USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1955-1957 > Part 24
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Membership in the Allen Memorial Library Association is open to all and may be obtained by paying annual dues of $1.00 at the desk. Our gratitude extends to all those who have contributed books and magazines during the past year, and we are especially grateful to the Girl Scouts who planted the bulbs and flowers on the library grounds.
Respectfully submitted, ROBERT H. TILDEN, President Allen Memorial Library Association.
REPORT OF THE PLYMOUTH COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE By Robert B. Ewing, Agent-Manager
Board of Selectmen,
Scituate, Mass.
The following report of the County Agent-Manager of Plymouth County, Mr. Robert B. Ewing, may be of interest to those citizens of Scituate who are not familiar with the services which this depart- ment has to offer.
"The Plymouth County Extension Service is an educational organization which is a part of the United States Department of Agriculture and the University of Massachusetts.
There are three departments-Agriculture, Home and 4-H- and the office is in the Court House, Brockton, Massachusetts.
161
PLYMOUTH COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE REPORT
The Program of each department - Agriculture, Home Eco- nomics and 4-H is planned with the coperation of farm, rural and urban people. County Extension Agents strive to bring to county people the results of research in Agriculture and Homemaking, that will increase incomes, provide a better living and happier family life, by teaching people to help themselves. Because more families are moving into our Plymouth County towns there is an increased demand for information by telephone and letters per- taining to the home, home grounds, gardens and livestock. Many leaders trained by the Extension Service staff forward information to groups and individuals in the community through meetings, news articles and special activities.
Funds for County Aid to Agriculture are derived principally from the County. Some Federal funds are also made available through the University of Massachusetts. Most towns in Plymouth County make a token appropriation which is used for the general expenditures of the Plymouth County Extension Service. Town Directors are appointed in those towns where an appropriation is made. These Town Directors are unpaid leaders who serve as the Extension Service representatives in their respective town.
The Board of Trustees appointed by the Plymouth County Commissioners administers the Extension Service program and is composed of the following members:"
LLOYD A. HATHAWAY, Abington, Chairman GILBERT BEATON, Wareham, Vice-Chairman MRS. HAROLD D. BENT, Brockton GILBERT BLACKLEDGE, Whitman ROBERT B. BOWLER, Plymouth RALPH McILVANA, Plympton MRS. ROY PUDDINGTON, Hanson MRS. HERBERT WYDOM, Brockton PAUL LEHTOLA, Bridgewater
Any resident of the town may feel free, at any time, to call the town director for any assistance which she may be able to give per- taining to the above departments.
Respectfully submitted, RUTH M. MEYERS, Town Director, Plymouth County Aid to Agriculture
162
FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith the report of the Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1956.
The department was called to a total of five hundred and forty- three emergencies. Of this number, thirty-eight were audible alarms, ninety-six first aid and rescue calls, and the remainder variously classified. The fire calls were, for the most part, easily and quickly handled because of prompt notification, with only one resulting in serious loss of property.
The equipment and apparatus is at present adequate to the needs of the department, and in dependable repair.
The fire alarm system is not as modern as could be desired and will require more than ordinary maintenance and replacement of wires during the current year.
During the past year, the department suffered the loss of Albert E. Newcomb, a member since 1928. Starting as a call man, he was promoted to permanent, full time Fire Fighter in 1941 and con- tinued in that position until his death, October 20, 1956.
Howard H. Cole, Deputy Chief, retired on July 9, 1956 after serving the department for over thirty years. Howard is presently living in Florida, where we hope he will enjoy a long and happy life.
Three men have been added to the roster of permanent Fire Fighters in the past year :- Arthur E. Ahola, Howard A. Cole, and Charles N. Turner. This brings the complement to thirty-four men.
In closing, I wish to express my appreciation of the close co-operation of the citizens, officers and departments of the town.
Respectfully submitted,
BARTHOLOMEW A. CURRAN, Chief.
163
FOREST FIRE WARDEN'S REPORT
REPORT OF THE FOREST FIRE WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The report of the Forest Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1956 follows :--
The rapid development of the town, incurring as it does the division of fields and woodlands, has resulted in a substantial re- duction of serious grass and forest fires. The building of roads coincident to these developments provides fire breaks confining many fires to relatively small areas and increases the ease of access to such fires.
