USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1961-1964 > Part 22
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We removed and burned all Dutch elm diseased elm trees. We are following the control methods recommended by the University of Massachusetts as we have in the past, and nothing new has been effective in the continued spread of this disease. We have 122 elms to remove in 1963.
We want to thank everyone for their help this year.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN W. FORD Tree Warden
REPORT OF THE TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Town Hall, Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
This year we cleared the forests of fallen trees and branches, mowed under- brush and treated poison ivy areas. We had no storm damage as we did the pre- vious fall.
The Girl Scouts used the Pincin Hill Forest again for their summer camp. Overnight camping was carried on by many other groups. You will find the paths are good for all outdoor activities anyone may want to use the areas for, such as bird, plant or flower tours.
There are benches there for picnics, and a fireplace in each forest. Kindly be careful of your fires.
Respectfully submitted, HARRIET E. LADD EBBA H. DAMON JOHN W. FORD Town Forest Committee
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TOWN OF SCITUATE ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS & MEASURES
To the Board of Selectmen, Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
A summary of work performed by me for the year of 1962 is as follows:
Devices tested and sealed .302
Sealing fees collected . $171.65
Respectfully submitted,
OSBORNE A. McMORROW, Sealer of Weights & Measures
REPORT OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Scituate, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
During the calendar year 1962 the Scituate Zoning Board of Appeals received fifteen applications for public hearing, fourteen of which were requests for a zoning variance or an exception to the zoning ordinance and one request for a determination as to whether or not there was a violation of the zoning ordinance.
Fees totaling $300.00 were received with these applications and were turned over to the town.
Seven public hearings were held and the following decisions rendered:
6 variances or exceptions were granted (most with specific restrictions and limitations)
6 variances or exceptions were denied
1 application was withdrawn before public hearing
2 applications are pending - (hearing on these applications was on January 17, 1963)
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TOWN OF SCITUATE ANNUAL REPORT
Copies of all decisions were filed with the office of the Town Clerk, and in all cases before a decision was rendered the Board investigated and viewed the premises under consideration.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT M. ALEXANDER, Chairman DWIGHT L. AGNEW, SR. ALEXANDER R. SUTTON
ALLEN J. HOPKINS )
JOSEPH F. MULLEN ) Alternates
REPORT OF THE WIRING INSPECTOR
Board of Selectmen Town of Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
Electrical Permits were issued during 1962 as follows:
Electrical Wiring - 532; approval certificates to the Brockton Edison Com- pany - 294; to the Plymouth County Electric Company - 32.
Fees collected and credited to the Town - $2,052.00
Classification of Electrical Permits issued in 1962 are as follows:
New Houses
112
New Commercial
9
Additional
116
Remodeled Service
70
Change to 3 wire
19
Rewire Building
7
Electric Ranges
84
Water Heaters
39
Oil Burners
124
Gas Burners
21
Dryers
100
Clothes Washers
105
Dish Washers
43
Disposals
3
Motors
90 HP
Temporary Services
60
Air Conditioners
7
Respectfully submitted,
111
Refrigerators
JOHN H. REMICK Wiring Inspector
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TOWN OF SCITUATE ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
In 1962 the Planning Board has completed formal approval of 2 subdivisions creating 17 new house lots which is 461 less than the previous year.
During the year the Planning Board met with other Town agencies to attempt to bring together a better understanding of the Town problems. A study into the present Fire and Police alarm and detection system was initiated.
Meetings with the School Committee were designed to more effectively pin- point the growth of the Town and its needs for schools in the future. The Water Commissioners and Board of Health were consulted and suggestions made and adopted to further strengthen the Rules and Regulations Governing the Subdivision of Land in Scituate.
Each year the Planning Board reviews the Zoning By-Laws and Rules and Regulations Governing the Subdivision of Land in Scituate and recommends to the Town the changes which it feels are necessary to keep these continuingly effective and up-to-date.
The matter of additional sidewalk construction is recommended annually by the Planning Board in line with its long-range program.
This year saw the adoption of Article 11 of the State Public Health Code which put the Board of Health in a strong position relative to the issuance of new Building Permits in the Town of Scituate.
