USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1961-1964 > Part 8
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132
GAS INSPECTOR'S REPORT
REPORT OF THE GAS INSPECTOR
Mr. Edward M. Sexton Building Commissioner Town of Scituate, Mass.
My Dear Sir:
In accordance with Article 9 Section one and two of the Building Laws, I was appointed by you as Gas Inspector under Chapter 737 of the Acts of 1960 which became effective on February 1, 1961. I have made inspections of Mercury Tests of all installations which have been made since my appointment as of June 14th, in accordance with the Code established by the Department of Public Utilities by authority of Chapter 25 of the General Laws as amended Section 12.
Inspections for June 14th to December 31st. 131.
Respectfully submitted,
PHILIP S. BAILEY, Gas Inspector
133
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TREE WARDEN'S REPORT
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Town Hall, Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
This year we planted 209 new shade trees on our roadsides. These were planted as follows, where diseased elm had been removed, on newly approved streets and a trial planting at Humarock area. We lost 94 more elms this year from dutch elm disease. All these trees have been removed and wood burned.
We are thankful that no hurricanes came into our town this year. We will be another year working before we have entirely cleaned up from previous ones. We then can get back to caring for the trees as we formerly did.
This year we had no outbreaks of gypsy moths, and oak leaf minor gave us very little trouble. The Jap beetle, the tick and the ugly tent caterpillar were very plentiful. We have also felt that the elm leaf beetle was increasing, so this year we changed insecticides and think we can see a improvement. We have also changed from DDT which we have used for many years to another insecticide named Seven.
We have been informed of no new controls that have been successful on the dutch elm disease. We can only continue to do as we have been and hope for a remedy to be found.
This was an anniversary year in Scituate and our road- sides were kept clean. This could only be done by everyone being litter conscious and we hope it continues.
At this time I want to thank everyone who assisted this department in our work.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN W. FORD, Tree Warden
134
TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE REPORT
REPORT OF THE TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Town Hall, Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen :
This year we cleaned up fallen trees damaged in the hurricane of September 1960 and the further damage caused in the snow and ice storm the following December. This makes these two Town Forest reasonably safe in case of fire.
The Girl Scouts used the Pincin Hill Forest again this year for their summer camp. We feel that more people should use these areas for picnics, or to see the wild flowers in season or for bird watching or tree identification tours. Good paths are in both forests for you to use.
More new benches were made and placed in the Pincin Hill Forest. This lumber was milled from trees cut there.
Please be careful of fires.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRIRT F. LADD EBBA H. DAMON JOHN W. FORD Town Forest Committee
135
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 work performed by me for the year of 1961 is as follows :
Devices tested and sealed 317
Sealing fees collected $197.50
Respectfully submitted,
OSBORNE A. McMORROW, Sealer of Weights and Measures
136
BUILDING BOARD OF APPEALS REPORT
REPORT OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS FOR THE YEAR 1961
January 2, 1962
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Scituate, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
During the calendar year 1961 the Scituate Zoning Board of Appeals received 28 applications for public hearing, 25 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 totalling $560 were received with these applications and were turned over to the town.
Eight public hearings were held and the following deci- sions rendered :
17 variances or exceptions granted (most with specific restrictions and limitations)
9 requested variances or exceptions were denied
1 decision determined that there was no violation of the zoning ordinance
1 decision is pending, awaiting further information re- quested of the petitioner
Copies of all decisions were filed with the office of the Town Clerk.
In addition to the 28 formal applications, the Board held preliminary hearings after the regular hearings, interpreting the zoning ordinance and answering questions of persons interested in obtaining zoning information.
In all cases before a decision was rendered the Board investigated and viewed the premises under consideration.
137
CLAM WARDEN'S REPORT
The Board was represented at the Regional Conference of the Massachusetts Federation of Planning Boards held at Dedham in October.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT M. ALEXANDER, Chairman DWIGHT L. AGNEW, SR. ALEXANDER R. SUTTON
Alternates ALLEN J. HOPKINS JOSEPH F. MULLEN
138
WIRE INSPECTOR'S REPORT
REPORT OF THE WIRE INSPECTOR
Board of Selectmen Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
Electrical Permits were issued during 1961 as follows :
Electrical wiring - 547; approval certificates to the Brockton Edison Company - 320; to the Plymouth County Electric Company - 33.
