USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1961-1964 > Part 33
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49
Engineering assistance has been given to all departments requesting same, and I sincerely appreciate the cooperation given us by other Town Departments.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN E. BAMBER Town Engineer
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town Hall,
Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
This year the Tree Department planted 207 new shade trees on our roadsides. Most of the plantings were on newly approved streets and where old and diseased trees had been removed. 1963 was a dry year so we watered all plantings with good results. We have used the same types of shade trees, the maples, oaks, willow, birch and moraine locust. The moraine locust has proven to be the hardi- est tree for our seashore areas.
This was a light year for insects. We anticipated an outbreak of the canker- worm from the towns to our North but they did not get to our town line. The Jap Beetle, Elmleaf Beetle and Gypsy Moth gave us very little trouble but the Tick was just as strong as in other years. Only approved insecticides are used for spraying and Operational and Supervisory Licenses are to be held by this department and all others in this state under the new rules of the Massachusetts Pesticide Board.
89
-
TOWN OF SCITUATE ANNUAL REPORT
We had 99 diseased elm trees this year. These trees were all removed and burned as required by law.
All corners were cleared of brush, sidewalks cleared of grass and all poison ivy treated.
We wish to thank everyone for their cooperation 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 our forests were used more than ever, all during the summer months and in the fall until cool weather. The Girl Scouts had their summer camp there and we cut new paths for them to use on their nature tours. We feel these new paths will be used more as they all boarder the First Herring Brook.
The brush was mowed, all poison ivy was treated and fire trails kept clean and cleared.
There are benches in each forest, a fireplace and drinking bubbler. Kindly help us keep these forests clean.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRIET E. LADD EBBA H. DAMON JOHN W. FORD Town Forest Committee
90
TOWN OF SCITUATE ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE TOWN TREASURER
Cash on hand January 1, 1963 $ 1,078,386.10
Receipts for 1963 5,946,698.13
$ 7,025,084.23
Expenditures as per warrants
of Selectmen
$ 6,391,294.02
- Balance on hand December 31, 1963
633,790.21
$ 7,025,084.23
Respectfully submitted,
PAUL A. REYNOLDS Treasurer
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Board of Selectmen Scituate, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The Fire Department was called to 781 emergency calls during the year 1963. There were 54 bell alarms, the remainder being handled as still alarms by the permanent personnel. The First Aid Truck responded to 170 calls.
The First Aid Truck has served the town for nearly 18 years and is in very poor repair. I strongly urge that the citizens of the town support the request which will be submitted at the annual town meeting for the purchase of a new truck.
I wish to take this opportunity to extend my thanks to our good neighbors, Cohasset, Hingham, Marshfield and Norwell for their wholehearted and prompt mutual aid.
In conclusion I extend my thanks to the several departments and officials of the town for their helpful co-operation.
Very truly yours, BARTHOLOMEW A. CURRAN Chief of Department
91
TOWN OF SCITUATE ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE FOREST FIRE DEPARTMENT
Board of Selectmen
Scituate Mass.
Gentlemen:
The Forest Fire Department responded to a total of 221 grass and woodland fires during the year 1963.
During the wet season, the department responded to 181 calls to pump out flooded cellars.
The department continues the practice of burning over grass lands which are considered to be fire hazards, as weather conditions will allow.
The friendly co-operation of the various town officers, personnel and citizens is greatly appreciated.
Respectfully submitted, BARTHOLOMEW A. CURRAN Forest Warden
REPORT OF THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
To the Citizens of Scituate:
This is the last report you will receive from me as your Highway Surveyor. As you know, this Department will be consolidated into a Department of Public Works beginning April 1, 1964.
With the tremendous growth of our Town, we are. told that with this consolida- tion we can give better service at less cost and as far as our Department is concerned, we will co-operate in any way possible with our new Director to make this undertaking a great success.
At this time, I would like to thank the people of Scituate for the fine co-operation I have received as your Highway Surveyor over the past twenty years.
