USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of the officers of the town of Plymouth, Massachusetts for the year ending 1927 > Part 36
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The Committee recommends that the Town take no action under Article 20.
Article 21. To see if the Town will acquire by pur- chase or eminent domain, for school purposes, the land belonging to Harry Frim and others lying on the south-
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erly side of Bradford Street and adjoining other land of the Town of Plymouth and make an appropriation therefor.
The Committee recommends that the Town take no action under Article 21.
Article 22. To see if the Town will vote to acquire all of the property of the Plymouth Mills, for the purpose of providing headquarters for the Highway and Water De- partments, or other town departments, and make an ap- propriation of ten thousand (10,000) dollars therefor.
The Committee recommends that a special committee consisting of the Chairman of the Selectmen, the Chair- man of the Water Commissioners, the Chairman of the Planning Board, and the Town Engineer, be appointed to investigate the proposal to purchase the property of the Plymouth Mills for the purposes of the Town, and to make a report of their findings at a future meeting ; and that an appropriation of two hundred (200.00) dol- lars be made for expenses in connection with said in- vestigation.
Article 23. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceeding six thousand, and fifty (6,050) dollars for the purchase of a new roller and a new truck for the Highway Department.
The Committee recommends that the Town appropri- ate the sum of $6,050.00 to be used for the purchase of a new roller and a new truck for the Highway Depart- ment.
Article 24. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of eighty-three hundred, twenty-three and 30-100 (8,323.30) dollars to pay for repairs and resurfacing of Court, Main and Sandwich Streets, in excess of the ap- propriation made June 2, 1928.
The Committee recommends that the Town appropri- ate the sum of $8,323.30 to pay for repairs and resurfac- ing of Court, Main and Sandwich Streets, in excess of the Appropriation made June 2, 1928.
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Article 25. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceeding twenty-five hundred (2,500) dollars for resurfacing Court Street from Chilton Street to Samoset Street.
The Committee recommends that the Town appropri- ate the sum of $2,500.00 to be used for resurfacing Court Street from Chilton Street to Samoset Street.
Article 26. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceeding twenty-five hundred (2,500) dollars for improvement and surfacing on Brookside Avenue.
The Committee recommends that the Town appropri- ate the sum of $2,500.00 for improvement and surfacing on Brookside Avenue.
Article 27. To see if the Town will accept and allow the relocation of the westerly line of Main Street over land of the Plymouth National Bank at No. 58 Main Street, as laid out by the Selectmen and reported to the Town, and appropriate a sum not exceeding eighteen hun- dred and fifty (1,850) dollars for land damage and ex- pense occasioned thereby.
The Committee recommends that the Town accept and allow the relocation of the westerly line of Main Street over land of the Plymouth National Bank at No. 58 Main Street, as laid out by the Selectmen and reported to the Town, and appropriate the sum of $1,850.00 for land damage and expense occasioned thereby.
Article 28. To see if the Town will accept and allow as a town way Manomet Avenue, from Strand Avenue in a southerly direction approximately nine hundred and seventy (970) feet, as laid out by the Selectmen and re- ported to the Town, and appropriate a sum not exceeding one thousand (1,000) dollars for construction and sur- facing on said way.
The Committee recommends that the Town accept and allow as a town way Manomet Avenue, from Strand Avenue in a southerly direction approximately nine hun- dred and seventy (970) feet, as laid out by the Selectmen
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and reported to the Town, and appropriate the sum of $1,000.00 for construction and surfacing on said way.
Article 29. To see if the Town will accept and allow as town ways Mckinley Road northerly from Grant Street approximately two hundred (200) feet, Walnut Street northerly from Grant Street approximately two hundred and forty-one (241) feet, and Harding Avenue from said Walnut Street easterly to said McKinley Road approximately four hundred and twenty-four (424) feet, all as laid out by the Selectmen and reported to the Town, and appropriate a sum not exceeding two thousand (2,000) dollars for construction and surfacing on the above mentioned ways.
The Committee recommends that the Town accept and allow as town ways McKinley Road northerly from Grant Street, Walnut Street, and Harding Avenue, all as laid out by the Selectmen and reported to the Town, and ap- propriate the sum of $2,000.00 for construction and sur- facing on same.
