARLES D. MAGINNIS, JR. FRANK V. THOMPSON
Committee.
REPORT OF THE OLD COLONY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
On October 12, 1945, the Scituate Herald published a report which I submitted on the Old Colony Railroad situation as Town Counsel of Scituate. I now render a further report upon the situa- tion as Chairman of the Old Colony Transportation Committee composed of representatives of the cities and towns served by the Boston Group of the Old Colony through Braintree. An annexed letter (marked A) from an interested commuter will serve to pre- sent the status late in the fall of 1945.
Three phases of the situation were of principal interest to our Old Colony Committee in 1946:
1. The movement in the General Court to abolish the Boston Railroad Holding Co.
2. The plans of the Rapid Transit Commission, headed by Hon. Arthur Coolidge, and of the Legislative Commitee, headed by Senator Donald Nicholson.
3. Federal Court proceedings (and I.C.C.) .
Members of the Legislature discussed the Boston Railroad Holding Company problem with us, and satsfying us of the meri- torionsness of the bill for abolition, we participated in their suc- cessful effort for abolition of this financial child of the New Haven system.
Our Committee followed closely also the efforts and reports of the Rapid Transit Commission and Legislative Committee, in- cluding the Boetner report in May, 1946, to the latter group. It is believed that our efforts will result in "thru-rapid transit" to
106
OLD COLONY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
points beyond Braintree, in the event the railroad shou'd discon- tinue service. I believe the position of our group is set forth in my annexed letter addressed to President Arthur Coolidge, dated March 27. 1946, marked (B).
The further report of this Rapid Transit Group is expected by June 1947.
Arguments have been made in the United States Circuit Court of Appeals following the Sixth Report of the Interstate Commerce Commission. A decision is momentarily awaited. The Attorney General's office and counsel representing Old Colony interests have expressed hopeful confidence of relief, which may give an oppor- tunity for further hearings before the I.C.C.
The Reed bill passed by Congress was vetoed by the president. It was hoped that relief before the I.C.C. could be obtained under this measure.
Our Old Colony Transportation Committee faces 1947 with firm resolutions to continue to be of service. Its members have all been volunteers, giving generously of their time and efforts.
The Town of Weymouth through its Board of Selectmen has been most co-operative in providing a meeting place for us. Mr. Frank Roberts, first chairman of our Committee, has continued to be a valuable adviser and member. Mr. Edward W. Young, also of Weymouth, is chairman of our Planning Committee. Hon. Thomas H. Buckley of Abington is our acting treasurer. Mrs. Emily McGovern has rendered invaluable services as secretary. Mr. George Turner of Rockland is chairman of Publicity.
Efforts to get finances have been only partially successful, most of the towns not appearing anxious to pay over public funds to an inter-town project. Six Hundred Dollars ($600) however, has been contributed by Abington, Rockland, Scituate and Wey- mouth. This sum gives us our first working capital. In my opinion the more money raised and carefully spent, the greater good can be accomplished by this civic committee. Better Committee organization to encourage greater participation by all the munici- palities is one of our first objects in 1947. A meeting of wide interest will soon begin our program for the year.
VERNON W. MARR, Chairman.
Note: Copies of annexed letters A and B will be sent upon request.
V. W. M.
107
ZONING BOARD REPORT
REPORT OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
Your Zoning Board of Appeals held eight public hearings in 1946 at which petitions for variances were heard. .
After due consideration, five of these petitions were granted and three were denied.
In addition, the Board held ten preliminary meetings for the preparation and consideration of these various petitions for variances.
Respectfully submitted,
W. CLEVELAND COGSWELL, Chairman,
W. OTIS ANDREWS, FRANK L. WESTERHOFF.
108
STATE AUDIT REPORT
REPORT OF THE STATE AUDIT
To the Board of Selectmen, Mr. Dennis H. Shea, Chairman, Scituate, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith my report of an audit of the books and accounts of the town of Scituate for the year ending December 31, 1945, made in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44, Gen- eral Laws. This is in the form of a report made to me by Mr. Herman B. Dine, Assistant Director of Accounts.
