USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1949-1951 > Part 8
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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.
Yours very truly,
VERNETTA G. BARNES, President, Peirce Memorial Library Association, North Scituate, Mass.
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
North Scituate, Mass., December 31, 1949.
Circulation report from Peirce Memorial Library for year ending December 31, 1949.
Total number of books circulated 13,233
Total number of magazines circulated 1,904
Number of cards issued. 365
New books added to the library
thru purchase and as gifts 345
We are very grateful to the townspeople for their interest and support shown during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
SARAH H. KNOWLES, Librarian.
107
TREASURER'S REPORT
REPORT OF THE TOWN TREASURER
Receipts
Receipts for the year 1949
Cash on hand January 1, 1949
$1,433,068.67 818,019.67
$2,251,088.34
Expenditures .
As per Warrants of Selectmen
$1,715,296.30
Balance on hand December 31, 1949
535,792.04
$2,251,088.34
Respectfully submitted,
ROSE A. SMITH Treasurer.
REPORT OF THE TOWN COLLECTOR For the Year Ending December 31, 1949
Total Payments to Treasurer
$821,629.96
Total Taxes Collected
$704,859.36
Total Interest Collected
1,710.12
Total Costs Collected
557.37
Total Water Rates Collected
68,361.60
Total Costs Collected
6.30
Total Bills Receivable Collected
46,129.26
Total Costs Collected
5.95
$821,629.96
1944 Poll Tax Abated and Refunded in 1949
Abated
$2.00
Refunded
$2.00
1947 Polls, Personal, Real and Water Liens Uncollected January 1, 1949
$5,527.33
Collected
$4,971.32
Abated
255.13
Takings
300.88
$5,527.33
108
TOWN COLLECTOR'S REPORT
.
Interest Collected
Costs Collected
296.27 70.52
1948 Polls, Personal, Real and Water Liens Uncollected January 1, 1949
$53.081.33
Collected
$41,878.70
Abated
489.12
Added to Tax Titles
448.26
Uncollected
10,265.25
$53.081.33
Interest Collected
1,049.40
Costs Collected
194.25
1948 Motor Excise Uncollected January 1, 1949
$1,072.34
Committed in 1949
533.83
Refunded
79.62
$1,685.79
Collected
$1,504.74
Abated
181.05
Interest Collected
12.89
Costs Collected
39.90
1949 Polls, Personal, Real, Moth and Water Liens
Com-
mitted in 1949
$670,940.89
Refunded
1,168.91
Overpayments
715.95
$672,825.75
Collected
$611,147.14
Abated
9,194.66
Added to Tax Titles
633.64
Uncollected
51,850.31
$672,825.75
Interest Collected
299.32
Costs Collected
91.35
Motor Excise Committed in 1949
$49,581.77
Refunded
2,152.35
$51,734.12
Collected
$45,357.46
Abated
3,041.60
Uncollected
3,335.06
$51,734.12
Interest Collected
52,24
Costs Collected
161.35
Water Rates Uncollected January 1, 1949
$4,061.41
Committed in 1949
72,092.95
Refunded
238.67
Overpayment
23.00
$76,416.03
Collected
$68,361.60
Abated
2,051.12
Water Rates Placed in Lien Accounts and Added to Special Assessments
1,716.95
Uncollected
4,286.36
$76,416.03
109
$1,685.79
PLANNING BOARD REPORT
Costs Collected
6.30
Bills Receivable Uncollected January 1, 1949
$1,452.10
Committed in 1949
44,872.16
Collected
$46,129.26
Abated
75.00
Moth Work Added as Special Assessments to 1949 Taxes 59.00
Uncollected
61.00
$46,324.26
Costs Collected
5.95
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH R. DILLON,
Town Collector.
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
One hundred and ninety seven towns and cities in this Com- monwealth have planning boards, representing 93% of the popu- lation of the entire state. The Scituate Planning Board functions under the so called "new type planning board law" which gives it rather wide statutory powers. These powers have been given by the legislature to enable planning boards to act without interfer- ence by politically-minded persons, and in all cases where the personnel of the planning board is made of men who are civic minded it is a matter of record that planning is a worthwhile function.
One of the functions of this planning board is the regulation of subdivision plats of which there have been several passed this year by the board. To correct a misapprehension by some the law exempts those who have built on proposed subdivisions and those who have bought a lot, from any regulations of the subdivision law. The majority of this board do not look with equanimity on the al- leged lack of control of projected subdivisions which claim immun- ity from our development law because their property has been plotted and planned prior to the acceptance of subdivision control. Considerable of this board's time has been taken in trying to find a solution to this problem which we hope to settle in 1950.
