USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Rockland > Town annual report of the officers of the town of Rockland Massachusetts for the year ending 1959 > Part 15
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Many of the streets of the town were treated with Tarvia and road binder including the following : - Belmont St., Reed St., Pacific St., Howard St., Vernon St., Crescent St., Green St., George St., Summit St., Myrtle St., Bigelow Ave., DelPrete Ave., Christine Ave., and Taunton Ave.
All catch basins in the town were cleaned twice dur- ing the year.
Considerable drainage work was installed, many streets were repaired and new sidewalks were installed and others repaired in various parts of the town.
All streets of the town were cleaned at least three times throughout the year.
I wish to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to all town departments and officials for their co-opera- tion throughout the year.
Respectfully submitted,
ALBERT F. DelPRETE
Highway Surveyor
255
Town of Rockland
Report of Assessors Assessors
To the Citizens of the Town of Rockland :
The Board of Assessors wish to express their appre- ciation for all assistance and co-operation during the year of 1959 to the Taxpayers, Finance Committee and Depart- ment Officials dealings with the Assessors' Office ; also to express their appreciation of the co-operation of the office employees in processing this year's tax roll.
This year the office has processed five hundred thirty- two property transfers which is the largest amount pro- cessed in the history of the board. The rapid growth of our town is expressed by the rising rate and until such times as the growth starts to level off the stabilizing of the tax rate is problematical.
Again we call to your attention the processing of the tax titles should be liquidated as every item of income will be advantageous towards setting the rate.
We submit to you the following facts, figures and statements from our records. The Assessors have assessed the sum of $13,796,420. upon Polls and Property, subject to taxation in the Town of Rockland and committed said sum to the Collector for collection.
Number of Polls Assessed 3207
Value of Real Estate Assessed $10,800,706.
Value of Land Assessed 1,982,676.
Total Value of Real Estate including land $12,783,382.
VALUE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY
Value of Stock in Trade $ 162,510.00
Value of Machinery 48,363.00
Value of Livestock 2,463.00
Total Value of All Other Assessed Personal Property 796,495.00
256
Eighty-sixth Annual Report
Total Valuation Real Estate & Personal Property
13,793,213.00
Town Appropriations
1,830,208.34
Appropriations from Available Funds
183,434.65
State Parks & Reservations
5,612.57
Old Colony Transportation
9,140.01
County Hospital
23,329.17
Overlay Deficit
34,859.61
County Tax
51,198.42
Plymouth County Project
2,304.00
Overlay
58,938.23
Income Tax
129,717.27
Corporation Taxes
42,922.91
Old Age Tax
6,614.49
Motor Vehicles
120,000.00
Licenses
6,500.00
Fines
373.00
Special Assessments - Infirmary Rent
600.00
General Government
3,000.00
Protection of Persons & Property
2,000.00
Health & Sanitation
1,882.34
Highways
160.00
Old Age Assistance
115,000.00
Charities
12,322.11
Veterans Service
5,100.00
Schools
4,600.00
Libraries
733.00
Interest on Taxes & Assessments
3,078.08
State Assistance for School Construction Chapter 645, Acts 1948
61,000.00
Farm Animal Excise
63.00
Trailer Park Fees
1,820.00
Old Age Assistance Recoveries
5,000.00
Welfare Refunds 351.81
Overestimates & Total Available Funds
706,272.66
Total Estimated Receipts
522,838.01
Total Amount to be raised on property
1,316,772.23
Tax Rate per Thousand - $95.00
257
Town of Rockland
Number of Motor Vehicles & Trailers Assessed
5,064
Value of Motor Vehicles & Trailers Assessed
2,594,880.00
Number of Persons Assessed on Personal Property only
281
Number of Persons Assessed on Real Estate
5,025
On both Real Estate & Personal
210
Number of Persons assessed
5,516
Number of Dwellings
3,079
Number of Horses
6
Number of Cows
3
Number of Steers
3
Number of all others
439
Number of Fowl
998
Number of Sheep
10
Number of Acres
5,414
AMOUNT COMMITTED TO COLLECTOR
Real & Personal Taxes
$1,310,358.23
Poll Taxes
6,414.00
December Assessment on Polls
10.00
Added Real Estate Assessment
628.91
Farm Animal Excise
36.56
Excise Tax
150,528.93
Respectfully submitted, NORMAN J. BEALS FRANKLIN R. HICKEY L. BURRELL HARLOW
258
Eighty-sixth Annual Report
Report of Town Treasurer for 1959
To the Citizens of the Town of Rockland :
The Annual Report of the Town Treasurer, for 1959 is herewith submitted :
The Cash Balance as of December 31, 1958 was
$ 291,698.31
The Total Receipts for 1959 were $2,979,485.53
The Total Disbursements as taken from the
Selectmen's Warrants amounted to $2,971,426.02 Loans and Notes negotiated during 1959 were as follows:
$500,000.00 borrowed on Anticipation of Tax Notes. $ 12,000.00 borrowed from The Rockland Trust Company reimbursement note under Chapter 90.
