USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Medfield > Town annual reports of Medfield 1960-1966 > Part 68
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Term expired June 28, 1968
Term expires June 28, 1968
Term expires June 28, 1968
Term expires June 28, 1969
Term expires June 28, 1969
Term expires June 28, 1969
Memorial Day Committee
William H. Mann John J. O'Keefe
Lindsey Ripley, Jr. Arthur P. Walker
Edmund Wheelwright, Jr.
APPOINTMENT MADE BY TREASURER Marie N. Burke, Assistant Treasurer
APPOINTMENTS MADE BY COLLECTOR
Helen M. Bowser
Deputy Collectors Doris M. Rayner Robert L. Laz
APPOINTMENTS MADE BY FIRE CHIEF
Walter F. Reynolds, Jr., Deputy Fire Chief Frederick A. Rogers, Captain Roy Owen, Lieutenant (resigned) Ellis N. Allen, Lieutenant Clinton M. Clark, Lieutenant
Joseph E. Ryan, Lieutenant Mario Pederzini, Clerk
1
DEPARTMENTAL
REPORTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1966
16
TOWN OF MEDFIELD
1966
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
In March of 1966, the Board of Selectmen was organized as follows: Richard G. Connors, Chairman; Austin C. Buchanan, Clerk; and John J. O'Keefe, third member.
The overall insurance program for the town has been insti- tuted this year, completing the first assignment for the Insurance Advisory Committee. We trust that this new approach to the insurance needs for the Town will result in greater coverage at less cost with better supervision.
A Machine Accounting Committee was formed and conducted an investigation as directed by the vote of the Annual Town Meet- ing and their findings were that the present methods employed for town accounting are sufficient for the present. Some changes in accounting procedure have been effected to spread the work and make the operation more efficient.
As the Town grows, many of the problems become more press- . ing and there is an increasing need for facilities and personnel. At the next Annual Town Meeting, consideration will be given to a new Town Garage, traffic control signals, a full time Fire Chief and additional office space.
Our present vehicular equipment situation as far as the Fire, Police and Highway Departments are concerned seems good. Articles have been included to replace one highway truck and for the addi- tion of a two-ton roller and the annual replacement of one of the police cruisers. As long as we maintain a consistent replacement program, we should not find ourselves with emergency replacement requirements.
The Board has participated in several meetings and a seminar concerning local government in order to keep abreast of the many changes now taking place, in particular the effect of the Home Rule Amendment.
Listed in this report are all of the appointed officers and elected officers of the Town, and as a member of the Town com- munity, it is the wish of the Board of Selectmen that you would take an active interest and either contact the Board and offer yourself for appointment, or run for an elective office.
We would like to publicly express our appreciation to our former Town Counsel, Joseph S. Kennedy, who served the Town well for many years. We also wish to commend his successor, Charles Fuller, Jr., who was appointed Town Counsel in April of 1966.
We would like to thank our secretaries who have been in- valuable help to the Board during the past year and also the many
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ANNUAL REPORT
1966
volunteers who have served on committees and commissions, carrying out the many important duties of their office for the benefit of the Town.
Respectfully submitted, Richard G. Connors, Chairman Austin C. Buchanan, Clerk John J. O'Keefe BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REPORT OF THE MASTER PLAN IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
The permanent Master Plan Implementation Committee (MPIC), now in its second year of operation, has continued its assigned duties of working with Town Officials to see that the Master Plan is put into effect, and has prepared the following report pertaining to those aspects of the Master Plan which were put into effect during the year 1966.
(Note: The order in which the following items appear conforms to that of the "Recommended Six-Year Capital Improvements Program" on page 46 of the Master Plan Summary.)