While it may appear to some citizens that the scope of the planning board has been extended unduly we would like to point
110
$46,324.26
VETERANS COMMITTEE REPORT
out that in the matter of the central elementary school, the investi- gation of revaluation of taxable property by an outside concern and a study of town managership, all of these are permissive by stat- ute and were so voted in town meeting as duties to be performed by this board. The two latter subjects will be reported at the com- ing March town meeting.
It must appear to all citizens that Scituate is having adolescent troubles. It is no longer the simple, quaint town, the majority of whose problems were well known to everybody. To-day we are faced with an expansion probably greater than any town on the South Shore. It is not the policy of this board to attempt to curb growth rather an aim to protect the town against those who would destroy its charm and beauty for their own gain. We believe that with your help and confidence the planning board will assist mat- erially in the continuance of Scituate being one of the better towns in which to live.
KENNETH MANSFIELD, Chairman
REPORT OF THE VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER
As in the past a weekly summary of all activities of this office has been presented to your Board of Selectmen, and with their assistance and approval we have handled to the best of our ability the many problems that have arisen.
For the help rendered us by your Board, especially by your Chairman, who is Veterans' Agent for the Town, as well as for that afforded us by the American Legion Service Dept. in Boston, the Veterans' Administration and the State Dept. of Veterans' Services, we are deeply grateful.
Our desire is to be of service to the Veterans and if they will but call on us we, who are responsible to the citizens of the Town, will endeavor to warrant their confidence and your continued sup- port.
Respectfully submitted, JEROME F. CROWLEY, Veterans' Service Officer.
111
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 1949 it held two public hearings on petitions for variances of the Zon- ing Laws.
After each public hearing, private meetings were held at which due consideration was given to the arguments advanced. One peti- tion for a variance was granted and one was denied.
Respectfully submitted, W. CLEVELAND COGSWELL, Chairman FRANK L. WESTERHOFF ALBERT W. HOLCOMB
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL HOUSING COMMITTEE
To the Voters of Scituate:
In our last annual report to the town, you were informed of the successful and selected general contractor for the building of our new Central Elementary School. You were further advised that the actual work on its erection had been started. Real progress on the building began in March and has been carried on continuously throughout the year. At this writing it is a little difficult to predict just when the school will be ready for occupancy, but it is safe to say that if it is not occupied by the date of this year's town meeting, it will be ready shortly after that time. It is also pleasing to report that everything indicates that the cost of our new school will be well within our original appropriation.
The general contractor, R. R. Jacobucci Inc., has been well represented by Mr. Jacobucci. He has given a great part of his time to prosecute and hurry the job, which was at times slowed because of the delayed delivery of critical building materials, due in large part to labor difficulties had by the manufacturers of these mater- ials. He has been most cooperative with the committee and its resi- dent engineer, Mr. Julius Nolte.
112
SCITUATE HOUSING AUTHORITY
Early in January of 1949 your committee was saddened by the untimely passing of one of our valued members, Mr. Edward P. Breen. Shortly, thereafter, Mr. Frank L. Westerhoff, was appointed to carry on with us.
We sincerely thank the selectmen and citizens of the town for their cooperation during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
EBEN B. PAGE, Chairman MARY F. HEFFERNAN DANIEL VINES SAMUEL J. TILDEN FRANK L. WESTERHOFF
REPORT OF THE SCITUATE HOUSING AUTHORITY
January 4, 1950
Board of Selectmen Town of Scituate Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
Since our report for the year 1948, we have continued to study our local conditions, and have also attended several meetings in Boston at both State and National levels.
We have been unable to discover any need for or desirability of such building in Scituate, so, therefore, have taken no action.
We will continue to keep closely in touch with the situation and if conditions change take such action as is desirable.
Respectfully submitted,
PHILIP L. SCHUYLER FREDERICK A. CALKIN PAUL A. REYNOLDS ALFRED C. BLAKE EVAN F. BAILEY
113
PLYMOUTH COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE REPORT
REPORT OF THE BUILDING BOARD OF APPEALS
Board of Selectmen Scituate, Massachusetts
The Building Board of Appeals held during 1949 nine public hearings on appeals from rulings of the Building Commissioner. Variances were granted in all cases except for one. In one case the variance granted was appealed to the Superior Court where, after hearing, the decision of your board was upheld and approved.