We have continued our work in the South Shore Regional Planning Council and are presently faced with the large regional planning problem of the fate of the Hingham Ammunition Depot as this 3000 acre site has been declared surplus by the Federal Government.
Many of the phases of planning which were discussed during the year have not gone into the stage of execution but will continue to be worked on and discussed in the coming year. Additional playground facilities, increased parking areas at the public beaches, new school sites, sewerage disposal, new road patterns from our expressways, continuance of the sidewalk program, aid for beach erosion program, aid for sea walls and foreshore protection, these items will continue to bear the full attention of the Planning Board in addition to subdivision control.
The Board enjoyed the cooperation of the other Town agencies this year and in thanking them for their cooperation looks forward to a continuance of their fine support.
THE PLANNING BOARD ARTHUR F. O'DAY, Chairman LEONARD N. BACKER JOHN D. McPHERSON MARK W. MURRILL PATRICK R. O'DONNELL
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TOWN OF SCITUATE ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE PERSONNEL BOARD
Board of Selectmen Scituate, Massachusetts
The Board, in accordance with its assigned responsibilities, reviewed salary and wages and rendered interpretations of the Classification and Salary Plan in the year 1962.
Our studies indicated that, generally, salary and wages in Scituate compared favorably to those being paid in surrounding and similar communities. However, changes were recommended at the Annual Town Meeting and voted favorably for certain of the positions in SCHEDULE IV - UNCLASSIFIED AND PART-TIME POSITIONS.
A major improvement was recommended at the Annual Town Meeting and favorably voted regarding sick leave benefits. Previous to this year, employees covered by Workmen's Compensation could only receive Workmen's Compensation payments when absent from work due to an on-the-job injury. Since both the Town and the employee could have a joint responsibility in an on-the-job injury, the Board felt that the employee should receive the equivalent of his regular salary. Therefore, the Classification and Salary Plan was amended so that an employee injured on the job would be paid the difference between the Workmen's Compen- sation payments and his ordinary salary and should sick leave allowance expire due to an on-the-job injury, the employee has the right to apply to this Board for additional sick leave allowance. In addition, the sick leave section was amended to require a doctor's certificate after an employee has been absent from work for five or more consecutive working days.
Mr. R. Damon resigned from the Board on April 28, 1962, to accept the posi- tion of Director of Civil Defense, and for the remainder of the year, the Board has operated with only four members.
During the year, the Board held 28 meetings.
Respectfully submitted,
D. W. FIELDS, JR., Chairman P. R. HARRIGAN R. P. PALM D. J. QUEENEY
REPORT OF THE SCITUATE HOUSING AUTHORITY
To the citizens of Scituate:
Our first year of full occupancy at Lincoln Park ended on October 1, 1962, and during this year we continued to provide for the well being of our Senior Citizens.
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TOWN OF SCITUATE ANNUAL REPORT
Finishing touches were made at Lincoln Park which added greatly to its at- tractiveness. One of the nicest of these were the beautiful flowers planted and grown in the window boxes by the residents themselves.
The residents formed the Lincoln Park Club and have their own Mayor. The Community Building has served its purpose well and many organizations and friends have come to entertain and serve suppers here for them. On behalf of the Lincoln Park Club, the AUTHORITY wishes to thank all who have given so cheer- fully and willingly to their comfort.
The SCITUATE HOUSING AUTHORITY also wishes to thank all those organi- zations and individuals who have given such wonderful gifts to Lincoln Park, among which were a Television Set, window boxes, a clock, fifty place settings of silverware, fifty place settings of china and many other lovely gifts too numerous to mention.
The Waiting List has now reached 35 and during the year 1962, there were no vacancies. We shall continue to accept applications for vacancies, Scituate residents having priority.
To all the citizens, town officials and departments of Scituate, our sincere thanks for their support and cooperation.
Respectfull submitted,
MERRILL A. MERRITT, Executive Director THOMAS F. WHITE, Chairman HENRY N. SILK CHARLES F. JENKINS ROBERT I. FRANCIS LOUIS H. MacDONALD
REPORT OF THE HARBOR MASTER
Board of Selectmen Scituate, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
It has been a pleasure to work with you and several other town departments this past year. I wish to especially thank the Water Department, the Park Depart- ment, the Highway Department and the Police Department for the wonderful cooperation which they afforded me during 1962.
