Town annual reports of Medfield 1920-1929, Part 8

Author: Medfield (Mass.)
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: The Town
Number of Pages: 1524


USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Medfield > Town annual reports of Medfield 1920-1929 > Part 8


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cost, and to make their report with recommendations to the Town at the next annual meeting. The powers and duties of this committee to continue until a Board of Water Commissioners shall have been elected and qual- ified.


The following named persons were appointed by the Moderator to serve on this committee: Fred A. Smith, Alden H. Wheeler, Frank G. Haley.


Article 2. To see if the town will vote to elect a Board of Water Commissioners at the next Annual Meeting or do or act anything relating thereto.


Voted, that proper provision be made for the election at the next Annual Meeting of a Board of three Water Commissioners, one for three years, one for two years, and one for one year and thereafter one member of said Board to be chosen annually for 3 years.


It was voted that the Town extend a vote of thanks to Mr. Granville S. Dailey for his generous gift to the town of the shares in the Medfield Water Company, standing in his name.


All the articles having been acted upon the meeting was dissolved.


ATTEST :


STILLMAN J. SPEAR,


Town Clerk.


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ANNUAL MEETING


MARCH 7, 1921


Pursuant to a warrant issued by the Selectmen, the in- habitants of the town of Medfield, duly warned and noti- fied in the manner prescribed by law, met at the Town Hall on the 7th day of March, 1921, at six o'clock in the forenoon; and the following action was taken upon the several articles in said warrant :-


Article 1. To choose all town officers required to be elected annually by ballot, viz: One Moderator, One Town Clerk, One Treasurer, One Collector of Taxes, Three Constables, One Tree Warden, all for one year; One Selectman for three years; One Assessor for three years; One Assessor for two years, to fill va- cancy; One School Committee for three years; One School Com- mittee for two years, to fill vacancy; Two Trustees of the Public Library for three years; One member of Board of Health for three years; One member of Board of Health for one year, to fill vacancy; One Park Commissioner for three years; One Park Commissioner for one year to fill vacancy; One Cemetery Com- missioner for three years; One Water Commissioner for three years; One Water Commissioner for two years; One Water Com- missioner for one year.


Also to vote on the following questions:


First-"Shall Chapter 807 of the Acts of 1913 being an act to provide for compensating laborers, workmen and mechanics for injuries sustained in public employment and to exempt from legal liability counties and municipal corporations which pay such com- pensation be accepted by the inhabitants of this town of Medfield?" The vote to be "Yes" or "No."


Second-Shall license be granted for the sale of non-intoxicat- ing beverages in the town for the ensuing year? The vote to be "Yes" or "No." All the above to be voted for on one ballot. The polls to be opened at 6.15 o'clock in the forenoon and may close at two o'clock in the afternoon.


The ballot box was examined and found in good work- ing order and at close of voting agreed with the check lists in the number of ballots cast.


The following named persons appointed by the Select- men and sworn by the Town Clerk were assigned to duty


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as follows: George Washburn and Turner R. Bailey, to distribute ballots; John H. Tuttle and Mary A. Weiker, to check at ballot box; Constable B. Frank Rhoades in charge of ballot box; Edward H. Abell, Alex. Allan, Alex A. MacLean and Ira C. Penniman, Frank J. Bell, Arthur W. Hobbs, Michael J. English, Lillian M. Arguin, Tellers.


Cards of Instruction and Specimen Ballots were posted as required by law. The polls were opened at six o'clock in the morning and closed at 2.30 o'clock in the after- noon. The ballots were counted in open meeting and the total vote cast was 643.


The following named persons having received the largest number of votes were declared elected to the sev- eral offices :


Moderator, one year, George L. L. Allen.


Town Clerk, one year, Stillman J. Spear.


Selectman, three years, Fred J. Laverty.


Treasurer, one year, John H. Tuttle.


Tax Collector, one year, Robert W. Baker.


Tree Warden, one year, Geo. L. L. Allen.


Constables, one year, Cornelius P. McKeoun, B. Frank Rhoades, Levi C. Taylor.


Assessor, three years, Turner R. Bailey.


School Committee, three years, Wm. F. Bearce.


School Committee, two years, Wm. E. Perry.


Water Commissioner, three years, Ira C. Penniman.


Water Commissioner, two years, Alden H. Wheeler. Water Commissioner, one year, Michael E. Griffin.


Cemetery Commissioner, three years, Joseph A. Rob- erts.


Board of Health, three years, Sidney W. Stevens.