Respectfully submitted, W. CLEVELAND COGSWELL, Chairman GEORGE PAUL PHILIP S. BAILEY
REPORT OF THE PLYMOUTH COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE (Plymouth County Extension Service)
The towns of Plymouth County have the opportunity of con- tributing directly to the budget of the Plymouth County Extension Service by town appropriation, which is sent directly to the County Treasurer for the use of this Department. Town Directors are chosen to represent the town in the administration of the Extension Service wherever possible.
The Extension Service is an educational organization sponsor- ed jointly by the County of Plymouth, University of Massachusetts, and the United States Department of Agriculture. There are three Departments within the Extension Service-Agriculture, Home- making, and 4-H Club Work. The major objectives of the Extension Service are directed to farm and rural people, but since funds from tax sources are used, there is an obligation to all the citizens of the County.
The direction for the Extension Service is by board of nine trustees who are appointed by, and report to, the Board of County Commissioners. In addition, each Department has an advisory
114
GREENHEAD FLY CONTROL REPORT
council and commodity committees which give counsel in the for- mation of educational programs for their respective groups.
General educational programs are conducted through meet- ings, circular letters, newspapers and radio publicity. In addition, farm and home visits are made to promote rural welfare among the men, women, and youth interested in better farm and rural living.
RUTH M. MEYERS Town Director County Aid to Agriculture
REPORT OF THE GREENHEAD FLY CONTROL
INTRODUCTION
The Scituate Greenhead fly control project conducted during July, 1949, in conjunction with similar projects in the adjoining towns of Marshfield and Duxbury, contributed to a 90% reduction of Greenhead flies in an area extending along the South Shore from Cohasset Harbor south to the Kingston town line.
Because the Scituate-Marshfield town line passes through the center of a rather extensive expanse of salt marsh where flies breed profusely, it seems advisable to stress the importance of a coopera- tive effort by the two towns mentioned in alleviating this common fly nuisance. Any Greenhead fly control program initiated by Scituate alone would entail treatment of salt marsh on only one side of the North River. Under such operational conditions, migrat- ing flies from the adjacent Marshfield area would tend to nullify the control efforts instituted by Scituate. Of course, the same would apply to a Marshfield project conducted without a supporting Scituate project. The economic advantages and the increased ef- fectiveness provided by joint action of adjoining cities and towns was recognized early in the original Greenhead fly experimental work. For this reason, Chapter 391 of the Acts of 1948, authorizing Greenhead fly control projects, provides for the establishment of a single project to encompass two or more adjoining cities or towns.
PROJECT ORGANIZATION
In preparation for the 1949 control project, a fly population and breeding survey was carried on along the Scituate marshes. This survey began in the late summer of 1948 and was completed in the
115
GREENHEAD FLY CONTROL REPORT
spring of 1949. Data derived from the survey indicated that treat- ment of only 600 of the 1510 acres of existing salt marsh would provide reasonable protection from the pest. Since the Greenhead fly emerges on a period of one month, and since the residual effect of the spray to be used persisted for only about twelve days, two spray applications were scheduled ten days apart. Timing of the two applications was lightly altered to effect control of the biting midge (Dashelia mutabilis) which has become a real nuisance, particularly at Third Cliff and at Peggotty Beach. In addition, a comparatively small amount of the total quantity of spray was scheduled for application in the vicinity of Musquashcut Pond to control the non-biting midge (Chironomid) nuisance existing in that area.
PROJECT EXECUTION
Due to the irregularity in shape of the marsh areas and the close proximity to dwellings, the service of a helicopter was pro- cured for applying the spray material. A fuel oil tank truck was hired to deliver the diluting fuel oil directly into the insecticide tanks of the plane at the five loading sites. A one-ton truck was hired to transport the DDT concentrate and service the plane with insecticide at the same time fuel oil was being delivered. As a result of this organization, the average loading time was slightly more than three minutes and the plane dumped a load of 50 gal- lons in approximately ten minutes.
On July 12th, one gallon of finished spray, equivalent to one pound of DDT, was applied to each of the 600 acres selected for treatment in order to effect maximum control. On July 22nd, a similar treatment was repeated in substantially the same manner used for the first application.
CONCLUSION
Examination of the Scituate resort areas for one month fol- lowing the completion of operations, by marsh - sweepings and adult car collections, showed that approximately 90% of the Green- head flies had been eliminated. The biting midges (Dashelia mutabilis) were no longer a problem at the various beach resorts and the Chironomid nuisance at Musquashcut Pond had disap- peared. It may be pointed out here that this is pioneer control work, that this is the first control project of its kind in this coun- try, and that the 1949 program indicated that some additional ben- efit may be derived by scheduling the first spray application for the first week in July rather than the 12th, or second week in July, the date used in the 1949 program.
