USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1958-1960 > Part 21
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Humarock will not be opened next year, as to give these clams a chance to reach legal size, but will be opened the following year. Opening these areas in the fall and winter, closing them during the growing season has produced some good clamming the last two years.
The Minot flats have one of the thickest sets in the State and will be opened in place of Humarock next fall. All of these clams won't be legal size but enough will, to allow digging, to thin them out. This set covers the whole area throughout the Glades.
There are also some good sets throughout some of the creeks and ditches, in the North River.
All mussels were removed from the areas with fencing.
Three men have been raking marketable mussels, to sell, dur- ing the winter.
The money received from the State is used to put out over one mile of protective fencing at Humarock. We have put in for $400.00 more on the town budget to be used to take seed from the Harbor. There is a very thick set of clams and they will only go to waste unless reseeded elsewhere, because of contamination.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER O'NEIL,
Clam Warden.
107
VETERANS' AGENT REPORT
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF VETERANS' SERVICES
Board of Selectmen Town Hall Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
As Director of Veterans' Services I have the honor of reporting on the activities of this office since April 1, 1959.
Since the opening of the town office building the Veterans' Service office has been open every Wednesday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. In addition appointments were also held at other hours throughout the week at the convenience of veterans and their dependents.
A great deal of the work during this period has been concerned with furnishing such information, advice and assistance to veterans as may be necessary to enable them to procure the benefits which they are entitled under the laws relating to veterans and their de- pendents.
Forty-six cases have been handled and have involved pensions, educational benefits, insurance, bonus, discharge certificates, hos- pitalization, burials, mortgages, real estate appraisals, disability, de- pendency compensation, death benefits and tax abatements.
This office is grateful for the assistance and co-operation re- ceived from the Commanders and individual members of our local veterans' organizations.
Respectfully submitted, DAVID W. NOONAN,
Veterans' Agent.
108
BOARD OF HEALTH
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Citizens of Scituate:
At a Special Town Meeting held April 5, 1902, under Article 13, the Town voted to accept Chapter 11 of the Revised Laws which established a Board of Health, and Article 14 provided for the election of Geo. O. Allen, Charles H. Davie, M.D. and Alfred H. Litchfield to serve and perform the duties to protect the Board of Health.
Those who have lived here over any considerable period of time since 1902 have seen the changes that have taken place and realize that the functions performed and services required have in- creased tremendously, and along with the expansion has come in- creased costs.
Your Board has made every effort to provide a program that will give the best measure of Health to the Community at a reason- able cost.
On March 19th Food Regulations promulgated by this Board, after publication, became effective.
The reports of the various Inspectors and the Public Health Nurse are to be found elsewhere in this Annual Report.
Several posted Board meetings have been held which were open to the Public and Press, and the Board welcomes the suggestions and comments of all those interested.
The Board of Health and the inhabitants of the Town are indeed fortunate in having the inestimable assistance of the Scituate Health Service Inc., an entirely voluntary organization whose mem- bers give of their time in the Public good.
The clinics have been well attended and it is of interest to note that at the Polio Clinics where the Physicians and Nurses render valuable asistance, there were 1770 adults and children in- oculated. It is expected that a clinic for third shots and boosters will be given in February. The date will be announced in the papers.
109
BOARD OF HEALTH
On April 18th, the Board moved into the new Town Office Building, which your Town so graciously provided.
We thank you not only for the building, but for your generous co-operation in the Health Program.
Respectfully submitted,
DR. C. L. WARD, Chairman WALTER L. ENOS, Secretary ERNEST L. RICHARDSON, Inspector
REPORT OF THE MILK INSPECTOR
Board of Health
Gentlemen:
The entire listing of Stores, Milk Wholesalers and Retailers have co-operated with both the State and Local Inspectors in dis- pensing a high quality of milk products. All tests were satisfactory.
I have issued
50 Milk Licenses for stores
20 Oleomargarine Licenses for stores
6 Milk Vehicle Licenses
18 Antifreeze Licenses
3 Denatured Alcohol Licenses
1 Frozen Freeze License
11 Nursery or Kindergarten Licenses
2 Funeral Homes
1 Camp License for Boys
Respectfully submitted,
ERNEST A. RICHARDSON,
Milk Inspector.
