USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Lynnfield > Town of Lynnfield, Essex County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, annual report 1941-1948 > Part 25
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14. Patrick Malloy
4. Percy A. Briggs
15. Everett S. Webster
5. Lyman Twiss
16. Joseph Furrier
6. Adam A. Herron
17. Carl Hoffman
7. Ernest P. Lane
18. James Stokes
8. Stanley W. Heath
19. Harold Treamer
9. George K. Lundskog
20. Arthur Bryant
10. Frank Winchester
21. Ralph W. Green
SPECIAL POLICE OFFICERS
Stanley W. Heath
Harry Pierce
George W. Peavey
Josiah Poeton
Arthur B. Maddison
Joseph Smith
Roger C. Lummus
Walter Storey
Arthur W. Bryant
Harold Treamer Louis B. Tuck
Minot H. Carter
Lyman Twiss
Elbridge H. Gerry
Alfred Copeland
Ernest Goobie
Theodore Palizzola
Harry W. Higgins
Chester Melanson
Clifton E. Hodgdon
Dr. George Robinson
Thomas F. Ganley
REPORT OF BOARD OF APPEALS
ON BUILDING AND ZONING LAWS
December 31, 1944
To the Board of Selectmen,
Lynnfield, Mass.
Gentlemen:
We are pleased to submit our annual report for the period ending December 31, 1944.
During the year the Board conducted two hearings on appeals from the decisions of the Building Inspector. No other cases were presented to this Board.
Respectfully submitted,
LOUIS B. TUCK,
Acting Chairman.
11. Harry Winchester
12. Josiah Poeton
George H. Carder
62
TOWN OF LYNNFIELD
REPORT OF TOWN COUNSEL
February 1, 1945.
The Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Lynnfield, Mass.
During the year of 1944, this department handled several cases before the Appellate Tax Board, on appeals from the valuations by the Board of Assessors. In one case, involving the Commissioner of Taxation, an agreement was reached whereby the case against the Town was dismissed. In another case, an amicable adjustment was made between the parties before trial. In a third case which involved a definite principle of assessment, the case was heard for two days, and I am pleased to report that the finding was in favor of the Town. One appeal is pending at the present time, and this will probably go to a hearing.
At the request of the Town Treasurer, foreclosure proceedings were commenced in the Land Court to foreclose the tax title held by the Town on a large and valuable parcel of property. This lien dated back for fifteen years and because of the condition of the file, consider- able work was necessary to prepare the case before the petition could be filed. A review has also been made of the outstanding tax titles which should be acted upon, and it is my sincere recommendation that the town appropriate the necessary funds to the Town Treasurer so that steps may be taken to foreclose the liens, and restore the various properties to the tax lists. Such an expenditure would justified, as in many cases, a profit will be shown in the tax title account. This will require considerable work, inasmuch as the methods in vogue years ago were not conducive to accuracy in the records.
The undersigned has also continued, with the Board of Assessors, the Tax Collector and the Town Treasurer, the work of modernizing the records and systems of assessment and taxation. Excellent progress has been made, but it will, of course, require some time before it is completed. However, I believe that there has been sufficient evidence of the benefits derived to date, to justify the expense of the full time clerk at the Town Hall.
When the law library was set up, it was found that many volumes were missing, and no new volumes of Massachusetts Reports had been added since about 1930. I was able to purchase at reduced prices those volumes from 1930 to 1945, and have also been able to secure some of the more ancient volumes at nominal cost. Ultimately, I hope to have the library restored to its complete efficiency. A set of Massachusetts Laws Annotated in ten volumes has also been added, without any cost to the Town.
63
REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
In addition, more requests for opinions have been received from the various departments than in previous years, and opinions given on all questions.
Respectfully submitted, JOSEPH W. CASSIDY, Town Counsel.
REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and
The Citizens of the Town of Lynnfield:
I herewith submit my report of the activities of the Police Depart- ment for the year ending December 31, 1944.
The number of arrests totaled forty-nine as classified:
1 Assault
2 Larceny of automobile
2 Malicious mischief
1 Using motor vehicle without authority
4 Juvenile delinquency
1
5 Driving motor vehicle to endanger life
5 Driving motor vehicle while intoxicated
10 Drunkenness (Male)
1 False alarm of fire
12 Violation of motor vehicle laws
3 Vagrants
3 Non-support
In addition to the above arrests we have handled through the reg- istry of motor vehicles or otherwise, 211 automobile violations and settled out of court, damage by children involving 33 persons.
