USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Lynnfield > Town of Lynnfield, Essex County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, annual report 1949-1960 > Part 83
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Dutch Elm disease was very active throughout the state and nation. In Lynnfield 33 positive identifications were made by the Shade Tree Laboratories in Amherst from well over 100 samples sent in. These trees have been removed and burned as required by law. Sixty-eight strains of the Dutch Elm virus have been identi- fied and many more are known to exist. This explains the trouble encountered in developing resistant varieties of Elm trees.
Plantings in the Saunders Road development and Wirthmore Farm area were completed by
the developers and also the first section of King James Grants. Forty replacement trees were ob- tained for the Glen Meadow area and plantings on Summer and Walnut Streets were completed by the Department.
The activities of the Moth Department are closely related and are carried on in conjunction with all tree work. All spray work was carried out as consistently as possible with weather con- ditions. Weather conditions were very favorable for pest growth and unfavorable for proper con- trol, especially the Birch Leaf Miner, Willow Leaf beetle was quite prevalent but was con- trolled. Gypsy Moth has been observed as close as North Andover again and any suspect areas should be reported immediately so proper meas- ures can be taken. Mosquito control was not as effective as in past years. Higher than normal rainfall left ideal breeding conditions in all areas and proper control was impossible with funds available.
I wish to thank my staff and all Town officials for their efforts and co-operation.
GUSTAV H. KOCH Tree Warden Moth Superintendent
Wire Inspector and Supervisor of Fire Alarm
The year 1959 saw 307 wiring permits issued. 228 inspections were made on 76 new homes. Other miscellaneous wiring inspections totaled 462. Twenty-five re-inspections were made.
Two fires were caused by defective wiring. On one of these no permit had been issued. The other was due to defective BX grounding in an old home where a high resistance developed. As a result of this, and before the fuse blew, the cable had caught fire in the wall and had been burn- ing four or five hours before finally breaking through the wall.
Five obsolete boxes were replaced with new ones. One new box was installed in the Center School with 11 boxes installed in new develop- ments which the contractors paid for. Installa- tion of the cable down Summer Street was com- pleted and will be ready for use when the new fire station switchboard is installed. Lines were relocated on Main St. at 128 due to the new cut- off being installed. Also, lines were relocated at
Summer Street and 128 due to the widening of the bridge on Summer Street. This work will be paid for by the State and the Town will be reim- bursed.
This year five more obsolete boxes will be re- placed and about three miles of new line wire in- stalled replacing wire where the insulation be- came badly worn. This will increase the effi- ciency of the fire alarm lines in the field.
1959 saw an examination of our fire alarm system made by the Fire Insurance Rating Bu- reau. As a result of the work that has been done and the contemplated work program, it has all helped immeasurably toward establishing a new insurance rate issued to the Town.
A new fire alarm switchboard being installed in the Center Station will not only be of the latest design but will be one of the most up-to- date switchboards in the State.
JAMES V. THOMPSON
57
Road Commissioner
The year 1959 could readily be called the year of stormy weekends. Our first snow storm of the year occurred on a Tuesday and Wednesday, January 7th and 8th, with subsequent storms on Saturday and Sunday, February 8th and 9th; Sunday, February 15th; Saturday, February 21st; Saturday, March 15th and Saturday, March 21st. May, June and July continued, with rain and foggy weekends and the year ended with rain occurring on twelve weekends in a row.
Our normal work week had little interference by bad weather, and much work was accomplish- ed. Chapter 90 funds allocated to the Town were used on Walnut Street. 1960 Chapter 90 fund will complete the construction of this street.
Maintenance work was done on the following streets by applying a stone seal: Edward Ave., Tapley Road, Norris Road, Mitchell Road, Pris- cilla Road, Carol Ann Road, Thwing Road, Beaver Avenue, Keniston Road, Lovell Road, Stillman Road, Witham Road and a portion of Lowell Street.
Construction work was done on the following streets by applying a bituminous concrete sur- face: Fairview Road, Doncaster Road, Friars
Lane and two portions of Locksley Road.
Under special articles at the Annual Town Meeting, Park Street was rebuilt and culverts were installed where Hawkes' Brook flows under property of Bagley and Salem Street. Also by di- rection of the Town Meeting, a new sidewalk curb machine was purchased.
New streets now under construction by de- velopers, include Yorkshire Drive and Grey Lane in the King James Grant off Essex Street; Don- caster Circle in Sherwood Forest, which when completed will connect Hood Lane and Doncaster Road; also Alexander Road Extension at Ross- more Park off Walnut Street.