In retrospect, 1962 was a very busy year for Scituate Harbor. At the height of the summer season there were close to eight hundred boats of all sizes and descriptions plying in, out and about Scituate Harbor. I feel plans should be initiated for the future expansion of the Harbor in order to meet the demands of the ever increasing boating public.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT N. DUFFEY, Harbormaster
108
TOWN OF SCITUATE ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE TOWN TREASURER
Cash on hand January 1, 1962
$ 549,063.25
Receipts for 1962
6,874,551.45
$ 7,423,614.70
Expenditures as per warrants of Selectmen
$ 6,345,228.60
Balance on hand December 31, 1962
1,078,386.10
$7,423,614.70
Respectfully submitted,
PAUL A. REYNOLDS Treasurer
REPORT OF THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
To the Citizens of Scituate:
Through our new economy drive, I have been requested to make this report as brief and concise as possible.
For the interest of our citizens, during the past ten years, we have accepted as public ways, seventy-three new streets to our road system. You realize that this means more cost for their upkeep and maintenance, due to our tremendous growth, and there are still more to be considered in the future. According to the Bureau of Research on Massachusetts affairs conducted by the University of Massachusetts, the cost of maintaining our present highway system here in Scituate is below normal compared to the three hundred fifty-one other cities and towns in our state. During the past two years, I have had the opportunity of attend- ing this university for a short course which I believe is very helpful to me and I hope I have the privilege of attending again this coming year.
As you remember, last March our drainage program was voted under the Betterment Act which means that the cost must be assessed to the abutters on the street where this drainage is constructed. I feel that any problem created by the Town of Scituate is the responsibility of the Town and should not be charged to the citizens as we have tax burdens enough.
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TOWN OF SCITUATE ANNUAL REPORT
We must report that we have lost four members of our highway crew this year through death and illness. They will be greatly missed.
It is very satisfying to me after being connected with the Highway Department for over twenty years, to have received such a vote of confidence as I did last March. Thank you.
In conclusion, I would like to thank all Departments for their fine cooperation, and I feel that with this cooperation, Scituate can grow and prosper and be one of the nicest communities on the South Shore.
MATTHEW L. BROWN Highway Surveyor
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Board of Selectmen, Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The report of the Fire Department for the year 1962 is submitted herewith.
The Department responded to a total of 756 fire and emergency calls, in- cluding 52 audible alarms and 200 first aid emergencies.
The apparatus, equipment and stations are in good repair and will require only normal maintenance during the present year; excepting Station 1 and Station 4, (Brook St., and Mitchell Ave., respectively) which need repairs and painting. A contract has been awarded providing for repairing and painting Station 1 and a sum of money is included in the budget request for 1963 to provide for the painting and repairing of Station 4.
The Department has lost a faithful member with the death of Lloyd A. Turner who served his fellow townsmen loyally and unstintingly from 1905 until his death on June 25th of this year. He will be long remembered by the officers and men of this department.
In conclusion, I express my thanks to all officers and departments of the town, and to the citizens of the town who have been very cooperative and under- standing.
Respectfully submitted,
BARTHOLOMEW A. CURRAN, Chief of Department
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TOWN OF SCITUATE ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE FOREST FIRE DEPARTMENT
Board of Selectmen Scituate, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The Forest Fire Department responded to 86 woods and grass fires during the year 1962. The two pieces of apparatus were also used in the pumping of flooded cellars and various other calls of an emergency nature.
The burning over of grasslands and other hazards has been continued with a consequent reduction in the incedence of grass fires. It is our intention to continue this practice in the current year.
The continued cooperation of the several officers, departments and all citizens is very much appreciated by this department.
Respectfully submitted, BARTHOLOMEW A. CURRAN, Forest Warden
REPORT OF THE ALLEN MEMORIAL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
Board of Selectmen Scituate, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The number of books circulated is the traditionally accepted measurement of library use. In 1962 the circulation of the Allen Memorial Library was 109,235. However, this statistic, alone, does not present a complete picture of the total service provided by a library. Each year finds greater demands being made upon our staff for personal reference service and readers advisor service. Also of significance is the number of new applications for library cards. In 1962 this figure was 1207.
