USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1958-1960 > Part 7
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Our Public Health Nurse, Mrs. Alice M. Dowd, R.N. has filed a separate report and you will note that all phases of her work have been very highly satisfactory. All Clinics have been well attended and this reflects the value of them and your Board feels justified in continuing them during the year 1959.
Stores, restaurants and all places where food and drinks are dispensed have been inspected, both by our Board and the State inspectors, and it was found that all laws are being strictly obeyed.
All those employed by your Board have given very efficient service and we wish, at this time to commend them for their un- tiring efforts; their reports are on following pages.
98
BOARD OF HEALTH
We wish at this time to thank all those Departments and indi- viduals who have from time to time given us their copoeration in making our work the success that it has been in keeping Scituate one of the outstanding Health Resorts in the Commonwealth.
Respectfully submitted, WALTER L. ENOS, Secretary
DR. CLIFFORD L. WARD, JR. WALTER L. ENOS ERNEST A. RICHARDSON
Board of Health.
REPORT OF THE MILK INSPECTOR
Board of Health
Gentlemen:
The entire listing of Stores, Milk Wholesalers and Retailers have cooperated with both the State and Local Inspectors in dispensing a high quality of milk products. All tests were satisfactory.
I have issued
50 Milk Licenses for stores
19 Oleomargarine Licenses for stores
7 Milk Vehicle Licenses
1 Pasteurization License
17 Antifreeze Licenses
3 Denatured Alcohol Licenses
6 Nursery or Kindergarten Licenses
1 Camp License for Boys
2 Funeral Homes
Respectfully submitted,
ERNEST A. RICHARDSON,
Milk Inspector.
99
BOARD OF HEALTH
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DENTIST AND DENTAL HYGIENIST
Board of Health Scituate, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
This year the school dental program was completely changed. In the past, clinical work has been done in the lower primary grades. Due to the rapid increase in the school population, it was found that it was not feasible to continue this clinic.
In its place, we have substituted a dental health educational program conducted mainly by the school hygienist. Survey type examinations were done in all grades, including for the first time the high school.
Notification of defects found were sent home by cards to parents.
A follow-up of these cards is planned for next year to see how effective they were in obtaining the needed treatment.
Class room dental health education work has been done in the lower grades, and needs to be done in the high school. Due to the lack of time with the double session schedule this has not been done, but it should be as soon as possible.
Next year we will have a five-year report from the State Health Department on the preliminary results of our water fluoridation program. It should be most interesting.
Respectfully submitted, DONALD W. PARSONS, D.M.D. LILLIAN R. HIGGINS, D.H.
100
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 1958.
Morbidity Visits
2980
Old Age
97
Soldiers' Relief
40
Ambulance and Hospital Cases
90
Infant Welfare
156
Baby Clinics (84 Babies)
12
Triple Vaccine Clinics (122 Children)
3
Communicable Cases
168
T. B. Follow Ups
96
Antepartal
30
Postpartal
50
Doctors' Office with Patients
32
Public Health Meetings
15
Conferences with Health Workers
10
The Well Baby Clinic, sponsored by the Public Health Serv- ice was conducted by Dr. Olga Allers, Pediatrician, from Boston, Mass.
The Triple Vaccine Clinic was conducted by Dr. Cilfford L. Ward, Jr.
Respectfully submitted, ALICE M. DOWD, R.N.
101
BOARD OF HEALTH
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF MEAT AND SLAUGHTERING
Board of Health Scituate, Mass.
Dear Sirs:
During the year 1958 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.
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
To the Board of Health Scituate, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
In submitting my report for the year 1958, 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.
102
BOARD OF HEALTH
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF PLUMBING AND SANITARY AGENT
Board of Health:
Gentlemen:
Your plumbing inspectors have approved all plumbing after a water test for which permits have been issued.
As Sanitary Agent, I have investigated all complaints of nui- sances and suggested remedies.
In consultation with the Town Engineer, I have gone over the plans submitted to the Planning Board and approved the location in general as being suitable for building purposes. The individual lots are further subject to the issuance of individual sewerage permits.
The soil of the plot purchased by the Town for the new public buildings and the new high school has been found suitable for the disposition of wastes beneath the surface and the storm drains have been arranged to meet the approval of the Mass. Department of Health.
Work by the South Shore Mosquito Control has progressed during the year and a detailed report is on file with the Board of Selectmen.
The work done under the joint committee of the State Dept. of Health ,the Reclamation Board and the Dept. of Public Works to eradicate the midge at Musquashcut Pond is apparently successful and now the matter of weed control is being studied.
Let us look forward to our expanding Health Programs.
Respectfully submitted, PHILIP S. BAILEY, Plumbing Inspector and Agent.