110
BOARD OF HEALTH
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DENTIST AND DENTAL HYGIENIST
Board of Health Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The school dental program was conducted about the same as last year. The hygienist examined all children in the elementary grades and sent notices to parents when treatment was indicated. Classroom conferences with teachers on Dental Health Educational material were held throughout the year.
Individual advice was given to parents where specific clinical problems were encountered.
In the spring of last year, the Senior Class at the High School was given an illustrated slide lecture on Dental Heath problems by the School Dentist.
In the next year we plan to increase the scope of our Dental Health Educational Program.
Respectfully submitted, DONALD W. PARSONS, D.M.D. LILLIAN R. HIGGINS, D.H.
111
BOARD OF HEALTH
REPORT OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE
-
Board of Health
Scituate, Massachusetts
Dear Sirs:
The following is a resume of activities for the year 1959:
Morbidity Visits
2905
Old Age
80
Soldiers' Relief
40
Ambulance and Hospital cases
90
Infant Welfare
300
Baby Clinics (91 babies)
12
Triple Vaccine Clinic (41 children)
4
Salk Polio Clinics (1770 children and adults)
2
T. B. Follow Ups
160
Communicable Diseases
56
Antepartal
15
Postpartal
50
Public Health Meetings
18
The Well Baby Clinic, sponsored by the Scituate Health Serv- ice Inc., was conducted by Dr. Olga Allers, Pediatrician, from Bos- ton, Mass.
The Triple Vaccine Clinics, a Board of Health project, were conducted by Dr. Clifford L. Ward.
The Salk Polio Clinics, sponsored by the Board of Health and Scituate Health Service.
We thank the members of the Public Health Service, and all the doctors and nurses who assisted in clinics held this year.
Respectfully submitted,
ALICE M. DOWD, R.N.
112
BOARD OF HEALTH
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
To the Board of Health Scituate, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
In submitting my report for the year 1959, I wish to state that I have quarantined all dogs that have bitten people, also all stray animals have been boarded and cared for in the proper manner and that all dead animals have been properly disposed of.
In accordance with State Laws, I have attended to all matters relative to cattle, horses, goats and swine.
Respectfully submitted, RICHARD E. CUGNASCA, D.V.M.
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF MEAT AND SLAUGHTERING
Board of Health Scituate, Mass.
Dear Sirs:
During the year 1959 I have inspected all animals slaughtered in this Town, in accordance with State Laws. I have from time to time made inspections of meat sold in the Town and have found everything in good condition.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM J. MCAULIFFE,
Inspector.
113
BOARD OF HEALTH
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF PLUMBING AND SANITARY AGENT
Board of Health
Gentlemen:
During 1959 your Plumbing Inspectors have inspected all plumbing installed in accordance with permits on file and for which returns have been made to the Town Treasurer. Total number of permits issued, 211. Amount received and turned over to Treasurer, $1288.
PHILIP S. BAILEY, Plumbing Inspector.
EDWARD MCCARTHY, Associate Inspector.
Acting as your authorized Agent, I have tried to assume the responsibilities and perform the necessary duties which go with the office to which you have appointed me to serve you for so many years.
The first meeting of the Board this year was held on January 13 in the Assessors' office of the old Town Hall. It is interesting to look over the records and recall these meetings which have been posted and open to the public. The interest shown by various citizens and especially by those committees of the League of Women Voters re- minds us that there are many who are vitally concerned with the Public Health program.
Rules and regulations for food-handling establishments were promulgated with the assistance of Mr. Edwin Warrell, Adminis- trative Analyst in local health. These were put in effect on March 19. Along with these regulations was presented an Inspector's rating sheet. The proprietor of each establishment was asked to make an evaluation of his own facilities and the cleanliness of the product which he serves to the public. We have many stores and restaurants in town who take great care in protecting the health of their cus- tomers.
114
BOARD OF HEALTH
The School Department has been very helpful in allowing us the use of the elementary school for clinics, and we are grateful to the Commercial Department for printing forms and announcements for the polio program.
There have been five new agencies giving day care to children inspected and licensed in 1959, making the total eleven and accom- modating approximately 197 children. The licensees are all parents with a teaching background and excellent health habits.