Fees collected and credited to the Town - $1050.00.
Scituate had three winners in the "Essay contest" during Electrical week, in 1961. This contest was sponsored by the Brockton Edison Company, and the Wire Inspector in each town in their territory assisted in the promotion.
Classification of Electrical Permits issued in 1961 are as follows :
New Homes (Domestic) 113
New Homes ( 8 Apt. )
1
New Homes ( 40 Apt. ) 1
New Bldgs. (Commercial)
10
Additional Wiring
122
Services remodeled
95
Change from 2 to 3 wire
22
Houses rewired
9
Electric Ranges
100
Electric water heaters
35
Oil Burners 133
Refrigerators 120
Dryers (Domestic)
93
Dryers (Commercial)
16
139
WIRE INSPECTOR'S REPORT
Clothes washers
109
Dish washers
30
Motors, Total H.P. 103
Temporary Services
47
Air Conditioners
6
Gas Burner controls
32
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN H. REMICK, Wire Inspector
140
PLANNING BOARD REPORT
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
During 1961 the Planning Board investigated and ap- proved more new building lots than in any previous year since subdivision control was adopted. Plans for two of the largest subdivisions in the town were accepted - one subdivision con- taining one hundred lots and the other one hundred and fifty.
A total of twenty subdivision applications, comprised of five hundred and forty-five individual building lots, were studied. Prior to the public hearing, each application for sub- division was examined by the Town Engineer, the Board of Health, the Water Department, and the Fire Department. Of the four hundred and seventy-eight approved lots about one fourth were approved subject to restrictions placed on them in accordance with the rules and by-laws within the jurisdiction of these departments. No building permits will be issued for these restricted lots until the required improvements are made.
The following table is a summary of subdivision activity for the last six years.
Lots by Zones
Number of Subdi- visions
A-1 40,000 sq. ft.
A-2 20,000 sq. ft.
A-3 10,000 sq. ft.
Total
1956
5
25
31
4
60
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
In addition to the lots generated by subdivision many lots are created annually along existing streets and ways. If these building lots conform to the lot size and frontage requirements of the zoning by-laws they do not require full Planning Board approval.
The business profile of the town remains much the same. One business block in the Harbor area is being rebuilt and
141
PLANNING BOARD REPORT
several new service businesses are located in North Scituate Village. Scituate is a residential community and appears destined to remain one. Since there is little offsetting income from business and industrial taxes, the tax rate is and will remain sensitive to increases in the school population and expansion of town services.
Because of the decreasing availability of land close to the centers of population, the Planning Board has recommended to the School Committee that school sites be selected and acquired in advance of actual need. Several of our members have served on the School Site Selection Committee which has acted in an advisory capacity. The School Committee has submitted two land acquisition articles which will come before the Town in March. The Planning Board fully endorses the principle of long range planning exemplified by these articles.
Regional planning has been under study by the Board for the past year. Several informal meetings with the Hingham, Hull, and Cohasset Boards were held early in the year to dis- cuss problems of mutual interest. Later in the year a number of South Shore towns felt it worthwhile to group together formally as the South Shore Regional Planning Council. Al- though the group has no legislative charter, it is beginning to function as a central clearing house for problems and proposals affecting the region. The Scituate Planning Board has been, and will continue to be, active in this group.
The Board wishes to express its thanks to the Town officials and committees for their help and cooperative spirit during the past year.
THE PLANNING BOARD JOHN D. McPHERSON, Chairman MARK W. MURRILL ARTHUR F. O'DAY PATRICK R. O'DONNELL EDWARD S. RAND
142
REPORT OF PERSONNEL BOARD
REPORT OF THE PERSONNEL BOARD
Board of Selectmen Scituate, Massachusetts
In accordance with its assigned responsibilities, the Board rendered interpretations of the Classification and Salary Plan as requested and reviewed salaries and wages.