These notes were paid in full by November 24, 1959 at an average discount rate of 1.938%. Due to higher dis- count rates, the cost of borrowing on tax notes amounted to $5,144.46.
In July 1959, $45,000.00 was borrowed towards fi- nancing the construction of a drain on East Water Street, under the direction of the Drainage Committee, in accord- ance with the Vote of the Town on March 2, 1959. The rate of interest on this loan was 3.75 % for a period of nine years.
The equipment and furnishings in the Treasurer's Office consist of :
1 Executive Desk
1 Executive Desk Chair
2 Typewriters
2 Typewriter Tables
1 Storage Cabinet
1 Adding Machine
1 Secretary's Desk
1 Secretary's Chair
259
Town of Rockland
1 Safe
2 Multi Drawer Storage Cabinets
1 Clothes Cabinet
1 Combined Checkwriter and Signer
I wish to express my appreciation to the Town Offi- cials, members of all departments and the citizens of Rockland for their assistance and cooperation during the year.
TREASURER'S REPORT OF RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS FOR 1959
Balance January 1, 1959 $ 291,698.31
$2,979,485.53 $3,271,183.84 Receipts 1959
Total Disbursements from Selectmen's Warrants
$2,971,426.02
Cash Balance December 31, 1959 $ 299,757.82
Respectfully submitted,
M. VINCENT FITZGIBBONS Treasurer
260
Eighty-sixth Annual Report
Report of Industrial Development Commission
To the Citizens of Rockland :
It is with deep regret that we report the activities of this Commission were limited to the first four months of the year. This unfortunate situation was brought about by certain unprecedented actions of a majority of the Board of Selectmen on April 28, 1959, and was beyond our control.
Efforts commenced in 1958 to establish an industrial park zone were continued in 1959 through meetings and much hard work with the Zoning and Planning Boards, the Chamber of Commerce, land owners and representa- tives of prospective new industries. The fruition of these efforts came early in 1959 with the actual location of a new industry on Hingham Street, and the rezoning of some 500 acres for industrial park uses by the annual town meeting. As a result of the interest expressed in this area by still another prospective industry, surveys were commenced to determine the availability of land and services for its use, but we were forced to suspend activities prior to their completion, and that prospect then located in Sanford, Maine.
Based upon the success of our 1958 display, the Commission decided that Rockland should participate in the industrial exhibition at the 1959 Brockton Fair. The space for a large display was reserved, and commitments for participation by a large number of Rockland industries had been obtained by April.
A meeting with the state engineers was held on January 19, 1959, in an effort to determine the ultimate fate and course of Union Street. It was learned that the relocation of this road was to be done in two stages, and only the plans for the first stage had been settled upon.
261
Town of Rockland
Plans for the first stage were obtained, and they pertain to reconstruction of Weymouth Street to Hingham Street. The second stage of the project will be entirely within the town, and will warrant close attention.
Much time was spent in meetings and conferences with the commissions of other towns in an effort to deter- mine and solve common problems. In some instances considerable travel and expense was involved, all of which was paid by the members from their own funds.
This Commission was forced to cease functioning on April 28, 1959, at which time it was abolished and its members summarily discharged by vote of a majority of the Board of Selectmen. Believing that action to be un- justified, illegal and contrary to the best interests of the town, the members requested the Selectmen revoke their action voluntarily, and that request was refused. At their own expense, the members then appealed to the courts for judicial review and determination. In a decision filed on November 24, 1959, Superior Court Justice Francis Good ruled that the action of the majority of the Board of Selectmen was illegal and ordered them to revoke it and reinstate the members. As of December 31, 1959, the members of this commission had not been notified of their reinstatement as ordered by the court, and operations remained in a state of suspension.
We gratefully acknowledge the assistance and sup- port given us by Selectman Arthur H. Marks during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
ROLAND T. PHILLIPS, Chairman J. FREDERICK SPENCE JOHN A. DUNN JOHN T. BURKE H. CARLETON DAMON JAMES P. KANE NORMAN J. BEALS, Secretary
262
Eighty-sixth Annual Report
Report of Planning Board
The Planning Board submits herewith its annual re- port for the year 1959, together with its recommendations for the ensuing years.
