USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Waltham > Town annual reports of Wayland Massachusetts 1960-1962 > Part 22
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We wish to thank the people of the Town for their cooperation and understanding during the two or three weeks that kept the men thawing pipes night and day. We also want to thank the other Town Depart- ments for the pleasant relations we have enjoyed over the years.
Pertinent Statistics - 1961
Number of services in use
3,002
Length of Main
70 miles
Number of hydrants
411
New services, 1961
100
Mains added, 1961
2 miles (included in above)
Water pumped
368 million gallons
Renewals
4
Relocations
2
Leaks
34
Freeze-ups
73
Respectfully submitted,
ALFRED C. DAMON, FERN A. TAYLOR, LAURENCE K. COOK, Board of Water Commissioners.
106
SIDEWALK COMMITTEE REPORT
In accordance with the vote under Article 2 at the Adjourned Annual Town Meeting held at the Wayland Senior High School on March 15, 1961 a committee was established to make a study and recommendations with respect to (1) a policy to be pursued by the Town with respect to the construction of sidewalks, (2) the priorities to be followed in connection with any construction recommended (3) the over-all cost which might be involved in any program and (4) the amount which should be recommended for expenditure annually therefor, and the Committeee be authorized to arrange with the Planning Board for engineering services as seemed necessary in connection with carrying out the initial stages of a program, such report with recommendations to be made at the next Town meeting. The committee was to consist of five members, one member of the Road Commissioners, one member of the School Committee, one member of the Planning Board, one member of the Finance Committee, each to be designated by his respective board or committee, and a fifth member at large to be appointed by the four so designated.
Several meetings and field trips were held by the Committee during which the many aspects concerned with sidewalk construction were dis- cussed and reviewed. The survey considered sidewalk construction and its apparent relation to accidents within the Town if any, the effect which might result in the busing of school children, priority locations for future sidewalk construction, the role to be played by the Highway Department and possible regulations to be included in Subdivision Regulations.
As of the date of the survey there had been five (5) recorded acci- dents during 1961 in the Town involving pedestrians including one fatality. It was felt that in the four (4) non-fatal accidents the presence or lack of sidewalks at the accident site had no bearing on the accident. In the case of the fatality it was felt that a sidewalk in that particular area would not have had an effect due to the apparent nature of the accident; however, portions of Route 30 East, near where the accident occurred, are considered to be in a priority area for sidewalk construc- tion. It was felt that sidewalks should be constructed within the two areas comprising Cochituate Center and Wayland Center because of the volume of pedestrian travel in these two areas.
It was generally understood by the Committee that pupils residing more than a mile from the school attended are provided transportation and that those pupils who must travel a dangerous route are offered transportation regardless of distance. There are several areas adjacent to school sites where additional sidewalks would allow pupils to walk safely to school which will save busing costs and allow these pupils to participate in after-school-hour activities without dependence upon school bus schedules.
Consideration has been given to the savings that may result if school children walk instead of being bused. It has been estimated that for every 50 children that are enabled to walk because of the construc- tion of sidewalks one bus route can be eliminated at a savings of approxi- mately $520 a year. It should be realized that this is a maximum figure that cannot always be realized as it may not be possible to efficiently
107
fill the bus space vacated with other children. However, assuming this figure it can be seen that the capitalized value of this savings can be as much as $5200 and that if this were the only criterion it would be worthwhile to build $5200 worth of sidewalk if 50 children are thereby enabled to walk to school.
Several areas in Town should receive priority from the standpoint of scheduling of sidewalk construction in the following order: School sites, Cochituate and Wayland Centers and along the major traveled roads (Routes 30, 20, 27 and 126). As school sites are in general located in the vicinity of heavily populated areas, sidewalks here would serve the greatest number of persons and should be considered in the vicinity of Loker Street, Happy Hollow and Claypit Schools in that order. In the case of all three schools, major highways lie in the immediate vicinity of the school sites where sidewalks would afford safe walking areas for many pupils.
To date, sidewalk construction has been under the control and supervision of the Highway Department. It is felt that this responsi- bility should remain with this Department and that an annual amount of $5,000.00 per year should be included in the Highway Department budget over the next four years to allow for the construction of new sidewalks in the critical areas as outlined above.
