USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Lynnfield > Town of Lynnfield, Essex County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, annual report 1961-1970 > Part 103
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Our most exciting achievement was the result of many years' work. Through the long-term cooperative efforts of Cabot, Cabot & Forbes, the Massachusetts Audubon Socie- ty, the Town of Wakefield, and the Lynnfield Conservation Commission, approximately 75 acres of Reedy Meadow has been donated for conservation purposes. Approximately 50 acres lying in Wakefield has been given to the Audubon Society, and the 25 acres lying in Lynnfield has been given to the Town. The gift is doubly significant. It includes the portion of Reedy Meadow that is used most intensively: the
catwalk by the power line, and the old sandpit where the pond is. Equally important, the land forms a border around most of the industrial park and the Wakefield area now zoned for apartments (formerly Pleasure Island), effectively ending any consideration that the industrial area might spread into Reedy Meadow. We consider this gift an im- pressive demonstration of public spirit by Cabot, Cabot & Forbes.
Our major activity in 1970 also concerned Reedy Meadow. We have negotiated an agreement for purchase of a tract of approximately forty acres off Main Street. Four or five acres of this are high ground including a fifty-foot wide access strip from Main Street, and a high knoll-a fine example of glacial drumlin. The parcel also includes a white cedar swamp at the edge of the marsh, and Partridge Island, known to old-time Lynnfield residents as the best place to find Indian artifacts. Most of the land is marsh, part of the floor plain of Beaverdam Brook and the Saugus River.
The agreement calls for purchase of the forty-acre tract for $30,000. The Conservation Commission has applied for 50% reimbursement from the Commonwealth under the "Self-Help Act." We have previously obtained these self- help funds every time we have applied; we are hopeful of success this time as well.
This matter will appear on the Warrant for the March 1971 Town Meeting. The Conservation Commission earn- estly solicits your support for the acquisition of these lands, important as they are to the maintenance of the ecological balance of the Town.
Bennett R. Keenan, Chairman
Reedy Meadow
62
BOARD OF HEALTH
Rubbish collection has increased about 400% in the past few months due to the no-burning law. To offset this expected increase a Special Town Meeting was held in May to petition the Town to vote additional funds for a weekly pick-up for the remainder of the year. However, the petition was turned down by the Town. This year the contract will call for every week pick-up.
We wish to bring to the attention of the people that dogs are still running loose and creating havoc with the rub- bish, and that they should respect the dog-restraint law. Also, if no garbage or particles of food were in the rubbish containers, the chances of being molested by dogs would be very slight.
Rubbish should be on the street by 7 a.m. of the scheduled day for collection; if it is not out on time, the
contractor cannot return to pick it up. Any complaints should be made to the Board of Health office between 9 a.m. and noon Monday through Friday.
The annual clinics were held in the Spring by Dr. Robinson with the assistance of Mrs. Jean Taylor, our Public Health nurse. The response to these clinics was much larger than in recent years.
A rabies clinic will be held in the Spring. Residents are reminded that all dogs must be licensed and that the dogs must be inoculated against rabies before a license can be issued.
Dr. George S. Robinson, Chairman Harold D. Aldrich Manton P. Spear
GAS INSPECTOR
In the year 1970 there were 96 applications for gas permits. 36 permits were issued for new homes, 31 permits were issued for alteration of existing gas appliances, 15 permits were issued for new gas installations of
existing homes, 12 permits were issued for L.P. gas installations, 2 permits for restaurants, and 1 permit for commercial building.
Martin S. Katz
63
BOARD OF REGISTRARS
The Registrars had one of their busiest years with 585 registrations for both the State and Local elections. New voting lists for Precinct 1 and 2 were prepared and printed for use at the elections and town meetings. The 1970 Street Listing Books were printed and made available June 1. This year's street listings should be ready for distrubtion on or about May 1 at the Town Clerk's office.
The 1970 registration figures and Town population as of 1 January 1970 are:
Precinct
Democrat
Republican
Independent
1
392
1240
1310
2
670
1015
1153
Total - 5,780
Population - July 1, 1970 11,305.
There have been two major changes in the voter registration laws during 1970 which affect the voters of Lynnfield.