Board of Health, one year (to fill vacancy), Edwin J. Keyou.


Trustees of Public Library, three years, Ellery C. Crocker and Stillman J. Spear.


Park Commissioner, three years, Robert W. Williams.


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Park Commissioner, one year (to fill vacancy), Harri- son H. Child.


On the question "Shall license be granted to sell cer- tain non-intoxicating beverages in the town for the en- suing year ?" the vote was "Yes". 176; "No" 252; Blanks 215.


On the question of acceptance of Chapter 807, of the Acts of 1913 relative to the compensation of laborers for injury received, the vote was "Yes" 251; "No" 46; Blanks 346.


The ballots were counted and sealed up in open town meeting and endorsed by the proper election officers. All previous ballots have been destroyed.


In accordance with the usual custom the meeting was then adjourned to Tuesday evening, March 15, 1921, at 7.30 o'clock.


ADJOURNED MEETING


The remaining articles in the Warrant for the Annual Meeting were taken up and acted upon as follows:


Article 2. To choose Fence Viewers and Field Drivers.


Voted, that these officers be appointed by the Select- men. The following named persons were appointed as Fence Viewers and Field Drivers: Joseph Mair, Frank J. Bell, Lewis S. Connors.


Article 3. To see if the town will accept the reports of the several Town Officers for the past year.


The reports were acted upon severally and all were ac- cepted.


Article 4. To grant and appropriate such sums of money as may be necessary to defray the expenses of the town for the en- suing year.


The following sums of money were granted and appro- priated to defray the expenses of the ensuing year :


Executive Dept.


$750.00


Treasurer's Dept.


350.00


Collector's Dept. 600.00


Assessors' Dept.


800.00


Town Clerk's Dept.


250.00


Election and Registration


200.00


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Town House


1,300.00


Fire Dept.


2,000.00


Police Dept.


2,100.00


Sealer's Dept.


50.00


Moth Dept.


1,000.00


Tree Warden's Dept.


500.00


Board of Health


500.00


Sewers


200.00


Street Cleaning


300.00


Highways and Tarvia


10,000.00


Snow Dept.


600.00


Sidewalks and Tarvia


500.00


Bridges


200.00


Street Lights every night until 12.30 a. m. 3,500.00


Charities 3,200.00


Soldiers' Relief


300.00


Education


20,000.00


Library, dog licenses, interest on funds and 1,500.00


Memorial Day


200.00


Fire Insurance


2,000.00


Liability Insurance


400.00


Interest


1,000.00


Notes


1,500.00


Cemetery, proceeds of sale of lots and


800.00


Contingent fund


650.00


Reserve fund


700.00


Norfolk County Hospital


1,017.82


$59,967.82


Further appropriations granted under


Article 11. For support of District Nurse 300.00


Article 12. Painting Town Clock 150.00


Article 19. For Parks


500.00


Article 20. Finishing resurfacing of


North Street 1,500.00


$61,417.82


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Article 5. To see if the town will authorize the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the present municipal year to an amount not exceeding in the aggregate thirty thousand dollars, and to issue a note or notes therefor payable within one year, any debt or debts incurred under this vote to be paid from the revenue of the present municipal year.


Voted, that the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, be and hereby is authorized to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the taxes of the municipal year beginning Jan. 1, 1921, to an amount not exceeding in the aggregate Thirty Thousand Dollars, and to issue a note or notes therefor payable within one year, any debt or debts incurred under this vote to be paid from the taxes of said municipal year.


Article 6. To determine in what manner the taxes shall be collected for the ensuing year, also determine what percentage shall be allowed the Collector for the ensuing year.


Voted, that taxes shall be paid not later than the 15th day of October of each year, and on all taxes remaining unpaid after the first day of November interest shall be paid at the rate of six per cent, per annum from the 15th day of October until such taxes are paid. It was also voted that the Collector receive one and one-quarter per cent. on all taxes collected by him.


Article 7. To see if the town will authorize the Collector to use all such means in the collection of taxes as the Treasurer might if elected to that office.


Voted, that the Collector be instructed to use all means and processes provided by law for the collection of all taxes remaining unpaid after the first day of December, 1918.


Article 8. To see what compensation the Town will allow the members of the Fire Department for the ensuing year.


Voted, that the members of the Fire Department be paid the sum of twelve dollars per year and one dollar for the first hour while working at fires and seventy-five cents per hour for each subsequent hour of fire work.