Respectfully submitted,
MATTHEW L. BROWN Highway Surveyor
92
TOWN OF SCITUATE ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE BUILDING COMMISSIONER
To the Board of Selectmen:
Building for 1963 in Scituate maintained the rapid growth of the past few years, during which a total of 302 permits were issued with a value of $2,752,928., broken into the following categories:
New Residences®
119 Units
Value 2,067,000.00
Additions and Alterations 75
209,405.00
Remodeling 66
147,750.00
Other
42
328,773.00
The Other includes a Church Parish Center valued at $233,000.00.
Inspections have been made as required and good cooperation was received from the Building Trade in following the Building By-Laws.
All departments were called on for some assistance, particularly the Town Engineer and the Board of Assessors, for which I give many thanks.
Respectfully submitted,
RICHARD S. BROWN Building Commissioner
REPORT OF THE WIRING INSPECTION DEPARTMENT
Board of Selectmen
Scituate
Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
Permits issued during 1963 were as follows:
Electrical Wiring - 505; approved certificates to the Brockton Edison Company - 297; to the Plymouth County Electric Company - 19.
Fees collected and credited to the Town amounted to $2449.00.
Electrical Permits as issued during 1963 are classified as follows:
New Homes (Domestic) .
110
New Buildings (Commercial)
2
Additional Wiring . 123
Services Remodeled
87
93
TOWN OF SCITUATE ANNUAL REPORT
Service change from 2 to 3 wire
20
Buildings Rewired
8
Electric Ranges
71
Electric Water Heaters
45
Oil Burners
101
Refrigerators
105
Clothes Washers
100
Dish Washers
45
Disposals
3
Motors (HP)
10
Temporary Services
58
Air Conditioning
4
Gas Burner Controls
42
Electric Heat (KW)
23
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN H. REMICK Inspector of Wires
REPORT OF THE VETERANS GRAVE REGISTRATION COMMITTEE
Board of Selectmen
Scituate
Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
As the town continues to grow the need for investigation and planning in the area of cemetery development within the town becomes more pressing.
In completing my year of service in the capacity of Supervisor of Veterans grave registration for the Town I can look back on a year of familiarizing myself with the general cemetery situation throughout the town with particular interest in the manner in which the over 400 graves of war veterans are being cared for.
After having made on the scene inspections of all town cemeteries during all of the seasons I have found that for the most part the cemeteries are generally kept in good condition. I have made recommendations to some of the caretakers which have been carried out.
I have set up a schedule of permanent rates which I will authorize for the pay- ment of work performed in the towns private cemeteries for the care of veterans graves which have fallen into a neglected state and which are not cared for under the provisions of perpetual care.
94
Electric Dryers
102
TOWN OF SCITUATE ANNUAL REPORT
I have established in the Veterans Service Department office in the Town Hall a permanent file and reference system of veterans graves registration. In work- ing closely with Mr. Kevin Dwyer the Veterans Agent who is also the Burial Agent for veterans in the town I have been able to make the services of this department more available to the veterans dependents and to the Funeral directors and others having an interest in this area.
My planning for the ensuing year will include some action for the restoration of some of the abandoned private graves that contain veterans, and the possibility of moving some of those graves into the now established Veterans Plot at the town owned Cudworth Cemetery.
I wish to extend my thanks to all who have assisted me during the past year and to commend the Scituate Park Department on the splendid condition they have kept the veterans graves as well as the cemetery as a whole at Cudworth.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD P. HORNE, Supervisor Veterans Grave Registration
REPORT OF THE PERSONNEL BOARD
Board of Selectmen Scituate
Massachusetts
In accordance with its assigned responsibilities, the Board reviewed salary and wages and rendered interpretations of the Classification and Salary Plan.
Since the last major adjustment in salaries and wages in 1961, the cost of living had increased approximately 3%. Accordingly, the Board's recommenda- tions for a 3% increase for Schedules I, II and III with an additional $100 per year for the Police and Fire Department personnel in Schedule III was favorably voted at the Annual Town Meeting. The additional $100 per year for the Police and Fire Department personnel was recommended as the general level of police and fire salaries in surrounding and comparable towns had risen in a greater proportion than just the cost-of-living adjustment. In addition, adjustments were recommended and favorably voted for Schedule IV -- Unclassified and Part-time Positions.
