USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1949-1951 > Part 20
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Inspections have been made of all plumbing work for which permits have been issued and the standards are being upheld by the contractors doing the work.
During the latter part of the year, the Building Commissioner has been notifying this office of each building permit as it is issued which helps greatly in the check-up of proposed methods of sewage disposal.
There has been close co-operation between the Road Depart- ment and me in our effort to maintain proper street drainage to keep the ground water low to allow the land to absorb sewage. Until we have a municipal system of sewerage with proper disposal, it becomes more and more difficult to properly take care of the effluent in the ground confining it to personal property limits. Every effort is being made to do this and protect health.
A definite plan for sewerage was presented to the Town last year, but on account of the heavy tax burden, it was deemed unwise to make the appropriation. This year, I am not asking for an appro- priation as the economic picture has not changed; the need, how- ever, is just as urgent.
Respectfully submitted,
PHILIP S. BAILEY, Inspector.
100
BOARD OF HEALTH
REPORT OF THE MILK INSPECTOR
To the Board of Health,
Scituate, Massachusetts.
Dear Sirs:
All milk sold in Scituate the past year has been up to standard qualifications.
I have issued
10 vehicle milk licenses
51 milk licenses for stores and restaurants
2 licenses for the manufacture of ice cream
1 license for a recreation camp
10 licenses for the sale of oleomargarine
1 license for the pasteurization of milk
3 licenses for the sale of denatured alcohol
16 licenses for the sale of Anti Freeze solution
Respectfully yours,
GEORGE H. OTIS, Milk Inspector.
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
December 22, 1950.
Town of Scituate, Board of Health,
Scituate, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
I wish to report that I have quarantined all dogs which have bitten people and have attended to all matters relative to cattle, horses, goats and swine.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES P. CHASE, Inspector of Animals.
101
BUILDING COMMISSIONER'S REPORT
REPORT OF THE BUILDING COMMISSIONER
January 19, 1951
To the Board of Selectmen:
The report of the Building Commissioner follows:
Four hundred and twelve (412) applications for Building Per- mits were received during the year of 1950, of which three hundred and ninety-seven (397) permits were issued, with an estimated value of close to two million dollars ($2,000,000). Fees collected and turned over to the Town Treasurer for the same were $1,901.00. All buildings have been inspected as required by our Town By-Laws and the Laws of the Commonwealth of Mass.
Several cases were brought before the Building Board of Appeals, requiring ten (10) meetings of this Board, all of which were disposed of in the best interests of all concerned.
Respectfully submitted,
LESTER D. HOBSON, Building Commissioner.
102
ALLEN MEMORIAL LIBRARY REPORT
REPORT OF THE ALLEN MEMORIAL LIBRARY
January 16, 1951
Board of Selectmen,
Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
In 1950 the Allen Memorial Library was completely re- cataloged, making the list of some 6000 books more readily avail- able to all users of the library. The card file is now located con- veniently near the entrance, with cross-index cards of titles and authors and in the case of non-fiction, as to subject matter.
During the year 625 new books were acquired by purchase and gift, the book circulation was 17,208 and magazine circula- tion 935. 935
18143
Re-registration of borrowers was started on May Ist and from then until December 31st, 967 were registered, showing a wide use of the library by the citizens and the summer residents.
On the Thanksgiving week-end the library held a Juvenile Book-Fair, the first of its kind in the town, at which the best in books for children of all ages, were displayed for sale.
We are grateful to the library committees for their diligent work during the year and wish to express our appreciation of the support of the people of the Town.
Respectfully submitted,
Allen Memorial Library Association.
ROBERT P. RICH, President,
103
PEIRCE MEMORIAL LIBRARY REPORT
REPORT OF THE PEIRCE MEMORIAL LIBRARY
January 14, 1951
Board of Selectmen,
Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
During the year 1950 it has been most pleasing to have the facilities of the library serve an ever increasing number of the townspeople of Scituate.
Thru the year two interesting "informal" afternoons were held at the library with Dr. Albert Bailey and Mrs. Inez Haynes Irwin as special guests.
The many exhibits have been well arranged under the direc- tion of Mrs. Philip Bailey and Miss Madeleine Ellis.
A pleasant Children's Nook has been established at the library and early in the year story hours for the children proved instruc- tive as well as entertaining.
The librarian's report is attached.
The trustees of the association wish to thank the townspeople for their loyal support so willingly given to the library.
Respectfully submitted,
VERNETTA G. BARNES,
President of Peirce Memorial Library Assn.
