USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1952-1954 > Part 7
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Mr. Walter Allen, Jr., a promising young man, has been ap- pointed pumping engineer, as assistant to Mr. Sherman.
During the coming summer months we urgently solicit your cooperation in conserving our water supply, especially during the months of July and August. In these two months the draught on our system mounts from about 700,000 gallons per day to over two million gallons per day. This statement alone, we think, is suffi- cient to explain our concern.
During the summer please save water.
Respectfully submitted, SCITUATE WATER BOARD-
WM. E. SHUTTLEWORTH, Chairman WALTER S. ALLEN WM. I. NEWTON
109
TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE REPORT
REPORT OF THE TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
January 1953
To the Board of Selectmen
Town Hall, Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
During this season the Town Forests have been mowed and kept clean for the people who are using them keeps growing. The fireplace and the water bubbler at the Pinson Hill Forest of course makes it the most popular.
The fire lanes have been graveled so that fires are not the worry to us that they were once. This season was a long dry one and the danger of fire was ever present, but those using the forests were very careful.
We wish to express our thanks to those who use these forests for keeping it the clean place it is. We still think that there are many people who do not know of the forests and we repeat again for everyone to come and enjoy them.
Respectfully submitted,
TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
110
CLAM WARDEN'S REPORT
REPORT OF THE CLAM WARDEN
January 11, 1953
To the Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
The report is based on the activities of the department during 1952.
The Scituate Harbor, Sandhills, Peggotty Beach and the creeks, close to the houses in the Minot area, are still closed because of pollution. The flats out in the marsh in Minot are not affected by this pollution, and are open.
This past year in the Humarock area we cleaned most of the mussel piles off of the outside flats.
We also started clearing off the mussel bed in North River and hope to finish it this year.
During the past year we put in fifty bushels of clams in the North River section. These clams were given to us by Dick Burton, the State Biologist.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER S. O'NEIL,
Clam Warden.
111
SCITUATE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
REPORT OF THE SCITUATE PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING SERVICE, INC.
Report of the President
The Scituate Health Service has extended its program this past ycar to include a Rotostool for the school dentist, and has partly financed a telebinocular machine for use in the high school for cyc examinations.
Our regular duties include:
The Well-Baby Clinic, under the guidance of Dr. Olga E. Allers, examined 120 babies this year and counselled mothers on the health and care of their children.
The Immunization Clinic, held in co-operation with the Board of Health, gave 87 children small-pox, diphtheria and booster shots.
We contributed over $100 in medicine and supplies to Mrs. Alice Dowd, the Public Health Nurse, and we wish to thank her for her fine work in the Baby Clinic.
One of our members has attended the Elementary School Dental Clinic held once every week, serving as assistant to Dr. W. B. Parsons.
Our organization is supported by voluntary contributions from the citizens of Scituate. We wish to thank you for your contribu- tion of $1 which entitles you to membership and allows us to carry on this worthwhile service to our town. We hope in the coming year to provide even wider service to our growing community.
Respectfully submitted,
LAURA H. DAVIS,
President.
112
SCITUATE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
REPORT OF THE TREASURER OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING SERVICE
RECEIPTS
Cash on hand January 1, 1952
$1,084.62
Membership Drive
384.00
Ella Gardner Trust Dividend
25.00
Emeline Jacobs Trust Dividend
16.54
Baby Clinic
58.00
Nurses' Contribution
206.25
Cohasset Savings Bank Interest
13.84
Rebate on Baby Clinic Supplies
5.43
$1,793.68
PAYMENTS
Dr. Olga E. Allers
$275.00
Call Drug Company
117.46
Box Rent
2.40
Postage
33.75
Kensmith Press
42.00
Quincy Patriot Ledger
18.26
Franklin Publishing Company
7.00
Keystone View Company
75.00
S. H. Reynolds Company
150.00
American Cancer Society, Memorial to Mrs. Harold Parker
25.00
Elsie I. Thomas, M. S. P. C. C.
25.00
Welch Company
.60
Supplies for Baby Clinic
15.00
Miscellaneous Expenses
19.00
$805.47
Balance for January 1, 1953
988.21
$1,793.68
PHOEBE C. MULLIGAN, Treasurer.
113
BOARD OF HEALTH
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Citizens of Scituate:
The year 1952 has been a very busy one for your Board of Health, yet one which has brought much improvement in health and sanitation in our Town.
Many sanitary problems have been taken care of and our San- itary Engineer, Mr. Philip S. Bailey, with his associate plumbing inspector, Mr. Edward B. McCarthy, have given the Board very val- uable assistance in all sanitary problems confronting it.