Based on past contracts, the average cost to construct sidewalks, exclusive of engineering and land takings, has been approximately $3.50 per linear foot for paved sidewalks and $1.00 per linear foot for unpaved gravel sidewalks. An annual budget amount of $5,000.00 would permit completion of the first four items in the specific program given below within 4 years. In conjunction with this construction it is recom- mended that the Planning Board require Sub-developers to provide an area adjacent to road construction which will allow sidewalk construc- tion in the critical areas (adjacent to the school sites or in heavily traveled areas).
Specific Sidewalk Program in recommended order of priority.
Type of Sidewalk
1. East Plain Street from Dunster to School Street Paved
2. Commonwealth Road from School to Loker Gravel
3. Loker Street to Loker School Gravel
4. Old Connecticut Path from West Plain Street to Stonebridge Road
Paved
5. Millbrook Road, Plain Road from Millbrook Road to Claypit Hill Road Gravel
6. Maiden Lane from Old Connecticut Path to Happy Hollow School Paved
Future Program
Sherman Bridge Road and Oxbow Road in area within walking dis- tance of North Wayland School site.
Dunster Street and Access Road to New Junior High School when latter is built.
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Draper Road in area within walking distance of Claypit Hill School.
Respectfully submitted,
L. W. BERTELSEN, Planning Board J. B. GREGORY, School Committee H. MEGATHLIN, Road Commissioner
W. A. LOKER, Finance Committee H. H. JENKINS, Member-At-Large
REPORT OF THE PLUMBING INSPECTOR
The following is the Plumbing Inspector's Report to the Town of Wayland.
There were 157 Permits issued and the amount of $1,375.50 collected and turned over to the Town Collector.
All violations of the Plumbing Code have been corrected.
On July 1, 1961 this office assumed the work of Gas and Appliance Inspector.
There were 50 Permits issued and the amount of $418.50 collected and turned over to the Town Collector.
There were no violations of the Gas and Appliance Code.
Respectfully submitted,
DONALD K. IDE, Plumbing Inspector.
PARK DEPARTMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 1961
The Board has continued to try to improve the twenty-five areas under its jurisdiction. The dam at the Mill Pond had to be replaced, to permit the Pond's maximum use. Plans are in progress for the control of erosion at the Beach and the possible expansion of its area and facilities.
The Beach enjoyed the largest attendance in its history and, it is hoped, to provide the Town with an increasingly attractive facility.
The Commissioners wish to thank the residents of the Town and its officials for the support and cooperation it has received. The Commis- sioners wish also to record their thanks and gratitude for the constant hard work and attention to duty displayed by the personnel of the Department during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
NATHANIEL HAMLEN, JOSEPH HORVATH, THOMAS F. MURRAY, Board of Park Commissioners.
109
REPORT OF WAYLAND PLANNING BOARD - 1961
During 1961 the Planning Board held regular meetings on the first and third Monday evenings at 8:00 P. M. George F. Bowers, Jr., was re-elected to a five year term in the annual Town Election.
Subdivision Control
In 1961 the Planning Board approved the following new sub- divisions :
Subdivider:
No. of New Lots 20
Feet of New Roads
E. P. Robsham
Campbell Road
936
Oxbow Road
870
Reeves Hill Trust Forest Hill Road
10
1,456
W. C. Richards
4
300
Wayland Bay Colony Assoc. Holiday Road
13
1,190
Forty Acres Estate -
A. W. Rowe, Tr. Forty Acres Drive
22
2,519
S. A. Cutler
15
920
Heard Road
1,050
E. A. Phylis - Loker Manor Extension of Aqueduct Road
19
825
Gregory Road
850
TOTAL
103 Lots
10,916 ft. of road
A comparison of subdivision activity follows, showing 1961 and the previous 6 years :
Year
No. of New Lots Created
Feet of New Roads
1955
187
15,000
1956
137
14,400
1957
96
11,200
1958
55
6,300
1959
57
5,300
1960
87
10,300
1961
103
10,916
It should be noted that the increase in new lots created each year since 1958 continued in 1961. At the end of 1961 the board had knowledge of probable intent on the part of land owners to subdivide and create at least as many lots as were approved in 1961, although they may not all be created in 1962.
110
Eliott Road
Extension of Cole Road
Therefore, Wayland is obviously attractive to outsiders to establish residence here. Although there is the potential for the establishment of approximately 2,500 new house lots more than now exist, we see some tendency already toward development of marginal land involving special construction of roads and house sites in order to meet Board of Health requirements for drainage and sewage disposal systems.