The department continues to burn over those grass lands which appear to be hazards, in so far as weather conditions permit. This practice, together with the co-operation of the townspeople in controlling open air fires, has, we think, profitted the town.
The equipment and apparatus of this department is in very good condition.
I extend a sincere thank-you to all town officers, departments, and citizens for their continued help and co-operation.
Respectfully submitted, BARTHOLOMEW A. CURRAN, Forest Warden.
164
BUILDING COMMISSIONER'S REPORT
REPORT OF THE BUILDING COMMISSIONER
To the Board of Selectmen:
Four hundred thirty one (431) Building Permits were issued during the year 1956, of this, one hundred sixty four (164) were for new homes. The estimated value for all permits was two million eight hundred eighty two thousand two hundred and eight dollars ($2,882,208.00) .
All buildings have been inspected as required by the Town By-Laws. and Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
All meetings of the Building Board of Appeals were attended, also all meetings of the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Several violations of the Zoning By-Laws were investigated, most of which were satisfactorily disposed of.
At this time, I would like to thank the various departments for the co-operation and assistance that has been given me in the performance of my duties.
Respectfully submitted, EDWARD M. SEXTON, Building Inspector.
165
BUILDING BOARD OF APPEALS REPORT
REPORT OF THE BUILDING BOARD OF APPEALS
January 14, 1957
Board of Selectmen Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
During the year 1956 the Building Board of Appeals held four (4) public hearings on appeals from rulings of the Building Commissioner.
Eight (8) variances were granted.
Respectfully submitted,
PHILIP S. BAILEY, Chairman GEORGE E. JACOBSSEN JOHN E. DEAN Alternate: A. RALPH GORDON
REPORT OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
Board of Selectmen Scituate, Mass.
January 14, 1957
Gentlemen:
Your Zoning Board of Appeals held nine (9) Public Hearings in 1956 at which petitions for variances were heard, with the follow- ing results:
Granted 10
Denied Withdrawn
5 1
Respectfully submitted, ROBERT C. HAUFLER, Chairman LELAND TOWLE FLOYD L. ROBBINS Alternate: ROBERT M. ALEXANDER
166
TOWN COUNSEL'S REPORT
REPORT OF THE TOWN COUNSEL
One of the interesting things about acting as Town Counsel is the fact that new questions and problems constantly arise. In fact, some of the problems are so unusual that it is frequently difficult, and sometimes impossible, to find any precedents in the decisions of our Supreme Court for guidance as to the procedures to be adopted.
For example the "Etrusco" going ashore last March presented a large number of problems, both actual and potential, which were both unusual and unique. To mention only two, the question arose as to whether legal action could be successfully maintained against the Town to compel it to require that the Etrusco, if scrapped, be removed by sea instead of by trucks over the roads. Of course this question subsequently became of no real consequence because of the attempt which was successfully made to remove the ship intact by sea. It was felt, however, that the owners should be required to post a surety bond to indemnify the Town against any damage which it might sustain to its beach or shoreline from the operations involving the removal of the ship. The Town engineer, after conferring with the heads of other departments, accordingly prepared a list of conditions, which were ultimately incorporated by reference in a surety bond in the amount of $10,000.00 Most of the work necessary to restore the beach and shoreline has now been done and it is expected that the small amount remaining will be completed in the near future and the bond surrendered.
The appeal from the denial of the petition for a writ of man- damus to compel the Selectmen to accept the application of an Inn for a liquor license was argued before the full bench of the Supreme Judicial Court and in due course it handed down its decision affirming the dismissal of the petition.
An appeal for an abatement of a real estate tax was tried at length before the Appellate Tax Board.
The Board reserved its decision but ultimately decided in favor of the Town. Several other similar appeals were disposed of.
A petition has been filed in the Superior Court for the assess- ment of damages for the taking by eminent domain of certain real estate at Egypt Beach. This petition is pending and is being de- fended.