1. Reconstruction of Main Street (Route 109) was completed in the center of Town and west to Spring Street. Funds exist for the comple- tion of this project to the Millis line, planned for the spring of 1967. Conduits for future traffic signals in the town center were laid during the work now complete. (Selectmen and Highway Department)
2. A temporary committee on sidewalks and pedestrian safety was formed, with plans to propose to the Town the establishment of such a committee on a permanent basis. (School Committee and others)
3. The new Junior High School building was completed and opened. (School Committee)
4. Additional land was acquired for conservation purposes. Three wetlands parcels were donated, amounting to approximately ten acres, and other land is in process of acquisition for back taxes. In addition, 110 acres was donated to the Trustees of Public Reservations by the Jewell Estate. (Conservation Commission)
5. Baker's Pond was cleaned and the associated green area was filled and graded to improve its appearance and usefulness. (Park and Recrea- tion Commission)
6. New basketball/tennis courts were constructed at the Junior High School site, thus increasing recreational facilities. (School Committee)
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TOWN OF MEDFIELD
1966
7. The new water supply well off Elm Street was dug and com- pleted. Pump and pipes are still to be installed, pending completion of legal work. (Water and Sewer Board)
8. The new "package sewage treatment plant" was put into opera- tion, and is adequate for the present sewer system. (Water and Sewer Board)
9. The new Building Code, adopted in 1965, was approved by the Attorney General's office, printed and distributed. (Planning Board)
10. Zoning By-Laws were amended to improve regulatory powers with respect to apartment buildings, and to clarify set-back requirements on corner lots. (Planning Board)
11. The street numbering project, which includes all existing and proposed streets in the Town, was completed.
Other work of a study or proposal nature which was accomplished during 1966 includes the following :
1. Continued contact between the Town and State Department of Public Works regarding the proposed relocation of Route 109. It was reported that aerial surveys have been made and maps drawn, but work on the proposed locations for a new highway has not been completed. (Selectmen and Planning Board)
2. Work on revision of subdivision rules and regulations, including the feasibility of underground wiring. (Planning Board)
3. Consideration of a proposal for additional Master Plan studies for Medfield, consisting of: Town-wide base map; Operational Soils Survey; Neighborhood Analyses and Urban Renewal Study; recom- mended Master Plan and Zoning By-Law Revisions. (Planning Board)
The following aspects of the Master Plan were proposed to the Town during 1966, but were defeated at Town Meetings:
1. Installation of traffic control signals in the center of Town.
2. Additional road reconstruction under the Street Improvement Program, a portion of which is planned for each year.
3. Acquisition of land adjacent to the Town Hall for a Town Com- mon and parking purposes.
4. Renovation of the North Street School for Town offices.
5. Renovation and enlargement of the Library.
The Master Plan Implementation Committee recognizes that the Master Plan is of itself only a guide or "blueprint" for the fuutre. How- ever, the importance of the Plan to long-range planning cannot be mini- mized, and the benefits available to the Town from such planning are derived only when various aspects of the Master Plan are put into effect. MPIC, responsible for such action, believes that understanding of the
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ANNUAL REPORT
1966
Plan by Medfield residents is important to continued orderly growth of the Town. To assist in this area, MPIC is preparing a supplement up- dating the Master Plan Summary for Town-wide distribution, and is making additional copies of the Summary available to new residents.
MPIC is most grateful to all Town Officials, Departments, Commit- tees and Boards for their reference to the Master Plan as a guide for future plans and proposals, and for their cooperation with MPIC.
Respectfully submitted,
Paul Hurd, Chairman
Term expires 1967
Blanchard Warren, Vice Chairman
Term expires 1969
Grace P. Ritchie, Secretary
Term expires 1968
Donald Ocker
John Cracknell
Term expires 1967 Term expires 1967 Term expires 1968
Leo Kelley
Term expires 1968
Joseph Donnelly Robert Mitchell
Term expires 1969
Joseph Sears
Term expires 1969
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
During 1966 the Medfield Industrial Commission made an all out effort to meet with the owner of the land adjoining Medfield Junction that is zoned for Industrial use. Exclusive rights to develop the area have now been given to a real estate agent who has met with the Com- mission, the Planning Board and the Selectmen. Progress is now being made.
The Commission is reviewing the Zoning By-Laws and is writing a proposed set of By-Laws governing all land zoned for industrial use to protect the natural beauty of the town, to protect land owners and to protect the town's interests while providing desired revenue.
Respectfully submitted,
GORDON YARLOTT FRED HANNULA DONALD HANN WILLIAM SPANG RUSSELL NILSON
REPORT OF THE TREE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Due to the snow storm of January 23 and 24, 1966 inflicting ex- tensive damage to trees along the roadsides, it was necessary to increase the appropriation by $2,000.00 to cope with the added work. All of the
20
TOWN OF MEDFIELD
1966
obvious storm damage has been taken care of but periodically with high winds weakened branches occasionally fall. Many trees are becoming weakened by the drought, most notably the Maples. Although most of the major pruning of our roadside trees has been completed, it will be necessary to appropriate $6,400.00 for the care of trees for the year 1967.