Very truly yours,
THEODORE N. WADDELL. Director of Accounts.
Mr. Theodore N. Waddell, Director of Accounts,
Department of Corporations and Taxation,
State House, Boston.
Sir:
As directed by you, I have made an audit of the books and accounts of the town of Scituate for the fiscal year ending Decem- ber 31, 1945, and report thereon as follows:
The financial transactions, as recorded on the books of the several departments collecting or disbursing money for the town, were examined and checked for the period of the audit.
The books and accounts of the town accountant were examined and checked. The general ledger accounts were analyzed, the recorded receipts and payments being checked with the treasurer's books, while the appropriations and transfers, as entered, were checked with the town clerk's records of financial votes passed at town meetings and with the advisory committee's authorization of transfers from the reserve fund.
A trial balance, proving the accounts to be in balance, was taken off, and a balance sheet, showing the financial condition of
109
STATE AUDIT REPORT
the town on December 31, 1945, was prepared and is appended to this report. An examination of the appended balance sheet shows the financial condition of the town to be very good.
The books and accounts of the town treasurer were examined and checked. The recorded receipts were analyzed and verified by comparison with the records in the several departments collect- ing money for the town, with other sources from which money was paid into the town treasury, and with the town accountant's books. The recorded payments were checked with the selectmen's warrants authorizing the disbursement of town funds and with the records of the town accountant.
The cash book was footed, and the cash balance on February 18, 1946, was verified by reconciliation of the bank balances with statements furnished by the banks in which town funds are deposited.
The records of tax titles taken by the town were examined and checked. The amounts added to the tax title account were compared with the collector's records, the reported redemptions were checked with the receipts as recorded on the treasurer's cash book. and the tax title deeds as listed were reconciled with the accountant's ledger.
The recorded payment of debt and interest were proved with the amounts falling due and by examination of the cancelled securities and coupons on file.
The savings bank books and securities representing the invest- ment of the trust and investment funds in the custody of the selectmen and the town treasurer were examined and listed, the income being proved and the withdrawals verified.
The books and accounts of the town collector were examined and checked. The taxes and assessments outstanding according to the previous examination and all subsequent commitments were audited and checked with the assessors' warrants for their collec- tion. The recorded collections were checked with the payments to the treasurer as shown by the treasurer's and the town account- ant's books, the abatements, as entered, were checked with the assessors' record of abatements granted, the taxes and water liens transferred to the tax title account were checked with the treas- urer's record of tax titles held by the town, and the outstanding accounts were listed and proved to the accountant's ledger.
The commitments of departmental and water accounts receiv- able were examined and checked. The payments to the treasurer were verified by comparison with the treasurer's and the account-
110
STATE AUDIT REPORT
ant's books, the abatements were checked with the departmental records of abatements granted, and the outstanding accounts were listed and proved to the accountant's ledger.
The outstanding tax, assessment, departmental, and water accounts were further verified by mailing notices to a number of persons whose names appeared on the books as owing money to the town, the replies received thereto indicating that the accounts, as listed, are correct.
The collector's cash balance on February 18, 1946, was verified by actual count of the cash in the office.
The records of licenses and permits issued by the selectmen, the town clerk, an'l the police and health departments, as well as of all other departments collecting money or committing bills for collection, were examined and checked, the reported payments to the State and to the town treasurer being verified.
The surety bonds of the town officials required to furnish them for the faithful performance of their duties were examined and found in proper form.
There are appended to this report, in addition to the balance sheet, tables showing a reconciliation of the treasurer's and the collector's cash, summaries of the tax, assessment, tax title, depart- mental, and water accounts, together with tables showing the con- dition and transactions of the trust and investment funds.
While engaged in making the audit, co-operation was received from all town officials and myself, I wish to express appreciation.
Respectfully submitted,
HERMAN B. DINE, Assistant Director of Accounts.
For complete details and figures consult Director of Accounts' Audit on file at the Selectmen's Office.