Other activities include:
Property recovered amounting to $2,140.57
135 Doors found open, made secure
17 Lost or missing persons located
5 Commitments
27 Automobile accidents
24 Condition of streets reported
59 Stray or dead animals cared for
63 Ambulance cases
171 Street lights reported out
86 Motor vehicle transfers
36 Summons served for other departments
6 Driving licenses suspended or revoked
5 Automobile registrations revoked
64
TOWN OF LYNNFIELD
We have answered 728 complaints requiring police attention and investigation, answered all fire alarms and have endeavored to be of assistance whenever called whether or not requests have been of a police nature. We have been called upon on four occasions for the resuscitator which proved successful in two of the four cases.
Notwithstanding the decrease in traffic due to the rationing of gaso- line and tires, there has been an increase in automobile accidents over the preceding year and there were two fatals on the first day of the year. The number of court cases has increased appreciably, there having been a considerable increase in the number of arrests. Although there has been considerable damage of a malicious nature, I believe that by comparison, Lynnfield has been very fortunate and at present all malicious damage cases have been cleared up satisfactorily.
We have enjoyed perfect co-operation with all other departments on various occasions and I take this opportunity to thank the heads of the several departments.
Respectfully submitted, EVERETT S. WEBSTER, Chief of Police Department.
REPORT OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and
The Citizens of Lynnfield: .
Herewith I respectfully submit my annual report of the Fire De- partment for the year ending December 31, 1944.
The Department responded to 81 alarms, 2 emergency calls, total 83.
49 were forest, woods and grass fires
4 were auto and truck fires
3 Oil burner fires
5 Building fires
6 False alarms
4 Needless alarms
3 Dump fires
4 Out of town mutual assistance calls
2 Still alarms
1 Electric motor
2 Emergency calls
65
REPORT OF BUILDING INSPECTOR
We stretched 6500 feet of 21/2-inch hose, 7000 feet of 11%-inch hose, 9500 feet of 1-inch hose, 3500 feet of booster line hose, raised 175 feet of ladders, used 200 gallons soda and acid chemicals, 30 pump tanks.
The total insured building loss was about $14,000.00; the contents loss approximately $2,500.00.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM W. MOXHAM, Chief of Fire Department.
REPORT OF BUILDING INSPECTOR
January 8, 1945.
The Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Town of Lynnfield, Mass.
Gentlement:
During the year 1944, forty-five (45) permits have been issued as follows:
31 Alterations and repairs Approximate value, $7,514.00
14 Garages, poultry houses and outbuildings Approximate value, $4,630.00
Respectfully submitted, HENRY A. HASKELL, Building Inspector.
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Lynnfield, Mass., Dec. 11, 1944.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The following articles were sealed in 1944:
Platform Scales
6
Spring Scales
8
Computing Scales 4
Slot-weighing Scales
1
Liquid Measures
20
Gas Pumps Meters 29
Oil Measuring Pump 2
Counter Scales 3
Fees collected, $22.81.
Respectfully submitted, GEORGE A. WESTOVER, Sealer of Weights and Measures.
66
TOWN OF LYNNFIELD
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, 1944.
I have inspected places where milk was kept for sale and issued licenses as required.
Number of licenses issued, 23.
Fees collected, $11.50.
Respectfully submitted, ARTHUR W. BRYANT, Inspector of Milk.
REPORT OF DOG OFFICER
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report as Dog Officer for the year ending Dec. 31, 1944.
I have answered 80 calls and disposed of 42 dogs.
Respectfully submitted, ARTHUR W. BRYANT, Dog Officer
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 in previous years. Woodlands were looked over for Gypsy Moth infestations and party creosoted. There are scattering infestations in Town with a slight increase in the south end of Town over last year. There were no Brown- tail Moth webs found last year. Tent caterpillars were very heavy last year in all parts of Town. The Elm Leaf Beetle remains about the same as last year, heavy on private property.
All of this work is carried on under the supervision of the State Department of Conservation. The State contributed $578.55 in supplies to the Town during the past year.
I hope that a larger appropriation will be made so that the above infestations may be properly taken care of during the coming year.
ยท Respectfully submitted,
LYMAN H. TWISS, Superintendent.
