USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1961-1964 > Part 7
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Every case for Veterans' Aid must be thoroughly in- vestigated at the home, not from behind a desk. Applications for entrance to and medical treatment at Veterans' Adminis- tration Hospitals are now very strict. Federal regulations governing pensions and compensation applications also have been greatly strengthened to a degree that necessitates exact- ing information for adjudication of the claims.
The benefits of Social Security have been a great factor in keeping within budgetary appropriations. The increasing demands for all of these services result in added adminis- trative costs.
I wish to thank the Board of Selectmen and all the de- partments of the Town for the splendid co-operation extended to me over the past year. Also I extend my gratitude to the members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post and Auxiliary and the members of the American Legion and Auxiliary for their continued support and interest in this entire program.
Especially, I wish to express my gratitude to the members of the Estrusco Association. They have provided many wheel
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VETERANS' AGENT REPORT
chairs, beds, crutches and special prosthetic articles to veterans and their families in our town. This has been a tremendous help and is worthy of every commendation.
To the many charitable organizations in our town and to the many kind-hearted citizens who have given their time and money to special needs I am very grateful.
Respectfully submitted,
KEVIN B. DWYER Director of Veterans' Services Veterans' Agent
114
BOARD OF HEALTH
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
MURRAY SNOW, Chairman
In keeping with the desire for brevity, the Board of Health presents its Annual Report for 1961 in a completely different form. By doing so, the Board hopes this report will become a more concise and readable account of its activities.
The resignation of Dr. Clifford L. Ward, Jr. was received in March with regret after his many years of service to the community. Dr. Milton J. Berlad was appointed to fill the unexpired term, and the following appointments were made by the Board for this year.
Agent, Clerk, and Milk Inspector Winthrop B. Wade, R.S.
Dental Clinic
Lillian R. Higgins, D.H. Donald W. Parson, D.M.D.
Inspectors of Plumbing
Philip S. Bailey
Edward B. McCarthy
Public Health Nurse
Alice M. Dowd, R.N.
Inspector of Animals
Richard Cugnasca, DVM
Inspector of Slaughter William J. McAuliffe
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
The compilation of Communicable Diseases reported for the year points out marked increases in certain diseases.
1961
1960
187 76
Chickenpox 18
Dogbite 68
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BOARD OF HEALTH
39
Measles 24
2
1
Infectious Hepatitis 0 Salmonellosis 0
AGENT'S ACTIVITIES
The Agent for the Board continued to carry out the many activities required by our growing community. During the year, investigations, inspections, and licensing continued to increase. The totals of these activities are recorded below.
Sewage Disposal Installations 323
Restaurant Investigations 72
Nuisance Complaint Investigations 112
Miscellaneous Inspections
240
PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE
In addition to her home nursing visits, the Public Health Nurse attended an in-training service program, and took part in a two-day Civil Defense Training Program on "Home Pre- paredness and Shelters". A resume of nursing activities for the year is presented below.
Therapeutic Visits 2212
Health Guidance
403
Postpartum and Infants
242
Acute Communicable
87
Ambulance and Hospitals
144
T.B. Supervision 151 Total 3,239
Well Baby Clinics (12) 80 Babies
Immunization Clinics (3).
180 Children & Adults
Mobile X-Ray Survey (2 Days) 979 Persons
Glaucoma Clinics (2)
133 Persons
INSPECTORS OF PLUMBING
During the year 1961, your Plumbing Inspectors have inspected all plumbing installed in accordance with permits on file and for which returns have been made to the Town Treasurer.
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BOARD OF HEALTH
Total number of permits issued 353. Amount received and returned to the Treasurer $1537.00.
PHILLIP S. BAILEY, R.S. Plumbing Inspector EDWARD B. MCCARTHY, Associate Inspector
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
During 1961, all dogs involved in biting have been quarantined, stray animals have been boarded and disposed of properly, and inspections have been made of cattle, horses, goats, and swine as required by the statutes.
INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTER
Inspections have been made of meat sold and all animals slaughtered in Scituate during 1961, in accordance with the Laws of this Commonwealth.
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES OF THE BOARD
During April, a committee was appointed by the Selectmen to study the drainage problems of Tenth and Eleventh Avenues. This committee reported to the Selectmen in May with recom- mendations for improving the drainage conditions in this area. Further action was delayed to 1962.