Note. These are connecting ways forming three sides of a square lying north from Grant Street. The southerly portion of McKinley Road connecting Lothrop Street with Grant Street was accepted as a town way in 1926.
Article 30. To see if the Town will accept and allow as a town way Hedge Road running in an easterly direc- tion from Court Street approximately four hundred and sixty-six (466) feet, as laid out by the Selectmen and reported to the Town.
The Committee recommends that the Town accept and allow as a town way Hedge Road as laid out by the Se- lectmen and reported to the Town, and described in Article 30.
Article 31. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceeding twenty-five hundred (2,500) dollars for hard-surfacing on the Shore Road to Manomet.
The Committee recommends that the Town appropri- ate the sum of $2,500.00 for hard surfacing on the Shore Road.
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Article 32. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceeding thirty-five hundred (3,500) dollars for hard-surfacing three tenths (3-10) of a mile of town road starting from the Bourne town-line to Red Brook bridge in the Town of Plymouth. (By petition.)
The Committee recommends that the Town take no action under Article 32.
Article 33. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceeding fifteen hundred (1,500) dollars for im- provement of the Head of the Bay Road, between Long Pond and the Bourne-Plymouth town line.
The Committee recommends that the Town take no action under Article 33.
Article 34. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of seven thousand (7,000) dollars to build a suitable hard-surface road beginning at the junction of Clifford and Doten Roads and continuing as far as possible toward the Boston Woven Hose and Rubber Company. (By petition.)
The committee recommends that the Town take no action under Article 34.
Article 35. To see if the Town will vote to have the Superintendent of Street, Superintendent of Water De- partment, and Superintendent of the Plymouth Ceme- teries elected by the vote of the Town. (By petition.)
The Committee recommends that the Town take no action under Article 35.
Article 36. To see if the Town will adopt an eight- hour day for the members of the Police Department. (By petition.)
The Committee recommends that the Town adopt an eight-hour day for the members of the Police Depart- ment.
Article 37. To see if the Town will purchase land on which to erect a water tank and tower, the same to be paid from the appropriation voted at the town meeting of March 27, 1926, under Article 35 of the warrant.
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The Committee recommends that the Town purchase land on which to erect water tank and tower, the same to be paid for from the appropriation voted at the town meeting of March 27, 1926, under Article 35 of the war- rant for that meeting.
Article 38. To see if the Town will purchase a parcel of land on which to erect a pumping station on Billington Street the same to be paid for from the appropriation voted at the town meeting of March 27, 1926, under Article 35 of the warrant.
The Committee recommends that the Town purchase a parcel of land on which to erect a pumping station on Billington Street, the same to be paid for from the appro- priation voted at the town meeting of March 27, 1926, under Article 35 of the warrant for that meeting.
Article 39. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of fifteen hundred (1,500) dollars to cover the ex- pense of a preliminary survey and cost estimate for the proposed public water system for Manomet, said sum to be extended under direction of Water Commissioners. (By petition.)
The Committee recommends that the Town take no action under Article 39.
Article 40. To see what action the Town will take in regard to building three (3) cement tanks to be placed in Beaver Dam Brook; one to be placed near the Manomet Post Office, one near the Brook Road Bridge, and one near the Herring Stream Bridge; these tanks to be used as receptacles for the suction hose of the fire engine, in order that Manomet's unusual exposure to fire hazards may be relieved. (By petition.)
The Committee recommends that the Town build three cement tanks in Beaver Dam Brook for the purpose stated in Article 40; one to be placed near the Manomet Post Office on the westerly side of the bridge and on the south side of the stream, one at the Brook Road bridge on the westerly side of the bridge in the middle of the
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stream, one at the Herring Stream in South White Horse on the north side of the stream and about fifty feet west of the foot bridge.
Note. These locations have received the approval of the Fire Department.
Article 41. In case Article 40 is accepted, to see if the Town will appropriate the sum of five hundred (500) dollars for the building of these three (3) tanks. (By petition.)
The Committee recommends that the Town appropri- ate the sum of $500.00 for building three cement tanks as provided for in Article 40 and as specified in the Committee's recommendation thereunder.