67
REPORT OF TREE WARDEN
REPORT OF TREE WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen:
At the last Annual Town Meeting an appropriation was made for the care of shade trees. This was used to take down dead and dangerous trees, also to trim up trees where there were dangerous limbs. Some cavity work was done. This department planted about 800 evergreen trees in the Town Nursery back of the Town Hall. The hurricane did considerable damage to these trees, some of which has been taken care of, but there is still a lot to be done.
I hope that a much larger appropriation will be made at the next annual Town Meeting to carry on this work, and that a similar amount will be provided for the purchase of trees to be planted along the high- ways.
Respectfully submitted,
LYMAN H. TWISS, Tree Warden.
REPORT OF HEALTH OFFICER
January 14, 1945
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1944.
Chickenpox
5
Dogbite
12
Gonorrhea
5
German Measles
22
Measles
101
Meningococcal Meningitis
1
Mumps
42
Scarlet Fever
4
Syphillis
1
Tuberculosis
4
Typhoid Fever
1
Whooping Cough
3
Summary of Report
Number of complaints
46
School Permits
230
Verbal Notices 12
Inspections Made 42
68
TOWN OF LYNNFIELD
Letters Written 38
Telephone Calls 275
Wells Examined 2
Surgical Cases
1
Number of Professional Calls
Office Calls
240
House Calls 165
Respectfully submitted, GEORGE S. ROBINSON, M.D., D. O.,
Health Officer.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Lynnfield, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The streets throughout the Town came through the winter in pretty good shape. The usual spring cleaning was done on most of the streets; due to the shortage of help all was not completed.
Tar was put on the roads that needed it the most. This coming year I hope we will have more.
By vote of Town at a special meeting, called in November, we bought a new Finke Sand-Spreader which is working out very well; hope to buy another one for the other truck and a loading machine.
The bushes were cut along the Highway all over Town.
Respectfully submitted,
MINOT H. CARTER
Superintendent of Streets.
ANNUAL REPORT
of the SCHOOL COMMITTEE and SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS TOWN OF LYNNFIELD MASSACHUSETTS
For the Year Ending December 31, 1944
SCHOOL COMMITTEE 1944
Dr. James R. Houghton, Chairman Term Expires 1946
Mrs. Joseph Smith, Secretary
Term Expires 1945
Burton W. Barrows
Term Expires 1947
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS John D. Whittier, Wenham, Massachusetts Residence Telephone-Hamilton 174-W Office Telephone-Topsfield 171 Office Hours-Monday and Thursday South School-10 to 12 M. . Center School-2 to 4 P.M.
70
TOWN OF LYNNFIELD
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of the Town of Lynnfield:
The School Committee submits it Annual Report:
The past year has been a most interesting and challenging one for all who administer the educational interests of your children. We appreciate the fine and unselfish cooperation which we have experi- enced from everyone during the past year. Your committee has held regular meetings on the third Monday night of each month during the regular school year. In addition, they have met in several special sessions to consider problems which were of an emergency character.
The details of our educational program and its administration are set forth in the report of the Superintendent of Schools. May we urge everyone to read the report with care and thoughtful consideration. It contains everything that has been before your committee and is clearly presented by our efficient Superintendent of Schools, Mr. John D. Whittier. May we call attention to a few important matters in the report.
Enrollment
The total enrollment in all grades of the two elementary schools of the town is 357. The high school and vocational school enrollments are 113. This makes a grand total of 470 children who are receiving the benefits of public school education in the town. The average cost of educating each pupil in the elementary schools is $158.98. The average cost per pupil in the high school is $283.06. These figures are well worth considering in the light of certain recommendations which will be brought out later in the report.
Finance
Your committee has operated the schools during the past year strictly within the limitations of the budget adopted at the regular Town Meeting. Rising costs and increased services, together with an advance in the tuition rate at Wakefield High School for the coming year, makes it necessary for a slight increase in the budget for the ensuing year. The increase at Wakefield High School amounts to about $1,300.00.
Teacher Appointments
During the year we received the resignations of three of our regular teachers-Miss Priscilla Berry, Miss Dora Jean Coffin, and Miss Clark. To fill the vacancies thus created, the following teachers were elected for a period of one year: Miss Ruth Washburn, Miss Ivanetta Newton, and Mrs. Veronica Hatch. These new appointees have given very satis- factory service and are a welcome addition to our teaching staff.