104
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
North Scituate, Mass., December 30, 1950
Circulation report from the Peirce Memorial Library for year ending December 30, 1950.
Total number of books circulated 15,016
Total number of magazines circulated 2.551
Number of cards issued
392 77,567
New books added thru purchase and as gifts 399
We thank the townspeople for their loyal interest and support during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
SARAH H. KNOWLES, Librarian.
REPORT OF THE TOWN TREASURER
Receipts
Receipts for the year 1950 $1,415,169.28
Cash on hand, January 1, 1950 535,792.04
$1,950,961.32
Expenditures
As per Warrants of Selectmen
$1,635,207.40
Balance on hand, December 31, 1950
315,753.92
$1,950,961.32
Respectfully submitted,
ROSE A. SMITH, Treasurer.
105
TOWN COLLECTOR'S REPORT
REPORT OF THE TOWN COLLECTOR
For the Year Ending December 31, 1950
Total Payments to Treasurer
$873,293.88
Total Taxes Collected
$740,010.52
Total Interest Collected
1,816.50
Total Costs Collected
544.35
Total Water Rates Collected
71,356.14
Total Bills Receivable Collected
59,566.37
$873,293.88
1948 Polls, Personal, Real and Water Liens, Uncollected
January 1, 1950
$10,265.25
Collected
$9,513.70
Abated
343.50
Takings
408.05
Interest Collected
532.71
Costs Collected
59.60
1949 Polls, Personal, Real, Moth and Water Liens Uncollected January 1, 1950
Refunded
$52,042.31
Collected
$39,846.46
Abated
562.48
Added to Tax Titles
173.18
Uncollected
11,460.19
$52,042.31
Interest Collected
981.75
Costs Collected
205.45
1949 Motor Excise Uncollected January 1, 1950
$3,335.06
Committed in 1950
506.18
Refunded
81.68
$3,922.92
Collected
$3,097.35
Abated
489.98
Uncollected
335.59
$3,922.92
Interest Collected
19.96
Costs Collected
71.75
1950 Polls, Personal, Real, Moth and Water Liens Committed in 1950
$701,120.18
Refunded
3,013.33
$704,133.51
Collected
$637,393.17
Abated
12,220.98
Added to Tax Titles
505.93
Uncollected
54,013.43
$704.133.51
106
$10,265.25
$51,850.31 192.00
TOWN COLLECTOR'S REPORT
Interest Collected
Costs Collected
234.49 94.85
1950 Motor Excise Committed in 1950
$58,449.37 1,966.45
Refunded
$60,415.82
Collected
$50,159.84
Abated
2,641.13
Uncollected
7,614.85
Interest Collected
47.59
Costs Collected
112.70
Water Rates Uncollected January 1, 1950
$4,286.36
Committed in 1950
76,109.35
Refunded
846.21
$81,241.92
Collected
$71,356.14
Abated
2,267.49
Water Rates Placed in Lien Accounts and added to Special Assessments
2,164.01
Uncollected
5,454.28
$81,241.92
Bills Receivable Uncollected January 1, 1950
$61.00
Committed in 1950
60,259.66
$60,320.66
Collected
$59,566.37
Abated
5.00
Moth Work added as Special Assessments to 1950 Taxes
201.00
Uncollected
548.29
$60,320.66
In concluding my report, I wish to thank each and everyone for their co-operation and courtesy extended to me in the perform- ance of my official duties.
In order to safeguard the sound financial standing of the Town of Scituate during the time ahead of high taxes and living costs, I must now adhere more strictly to the collection laws by enforcement of payment of outstanding accounts.
This will mean a hardship to some, but if all taxpayers failed to make prompt payments, the Town would be in a very poor financial condition.
After all, everyone must pay the costs of government and these costs can only be met when due by the prompt payment of taxes by all.
Trusting I have served you well and that I shall have the pleas- ure of serving you again in the years to come, I remain
Yours sincerely,
JOSEPH R. DILLON, Town Collector.
107
$60,415.82
PLANNING BOARD REPORT
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
To the Citizens of Scituate, we are proud to announce that, in 1950, your Planning Board made progress that, we believe, is without precedence in the many years since its inception.