A sidewalk was installed on Essex Street be- tween Forest Hill Avenue and Main Street. With much co-operation from Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Robinson, the blind corner at Forest Hill Avenue and Essex Street was improved.
The Road Commissioner and the Personnel of the Highway Department wish to thank the citizens and administration officials of the Town for their help and co-operation throughout the vear.
JAMES C. FLETCHER Road Commissioner
Building Inspector
New home starts in Lynnfield during 1959 took a slight upward turn after several years of decline in the number of units. What is more significant, however, is the fact that for the sec- ond year in succession there has been an increase in the value per unit. This year the increase was 10% over last after a 12% increase in 1958. While some of this may be the result of rising building costs it is largely due to the increased number of finer homes being built in the more restricted residence zones.
The year 1959 was also notable for the number of community and civic projects initiated. The new Center Congregational Church, new Fire and Police headquarters, new South Lynnfield Fire Station, the new Standpipe and Pumping Station
for the Lynnfield Center Water District and the addition to the Center Library are all indicative of the growth and progress of the town.
Another unusual trend is shown in the issuing of eleven permits for private swimming pools during the year.
Permits were issued for:
76 New dwellings valued at $1,552,800
37 Other new buildings and structures 716,668
117 Additions, alterations and repairs 255,475 10 Miscellaneous permits
240 Permits $2,524,943 There were 471 regular inspections made. HOWARD S. ARMERDING Inspector of Buildings
Plumbing and Cesspool Inspector
One hundred and fifteen (115) plumbing in- spections and permits were issued in the year 1959. Eighty-five (85) cesspools were inspected
and 24 cesspool complaints were checked and corrective measures instituted.
FORREST W. HOWARD
Plumbing Inspector
58
Board of Health
The Board of Health has held twenty-six regu- lar, plus eight special meetings in the year of 1959.
All establishments preparing and dispensing food have been inspected monthly by the Sani- tary Inspector. Several extra inspections have been with the inspector and members of the Board of Health. These inspections have resulted in the suspensions of two licenses for a period of time. Inspections have been very thorough and have been instrumental in the keeping of high sanitary conditions in the food establish- ments of the Town of Lynnfield.
The Board of Health hopes to be able to achieve more efficiency in its food inspections through the taking of swab tests of the utensils used in eating places. These swab tests will scientifically prove if the cleaning process and equipment is being adequately used. For example: three places serving food in the Town had swab tests taken from the utensils. The results of these tests gave definite proof that the cleaning process used in two places was not adequate. This condition was remedied immediately.
In the past year a Plumbing Inspector was ap- pointed by the directive of the Department of Civil Service. This appointee was discharged during his probationary period.
The Board of Health wishes to express its gratitude to the temporary Plumbing Inspector for his coverage during the interim of the ap-
pointment of a permanent inspector. This was done for the Town without receiving compensa- tion.
The Board wishes to call to the attention of the townspeople a Board of Health regulation which states: "no building permit shall be issued prior to the issuance of a cesspool or septic tank per- mit." This regulation was made to prevent the necessity of a variance having to be made in the installation of a proper sewerage disposal system.
Five sub-developments have been inspected and approved by the Board this past year. With the continued expansion of the Town, the Board of Health has studied, with great concern, the sewerage disposal problems of the new sub- developments. This has brought about a decision to require all new developments to be surveyed and tested by a Certified Sanitary Engineer, who will submit written recommendations for a pro- per sewerage disposal plant, sill elevation, etc. for each house to be erected.
There has been one case of tuberculosis admit- ted to the Essex Sanatorium from the Town in 1959.
Six licenses have been issued, after proper in- spection by the Health Agent, to the nurseries and kindergartens operating in the Town of Lynnfield.
Dr. George S. Robinson Chairman Manton P. Spear Harold D. Aldrich
Health Officer
The Lynnfield Board of Health has had an interesting and satisfactory year as far as health problems are concerned.
A great deal has been accomplished by our sanitarian, Robert Rimbach, who has made reg- ular inspections of all establishments serving food or beverages in open containers. These in- spections included restaurants, drug stores, gro- cery stores, and school cafeterias. All milk and milk products coming into this town have been checked for quality-this includes bacteria counts and butterfat content.
A number of unsanitary conditions have been examined and cleared up. Others are now being studied in order to determine the best method of correcting them. A considerable number of com- plaints pertaining to health matters have been investigated and acted upon.
Clinics
The twenty-fifth annual spring pre-school clinic for immunization against diphtheria, tet- anus, whooping cough, polio, and smallpox was held in the Summer Street School last spring. Mrs. Lucy Lindquist, R.N., gave her usual effi- cient assistance, and has done the follow-up work required by the State Board of Health on tuber- culosis cases.
