USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Lynnfield > Town of Lynnfield, Essex County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, annual report 1931-1940 > Part 3
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And we have determined and awarded the damages sustained by persons in their property by reason of said specific repairs as follows, viz .: Nothing.
And the Commissioners, acting under authority of Section 16 of Chapter 82 of the General Laws, will reimburse the town of Lynnfield, in a part of the cost of the work herein authorized.
And the petition in so far as it relates to Summer Street is left open for further action.
In Testimony Whereof, we have hereunto set our hands this 2nd day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and thirty-one.
ROBERT H. MITCHELL, RAYMOND H. TREFRY, FREDERICK BUTLER, County Commissioners.
Essex, ss. Court of County Commissioners, August term, A. D. 1931.
The foregoing report is filed and accepted and thereupon it is or- dered that the same be recorded, and that all things therein ordered be done and performed accordingly.
Attest,
E. Phillip Littlefield, Deputy Asst. Clerk.
A true copy,
Attest,
E. Phillip Littlefield, Deputy Asst. Clerk.
31
REPORT OF TOWN CLERK
STATE AUDIT THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF CORPORATIONS AND TAXATION DIVISION OF ACCOUNTS State House, Boston
May 12, 1931.
To the Board of Selectmen, Mr. Archie L. Hayward, Chairman, Lynnfield, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith my report of an audit of the accounts of the town of Lynnfield for the period from March 18, 1928 to March 31, 1931, made in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44, General Laws. This report is in the form of a report made to me by Mr. Edward H. Fenton, Chief Accountant of this Division.
Very truly yours, THEODORE N. WADDELL, Director of Accounts.
TNW:B
Mr. Theodore N. Waddell, Director of Accounts,
Department of Corporations and Taxation,
State House, Boston.
Sir:
As directed by you, I have made an audit of the books and accounts of the town of Lynnfield for the period from March 18, 1928, the date of the previous audit, to March 31, 1931, and submit the following report thereon:
The financial transactions of the town as recorded on the books of the several departments receiving or disbursing money for the town were examined and reconciled with the town accountant's books.
The books and accounts of the collector and treasurer, as treasurer, were examined and checked. The recorded receipts were checked with the records in the several departments collecting money for the town and with the other sources from which money was paid into the town treasury, while the recorded payments were proved by checking in de-
32
TOWN OF LYNNFIELD
tail all treasury checks issued during the period audited to the approved treasury warrants. Numerous errors which were found in checking both the receipts and payments were adjusted, and the corrected cash balance as of March 31, 1931, was established.
The treasurer's corrected cash balance on March 31, 1931, called for $2,090.13 more than the treasurer's bank balance, as determined by a reconciliation of the bank account, showed on that date. This amount was therefore transferred from the tax collector's account, the latter ac- count showing, at the beginning of the audit, a cash balance in excess of $5,000 which had not been transferred to the town treasurer's account.
It is again recommended that the treasurer make a determined effort to prove his cash book balance with the treasurer's bank balance at least monthly, in order that clerical errors may be detected promptly and corrected.
The books and accounts of the collector and treasurer, as tax col- lector, were examined and checked in detail. The taxes, outstanding at the time of the previous examination, were audited. The commitments of poll and property taxes for the levies of 1928 to 1930, inclusive, as well as of motor vehicle excise taxes for the levies of 1929 and 1930, were checked in detail and reconciled with the assessors' warrants. The collections, as recorded on the cash books, were checked to the com- mitment books, the abatements were compared with the assessors' rec- ords of abatements granted, the payments to the treasurer were verified by a comparison with the treasurer's cash book, and the outstanding ac- counts were listed and reconciled with the accountant's books.
The outstanding accounts were further verified by mailing notices to a number of persons whose names appeared on the books as owing money to the town. The claim of one person that his taxes were paid and not credited by the tax collector was substantiated by presenting a receipted tax bill. The remaining replies to the verification notices would indicate that the outstanding taxes, as listed, are correct.
As may be seen from the table showing a reconciliation of the col- lector's cash, there appears a cash surplus of $481.42 in the collector's account, which is probably due to unidentified collections not entered on the cash books.
Considerable detailed checking was necessary in order to prove the collector's accounts, and this process substantially added to the work of the audit and its cost. The attention of the tax collector is called to the importance of properly balancing the cash daily, and of making all postings to the commitment books from the cash books, rather than from the stubs of receipted bills.
Payments to the treasurer should be made at least weekly, as re- quired by Section 2, Chapter 60, General Laws, as amended.