EDWARD B. MCCARTHY, Associate Inspector.
103
SEWERAGE INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE REPORT
REPORT OF THE SEWERAGE INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Scituate:
On December 18, 1958 the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Health received a copy of a letter written to Metcalf and Eddy, Engineers, who were employed by the Town to make a study of the need for a sewerage system.
This letter states that it is the opinion of the Department that the report has been prepared in accordance with modern sanitary engineering practice and approves it with certain recommendations.
The 1957 Legislature passed Chapter 636 which allows the es- tablishment of a sewerage system in the Town and provides for borrowing of funds therefore. It is necessary for the Town to accept the Act at a special or annual Town Meeting within a period of five years after August 6, 1957. The Department recommended that the Town take positive action toward the acceptance of this Act and the preparation of construction plans so that the system could be constructed in the near future. Upon receiving this letter, a meeting of the Committee was called to which were invited repre- sentatives of the Board of Selectmen, the Advisory Committee, the School and Public Buildings Committee and the Planning Board. The Planning Board, in November of 1956, had made a study of the effect on the tax rate of service on long term debt which shows the probable increase in our funded debt up to 1963. In accordance with this schedule the money for sewerage would be raised in 1961.
The Committee feels that this projected plan should not be interfered with and therefore no article will be entered in the meeting of 1959, but it is planned to ask the Town to accept the `Act in 1960 and raise the money in 1961. In making this decision to delay action until this date, the Committee does not feel that the need for the project is any less, but that we should proceed in a definite and orderly manner so that our borrowing power may be preserved by keeping the ratio between the funded debt and valuation approximately as is and the tax rate at a nominal figure.
Respectfully submitted,
PHILIP S. BAILEY, Chairman EDWARD S. RAND, Secretary WALTER BREEN JOHN BAMBER LEWIS WELLS
104
SOUTH SHORE MOSQUITO CONTROL PROJECT REPORT
REPORT OF THE SOUTH SHORE MOSQUITO CONTROL PROJECT
December 8, 1958 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, 1958.
The Town of Scituate appropriated $9,100 for mosquito con- trol in 1958.
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.
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 un- noticed 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 lower the yearly budget requests, or at least, keep them the same.
In the Town of Scituate the following ditch work was done: brushing 5,310 feet, cleaning 3,000 feet, reclaiming 3,030 feet, and new ditching 3,550 feet. Further drainage work will be done before the next mosquito breeding season arrives.
Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis did not appear in humans or horses in Massachusetts this year, nor were positive tests obtained from pheasants, one of the most susceptible birds. Research along basic lines continues at the U. S. Public Health Service Laboratory at Taunton.
The spring spraying of all fresh water swamps too large to be treated by hand was done in the latter part of April. 1,955 acres were sprayed in the Town of Scituate.
105
PARK COMMISSIONERS
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.
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.
Respectfully submitted, PHILIP S. BAILEY, Commissioner for Scituate.
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSIONERS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The following is a brief report of the Park Department:
A new comfort station was erected at Peggoty Beach.
The two tennis courts were resurfaced during this year.
Several picnic tables and benches were placed at different places for the convenience of the public.
All parks were repaired, mowed, fertilized and swept.
Two tennis instructors taught two hundred and ten people this year, and even more are expected in the future.
Two life guards were on duty all of the summer season, and special attention was given to the cleaning of Peggoty Beach.
The Park Department would like to extend thanks to all those who assisted us in the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD A. COLE
106
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
To the Voters of Scituate:
In the Town Report for 1948 we reported the total cost of the Old Age Assistance program was $6,000.00 per month; in the past ten years this has increased for 1958 to the total for the year of $132,000.00 or a monthly payment of $11,000.00, without any marked increase in the number of recipients. These increases are brought about by acts of the Legislature and directives from the State Department of Public Welfare. The greatest increase has been in the cost of the medical services, due to higher costs for hospital- ization, board in nursing homes, and the very high prices now paid for medicine; the appropriation for 1959 will be the largest in the history of this program.
The Aid to Dependent Children category has also increased this year, both in the number of recipients and the amounts paid per family, but due to a fortunate accumulation of Federal funds we hope to go through the coming year with only a small appro- priation by the Town.
The number on the rolls of the Disability Assistance category has also increased but on account of our Towns favorable situation as applies to Public Welfare, no great change is anticipated here ex- cept in the event of some emergency arising.
Administration costs will be further increased this coming year by the action of the Civil Service Commission in ordering higher step rate increases to our employees.
We wish to extend our thanks to all who have assisted us in this sometimes discouraging work; the Police Department have cooperated in every way, and we are particularly thankful for the prompt ambulance service furnished by them and for the assistance given by Mrs. Dowd, our district Nurse.