111
TOWN ACCOUNTANT'S REPORT
REPORT OF THE TOWN ACCOUNTANT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
In compliance with the provisions of Chapter 44 of the General Laws, I herewith submit the following report of the Accounting Department for the year ending December 31, 1946.
I have also included a detailed statement of disbursements showing amounts paid and the persons to whom payments were made, as requested by vote at the annual meeting held March 7, 1927.
ELLEN ELIZABETH COLE,
. Town Accountant.
GENERAL REVENUE
TAXES
Current Year :
Poll
$2,264.00
Personal
30,617.70
Real Estate
376,140.98
Motor Vehicle Excise
$409,022.68 9,913.30
Previous Years:
ยท Poll
$170.00
Personal
1,524.69
Real Estate
34,742.88
36,437.57
Motor Vehicle Excise
256.36
From the Commonwealth:
Income Tax
$56,126.83
Corporation Taxes
25,729.67
Smith Hughes Fund
144.35
Vocational Education
1,487.39
Licenses
30.00
U. S. Grant, Old Age Assistance, Assistance
19,518.54
U. S. Grant, Old Age Assistance, Administrative
650.61
U. S. Grant, Aid to Dependent Children, Assistance
1,543.50
U. S. Grant, Aid to Dependent Children, Administra- tive
101.68
Highway Fund
11,796.03
117,128.60
From the County:
Dog Licenses
$902.89
Chapter 90 Maintenance
61.08
963.97
License, and Permits
6,175.00
112
TOWN ACCOUNTANT'S REPORT
Court Fines
$182.00
Sealer's Fees
88.78
Shellfish Fees
7.45
Special Assessments :
Moth 1944
$18.50
Moth 1945
29.00
47,50
OTHER RECEIPTS
From the Commonwealth:
Aid to Dependent Children
$2,227.53
Old Age Assistance
20,059.84
State Aid
701.50
Indigent Persons
12.76
Subsidies Cities and Towns
260.71
Meal Tax
1,987.55
Chapter 90 Maintenance
61.08
Other Cities and Towns:
Old Age Assistance
432.20
General Government:
Selectmen :
Advertising
$62.50
Rent of Minot Station
240.00
Sale of Real Estate
6,806.00
Sale of Motorcycles
395.00
Sale of' Trucks
589.00
Rent of Tower Field
100.00
Sale of Typewriter
15.00
All Other
11.07
8,218.57
Collector :
Costs
. $480.30
Mortgagee's Receipts
3.00
483.30
Treasurer :
Tax Titles Redeemed
$2,157.07
Excess Tax Titles
239.75
2,396.82
Town Clerk :
Dog Licenses
1,164.20
Town Hall :
Telephone Tolls
3,20
Police Department :
Bicycle Registrations
$34.75
Ambulance
25.00
Telephone Toll
2.45
Moth Work
1,536.30
Board of Health:
Dental Clinic Fees
48.05
113
62.20
278.23
25,310.97
TOWN ACCOUNTANT'S REPORT
Highway Department:
Rental of Equipment
672.77
School Department :
Tuition and Transportation
$335.35
Sale of Supplies
93.25
Rent of Auditorium
30.00
458.60
Unclassified :
Zoning Board of Appeals
32.00
Park Department :
Care of Lots
8.00
Withholding Taxes
21,650.32
Insurance-Fire Station Humarock
610.77
Fee for Recording Buried Cable
1.00
Final Order and Judgment-Roads
1.00
Proceeds from Bond
25,000.00
Water Department :
Sale of Junk
275.00
Refunds :
Highway Department
$422.66
Aid to Dependent Children
21.47
Old Age Assistance
168.75
U. S. Grant Old Age Assistance
197.64
Park Department
7.00
Estimated Receipts
3,120.50
3,938.02
WATER DEPARTMENT
Fixture Rates
$33,963.17
Meter Rates
28,593.45
Miscellaneous Charges
213.91