33
REPORT OF TOWN CLERK
In connection with the collection of interest on taxes, the collector should be governed by Section 57, Chapter 59, General Laws.
The books and accounts of the town accountant were examined and checked in detail. The recorded receipts were checked with the records in the several departments collecting money for the town and with the treasurer's cash book, while the expenditures were checked with the selectmen's warrants authorizing payments by the treasurer.
The appropriation accounts were examined and checked with the town clerk's record of appropriations voted by the town, the ledger ac- counts were analyzed and adjusted, and an adjusted balance sheet, which is appended to this report, was prepared showing the financial condition of the town on March 31, 1931.
The several trust funds in the custody of the town treasurer were examined, the income and disbursements being verified. In connection with the investment of town trust funds, attention is called to Section 54, Chapter 44, General Laws, which reads as follows:
Trust funds, including cemetery perpetual care funds, unless otherwise provided or directed by the donor thereof, shall be placed at interest in savings banks, trust companies incorporated under the laws of the commonwealth, or national banks, or invested by cities and towns in securities which are legal in- vestments for savings banks. This section shall not apply to Boston.
In addition to the departments and accounts mentioned above, the accounts of all other departments collecting money for the town were examined and checked.
Appended to this report, in addition to the balance sheet, are tables showing a reconciliation of the treasurer's cash, summaries of the tax accounts, together with tables showing the trust fund transactions.
While engaged on the audit, I received the co-operation of the several town officials, and I wish on behalf of my assistants and for my- self, to express appreciation.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD H. FENTON, Chief Accountant.
EHF:B
A complete report of the Audit is on file and open to inspection.
FREDERICK I. WILKINS,
Town Clerk.
34
TOWN OF LYNNFIELD
REPORT OF SELECTMEN
To the Citizens of the Town of Lynnfield:
We herewith respectfully submit the annual report of the Board of Selectmen for the year ending December 31, 1931.
The Board, consisting of Archie L. Hayward, George W. Peavey, and Walter H. Perry, organized March 3rd, Archie L. Hayward being elected Chairman, and Fred I. Wilkins was appointed Clerk of the Board.
The record of other appointments can be found in the Report of the Town Clerk.
Committee Appointments were made as follows:
Supervision of the Town Hall, George W. Peavey. Supervision of Chemical Hall No. 2, Archie L. Hayward. Health Officer, Walter H. Perry.
VICTUALER'S LICENSES WERE GRANTED TO:
Elmer W. Goodwin
James H. Reynolds
Nellie J. Robinson
Donovan Supply Co.
Emerson G. Allen
Caroline E. Swain
Everett E. Watson
George E. Hopkins
James S. Tent
H. L. & B. H. Upham
Gertrude A. McAvey
Harry F. Griffin
John A. McCabe Charles W. Pratt
Michael Gerokoulis
Miss Ruth Pillsbury
Frank E. Russell Wilkinson Inc.
Everett E. Harvey
Julius Rumbolt Kimball-Boyd Corp.
Joseph F. Smith
W. A. & H. J. Pierotti Stanley & Walsh
Arthur W. Bryant
Mrs. W. P. Cook
Edward C. Walker
Gertrude Sayers
Isaac Barnard
LORD'S DAY LICENSES WERE GRANTED TO:
Frank E. Russell
Julius Rumbolt
Donovan Supply Co.
Isaac Barnard
Everett E. Watson John A. McCabe
Louis Gersinovitch Clarence A. Hall Richard A. Thomas
H. L. & B. H. Upham Joseph F. Smith Charles W. Pratt
Everett E. Harvey Miss Ruth Pillsbury Arthur W. Bryant Nellie J. Robinson Gertrude Sayers Harry F. Griffin James H. Reynolds Caroline E. Swain Walter Sheehan
Sagamore Golf Club Fred A. Russell Harry A. Worthen Geo. Stanley Harvey Stanley & Walsh James S. Tent Edward C. Walker Gertrude A. McAvey
Clarence A. Strickland Harry Freeman Emerson G. Allen Daniel J. Killoran, Jr. Edward M. Fletcher George E. Hopkins
Elbridge H. Gerry Michael Gerokoulis Wilfred G. Hay
W. A. & H. J. Pierotti George C. MacGregor Mrs. W. P. Cook Harry A. Worthen Harold J. Melanson William G. Wright George L. Greene Frank C. Newhall S. A. Wormstead Harry W. Munroe Helen E. Trefethen
Elmer W. Goodwin Wilkinson Inc.
Kimball-Boyd Corp.
