USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1958-1960 > Part 35
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Classroom work on Dental Health Education has been carried on by the Dental Hygienist in the elementary grades in cooperation with the room teachers.
All seniors in the high school were given a lecture by the School Dentist on the subject, "Future Dental Problems And How To Manage Them."
Respectfully submitted, LILLIAN R. HIGGINS, D.H. DONALD W. PARSONS, D.M.D.
128
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF MEAT AND SLAUGHTERING
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF MEAT AND SLAUGHTERING
Board of Health Scituate, Massachusetts
Dear Sirs:
I have during the year 1960 made inspections of meat sold and of all animals slaughtered in this Town, and found that the State Laws have been complied with in every way.
All slaughtered animals have been stamped and found to be in good order.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM J. MCAULIFFE, Inspector
REPORT OF THE PLUMBING INSPECTORS
Board of Health
Town of Scituate, Mass.
During the year 1960 Your Plumbing Inspectors have inspected all plumbing installed in accordance with per- mits on file and for which returns have been made to the Town Treasurer.
Total number of permits issued 361. Amount re- ceived $1737.00.
PHILIP S. BAILEY, R. S., Plumbing Inspector
EDWARD B. MCCARTHY, Associate Inspector
129
REPORT OF THE SEWERAGE INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE
REPORT OF THE SEWERAGE INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Scituate :
The Committee has, since the last annual Town Meet- ing, made further studies on the problem of proposing and financing an adequate sewerage system for the Town These studies have included :
1. Revising the date the 1956 Engineers report for a proposed sewerage system.
2. Preparing a table of finances with estimated ex- penses and revenue in order to predict the ap- proximate annual cost reflected in the tax rate.
3. Possible assessment practices which might be adopted when such a system as proposed is in operation.
In the Warrant this year the voters will be asked to consider four Articles which would allow the proposed project to get underway. In accepting these Articles the Town in effect will:
1. Accept an Enabling Act passed by the Legisla- ture in 1957 which gives the Town authority to construct, operate and finance a sewerage sys- tem.
2. Grant approval to ask for a Federal loan, with which to obtain the necessary construction plans and specifications. Said loan will be interest- free and will be repaid to the Federal agency only when the Town votes to start construction.
3. Appropriate funds for land taking and necessary easements for a sewage treatment plant site.
Other than funds for the purchasing of a treatment plant site, no further appropriations are required toward the project this year. When the Town is asked to consider financing for construction in the future, a two-third vote will be necessary.
130
REPORT OF THE SEWERAGE INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE
The Committee urges you to accept these Articles this year in order that a planned program of providing sanitary facilities for Scituate may soon be undertaken.
EDWARD R. MAYER, Chairman WALTER S. ALLEN, Secretary WALTER J. BREEN JOHN E. BAMBER
LESTER J. GATES WINTHROP B. WADE Ex-Officio
131
REPORT OF THE SOUTH SHORE MOSQUITO CONTROL PROJECT
REPORT OF THE 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, 1960.
The Town of Scituate appropriated $8900 for mos- quito control in 1960.
The basic program of control continued to be based on drainage in the off-season and larvaciding of all areas found to be breeding during the mosquito season. Fog generators and mist blowers were used to combat flying mosquitoes.
The drainage has eliminated some crew spraying and much air spray acreage, thus making is possible to absorb higher cost, deal with new breeding areas found or cre- ated, and yet lower the yearly budget request, or at least keep it the same.
In the Town of Scituate the following ditch work was done : 1100 feet of ditches cleaned, 10050 feet reclaimed, 1075 feet of new ditch has been dug. In addition, 150 feet of brushing has been done to facilitate entrance to and passage along streams for the purpose of cleaning and treating streams and swamps.
A mid-winter air application of 50% D.D.T. Dust was made in January and February in areas too large to do with ground crews. This is a pre-hatch treatment which greatly reduced the early spring brood of mosquitoes. 2325 acres were dusted.
A mid-winter pre-hatch dust application will be done with pack dusters in the Town of Scituate. The amount of dusting and areas covered will depend on ice cover on small wet areas, as this is needed to make application. However, this Project has acquired a power duster and where we have vehicle access this will be used without need for ice. Along with this and what might be left for spring spray mosquito breeding should be greatly reduced when we come into the season.