1. Voting Age For Federal elections the voting age has been lowered to 18, by the Federal Voting Rights Acts Amendments of 1970. For State and Local elections, the voting age has been lowered to 19.
2. Residency The one year state residency law has been changed to six months, which is now the same as the Town Residency law.
It is suggested that all persons who have reached the age of 18 and meet the six months residency requirements register at the Town Clerk's office.
Michael J. Neumann, Jr., Chairman John F. Toomey John A. Valkevich Harry W. Higgins, Clerk
Michael J. Neumann Jr.
John F. Toomey
Michael J. Neumann Jr. Chairman of Board of Registrars Debra Tullgren Nancy Crumrine
64
BOARD OF APPEALS
The Board of Appeals currently meets in the Public Hearing Room of the Town Hall on the first Tuesday of each month to act on all cases submitted four weeks or more prior to the hearing date.
The Board of Appeals acted on twenty (20) cases in the year 1970, disposing of them as follows:
13 cases granted unconditionally
1 case granted with suitable conditions imposed
2 cases denied
2 cases denied by default
2 cases withdrawn without prejudice by petitioners
Procedural rules and all decisions of the Board are a matter of public record on file with the Town Clerk. Any person aggrieved by a decision of the Board is entitled to appeal to the Superior Court within 20 days of the filing of the decision.
BOARD OF APPEALS Glen R. Smith - Chairman Malcolm V. Smith - Member Hubert G. Wall - Secretary
PERSONNEL BOARD
1970 was a year of considerable activity for your Personnel Board. The Board concerned itself with wage and salary administration and recommendations for the Town and acted as representatives of the Town in negoti- ating the Union contract with the County and Municipal Employees Union, Local # 262.
The Board also designed a system for consolidation and centralization of personnel records. This system is still in the preliminary stages of development but such a system is necessary today in the best interests of the Town and its employees. The Board will request assis- tance in this project from Department Heads and hopes to have all Department Heads participate in the establish- ment of a permenent personnel records system and pro- cedure.
In 1971, the Board will continue to develop this record system and will also consider a new dual wage and
salary structure, so that hourly, clerical, technical, and supervisory positions will be classified into a wage struc- ture that considers the different job factors inherent in all positions. This dual system would require a review of all current job descriptions and positions in the Town. This task may be undertaken on a piecemeal basis.
This represents a small glimpse of the Personnel Board's activities in 1970 and some of its goals for 1971. The Board will continue to be responsive to the needs of the Town and its employees, and welcomes any com- ments or recommendations concerning personnel activities from the Town's citizenry.
Robert W. Martin, Chairman Roger T. Sobkowiak, Vice Chairman Michael M. Canavan Jay R. Galbraith Josiah B. Morrill
65
DRAINAGE COMMITTEE
HISTORY AND FUNCTION. Formed by the Select- men in March of 1966, the Drainage Committee continues to function on the basis of individual specific assignments from the Board. This function is informal, sporadic, and without power of enforcement. It is advisory, usually through reports to the Board of Selectmen.
The committee works without compensation, budget, or funds. Surveys are minimal; greatly facilitated by the Town's 1968 topographic maps. Henceforth, and already effective, the November 1970 drainage maps of the entire town will be beneficial in expediting more reliable data in report findings.
Usually the chairman works unilaterally but harmoni- ously, for reasons of expediency as explained in the May 1 report to the Board.
RELATED STUDIES
Drainage being a civil engineering consideration in other Town bodies, this committee has participated, through request of the Board of Selectmen, in other Town Studies, including:
March 28 Pleasure Island Proposed Apartments
April 9 To Town Charter Commission
20 To Bd. of Selectmen; re. Town Meeting Art. 9: Summary and specifications for Complete Town Drainage Mapping.
24 Tappan Way-Wheeler St. Proposed Subdi- vision; Discussion.
Sept.
8 Town Hall Building Repair; (Study of local- ized failure).
Nov.
7 To Town Charter Commission. Second re- port.
July
Betterment Act. Recommendations to Board for consideration.
DRAINAGE STUDIES (1970)
Feb.