Frank Oram
35
REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN
LODGING HOUSE LICENSES GRANTED TO:
Mary A. Donovan
Mrs. Moxie
Everett E. Watson
Ruth Pillsbury
H. L. & B. H. Upham
Mrs. E. C. Walker
Mrs. H. K. Harvey
Julia M. Callahan
Mrs. Andrew Mansfield
INNHOLDER'S LICENSES:
John E. Walsh W. A. & H. J. Pierotti
DENATURED ALCOHOL LICENSES WERE ISSUED TO:
Donovan Supply Co.
George L. Greene
Jenney M'f'g Co.
Everett E. Harvey
Hayward & Bursey
Emerson G. Allen
George M. Roundy
Lynnfield Com. Inc. Clarence M. Strickland
Frank E. Russell
BOTTLER'S LICENSES:
Joseph F. Smith
Alfred J. Hayward
BUS PERMITS:
Boston and Maine R. R. Co. Lynnfield Community Inc.
PASTEURIZATION OF MILK Frank C. Newhall JUNK LICENSE Charles Winikor
MINIATURE AND DRIVING GOLF LICENSES: H. C. & K. A. Worthen Miniature Golf Course Montrose Golf Club Joseph F. Smith Harvey Baker Belanger Bradford Min. Golf
ARCHERY :
Bemis Archery Kimball-Boyd Corp. Archery
OUTDOOR BOWLING: Kimball-Boyd Corp.
The Board, feeling it was important to have a record of the equip- ment and supplies in the several departments of the town, requested the heads of the departments to present to the Board, complete inven- tories. These inventories are now on file.
Acting under Article 14, at the Annual Meeting held March 9th, the town voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,000.00 to be ex- pended under the direction of the Selectmen, for equipment, for use on
G. & H. I. Winchester
36
TOWN OF LYNNFIELD
the highways. Your Selectmen expended a part of said amount in the purchase of a Heavy Hydraulic Ford Dump Truck, equipped with extra Tuthill Helper Springs, 8 ply Firestone Tires on front wheels and 10 ply Firestone Tires on rear wheels.
The saving to the town through the use of this truck, practically covered the cost of same, and we feel it was a step in the right direction. A Baker Snow Plow was purchased to use with the truck, also a Sand Spreader and a Honer for leveling the road surface.
Carrying out the vote of the town at aforesaid meeting, acting un- der Article 17, we arranged for the completion of the Reconstruction Work on Main Street to the Lynnfield-Wakefield line, the contract for the completion of the work to the point of the Bridge being awarded to the State Construction Company, and we feel the work was performed very satisfactorily.
Your Board was successful in securing the co-operation of the town of Wakefield, and through their efforts, the co-operation of Middlesex County, in the construction of a very substantial reinforced cement bridge with abutments over the Saugus River at the Lynnfield-Wake- field line, which is 30 feet in width with a five foot sidewalk. The contract was awarded to J. E. Ballentine & Sons, Inc. We regret that the bituminous macadam road surface is very unsatisfactory, and in response to our complaint to the District Highway Engineer, he has advised us the work will not be accepted until spring, when the con- tractor will have an opportunity to put the surface in a satisfactory condition.
South Common Street had been in an unsafe condition for quite a period, and as there was a sufficient balance left from the Main Street appropriation, your Board were successful in finally securing the con- sent of the County and State to the use of a sufficient part of said bal- ance to Reconstruct said street and build a bituminous macadam road under the direction of our Superintendent of Streets, with the super- vision of a State Engineer, thus giving work to citizens of the town. This work was authorized by vote of the town, acting under Article 1 at a Special Meeting held August 31, the County and State each paying one-third of the cost.
A curbing was placed at the lines of the Common along South Common Street, the expense being cared for with the income from the "Nash Fund" which was given to the town for improvements in the town.
A petition has been entered with the County Commissioners and Department of Public Works for their co-operation in the Reconstruc- tion of Summer Street from Main to Salem Streets and we hope their action will be favorable, as it will mean a very satisfactory road from Centre to South, which will be safer and much more enjoyable to travel
37
REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN
over, will help to develop real estate on that thoroughfare, thus bring- ing in an increased revenue for the town, also, for every dollar thus ex- pended by the town they will receive two, through the co-operation of the County and State.
Traffic Regulations regarding Stop Signs was adopted by your Board and approved by the Department of Public Works, October 14, 1931.
There have been quite a number of applications made to the Board of Public Welfare for Old Age Assistance, and other assistance has been necessary in several needy cases, largely on account of unemployment and the situation should be met by an increased appropriation for the use of the department during the current year.
An application was received from Archie DeDominico of Everett, for a permit to run a bus line from Lynnfield Centre to Everett via South Lynnfield.