Nursery Schools and Kindergartens
We have licensed the following nursery schools and kindergartens:
1. Bethlehem Nursery School
2. Little Red Schoolhouse
3. The Music Box
4. Pine View Kindergarten
5. Suntaug Kindergarten
6. Tower Kindergarten
59
Communicable Diseases
There has been a large number of communi- cable diseases reported. Again I must thank Mrs. Florence Romanchuk, school. nurse, for her co- operation in getting reports to me. We have had valuable assistance from our school nurses, Mrs. Romanchuk and Mrs. Burnham, in co-ordinating the town and school health programs. Tubercu- losis skin tests were given to one grade of school children which had been exposed.
We know that many cases of communicable diseases were not reported this past year. All communicable diseases and dog bites must be reported promptly by the patient or the physician in charge to the local Board of Health in accord- ance with the State Health Laws.
Following is a list of communicable diseases reported during 1959:
Disease
No. of cases
Chicken Pox 125
Mumps
25
Scarlet Fever
24
Measles 21
Dog bites 17
German Measles
10
Impetigo Contagiousa
10
Staphloccus Infection,
Nose and Throat 3
Infectious Hepatitis
4
Meningitis
1
Salmonoella
3
Whooping Cough
1
Your Health Officer wishes to thank the mem- bers of the Board, the sanitarian, town officials of other departments, and all residents who have assisted in the carrying on of the health work of the town.
GEORGE S. ROBINSON, M.D.
Health Officer
-
Delivering Town Reports
60
Police Department
The year 1959 has indeed been fruitful in the eyes of the Police Department. With the accept- ance in March by the townspeople of the need of providing adequate quarters for their protective forces. a new combination Police and Fire Build- ing was voted and construction began shortly afterward. Possibly by the time this report is read by the citizens. we will have occupied our new quarters and have taken our first step for- ward to increased efficiency in our department. Since detention facilities have been provided for both male and female prisoners and juveniles. it will no longer be necessary to use valuable time in transporting prisoners to the Peabody lock-up. This will remove the necessity of providing two Officers, removing them from their regular du- ties, to transport prisoners out of town.
On April 6, 1959 Officer Edward Foley at- tended the State Police Academy in Framingham where he received a month-long course covering police procedure, firearms, criminal law, court procedure and conduct. It has been a practice of the department to send two men to this school every year, one in the fall as well as the one in the spring. Unfortunately the course ordinarily given in September was cancelled since the State Police were conducting a graduate class of their own.
On May 29. 1959 we received a 1959 Chevrolet Ranch Wagon to replace the 1957 Ford Wagon. This vehicle was fully equipped giving us two cruiser-ambulette each having their own stretch- ers, blankets. first aid equipment and oxygen supply. During the past year these vehicles have proven their worth. since they were called on many times to save lives.
On August 17, 1959. Captain Thomas Ganley attended the F.B.I. National Academy in Wash- ington, D. C .. for a 3-month course of instruc- tion. bringing back with them the latest methods of crime detection. administration and pro- cedures.
With the coming year increased emphasis will be placed on training for the men. Capt. Ganley with the knowledge he acquired in Washington will conduct classes for all members of the de- partment over an extended period of time. pass- ing on to them all that he has learned. and giv- ing back to the town value in knowledge for the small cost incurred to obtain this knowledge. These classes will begin after we are settled in our new quarters.
Throughout the year the department has an- swered 1733 complaints requiring police action. many of which were settled without court action.
The arrests total for the year was 95 and are classified as follows:
M
F
Tot.
Affrav
2
0
2
Assault and Battery
1
0
4
Breaking. Entering & Larceny
6 0)
6
Carrying Concealed Weapon
1
0
1
Delinquency
1
0
1
Disturbing The Peace
12
5
17
Drunkenness
13
1
14
Escapees from Correctional Institutions
0
2
2
Larceny
12
0
12
Larceny by Check
3
0
3
Motor Vehicle Violations
6
2
8
Non-Support
3
0
3
Operating Under the Influence
6
1
1
Receiving Stolen Goods
1
0)
1
Resisting Arrest
1
0
1
Robbery
1
0
1
Runaways
3
2
5
Using Motor Vehicle Without Authority
1
2
6
Vagrancy
1
(
1
80
15
95
Recapitulation
1. Against Person
5
2. Against Property 26
3. Against Public Order 61
Other Activities Include:
Accidents
250
Injured in Auto Accidents
198
Ambulance Cases
210
Breaks and Attempted Breaks
25
Burglar Alarms Sounded
32
Commendations Awarded Officers
2
Commitments
25
Conditions of Roads Reported
35
Court Appearances
92
Cruiser Out of Town-No. of Hours
265
Dead Bodies Cared For
6
Doors-Windows Found Open and Secured
119
Driving Licenses Suspended
31
Fire Alarms Answered
90
Lights Reported Out
301
Light Tags Given Out (Equipment Tags) 89
Live Wires Guarded
31
61
-----
Messages Delivered 169
Missing Persons Located
19
Motor Vehicle Transfers 178
Motor Vehicle Violations Sent to Registry 148
Parking Violations - Court Action 508
Stray Dogs and Cats Cared For
24
Runaways Returned 18
Summonses Served For Other Departments 178
Summonses Taken Out
46
Stolen and Lost Property Recovered $13,099.75
Use of Resuscitator 12
Vacant Houses Checked 1333
Warrants Issued 11
A number of property damage cases were set- tled without court action.