Our Milk Inspector, Mr. George H. Otis, has had all milk which was sold in Town tested from time to time and has issued licenses to all stores and dealers handling and selling milk.
All cattle slaughtered for human consumption have been in- spected by Mr. William J. McAuliffe, Inspector of Meat and Slaugh- ter. A close check has been kept to see that all meats bear State Inspection Stamps.
All Clinics have been well attended and very favorable results reflect the value of, and warrants the continuance of these Clinics throughout the coming year.
Restaurants and other places where food and drinks are dis- pensed have been inspected at various times, and all health laws are being strictly obeyed.
Those employed by your Board have given very efficient serv- ice and their reports follow on the next few pages.
We take this opportunity to thank all Departments called upon who have cooperated with us in making our work successful and thus making our Town one of the outstanding towns in the Com- monwealth in health and health matters.
Respectfully submitted, DR. CLIFFORD L. WARD, Chairman WALTER L. ENOS, Secretary GEORGE H. OTIS
114
BOARD OF HEALTH
REPORT OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE
Scituate Board of Health
Scituate, Massachusetts.
Dear Sirs:
The following is a resume of activities for the year 1952:
Morbidity Visits 1890
Old Age Visits 175
Soldiers' Relief 50
Hospital Cases
40
Doctors' Office with Patients 30
Infant Welfare Visits 300
Baby Clinics (141) Babies 12
Immunization Clinics (87) Children
3
Communicable Visits
75
Antepartal
78
Postpartal
130
Unclassified
400
Public Health Meetings
12
Conferences with Health Workers
10
Total Number of Visits
3266
The Scituate Health Service sponsor the Well Baby Clinic with Dr. Olga Allers, Boston Pediatrician, in attendance. They also assist with the Immunization Clinic which is sponsored by the Board of Health.
Respectfully submitted,
ALICE M. DOWD, R.N.
December 31, 1952
115
61
T.B. Follow Up Visits
BOARD OF HEALTH
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DENTIST AND DENTAL HYGIENIST
January 1, 1953
Board of Health Scituate, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The results in the school dental clinic for 1952 were very en- couraging. All children in the elementary school were given a chance to have a thorough prophylaxsis with preventative fluorine treatments in selected grades by the hygienist.
In the upper three grades cards were sent notifying the parents of dental defects found and urging that the child be taken to the family dentist.
Much valuable clinic time is saved by completing the work in the kindergarten. A small cavity which takes only a few minutes in a kindergarten child would require one half hour as a first or second grader.
During the school year 1952, 148 appointments were kept with the kindergarten children, 94 with first grade, 125 with second grade, and seven with third grade.
Request notes from parents for emergency treatment were as follows: Kindergarten 5, First Grade 12, Second Grade 13, Third Grade 15, Fourth Grade 15, Fifth Grade 6, Sixth Grade 3, Eighth Grade 1, Special 1. Seven hundred and twenty-three (723) visits were made by children in 1952.
Very valuable assistance was rendered by Mrs. Winthrop Hall, Mrs. Harry Mulligan and Mrs. Fred Messinger.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIS B. PARSONS, D.M.D.,
School Dentist.
WBP:elm
116
BOARD OF HEALTH
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF PLUMBING
Board of Health Town of Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
This year, 1952, has been a busy one as many new summer and year-round residences have been built causing considerable in- crease in the population.
With the aid of Mr. McCarthy, the assistant inspector, all new and remodelled plumbing for which permits have been issued has been tested and inspected. In addition to inspection of the plumb- ing within the buildings, inspection has been made of cesspools, septic tanks and leaching drains in connection with all new installa- tions to see that the disposal plants meet with the minimum re- quirements set forth in the building law.
The building commissioner has been very cooperative in call- ing my attention to any infraction of the rules and informs me of all permits issued. Many banks now require a certification that the properties meet the requirements of the Board in regard to health standards before granting a loan and during the year several of these certifications have been given.
It has been well said, "The plumber protects the health of the community," and with the help of all officials, the building con- tractor and the vigilance of all the residents, our town will be a healthful place in which to live.
This summer through the cooperation of large property own- ers in the Dreamwold area, a nuisance which was created by the discontinuance of the Lawson sewage disposal plant was eradi- cated-they installing individual plants of their own.