On August 15 and 22 a Rabies Clinic was sponsored by the Board. The inoculations were performed by Dr. Richard E. Cugnasca. It is regrettable that so few dog owners saw fit to bring up their dogs. Out of approximately 1100 dogs in town, there were only 164 shots given. Apparently the dog lovers are not aware of this dangerous disease. In one State in the Country this year there were 1388 dogs shot, 48 being infected with rabies. No one should let his pet become a "stray" but should have it licensed and inocu- lated, thus protecting him and the public.
There has been much building, and sanitary waste disposal has been effected by septic tanks and leaching areas, anticipating the time when a municipal sewerage system will be made available.
As you know we have had many discussions in regard to chang- ing the method of providing health service since my resignation as your part-time Agent in June. It was decided at that time that I should carry on until the Annual Meeting of 1960 when money would be requested in the budget for recommendation by the Ad- visory Committee and a classification by the Personnel Board for a full time Agent and Sanitarian. Many of the duties now performed by the Board would be assumed by the Agent, therefore the present members agreed to a reduction in salary as follows: Chairman, $200; other members, $100 and legitimate expenses.
The plan as presented to the Advisory Committee and Person- nel Board calls for a minimum salary for the Agent-Sanitarian of $5200. The average paid for this job in the State is $5500. I hope that the Town will see fit to raise the money and put the plan in operation this year.
Respectfully submitted,
PHILIP S. BAILEY R. S., Agent.
115
SEWERAGE INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE REPORT
REPORT OF THE SEWERAGE INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Scituate:
In our report of last year, we stated the following:
1. That the Legislature of 1957 created Chapter 636 which al- lowed the Town to construct a sewerage system and provided for the payment.
2. That the Massachusetts Department of Health had ap- proved the report of Metcalf & Eddy setting forth in some detail the design for a suitable system for our Town.
3. It was recommended by the Department that the Town take positive action and proceed with the preparation of construc- tion plans, so that the work could be started as soon as posible.
We stated that we felt that the Town should proceed in its spending in accordance with the schedule projected by the Planning Board showing borrowing for sewerage in 1961.
In the Warrant for this year you will be asked to consider five Articles, four of which do not call for any appropriation but make the necessary plans for the borrowing, which will allow construction in 1961 if the Town so votes.
Article 28 calls for an appropriation for land taking and ease- ments for a treatment plant.
We urge you to accept these Articles in the interest of better Health for all those who live here, as well as our summer visitors.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD S. RAND, Chairman WALTER S. ALLEN, JR., Secretary WALTER BREEN JOHN E. BAMBER, B.S.C.E. EDWARD MAYER, B.C.E.
116
SOUTH SHORE MOSQUITO CONTROL PROJECT
REPORT OF THE SOUTH SHORE MOSQUITO CONTROL PROJECT
The Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Scituate
Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
As representative for this Town on the South Shore Mosquito Control Commission, I am furnishing you two copies of the annual report of activities of the Project in the Town of Scituate for the year ending December 31, 1959.
Our request for this year is for $8900, which includes the usual "salt marsh" assessment of $4000.
May I ask that you put an article in the warrant, in substance, "to see what sum of money the Town will raise and appropriate to continue Scituate as a member of the South Shore Mosquito Control Project."
Sincerely yours,
RALPH L. ROBERTS, Commissioner for Scituate, South Shore Mosquito Control Project.
To the Citizens of Scituate:
Submitted herewith is the report of the South Shore Mosquito Control Project of its activities in the Town of Scituate for the year ending December 31, 1959.
The Town of Scituate appropriated $8900 for mosquito control in 1959.
The basic program of control continued to be based on drain- age in the off-season and larvaciding of all areas found to be breed- ing during the mosquito season. This program was supplemented by ground application of D.D.T. dust to selected areas during the period when the swamps were frozen. Fog generators and a mist blower were used to combat flying mosquitos.
117
SOUTH SHORE MOSQUITO CONTROL PROJECT
The cumulative effect of the work of past winters has changed the work of the Project's crews. The winter dusting has stopped the breeding in many small places, making it possible for the crews to contend better with those left and to search for hitherto unno- ticed spots. The drainage has eliminated some crew spraying and much air spray acreage, thus making it possible to absorb higher costs, deal with new breeding areas found or created, and yet keep the yearly budget requests the same.