The continually increasing cost of books has prevented us from providing as many new books as we would have wished to, but we were able to purchase 1979 books with the money available.
Mrs. Francis C. Curran, a member of the library staff for several years was appointed head librarian following the resignation of Mrs. Ralph D. Sanborn.
We are not making any requests or recommendations for major projects this year, as we anticipate that this responsibility will properly fall within the province of the newly formed Scituate Library Committee.
Respectfully submitted, MARTIN F. WATERS
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TOWN OF SCITUATE ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE PEIRCE MEMORIAL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
I would like to see, right now, the looks on the faces of Silas Peirce and his good wife in whose memory the library was given, when I announce to the citizens of Scituate that the circulation of books has jumped to an all time high of 40,298. This represents an increase of 5,703 over last year and a total increase of 12,000 in the last two years. Registered borrowers sky-rocketed 685 to a new total of 1,668 for the year. With the serious quest for knowledge, 1,203 students signing in to use our Reference Room, we were sorely tried to find room for the staff to operate.
Mrs. Mary Fletcher, our Librarian, did an outstanding job for us this year in keeping things running smoothly while arranging a major portion of books to new locations for greater efficiency and convenience to borrowers. Mrs. Harriet Ladd and the other members of the staff are to be commended for their re-cataloguing work (we are changing to the Dewey Decimal system). From July 1961 to December 1962 there have been a total of 8,000 books re-catalogued so that we should see the end of this tedious task in 1963. We regret that this process has to be done in space that ordinarily would be used for student reading and reference.
Our staff this year has been literally driven to the wall by the public and al- though we have wished that "Silas" would come back to help us out on a small addition for our employees' use in cataloguing and office space, we find that he expects the Town henceforth to subscribe to the cost of this worthwhile need itself.
1962 is the year for the announcement of the amalgamation of the "Peirce" and the "Allen" under a joint committee which will be responsible for the opera- tion of both. This joint venture will add much to the efficiency of book purchase and cut down on the duplication of purchase and effort and create a unified library facility for the better service and edification of our citizenry.
JACKSON E. BAILEY, President Peirce Memorial Library Association
REPORT OF THE PLYMOUTH COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE (PLYMOUTH COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE) BY
ROBERT B. EWING, County Agent-Manager
A review of last year's report would show that an attempt was made to an- swer the question - "What is the Extension Service?" The report stated that in 1914 Congress passed the Smith-Lever Law which clearly stated, that the Exten- sion Service shall "aid in diffusing among the people of the United States useful and practical information on subjects relating to Agriculture and Home Economics, and to encourage the application of the same."
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TOWN OF SCITUATE ANNUAL REPORT
The Extension Service has always been known as "the educational arm" of the United States Department of Agriculture and the title "Cooperative Extension Service" is used because Federal, State and County Governments cooperate in furnishing this service to the citizens of Plymouth County. Each year agreements are written between the United States Department of Agriculture, the University of Massachusetts, and Plymouth County.
Since 1915, when the Plymouth County Extension Service was organized and established, educational information pertaining to Agriculture, Home Economics and 4-H Club Work has been given free to citizens of Plymouth County.
Although methods may change with the times, the basic job of the Extension Service remains the same, and that is, as the 1914 Law states, "to aid in diffusing among the people of the United States useful and practical information on the subjects relating to Agriculture and Home Economics and to encourage the appli- cation of the same."
The Extension Service office is located in the Court House, Brockton, Mass. and is staffed by agents who conduct programs in Agriculture, Home Economics and 4-H Club Work by furnishing educational information through farm and home visits, letters, newspaper articles, radio talks, meetings, office visits and tele- phone calls.
Federal, State and County government funds are used for conducting the Extension Service programs. Along with these funds, most towns in Plymouth County make an annual 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 volunteer leaders who serve as the Extension Service representative in their respective town.
All citizens should make full use of their Extension Service as it is supported by the Federal, State and County Governments. It should be remembered that while the Extension Service furnishes the information, it is up to the individual citizen who receives this information to decide how it can be used to best ad- vantage.
Requests for information can be directed to the Plymouth County Extension Service, Court House, Brockton, Massachusetts.