BERTRAM I. GERRY, Entomologist.
116
STATE AUDIT REPORT
REPORT OF THE STATE AUDIT
September 14, 1949
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 period from January 1, 1948 to May 11, 1949, made in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44, General Laws. This is in the form of a report made to me by Mr. Herman B. Dine, Assistant Director of Accounts.
Very truly yours,
FRANCIS X. LANG, Director of Accounts.
Mr. Francis X. Lang Director of Accounts Department of Corporations and Taxation
State House, Boston
Sir:
In accordance with your instructions, I have made an audit of the books and accounts of the town of Scituate for the period from January 1, 1948 to May 11, 1949, and report thereon as follows:
The financial transactions as recorded on the books of the several departments receiving or disbursing money for the town or committing bills for collection were examined and reconciled with the books and reports in the town accountant's office and with the records of the town treasurer.
The town accountant's ledgers were analyzed, the receipts being checked with the treasurer's books and the payments being compared with the warrants authorizing them and with the treas- urer's records of payments. The appropriation accounts and loan authorizations were checked with the town clerk's records of town meeting proceedings and the recorded transfers from the reserve fund were verified by comparison with the records of the advisory committee.
117
STATE AUDIT REPORT
The necessary adjusting entries resulting from the audit were made, and a balance sheet, which is appended to this report, was prepared showing the financial condition of the town on May 11, 1949.
The books and accounts of the treasurer were examined and checked. The receipts, as recorded, were analyzed and checked with the records of the several departments collecting money for the town and with other sources from which money was paid into the treasury, while the payments were compared with the select- men's warrants authorizing the treasurer to disburse town funds. The cash book additions were verified, and the cash balance on May 11, 1949 was proved by reconciliation of the bank balances with statements furnished by the banks of deposit.
The payments made for maturing debt and interest were com- pared with the amounts falling due and with the cancelled securities on file.
The savings bank books and securities representing the invest- ment of the several trust and investment funds in the custody of the town treasurer were examined and listed. The income and with- drawals were proved and checked with the treasurer's recorded receipts.
The records of tax titles held by the town were examined and reconciled with the tax books and with the accountant's ledger, while the redemptions were checked with the treasurer's cash book. The records of tax possessions were examined and listed and the additions as a result of tax title foreclosures were proved. Tax title and tax possession transactions were further verified by comparison with the records in the Registry of Deeds.
The books and accounts of the town collector were examined and checked. The tax and motor vehicle and trailer excise accounts outstanding according to the previous examination and all subse- quent commitments were audited and compared with the assessors' warrants issued for their collection. The payments to the treasurer were verified, the abatements were checked with the assessors' records of abatements granted, the amounts transferred to the tax title account were proved, and the outstanding accounts were listed and reconciled with the accountant's ledger.
The records of departmental and water accounts receivable were examined and checked. The commitments were proved, the collections were compared with the treasurer's recorded receipts, the abatements were checked with the records of the departments
118
STATE AUDIT REPORT
authorized to grant them, and the outstanding accounts were listed and reconciled with the accountant's ledger.
Verification of the outstanding accounts was obtained by mail- ing notices to a number of persons whose names appeared on the books as owing money to the town, and from the replies received it appears that the accounts, as listed, are correct.
The records of receipts from licenses issued by the selectmen, the town clerk, and the health department were examined and checked and the payments to the Division of Fisheries and Game and to the town treasurer were verified.
The surety bonds of the several departmental officials re- quired to file them for the faithful performance of their duties were examined and found to be in proper form.
In addition to the departments mentioned, the books and accounts of the sealer of weights and measures and of the building inspector, of the police, highway, and school departments, as well as of all other departments collecting money for the town or com- mitting bills for collection, were examined and checked, the re- corded collections being compared with the treasurer's books.
Appended to this report, in addition to the balance sheet, are tables showing a reconciliation of the treasurer's and town col- lector's cash, summaries of the tax, motor vehicle and trailer excise, tax title, departmental, and water accounts, together with tables showing the condition and transactions of the trust and investment funds.
During the progress of the audit, cooperation was extended by all town officials, for which, on behalf of my assistants and for my- self, I wish to express appreciation.