132
REPORT OF THE SOUTH SHORE MOSQUITO CONTROL PROJECT
The Project will continue its drainage program set up for the Town of Scituate as it feels this to be the best long range and certain method of getting control over mos- quitoes.
The Project wishes to acknowledge the help received from officials 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.
RALPH L. ROBERTS
Commissioner for Scituate
133
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSIONERS
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens of Scituate:
We are pleased to report a year of real progress in the work and development of your Park Department during 1960. In addition to the work usually done on the Town's school grounds, parks and playgrounds, (1) we assumed increased responsibilities this year for the Town's beaches and engaged the services of seven lifeguards; (2) plans were formulated for the work to be performed on the grounds around the new high school; and (3) discussions were held with the athletic director on a coordinated pro- gram of utilizing Park Department personnel for the con- tinuous maintenance and preparation of athletic fields for school events.
The full-time working personnel of the Department was enlarged from two to four at the end of 1960 which provides the Department with a strong and experienced nucleus on which to build for the future, with an aim toward providing broader and better services for the Town as a whole.
For the first time regular monthly meetings were held, and will continue to be held, at 8:00 p.m. on the first Monday of each month in the Department's office, down- stairs in the Town Hall.
For the first time beach regulations were drafted and posted at key locations in the Town. These regulations will be amended as experience dictates.
The nine-week tennis program during the summer was attended by nearly 200 boys and girls.
We have attempted through the year to comply as quickly as possible with any requests made of us by cit- izens of the Town. It is our sincere wish to continue to be of service to the Town in the future, and we will work with all our efforts toward this end.
Respectfully submitted, CARL CHESSIA EDWARD COLE PHILLIPS N. WEEKS, Chairman Park Commissioners
134
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
Once more we are obliged to announce an increase in the cost of all categories of relief. The State Department of Public Welfare has made increases in payments we must make to all recipients of Old Age Assistance, Dis- ability Assistance, and Aid to Dependent Children. These increases, coupled with increases in the amounts paid for Doctors' fees, the higher cost of medicines, and the larger amounts charged for hospital care, have all tended to greatly swell our budgetary requirements.
Perhaps the most noteworthy of all the cost increas- ing factors has been the enactment of the law granting Medical Aid to the Aged. This went into effect on Octo- ber 1, 1960, and the cost for the three remaining months of 1960 was over $12,000, and as the program becomes better known it is marked by a substantial increase each month; as no appropriation was made for this added cost the money had to be taken from our Federal reimburse- ment fund, thus making severe inroads on our amount available, thus necessitating larger appropriations by the Town.
Since December 1st there has been a decided increase in the cost of Welfare assistance, thus bringing to mind the fact that the recession has begun to affect some of our citizens; the Town has however reason to be grateful that welfare costs in Scituate are still much less than in many other towns of similar population.
We wish to extend our thanks to all Town Depart- ments and Civil Organizations who have given us their as- sistance the past year; to Mrs. Dowd, the Public Health Nurse, to the Red Cross, the Police Department and Town Counsel and many others, and we particularly wish to note our appreciation to the spirit of co-operation existing among the various Town Officials and employes in our Town Office Building.
W. M. BROWN, Chairman FRANKLIN T. SHARP ROSE A. SMITH
135
REPORT OF THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Honorable Board of Selectmen Scituate, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
I submit herewith a brief resume of the Engineering Department's activities during 1960.
Surveys, plans, design and construction estimates were made for Fifth Avenue; Nelson and Curtis Roads; Porter and Harborview Roads and the Tilden Road sidewalk from Edgar Road to the Wampatuck School. Lines and grades were furnished for the construction of same.
Acceptance layout plans were drawn for Ermine Road, Briarwood Lane, Blanchard Road; Poplar, Linden and Walnut Avenues, Sycamore Road and Appletree Lane.
Plans were drawn for the widening of a part of Moor- land Road, and the old police station site for conversion into a parking area.
The usual cooperation has been extended to County Engineers working on Chapter 90 projects, Federal En- gineers on Harbors and the Division of Waterways En- gineers on numerous foreshore protection projects.