The Police Department has tried to co-operate with all Town Departments forwarding all tele- phone calls and assisting wherever possible. I would like to thank the various department heads at this time for their help and co-operation to this Department throughout this past year. Es- pecially do I owe my thanks to each of the mem- bers of the Auxiliary Police for their splendid assistance to the Department at times of emer- gency and by the unselfish effort offered by the members of this organization in chalking up over 992 man hours in actual duty along with the members of the regular force. Without this need- ed help, much of the work of the Department would have fallen short of its mark. Also to the women of the Traffic Department I wish to ex- tend my congratulations for the terrific job they have done in caring for the school children, giv- ing us a perfect record of no child injured under their supervision.
For the year 1960, with a new home for the department and new police methods and pro-
cedures being enacted for the betterment of the department, I am sure that the citizens of Lynn- field will feel even greater confidence in their police department.
POLICE DEPARTMENT ROSTER
Chief
William E. Foley
Captain
Thomas F. Ganley
Sergeant
Norman T. A. Grady
Sergeant
Frank E. Martin, Jr.
Patrolmen
Edwin L. Price
Franklin Livermore
Casimiro Navas
Leon W. Cobb
William R. Delamater John F. Pepper
Edward W. Foley
Richard L. Murphy
Paul F. Jensen
Intermittent Albert A. Kokatti
Policewomen Traffic Supervisors
Mrs. Winnifred L. Borjeson
Mrs. June T. Crumrine
Mrs. Mildred R. Doremus
Mrs. Phyllis LeTourneau
Substitute
Mrs. Eunice L. Carter
WILLIAM E. FOLEY Chief of Police
Planning Board
There has been a slight increase in the rate of growth of the Town of Lynnfield during 1959. In 1957 the Planning Board approved six peti- tions for subdivisions consisting of forty-seven house lots and four thousand, seven hundred, thirty-five feet of streets. In 1958 six petitions for subdivisions were approved consisting of forty-three house lots and three thousand, nine hundred, five feet of streets. In 1959 three peti- tions for subdivisions were approved consisting of sixty-one house lots and six thousand, six hundred, seventy-nine feet of streets.
During the year the Town voted to accept the recommendations of the Planning Board cover- ing Articles 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27 of the Town Warrant considered at the Annual Town
Meeting. Public Hearing on the above articles were held by this Board.
After the Town Meeting, House Bill No. 2725 entitled "An Act Providing for the Submission to the voters of the Town of Lynnfield, at a spe- cial election to be called for the purpose, certain questions pertaining to amendments of the zon- ing By-Law of said Town" was before the House of Representatives and the Senate. This Bill was defeated.
At a meeting of the Planning Board held on May 4, 1959 it was voted that a Statement of Principles Applicable to Zoning be adopted. At the meeting of July 6, 1959 the following State- ment of Principles Applicable to Zoning was adopted.
62
1. The Town of Lynnfield is by choice of its residents basically residential and all zoning should recognize and be compatible with this fact.
2. Zoning must be consistent with sound over- all planning. All zoning should conform to the Master Plan in effect in the Town or if there are sound reasons why the Master Plan no longer applies, then modification of the Master Plan should be made and the zoning of the Town should conform to the modified overall plan.
3. The proper purposes of zoning are not pri- marily financial. These purposes include the establishment and preservation of residential neighborhoods, the establishment of necessary service facilities for the neighborhoods, the pre- servation of certain amenities for the residents of the Town, and the preservation of certain sanitary considerations.
4. Zoning ordinances should be of enduring quality and should only be altered for extremely good reasons-always by an Annual Town Meet- ing and in accordance with the regular procedure for the adoption of changes in Town By-Laws as outlined in the General Laws of the Common- wealth.