At the year's outset, we projected our efforts beyond the limits of our own abilities, so that we might contribute to the Town of Scituate the latest concepts, procedures, and techniques that are practised by Planning Boards throughout the Commonwealth. We had the duties of this Board defined for us not merely in terms of statute, but in the persons of the legislators who formulated them. These duties are explained simply as follows:
The Planning Board was established as the one Board to concern itself with the affairs, actual and potential, of the com- munity as a whole, and to promote, without partiality, any and all programs for the common good. It is the privilege as well as the requirement of the Board to originate and advance ideas on all phases of municipal activity - a function that distinguishes it from every other elective or appointive division of public service. The Board is obligated by law to make recommendations for the present and future growth, improvement and development of the town, and to study and report to official departments in an advisory capacity on all plans and proposals currently under consideration. Another requirement of all Planning Boards that is intimately related to the above is the making of a Master or Study Plan. A third responsibility is the application of subdivision regulations as prescribed in Sections 81K to 81U of Chapter 41 of the General Laws.
Since March, 1950, The Planning Board approved subdivision plats submitted by :
John E. Bamber (5 lots) property on Hatherly Road, N. Scituate Paul F. Liston (12 lots) property on Hatherly Road, N. Scituate Gordon E. Atwood (8 lots) property on Central Avenue, Humarock Wendell Holmes Development, extension, on Gannett Road. N. Scituate
Robert and Walter J. Breen property on Hatherly Road, N. Scituate Ralph S. Brown property (Bulrush Farm) on Hollett Street, N. Scituate
108
PLANNING BOARD REPORT
Louise E. Ruiter et al property on Cherry Lane, Minot (for Mary F. O'Regan)
Pending approval, are subdivision plans of :
Frank L. Westerhoff (49 lots) property on Hazel Avenue and Beaver Dam Road, Scituate
Frank G. Grady property on Hatherly, Orchard, Jericho and Bar- ker Roads, Scituate
Due to inadequate information and no set system for referral, it was necessary for this Board to examine innumerable other plans and to check all building permits issued for new foundations, in order to determine the development of further subdivisions. Sub- division control is for the protection of the purchaser and the town as a whole. Without the approval of The Planning Board, the Registry of Deeds cannot accept a subdivision plan, in whole or in part, for filing; no building permit for any lot therein can validly be issued; water and other public utilities cannot be guar- anteed. Lack of the necessary approval will many times present an obstacle to the purchaser in obtaining a clear title or a mortgage. Proposed new ways, correctly located and adequate in size and construction, proper facilities for drainage and sewage disposal, are the responsibility of the developer. The Planning Board con- fers with the Board of Health, the Water Department and the Highway Department in the approval of all such plans, so that the eventual purchaser and the town will be relieved of the expen- sive burden of providing the foregoing essentials after the subdi- vider has departed from the scene. In this one duty of supervising subdivisions, The Planning Board is charged with a large measure of the physical, economic, social, and moral welfare of Scituate.
Other business that came before the Board this past year will be partially listed here:
Town Manager Plan Master or Study Plan Revaluation
Extension of the business area
(a) Increased off-the-street public parking space
(b) Establishing a shopping center Revision of Zoning, Building By-Laws
(a) Appeals for variances
(b) Non-conforming buildings, uses
(c) Removal of top soil
(d) Lot size regulation misplaced in By-Laws
109
PLANNING BOARD REPORT
Introduction of small industry Illegal posting of signs, billboards Public sewerage system
(a) Problems of sanitation Improvements in Scituate Harbor
(a) Dredging
(b) Repair of sea wall
(c) Comfort stations
School Housing Needs
(a) Proposed addition to High School
(b) Additional elementary school space Special Public Improvements
(a) New athletic field
(b) Alteration of public ways Problems of Water Department
Problems of Tree Warden
Problems of Fire Protection, Prevention and Control
Since March, 1950, forty-one meetings were conducted by this Board. Most of these were conferences with one or more official departments. A determined policy was adopted at the year's be- ginning for the promotion of a greater understanding among all departments of town government of each other's problems. This policy was carried out by means of these interdepartmental ses- sions, and the few departments who did not meet with this Board from time to time were omitted only because the year was too short.
The Planning Board made itself known and its functions better understood through these conferences. A number of departments and many other fellow-citizens have asked us to publish an account of our activities during the year. We are gratified at their interest and cooperation, and a special report "Know Your Planning Board" has been prepared. Because of the extra time involved in prepa- ration, it appears under separate cover. Included also will be a copy of The Planning Board's Report on Town Manager Plan, that will be delivered at the forthcoming annual town meeting.
Our 1951 program will place fresh emphasis on interdepart- mental meetings. It has been our observation that erstwhile indi- vidual problems appear to overlap when subjected to open dis- cussion. Many valuable suggestions, ideas and hypotheses evolved from these meetings.