The salary for the Town Hall Custodian was readjusted and the position of Head Librarian who will supervise the two town libraries and coordinate library services in the town was established. In addition, the Classification and Salary Plan was amended so that off-duty Police Officers can be compensated for court appearances.
In December, 1962, the School Committee advised us that they had adopted the following salary policy for non-instructional personnel: "The salary schedules for non-instructional personnel of Scituate Public Schools should conform gen-
95
TOWN OF SCITUATE ANNUAL REPORT
erally to existing wage patterns in the community, particularly to town employees where applicable, to the extent that they permit the hiring and retention of per- sonnel of suitable quantity and quality." In keeping with this policy statement, the School Committee and the Personnel Board held a joint meeting with the goal of reaching a better understanding of common problems and trying to obtain a more uniform approach in salary and benefits for all town employees.
The Board greatly appreciates the assistance and cooperation of Mr. Otto Seiss, Comptroller, in helping the Personnel Board to administer the Classification and Salary Plan.
The Board held 25 meetings in the year.
Respectfully submitted,
DOUGLAS W. FIELDS, JR., Chairman
PAUL R. HARRIGAN
MELVILLE A. MORRIS
RICHARD P. PALM MICHAEL VASSALOTTI
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
The downward trend in the number of new subdivisions which began in 1962 has continued into 1963. At present most of the unsubdivided land remaining in the Town lies west of Chief Justice Cushing Way, in the 40,000 square foot zone. The Board anticipates that this land will be slow to develop and building there will not hit a peak until presently subdivided lots in the 20,000 square foot zone are ex- hausted.
The following table is a summary of subdivision activity for the last seven ! years:
Number of Subdivisions
Zone A-1 40,000 sq. ft.
Zone A-2 20,000 sq. ft.
Zone A-3 10,000 sq. ft.
Total
1957
6
20
74
94
1958
3
63
81
16
160
1959
5
23
42
65
1960
3
53
9
13
75
1961
20
80
430
35
545
1962
2
7
10
17
1963
3
48
48
During the past year, in addition to the normal administration of subdivision activity, the Board has:
96
TOWN OF SCITUATE ANNUAL REPORT
1. Completely reviewed the Subdivision Control Rules and Regulations; made certain changes which provide for effective control and better administra- tion; and published the revised rules for the guidance of all builders and developers.
2. Studied in depth the Town's drainage problems. From this investigation comes the strong recommendation for a Master Drainage Engineering Study and Soils Study as set forth in two articles in the 1964 Warrant. These Studies would provide comprehensive and accurate data for use by the Board when considering future subdivisions. In addition, they would con- tain much information vital to the Department of Public Works, the Con- servation Commission, and other Boards within the Town.
3. Worked closely with the School Committee to develop an orderly plan for school site selection. Frequent joint meetings with the School Committee were held to review enrollment projections, classroom capacity data, and the School Committee's plans for future housing requirements.
4. Continued a joint investigation with the Chief of the Scituate Fire Depart- ment into the critical problem of providing full fire alarm protection for the Town.
5. Reviewed the details of the Master Plan for the Town of Scituate (Benjamin Report) and determined the need for some selective updating. A sum of money has been included in our annual budget for this purpose.
6. Initiated an investigation into the long term adequacy of the existing ceme- teries within the Town. Although the study is not complete, there is a reasonable expectation that present facilities will somehow have to be expanded to serve the ultimate population of the Town.
7. Continued implementation of sidewalk program.
8. Further studied the problems of Beach Parking facilities. Recommendations for expansion of parking areas for the North Scituate Beach area will be included in the 1964 Town Warrant.
9. Met with other Town officials, Planning Board members of other Towns, officials of the Boston Regional Planning Project, and others in an effort to keep abreast of local, regional and State planning activities.
The Board sincerely appreciates the cooperation and assistance given to it by majority of Town officials, developers and residents and asks their continued support in the coming year.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN D. McPHERSON, Chairman LEONARD N. BACKER NEIL J. MURPHY ARTHUR F. O'DAY PATRICK R. O'DONNELL
97
S
a S d
t
1
.
e e
n
TOWN OF SCITUATE ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE HARBORMASTER
Honorable Board of Selectmen
Scituate Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I wish to thank all of the town employees who have helped me this past year. I would like to single out in particular the Town Hall staff, the Park, Police, and Fire Departments.