Sand Hill Development
Sand Hill, just west of the Town dump on Boston Post Road, offers the best potential area in town for limited commercial land use on a large scale. The board, in correspondence with Jack P. Ricciardi, Com- missioner of Public Works for the Commonwealth, has learned that any relocation of Route 20 by means of a by-pass around Wayland Center would undoubtedly affect development of Sand Hill to its maxi- mum. Alternate Route 20 proposals are:
1. Using the present path of the road over Sand Hill, but probably lowering the road and hill considerably.
2. Relocating the road to the south of the railroad tracks.
Because of these alternatives ultimate maximum use of the area as limited commercial land cannot be planned until the by-pass question is resolved.
An early decision by the Commonwealth as to the final location of Route 20 would greatly assist the Town in changing the use of this land to broaden the tax base.
General Matters
Subdivision control and administration continue to require almost all of the time of the board. With the rate of residential development increasing, the question of engineering assistance to the board is increasingly important. The Road Commissioners and the Highway Superintendent contribute invaluable assistance to the Planning Board in evaluating subdivision plans and in policing road and drainage con- struction rules. The prime responsibility of these people however is maintenance of existing roads, and since the quantity of roads is increas- ing, we may be approaching the time for a Town Engineer to be employed for engineering and administration assistance for many boards and specifically to advise the Planning Board and handle administrative matters of subdivision control.
In addition to above duties L. W. Bertelsen serves on the Sidewalk Committee, E. F. Thorburn serves on the School Building Committee, A. H. Morgan serves on the Conservation Commission, R. H. Charnock serves on the Community Advisory Council of the Massachusetts Mass Transportation Commission, Katherine Hodges is our representative to the Framingham Area Association of Planning Boards, and G. F. Bowers, Jr. serves on the Pelham Island Road Study Committee.
We applaud the work and recent statements of the newly appointed Conservation Commission concerning the possible depletion of the natural assets of the Town and hope that their efforts will result in a plan of conservation for the Town and that as a result the Town or other conservation organizations might acquire land in the future for the preservation of water supply, wooded areas, and wet lands.
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In 1961 the board completed engineering work for the layout by the Selectmen of Lincoln and Draper roads. These are presently very attractive although for the most part narrow, unimproved, and without drainage. While the surrounding land is relatively undeveloped, the Town should recognize that in time these roads will have to be rebuilt to take heavier traffic and that the establishment of side lines should be done now. No road construction by the Town should be undertaken until development makes it necessary.
We commend the continued interest of individuals and groups in the Town's affairs such as the Wayland Civic Association and the League of Women Voters, whose representatives attend meetings of Town Boards and Committees to keep informed on local government.
Past and Present Planning
Responsibility for planning lies not only with the Planning Board but also with many other boards and committees which are concerned with phases of the development and growth of the town. Since World War II, the forethought in advanced planning of these boards and committees has well prepared the town to meet the onslaught of its high population growth. This action has been well received by the town.
Perhaps the most serious and continuing growth problem has been with schools; for fourteen years the town has been well guided by the recommendations of the School Committee and School Building Commit- tee. The quality of education is high, and the expansion of facilities has been orderly.
Through the foresight of the Finance Committee, the town is in a position where it is now able to expand schools, has built the town office building, and purchased fire equipment and maintenance vehicles without borrowing.
The committee to study town government has guided the town in governmental operations and organization changes that have resulted in more efficient government for the future. These include establishing the position of executive secretary and fire chief, in making use of Board of Health nurses for the public schools, and of a plan for equip- ment purchase and operations for the Fire Department on an economical basis.
The Board of Water Commissioners has provided a growing water distribution plant, including building of a stand pipe which should serve adequately for many years, without outside financing.
The successful results coming from the work of these other boards indicate that their work should be continued in those areas of planning in which they are particularly well informed. The Planning Board has operated in areas lying outside the sphere of responsibility of other boards, in matters largely concerned with zoning, sub-division control, and other measures to control and regulate land use and rate of growth. Within the last decade, it has recommended revision of the zoning by-laws in matters of residential zoning, zoning for business and limited commercial use and revision of business zoning regulations, the estab- lishment of site plan approval and the creation of the flood plain district. All of these measures are aimed at preserving the natural assets of Wayland, in maintaining its essential rural character (but with a recognition that growth is inevitable), and in encouraging the develop-
112
ment of all areas in a manner making optimum efficient and compatible use of all areas. On occasion, the Planning Board has recommended expansion of commercial activities, in all cases with the view that the proposal offered better utilization of the land, more income at less expense, and a greater asset to the town than with any other use.