The foreshore protection program, as reported last year to be a year behind schedule, has fallen further be- hind despite all projects being surveyed and in the com- petitive bidding stage. It is hoped that this emergency work can be accomplished during the coming year.
Numerous additions were made to the Assessors plans in cooperation with the Board of Assessors in order that the Cleminshaw card system may be kept current.
The increased number of developer's subdivision plans is presenting a time consuming problem for this de- partment, but every effort has been made to fully protect the town against future expenditures due to faulty design and construction.
As these plans are presented, the lack of drains in our existing public highways becomes very evident.
136
REPORT OF THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
It is intended to continue the practice of hiring con- sultants to do the outside work, but serious consideration is being given to increasing the manpower of the depart- ment.
Again, I wish to thank all who are continuing to assist me in my efforts.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN E. BAMBER, Town Engineer
137
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Town Hall, Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen :
This year 203 new shade trees were planted on our roadsides. Most of them were put on new streets and in places left vacant by tree removals. We lost 186 elm trees by dutch elm disease. Most of these have been removed.
Hurricane Donna left us with much destruction. Emergency funds were made available and all town depart- ments cooperating, the debris was removed. It will be a long time before we can get our trees back to where they were before this storm.
This year we had very little trouble with the gypsy moth and the oak leaf minor but the Jap beetle and tick were very plentiful. Nothing yet has been found to stop the spread of dutch elm disease. We can only spray all elms and remove diseased ones.
We still hope you will help us keep our roadsides clean by not throwing refuse there. We sprayed all poison ivy found. We aso kept all corners clear and stop lights cleared of branches.
We wish to thank all those helping us in our work this year.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN W. FORD,
Tree Warden
138
REPORT OF THE TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
REPORT OF THE TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Town Hall, Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
This year we continued the usual cleaning up and im- proving of our town forests. As our townspeope are find- ing more each year the ideal places these forests make for outings, cookouts and picnics, we realize that more tables and benches are needed. We will try and have more for them this coming year.
Hurricane Donna caused some damage here to some of the older trees. These we will have sawed out for the tables and benches.
The Girl Scouts used the Pinson Hill forest for their summer camp this year. Everyone is welcome to use them. We only ask you to be careful of fire.
Respectfully submited,
HARRIET F. LADD EBBA H. DAMON JOHN W. FORD TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Board of Selectmen Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
A summary of work performed by me for the year 1960 is as follows :
Device tested and sealed
322
Sealing fees collected $205.05 Respectfully submitted, OSBORNE A. McMORROW, Sealer of Weights and Measures
139
REPORT OF THE BUILDING COMMISSIONERS
REPORT OF THE BUILDING COMMISSIONER
Honorable Board of Selectmen Scituate, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
Two hundred eighty-two (282) Building Permits were issued during the year 1960. Of these, one hundred fifty- two (152) were for new homes.
The estimated value for all permits was two million sixteen thousand six hundred fifty dollars ($2,016,650.00).
All buildings have been inspected as required by the town By-Laws, and laws of the Commonwealth of Massa- chusetts.
All Zoning Board of Appeals meeting were attended.
Numerous alleged violations of the Zoning By-Laws were investigated, most of which were satisfactorily dis- posed of.
At this time, I wish to thank the various departments in the Town for their co-operation and assistance that has been given me in the performance of these duties.
Respectfully submitted, EDWARD M. SEXTON, Building Inspector
140
REPORT OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
REPORT OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
During the calendar year 1960 the Zoning Board of Appeals received 34 applications for zoning variance or special exception to the Zoning By-laws. Fees totaling $680 were received with these applications and were suf- ficient to defray all expense of the Board.
Nine public hearings were held and the following de- cisions rendered :
21 limited variances or special exceptions granted (most with specific restrictions and limitations)
1 decision confirmed an existing non-conforming use
5 requests for variances or special exceptions were denied
3 applications were withdrawn after discussion, with the consent of the Board before public hearing
4 applications are pending and scheduled for public hearing in January 1961
Copies of all decisions were filed with the office of the Town Clerk.