167
TOWN COUNSEL'S REPORT
It may not be generally known, but upon the death of a re- cipient of welfare or old age assistance the State Department of Public Welfare may issue a directive to the local Department of Public Welfare requiring it to institute legal action, either to enforce a lien on real estate, or to recover from the estate of the deceased, as the case may be. The local Department is obliged to comply with such a directive for if it neglects or refuses to do so the State Department thereupon may refuse to give any further financial aid to the Town.
During the past year several such actions have been brought. As a result, and as the result of threatening to bring such pro- ceedings in other cases, a very substantial amount has been paid to the Town during the past year.
An appeal to the Superior Court was filed from a decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals granting a variance to a local restaurant to permit it to obtain a liquor license. This appeal was defended when it came on for hearing before Morton, J. He reserved his decision but in due course handed down his finding sustaining the action of the Board of Appeals.
The above comprises merely an outline of some of the activi- ties which have taken place since last March. As usual advice and opinions were given on many occasions to the heads of the Town Departments on a variety of matters.
As has been the case during the past ten years most of the meetings of the Board of Selectmen have been attended.
Respectfully submitted, ALFRED C. BLAKE, Town Counsel.
168
WIRE INSPECTOR'S REPORT
REPORT OF THE WIRE INSPECTOR
Board of Selectmen
Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The year 1956 closed with a total of 713 permits issued for electrical wiring, also 388 approval certificates issued to the Brock- ton Edison Company, and 53 to the Plymouth County Electric Company.
The schedule of Fees for Wiring Permits, as authorized at the last Annual Town Meeting went into effect on June 21, 1956. For the six months period ending December 31, 1956, a totat of $615.00 was received.
The following detail report classifies the permits as issued for the 12 months:
New Houses
164
Old Houses Wired
1
Additional Wiring
170
Remodel Service
89
Change from 2 to 3 Wire
27
Houses Rewired
9
Electric Ranges
176
Electric Water Heaters
98
Oil Burners
214
Refrigerators
164
Electric Dryers
52
Clothes Washers
15
Dish Washers
20
Disposals
12
Motors, Total H.P.
50
Temporary Services
54
Relocating Appliances
5
Air Conditioning
9
Gas Burner Controls
28
X-ray Apparatus
1
School Building
1
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN H. REMICK, Wire Inspector.
169
TOWN TREASURER'S REPORT
REPORT OF THE TOWN TREASURER
Report of the Town Treasurer for the year ending Decem- ber 31, 1956:
Receipts
Receipts for the year 1956 $4,080,411.29
Cash on hand January 1, 1956
178,113.12
$4,258,524.41
Expenditures
As per Warrants of Selectmen
$3,406,230.89
Balance on Hand December 31, 1956 852,293.52
$4,258,524.41
Respectfully submitted,
PAUL A. REYNOLDS, Treasurer.
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF PLUMBING
Board of Health, Town of Scituate, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
Your inspectors have approved all installations of plumbing for which permits have been issued.
After approval by the Attorney General of the Building Code, which was voted at the last Annual Meeting, on June 22nd, an accounting system was set up and fees collected for Plumbing and Sewerage permits. Since that date the amount turned over to the Treasurer is $1,091.00 which brings the burden of payment for some of the expenses of this department on the individual purchaser or owner rather than on the Taxpayer.
170
PLUMBING INSPECTOR'S REPORT
Many plans for the development of property have been sub- mitted by the Planning Board to this department and all have been approved, with a few restrictions on some of the lots. While the changes in lot sizes proposed by the Planning Board and voted by the Town in 1953 seemed drastic at the time the benefits of the change can now be seen in some of the developed areas in the 20 and 40 thousand foot zones, which are very attractive as well as being more healthful than they would be if more crowded.
In accordance with your vote the Board of Plumbing examiners was petitioned for permission to adopt rules and regulations formu- lated by them under Section 8 and 9 of Chapter 142 of the General Laws. Permission was granted and upon publication as prescribed, the new rules will be effective.
The Town was authorized by the voters on March 5th, 1956 to enter a bill in the Legislature to provide for the establishment of a Board of Sewer Commissioners to lay out a system of sewerage and to borrow a sum of money, outside the statutory limit, not exceeding $1,125,000.00 for the purpose.
The Bill has been entered by the Selectmen through our Representative to the General Court, Mr. Tilden, and if acted upon favorably, the Town will be called upon in the near future to raise the money to start this much needed facility.