Article 9. To see how much per hour the town will allow for work on the highways for the ensuing year or do or act anything relating thereto.


Voted, that the price for labor, per hour, on the high- ways be left to the discretion of the Selectmen.


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Article 10. To see if the town will accept the following named sums as perpetual trust funds for the care of lots in Vine Lake Cemetery, the interest thereof, or so much as may be necessary to be used for said care: viz:


For care of Benjamin Chenery lot $100.00


For care of the "Keyes-Gilley" lot 100,00


For care of Geo. H. Morrill lot 100.00


For care of Lucius Houghton lot 100.00


For care of Alexander Ogilvie lot 100.00


Voted, that the trusts be accepted.


Article 11. To see if the town will grant and appropriate the sum of three hundred dollars toward the support of a Visiting Nurse as authorized by the Acts of 1911, Chap. 72, Section 1, or do or act anything relating thereto. (Petition.)


Voted, that the sum of $300 be granted and appropri- ated for the support of a Visiting Nurse.


Article 12. To see if the town will grant and appropriate the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars ($150.00) for the purpose of painting the faces of the Town Clock.


Voted, that the sum of $150 be granted and appropri- ated.


Article 13. To see what action the town will take in regard to the continuation of the survey of the town, grant and appro- priate money therefor, if necessary, or do or act anything relat- ing thereto.


Voted, that the Selectmen investigate the matter and report at the next meeting.


Article 14. To hear and act upon the report of the Water Committee appointed at the Special Meeting of the town held on January 27, 1921; to adopt any recommendation of said commit- tee; to appropriate money for the purpose of paying the necessary expense incurred by the committee in carrying out the votes of the town at said special meeting; and in carrying out its recom- mendations; or act in any manner relating thereto.


Article 15. To see if the town will accept an Act of the Leg- islature. for 1921, authorizing the Town of Medfield to supply it- self and its inhabitants with water, or do or act anything relating thereto.


Article 16. To see what action the town will take in regard to the permanent financing of the money borrowed and appropri- ated for the purpose of, purchasing and maintaining its water system by issuing bonds or notes, or give any instructions to the Board of Water Commissioners or its Selectmen in regard to said permanent financing, or act in any manner relating thereto.


It was voted that Articles 14, 15 and 16 be laid on the table, the subject matters of said articles to be incorpo- rated in the Warrant for the Special Town Meeting to be


88


called as soon as possible and that the full report of the Water Committee be deferred until said special meeting.


Article 17. To see if the town will vote to install one electric light on Vinald Road, grant and appropriate money therefor or do or act anything relating thereto. (Petition.)


Voted, that the Selectmen be and they are instructed to install one electric light on Vinald Road, the expense thereof to be taken from the appropriation for street lights.


Article 18. To see if the town will vote to install three elec- tric lights on Brook Street, grant and appropriate money there- for, or do or act anything relating thereto. (Water Committee.)


Voted, that the Selectmen be and they are instructed to install three electric lights on Brook Street, the ex- pense thereof to be taken from the appropriation for street lights.


Article 19. To see if the town will grant and appropriate the sum of $500 to be used for the development of the "Pfaff Park," or do or act anything relating thereto.


On motion of the Park Commissioners it was


Voted, that the sum of $500 be granted for the Park system to be expended under the direction of the Park Commissioners.


Article 20. To see if the town will grant and appropriate the sum of $1,500 to be used in conjunction with the State and County for the purpose of completing the unfinished part of North Street commenced in 1920, provided the State and County will each grant a like sum.


Voted, that the sum of $1,500 be granted and appropri- ated, to be used in conjunction with the State and County for the purpose of completing the unfinished part of North Street, commenced in 1920, provided that the State and County will each grant a like sum.


All the articles having been acted upon the meeting was dissolved.


ATTEST :


STILLMAN J. SPEAR,


Town Clerk.


S9


SPECIAL MEETING


APRIL 7, 1921


Pursuant to a warrant issued by the Selectmen a meet- ing was held in the Town Hall Thursday evening, April 7, 1921, at 8 o'clock, Moderator Geo. L. L. Allen presid- ing and the following action was taken on the several articles contained in said warrant.


Article 1. To see if the Town will accept Chap. 205 of the Acts of the Legislature for the year 1921, authorizing the Town of Medfield to supply itself and its inhabitants with water, or do or act anything relating thereto.


Voted, that the Town accept the provisions of Chap. 205 of the Acts of the Legislature for the year 1921.