1 16 West Tapley Rd. Report # 1.
March
6 16 Carpenter Rd.
9 17 Grey Lane.
18 Glen Meadow Park. Putney Lane & Vic. Rept. #1 Prelim.
May
25 19 Carpenter Rd. Glen Meadow Rept. #2; Feasibility & esti - mate.
April
2 10 Grey Lane & Vic.
9 62 Edward Av.
9 274 Salem St.
Freeman W. Towers, Chairman James Fletcher, Member Sanborn Caldwell, Member
ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
This new committee is believed to be the first of its kind in Massachusetts. It was set up to advise the selectmen on any and all areas in the town environment capable of being controlled to promote the general health or welfare of the citizens of the town. The problems facing this committee are complex and can be solved only with the co-operation of all other town government boards and committees. The Board of Selectmen empower the commit- tee to act on those recommended programs it feels may be desirable.
The committee recently submitted recommendations to the Board of Selectmen on the immediate problems of leaf collection and disposal caused by the statewide ban on burning. The committee is currently working on proposed additions to the town By-Laws and other means to control pollution and degradation or destruction of our local
environment. We have spent much effort investigating the problems connected with non-returnable bottles and other containers and hope to propose a viable solution to this pressing problem.
This committee recommended the inclusion of two students of Lynnfield High among its members in order to help elicit suggestions and help from the young people of our town.
The co-operation of all citizens is essential for the accomplishment of objectives in the pioneering efforts of this committee.
Donald M. Russell, Jr., Chairman Thomas M. Michael, Vice Chairman Mrs. Robert F. Weiss, Secretary David W. Hunter Fred VanBennekom
66
CAPITAL BUDGET COMMITTEE
The Captial Budget Committee studies capital outlay expenditures needs, especially those over a three to five year period. Recommendations concerning such are made to the Board of Selectmen.
Last year's departments were surveyed for their proj- ected capital expenditures over a five year period. The committee made recommendations for the 1970 capital expenditures based on responses to this survey request, present inventory, and our judgement of departments need and ability to utilize equipment. The survey will again be updated early in 1971 prior to the Town Meeting for use by the Finance Committee and Select- men.
The committee has recommended this year a capital outlay expenditure for a traffic light system at Walnut and Salem Streets. The system we suggested was some- what less complex than the original state recommended system.
We completed in 1970 a capital outlay study for weekly refuse pickup by the town and a study of capital outlay for refuse disposal. Both have been submitted to the Board of Selectmen.
The committee hopes to update our inventory accounts in 1971 and possibly place such on magnetic storage tapes. We will consult with the Computer Com- mittee concerning this.
Raymond Grady, Chairman
Paul Murphy, Secretary George Pyburn Robert Hoffman James Knox Dr. Thomas Connolly
MEMORIAL DAY PARADE COMMITTEE
-
Memorial Day - Commander - American Legion at Junior High School
This year the Memorial Day Parade was formed at the South end of town. After services at Willow Cemetery, the marchers returned to the South Hall, where they disbanded. From there everyone went to the Junior High School where services were continued because of rain. We wish to thank the many Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Brownies, Camp Fire Girls, Blue Birds, their leaders, the Servicemen, former Servicemen, Police, Town Officials, and the Lynnfield High School Band for making the Parade a success. We also wish to thank Mr. Robert
FRI
BLUE &
Memorial Day at Willow Cemetery
Peabody, Mr. William Bratten, Mr. Richard Weeks and Mr. John Duggan for their continued help.
Edward Foley, Chairman David Sutherland Arthur Pyburn Richard Weeks John P. Duggan Helen N. Sparkes, Secretary
67
STREET LIGHTING COMMITTEE
Colonial Lighting on Cooks Farm Lane
Twenty-three complaints relative to street lighting were investigated, and recommendations made to the Selectmen.
Plans were drawn for lighting the Town Hall parking lot with Colonial-type mercury vapor luminaires, and a portion of it was implemented in 1970.
Similar lighting is now in operation on Cooks Farm
Colonial Lighting at Town Hall Parking Lot
Lane and Cortland Lane. The bases and underground wires for these units were installed by the developer during road construction at a considerable saving to the Town. Compared to rented lighting, each of these Coloni- al luminaires will return a yearly dividend to the Town of about $25 for many years.