The disposal of sewage from the Elementary School was effected through an adequate septic tank and sand filter, the under-drain from which was supposed to convey the effluent to the old Lawson sewer. The disposal system from the new addition to the high school is now being constructed in a similar manner. This system was laid out by Hayden, Harding and Buchanan. The effluent from the two filters enters a common outlet pipe, runs through a
117
BOARD OF HEALTH
chlorination house for final treatment and then enters the storm drain. It was thought best to acquire an easement and lay a pipe for this storm drain which now deposits the water on private prop- erty. The design for this proposed layout has been made and will be presented at an early date. With the consummation of this project I believe the schools will be very adequately taken care of in this regard for many years.
In other parts of the town the need for a more adequate system of disposal is apparent. The town, at its last Annual Meeting appointed a committee to look into this matter. Your Selectmen chose the committee as instructed, asking me to call the committee together. This will be done very soon and a report probably made at a future meeting.
Yours respectfully, PHILIP S. BAILEY, Plumbing Inspector.
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF MEAT AND SLAUGHTERING
Board of Health, Scituate, Massachusetts.
Dear Sirs:
In accordance with State Laws I have inspected all animals slaughtered in our Town and have properly stamped same and found all in good order and fit for human consumption.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM J. MCAULIFFE,
Inspector.
118
BOARD OF HEALTH
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
December 31, 1952
Town of Scituate Board of Health Scituate, Mass.
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,
cpc.f
CHARLES P. CHASE, Inspector of Animals:
119
BOARD OF HEALTH
REPORT OF THE MILK INSPECTOR
To the Board of Health, Scituate, Massachusetts.
Dear Sirs:
All milk sold in Scituate has passed the tests prescribed by the State Board of Health. We have had no evidence of sickness, at any time, that could be caused by the consumption of below stand- ard milk.
I have issued the following licenses:
Ten vehicle milk licenses
Twenty-four oleomargarine licenses One camp license
Forty-seven store milk licenses
One license for the pasteurization of milk
Seventeen Methyl alcohol licenses
Three denatured alcohol licenses Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE H. OTIS, Milk Inspector.
120
BUILDING COMMISSIONER'S REPORT
REPORT OF THE BUILDING COMMISSIONER
January 14, 1953
To the Board of Selectmen:
Three hundred and twelve (312) applications for Building Permits were received during the year of 1952, of which three hun- dred and one Permits were issued with an estimated value of one million, four hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($1,450,000.00). All buildings have been inspected as required by the Town By- Laws and the Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Several cases were brought before the Building Board of Appeals, all of which were disposed of in the best interests of all concerned.
Several violations of the Zoning By-Laws have been brought to my attention, most of which were satisfactorily disposed of.
Respectfully submitted, LESTER D. HOBSON, Building Commissioner.
REPORT OF THE BUILDING COMMISSIONER
DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING INSPECTION
ANNUAL EXPENSE BUDGET FOR 1953
Salary of Inspector
$2,464.00
Automobile mileage @ .07 per mile
650.00
Board of Appeal meetings
250.00
Clerical hire 60.00
Printing and Office equipment
100.00
Postage and Telephone
50.00
Total
$3,574.00
LESTER D. HOBSON, Building Inspector.
121
ALLEN MEMORIAL LIBRARY REPORT
REPORT OF THE ALLEN MEMORIAL LIBRARY
January 10, 1953
Board of Selectmen
Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
That the residents of Scituate find the facilities of the Allen Memorial Library increasingly valuable to them for learning and entertainment, is shown by the following statistics on the use of the library for 1952:
Book circulation 24,773
2,136 26909
Magazine circulation
New books by purchase and gift 585
New borrowers registered 384
Total borrowers registered since re-registra- tion started on May 1, 1950 1,895
The growth of the library in the past five years has been almost phenomenal, as shown by the circulation of books. In 1947 the circulation was 9,744 which increased to 17,926 in 1949 and to 24,773 in 1952.
When one considers that the Allen Memorial Library was built in 1911 when the population of the town was only 2500, it can readily be seen that the library has outgrown its present quarters in the front part of the building.
As a result of this need for more library space, we have had the whole situation studied by Mr. Joseph L. Wheeler, who is nationally recognized as a leading consultant and author on library buildings and administration. The cost of this survey was not borne by the town.
We are very fortunate in having a hall in the rear of the building, into which the library can expand and it is hoped that in the near future it will be possible to convert this additional space in a way that will make the library of greater use and a pleasure to the people of the town for many years of growth ahead.
Our appreciation is again expressed to the citizens of Scituate for their interest in the library.
Respectfully submitted, ROBERT P. RICH, President, Allen Memorial Library Association.