In the Town of Scituate the following ditch work was done: 1800 ft. of ditches cleaned, 8829 ft. reclaimed, and 1925 ft. of new ditch has been dug.
The record breaking rains of early, through mid-summer, added to our summer spray season. These rains coming during the Culex (house mosquito) breeding season, this specie preferring to breed in and around residential areas and in man made receptacles (such as tin cans, bird baths, tires, etc.) increased the above normal popu- lation of this fierce biting pesty mosquito. These rains also caused areas normally dry in summer months to reflood, adding to our Vexans population. These along with other problems, gave us one of our heaviest mosquito years.
However, the Project tried maintenance, their method of op- eration as in other years, giving priority in this order:
1. Drainage of salt marsh and fresh water areas,
2. Larvaciding of all breeding areas (spraying) air, power sprayers and hand spraying,
3. Adulticiding (fogging and mist blowers) .
In spite of these in a stepped-up form, mosquitos were a much talked of problem throughout the summer. However, conditions would have been much worse without mosquito control, as others will bear out in areas outside of mosquito control districts.
Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis in south New Jersey rose to epidemic stage, which should tend to stress to taxpayers of the area the need for a continued mosquito control program, until we can find out for sure if the mosquito is the carrier and to attack and control these.
The spring spraying of all fresh water swamps too large to be treated by hand was done in the latter part of April and first of May. 190 acres were sprayed in the Town of Scituate.
118
SOUTH SHORE MOSQUITO CONTROL PROJECT
As was done last winter, some aerial applications of dusts will be made. This procedure reduces the spring spraying which must be fitted into the few days in April suitable for air spraying. Last winter 1612 acres were aerial dusted in the Town of Scituate.
The Project wishes to acknowledge the help received from of- ficials and departments of the Town and sincerely hopes that the benefits derived by these departments as a result of this cooperation are as great as those derived by the Project.
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens of Scituate:
All of the Parks maintained by the Park Department were kept mowed and trimmed. Fertilizer and top dressing was applied to the needy areas; leaves were swept and papers and other trash was removed regularly.
The Wampatuck and New Municipal Center grounds were added to our Department this year.
Our Tennis Program was carried on for a 9 week period, which was attended by 220 children.
Peggotty Beach was picked up daily, and two Lifeguards were on duty for 12 weeks.
Your Commissioners visualize a vast amount of additional work due to a rapidly growing Town, and are ready, willing and able to carry out this program when funds are made available.
Being a shore resort Town, our appearance is an asset that we cannot afford to neglect.
The Park Department extends their thanks to all who assisted us in the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
CARL CHESSIA, Chairman EDWARD COLE CARL PERRY
Park Commissioners.
119
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
To the Voters of Scituate:
We know that you will be pleased to learn that our depart- mental budget for the year 1960 is no larger than that of 1959. Increases in administration costs are counter balanced by reduc- tions in some of the categories of relief, notably the A.D.C. program, where the increased re-imbursement from the Federal Government has resulted in smaller Town appropriations for 1959 and 1960, although the number of recipients has increased.
The Town is fortunate in having had such a low welfare cost in 1959; this could easily be upset if a business depression should occur. We however believe that this will not happen in 1960, and are basing our budget in this category on the belief that the pros- perous times will continue throughout the year; if they do not more money will be needed.
The O.A.A. program is now, numerically speaking, at the low- est point in several years, but the fantastic increases in medical and hospitalization costs do not permit any reduction in our budget in this form of relief.
The co-operation of the citizens and the various town officers and committees is very much appreciated by this department.
Board of Public Welfare,
W. M. BROWN, Chairman FRANKLIN T. SHARP JANE E. QUINN
120
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT REPORT
REPORT OF THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Scituate, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith the Engineering Department Report for 1959.
Surveyed and prepared acceptance plans for Gannett Pasture Lane, Judy Road and a part of Satuit Trail. Prepared discontin- uance plan for a part of Briggs Lane.
Survey and layout of sidewalk on Country Way from First Parish Road to Branch Street.
Prepared plan for purchase or taking by eminent domain of a part of Quincy Oil Company property on Edward Foster Road.