I have submitted to the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers projected statistics of anticipated boats using Scituate Harbor through 1973. It is hoped that dredging, either expansive or maintenance, will be realized through these statistics.
The tie-up space at the town floats was very hard-pressed last summer. We anticipate expanding these facilities this coming year in hopes that the crowded conditions may be alleviated.
I wish to thank the Board of Selectmen for their cooperation and understanding: of Harbor matters.
Respectfully submitted, ROBERT N. DUFFEY Harbormaster
REPORT OF THE SCITUATE HOUSING AUTHORITY
To the Citizens of Scituate:
Here at Lincoln Park, we are well into our third year of occupancy and seem to be as much a landmark of the town as Scituate Light, Lawson's Tower or the Old Oaken Bucket.
Our newness has worn off, but the members of the AUTHORITY are still eager to keep our development in A-1 condition.
The authority is intent on providing a pleasant atmosphere for our Senior Citizens and is always mindful of the fact that it is important that each person should retain his or her independence. They may arise early in the morning, or sleep 'til noon - stay up for the late, late show, or go to bed with the chickens - invite folks in, or find their pleasure in reading a good book or enjoying a hobby
98
TOWN OF SCITUATE ANNUAL REPORT
by themselves. It is their place to hang their hat - on the bedpost, on a chair, or in a closet under the sink! It is THEIR OWN HOME. This complete feeling of security and independence keeps our Senior Citizens wide awake and active so that they are valuable residents of the town.
The Lincoln Park Club has flourished under the guidance of President Leonard Mills and they wish to thank all who have entertained them and given of their services.
We have four new residents at Lincoln Park this year. Our Application List now stands at 36 in number.
The AUTHORITY, by careful management, has continued to keep the rent at $49.00 per apartment. This includes all utilities and services except electricity and telephone.
The SCITUATE HOUSING AUTHORITY is very grateful for the cooperation of the officials and departments of the Town of Scituate.
Very truly yours,
MERRILL A. MERRITT, Exc. Director HENRY N. SILK, Chairman LOUIS H. MacDONALD CHARLES F. JENKINS STURGIS EVANS THOMAS F. WHITE
REPORT OF THE
PLYMOUTH COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE (Plymouth County Extension Service) by
Robert B. Ewing, County Agent-Manager
The primary responsibility of the Extension Service is as the 1914 law states "to aid in diffusing among the people of the United States useful and practical in- formation on the subjects relating to Agriculture and Home Economics and to encourage the application of same."
Resources of the University of Massachusetts and the United States Department of Agriculture are available to the Staff of the Plymouth County Extension Service because of a mutual assistance agreement.
9,9
-
TOWN OF SCITUATE ANNUAL REPORT
To make this service available to you funds are provided by the Federal, State and County governments. Thus the name - Cooperative Extension Service.
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.
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.
You are invited to make full use of the services provided by the Extension Service but should remember that although the Extension Service furnishes the information, it is you who makes the decision as to how the information may be used to best advantage.
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. Gilbert Blackledge
Whitman
REPORT OF THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
The Conservation Commission has during the past year, directed its activities towards creating a sound and balanced program to promote, plan, and preserve our outdoor heritage both for present and future generations.
The great tide of public sentiment for conservation was evidenced by the enthusiasm and strong citizen support shown by people dedicated to the preserva- tion of green areas, who joined the Commission as associate members.
100
TOWN OF SCITUATE ANNUAL REPORT
The Commission being especially conscious of its existence in the midst of an area so famed for its natural beauty, is also fully cognizant that the preservation of open spaces requires constant, vigilant, positive action, often in the face of strong opposition.
The Commission, feeling a moral obligation to our historic past, was instru- mental in bringing about major improvements by the Commonwealth to the Chief Justice Cushing Memorial area and a partial restoration of the Meeting House Burial Grounds.