Our studies indicated the need for the following adjust- ments: (a) An increase for Clerical and Administrative Employees in Schedule I so that the rates of pay would bear a proper relationship to comparable and surrounding towns; (b) an increase for Fire and Police Employees in Schedule III in order for the rates of pay to bear the proper relationship to the Highway and Water Departments and to comparable and surrounding towns. The May, 1960 Special Town Meeting voted to accept the recommendations of the Board for Schedule III but voted, against the recommendation of the Board, to increase the pay scale of W 1-10 and 14 in Schedule II. In order for our salary and wage scales to have any meaning in recognizing and reflecting differences in job responsibilities and skills and in view of the rates of pay in other communities, the Board concluded that Schedule III should be adjusted. Therefore, the Board sponsored and supported Articles in the Warrant in the March, 1961 Town Meeting for revision in rates of pay for Schedules I and III. The Town voted to accept both Articles.
A re-evaluation of jobs in the Park Department resulted in the establishment of two new classifications: Mechanic and Foreman.
In accordance with the recommendations of the Evans Report, the Board sponsored and supported Articles to increase the work week from 321/2 hours to 35 hours for Clerical Em- ployees and revised the method of establishing the work week for computing weekly pay.
The terms of Richard Claybourne and Eliot C. Laidlaw expired and the Moderator appointed Richard Damon and Paul Harrigan to replace them. The resignation of David
143
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REPORT OF PERSONNEL BOARD
Barrie was submitted and the Moderator appointed Richard Palm to replace him.
The Board held 24 meetings during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
DOUGLAS W. FIELDS, JR., Chairman RICHARD DAMON PAUL R. HARRIGAN RICHARD P. PALM DANIEL J. QUEENEY
144
REPORT OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY
REPORT OF THE SCITUATE HOUSING AUTHORITY - 1961
To the citizens of Scituate:
The Scituate Housing for the Elderly project has been completed. The name of Lincoln Park has been given to this development and we sincerely believe that this community fulfills the high standards given to it by a President who was an ancestor of the person for whom this development was named.
Upon reading reports written before the creation of the Housing Authority, we were inclined to believe that written appreciation of Town Officials was an annual courtesy extended to them. We now know that this is much more than a formal- ity, for we, too, have received the utmost in cooperation from the Town Officials, Town Departments and Town Employees and may we truly say "Thank you" to them all.
The apartments at Lincoln Park are all occupied. There are applications on file for vacancies, Scituate residents having priority.
In closing, may we quote from the last paragraph of the plaque about Lincoln Park which hangs on the wall of our Community Building. "As these early settlers built to provide comfort and convenience for those to come, so Massachusetts continues to provide for the well-being of its inhabitants through its Housing Authority, created by the State and elected by the Town of Scituate".
Respectfully submitted,
MERRILL A. MERRIT, Executive Director LOUIS H. MacDONALD, Chairman HENRY N. SILK THOMAS F. WHITE ROBERT I. FRANCIS CHARLES F. JENKINS
145
REPORT OF THE HARBOR MASTER
REPORT OF THE HARBOR MASTER
Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town Hall, Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen :
I assumed the duties of Harbor Master on October 25, 1961. It being late for the general boating season, I removed all the Town floats to the Cole Parkway for the winter.
The gangways were hauled and the approaches boarded. Provision has been made for the general overhaul and painting of all the floats and gangways this coming Spring.
Several moorings were relocated which were in dire need of relocation for several years.
I wish to thank the Board of Selectmen for the prompt action on all matters which I brought before them.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT N. DUFFEY, Harbor Master
146
TOWN TREASURER'S REPORT
REPORT OF THE TOWN TREASURER
Cash on hand Jan. 1, 1961 $ 582,347.30
Receipts for 1961 5,383,444.11
$5,965,791.41
Expenditures as per warrants
of Selectmen
5,416,728.16
Balance on hand December
31, 1961
549,063.25
$5,965,791.41
Respectfully submitted,
PAUL A. REYNOLDS
147
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT REPORT
REPORT OF THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
To the Citizens of Scituate:
The year just passed has been a very busy one for the Highway Department due to the fact that our highway system continues to grow more and more each year. With our limited budget, we feel that we have accomplished many worthwhile projects and improvements.