After careful review and consideration of the Master Plan for the Town, the Board voted to discuss with Allen Benjamin Associates the cost
of professional services in connection with a re- view of non-residential zoning districts and reg- ulations in the Town. A proposal covering the above subject was approved by the Board.
During the year the Board has been offered for the Town, by the developers of Sherwood Forest area and King James Grants area, land for future playground sites.
The Town Zoning map has been brought up to date during the year.
Russell E. Franck was appointed to serve on the School Site Acquisition Committee and Rich- ard R. Wolsey was appointed to serve on the Bourque Road Extension Committee. Mrs. Rich- ard A. Ross continued to serve as Secretary to the Board.
Russell E. Franck was elected to a five-year term on the board to fill the vacancy caused by the expiration of the term of Colby L. Burbank, former chairman of the board.
Calvin J. Osberg Chairman Alexander Simpson, Jr. Vice-Chairman
Richard E. Wolsey Clerk James E. Bagley, Jr. Russell E. Franck
Board of Appeals
The Board of Appeals currently meets in the Selectmen's Room at the Town Hall on the first Tuesday of each month to act on all cases sub- mitted one month or more prior to the hearing date. All decisions of the board are a matter of public record on file with the Town Clerk.
The following cases were acted on during 1959: Case No. 1-1/20/59
Lynnfield Center Water District
Erection of standpipe on Knoll Road in excess of legal height (over 50 feet).
Granted 1/29/59
Case No. 2-2/17/59 Elmer C. French
Permit for a dwelling on land of insufficient area on Phillips Road.
Denied 2/27/59
Case No. 3-3/17/59 Gilbert L. and N. Vivian Chadwick Erection of garden tool house at 10 Richards Road with less than legal clearance from rear property line.
Granted 3/23/59
Case No. 4-3/17/59
Donald A. and Lois Barnes
Erection of tool house at 2 Hill Top Road with less than legal clearance from rear property line.
Granted 3/23/59
Case No. 5-3/17/59 John J. Betts
Erection of swimming pool and cabana at 421
Lowell Street, less than 20 feet from rear property line.
Granted Subject to Limitations 4/10/59
Case No. 6-4/21/59 Dr. David Maron
Erection of sign at 975 Summer Street in ex- cess of legal limits.
Denied 5/13/59
Case No. 7 - 5/19/59 Delayed to 6/16/59
B. & S. Trust-W. E. Brown, Jr., Trustee Erection of dwelling-Lot 137-138 Ehnwood Road with less than required sideline clear- ance and front yard set back. Granted 6/29/59
63
1
Case No. 8 -5/19/59 William F. Holland Erection of garage at 767 Walnut Street with less than required sideline and front yard set back. Granted 6/4/59
Case No. 9-6/16/59 Charles A. and Janice M. Bamforth
Add to an existing dwelling at corner of Cedar- wood Road and Summer Street with less than required set back, area and street frontage. Granted 6/29/59
Case No. 10-6/16/59 Joseph D. and Mina A. Pennell
Erection of gardener's cottage tool house at 259 Pillings Pond Road with less than required sideline clearance.
Granted 6/29/59
Case No. 11 -6/16/59 Bryce V. and Barbara S. Horton Erection of two story addition to residence at 2 Sylvan Circle with less than required sideline clearance. Granted 6/29/59
Case No. 12-7/28/59 Donald J. and Sylvia E. Hutchins Erection of tool shed at 16 Beaver Avenue with less than required rearline clearance. Granted 8/5/59
Case No. 13-7/28/59 Carlos R. and Elizabeth C. Moulton Erection of tool shed at 5 Atherton Circle with less than required rearline clearance. Granted 8/5/59
Case No. 14-7/28/59 John and Louise Terravechia Erection of breezeway and garage at 43 Pillings Pond Road with less than required sideline clearance. Granted 8/5/59
Case No. 15-8/18/59 Delayed to 9/8/59 John A. Dentone
Enlarge and enclose front and rear porches at 163 Bourque Road with less than required side and rearline clearance. Granted 9/25/59
Case No. 16-8/18/59 Delayed to 9/8/59 John A. McCarthy
Renovate and remodel camp on Lot 24, Pillings Pond Road, with less than required sideline clearance.
Granted Subject to Specific Conditions 10/5/59
Case No. 17 - 8/18/59 Delayed to 9/8/59 to 10/6/59
Leo H. and Edith H. O'Connor
Petition for a variance permitting the estab- lishment on Ingalls Ter. of two lots with in- sufficient frontage in accordance with a plan dated March 5, 1959.
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