Article 42. To see what action the Town will take in regard to taking over and maintaining the Manomet, Chiltonville, and Cedarville cemeteries together with any other Plymouth cemeteries the Cemetery Commission deems advisable. (By petition.)
The Committee recommends that the matter of taking over the cemeteries as petitioned for in Article 42 be referred to the Board of Cemetery Commissioners for investigation and later report to the Town.
Article 43. To see what action the Town will take in regard to appropriating the sum of six hundred (600) dollars to be used in addition to the regular appropriation for carrying out the provisions of Article 42. (By peti- tion.)
The Committee recommends that the Town take no ac- tion under Article 43.
Article 44. To see if the Town will authorize the Se- lectmen to accept from the Trustees of the Stickney Fund a conveyance of land upon and adjacent to Burial Hill.
The Committee recommends that the Selectmen be au- thorized to accept from the Trustees of the Stickney Fund a conveyance of land upon and adjacent to Burial Hill by such a deed containing such provisions as the Se- lectmen shall approve.
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Note. The late Mr. Stickney many years ago left funds to be spent by his incorporated trustees for various beneficial improvements in Plymouth. Among other things he provided as follows :- "I give and bequeath to the said Trustees of the Stickney Fund the sum of ten thousand dollars, to be appropriated and applied by them according to their best discretion and judgment in im- proving and protecting Burial Hill, in said Town of Plym- outh ;"
The Trustees have bought the land proposed to be con- veyed and have now secured the approval of the Supreme Judicial Court to the proposed conveyance to the town and to a general closing up of the affairs of their cor- poration which makes this conveyance desirable.
Article 45. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceeding five hundred and fifty (550) dollars for the observance of Memorial Day.
The Committee recommends that the Town appropriate the sum of $550.00 for the observance of Memorial Day, $50.00 of this to be apportioned to the United Spanish War Veterans.
Article 46. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceeding twenty-four hundred (2,400) dollars to pay the expenses of the observance of July Fourth and of an Old Home Day in connection with Forefathers' Day, said money to be expended by the Board of Selectmen.
The Committee recommends that the Town appropri- ate the sum of $750.00 for the observance of July Fourth and Forefathers' Day, to be expended under the direction of the Selectmen.
Article 47. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceeding five hundred (500) dollars for public band concerts, said money to be expended by the Board of Selectmen.
The Committee recommends that the Town appropri- ate the sum of $500.00 for public band concerts, to be expended under the direction of the Selectmen.
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Article 48. To see if the Town will authorize the Board of Public Welfare to sell the Frances Archer prop- erty situated on the southerly side of Davis Street.
The Committee recommends that the Town authorize the Board of Public Welfare to sell the property men- tioned in Article 48.
Article 49. To see if the Town will authorize the transfer of a sum not exceeding five thousand (5,000) dollars from the Reserve from Overlayings of Taxes to the Reserve Account in the hands of the Advisory and Finance Committee.
The Committee recommends that the Town authorize the transfer of the sum of $5,000.00 from the Reserve from Overlayings of Taxes to the Reserve Account in the
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hands of the Advisory and Finance Committee.
Article 50. To see if the Town will vote to appropri- ate a sum not exceeding thirty thousand (30,000) dol- lars from the surplus now standing as a credit balance on the Excess and Deficiency Account to reduce the tax levy of the current year.
The Committee recommends that the Town vote to ap- propriate $30,000.00 from the surplus now standing as a credit balance on the Excess and Deficiency Account to reduce the tax levy of the current year.
Respectfully submitted,
ADVISORY AND FINANCE COMMITTEE, TOWN OF PLYMOUTH.
William P. Libby, Chairman; Sumner A. Chapman, Aldo Giovanetti, James S. Swanton, George B. Sweeney, Harold A. C. Bumpus, George A. Parks, Jr., Willard H. Parsons, William H. Pridham, Henry O. Davis, Arthur H. Luce, Harold G. Roberts, J. Henry Shaw. The following negative votes are recorded:
On the recommendation under Article 22, Mr. Luce. On the recommendation under Article 13, Messrs. Libby, Parks, Parsons and Roberts.
Attested : Elmer R. Harlow, Secretary.