Our tree planting program progressed well this fall with the planting of such species as Maple, Linden, Dogwood, Oak and Locust. The ma- jority of these trees were planted behind the sidewalks and in some cases behind the property lines so as not to interfer with traffic, utilities, or snow removal. Some planting was carried out with the Highway Depart- ment in conjunction with their widening project in the center of Medfield. It is hoped that there will be some more planting in the center area this coming year. I recommend the sum of $1,000.00 be appropriated for Tree Planting for 1967.
Respectfully submitted, ELLIS N. ALLEN
REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INSECT PEST CONTROL
The Dutch Elm Disease problem this past year was not as serious as in the past with only twenty-one Elms infected, as compared to thirty- nine Elms the previous year. With continued sanitation, pruning, and spraying programs it is hoped that the disease will continue on the de- crease. I recommend the sum of $2,000.00 be appropriated for the Control of Dutch Elm Disease in 1967.
Our Insect Pest Control program again was satisfactory with a minimum of feeding on the Elms by the Elm Leaf Beetles; however other insects, namely the Eastern Tent Caterpillar and the Gypsy Moth may again be on the increase in this area. I recommend the sum of $1,000.00 be appropriated for Insect Pest Control for 1967. The spray materials used by this department are of the least toxic types recommended by the University of Massachusetts and by the State Pesticide Board.
Poison Ivy continues at a minimum along our roadsides and with the appropriation of $100.00 I am sure it will be kept at a minimum.
Respectfully submitted,
ELLIS N. ALLEN
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION FOR 1966
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
In addition to the regular care of properties under the Commission's jurisdiction, namely, Baxter Park, Metocomet Field, the tennis court on
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ANNUAL REPORT
1966
Adams Street, the Bakers Pond area, and the Swimming Pond area off Green Street - substantial improvements were made at Bakers Pond. The Pond was thoroughly cleaned out, land fill at no cost was obtained from the Highway Department and the new Fernandez Market area, and as a result, an additional section adjacent to the Pond was filled, graded and seeded. This small but strategically located parcel of land has long been below par in appearance and the Commission is gratified at having made substantial inroads toward giving this property the beauty it should have. The Highway Department and Boy Scout Troop 89 were extremely helpful to the Commission in this project, as was Mr. Merlon Spender who, as usual, did an outstanding job in maintaining and beautifying all of the Town properties under the Commission's care.
The swimming program under the direction of Chairman Walter Frank completed its fifth successful season with 2,572 registrants con- tributing $3,603 to defray the cost of operation, making it 48% self- supporting. Mr. James V. Calio, Jr. served in the capacity of Waterfront Director, and Mrs. Frank McWilliams served for her fifth year as Chief Swimming Instructor. Both did outstanding work and cooperated to make our program one of which the townspeople can be duly proud. 210 youngsters received standard Red Cross certificates in the various cate- gories. An interesting event was noted when Gretchen Schultz - a non- swimmer in 1962, the year Medfield's Swimming Pond was completed, took her place in a lifeguard chair in 1966, as a regular member of the Staff, a tribute not only to the young lady, but also to the progress made by the program. Miss Schultz received all her Red Cross training at Medfield Swim Pond.
The Medfield Youth Center, operating under the supervision of a subcommittee of the Commission, made further progress this year. The Center, administered almost exclusively by a group of young people, work- ing with adult advisors, has saved up a treasury, which it hopes will be matched with town funds, the sum total to be used to renovate the North Street School sufficiently to convert it into a community house, and youth center. The group has been running Saturday night dances with live bands at the Dale Street School, but it is the hope of the young people to expand their activities over a period of time. Mr. Robert Luke became Chairman of the adult advisory group and Miss Gail LaBaugh, President of the Youth Center itself. Mr. O. Scott Fader, Vice Chairman of the Commission, is liaison, and as always the guiding light of the opera- tion.