The Commission although aware of an obligation to the men of the past, feel a greater obligation to the men of the future to preserve for them a significant acre- age of open space.
These and many other factors have brought us to realize that we must have a positive program to protect our natural resources inheritance so it will remain available for the future.
With this program the Commission hopes to make an immeasurable contribu- tion to present and future generations.
The Conservation Commission
DAVID W. NOONAN, Chairman JOHN W. FORD WILLIAM I. NEWTON ARTHUR F. O'DAY CHARLES G. SIMON
JANE ATHERTON, Secretary
REPORT OF THE CIVIL DEFENSE AGENCY
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Scituate Massachusetts
The following is a report of the Scituate Civil Defense Agency for the year 1963.
During the past year the following has been done:
Your Director has attended various conferences relative to Civil Defense matters.
Communications equipment has been partially updated.
101
TOWN OF SCITUATE ANNUAL REPORT
The Junior High School and Central Elementary School have been stocked with shelter supplies and the Police Station is to be done.
Program papers were completed in accordance with Federal and State Laws and were approved by the Massachusetts Civil Defense Agency.
The Town of Scituate was certified as being eligible for Government surplus property immediately after approval of the program papers.
The budget for the year 1964 has been drawn up and submitted to the Board of Selectmen and has been kept at a minimum figure.
It is hoped that this coming year additional work can be accomplished in Civil Defense so that the program may be continually improved.
In conclusion, I wish to thank all citizens of Scituate and all Town Departments for their fine cooperation during 1963.
RICHARD DAMON Director, Civil Defense Agency
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Board of Selectmen Scituate Massachusetts
A summary of the work performed by me is as follows:
Devices tested and sealed 284
Amount collected $176.00
Respectfully submitted,
OSBORNE McMORROW Sealer
102
TOWN OF SCITUATE ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Scituate Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
During the calendar year 1963 the Zoning Board of Appeals received nineteen applications for public hearing, eighteen of which were requests for a zoning variance or an exception to the zoning ordinance and one request for a determina- tion as to whether or not there was a violation of the zoning ordinance.
Ten public hearings were held and the following decisions rendered:
10 variances or exceptions were granted (most with specific restrictions and limitations)
6 variances or exceptions were denied
1 determination was made that there was a violation of the zoning ordinance
2 decisions are pending (hearing on these applications was held on December 19, 1963)
Copies of all decisions were filed with the Town Clerk and in all cases before a decision was rendered the Board investigated and viewed the premises under consideration.
Fees totalling $380 were received with the above-mentioned applications and were turned over to the town.
Respectfully submitted,
ALEXANDER R. SUTTON, Chairman DWIGHT L. AGNEW, SR. ROBERT M. ALEXANDER
HERBERT G. TAYLOR )
JOSEPH F. MULLEN ) Alternates
103
TOWN OF SCITUATE ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE BUILDING BOARD OF APPEALS
To the Board of Selectmen Scituate Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
During the calendar year 1963 the Building Board of Appeals held one public hearing on application for a variance of the building by-laws and granted the requested variance.
Respectfully submitted,
PHILIP S. BAILEY, Chairman Building Board of Appeals
REPORT OF THE SCITUATE LIBRARIES
Board of Selectmen Scituate Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The Scituate Library Committee reports the greatest circulation in the history of the Allen Memorial and Peirce Memorial Libraries in 1963 with a total of 160,501 books and periodicals. Of these, 47,820 were circulated at Peirce, with an increase of 7,787 for the year. Allen's circulation was 112,681, showing a gain of 3,446. The figure for new registered borrowers was 598 persons at Peirce and 1003 at Allen. The total book collection for the two libraries has now reached 33,900 volumes.
The Committee wishes to acknowledge the fine contribution made by both Mrs. Curran and Mrs. Fletcher as librarians of the Allen and Peirce collections during this record year.
Reference service and reader's advisor service continue to grow and bring increasing demands upon the library staffs. There have been 4,846 people regis- tered for reference work during this year. Other services which relate our libraries to the community are the children's story hours, classroom visits by school children, book deposits to Lincoln Park, and work with various organiza- tions.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.