Respectfully submitted,
HERMAN B. DINE, Assistant Director of Accounts.
HBD:ELD
For complete details and figures consult Director of Accounts' Audit on file at the Selectmen's Office.
119
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 Gen- eral Laws, I herewith submit the following report of the Account- ing Department for the year ending December 31, 1949.
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
$3,002.00
Personal
44,166.25
Real Estate
562,927.17
Motor Vehicle Excise
$610,095.42 45,357.46
Previous Years :
Poll
$244.00
Personal
2,641.67
Real Estate
43,331.02
46,216.69
Motor Vehicle Excise
1,504.74
From the Commonwealth :
Income Tax (Including School)
$63,556.87
Corporation Taxes
72,068.28
Smith Hughes Fund
154.20
Vocational Education
13,432.96
Licenses
30.00
U. S. Grant, Old Age Assistance, Assistance
43,164.42
U. S. Grant, Old Age Assistance, Administrative
783.03
U. S. Grant, Aid to Dependent Children, Assistance ..
4,282.55
U. S. Grant, Aid to Dependent Children, Administ- trative
221.36
Public Service
2,746.43
200,440.10
120
TOWN ACCOUNTANT'S REPORT
From the County :
Dog Licenses
$939.89
Chapter 90 - Gannett Rd.
950.14
Sea Wall Repairs
2,500.00
4,390.03
Licenses and Permits
7,618.00
Court Fines
$55.05
Sealer's Fees
175.99
Transient Vendor's Fees
50.00
Special Assessments:
Moth 1949
38.00
OTHER RECEIPTS
From the Commonwealth :
Public Welfare
$1,055.82
Aid to Dependent Children
3,872.21
Old Age Assistance
33,479.34
Veterans' Benefits
2,871.40
Meal Tax
2,063.49
Bounty on Seal
5.50
Control of Shellfish
1,300.00
Youth Service Board
200.00
Chapter 90 - Gannett Rd.
1,900.28
Other Cities and Towns:
Public Welfare
$147.15
Old Age Assistance
1,139.37
1,286.52
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Selectmen :
Advertising
$57.00
Sale of Real Estate
3,550.00
3,607.00
Planning Board
Advertising
30.00
Collector :
Costs - Taxes
$557.37
Costs - Moth
5.95
Costs - Water
6.30
569.62
Treasurer :
Tax Titles Redeemed
1,232.03
Town Clerk :
Dog Licenses
1,454.20
Town Hall :
Telephone Tolls
2.65
Police Department :
Bicycle Registrations
$27.00
Ambulance
65.00
92.00
281.04
46,748.04
121
TOWN ACCOUNTANT'S REPORT
Moth Work
.......
1,408.01
Board of Health :
A
Dental Clinic Fees
72.25
Highway Department :
Rental of Equipment
$558.96
Sale of Crusher
2,000.00
Sale of Tractor
450.00
3,008.96
School Department :
Rent of Auditorium
$100.00
Miscellaneous Collections
18.95
118.95
Unclassified :
Zoning Board of Appeals
$10.00
Sale of Pine Logs
25.00
35.00
Water Department :
Sale of Junk
115.00
Withholding Taxes
21,944.39
County Retirement Withholding
9,000.82
Sale of Bond
25,000.00
Refunds :
Police Department
1.24
Tree Warden
3.00
Shore Protection
5,000.00
Aid to Dependent Children
195.65
Old Age Assistance
362.10
U. S. Grant, Aid to Dependent Children
10.00
U. S. Grant, Old Age Assistance
732.41
Soldiers' Benefits
12.00
Unclassified
3.00
Memorial Day
10.75
Refund Recovery
300.00
Estimated Receipts
722.85
7,353.00
WATER DEPARTMENT
Fixture Rates
$35,990.18
Meter Rates
31,976.21
Miscellaneous
395.21
Liens
1,647.05
70,008.65
INTEREST
On Taxes
$1,710.12
On Tax Titles Redeemed
167.19
On Rehabilitation Fund
1,923.44
On School Loan
2,024.70
On Water Loan
287.25
6,112.70
122
TOWN ACCOUNTANT'S REPORT
TRUST FUNDS
Eliza Jenkins Fund
$61.65
Lucy O. Thomas Fund
21.25
Sarah J. Wheeler Fund
20.37
Hannah D. Miller Fund
39.04
Cornelia Allen Fund
105.58
George O. Allen Fund
10.48
Benjamin T. Ellms Fund
60.00
Ella Gertrude Gardner Fund
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