Plymouth Three
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REPORT OF ADVISORY AND FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE TOWN OF PLYMOUTH
ON THE ARTICLES IN THE WARRANT FOR THE SPECIAL TOWN MEETING, DECEMBER 28, 1929
Article 2. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceeding Three hundred (300) dollars for the Law Department.
The Committee recommends that the Town appropri- ate a sum not exceeding Three hundred (300) dollars for the Law Department.
Article 3. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceeding Three Hundred and fifty (350) dollars for Election and Registration.
The Committee recommends that the Town appropri- ate a sum not exceeding Three hundred and fifty (350) dollars for Election and Registration.
Article 4. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceeding One Thousand (1,000) dollars for the Health Department.
The Committee recommends that the Town appro- priate a sum not exceeding One thousand (1,000) dol- lars for the Health Department.
Article 5. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of Eleven hundred, nineteen, and 11/100 (1,119.11) dollars for Town Debt and Interest.
The Committee recommends that the Town appropri- ate the sum of Eleven hundred, nineteen, and 11/100 (1,119.11) dollars for Town Debt and Interest.
Article 6. To see if the Town will approprite for the Public Welfare Department the sum of Eleven hundred (1,100) dollars received for the sale of the Archer pro- perty.
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The Committee recommends that the Town appropri- ate for the Public Welfare Department the sum of Eleven hundred (1,100) dollars received for the sale of the Archer property.
Respectfully submitted,
ADVISORY AND FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE TOWN OF PLYMOUTH
Harrison F. Goddard, Chairman; Harold A. C. Bumpus, Mansfield S. O'Brien, George A. Parks, Jr., Allen D. Russell, Henry O. Davis, Arthur H. Luce, Lyman C. Tripp.
ELMER R. HARLOW, Secretary.
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SELECTMEN'S REPORT
In making a report of this nature it is difficult to determine just what to include. It is not feasible to put in detailed or itemized statements of the many different varieties of effort which have engaged the activities of the Selectmen during the past year. Any citizen who is interested can inform himself as to the more intimate details by consulting the reports of the different Heads of Departments. There will be found a most complete fi- nancial statement of each and every activity that has been undertaken during the past season. It is not our purpose to duplicate or amplify on those reports. We can only hope to convey in general terms the activities of the past year and give an idea of the general condition of the Town.
The Highway Department has during the past season contented itself with improving some of the hard surfaced roads that while put down one or two years ago were not carried out to the curb (as was the custom at that time). These have been widened and surfaced over to the curb on both sides making a substantial improvement particularly as regards the erosion due to rain, this having been one of the noticeable defects in the former method. The only new work this year was the building of Brookside Ave. This has been surfaced and now is a very presentable street. Some surfacing has been done on Court and Main Sts. and these are at present in very good condition.
The erection of the new building of the Plymouth Na- tional Bank created an opportunity for a widening at that point. The building being set back from the street line, made it possible to narrow the sidewalk at that point and increase the width of the street at a point where it was much needed and has proved to be of great advantage as that section is the narrowest and most congested place in our main thoroughfare.
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The sidewalks have been much improved by resurfac- ing the old ones and by adding a number of "Grano- lithic" walks in conjunction with the abuttors in vari- ous parts of the Town.
Street lights have been added as need arose in con- formance with the fixed policy of the Board. The only limit to street lighting is the expense and until an amount prohibitive is reached, light will be provided as it is the one best preventive of disorder and crime. Well lighted streets are an asset not only for their convenience but as an advertisement for the Town.
The work of the Police Department has been of a normal nature. Traffic violations have as usual furnished the greater part of the work of Police. Crime of a seri- ous nature being happily rare. In the few cases of more serious matters the Police have acquitted themselves creditably and the Town has been in its usual quiet and orderly condition.
The General Public could if it were so disposed be a very considerable factor in curing the automobile situ- ation by calling the attention of the Officers to Traffic violations as they see them. It is impossible for the few men that we have on the street to see everything that occurs. The Public will find the men willing and anxious to perform their duty in these matters if they can only have sufficient evidence on which to work.