For some time the Planning Board has been working toward estab- lishing a master plan for the town and has received recommendations for that purpose in the report of James L. Harris, a planning consultant. The following topics have been included in the Harris report :
1. General summary of Proposals
2. Population Projections
3. Fiscal Analysis
4. School Enrollments and Facilities
5. Recreation and Open Land Preservation
6. Transportation, Streets and Highways, Parking Facilities
7. Municipal Services and Utilities
8. Improvement of Certain Residential Areas - Urban Renewal
9. Land Use in the Future
10. Zoning and Subdivision Control
11. Capital Budgeting
Some of these topics will be reflected in the master plan as well as our own studies and recommendations. Other of the Harris recom- mendations are in the nature of analysis of existing and past conditions which have served their purpose in having provided for such town action as the establishment of Recreation Advisory Committee and the creation of the Conservation Commission, in bringing about such action as flood plain zoning and revision of Planning Board subdivision regulations, and in setting the stage for the Planning Board's recommendation to create the Redevelopment Authority.
Preparing for the future is a many sided responsibility and the concern of many agencies. The growth of Wayland has been orderly and within its financial ability. We look forward to continued responsible action by these boards in their respective areas of responsibility, and offer them assistance when necessary. Any plan, whether a master plan or a plan of a specific topic, needs continued evaluation, and the attention of the Town and its Boards and Committees to all planning is continually required.
Respectfully submitted,
L. W. BERTELSEN, GEORGE F. BOWERS, JR., KATHERINE HODGES, ALLEN H. MORGAN, EDWARD F. THORBURN, ROBERT H. CHARNOCK, Chairman.
January 15, 1962.
113
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF TRUST FUNDS
During the year 1961, there were no additions or deletions to the Trust Funds of the Town. No issues matured or were called and the extra income accumulated during the year was placed in the Savings Bank until such time as sufficient funds are available for advantageous reinvestment of same. A list of the Trust Funds and their present investment status will be found in the Report of the Town Treasurer.
John G. Harder was elected by the town to succeed J. Sidney Stone (retired) and his connection in the Investment Banking Field should be of inestimable value to the Trustees in administering these Funds.
Respectfully submitted, ALLAN R. FINLAY, JOHN G. HARDER, THOMAS B. GANNETT, Chairman.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
The year 1961 has brought about several major changes in personnel and categories. J. Sidney Stone, a member of the Board for over 20 years, decided that he did not care to continue. This vacancy was filled at the town election in March. Mr. Dominic L. Bartholomew of Sherman Bridge Road was elected to the three year term vacated by Mr. Stone.
On February 28, 1961, Mrs. Helen Tufts, our director of public assistance, retired after more than 20 years of faithful service to the town. Mrs. Tufts had a humane and sincere understanding of problems that confronted many of our townspeople. Giving unstintingly of her time far and above what the position called for, the Board wishes to commend Helen Tufts for having done such. Wishing her a happy retirement.
Mrs. James Warwick stepped up from Social Worker to the position vacated by Mrs. Tufts.
On October 4, 1961, the untimely death of Carlisle D. Scotland, a member of this Board for over 20 years, occurred. His passing on has left a void that will be hard to fill. Giving advice, helping unfortunate people to better understand their problems, always willing to give just a little bit more, never turning down any extra assignments, and there were many; may we say our loss is the Lord's gain.
Attached is the statistical report of the Board.