The Board held a hearing on the application, after duly advertising same, and after hearing the proposal of the applicant in detail and learning the sentiment of those present at the hearing, the permit was refused.
During the past year, we had a number of applications for dance hall permits, on one of which a hearing was held, and as the sentiment of the citizens of Lynnfield is strongly opposed to such projects, the permits were not granted.
A petition was received from Mr. A. B. Tenney, representing the Eastern Mass. Electric Company, for permission to install new poles with a, capacity of carrying 15 transmission wires, paralelling the poles al- ready installed over Broadway, Walnut, Salem and Summer Streets.
As the Company does not seem disposed to give your Board desired information regarding the construction of said poles and wires, also their future plans in connection with same, nor to accept conditions submit- ted to them, no definite action has been taken on the petition.
Many matters and problems have come before your Board during the past year and we have tried to handle them all for the best interest of the citizens of Lynnfield.
We take this opportunity to thank all Officers and Department Heads, employees and citizens of the town who have co-operated with and assisted us in anyway, during the past year.
Signed
ARCHIE L. HAYWARD, Chairman,
GEORGE W. PEAVEY, WALTER H. PERRY,
38
TOWN OF LYNNFIELD
REPORT OF CHIEF OF POLICE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen: I herewith submit my report for the Police Depart- ment for the year ending Dec. 31, 1931. There have been 24 arrests in Lynnfield by Lynnfield police, for the following reasons: driving under the influence of liquor, larceny, operating without lights, operating with- out license and drunkenness.
We have served 25 summonses for out of town police and we are sorry to report that there have been three deaths in Lynnfield by autos during the year.
In the absence of any report from the State Police, I do not know how many have been arrested in this town by the State Constabulary.
An officer has been on duty nights in both parts of the Town.
The Lynn Police have been very helpful in several instances.
Respectfully submitted,
ALBERT G. TEDFORD, Chief of Police.
REPORT OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
To the Citizens of the Town of Lynnfield:
Herewith I respectfully submit my annual report of the Fire De- partment, for the year ending December 31, 1931.
The Department responded to eighty-five alarms, ten were building fires, two chimney fires, nineteen false alarms, two auto fires, fifty-two forest fires.
The loss on building fires has been small, due largely to quick re- sponse, and the very efficient work of the men.
Forest fires have cost the Town a large sum, both for equipment and very heavy pay rolls.
In my effort to further improve the fire alarm system, I have ex- pended more money than I expected to during the past year, however there is a marked improvement in the entire system. I hope the citi- zens will soon feel that we can afford to authorize the expenditure of a sum of money for apparatus replacement.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM W. MOXHAM,
Chief of Fire Department.
39
REPORT OF APPOINTIVE OFFICERS
REPORT OF BUILDING INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen: Gentlemen:
During the year ending December 31, 1931, ninety-seven Building Permits have been issued from this office, tabulated as follows:
New Dwellings 26 approximate valuation $79,700
New Additions to Dwellings 12
approximate valuation 9,200
New Business Buildings 2 approximate valuation 8,000
New Additions to Business Bldgs. 3 approximate valuation 7,300
New Garages, etc 36
approximate valuation 2,025
Repairs, Alterations, etc. 18
approximate valuation 3,800
-
Total Permits
97
$110,025
Fees for the above have been collected and accounted for to the Town Treasurer.
As will be noted, 1931 showed a marked increase in building activity over any year since the Building Regulations were adopted.
Thanking you for your co-operation and assistance during my term of office.
Respectfully submitted,
R. O. FRASER, Inspector of Buildings.
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen: I herewith submit my report for the year ending
December 31, 1931:
Articles Sealed
Counter Scales
3
Beam Scales
4
Spring Balances
12
Computing Scales
7
Slot Weighing Scale
1
Avoirdupois Weights
23
Liquid Measures
10
Gasoline Pumps
28
Number of Stops
58
Oil Jars
29
Total fees collected, $19.63.
Respectfully submitted,
MINOT H. CARTER,
Sealer.
40
TOWN OF LYNNFIELD
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF MOTH DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen: The past year's work was carried along the same lines as the previous three years.
Woodlands were looked over for Gypsy moth infestations.
The centre part of the town is extremely good, but the south part still has slight infestations. These infestations comprise woodland on Salem Street, Walnut Turnpike and off Summer Street. These infesta- tions are being creosoted and, if necessary, will be sprayed. Brown-tail moth infestations were confined to five webs. This work is carried on under the State Supervision. I wish to call to your attention, and also the voters', that the Elm Leaf Beetle is back in town. In the centre part the elm trees are quite badly infested with the beetle, the south part is very slight.