The Board of Trustees, appointed by the Plymouth County Commissioners, administer the Plymouth County Extension Service program and is composed of the following members:
Mr. John Prentice, Plymouth, Chairman Mrs. Elva Bent Swartz, Brockton Mr. Lewis Billings, Plympton Mrs. Mabel Chandler, Duxbury Mr. John Duffy, Halifax Mrs. Gladys Gibbs, Hanover Mr. Robert Hammond, Wareham Mr. John Howe, West Bridgewater Mr. John W. Little, Marshfield
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TOWN OF SCITUATE ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Scituate, Massachusetts
A goodly portion of our time during the past year was directed toward our two crucial area projects, the marshes and North River Valley, and the Hingham Ammunition Depot.
We are pleased to report on the enactment and approval of the Conservation Zone. This legislation will assist in preserving and protecting our marshes and river valley until such time when long range conservation programs can be formu- lated.
Through close cooperation with the Conservation Commissions and Selectmen of the towns of Norwell, Hingham and Cohasset and our own Selectmen, a final proposal for acquisition of the Hingham Ammunition Depot was reached. The 2991 acres available, of which Scituate owns approximately 100 acres, are to be placed under the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Games for wildlife management.
The depot will remain a green belt as desired and subsidiary benefits of conservation, recreation and watershed will be enhanced. Most important there will be no cost for acquisition, and our town will not be assessed for maintenance and development expense.
Steps to enact this program are now being taken. A favorable conclusion is anticipated shortly.
We' have yet to implement our land conservation acquisition program. We will aim our efforts toward this phase in the forthcoming year.
It was with regret that we learned of the resignation of G. Leonard Arnold. His dedication to our work was sincere and he will be missed.
We will not request funds for our budget for the next year. Our present reserve is ample to sustain our anticipated expenditures.
Respectfully submitted,
SCITUATE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
CHARLES G. SIMON, Chairman JOHN FORD JOHN D. McPHERSON DAVID W. NOONAN WILLIAM I. NEWTON
JANE ATHERTON, Secretary COL. C. WELLINGTON FURLONG, Honorary
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TOWN OF SCITUATE ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE BUILDING COMMISSIONER
To the Board of Selectmen:
During the year 1962 Building Permits were issued for 118 New Homes valued at $1,705,000.00.
The estimated value for all permits was $3,144,024.00.
All buildings have been inspected as required by the Town By-Laws, and laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
All Appeal Board meetings were attended. Several violations of the Zoning By-Laws were investigated, some of which have been disposed of and some are presently in the Courts.
At this time I wish to thank the various departments for the cooperation and assistance that has been extended me in the performance of my duties.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD M. SEXTON Building Inspector
REPORT OF THE CIVIL DEFENSE AGENCY FOR THE YEAR 1962
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Scituate, Massachusetts
The following is a report of the Scituate Civil Defense Agency for the year 1962.
During the period there have been three Directors appointed by the Board of Selectmen, namely: Mr. Allen E. VonDette, January through February 27, 1962; Mr. Lester Gates from February 28 through April 16, 1962; Mr. Richard Damon from April 17, 1962 to the end of the year.
The following were accomplished during the period:
1 .. Various pamphlets relative to Civil Defense were made available at the Selectmen's Office and periodically at the North Scituate, Scituate Harbor and Egypt Post Offices.
2. Established a basic Natural Disaster Plan.
3. Resumed radio drills twice a month from local Civil Defense to Sector Headquarters.
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TOWN OF SCITUATE ANNUAL REPORT
4. Held a radio drill from local Civil Defense Headquarters to Communica- tion Mobile Units throughout the Town.
5. Installed an alert warning system which ties the local police to the State Police radio network.
6. Had a survey conducted by the Gamewell Company of the Town of Scituate for warning devices.
7. Nineteen men completed an Accelerated Radiological Monitoring Course thereby qualifying the Town for the necessary radiological equipment for five Fixed Monitoring Stations.
8. The undersigned attended two conferences on Civil Defense matters out- side the Town of Scituate, one with representatives of the Board of Selectmen.
9. Two meetings were held in the Town of Scituate - one general and the other for Communications personnel, as well as several minor con- ferences.
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