110
PLANNING BOARD REPORT
Our main project for 1951 will be to give these ideas substance in the shape of a Master or Study Plan. For the essence of a Master Plan is the proposed solutions and projected thinking that enable the town to operate as a unit. It is not a map. It is the most valu- able single device for sound, timely, economical planning, and is described more fully in the accompanying special report.
Subdivision control will continue to receive all the required attention of this Board during the coming year.
We have offered to render all possible assistance to the civil defense program.
We will make studies and report on any specific matters re- ferred to us by the town for recommendations.
This Board is elected to serve as a committee which studies, correlates, originates and advises on plans and proposals for the general welfare. We must rely on your confidence, trust and sup- port to continue conscientiously in the privileged capacity of The Planning Board of Scituate.
Respectfully submitted,
CLIFFORD L. WARD, SR., Secretary MARK W. MURRILL THOMAS R. STEARNS FRANCIS A. OBERT
111
VETERANS COMMITTEE REPORT
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF VETERANS' SERVICES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and the Citizens of Scituate, Mass.
As Director of Veterans' Services, I am pleased to submit the Annual Report for 1950.
In the past year the Office of Veterans' Services has had calls totalling 1265. These calls necessitated a much larger number of outgoing calls, by phone, letter or visit.
The service in the above cases comprises Education, Rehabilita- tion, Employment, Mortgage difficulties, Appraisal difficulties, Med- ical, Dental, Hospitalization, Veterans' and Veterans' Widows pen- sions, Funeral Arrangements, etc.
Photostatic service for veterans has been provided.
In 1946, Chapter 584 was passed by the Legislature amending Chapter 115; this eliminated all State Aid and Military Aid. Fifty per cent (50%) of all expenditures that are approved by the Commissioner shall be borne by the State. The amounts paid to the applicant are governed by a budget set up by the Commissioner of Veterans' Services, State House, Boston, Massachusetts.
May I express my sincere appreciation to the Board of Select- men, Chief William Kane and the members of the Police Depart- ment and all others who have rendered us such grand assistance during the year.
JEROME F. CROWLEY, Veterans' Service Officer.
112
SCHOOL HOUSING COMMITTEE REPORT
REPORT OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
Board of Selectmen, Scituate, Massachusetts
The Zoning Board of Appeals reports that during the year 1950 it held five public hearings on petitions for variances of the Zoning Laws.
After each public hearing, private meetings were held at which due consideration was given to the arguments advanced. Three petitions were granted, one of which was appealed and is still pending in the Superior Court, and two were denied.
Respectfully submitted, W. CLEVELAND COGSWELL, Chairman FRANK L. WESTERHOFF ALBERT W. HOLCOMB REPORT OF THE
REPORT OF THE BUILDING BOARD OF APPEALS
Board of Selectmen Scituate, Massachusetts
The Building Board of Appeals held during 1950 ten public hearings on appeals from rulings of the Building Commissioner. Twenty variances were granted and ten were denied.
Respectfully submitted, W. CLEVELAND COGSWELL, Chairman GEORGE PAUL PHILIP S. BAILEY
113
SCITUATE HOUSING AUTHORITY
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HOUSING COMMITTEE
To the Voters of Scituate:
Your Elementary School Building Committee turned over to the Selectmen the keys of the new Central Elementary School at brief exercises held in the cafeteria of the school on April 9, 1950.
While the building was complete at this time, the grading had not been finished. This has now been done, and both the building and grounds are complete. The school has, also, been fully fur- nished and equipped.
Your Committee was fortunate in having the able assistance and cooperation of Mr. Burr of Mclaughlin & Burr, our architects, and Mr. Jacobucci of R. R. Jacobucci Inc., our contractor. With their help we were able to complete the project within the amount of money appropriated by the town, an amount of $788,000.00, and we are pleased to be able to turn back to the town the sum of $25,259.25.
It might be of interest for you to know that the State Building Assistance Commission has recognized the completion of our work and has made two years payments to the town totalling $15,408.40. These payments are in accord with the State's agreement to pay us 20 per cent of the cost of our building.
Your Committee wishes to thank the Selectmen and all others who have aided us during the construction of this school, and would like to request that our Committee be dismissed.