Respectfully submitted, WILMOT M. BROWN FRANKLIN T. SHARP JANE E. QUINN
107
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT REPORT
REPORT OF THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Scituate, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith a brief resume of the projects accomplished by this department during the year 1958.
Surveyed and prepared acceptance plans for Bittersweet Drive and Kane Drive.
Survey and plans of North Scituate Beach and Stagehouse Beach for proposed purchase or taking by eminent domain procedure.
Plan of a part of Cole Parkway for a proposed Marina site.
Survey, lines and grades of Woodland Road for construction.
Survey and plan of Fitts property off Jenkins Place for a new well site with connecting road.
Layout of drainage for a part of River Street at Humarock.
Co-operated with State and County Engineers on Chapter 90, dredging and foreshore protection projects and the Bound Brook Clearance project.
The foreshore protection projects were delayed approximately six months due to the late allocation of funds to the Waterways Division.
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 to protect the Town against future expenditures.
Under new rules and regulations governing the subdivision of land in Scituate, recently released by the Planning Board, it will
108
SUPERVISOR CARE OF VETERANS GRAVES
be necessary for this department to spend many additional hours on the design and inspection of developers roads and drainage. It is recommended that a full time qualified assistant be added to this department.
This department is grateful for the assistance and co-operation received from other departments.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN E. BAMBER,
Town Engineer.
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR, CARE OF VETERANS' GRAVES
December 29, 1958. Scituate, Mass.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
I submit my report as Supervisor of Veterans' Graves in the Town of Scituate for the year of 1958.
I have inspected all cemeteries from time to time and have found that all graves are kept in good condition.
I would once again like to remind all caretakers that they should report to me in writing whenever a Veteran is interred in their respective cemeteries.
I wish to thank again all who are continuing to assist me in my efforts.
Respectfully submitted, ELMER F. RAMSDELL, Supervisor Care of Veterans' Graves.
109
TREE WARDEN'S REPORT
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
To Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town Hall, Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
This year 187 new shade trees were planted on our roadsides and they have grown well in this wet season. The spot plantings of moraine locust trees we have been making the last few years along our seacoast is encouraging, for they seem to be able to stand growing conditions there.
Dutch elm disease is still our big problem and nothing new has been found to help us. Spraying and removal of diseased trees as soon as they are found to be diseased has been the best way of keeping this disease from spreading. This year we removed 163 trees.
Ticks and Japanese beetles are the insects that we are having the most trouble with. Parasites introduced for beetle control have not built up enough yet to be noticeable but with the milky spore disease we should see an improvement. No gypsy moths were caught in the trapping program this year.
Our roadsides are improving each year. We think that more of us are interested in them each year and hope for continual improvement. We have kept all bad corners cut back and signal lights for safer driving. The wet season gave us much more poison to spray.
All the townspeople and the other departments have been very helpful and co-operative to us for which we thank them.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN W. FORD,
Tree Warden.
110
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 cleaned of fallen trees, brush and poison ivy. The fire lanes were kept cleared and we had no fire worries this wet season.
We cut several pine trees that had been killed by lightning and had the logs milled out into lumber and that to be made into tables and benches. These will be ready for this coming season and have been needed for a long time.
These forests are yours, so visit them and enjoy them for any of your outdoor activities. Please be careful of fires.
Respectfully submitted,
TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
111
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES REPORT
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Board of Selectmen
Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
A summary of the work performed by me for the year 1958 is as follows:
Devices tested and sealed
Scales and Balances
84
Weights
123
Meters, Gasoline, Oil and Grease
80
Meters, Vehicle Tank
21
Other devices
19
327
Sealing Fees Collected
$225.20
Pedlar's License Fees
$30.00
Respectfully submitted,
ALLEN W. BATES,
Sealer of Weights and Measures.
112
NORTH SCITUATE LIBRARY ASSOCIATION REPORT
REPORT OF THE NORTH SCITUATE LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
The Trustees of the Peirce Memorial Library wish to express their appreciation to the Town for the new Reference Room which was added to the Library about a year ago; children, particularly High School students, use it constantly.
Once each month, January through April, the Library has held a Reading Hour for children on Saturday mornings. There has been a good attendance.
The Trustees also wish to thank the Garden Club and Mrs. Duke Rowat for the beautiful floral displays, and the Brownies for the interesting exhibits in the Children's Room.
The Library hours are from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; and from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday. The Trustees hope to extend these hours and open on Monday, if they are able to secure an assistant librarian.
The number of books circulated in 1958 was 30,382, of which 10,446 were Juvenile; 2,781 magazines were circulated. 710 new books were purchased and 130 were received as gifts, making a total of 840 new books.
Membership in the Peirce Memorial Library is open to all Scituate residents and may be obtained by payment of annual dues of One ($1) Dollar at the desk.