122
PEIRCE MEMORIAL LIBRARY REPORT
REPORT OF THE PEIRCE MEMORIAL LIBRARY
January 14, 1953
Board of Selectmen,
Scituate, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
The year 1952 has seen great extension in the use of our library facilities, not only in the general circulation of books and magazines, but also in the available reference material in the library.
The many interesting exhibits have been well arranged under the direction of Miss Madeline Ellis, and the special flower arrange- ments by different members of the Garden Club have been most pleasing.
Shingling the south roof and the purchase of a new desk were the main expenditures for the building. This desk, with re-arrange- ment of the card files, has added greatly to the efficiency of library service.
The directors of the Peirce Memorial Library Association wish to thank our fellow townsmen for their support.
Respectfully submitted, VERNETTA G. BARNES, President, Peirce Memorial Library Association.
123
TOWN TREASURER'S REPORT
REPORT OF THE TOWN TREASURER
Receipts
Receipts for the year 1952
$2,099,848.21
Cash on hand, January 1, 1952
372,697.95
$2,472,546.16
Expenditures
As per Warrants of Selectmen
$2,091,866.62
Balance on hand, December 31, 1952
380,679.54
$2,472,546.16
Respectfully submitted,
ROSE A. SMITH,
Treasurer.
124
TOWN COLLECTOR'S REPORT
REPORT OF THE TOWN COLLECTOR
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1952
Total Payments to Treasurer
$1,139,639.57
Total Taxes Collected
$984,157.70
Total Interest Collected
1,661.98
Total Costs Collected
729.73
Total Water Rates Collected
80,269.76
Total Bills Receivable Collected
62,515.86
Street Betterments Collected
10,304.54
1,139,639.57 32.00
1949 Poll Taxes Uncollected January 1, 1952
Collected
$22.00
Abated
10.00
32.00
Interest Collected
$ .24
Costs Collected
.35
1949 Motor Excise Uncollected January 1, 1952
226.54
Collected
$201.41
Abated
25.13
226.54
Interest Collected
2.29
Costs Collected
2.10
1950 Poll, Personal, Real, Moth and Water Liens Uncollected January 1, 1952
$8,598.91
Recommitment of 1950 Personal Tax
10.15
Collected
$7,706.71
Abated
399.77
Takings
453.12
Uncollected
49.46
8,609.06
Interest Collected
$395.31
Costs Collected
103.88
1950 Motor Excise Uncollected January 1, 1952
$872.14
Recommitment of 1950 Motor Excise Tax
262.39
Collected
$591.73
Abated
493.53
125
------
$1,134.53
$8,609.06
TOWN COLLECTOR'S REPORT
Uncollected
49.27
1,134.53
Interest Collected
$10.65
Costs Collected
11.90
1951 Poll, Personal, Real, Moth and Water Liens Uncollected January 1, 1952
$59,342.90
Collected
$47,495.96
Abated
446.60
Added to Tax Titles
552.70
Uncollected
10,847.64
59,342.90
Interest Collected
$991.21
Costs Collected
203.00
1951 Motor Excise Uncollected January 1, 1952
$6,566.70
Committed in 1952
2,068.23
Refunded
667.79
$9,302.72
Collected
$7,525.54
Abated
1,258.07
Uncollected
519.11
9,302.72
Interest Collected
$51.27
Costs Collected
108.15
1952 Poll, Personal, Real, Moth and Water Liens Committed in 1952
947,048.56
Refunded
3,255.60
$950,304.16
Collected
$865,900.13
Abated
14,046.00
Added to Tax Titles
1,315.32
Uncollected
69,042.71
950,304.16
Interest Collected
$171.43
Costs Collected
67.55
1952 Motor Excise Committed in 1952
$67,813.24
Refunded
1,880.80
$69,694.04
Collected .
$54,714.22
Abated
3,569.60
Uncollected
11,410.22
69,694.04
Interest Collected
$39.58
126
TOWN COLLECTOR'S REPORT
Costs Collected
93.80
Water Rates Uncollected January 1, 1952
$11,237.97
Committed in 1952
87,573.28
Refunded
262.42
$99,073.67
Collected
$80,269.76
Abated
2,237.68
Uncollected
12,978.93
Water Rates Placed in Lien Accounts and added
to Special Assessments
3,587.30
99,073.67
Bills Receivable Uncollected January 1, 1952
377.63
Committed in 1952
62,974.36
$63,351.99
Collected
$62,515.86
Abated
127.90
Moth Work Added as Special Assessments to 1952
309.98
Uncollected
398.25
Street Betterments Committed in 1952
22,022.28
Collected
$10,304.54
Abated
65.00
Uncollected
11,652.74
22,022.28
Respectfully submitted, JOSEPH R. DILLON,
Town Collector.