The Board sponsored Rabies Inoculations for dogs during June with 116 dogs receiving the anti-rabies vaccine.
During October and November, the Scituate Health Service sponsored in cooperation with the Board, two public clinics for the detection of Glaucoma. This program was well received by the Town.
117
BOARD OF HEALTH
After a series of meetings, the Board of Health received a survey report on nursing needs of the community prepared by a committee of the League of Women Voters. The recom- mendations of this report were given extended study and certain action is under consideration.
The mobile chest X-ray unit was present in town early in November for a two-day period. A total of 979 persons received chest X-rays.
Upon the retirement of Philip S. Bailey, Plumbing In- spector, after years of devoted service to the Town in many capacities, the Board appointed Edward B. McCarthy and Merrill A. Merritt to this post.
During the year, the Board reviewed plans of 16 major sub-divisions presented for approval of land for the disposal of sewage.
PROGRAMS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 1962
Co-sponsorship of another Glaucoma Detection Clinic.
A proposed program for tuberculin testing in the schools. Continuation of the Rabies Inoculation Clinics for dogs.
Plans to continue the Dental Clinic program in the Schools after the first of the year.
Continued support of the work of the Sewerage Investi- gating Committee.
Recommend positive action be taken on the Tenth and Eleventh Avenues drainage problems.
Recommend study of the purchase of new land for refuse disposal, or a study of regional incineration.
Recommend and urge clerical assistance for the Board of Health on a full-time basis.
118
SCITUATE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT SCITUATE HEALTH SERVICE, INC.
The Scituate Health Service, Inc. is a non-profit volunteer group which offers its services and limited financial help to the community.
For 1961 these are listed as follows:
Conducted the Well Baby Conference (12 clinics), under the guidance of Dr. Olga Allers and assisted by Mrs. Alice Dowd, R.N. the Board of Health Nurse, at which 80 babies were examined and the mothers advised on the care and health of their children;
Assisted the Board of Health with the purchase of supplies and volunteer services at the Immunization or Triple Vaccine Clinic and administration of Booster shots (3 clinic days), and also with service at the Mobile Chest X-ray Program;
Conducted two successful Glaucoma Detection Programs, in cooperation with the Board of Health, with plans to conduct one more at a future date;
Purchased all supplies used by the Public Health Nurse;
Purchased a portable instrument sterilizer for the use of the Dental Hygienist in the Scituate Public Schools;
Awarded two $200 scholarships to seniors who were ac- cepted at an accredited schools of nursing, one to Miss Joan Holleman who entered University of Massachusetts School of Nursing and another to Miss Marianne Kay who entered Boston City Hospital School of Nursing ;
Established for the convenience of Scituate residents a Nurses Registry which may be called to obtain local home nursing services of a registered nurse;
Our organization is supported by voluntary contributions from the citizens of Scituate. Our fund drive is held during the month of July.
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SCITUATE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
We look forward to continued and greater service to the community.
Respectfully submitted, HELENE R. HARPER, R.N.
SCITUATE HEALTH SERVICE, INC.
Statement
1961
Cash on hand January 1, 1961
$1,440.64
Membership Drive (1960)
4.00
Membership Drive (1961)
596.00
Ella Gardner Trust Dividend
53.75
Cohasset Savings Bank Interest
18.76
Emeline Jacobs Trust Dividend
31.69
Well Baby Clinic
40.50
Nurses Contribution
196.00
$2,381.34
Dr. Olga E. Allers
$ 275.00
Dr. William McDermott
25.00
Dr. Howard Adkins
30.00
Dr. Perry Rosenthal
30.00
Dr. Eugene Ciccarelli
30.00
Dr. John Carroll
30.00
Scituate Harbor Pharmacy
32.23
Brooks Pharmacy
53.25
Colonial Drug
3.73
Franklin Publishing Company
6.86
South Shore Publishing Company
7.00
E. F. Mahady Company
100.80
South Shore Printers, Inc.