John A. Roberts
INSURANCE COMMITTEE
The Insurance Committee serves as an impartial source of advice to the Selectmen on matters related to the Town's insurance program. The committee has respon- sibility for assisting the Selectmen with matters related to insurance coverages protecting the Town's property, liabil- ity suits, against the Town, and personal insurance bene- fits for Town employees.
The principle of competitive bidding on the Towns insurance program instituted by the Selectmen with the advice and counsel of the committee has resulted in
savings to the Town during the past six years. However, as time passes on, the Town's insurance budget can only increase as the Town owns more property and payrolls increase.
George W. Perkins, Il Chairman
William E. Calvani
Thomas A. Nutile
Joseph F. Pelusi Rose Marie Turino
68
SCHOOL PLANT NEEDS COMMITTEE
The Committee sponsored an Article in the Warrant for the 1970 Town Meeting calling for the appointment of a Secondary School Building Committee, and for funds for use of the Committee to obtain preliminary plans, sketches and cost estimates for construction of additions to the Senior High School. The Article was approved and funds were allocated for the task. The work of the Secondary School Building Committee is in process.
As has been previously reported by the School Plant Needs Committee, the school enrollment continues to grow due to new home construction and the influx of new families to Lynnfield. While this growth alone will eventually overload existing facilities, the requirement by the State Board of Education to establish a public kindergarten by the Fall of 1973 make the provision of additional classrooms a necessity.
The activity of the Committee during 1970 has been limited to analysis of population and school enrollment data. Projections of class room needs have been made for the present system, and for the proposed elementary, middle and four-year high school organization. The activi- ties of the Secondary School Building Committee have been monitored.
It is hoped that the Town will react favorably to the proposed High School addition plan, which is a keystone to the orderly expansion of the School plant to meet anticipated growth. In the event plans change, the School Plant Needs Committee must react to provide alternate proposals to meet the needs of the School Department. Frederick E. Carroll, Chairman Clifton J. Hansen Lawrence S. Canter Parker B. Holloway Mrs. Barbara Tufts James A. Knox Ronald C. Lengyel
FIRE DEPARTMENT STUDY COMMITTEE
The Fire Department Study Committee which was appointed by the Board of Selectmen in May, 1969 to study various Fire Department organizational alternatives in respect to cost and degree of protection, made its recommendations at the Town Meeting in March, 1970. Following favorable Town Meeting action to appoint a full-time Fire Chief and at the request of the Board of Selectmen, the committee drew up gross requirements for a full-time Fire Chief. Additionally the committee was requested to find a competent authority to make up an examination for the position of a full-time Fire Chief and to administer the same. The committee recommended Mr. Joseph A. O'Keefe, Coordinator of Fire Science Programs, Massachusetts Board of Regional Community Colleges. The Selectmen adopted our recommendation. Subsequent- ly Mr. Robert J. Desmond was appointed Lynnfield Fire Chief by the Selectmen, effective September 20, 1970.
The committee has met several times with Chief Desmond to discuss our report, department affairs, and to confer with him on plans for the future. Members of the committee note with satisfaction the general improvement in the Lynnfield Fire Department. It is the hope of this committee that the Town will support Chief Desmond in his efforts to upgrade the Fire Department of the Town of Lynnfield.
Having fulfilled our charge the committee has been dissolved by action of the Board of Selectmen.
Clifford 1. Markham, Chairman Martha L. Emerson, Secretary Bruce E. Kennerson Irving I. Sacks Stephen F. Samojeden
69
MUNICIPAL LAND ACQUISITION COMMITTEE
This committee was appointed by the Board of Selectmen in July 1965 to investigate and recommend to the Selectmen possible land acquisition for the future needs of the town.
Investigation has been made of certain lands suitable for disposal of waste and two possible locations have been found. These were reported to the Selectmen with the suggestion that the Board of Health look them over to see if they would serve their purpose.