Subdivision Control
The construction of ways and services within two subdivisions were satisfactorily completed during the year. They were an extension of Warren Avenue by Stan- ley Feener, and an extension of Nevens Circle by Ward & Johnson, Inc. Bonds posted by the respective devel- opers have been released.
Subdivisions approved in previous years and still un- der construction include Manzella Court, Wyman Fields, Rockland Highlands, Stanley Avenue and Webster Acres.
One new subdivision plan was approved during the year. The property involved is located on the northerly side of West Water Street, and contains fifty-eight resi- dential building lots. Roy V. Nelson & Sons, Inc., of Wey- mouth is the owner and developer.
Numerous plans of lots on accepted town ways have been received, and endorsed as not subject to regulation. Such an endorsement is required by law if the plan is to be recorded in the registry of deeds.
The rationing of new water services by the Joint Water Board was commenced in 1959. As a result, we have encountered new practical and legal problems as to both old and new subdivisions, which have thus far been solved to the satisfaction of all concerned.
Legislation enacted in 1959 by the legislature has continued the trend reported last year as favoring the de- veloper. Such gradual narrowing of the authority and discretion of local boards is making it increasingly more difficult for them to serve their community in the manner which is expected of them.
263
Town of Rockland
Zoning
The most important accomplishment of the year in the field of zoning was the addition of an industrial park zone to our by-law, and the actual establishment of such a zone in the northerly extremity of the town. Our pre- diction that this area would adjoin and have access to the Southeast Expressway is now about to become a real- ity. Construction of the expressway through this very area will commence in 1960. Rockland is ready and wait- ing for this new life giving artery of commerce.
Urban Planning Assistance Program
The Federal Housing Act of 1954, Title 7, provides matching federal funds to further local planning studies. This financial assistance may be sought only if the local program is approved by certain state and federal agen- cies, and does not involve detailed plans for a specific pu- blic work.
The 1958 annual meeting appropriated the sum of $2,500.00 under Article 17, to be used by this Board for participation in this program. None of this money has been expended or committed to date. Many of the basic studies which would meet with governmental approval have already been done in Rockland, while others would be premature until such time as the course of the South- east Expressway was settled and the expansion of the Naval Air Station is completed. Both of these contingen- cies will have great effect on the future of the town, and are matters over which we have little or no control. We are now certain of the expressway, but still in doubt as to the ultimate extent to which the Air Station will ex- pand, and what will be done for us in the relocation of Union Street.
We shall continue to defer action in this field until our circumstances become stabilized, and Rockland again has the opportunity to be the master of its own destiny through sound planning.
264
Eighty-sixth Annual Report
Union Street Relocation
The closing of North Union Street will be a serious blow to the convenience and welfare of the town. It is beyond our control, and certain to occur during the year 1960. A substitute road has been promised by the state and federal agencies involved, but only through plan- ning, hard work and perseverance can we be sure that the town's interests will be paramount to expediency in the location and construction of such a road.
To that end, this Board prepared and presented to the Selectmen a thoroughly studied and engineered plan for the relocation of Union Street. It has been approved by all interested town departments, and presented by the Selectmen to the state and federal agencies as represent- ing Rockland's demands in the matter.
Final approval of the plan and the many problems of financing and construction are yet to come.
Inventory of Equipment
Office equipment in the custody of this Board, and of a value in excess of twenty ($20.00) dollars, is as fol- lows:
1 each, Shaw Walker four drawer steel file cabinet with lock
1 each, Cole Steel five drawer steel map cabinet with lock, and wooden support- ing base
Both cabinets are kept in the Town Office Confer- ence Room, are in excellent condition, and have been per- manently marked "Town of Rockland, Planning Board."
Acknowledgments
We sincerely appreciate the time and assistance giv- en us by the Highway Surveyor and all other town de- partments during the year. We are also most grateful to the residents of the Town for their confidence and sup- port.
265
Town of Rockland
A special "thank you" to the Massachusetts Depart- ment of Commerce, Planning Division, is long overdue. This agency efficiently furnishes us with a great variety of services every year, and its staff of experts are always available to us for consultation without cost to the town.
Recommendations
1. That an industrial park zone be established on "Beech Hill" to protect and encourage the exist- ing industry, and to reserve that vast area of virgin land for future industrial development. Articles to this effect have been prepared for in- sertion in the warrant for the annual town meet- ing of 1960.