First, the resurfacing of Front Street, Scituate Harbor, including sidewalks and new green crosswalks and installing of litter baskets has improved our Harbor shopping area a great deal. I feel that with our large parking area it is one of the most attractive shopping centers in Plymouth County.
The entire length of Beal Place and portions of Allen and Otis Streets were resurfaced with Type I. Edgar Road was completely rebuilt with Type I surface. Fifth Avenue was also resurfaced with the same material. Sections of Clapp, Booth Hill and Orchard Roads were resurfaced with a cold mix. Nelson and Curtis Roads were completely rebuilt under a special article and new drainage systems installed. It was also necessary to rebuild Glades Road again due to the damage done by the storms in October, caused by the lack of shore protection. Approximately twenty miles of our highways were surface treated, and sand covered which is very necessary once every four years to preserve the stability of the surface.
All guard rails were checked, repaired and painted where necessary. 1240 linear feet of new guard rails were con- structed with concrete posts which are made at the Highway Department garage during the winter months at a great saving.
All street and traffic signs were checked and replaced where necessary. Our seventeen miles of sidewalks were in- spected and patched where necessary and 2500 feet of new sidewalk was constructed on Branch Street under a special
148
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT REPORT
article. We hope that this new sidewalk program will continue especially around our public schools.
The parking area at Jericho Road was brought up to the proper grade, surface treated, white parking lines painted and new settees built and placed for the convenience of our citizens. I have noticed during the summer this parking area and boat ramp are used more by out of town people than by residents of Scituate and I feel that some revenue should come back to us for the maintenance of this parking space and I recommend that the Fees Committee make a study of this situation.
Every street in the Town of Scituate has been swept at least twice during the past year and we feel that our street sweeper at this time should be traded for a later model as for the past two years we have spent a considerable amount of money for the maintenance of this machine. We have a man in North Scituate Village and one in Scituate Harbor and once a week in the Sand Hills and Minot Beach sections, trying to keep these sections clean.
The greatest complaint during the past year has been the drainage problem as usual. We tried to take care of the most serious ones first, but our appropriation is never increased enough to take care of all the problems. This year, with your help, a much larger drainage program will be undertaken. Despite this fact, 1547 feet of drainage systems were installed and 28 new catch basins were built and 1500 old basins were repaired where necessary and cleaned twice a year.
Nearly 600 gallons of traffic white paint were used for our white lines which was not adequate as there were many streets that should have been painted, but were not due to the lack of funds.
I feel that our snow removal and ice control program is one of the most adequate of any in the surrounding towns at a cost which is comparatively low.
During the month of July 1961, in co-operation with the Massachusetts Highway Association and the University of
149
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT REPORT
Massachusetts, a two day course was set up for all highway officials throughout the state. I attended this course and felt that it was very worthwhile although the time was limited to absorb so many new ideas and methods. It is our hope during 1962 that this course will continue for at least five days.
In conclusion, I would like to thank all citizens of Scituate and all Town Departments for their fine co-operation during 1961.
Respectfully submitted,
MATTHEW L. BROWN, Highway Surveyor
150
FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen;
I submit herewith the report of the Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1961.
The department responded to a total of 793 fire and emergency calls. Of these, 48 were audible alarms and 177 first aid emergency calls. The fire calls were, for the most part, easily handled with only 9 of serious proportions.
The fire alarm switch-board is inadequate for the addition of the many boxes which should be installed in the various newly developed subdivisions. This is a very serious problem and leaves these areas inadequately protected, prompt notifi- cation being of great value in all emergencies.
In closing, I wish to express my appreciation of co- operation of the citizens and the several officers and depart- ments of the town.
Respectfully submitted,
BARTHOLOMEW A. CURRAN Chief
151
FOREST FIRE WARDEN'S REPORT
REPORT OF THE FOREST FIRE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen ;
I submit herewith the report of the Forest Fire Depart- ment for the year ending December 31, 1961.