Article 2. To hear and act upon the report of the Water Com- mittee appointed at the special meeting of the town held Jan. 27, 1921, and to act upon the recommendations of said Committee, or take any action relative to the purchase or operation of the water system in the Town, or act in any matter relating thereto.


Voted, that the report of the Water Committee be ac- cepted and a vote of thanks be extended to the members for their services, and that the recommendations of the Committee be acted upon under Article 5.


Article 3. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of $12,500.00 for the purchase of the property and franchises of the Medfield Water Company according to the provisions of the said Chap. 205 of the Acts of the Legislature for 1921, and authorize the Treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen to borrow money for said purpose and issue notes therefor, one in the sum of fif- teen hundred dollars payable in one year from date and eleven in the sum of $1,000 each payable one in each year thereafter begin- ning in the year 1923, or act in any matter relating thereto.


Voted, that the town appropriate the sum of twelve thousand five hundred dollars for the purchase of the property and franchises of the Medfield Water Company according to the provisions of Chapter 205 of the Acts of the Legislature for the year one thousand nine hun- dred and twenty-one, and authorize the Treasurer, with


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the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money for said purpose and issue notes therefor, one in the sum of fif- teen hundred dollars payable in one year from date of issue, and eleven in the sum of one thousand dollars each, payable one in each year for eleven consecutive years be- ginning with 1923, according to the provisions of said Chapter 205.


Article 4. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not ex- ceeding $2,500.00 to provide a fund for the use of the Water Com- missioners in paying the cost of operation of the water system until the income therefrom is sufficient for that purpose, and pay the expenses incurred by the Water Committee and any other ex- pense connected with the purchase of the water system and to authorize the Treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money for said purpose and issue notes therefor as needed in the sum of five hundred each payable in one year from date of issue, or act in any matter relating thereto.


Voted, that the Town appropriate the sum of two thousand dollars to be used in paying the expenses in- curred by the Water Committee and the Board of Water . Commissioners, and in completing the purchase of the water system, and in the operation of said water system, and that the Treasurer be authorized, with the approval of the Selectmen to borrow money therefor in anticipa- tion of revenue.


Article 5. To take any other action in relation to the main- tenance or operation of the water supply or fire service or take action on any other matter relating to the maintenance or opera- tion of the water system of the town.


Voted, (Motion 1) that the Board of Water Commis- sioners provide such rules and regulations in regard to the use of the water, the payment of the rates therefor as they shall deem advisable, and cause the same to be cir- culated among the water takers, and all the money re- ceived from the use of the water to be paid into the Town Treasury. All bills for expense and maintenance to be paid from the Town Treasury upon order of the Board of Water Commissioners.


Voted, (Motion 2) that the Board of Water Commis- sioners be instructed to investigate the source of water supply as to quantity and quality, and in conjunction


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with the Board of Fire Engineers to consider the cost of adequate hydrant service for fire protection in the town, and to report thereon to the town as soon as they shall deem it advisable.


Voted, (Motion 3) that all the powers, duties and in- structions conferred by the town upon the Water Com- mittee be transferred to and assumed by the Board of Water Commissioners, and that the said Committee be discharged from further service.


Voted, (Motion 4) that all the expenses incurred by the Water Committee, including the surveying and legal expenses, be referred to and paid from the Town Treas- ury upon order of the Board of Water Commissioners, together with the expense necessary to complete the pur- chase and the future cost of the maintenance of the water system.


Voted, (Motion 5) that under the provisions of Chap- ter 205, the Town proceed to elect a Board of Water Com- missioners, one for three years, one for two years, and one for one year, and that the Clerk cast one ballot for Ira S. Penniman for three years; Alden H. Wheeler, for two years; Michael E. Griffin, for one year.


Voted, (Motion 6) that the Board of Water Commis- sioners adopt such water rates as shall provide for the cost of maintenance of the water system, for the pay- ment of the interest on the notes, and such further sum as they shall consider advisable, which shall be used to- ward paying for the principal of the water notes as it becomes due.


Article 6. To hear and act on the reports of any committee. appointed at previous meetings.


The report of the Selectmen directed to ascertain and report in regard to the "Survey of the Town" was accept- ed and it was voted that the sum of five hundred dollars be granted and appropriated for the continuance of the Survey.


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Article 7. To see if the Town will accept the sum of three hun- dred dollars, in trust, the interest thereof to be used for the care of the William Ryan Lot in Vine Lake Cemetery.


Voted, that the trust be accepted.