41.00
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SCITUATE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
Medical Supplies
50.00
Welch Company
5.00
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
3.00
Postage
51.96
Box Rent
4.80
University of Massachusetts
200.00
Boston City Hospital
200.00
$1,179.63
Cash on hand January 1, 1962
1,201.71
$2,381.34
121
SEWERAGE INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE
REPORT OF THE SEWERAGE INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Committee was appointed by the Selectmen in July 1961 and held its first meeting on August 23, 1961. Since that date it has held seventeen meetings up to the deadline date for submission of these reports to the printer. By the time of town meeting in March 1962, another six meetings will have been held.
The Committee understood its responsibilities as being those of (a) reviewing the history of earlier sewerage com- mittees and planning in the town of Scituate; (b) identifying and evaluating the building site approvals of sewage disposal units and the soil testing procedures presently in effect in the town; (c) identifying critical areas in the town where sewage disposal was a particular problem; (d) considering the validity of the 1955 Metcalf and Eddy engineering plan for construction of a sewerage system in Scituate; (e) considering modified and smaller sewerage systems, including so-called "package or baby treatment plants"; (f) reviewing systems installed by other towns as well as the possibility of regional planning; (g) determining methods of financing any sewerage system finally recommended to the town.
The Committee has made a start in its exploration of all the indicated areas. Detailed reports of former sewerage com- mittees, articles introduced at town meetings, the Benjamin report on town growth and planning, the 1955 Metcalf and Eddy engineering survey, maps of proposed sewer lines and treatment plant location have been reviewed. Publications of the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Com- munity Facilities Administration of the U.S. Housing and Home Finance Agency, the Portland Cement Company, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the Massachusetts Water Resources Commission, relating to sewerage planning, construction and financing, have been obtained and reviewed.
Meetings have been held regularly at the Town Hall. Mr. Greeley of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health,
122
SEWERAGE INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE
Mr. Wade, Health Agent for the town of Scituate, Mr. Mac- Pherson, Chairman of the Planning Board and member of the Conservation Committee, Mr. Obert of Metcalf and Eddy have kindly agreed to meet with the Committee and have materially assisted in its deliberations by providing detailed and valuable information.
Preliminary discussions have been held by Committee members with representatives of the towns of Hull, Duxbury, Braintree, Cohasset, Marshfield and Norwell. Detailed reports and plans of the proposed localized sewerage plan for Cohasset were made available. Two members of the Committee attended the "Washington Workshop" arranged by Congressman Keith in Plymouth on November 18, 1961. Representatives from many of the federal agencies active in planning and financing of community programs offered much valuable data at this meeting. One member of the Committee who also attends meetings of the South Shore Regional Planning group has kept the Committee informed of progress and possibilities in this area.
Much work remains to be done before a specific and prac- tical proposal can be presented to the town. Areas requiring further investigation are as follows:
1. Specific investigation of problem sewage disposal areas previously outlined in statements before the Committee. It may be necessary to obtain paid assist- ance for protracted tests in certain areas of Scituate. Exploration is needed of experience of other towns with problem areas. The Committee will work with the Board of Assessors, the Planning Board and the School Building Needs Committee on determining an- ticipated population growth areas in the town.
2. Development of cooperative planning with the Board of Health, the Planning Board, Water Department or other official town bodies. The Committee will make available any information it develops from its investi- gation which might prove helpful to their program. This will include recommendations to the Planning
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SEWERAGE INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE
Board on desirability of requiring contractors to install sewer lines in new housing developments in anticipa- tion of later sewerage lines and connections in the area.
3. Preparation of revisions of the present Enabling Act, particularly those portions covering broad powers of land-taking and the monetary limit of funding of a specific sewerage system, to conform with any new recommended plan. A new filing of an Act will be neces- sary in 1962 to insure enactment by the General Court at its next session.
4. Personal inspection of various types of sewerage sys- tems in other towns of comparable size to evaluate efficiency and determine common problems of planning and financing.
It is the unanimous recommendation of its members that the Committee be continued for another year and permitted to complete the detailed work as outlined above. The Commit- tee has worked with the Selectmen to prepare an article for the 1962 Town Meeting requesting appropriation of additional funds for the purpose of exploring and testing problem areas of sewage disposal in the town and carrying out a further en- ginering survey on feasibility and costs of a modified, rather than comprehensive, sewerage plan to serve localized areas of the town.