2. That the zoning by-law be amended by increas- ing the minimum residential lot width to one hundred ten (110) feet and the minimum total area of same to twelve thousand one hundred (12,100) square feet. Articles to this effect have been prepared for the warrant.
3. That the Town purchase or take a parcel of un- developed land south of the intersection of Con- cord and Summer Streets so as to reserve same as a site for future sewage needs of the town. Articles to this effect have been prepared for the warrant.
4. That, to promote the convenience of the public and the efficient conduct of town business, more adequate facilities be provided in the town offices for the public meetings and hearings of the vari- ous town boards.
Rockland Planning Board JOHN T. BURKE, Chairman EDMUND W. DelPRETE, Clerk JOSEPH LELYVELD FREDERICK A. DAMON R. JOHN SCIARAPPA
266
Eighty-sixth Annual Report
Report of the Trustees of the Memorial Library
The trustees of the Memorial Library report as follows:
The circulation of children's books continues to in- crease. Their room is so overcrowded that the trustees are recommending that a children's room be made in the base- ment. Since large numbers of students use the library for study, additional facilities for reference work is needed. A new room for children would release the space neces- sary for that purpose.
Miss Ann Leahy, assistant librarian, resigned in May to accept another position. Her place was filled by Miss Mary Mannion who resigned in October to be married. Mrs. Barbara (William H.) McIver of North Abington was unanimously elected to the position. Mrs. McIver is a graduate of Bridgewater Teachers' College where she majored in Library Science. Mrs. McIver has done addi- tional work in this field at Simmons College. She was for- merly employed at the Brockton Public Library. Her qua- lifications in training and experience make her a valuable addition to the staff.
During the summer additional black top was put at the back of the parking area and on the slope of the lawn adjacent to the parking area to prevent further soil ero- sion. A sign was erected in the parking lot prohibiting its use as a playground. A chain link fence was put up at the back to replace the old wooden fence which was falling apart.
Repairs were made on the furnace and plumbing re- pairs were also necessary. A leak in the roof had to be fixed.
A bequest of $1000.00 has been received from the estate of the late Sarah W. Peterson for which the trus- tees are grateful. The trustees accepted with pleasure
267
Town of Rockland
the gift of two books on conservation which were presen- ted by local girls, members of the Bluebirds. A gift from the Literary Department of the Woman's Club is appre- ciated, as well as two other gifts which were contributed anonymously.
The board has voted to accept a fifty star flag which will be presented by the local Servicemen's Association. It will be placed in the rotunda.
A statement of the Trust Funds follows :
Hattie Curtis
$516.01
Zenas M. Lane
518.31
Everett Lane
103.47
Alice Linwood French
516.01
Mary A. Spence
516.51
Mothers Mutual Imp. Assoc.
51.99
Sarah J. Spence
309.61
Charles Edward Vinal
1031.69
John W. Rice
416.86
John A. Martin
103.26
Mary L. Shaw
203.36
Maria Jenkins
651.49
Annie McIlvene
259.25
Angela W. Collins
516.20
Mary Agnes Burke
103.32
Emily F. Crawford
206.52
Sarah W. Peterson
1008.12
The terms of Burton L. Cushing and John B. Fitz- gerald expire in March 1960.
For 1960 the trustees recommend the appropria- tion of the sum of $15,945.00 which includes the dog fund of $1,262.81, which leaves $14,682.19 to be raised.
BURTON L. CUSHING, Chairman
JOHN B. FITZGERALD
ROBERT J. GEOGAN EMMA W. GLEASON
EMMA S. JEWETT MILDRED L. HOULIHAN
268
Eighty-sixth Annual Report
To the Trustees of Memorial Library :
The eightieth report of the library is herewith submitted.
A total of 50,376 books and magazines have been loaned for home and school use. Although there was no gain over last year, the juvenile circulation increased but the adult circulation decreased even though we had the outstanding books of the year, both in fiction and non- fiction.
The average monthly circulation, 4198. The largest number loaned in one day, 325. The smallest number loaned 39, during the Christmas season.
Character of books loaned; Literature, two percent; history and travel, three percent; biography, four per- cent; miscellaneous, six percent; fiction, thirty-two per- cent; fiction, (juvenile), twenty-seven percent; mis- cellaneous, (juvenile) twenty-three percent; magazines, three percent.
At the end of December, 1959, the library has 30,202 volumes in its collection. There were 1049 books added by purchase (including replacements) and 42 were pre- sented. Number of books worn out or missing, 288.