In addition to the 34 formal applications the Board held preliminary hearings after the regular hearings, in- terpreting the Zoning By-laws and answering questions of persons interested in obtaining zoning information.
In all cases before a decision was rendered the Board investigated and viewed the premises under consideration.
Two appeals by aggrieved parties from decisions of the Board were taken to the Superior Court during 1960. The Superior Court upheld the Zoning Board.
The Board as part of its educational program was represented at the Regional Conference of the Massachu- setts Federation of Planning Boards held at Boston.
141
REPORT OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
As stated above, fees, received were sufficient to pay all costs of the Board such as advertising, mailing, con- ferences, and secretarial, the total income being $680.00 and expenses totaling less than this amount.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT C. HAUFLER, Chairman ROBERT M. ALEXANDER DWIGHT L. AGNEW, SR. WILLIAM J. LEAHY, Alternate
142
REPORT OF THE TOWN COUNSEL
REPORT OF THE TOWN COUNEL
To the Board of Selectmen:
As in prior years, the work of the Town Counsel dur- ing 1960 consisted principally of advising the various boards and offices of the Town, and of doing the sub- stantial legal research necessary to make that advice ac- curate and up to date.
In addition to attendance at all regular meetings of the Selectmen, Town Counsel attended numerous public hearings where it was necessary to dispose of legal ques- tions before proceeding with the merits of the matter under discussion. Also, on request, the Town Counsel attended meetings of the Planning Board, School Committee, Ad- visory Committee and School Site Committee. The Evans report raised many interesting legal points for considera- tion. All pertinent legislation of the year 1960 was re- viewed and reported to the appropriate department. Tele- phone advice was given practically daily to one or another branch of the Town Government. Because of the com- plexity and importance of municipal law, Town Counsel has also offered assistance to citizens and groups sincere- ly interested in an objective study of the Town.
There was active litigation during the year. The major case in the Superior Court concerned the police and fire salary reduction voted at the Special Town Meeting of May 1960. This case raised many interesting legal ques- tions, and received considerable publicity throughout the Commonwealth, resulting in several inquiries and requests for copies of briefs from other Town Counsels. A personal injury claim against the Town was satisfactorily settled. Other claims are pending. Two zoning appeals are pend- ing, one in the Superior Court, and one on appeal to the Supreme Judicial Court.
Zoning remains the single most troublesome legal problem in the Town, not only in consideration of various proposed changes in zoning which come before town meet- ings, but also in advising the Building Inspector in the day to day administration of the zoning laws.
143
REPORT OF THE TOWN COUNSEL
The increased size of the Town and the resulting in- creased complexity of its affairs has brought about a cor- responding enlargement of the responsibilities of the Town Counsel. As is apparent from the above report, Town Counsel is now called upon to furnish legal advice at every stage in the policy making and administration of the Town Government.
Respectfully submitted, WALTER JAY SKINNER
144
REPORT OF THE WIRE INSPECTOR'
REPORT OF THE WIRE INSPECTOR
Board of Selectmen
Scituate Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
Permits issued during 1960 were as follows:
Electrical wiring-646; approval certificates to the Brockton Edison Company-370; to the Plymouth County Electric Company-30.
Fees collected and credited to the Town amounted to $1145.00.
More Builders are recognizing the fact that adequate wiring is necessary for the modern home, which places home in a different class and in line for a "Certificate of Adequate Wiring" or a "Medallion" from the Utility Com- pany.
Electrical Permits as issued during 1960 are classified as follows:
New Homes (Domestic) 154
New Bldgs. (Commercial) 7
149
Services Remodeled
100
Service change from 2 to 3 wire
36
Houses rewired
13
Electric Ranges
134
Electric Water Heaters
63
Oil Burners
164
Refrigerators
147
Electric Dryers
118
Clothes Washers
133
Dish Washers
37
Disposals
2
Motors, Total HP
120
Temporary Services 54
Relocate Appliances 10
Air Conditioning
13
Gas Burner controls
28
Respectfully submitted, JOHN H. REMICK
Wiring Inspector
145
Additional wiring
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
During 1960 the Planning Board has completed for- mal approval of new subdivisions creating 70 new house lots which is 20 more than the previous year. As always, a number of lots are created each year which have ap- propriate frontage on existing ways and do not require Board approval. Of greater significance is the fact that at year's end there were new subdivisions totalling over 500 lots in the planning stage. This is a far greater num- ber than ever before at any one time.