The equipment and apparatus is at present both adequate and in good condition, and should require only normal main- tenance.
Grass and woods fires were at a minimum, largely owing to favorable weather conditions and the very good co-operation of the people in obtaining permits for open air fires.
The Department has continued the practice of the burning over of grasslands which are considered to be hazardous.
I extend my sincere thanks to all officers, departments and citizens for their co-operation.
Respectfully submitted,
BARTHOLOMEW A. CURRAN Forest Warden
152
SUPERVISOR CARE OF VETERANS' GRAVES
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF VETERANS' GRAVES
December 15, 1961
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I submit my report as Supervisor of Veterans' Graves in the Town of Scituate for the year of 1961.
Again this year I have faithfully inspected all cemeteries from time to time and have found that all graves are kept in good condition.
Once again I would 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
153
SCITUATE LIBRARY STUDY COMMITTEE
REPORT OF SCITUATE LIBRARY STUDY COMMITTEE
SUMMARY :
This report on the libraries of Scituate completes the study by a Committee appointed by the Town Moderator in accordance with a resolution of the March 1960 Town Meeting. The Committee, composed of laymen and professional librari- ans, used the services of Dr. Keyes D. Metcalf of Belmont, Mass., internationally known library consultant. It is sug- gested that reference be made to the earlier report of the Committee and the prior report of Dr. Metcalf.
The two Scituate libraries are operated as separate organizations by the Allen Library Association and the North Scituate Library Association. The procedures of each are in accordance with general library practice. Collections are being developed to serve the needs of a growing community. The Committee, after considering the public and school libra- ries with respect to service, administration, book distribution, and plant, has reached the following conclusions.
a. An early merger of the Allen Library Association and the North Scituate Library Association (Peirce Me- morial Library) is desirable for more effective current use of library facilities and for coping with the de- veloping demands for future service.
b. School libraries should be developed to the level of recognized professional standards.
c. There should be prompt coordination of the activity of school and Town libraries within the sphere of student interest.
GENERAL REPORT:
Scituate as a small seaside village was fortunate to have men like Silas Peirce and George Allen enrich it with library buildings. Since 1895 the North Scituate Library Association and since 1911 the Allen Library Association have managed
154
SCITUATE LIBRARY STUDY COMMITTEE
their respective collections in the spirit of their benefactors. In recent years there has been a phenomenal increase in the use of the library facilities. From 1950 through 1961 the population of Scituate grew from 5990 residents to 11550 practically doubling while combined annual circulation at the libraries jumped from 35,700 withdrawals to 138,000 nearly quadrupling. The probability of similar future growth requires present consideration. Libraries must house people as well as books. There are times when students work shoul- der to shoulder in reading rooms. The pressure for space in both public libraries has forced the working staffs into quarters that should be enlarged.
The Committe did not attempt to analyze minutely the quality of the book collections but examination showed a program that has upgraded the collections considerably in recent years.
Although Dr. Metcalf has recommended that the Town should officially take over a merged library operation, the Committee does not believe that the Town would gain anything by this action in the foreseeable future. Merger will provide better library service than now for the tax dollar spent and merger should defer for awhile the need for a major expansion of facilities. There would be a better physical distribution of books. The early completion of the recataloging and classify- ing of the Peirce collection which is now approximately one third done would make possible a union catalog for all collec- tions and a free interchange of books between libraries. A merger is not expected to create substantial savings in operational costs but some duplications would be eliminated.
The rapid growth of the Town has created an unprece- dented increase in school population. Libraries in elementary schools have been converted to class room use and book collections penalized. The separation of the Junior and Senior High School classes into different buildings and the division of the library books between them has weakened a previously inadequate collection. Primarily, this resulted from failure to provide funds for books in the new High School library. Such
155
SCITUATE LIBRARY STUDY COMMITTEE
an oversight should be guarded against in planning future school buildings. The school libraries must be properly de- veloped in accordance with the needs of the curriculum. The elementary school libraries should be restored and properly stocked at the earliest possible date. Libraries are a tool of the educational system. Books are like a food for the pupils.
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