127
Taxes
63,351.99
PLANNING BOARD REPORT
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
The main task of the Planning Board during the year 1952 has been of a fact-finding nature. Inasmuch as three newly-elected members began their term of service this year, reasons are apparent.
The new board may be said to have taken its first steps slowly and with considerable caution. By a majority ruling it was de- termined not to put into execution any part of the program to which funds had been allocated 'in the budget until the entire Board had acquired a thorough understanding of the need and was in favor of taking action. In particular: specific provisions had been made for certain maps and studies, extensions of the Master Plan which was begun the previous year. This work was postponed to allow the necessary time for every member to become familiar with the structure of such a Plan, its features and its desirability.
A performance code was established, based on two chief ob- jectives:
A. To transact all business that came before us with honesty and fairness, to the best of our knowledge and ability.
B. To seek out at least one definite need within the Town and aim to satisfy that need in 1952.
Preparations were made to launch a campaign for more ade- quate train service on the Greenbush line. We asked a citizen who had done careful work on this in the past to act as our agent. He contacted the passenger traffic manager to discover that the rail- road was considering an increase in service at that time. The schedule Mr. Smith had proposed three years earlier was approved with few modifications by the executive committee and put into effect.
The Harbor Dredging project is a matter of great interest and concern to our Board. We can recognize untold opportunities in an improved, navigable harbor, strategically located. We will lend any support we can to bring this about.
During the summer we considered the advantages to be found in an up-to-date coordinal Street Directory. This was prepared and distributed to every residence in the fall.
128
PLANNING BOARD REPORT
Many complaints were received with regard to the mosquito nuisance. The matter was referred to the Selectmen with a recom- mendation for a larger appropriation for control to provide for preventive measures as well as corrective treatment.
Six applications for the subdivision of land were made to the Board this year, and their disposition was as follows:
A. Approved:
1. Kent Hill Development, Kent Street
2. Brungardt Farm Development, Elm Street
3. Wendell Homes Extension, North Scituate
4. Subdivision of Kilby P. Smith, Second Cliff
B. Disapproved - 1
C. Approval not required - 1
Individual members of the Board served on four special com- mittees authorized by the voters at town meeting last March to in- vestigate specific problems.
With additional school housing facilities attracting new fam- ilies, and increased railroad service making Scituate more acces- sible than ever before, further growth of our Town should be expected and planned for. Two matters came before the Board numerous times throughout the year, both related to Zoning.
First was the possible extension of the "B" or business zone to (a) provide additional business area and (b) permit new locations for business, with special emphasis on those sections where business now exists as a non-conforming use in "A" or residential zones.
Second was the appeal for a minimum size of dwelling regula- tion. Judging from questions raised at every sub-division hearing and in correspondence received, the chief worry of every home- owner with regard to new construction in his neighborhood has to do with the "type" dwelling-its size and its value. Many were alarmed to learn that the Planning Board has no authority under the subdivision law to impose a minimum valuation upon houses to be erected in a development. They were anxious to find some legal controls that would protect their rights as property holders and taxpayers. We were pleased to attend the National Conven- tion of the American Society of Planning Officials this year and participate in a zoning round-table clinic devoted to this subject.
In brief, we would offer the assurance that refinements in zon- ing can provide size of dwelling controls by establishing variable
129
PLANNING BOARD REPORT
(1) minimum floor area or (2) minimum cubic foot capacity, in every case clearly defined and developed with scientific exactness. Counties in New York state under Home Rule have been operating for many years with some form of minimum housing regulations, tailor-made to fit their particular needs. The bases for these regu- lations are two: (a) standards of the Department of Public Health (A.P.H.A.) Commission of Hygiene of Housing-specific federal government restrictions to safeguard the public health and safety and (b) preservation of the character of the community.
Court precedent has upheld minimum housing regulations and ruled them to be sound zoning. They have prevailed generally throughout the country and in Canada for more than twenty years. A handful of towns in northern and western Massachusetts employ them successfully.
Needless to say, the Planning Board is convinced that a thorough analysis of the zoning picture or "blueprint" should be a major undertaking for the coming year. Recommendations for the solution of problems present or imminent by means of sound zoning should be presented to the citizens at town meetings and open forums.
All construction takes place according to plan, and building a town is heavy construction. The zoning studies contemplated will of course be a continuation of the Master Plan. We believe this to be the permanent responsibility of a "planning" board and, well- done, its most valuable contribution.
Respectfully submitted,
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