Liens
1,706.34
64,476.87
INTEREST
On Taxes
$1,372.78
On Tax Titles Redeemed
250.39
On Rehabilitation Fund
2,093.75
3,716.92
TRUST FUNDS
Eliza Jenkins Fund
$60.40
Lucy Thomas Fund
20.00
Sarah J. Wheeler Fund
19.76
Hannah D. Miller Fund
39.04
Cornelia Allen Fund
101.72
George O. Allen Fund
10.48
Benjamin T. Ellms Fund
40.00
291.40
LOANS
Anticipation of Revenue
$100.000.00
Sea Wall Loan
25,000.00
125,000.00
$866,041.69
114
TOWN ACCOUNTANT'S REPORT
Balance. January 1, 1946
222,944.91
$1,088,986.60
EXPENDITURES General Government SELECTMEN
Salaries:
Chairman
$2,528.97 1,320.00
$3,848.97
Expenses :
Clerical Assistance
$1,277.76
Postage
2.50
Carfares. Autos and Lunches
307.17
Office Expense
50.83
All Other
9.00
1,647.26
$5,496.23
DUES-BOSTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Dues
60.00
TOWN ACCOUNTANT
Salary
$2,202.20
Expenses :
Clerical Assistance
$256.52
Postage
5.00
Office Expense
98.26
359.78
2.561.98
TOWN TREASURER
Salary
$2,420.00
Expenses :
Printing, Stationery and Postage
$234.87
Bond
168.40
Burglary Insurance
22.50
Office Expense
34.01.
Telephone
33.81
Carfares, Autos and Lunches
117.47
Clerical Assistance
200.00
811.06
3,231.06
TAX TITLE FORECLOSURES
Postage
$.96
Foreclosure Costs
193.85
194.81
EXCESS TAX TITLES
Excess Tax Titles
239.75
TOWN COLLECTOR
Salary
$2,617.55
115
Associates
TOWN ACCOUNTANT'S REPORT
Expenses :
Clerical Assistance
$2,300 96
Printing, Stationery and Postage
693.61
Bonds
346.75
Carfares, Autos and Lunches
325.97
Office Expense
212.83
Burglary Insurance
82.00
Advertising and Costs of Tax Taking
115.70
4,077.82
6,695.37
ASSESSORS
Salaries:
Chairman
$2,200.00
Associates
1,100.00
$3,300.00
Expenses :
Clerical Assistance
$1,720.62
Printing, Stationery and Postage
15.84
Carfares, Autos and Lunches
163.16
Banker and Tradesman
12.00
Copying Deeds
275.00
Office Expense
126.01
All Other
11.00
2,323.63
5,623.63
OTHER FINANCE OFFICERS AND ACCOUNTS
Certification of Notes
61.25
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Expenses :
Clerical Assistance
$100.00
Printing. Stationery and Postage
112.09
212.09
LAW DEPARTMENT
Expenses :
Services of Town Counsel
$1,005.00
Expenses
120.00
All Other
126.88
1,251.88
TOWN CLERK
Salary
$1,452.00
Expenses :
Printing, Stationery and Postage
$32.90
Bond
5.00
Office Expense
108.47
Carfares, Autos and Lunches
82.21
Telephones
56.26
Clerical Assistance
472.12
Publishing Notices, etc.
69.00
All Other
.36
826.32
2,278.32
116
TOWN ACCOUNTANT'S REPORT
TOWN MEETINGS, ELECTIONS AND REGISTRATIONS
Expenses :
Moderator
$110.00
Registrars
288.50
Election Officers
583.00
Clerical
141.88
Janitors' Services
35.00
Labor-Election Set Up
54.00
Use of Truck
30.00
Publishing and Posting Warrants, etc.
143.00
Printing Voting Lists
125.00
Printing, Stationery and Postage
122.57
Listing Residents
285.75
Use of Car
132.00
Amplifier Service
30.00
Dinners
140.00
Office Expense
15.56
2,236.26
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Expenses :
Services of Engineer
$2.610.00
Assistant Engineer
400.00
Use of Car
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