The implications for the future are obvious. The Town can expect its population to increase at least as fast during the next ten years as during the 1950's. It must look forward to such capital expenditures as a new water storage tank, two elementary schools, an addition to the new High School, an incinerator plant, sewage disposal facilities, parks and playgrounds, and considerable side- walk construction.
These necessities mean an increase in the tax rate, especially the building and operation of schools, and no practical means of preventing the increase has yet been developed. As a partial offset, however, the Board rec- ommends the encouragement of new businesses of types consistent with the general character of the Town.
As a further offset, it recommends the taking of land for recreation purposes and for future school sites, thereby removing substantial areas from the home building market.
From the list of capital improvements, the item of sidewalks is a direct concern of the Planning Board. Cur- rent regulations require inclusion of sidewalks in most new developments. At the same time, the Board is recommend- ing to the Town each year the construction of additional lengths of sidewalk on heavily traveled streets in line with its previously published program.
146
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
Throughout the year, the Board has enjoyed the greatest cooperation from the many Town officials and committees with which it deals and wishes to express to them its sincere appreciation.
THE PLANNING BOARD
JOHN D. McPHERSON MARK W. MURRILL ARTHUR F. O'DAY EDWARD S. RAND, Chairman THOMAS F. WHITE
147
REPORT OF THE CIVIL DEFENSE AGENCY
REPORT OF THE CIVIL DEFENSE AGENCY
Board of Selectmen
Town of Scituate
Gentlemen :
The following is a report of the Scituate Civil Defense Agency for 1960 :
(1) Has availed itself of all educational courses of- fered by the State CD
(2) Took part in OPAL 1960 (National Operation Alert)
(3) During hurricane Donna (Sept. 12th) co-ordin- ated with the Scituate Red Cross Chapter as well as the Police Dept., Fire Dept., Highway Dept., Health Dept. and other town departments.
(4) Acquired thru Federal Surplus various items for the Town which could be used in the protection of its citizens and their properties.
(5) Acquired a 20KV auxiliary generator which is now being readied to be installed in the Munic- ipal building which will give power when elec- tricity fails.
(6) During hurricane Donna, supplied Fire Dept. with power by loaning it a 3KVA generator. This generator was also tied in to the Treasurer's of- fice the following day so that the various ma- chines could be operated until power was re- stored.
(7) Our radio network under supervision of H. Victor Stenbeck held various drills and was in full opera- tion during hurricane.
(8) Has ordered 50 cots and blankets to be placed in the hands of veterans organizations which will be handy in an emergency.
(9) Despite the general apathy of the citizens, the Director has spoken to several civic groups, sup- plied literature to the Allen Memorial Library and is always on the lookout for volunteer help.
JOHN L. SCHULTZ,
Director
148
REPORT OF THE PERSONNEL BOARD
REPORT OF THE PERSONNEL BOARD
To the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Scituate, Massachusetts :
During the year this Board continued its review of job descriptions and wage rates of town employees under the Classification and Salary Plan, including studies of prevailing scales in other towns considered to be compar- able to Scituate in terms of population, location and other factors. Cost of living indices were considered and meet- ings were held with employees or their representatives, department heads and other town committees.
Further surveys were made in connection with the Special Town Meeting held in May, 1960.
One new job classification, that of Health Agent and Sanitarian, was recommended by the Board of Health, sponsored by the Personnel Board and adopted by the Town.
The terms of John N. Philips and W. Sturgis Evans expired and the resignation of Arthur W. Anderson was accepted. The moderator appointed David Barrie, Daniel J. Queeney and Douglas W. Fields, Jr. to fill these va- cancies.
A total of 23 meetings were held during the year ended December 31, 1960.
Respectfully submitted,
RICHARD CLAYBOURNE, Chairman DAVID BARRIE DOUGLAS W. FIELDS, JR. ELLIOT C. LAIDLAW DANIEL J. QUEENEY
149
REPORT OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY
REPORT OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY
Gentlemen :
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