71
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Hot Lunch Program
Early in the year the school Hot Lunch Program was reorganized and put on a new basis with most satisfactory results. A committee was appointed to administer the program with Mr. Whittier as chair- man. The other members of the committee included Mrs. Smith and Mr. Barrows of the School Committee, Mr. Kelley and Mrs. Morrill, principals of the Center and South Schools; and the presidents of both Parent-Teacher Associations. Through the kind assistance of Mrs. Ross, State Assistant Supervisor of Hot Lunch Programs, our pro- gram here has attracted considerable attention, not only locally but outside of our town. The town of Middleton is planning to install a similar program patterned after ours next year. During the course of the year we have received $2,189.07, in subsidy from the State. The children have contributed $2,373.27, making the total income $4,562.34. The total expenditure for food, labor, and general expenses, amounted to $4,215.97. The net profit has amounted to $346.57. A great deal of credit for the successful conduct of the program goes to Miss Glenna Woodbury, dietician and business manager of the program. For the full details see the Superintendent's Report.
Maintenance and Operation
At present writing, our school buildings are all in a good state of repair. The major repairs which have been effected during the year were as follows:
The painting of Miss Woodbury's room in the Center School. The cheerful aspect of this room stands out in sharp contrast to the rather dismal and darkened walls of the other rooms. As soon as the war is over, we would recommend that the Center School be thoroughly renovated.
General repairs have been made on both the Center and South Schools and in the Center School the coal stoker was removed and the oil heater unit restored. This makes for a much cleaner building and lightens considerably the load on Mr. Higgins, the capable janitor. Just as soon as possible, it is contemplated to refinish desk tops in both buildings and to effect such other improvements as seem expedient.
Attendance and Health
During the course of the year our school doctor has conducted 347 physical examinations. The details of these examinations are con- tained in the Superintendent's Report.
Post-War Plans
For many years the citizens of Lynnfield have been conscious of the fact that increased school facilities were becoming an increasing necessity. The time seems to have arrived when concrete action must be taken. We do not have adequate buildings for our elementary
72
TOWN OF LYNNFIELD
pupils. Our tuition assessments for high school pupils going to Wake- field are steadily increasing. Several large housing developments will begin as soon as war conditions will permit, which will mean in- creased population for our town. Post-war planning with its proj- ects to aid in employment for returning soldiers is taken as seriously by citizens of Lynnfield as by towns in other sections of the country. Therefore, the School Committee has sat in conference with the Plan- ning Board and the Committee and Planning Board will recommend a school building program which will not only meet the immediate needs or anticipated needs of the near future, but the plan which we con- template, will adapt itself to whatever changing needs an increase in population might bring. We are, therefore, recommending two new building projects which will be considered at a later date.
The Perry Estate
During the course of the year, the question of the jurisdiction of the Perry property came up for consideration and settlement. The following questions were raised, to wit:
1-Is the school committee properly in charge of the property?
2-Would those in charge of the Perry property have a right to rent it?
3-To what extent may repairs be made on the property ?
After consultation with Mr. Cassidy, Town Counsel, the following ruling was made:
1-"I rule that the School Committee is in general . charge and superindendence of the former Perry Estate."
2-"Those in charge of the Perry Estate (School Com- mittee) have the right to rent the property, if in their opinion it is to the advantage of the town to do so."
3-"The School Committee may make specific repairs if they have the money in their budget for the pur- pose of preventing deterioration but in this specific case where extensive and general repairs are con- templated, they should have the authority of the Town Meeting to do so, particularly where school purposes are not involved."
Acting through the authority of the vote of the Town, the School Committee has placed the Perry Estate in a very good state of repair and it is now rented to Professor Stanley H. Martin, a professor in'
73
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Boston University. By virtue of the ruling of the Town Counsel, the School Committee will continue to keep this property in a good state of repair.
Teachers' Salaries
During the course of the year, your Committee gave serious atten- tion to the matter of teachers' salaries, and has worked out a salary schedule which we hope will serve the purposes of the Town for years to come. It is based on a basic minimum salary established by State law and progresses through logical steps to a basic maximum salary. We feel that one of the surest remedies for the removal of inefficient teachers in a school system, is the advancement of salaries. The community will then seek better talent, the better talent will then seek better pay. To our way of thinking, the best talent and the largest experience as far as teaching is concerned, should be found in our elementary schools. We feel that a sliding scale of salaries based upon qualifications and experience ranging from minimum to maximum for the well-established and successful teacher is absolutely essential if we are going to have efficient instruction. We feel that our salary schedule contributes strongly to the feeling of unity and satisfaction among the teachers. It is easy to operate. It will attract teachers of superior ability and training and give them a higher appreciation of their services. It will encourage professional study and growth and, thus, insure more efficient teaching in the grades.