After an abortive attempt to create a safe skating rink at the Swim- ming Pond parking area during the winter 1965-1966, the Commission decided this year to develop the surface of the Pond itself for skating. This was not done in the past because no assurance could be given to the
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TOWN OF MEDFIELD
1966
Townspeople of proper supervision. This year a subcommittee is being formed to operate a safe skating program. It will be known as the "Win- ter Recreation Subcommittee" and will function, as does the Youth Cen- ter, as an independent and autonomous organization with its own officers and treasury. It is hoped that this organization will prove that skating can be successfully pursued on the surface of the pond, in which case the Commission plans to operate a more formal program in the years to come. Mr. Louis Lee DeSorgher, liaison member of the Commission, is in charge of developing the program.
Diane Little and Raymond Florest acted as Youth Representatives to the Commission for the year. They were chosen by the principal and teachers of the High School at the close of their Junior year. This young lady and young man bring to the Commission the views and fresh ideas of their schoolmates while at the same time learning at firsthand about the workings of Town Government.
The Commission is grateful to all the Town Departments, service organizations, and individuals who gave so generously of their time.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER FRANK, Chairman 0. SCOTT FADER, Vice Chairman FREDERICK H. LOADER, Secretary RAYMOND L. GIROUARD LOUIS LEE DeSORGHER
REPORT OF THE CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
We respectfully submit the following report of the Vine Lake Ceme- tery for 1966.
.
This season we completed another segment of our road building pro- gram and hope that through a special article in the 1967 Warrant we can continue with this type of improvement.
We are also asking for a sum of money in another article to begin the task of surveying and laying out a new section that will encompass the section at the Bridge and Dale Street corner. We feel that this is probably a 5 to 8 year project and should be started this year.
The project around the pond is slow but it is being done with a mini- mum expense.
Sorry to report that no progress has been made regarding vandalism. Somebody's little "darling" spoils it for the rest and we still feel it is a problem of the parent as well as the child.
As usual, we cannot thank the other departments of the town enough
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ANNUAL REPORT
1966
for the assistance in our behalf, and in our road program we will welcome their help again.
Respectfully submitted, JOSEPH A. ROBERTS ALLISON T. CARR WALTER REYNOLDS
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TOWN GARAGE COMMITTEE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
This committee was formed by the Medfield Board of Selectmen on December 22, 1965. Since then. we have met at two-week intervals, with few exceptions, and have invested an approximate total of 200 man-hours' effort.
Working with the Highway Department, Tree Department, Water Department and Cemetery Department, our interim accomplishments in- clude the determination and evaluation of space requirements for con- solidation of present and future :
1. Vehicle storage
2. Supporting services
3. Office and personnel areas
In addition, members have viewed similar buildings in other towns and have considered site possibilities in Medfield. A contract for a topo- graphical survey was let to study one specific site in greater detail.
We have obtained the following results :
1. Preliminary building plans, specifications and costs have been furnished by an architectural firm under contract to this com- mittee. These plans include the concept of a minimum-cost ex- pandable structure in accordance with the "interim" studies noted above.
2. A proposed site for this structure has been selected. This pro- posal is based on the use of land reasonably remote from popu- lated areas, while maintaining personnel availability in case of town emergencies, storms, etc.
Without the degree of assistance given us by the Selectmen and Messrs. McCarthy, Allen, Leighton and Roberts, our study would have been much more difficult. We are pleased to take this opportunity to acknowledge their contributions.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES E. GIFFORD, Chairman ROBERT C. COLEMAN SEDGREN J. DICK FOREST T. WILLS
MEDFIELD TOWN GARAGE MEDFIELD, MASS R. A. DENZER ASSOCIATES
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ANNUAL REPORT
1966
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
I herewith submit my report for 1966.
We in the Fire Departent honestly feel that during the past year many improvements have been made and we hope to see many more in the future. Department Personnel and Equipment are operating very efficiently with two new pieces of apparatus having been added. In May, a 750 G.P.M. Pumping Engine was placed in service and in October, Med- field's first Aerial Ladder Truck was delivered. Although this truck had been used for many years by the City of Revere, it is now in excellent condition. Training sessions are now being conducted in the use of these vehicles.
The Fire Alarm Transmitter at the State Hospital which is inade- quate for our present needs is once again undergoing repairs.
Looking ahead, I am strongly recommending placing the position of Chief on a full-time basis. This has been under consideration for many years and should not be postponed any longer.