Prepared Zoning Plan and description for "C" Zone on Drift- way.
Prepared Land Court Subdivision Plan for land exchange on Branch Street.
Co-operated with the Corp. of Engineering on the Federal, State and Town dredging project within the inner harbor, widening and deepening the main channel and furnishing disposal areas.
Assisted Engineers on their study of proposed road running westerly of and nearly parallel to Front Street.
The foreshore protection program that fell behind one year due to a lack of State Funds is now nearly back on schedule, and assurance has been received from the Waterways Division of the M.D.P.W. that by April 1st 1960 all remaining projects will be contracted for.
The following projects have been completed: a section of the Surfside Road Seawall, two sections of the Sand Hills Seawall, a cliff refacing project off Collier Road, Third Cliff and two sections of Glades Road Seawall.
121
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT REPORT
Designed and acted as consultant on the main drainage project on the State Highway from Municipal Center grounds to the Her- ring Brook.
Surveyed and prepared plans to accompany petitions to the Massachusetts Department of Public Works for permision to erect stop signs at the following sections:
1) Captain Pierce Road with Country Way.
2) Stockbridge Road with Country Way.
3) Kent Street with Edward Foster Road and First Parish Road.
4) Hazel Avenue with Beaver Dam Road.
5) Norwell Avenue with Tilden Road and Egypt Beach Road.
House numbering, additions and alterations to the Assessors plans, lines and grades for highway construction, checking original Land Court Plans, street lines, etc., have been performed in a routine manner.
Developers subdivision plans have been carefully checked in conjunction with the Town Sanitarian and Superintendent of the Water Department. As the Planning Board's Rules and Regula- tions are administered it becomes increasingly evident of the im- portant role that this Board plays in the economic future of the Town.
I, again thank all individuals and other departments for their co-operation.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN E. BAMBER,
JEB/bb
Town Engineer.
1221
SUPERVISOR CARE OF VETERANS' GRAVES
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR, CARE OF VETERANS' GRAVES
To the Board of Selectmen Town Hall, Scituate
Gentlemen:
I submit my report an Supervisor of Veterans' Graves in the Town of Scituate for the year of 1959.
I have faithfully inspected all Cemeteries from time to time and have found that all graves are kept in good condition.
Due to continuing vandalism at the Brown and Damon Tombs I was forced to have the bricked entrances covered with a heavy metal plate which I sincerely hope will prevent any future van- dalism.
I would once again like to request all caretakers that they must (and I stress this as important) report to me in writing whenever a Veteran is interred in their Cemeteries.
Again I wish to thank all who are continuing to assist me in my efforts.
Respectfully submitted.
ELMER F. RAMSDELL, Supervisor
Care of Veterans' Graves.
123
TREE WADEN'S REPORT
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Town Hall, Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
This year we planted 189 new shade trees on our roadsides, and they are growing well. The new tree, moraine locust, is proving to be best for seashore planting, as it can acclimate itself to the salt spray carried off the ocean by winds.
We have cut and removed 117 elm trees diseased by the Dutch elm fungus and have sprayed all other elm to prevent the spread of this disease. Removal and spraying are the only ways so far to control its spread.
No gypsy moths were caught this year during the trapping period, but we had our usual trouble with ticks and Japanese beetles. We also had our first infestation of the oak leaf minor that our neighboring towns to our North have been troubled with for some time. This will be another insect that we will have to contend with each year.
We have tried to continue the improvement of our roadsides, and with the help of everyone we can have a clean and beautiful town. The roadsides and sidewalks were sprayed for poison ivy, all street lights cleared of branches and all corners of streets cleared of brush obstructing them.
We appreciate the co-operation given us by the townspeople and other town departments.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN W. FORD,
Tree Warden.
124
TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE REPORT
REPORT OF THE TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Town Hall, Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
This year the forests were cleared of fallen trees, the fire lanes improved, brush cleared and all poison ivy found was sprayed.
More benches and tables were made and placed in the Pincon Hill forest and a new fireplace built at the Mann Lot forest. More tables and benches are needed and we plan to have them ready for the 1960 season.
The Girl Scouts are planning to use the forests this year in their day camp program for the young girls. We hope they will find it what they need in their program for the summer. Everyone should use and visit our forests.
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