With the development of the further needed information in the next year, it is the belief of the Committee that a specific proposal for a swerage system suited to the particular needs of Scituate can be presented to the town at the 1963 Town Meeting.
JOHN P. DESMOND, Chairman W. SCOTT ALLAN, Secretary DREW G. DOTY ROBERT G. ESTERBERG PATRICK R. O'DONNELL
124
SOUTH SHORE MOSQUITO CONTROL PROJECT
REPORT OF THE SOUTH SHORE MOSQUITO CONTROL PROJECT
November 16, 1961
To the Citizens of Scituate:
Submitted herewith is the report of the South Shore Mos- quito Control Project of its activities in the Town of Scituate for the year ending December 31, 1961.
The Town of Scituate appropriated $8900 for mosquito control in 1961. This money was used for mosquito control in the Town of Scituate by the South Shore Mosquito Control Project, a cooperative effort embracing the City of Quincy and Towns of Braintree, Cohasset, Duxbury, Hingham, Hull, Marshfield, Norwell, Scituate and Weymouth. In addition, the project worked under contract for the U.S. Naval Ammuni- tion Depot.
TYPE OF CONTROL PROGRAM
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. This program was supplemented by application of D.D.T. dust to selected areas during the period when swamps were frozen. Fog generators and mist blowers were used to combat flying mosquitoes.
Aerial Dusting
The late winter dusting of all fresh water swamps too large to be treated by hand was done by fixed wing aircraft in March and April. 1350 acres were dusted in the Town of Scituate.
Ground Crew Spraying
The ground crews circulated on a schedule throughout their section of the project. They varied from the circuit to treat in the vicinity of complaints or to treat places found to be breeding by superintendent or foreman. They then returned to their rounds.
125
SOUTH SHORE MOSQUITO CONTROL PROJECT
Catchbasin Spraying
Two catchbasin units were operated the past season. These units are compressed air sprayers mounted on three-wheeled motorcycles. This phase of work is particularly important in built-up areas since one drainage basin can produce thousands of mosquitoes. 2025 breeding basins were sprayed in the Town of Scituate.
Drainage
The mosquito drainage program has eliminated some ground crew spraying and air spray acreage. In the Town of Scituate the following ditch work was done: 1250 feet of ditches cleaned, 23,025 feet reclaimed, 2985 feet of new. In addition 250 feet of brushing has been done to facilitate en- trance to and passage along streams for the purpose of cleaning and treating streams and swamps.
Adult Mosquito Control
During the past year a new remote control insecticidal fogger was added to this project. It was delivered too late to be used to any extent this year. However, next year along with our present adulticiding machines, two foggers and two mist blowers, it will enable us to do spot adulticiding at a pace beyond that of past years and will be good insurance in the event of an Encephalitis outbreak.
Plans for Winter
Throughout the months between past and coming mos- quito breeding seasons much attention will be given to ditching. Work on the salt marsh will be done in the fall and early spring. When snow and ice conditions are right, prehatch dusting, as was done in past years, will be done. The success of past years' work along these lines makes it feasible to con- tinue and expand this program as help and weather permit. In addition to ground dusting, it is planned to continue applica- tion of D.D.T. insecticide dust by air in the Town of Scituate, as results last year were successful.
126
SOUTH SHORE MOSQUITO CONTROL PROJECT
Plans for Next Year
All phases of the work carried out in the past will continue, placing emphasis on drainage for permanent control, and then, in this order: dusting for prehatch control, spraying for larvae control, mist blowing and fogging for adult control.
The Project wishes to acknowledge the help received from officials and departments of the Town and sincerely hopes that benefits derived by these departments as a result of this co- operation are as great as those derived by the Project.
127
PARK COMMISSIONERS REPORT
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens of Scituate:
We are pleased to report another year of progress in the work and development of your Park Department during 1961. In our opinion the administrative policies set by the Com- missioners were effectively carried out by the Department's working personnel during the past year.
We have some minor problems of adjusting to the ex- tremely rapid growth in the responsibilities of a Department such as this, starting out from a relatively small base, but we look forward with optimism and conviction that cooperation with and from Town Officials and committees, with whom we are associated in the execution of our duties will help us cope with these problems efficiently and to the benefit of the Town and its citizens.