The acceptance of many new streets will be acted upon at this Town Meeting. Many more businesses and industries are moving in each year which will cause a steady population growth and naturally increase the over-all valuation of property to be protected by the Fire Department.
Latest figures show that (1) our residential areas contain buildings valued at $27,306,820, (2) our business and industrial buildings are valued at $1,581,490 excluding land and equipment and (3) Town owned build- ings and churches represent $7,646,975. These figures will definitely increase each year. Forest and woodlands comprise 41.6% of the town land area and always present a fire hazard.
Under the present system, it is impossible to make routine inspec- tions of homes and business places, many of which are required by Sta- tute. The town has recently adopted a Building Code which can be enforced and kept up to date only by inspection. In short, the Chief's duties are presently being carried out too hurriedly because a part-time Chief cannot do a full-time job. Therefore, my request is that you have a man devoting a full work week, fifty-two weeks a year, available at all times to Fire Department services, with some provision being made for transportation. For two years I have used my car on a mileage allowance, but this has not proved satisfactory.
We must all realize that eventually, the Fire Alarm Box system must be extended, so as a beginning, I am asking for the installation of four boxes this year with the idea in mind of adding more each year until the job is completed. This to me, is far better than having it all to do at once within a few years.
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TOWN OF MEDFIELD
1966
Recently, a two day Seminar was conducted in Walpole, sponsored by the Norfolk County Fire Fighters Association and the Norfolk County Chiefs Club assisted by the Massachusetts Department of Education. Ten local Fire Fighters including three Officers attended and the Town was well rewarded with the knowledge that was gained in all phases of Fire Control. Considering the ambition, enthusiasm and capabilities of the men, I am asking that an increase in wages be granted.
I am deeply grateful to the townspeople for their response during Fire Prevention Week when numerous parents and children attended open house at our station and also my sincere thanks to those businessmen who, through their generosity, made it possible for the Fire and Police Departments to be eligible for benefits derived from the One Hundred Club of Massachusetts, an organization which provides for families of men who lose their lives in the line of duty.
To Lieutenant Roy Owen who retired in October after thirty-eight years of service, I express my thanks and appreciation for his efforts.
To you who are not familiar with Fire Department and Civil Defense operations, I extend an invitation to visit the Station and become acquainted.
Classification of services rendered during 1966:
Buildings
27
Woods and Grass
69
Public Dump
7
Automobiles
9
Railroad Bridge
1
Rubbish
12
Pumping Cellars
2
Station Duty
19
Highway Accidents
9
Drownings
1
Mutual Aid
5
False
14
Bomb Scares
2
Cat in Tree
4
Lock-Outs
3
Fire Patrols
7
Reports Investigated
308
Oil Storage Permits
28
Building Inspections
17
Burning Permits
715
In closing, I express my gratitude to the Officers and Men of the Department, Police Chief and all Police Officers, Fire Alarm Operators
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ANNUAL REPORT
1966
and all other Town Departments who rendered valuable assistance dur- ing the year.
Respectfully, WALTER F. FEYNOLDS,
Chief
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
During 1966 Assistance and Service has been rendered to ninety-nine cases under categories of Old Age Assistance, Medical Assistance for the Aged, Medical Assistance, Aid to Families with Dependent Children, Disability Assistance and General Relief. Aid rendered in all categories was as follows:
Old Age Assistance $19,057.66
Medical Assistance for the Aged and Medical Assistance 52,300.93
Aid to Families with Dependent Children 18,418.27
Disability Assistance 12,647.21
General Relief 1,190.10
The year 1966 has seen many changes in public welfare. Under the Social Security Act Medicare, a medical care program for those over 65 years, became a reality on July 1, 1966. The full impact of this legisla- tion has not been felt in Public Welfare to date.
As of September 1, 1966 a new program, Medical Assistance, (some- times referred to as Medicaide) was created. This program is a total care medical program under Title 19 of the Social Security Act for all who meet the eligibility requirements, with special emphasis on total medical care for children. A total medical care program for all is the aim of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare to the benefit of all our peoples.
Continued emphasis is being placed on Rehabilitation through physi- cal restoration and job training. Under the Division of Employment Security and Manpower Development and Training Act job training courses are being offered. To take advantage of this training program one must qualify.
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