An effort is being made by all those who have the financial interest of the Town at heart to do constructive planning to allow us to have all the necessary things for the health, education and happiness of our growing Community.
Respectfully submitted, PHILIP S. BAILEY, Plumbing Inspector and Sanitary Agent. EDWARD B. MCCARTHY, Assistant Inspector
171
PLANNING BOARD REPORT
REPORT OF PLANNING BOARD
The Board of Selectmen Scituate, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
During 1956 The Planning Board has approved new sub- divisions totalling sixty house lots. This compares with new sub- divisions totalling one hundred and ten house lots approved in 1955.
This year for the first time the Town received, on application of The Planning Board, a grant of Federal funds amounting to $1,300 under the Urban Planning Assistance Program.
Used with funds appropriated by the Town a detailed study was completed which provided:
Detailed land use maps.
Maps showing distribution and size of population, both present and future.
Maps showing general availability of services (school, water, fire, police) relative to present and future distribution of homes and other buildings.
Maps showing presently vacant land and its suitableness for such purposes as residences, commercial buildings, and public buildings and uses.
These are the tools necessary to intelligent planning.
In accordance with the Board's promise at the 1956 Town Meeting, it has met on one or more occasions with every depart- ment of the Town with which it is remotely concerned. A sub- committee of the Advisory Board has taken active part in all of this work, and it is genuinely a joint enterprise of the two Boards.
The task has been to determine as accurately as possible the major needs of the Town, to determine the relative urgency of each and to endeavour to line them up in such manner as will least affect the tax rate. Such a schedule has been set up and includes:
Town Office Building with Police and Fire Stations
Foreshore protection
Land purchase for public use
172
PLANNING BOARD REPORT
Junior High School Sewerage
Recreation (including beaches and harbor development) Roads and sidewalks
Of the foregoing it has been determined that the need for Town Office Building, Police and Fire Stations has passed the critical level and such building should be built in 1958. The Junior High School should be built in 1959. Foreshore protection is a continuing need and should be handled by regular annual appropriations. The purchase of some of the land needed for public buildings and schools is recommended for 1957.
The other projects can be handled in relatively small parts from year to year including sewerage after the initial investment is made.
The two Boards have also examined the question of modern business machines for the Assessors, Collector, Treasurer, Account- and, and Water Department and found that the cost of such will be more than saved the first year.
Another project is the establishment of a unified Public Works Department to combine under one management the functions of Highway, Park, Water, and Sewer Departments.
The Planning Board has applied for an additional $5,000 of Federal funds and will ask for a like amount of Town appropriation to cover its planning operations for the next two years. The studies to be made are (1) Analysis of existing streets in view of their locations and present and prospective traffic loads: (2) Recom- mendations for major and feeder ways showing new, widened. or re-located streets, and connections with new State highways: (3) De- tailed plan for traffic and parking in Scituate Harbor: (4) Complete professional survey of the present physical school plant with specific recommendations for its improvement and expansion: (5) Surveys of and recommendations for recreation and public open areas, both present and future: (6) A complete redrafting of the regulations governing new subdivisions in respect to the facilities to be provided by builders and safeguards to ensure performance.