This year we will be faced with the addition of the grounds surrounding the new Senior High School plus the renovated playing area at the Wampatuck School and the new playground at the old Hatherly School site in North Scituate.
In general terms the expenses of the Department will vary with the caretaking responsibilities delegated to us by actions of the Town at town meetings.
Your comments in the past year about the work of the Department have been most helpful and complimentary and we thank you for them.
Respectfully submitted,
CARL CHESSIA EDWARD COLE PHILLIPS N. WEEKS, Chairman Park Commissioners
128
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
This year has been one of increased administrative duties, higher case loads and two new categories. The Medical Assist- ance for the Aged program in effect since October, 1960, has cost approximately $65,000 this first year. We expect in- creases in numbers of applicants and costs per case to continue in 1962. Passage of a medical bill to be included under Social Security benefits would cut some of the costs but increase administrative procedures as the bill would not have the scope of the Medical Assistance for the Aged bill.
There has been a rising caseload in the Aid to Dependent Children program with the liberalization of State regulations.
Old Age Assistance has decreased due to a forced transfer of cases to the new Medical Assistance for the Aged rolls, and the elimination by the State of a choice of assistance if eligible for both Old Age Assistance and Medical Assistance for the Aged.
During the year a new State drug plan was introduced increasing the administrative work and the cost of drugs.
We have been fortunate in having a small General Relief case load during the year, though costs of each case have in- creased proportionately to the other categories.
A bill passed this year makes step-rate increases to em- ployees under Civil Service mandatory. Scituate in the past has voluntarily followed Civil Service plans in this respect, so this bill has little effect locally.
With increased case loads, work involved and constant liberalization of eligibility requirements, it would appear there may be a need of more staff in the not-to-distant future. may be a need of more staff in the not-too-distant future.
Efforts toward receiving maximum State and Federal participation in dollars have been successful, so that despite total costs of the programs we are not raising appropriations
129
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
this year. The passage of a single budget for relief has saved money for the town, as well as work for the Treasurer's office.
We wish to thank all Town departments for their cooper- ation during the year, especially the services of the police ambulance which is so valuable and police cooperation in locating deserting fathers. Red Cross blood bank has supplied a great deal of blood to hospitals on behalf of our clients. The health clinics and Public Health nurse are most helpful.
Respectfully submitted,
W. M. BROWN F. T. SHARP ROSE A. SMITH
130
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT REPORT
REPORT OF THE TOWN ENGINEER
Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town Hall Scituate, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
The work load of this department during 1961 reached an all time peak, and additional full time assistance must be obtained. It is my opinion that the Town Engineer should be relieved of routine detail work in order that he can devote more time to the orderly expansion and economic future of the Town. As a result, I am recommending an assistant engineer be employed.
The more important projects processed by this department include ;
1. The Chapter 90 Highway layout of the Driftway and Kent Street. This road when completed will furnish a main access road to the Cliffs and Scituate Harbor.
2. The numerous changes and additions to the Assessors Survey Plans.
3. The collapse of 1900 feet of seawall at North Scituate and Humarock Beaches.
4. The laying out and preparation of Highway Acceptance Plans of Indian Trail, Cavanagh Road, Trysting Road, Shady Lane, Mary's Lane, Old Colony Way and Williamsburg Lane.
5. The processing, checking and recommendations relative to the creation of twenty eight new streets and over 600 building lots in conjunction with the Planning Board.
Despite Planning Board regulations governing larger lots, construction of class A Roads, drainage, sidewalks, curbings, etc., last year saw an increase of 400% over the largest previ- ous year (1958). This is of grave concern to this department
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ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT REPORT
and if I may be permitted to digress from the usual report and insert certain recommendations-
1) That the Town acquire large tracts of lands for con- servation, recreation, potential well sites and future school buildings.
2) A long range Foreshore protection program be insti- gated to rebuild old seawalls and replenish our rapidly eroding beaches. Additional areas be made available with adequate parking for Scituate residents, including the town owned Egypt Beach.
3) A comprehensive drainage program be laid out and the system extended each year under a planned program. Drainage has been and is an ever increasing problem for several Town Departments.
It is true that the above recommendations will require considerable funds which will be reflected in the future tax rates, but over a long period should prove to be of economic value to the Town.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN E. BAMBER, Town Engineer
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