The Association wishes to thank Mrs. Sarah E. Knowles for her continued helpfulness and devotion to the Library.
113
ALLEN MEMORIAL LIBRARY REPORT
REPORT OF THE ALLEN MEMORIAL LIBRARY
December 31, 1958
Board of Selectmen Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The Allen Memorial Library Association gratefully acknowl- edges the help and cooperation it has received from individuals and organizations throughout the past year.
Again we are faced with the immediate need of enlarging our facilities. To accommodate the number of books now in circula- tion, new stacks have been installed in the main reading room, thus reducing appreciably the table area formerly available for reading and study.
The old stack room has been converted into a reference room for junior and senior high school students. As many as twenty-six students have been known to use this small room at one time.
By removing the stage in the main reading room, and by open- ing up the old kitchen, the length of this room can be increased by twenty feet. This additional space will alleviate to some extent the present crowding. An article will be inserted in the 1959 war- rant, requesting an appropriation to effect this change.
Since September 1958 the library has been open from 9 A.M. to 8:30 P.M., Monday through Friday, and on Saturday from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. The morning opening was instituted primarily to tie in with the double session program in the Junior-Senior High School. It appears, however, that all ages are taking advantage of the early opening, and it is the hope of the Association that the budget will permit a continuation of this policy.
Circulation for the year reached a new high of 68,730 books. A total of 3118 adults and children registered to use the library in 1958.
In November the Library Service, a division of the State Edu- cation Bureau, conducted a survey of both libraries in town. The report of this survey, not yet received, should provide us with goals for future planning.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT H. TILDEN, President.
114
PLYMOUTH COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE REPORT
REPORT OF THE PLYMOUTH COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE By Robert B. Ewing, County Agent-Manager
Board of Selectmen Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The following report has been received by your town direc- tor for incorporation in the town report. It was written by the Plymouth County Agent-Manager Mr. Robert B. Ewing who has sent a copy to every town in Plymouth County. It is his account of the activities of the Plymouth County Extension Service for the past twelve months.
The Plymouth County Extension Service (Trustees, Plym- outh County Aid to Agriculture), is located in the Court House, Brockton. In cooperation with the University of Massachusetts and the United States Department of Agriculture, it provides information to Plymouth County citizens dealing with the Home, 4-H Club Work, and Agriculture.
Increased requests for information about the Home and Home Grounds have come as more people move into our Plymouth County towns from the city. This information has been provided through meetings, news releases, radio, special activities, telephones, letters, etc.
Citizens of this town should realize that this is a service pro- vided by the County, State, and Federal governments and large num- bers of people are availing themselves of the opportunity to secure helpful information concerning the Home, Home Grounds, 4-H Club Work and Agriculture. Requests for such information should be directed to the Plymouth County Extension Service, Court House, Brockton, Mass.
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
115
PLYMOUTH COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE REPORT
expenditures of the Plymouth County Extension Service. Town Directors are appointed in those towns where an appropriation is made. These Town Directors are unpaid volunteer leaders who serve as the Extension Service representatives in their respective towns.
The Board of Trustees, appointed by the Plymouth County Commissioners, administers the Extension Service program and is composed of the following members:
GILBERT BLACKLEDGE, Whitman, Chairman JOHN LITTLE, Marshfield MRS. HAROLD D. BENT, Brockton PAUL LEHTOLA, Bridgewater JOHN PRENTICE, Plymouth RALPH MACILVANA, Plympton MRS. ROY PUDDINGTON, Hanson
MRS. HERBERT WYDOM, Brockton MAURICE MAKEPEACE, Wareham
Your town director is pleased to be of assistance in helping citizens of the town contact members of the Extension Service who are well qualified to aid in any of the areas mentioned in the report.
Respectfully, RUTH M. MEYERS, Town Director,
Plymouth County Aid to Agriculture.
116
FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Board of Selectmen
Scituate, Mass.
The department responded to a total of 585 fire and other emergency calls. Audible alarms numbered 48, first aid and rescue calls totaled 102 and the remaining calls are variously classified as investigations, lock-outs and so forth.
Pursuant to examinations, Charles W. Curran was appointed to the position of Deputy Chief and Richard J. Froberger was pro- moted to the rank of Captain. Walter M. Stewart was appointed Permanent Fire Fighter to fill the vacancy caused by the promotion of Deputy Chief Curran. Stewart being on military leave of absence, Fred L. Sylvester, Jr. was appointed as Military Substitute Fire Fighter.
The equipment and apparatus of the department has been maintained in very good condition, but it must be borne in mind that the aerial ladder truck is now twenty-two years old - the oldest piece in the department - and it is only reasonable to an- ticipate that a replacement will be needed in the not to distant future.
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