There are several matters that will be brought to the attention of the Voters at the coming Town Meeting. These should be carefully investigated and the people should keep in mind the fact that the Tax Rate is a matter largely of their own making. It would be unwise to turn down every expenditure, just to reduce the rate, but on the other hand no money should be spent unless the voters can feel that they will get value for the outlay. The coming year promises to be a quiet one in business circles and unemployment is all too common for us to be extravagant in expenditure. The Town must be kept in a neat and orderly condition for the reception of our
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usual Summer Trade on which so many of our Citizens depend for their income. The General Public has formed the habit of coming to our Town for sight seeing and the business created by these visitors is a very considerable part of the Town's cash receipts. The renting of rooms and furnishing of food and entertainment for these transient travellers has resulted in a volume of business that it would be very unwise to in any way discourage. Plymouth has many natural advantages for the Summer Visitor and has been so well advertised that we should use every means of encouraging their coming and money spent wisely in improving the appearance of the Town and increasing the attractions here should not be denied the proper Departments by a too niggardly economy. Our Town debt and Tax rate compare very favorably with that of other Towns and Cities in the State and we should be very watchful that we keep the comparison where it is and not be led into extravagant expenditures that are not absolutely necessary. It may seem to the casual observer that this report is stressing this subject too much. But it is the one subject that concerns every one and those in particular who have the Finances of the Town in charge and we want to make the coming year as prosperous as possible in view of the somewhat dubious business outlook.
In conclusion we wish to thank the many employees of the Town and particularly the Heads of Departments for their cooperation during the past year. We believe that every one has the best interests of the Town at heart and while some are noticeably indifferent, on the whole the people support the Authorities to the best of their ability.
FRANK EASTWOOD, ROGER S. KELLEN, HERBERT K. BARTLETT, ANDREW J. CARR, GEORGE J. ANDERSON,
Selectmen.
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REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON MEMORIALS FOR THE TOWN MEMORIAL BUILDING
At the special town meeting held July 27, 1922, the following vote was passed :
"The Town authorizes the Town Hall Committee to erect a Town Hall as a Memorial Building to the Soldiers, Sailors and Marines of Plymouth in all wars that our Country has been engaged in, substantially in accord- ance with plans submitted to the Town."
At an annual town meeting several years later a reso- lution was introduced and adopted as follows :
"A Committee of seven be appointed by the Moderator to investigate the matter of a memorial for the new Memorial Building and report at a future town meeting."
Under these two motions the Town Memorial Commit- tee has been actively engaged since last summer in mak- ing a careful study of the whole subject of "Memorials" and the character of memorial best suited to our Town Memorial Building.
Following the appointment of the Town Committee, American Legion Post No. 40 selected a Committee of their own members for the purpose of working in close cooperation with the Town Committee with the thought in mind that whatever program is now presented or may in the future be presented to the Town for its approval, it is understood such program has been thoroughly dis- cussed with and accepted by the Legion Committee.
It is only fair to say all meetings held during the past year have been joint gatherings of both Committees. Much helpful information and advice has been given by the Legion Committee and the character of memorials which we recommend should be adopted have received the unanimous approval of the Legion Committee.
An unexpended balance in the Memorial Building fund of about $4350 which it was thought could be used for memorial features was required in 1927 for the correction
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of the acoustic properties of the hall - hence the Com- mittee has been without funds.
Members of the Committee, both individually and in groups, have personally inspected many types of memo- rials. Conferences have been held with representatives of the Gorham Manufacturing Company of Providence and the Birmingham Guild of England, two of the out- standing manufacturers of memorial tablets. It is the present view of the Committee that in due course of time four bronze tablets should be placed on the walls of the foyer in the Memorial Building and on those tab- lets shall be inscribed the names of all those from Plym- outh who were engaged in any of the "Wars of our Coun- try." Predicated entirely on rough plans, sketches and estimates submitted to the Committee, the approximate cost of those tablets - carrying around 2500 names - also an approximate - would be about $10,000. It will be obvious to all, however, the casting of these bronze tablets must be deferred until a complete and accurate list of those entitled to have their names on this roll of honor has been prepared.
A tremendous amount of research work will be neces- sary, more particularly with respect to obtaining the names of those participating in the Colonial and Revo- lutionary Wars and in the preparation of these lists some travelling will be necessary in order to delve into and check with the Colonial records on file in Boston, Phil- adelphia and Washington.
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