Respectfully submitted,
EBEN B. PAGE, Chairman MARY F. HEFFERNAN SAMUEL J. TILDEN FRANK L. WESTERHOFF DANIEL A. VINES
114
HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE REPORT
REPORT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE
Pursuant to the vote of the Town Meeting held March, 1950, the following citizens were duly appointed as members of the High School Building Committee:
Carlton F. Green, 23 Curtis Street, Egypt, an engineer in the employ of Stone and Webster Company.
John J. Heffernan, 21 Collier Avenue, Minot, an attorney- at-law.
Francis A. Obert, 372 Country Way, Scituate Center, an engineer in the employ of Metcalf and Eddy.
Nels H. Sanberg, Cedarwood Road, Scituate Center, a member of the School Committee and a member of the faculty of Weymouth High School.
Edward H. Schott, 15 Cudworth Road, Scituate, an em- ploye of Graybar Electric Company.
Samuel J. Tilden, 122 Tilden Road, Scituate, a member of the School Committee and a member of the faculty of Browne & Nichols School.
Immediately upon appointment, the Committee met and or- ganized; Francis A. Obert was elected Chairman, and John J. Heffernan was elected Secretary. Frederick A. Calkin, Superin- tendent of Schools, attended meetings and assisted the Committee in a consultant and advisory capacity.
First the Committee made an exhaustive study of the Scituate school conditions and the requirements and the general town con- ditions as to continuing increase in population and development for the purpose of determining a long range requirement for the proposed high school building addition.
The members of the Committee visited many municipalities making an inspection of high school buildings and conferring with school officials relative thereto. Your Committee then engaged the services of Dr. Jesse B. Davis, a specialist in scientific planning of school buildings and administrative associate to President Marsh of Boston University. Dr. Davis made a survey of the present high
115
HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE REPORT
school building and its facilities and made recommendations for changes in the present building and for requirements of an addi- tion to the building to relieve the present overcrowded conditions due to the fast-growing increase in school population and provide proper facilities to meet the exigencies for future needs of the school community. Dr. Davis made a thorough study and submitted a report to the Committee, setting forth a general outline of build- ing requirements and recommendations relative thereto.
Nine different architectural firms were invited to confer with your Committee to discuss requirements and to determine the qualifications of such firms to enable your Committee to select the architectural firm best qualified to render services in the mat- ter of the proposed addition to the high school building. The architectural firm of Perry, Shaw, and Hepburn, Kehoe and Dean, after careful consideration of all other architectural firms, was selected by the Committee to prepare preliminary plans for the proposed addition to the high school building. Dr. Davis acted as consultant with the architects and the Committee members in the matter of the preparation of the preliminary sketches of the pro- posed building, and as a result preliminary plans have been pre- pared, and are to be submitted at a Town Meeting for consideration and action thereon.
During the process of preparation of the preliminary plans, your Committee conferred with various Town Boards and Com- mittees, and also conferred with the members of the present high school faculty to obtain suggestions and recommendations relative to the proposed building as to the matter of required rooms and arrangement thereof and other required facilities. The proposed building plans have also been submitted to the State Board of Edu- cation for approval as required.
Your Committee recommends that the present building be remodeled to a very limited degree and that an addition to the building be constructed to provide required classrooms, laborato- ries, a gymnasium and workshops to make the high school building an adequate and modern unit to amply provide for the continued growth of the town and the school population for at least a ten year period.
To provide funds for the remodeling and reconstruction as planned by the Committee requires financing beyond the debt limit of the town. For this purpose your Board of Selectmen, at the request of this Committee, have petitioned the Legislature for authorization to issue bonds. Upon obtaining such legislative au-
116
HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE REPORT
thority, your Committee will cause an article to be inserted in the Town Warrant at a Town Meeting to act upon our recommenda- tions and to raise and appropriate funds to remodel the present high school building and to construct, equip and furnish an addi- tion thereto in accordance with the plans submitted by your Com- mittee.
Respectfully submitted,
HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE
FRANCIS A. OBERT, Chairman JOHN J. HEFFERNAN, Secretary CARLTON F. GREEN NELS H. SANDBERG SAMUEL J. TILDEN EDWARD H. SCHOTT
117
PLYMOUTH COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE REPORT
REPORT OF THE PLYMOUTH COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE (Plymouth County Extension Service)
The Plymouth County Extension Service, through its three departments, Agriculture, Homemaking, and 4-H Club work, ren- ders valuable assistance each year to the citizens of the Town.
Anyone who so desires may have his or her name placed on the mailing list and will receive, at no cost, circular letters con- cerning the Extension Courses available during the year. Bulletins on all phases of homemaking and gardening are also mailed upon request.
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