All the articles having been acted upon the meeting was dissolved.


ATTEST :


STILLMAN J. SPEAR, Town Clerk.


93


SPECIAL MEETING


JULY 18, 1921


Pursuant to a warrant issued by the Selectmen the in- habitants of the Town of Medfield duly warned and noti- fied in the manner prescribed by law, met at the Town Hall in said Medfield on the 18th day of July, 1921, at 7.30 o'clock in the evening and the following action was taken on the several articles contained in the Warrant.


Article 1. To see if the Town will authorize the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow in anticipation of the revenue of the present municipal year the sum of five thou- sand dollars and to issue a note therefor payable in one year, and any debt or debts incurred under this vote to be paid from the revenue of the present municipal year.


Voted, that the Treasurer be and hereby is authorized, with the approval of the Selectmen to borrow the sum of $5,000.00 in anticipation of the taxes of the current year and to issue a note therefor payable within one year ; any debt or debts incurred under this vote to be paid from the taxes of said municipal year.


Article 2. To see if the Town will grant and appropriate the sum of two thousand dollars for the purpose of paying sundry bills necessitated by taking over the water works and which have not been heretofore provided for.


Voted, that the sum of $2,000.00 be granted and appro- priated for the payment of bills incurred by taking over the water works and which have not previously been pro- vided for.


Article 3. To see if the Town will increase the salary of the Town Treasurer one hundred (100) dollars or do or act anything relating thereto.


Voted, that the present salary of the Town Treasurer be increased one hundred dollars.


Article 4. To see if the Town will accept as a perpetual trust the sum of one hundred dollars, the interest, or so much as may be


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necessary, to be used for the care of the "Susan J. Woods lot" in Vine Lake Cemetery.


Voted, that the trust be accepted.


Article 5. To see if the Town will vote to purchase a Motor Pumping Fire Engine, grant and appropriate money therefor or ·do or act anything relating thereto.


Voted, that the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, the Chief of the Fire Department and one other appoint- ed by the Moderator, be a committee to investigate as to cost and kind of apparatus required and report at some future meeting. Mr. M. E. Griffin was designated as the third member of said committee.


Article 6. To see if the Town will change the name of the square in the centre of the town, now known as Medfield Square, to "Clarence M. Cutler Square" in commemoration of the services to his country of the late Lieut. Clarence M. Cutler, and appoint a committee to arrange for suitable dedication service and grant and appropriate such sums of money as may be necessary for said services.


Voted, that the Square in Medfield be hereafter called "Clarence M. Cutler Square" and that the sum of seventy- five dollars be granted and appropriated for suitable com- memoration services ; said sum to be expended under the direction of a committee of three to be appointed by the Moderator. The Committee appointed was Frank G. Haley, Fred Laverty and Henry L. Kennedy.


All the articles having been acted upon the meeting was dissolved.


ATTEST :


STILLMAN J. SPEAR,


Town Clerk.


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SPECIAL TOWN MEETING


SEPTEMBER 19, 1921


Pursuant to a warrant issued by the Selectmen the in- habitants of the Town of Medfield, duly warned and no- tified in the manner prescribed by law, met at the Town Hall in said Medfield on the 19th day of September, 1921, at 7.30 o'clock in the evening and the following action was taken on the several articles contained in the war- rant :


Article 1. To hear and act on the report of the Committee appointed July 18, 1921, in relation to the purchase of a Motor Pumping Fire Engine; also to grant and appropriate money, if necessary to carry out any action taken by the Town in relation to said purchase.


Voted, that the report of the committee be accepted. A motion to postpone all action on this article until the next Annual Meeting, voted for by ballot with the use of the check list, was lost by a vote of "No" 76; "Yes" 54.


It was then moved that the sum of $4,500.00 be appro- priated for the purchase of a Motor Pumping Fire En- gine. This motion was lost by a ballot of "No" 59 to "Yes" 56. No further action was taken on the article.


Article 2. To see if the Town will grant and appropriate the sum of $800.00 for the purpose of purchasing additional hose for the Fire Department.


Voted, that the sum of $800 be granted and appropri- ated for the purchase of hose for the Fire Department.


Article 3. To see if the Town will vote to appoint a commit- tee of nine persons to be known as the "Warrant Committee"; said Committee to be appointed by the Moderator and Selectmen, to serve without compensation from the town and three members to be appointed for one year, three members for two years, and three members for three years; and thereafter three members to be appointed each year to fill existing vacancies. The duties of this




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