In closing this report, the Chairman appreciates the co-operation given by the other members of the Committee and wishes to thank Mr. John D. Whittier for his efficient and untiring efforts to give Lynn- field the best kind of education possible.
Respectfully submitted,
DR. JAMES R. HOUGHTON, Chairman
MRS. JOSEPH SMITH, Secretary MR. BURTON W. BARROWS
74
TOWN OF LYNNFIELD
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Members of School Committee:
Madam and Sirs:
As Superintendent of the public schools of Lynnfield, I respectfully submit my twenty-second annual report for your consideration.
Enrollment, January 1, 1945 Elementary Schools
Center School
South School
Total
Grade 1
33
26
59
Grade 2
32
22
54
Grade 3
20
18
38
Grade 4
34
11
45
Grade 5
19
20
39
Grade 6
24
21
45
Grade 7
36
36
Grade 8
38
38
Lynn Sight Saving Class
3
Total
Elementary
School
Enrollment
357
High School
Wakefield
Freshmen
41
Sophomores
32
Juniors
20
Seniors
15
Melrose High
1
Malden Vocational
1
Somerville Vocational
1
Lynn English
1
.
Lynn Classical
1
Total Secondary School Enrollment
113
Grand Total School Enrollment 470
SCHOOL COSTS
Financial information from tabulation of the school returns for school year ending June 30th, 1944. Towns (118) of less than 5000 population and Not maintaining a High School
75
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
-
LYNNFIELD:
Population Valuation *Value per capita *Value per capita is in upper quarter of towns in this group.
2,287 $ 5,078,925.00
2,221.00
Expenditures for support of all Public Schools:
General Control % of Total Cost
$1,884.00 2.7%
* first quarter
Instruction Salaries $19,477.00
48.8%
* first quarter
Textbooks
$1,097.00
2.8%
****
fourth quarter
Janitors
$3,121.00
7.8%
***
third quarter
Fuel
$717.00
1.8%
*
first quarter
Health
$450.00
1.1%
* first quarter
Transportation in town
$ 2,341.00
High School Education:
Tuition
$ 23,213.00
Transportation
$ 5,659.00
Average cost per pupil
$ 283.06
Elementary Schools
Teachers
12
Average Membership
348
Teacher load
29.0
fourth quarter
Cost per pupil $114.61
second quarter
Total for Support $ 70,642.00
Value per pupil in net average membership $ 11,312.00
Tax for schools-per $1000 valuation
$ 13.48
Tax rate-1943
$ 23.80
% School tax is of total
56.60
Cost per pupil (Elem. & High)
$ 156.98
Refers to group of 28 of 118 towns designated as "25 percentile" Refers to group of 28 of 118 towns designated as
"Median"
*** Refers to group of 28 of 118 towns designated as "75 percentile"
Refers to group of 28 of 118 towns designated as "above 75 percentile"
76
TOWN OF LYNNFIELD
TEACHERS
Miss Priscilla Berry, Miss Dora Jean Coffin, and Miss Clark resigned their positions to become effective at the close of school in June, having accepted positions elsewhere. The respective positions vacated were filled by the election of Miss Ruth Washburn, Miss Ivanetta Newton, and Mrs. Veronica Hatch.
It is a most serious matter to fill vacancies in our teaching corps. Salaries in Massachusetts and in adjoining states have advanced to a point that our salaries do not attract the quality of teacher desired. Training institutions have but few students in training in comparison to the number of positions to be filled. At the present time no student from any town under my supervision, in so far as I am able to deter- mine, is enrolled in any teacher training institution. Similar condi- tions prevail in thousands of communities.
We may expect to keep our schools in operation if married women are employed in case the services of unmarried women are not avail- able. We are most fortunate in having in town several teachers of past successful experience who might be available during the war and adjustment period.
SCHOOL LUNCH
After some years of trial, error, failures and successes, I am pleased to report we now have our lunch program functioning most satis- factorily.
Since May, Miss Glenna Woodbury, a member of teaching corps, has served as dietician and Business Manager.
Her previous experiences as Dietician in large institutions has been of great value in the reorganization and management of our lunch program. In addition to the services of Miss Woodbury, we have had Mrs. Ethel Tyack, Mrs. Esther Getchel, and Mrs. Marion Delameter who have prepared and served the meals most satisfactorily.
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