If an appropriation is made this year for this special spraying, I think we can control them very easily.
Respectfully submitted, LYMAN H. TWISS, Supt. of Moth Dept.
REPORT OF DOG OFFICER
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen: I herewith submit my report as Dog Officer for the year of 1931. Have answered 64 calls, killed 4 dogs, have found homes for 19 and have called and examined 4 sick dogs.
All dogs have been kept from 3 to 7 days before being disposed of, and to the best of my knowledge all dogs have been licensed.
Respectfully submitted, EDGAR H. BROWN, Dog Officer.
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen: I herewith submit my report as Inspector of Animals for the year ending Dec. 31, 1931.
I have inspected thirty-eight barns where animals were kept and found all to be in good condition.
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR W. BRYANT, Inspector of Animals.
41
REPORT OF APPOINTIVE OFFICERS
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF MILK
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen: I herewith submit my report as Inspector of Milk for the year ending Dec. 31, 1931. I have inspected the premises where milk was kept for sale and issued licenses in accordance with the law.
Respectfully submitted, ARTHUR W. BRYANT, Inspector of Milk.
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTERING
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen: I herewith submit my report as Inspector of Slaugh- tering for the year ending Dec. 31, 1931. There has been no slaughter- ing in town during the year to my knowledge. I have filed all reports with the State Board of Health, according to law.
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR W. BRYANT, Inspector of Slaughtering.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen: During the past year we had two major jobs, one at Locust Street, So. Lynnfield, and at the willows on Chestnut Street, Lynnfield Centre. Both needed attention and so far have stood up well.
Most of the streets received an application of Tarvia or Road Oil and we propose to do the others this coming year.
The Town Equipment is in very good shape, except the roller. The tractor has been overhauled and is good for three or four years.
We also fixed a bad place on Summer Street, opposite John Temple's residence, also on Essex Street, opposite Skinner's. There is one place en Summer Street, just over the railroad crossing, I hope will get fixed this coming year.
There was the general patching also during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
MINOT H. CARTER, Superintendent of Streets.
REPORT OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
To the Citizens of the Town of Lynnfield:
The books in the Libraries are circulating very freely.
The upstairs front room at Centre Library has been in use the past two years by the SEA SCOUTS, Troop No. 53, for their assembly room and a shelf has been set aside for books and magazines pertaining to the sea and sea life, boats, etc.
42
TOWN OF LYNNFIELD
There is a great demand for new books of fiction, also books on Russia and Alaska.
Indications are that a new heater and basement will be necessary in the near future.
We take this opportunity to thank our Reading Committee for timely assistance and advice, also those who have so generously contrib- uted literature during the past year.
Reports of the Librarians of the Main and Branch Libraries ac- company this report.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLARD I. OLMSTED,
HARRY E. MAYNARD, MALCOLM C. EATON,
Trustees,
Dec. 31, 1931.
REPORT OF MAIN LIBRARY, 1931
Number of book patrons
241
Number of books loaned
4,339
Number of magazine patrons
42
Number of magazines loaned
219
Number of books bought
109
Number of magazines subscribed for
10
Borrowed from Division of Public Libraries, 3 books
Received in fines
$24.40
Received in gifts from
State 5 books
L. P. Howard, Reading, Mass.
1 book
Mrs. F. R. Leavitt 1 book
F. C. Hyde (Directory of Wakefield, Stoneham, Lynnfield, Reading and North Reading)
1 book
American Legion, U. S. W. V. 1 book
Total 9 books
Received loan from A. S. Moulton of 11 vols. of reference books
Magazines from
C. O. Blood
Mrs. John Ward
Mrs. F. W. Freeman
Carl H. Russell
Mrs. R. E. Olmsted
Willard Olmsted
Mrs. W. I. Olmsted
43
REPORT LIBRARY TRUSTEES
Two sets of pictures have been loaned us by the Woman's Educa- tional Association of Mass.
Anyone wishing a non-fiction book, not owned by the library, if they will ask the librarian, she will gladly get it from the Division of Public Libraries.
Respectfully submitted,
ELIZABETH W. GREEN, Librarian.
REPORT OF BRANCH LIBRARY, 1931
Number of book patrons
353
Number of books loaned
6,114
Number of books loaned and in custody of school
183
Number of magazine patrons
75
Number of magazines loaned
525
Number of books bought by Town
135
Number of magazines subscribed for
17
Amount received in fines
$41.65
Amount received from magazines sold
1.00
Total
$42.65
Received in Gifts
Main Library
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