Received for fines, reserve books, subscriptions from non-residents and sale of old magazines and books, $844.43.
A new set of Americana encyclopedia was purchased this year.
We wish to thank the Literature Department of the Rockland Woman's Club for their gift of money, also two other friends of the library who wished to remain anon- ymous for their gifts of money with which we purchased a book of mythology and a book of art.
A gift of $1000 was presented the library from the estate of Mrs. Sarah W. Peterson for which we wish to extend our thanks.
.
269
Town of Rockland
Two books on Conservation were presented the li- brary by the "Beauty of the Golden Stars" group of the Blue Birds with an appropriate ceremony for which we extend our thanks.
We wish to thank all others who presented the li- brary with books and magazines.
A beautiful fifty star American flag was presented the library by the Servicemen's Association, the presenta- tion being made by Dr. James B. Gallagher and accepted by Mr. Burton L. Cushing, chairman of the Board of Trus- tees of the library. The flag stands in the center of the rotunda and is an inspiration to all as they enter the li- brary, and we extend our sincere thanks for such a beau- tiful gift. .
This year the Vacation Reading Club was a Book Parade and was well patronized.
The forty-first celebration of National Children's Book Week with the slogan "Go Exploring In Books" was held from November 1 - 7 and there was a large display of new books for children of all ages with appropriate posters and book marks for all patrons of the library.
The roof over the stack room had to be repaired and new water pipes had to be replaced as they had begun to leak.
Miss Ann M. Leahy resigned in May to take another position and Miss Mary Mannion was engaged to take her place for the summer. She resigned October 10 to be married and Mrs. Barbara McIver was engaged for the position and began work November 2.
Our thanks to all who have in any way contributed to the welfare of the library, especially the Trustees.
Respectfully submitted,
A. ELIDA BUTLER
Librarian
270
Eighty-sixth Annual Report
Report of the Zoning Board of Appeals
To the Citizens of Rockland :
The Zoning Board of Appeals submits herewith its report for the year 1959.
The Board held 29 Public Hearings on the following petitions :
Variances :
Granted Denied
11
4
Temporary
15
Trailer Permits :
Granted
2
Denied
2
Fill Removal
4
Permits :
Granted
6
Denied
0
Appeals from decision
6
of Zoning Officer :
Sustained
1
Over-ruled
1
Petition withdrawn: 2
2
Total actions : 29
In general, the administration of the Zoning By-Law as adopted by the vote of the Town has proceeded smoothly.
Our loss, and the loss to the community, by the death in August of Mr. Robert D. Estes, was felt deeply. As a member of the Board since its inception, his calm and considerate judgement was of immeasurable benefit to us and will be greatly missed.
The majority of variance petitions acted upon were for minor adjustments of lot sizes, sidelines, etc. in the more heavily settled parts of the Town.
Permits for the removal of fill, gravel, etc. presented several problems to the Board. The granting of such per-
2
271
Town of Rockland
mits included conditions under which removal operations shall be carried on. Such conditions are intended to pro- tect the assets of the Town and the welfare of all of us as taxpayers by having the end result of the operation leave the Town with reasonably acceptable areas instead of useless and unsightly scars on the land which are usu- ally abandoned, and in general, after being depleted, produce a very minimum of revenue to the Town. Vis- ible results of past operations in the Town and the re- cent and past experience of other communities was con- sidered by the Board in setting up reasonable rules to apply, where applicable, to fill removal permits.
In several instances amendments to the Zoning By- Law are indicated for clarification and more complete and efficient operation and enforcement. The probable necessity for time to time amendment of Zoning provi- sions was forecast in the report of the Planning Board in the 1958 Town Report. Such procedure is normal and reflects awareness of conditions, changing times, and the necessity for constructive action by the voters to assure the orderly future growth and development of the Town. The Board's opinions and recommendations have been presented to the Planning Board for their action.
We wish to express our sincere thanks to the Town Clerk, Zoning Enforcement Officer, Planning Board, Se- lectmen and other departments which have co-operated with and have been of assistance to us in carrying out the administration of your Zoning By-Law.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT W. BOWKER Secretary to the Board
Zoning Board of Appeals
WILLIAM J. CANTELMO, Chairman
ROBERT W. BOWKER, Secretary
EDWARD J. RYAN
WALTER E. MORRISON CHARLES C. HAMILTON LEO A. DEEGAN
JOHN R. PARKER
272
Eighty-sixth Annual Report
Report of the Auditor
We have audited the books and records of the vari- ous departments of the town and submit herewith the following report:
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