Respectfully submitted, EDWARD S. RAND, Chairman LESTER J. GATES ROBERT F. HAYES MARK W. MURRILL THOMAS F. WHITE
173
CIVIL DEFENSE AGENCY REPORT
REPORT OF THE CIVIL DEFENSE AGENCY
27 December 1956
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The Civil Defense Agency activities for the year 1956, together with proposed action for future development in cooperation with State and Federal Governments are set forth in this report. Early in the year, Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Chace, was consulted relative to the establishment of radio training classes in the High School. In this connection the actual work was turned over to Mr. Bordne, who is one of the staff teachers in the High School, and C.D.A. Radio Officer, Arthur Sylvester. Two members of the School Committee were consulted and approved of such a Civil Defense radio training class. A radio station, having a Gonset Communi- cator of the same type that is being used in this area, has been set up with the necessary fittings and connections, under the super- vision of Mr. Bordne for the High School and Radio Officer Syl- vester for the Civil Defense Agency. It is hoped that by next year, evening classes for men and women will be available. While this training class is primarily for Civil Defense Communications in time of disaster, the possibilities for the High School students are developing daily. A student, having taken this course in High School, with actual field practice in Civil Defense, will have a very considerable advantage if he continues his radio classes in the ·Armed Forces while completing his compulsory service. Evening classes would offer adults, practical and theoretical radio work, and the services of women would become invaluable particularly during the daytime, in manning these stations. The great value of radio, as conducted by the Civil Defense Communications, was brought directly into the homes of the Civil Defense Organization, through the Communications Division on the 17 of March 1956. The Italian freighter "Etrusco" came ashore at Light House Point, and through the efforts of Radio Officer Arthur Sylvester, the men in the radio division spent hours working their way to the Coast Guard Station and location of the wreck, through a severe blizzard and established the only communication between the ship and shore at the Coast
174
CIVIL DEFENSE AGENCY REPORT
Guard Station. This action was of such value to the Coast Guard that Admiral Raney wrote a letter of commendation to the Scituate Civil Defense Agency, emphasizing particularly the Radio Com- munication Division.
This one action was worth more than the entire amount spent on Civil Defense Radio communications for preparedness. Chief Warden Judson Merrill, surveyed the disaster area with respect to the use of Wardens at the wreck. The situation was taken over by the Police Department and handled in an excellent manner. The Fire Department did a great amount of work, particularly in trans- portation and feeding. The Highway Department took care of numerous calls for help in getting Civil Defense automobiles back on the road, after they were stuck in the mud and snow. All of this work indicates very definitely, the fine cooperation of all the Depart- ments in town, when called out on disaster work.
On October 29, 1956, His Excellency Governor Herter, signed a "Statement of Understanding" between the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the National Red Cross. The Scituate Red Cross Chapter has always been very cooperative as far as Civil Defense has been concerned. The Disaster chairman and crew, using the Red Cross wagon worked hours on the Etrusco disaster. The Scitu- ate Red Cross Chapter has complied with the "Statement of Under- standing" over the years.
There is additional need for more communications stations, particularly in the western part of the town, and a mobile set should be available for the Red Cross disaster wagon. The set in the wagon should be operated by a Civil Defense Communications member.
Women who had availed themselves of the opportunity of working in the Radio Training Class, would be particularly desir- able for this consignment. The development of a rescue squad was started in October and four men took first aid training from a Red Cross instructor in Pembroke, Mass. Classes should be set up in Scituate for First Aid and Rescue Work. This is a very important part of the Civil Defense Program. There should be in Scituate a First Aid Station, completely outfitted for fiftten or twenty persons and sufficient trained personnel to handle the situation.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM J. LUMBERT, Director Scituate Civil Defense Agency
175
REPORT OF PERSONNEL BOARD
REPORT OF THE PERSONNEL BOARD
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen:
In accordance with the provisions of the Salary & Classification Plan. the Personnel Board submits the following report for the year 1956:
Our first meeting was held on March 26, 1956, and through January 15, 1957 we held a total of thirty-one meetings, an average of three meetings per month during this period.
Almost immediately following its appointment, the Board was faced with a great many requests for interpretations of provisions of the new Plan as they applied to employees of the town, groups or individuals, who were covered by the Plan. These interpretations ranged from the correct number of weeks of accrued vacation time to which certain individuals were entitled, to requests for changes in job classifications and direct increases in salary rates.
Here is a list of the requests for changes in job classifications referred to us during the year.
Job
Classification at Town Meeting Senior Clerk
Requested Classification Principal Clerk Principal Clerk Principal Clerk Senior Clerk
Action by Board
Clerk, Water Dept.
Clerk, Town Clerk Dept.
Senior Clerk
No change No change
Clerk, Selectmen's Office
Senior Clerk
Clerk, Assessor's Office
Junior Clerk
No change No Change
In the following table is shown a list of the various jobs in the Salary & Classification Plan for which rate increases were requested or which were changed by us voluntarily with no application on the part of the individuals involved.
176
Rates Voted Under Plan at 1956 Town Meeting Job Call policeman $1.40 per hour 0.50 per hour Library Aides Ass't Librarian part time 0.75 per hour
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