Respectfully submitted,
RONALD H. WOOD, Chairman *CARLISLE D. SCOTLAND DOMINIC L. BARTHOLOMEW
* Deceased
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Welfare Statistics
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
1959
1960
1961
Case Load January 1
65
63
49
Case Load December 31
63
62
40
Average Monthly Case Load
63.1
62.6
44.6
Total Gross Expenditures
$80,964.68
$86,081.10
$45,913.72
Average Monthly Cost per Case
$106.93
$114.60
$85.82
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE AGED
Case Load January 1
16
Case Load December 31
16
Average Monthly Case Load
17.8
Total Gross Expenditures Average Monthly Cost per Case
$41,956.97
$196.98
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN
Case Load January 1
10 Cases, 33 Persons
10 Cases,
29 Persons
10 Cases,
29 Persons
Case Load December 31
9 Cases, 26 Persons
10 Cases, 29 Persons
11 Cases,
33 Persons
Average Monthly Case Load
11.2 Cases, 33.3 Persons
9.7 Cases, 27.5 Persons
10.6 Cases, 29.8 Persons
Total Gross Expenditures
$16,806.18
$14,677.20
$16,448.65
Average Monthly Cost per Case
$125.05
$126.09
$129.52
DISABILITY ASSISTANCE
Case Load January 1
3
3
0
Case Load December 31
4
1
1
Average Monthly Case Load
4.0
1
Total Gross Expenditures
$6,124.23
$1,106.98
$452.34
Average Monthly Cost per Case
$127.59
$92.25
GENERAL RELIEF
Case Load January 1
7 Cases,
19 Persons
6 Cases, 22 Persons
5 Cases,
17 Persons
Case Load December 31
6 Cases, 20 Persons
5 Cases,
24 Persons
2 Cases,
2 Persons
Average Monthly Case Load
5.3 Cases, 13.8 Persons $8,257.51
$129.83
4.7 Cases, 17.5 Persons $9,790.71 $173.59
4.0 Cases,
9.4 Persons
Total Gross Expenditures
Average Monthly Cost per Case
$7,881.99 $164.22
115
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
The Board of Health submits the following report for the year ending December 31, 1961.
At a special meeting of the Board of Health in May 1961, Mr. Ronald Wood was appointed agent.
Dog Clinic
A total of 127 dogs were inoculated and protected against rabies. A clinic was conducted under the direction of Dr. Paul R. Granholm of Weston.
Statistics
Permits issued by the Board of Health in 1961:
Restaurants
13
Milk (store)
23
Milk (dairy)
15
Alcohol
11
Ice Cream (manufacture)
1
Sewage Disposal permits
122
Nursing Homes
3
Camps
1
Nursery School
3
Burial Permits
50
Notice to Abate a Nuisance
212
Communicable diseases reported to the Board of Health - January to December 31, 1961:
Chicken Pox
36
Dog Bites
63
Mumps
104
Salmonella
3
Scarlet Fever
7
Strep Throat
11
Measles
47
German Measles
10
Premature Births
11
Mosquito Control in Wayland in 1961
Mosquito control work commenced in mid-winter with DDT dusting of frozen swamplands to prevent development of the spring brood of mosquitoes. A few remaining areas were treated in April or May after mosquito larvae appeared. The main Sudbury River Meadows were not treated because mosquito breeding was too sparce.
As usual there was considerable migration from outside sources and these mosquitoes were partially reduced by night-time fogging and aerial spraying.
From June through September the usual Culex (House Mosquito) inspection and spraying was carried out. Helicopter service could not be obtained for the Mansonia perturbans mosquito brood in June and July in Mill Pond swamp, but repeated night-time fogging helped a little.
116
Drainage work was done near Lake St. and ditches cleared in most other places.
Financial Statement
Balance on hand December 31, 1960
$3,941.12 1961 Appropriation received August 12, 1961 7,500.00
Expenditures in 1961
Labor
$3,878.09
Insurance, Retirement
387.40
Office operation
554.96
Office rent
46.15
Barn rent
171.00
Equipment and operation
967.59
Vehicle replacement
None
Insecticide
554.96
Aircraft service
362.00
Other services (truck hire)
65.00
Balance on hand December 31, 1961
$4,453.97
The East Middlesex Mosquito Control Commission has requested an appropriation of $7,500. for 1962.
Respectfully submitted,
RLA:fmg
ROBERT L. ARMSTRONG, Superintendent.
SANITARY ENGINEER'S REPORT
Board of Health
Wayland, Massachusetts Gentlemen :
The following is a report of my activities for your Board for the calendar year 1961.
Sewage Disposal
During the calendar year, 1961, one hundred and twenty-two permits were issued by your Board for the construction or alteration of sewage disposal systems, after the necessary preliminary inspections and recom- mendations were made to your Board. A total of more than six hundred (600) inspections were made to insure effective design and construction of these systems ... and to advise builders and home owners concerning the proper installation and operation of these systems.
Restaurant Sanitation
During the calendar year 1961, inspections were made at eating places where known sanitary problems existed, with corrective action
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$6,987.15
indicated to the owners where necessary. It is expected that the practice of making unannounced inspections will be stepped up during the coming year to provide for more effective control of these eating establishments.
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