The Highway Department, located behind the Town Hall and adjacent to the residential property on Parsons Avenue, is occupying land that will be needed for other purposes as the town grows. One possibility is the erec- tion of a series of well designed homes for the aged utilizing the Pearson property now owned by the town as well as adjoining property now under negotiation. A convenient area of nearly 16 acres has been found in an undeveloped location that is considered to be suitable for the Highway Department and this committee has strongly recommended to the Selectmen that this be purchased now for future use with the possibility of including the Tree and Parks & Cemetery Departments in this area as well. This committee is currently obtaining a professional
appraisal of this tract of land so that an article can be inserted in the next Annual Town Meeting Warrant re- commending its purchase.
This committee also serves on the Pillings Pond Acquisition Study Committee under the chairmanship of Mr. James Fuller. The pond presents problems that we hope can be surmounted so that the town can enjoy a clean recreation area in the future.
The area along Summer and Main Streets from the Town Hall to the Junior High School consisting of 43 1/2 acres is mostly town property. The Haskel property of 7 acres is of historic value and it is recommended that it be preserved as such. The remaining 3 3/4 acres of privately owned land has been recommended for eventual acquisi- tion by the town.
Property in Lynnfield continues to be in demand and costs continue to increase. This committee is of the opinion that land for future town needs should be acquired now for economic reasons.
John E. Harriss, Chairman Colby L. Burbank, Jr., Secretary Charles F. Curtis
DATA PROCESSING COMMITTEE
The Data Processing Committee was formed in July, 1970 and consists of four regular and four ex-officio members. The intent for the first six months was for the committee to organize, talk with each of the ex-officio members, and begin discussions with data processing organizations.
A series of meetings were held in the six month period. The format of the first four meetings consisted of a discussion with one of the ex-officio members who repre- sented one of the administrative segments of town govern- ment. In carrying out these meetings, the committee gained insight into the data processing procedures of the tax collection, assessing, town accounting, payroll, census taking, and street listings. It was obvious from these discussions that the data processing needs of the above areas varied widely. Some of the above areas need electron- ic data processing, others mechanical data processing, and still others should remain in the manual data processing mode.
Having discussed each area in committee, the next step was to decide the means of an in-depth analysis in each area. In order to carry out such an analysis, a person or group of persons must study the daily activities of each area as they are happening. This type of analysis could not be
accomplished by the committee itself, however, the com- mittee can direct and analyze the results of such a study. Therefore, the committee began discussions with data processing consultant groups.
These groups vary widely in their knowledge of municipal data processing. For instance, some of them specialize in town payroll, in census taking, and still others in tax billing. Almost any bank in the Lynnfield area will process a town payroll. However, it is the feeling of your data processing committee that segmenting each data processing function to a different source would be costly, inefficient, and inflexible. Likewise the outright purchase of a computer for the town does not appear to be the answer. The committee is, therefore, attempting to hold discussions with data processing consultants who can assess the entire data processing needs of the town. It is hoped that such a study, after evaluation by the committee, will result in cost effective data processing in the near future and a data processing plan for the next five years.
The data processing committee has spent no town monies in its first six months of operation.
George H. Stacey, Jr.,
Chairman -
70
PILLINGS POND ACQUISITION STUDY COMMITTEE
Here you see the beginning of the end, unless you, the people of Lynnfield care enough !! What you see in these pictures, are not stones, rocks, or etc. It is Pollution !!
This committee was formed on August 29, 1969. Much research took place by various members who came to the conclusion professional help was needed. In March, 1970 at the Town Meeting, the Tax Payers voted $1500.00 for the professional help. This vote showed, without a doubt, that the Townspeople, as a whole, were concerned with this serious problem of Polluted Water, that it was not just the abutters to the Pond. The Townspeople realized it is affecting the whole town.
Upon receiving the $1500.00, we acquired the services of S.E.A. Consultants Inc., 90 Canal St., Boston, who in our estimation, did an excellent job.
On Friday, May 16th, S.E.A. started with Depth Findings. They found the water reached a maximum of 72 inches at or near the dam on Summer St. The main body of the Pond depth varies from between 55 to 65 inches.
On June 15th, test borings began to determine the type of soil beneath the Pond. They found decomposing vegetable matter and a layer of peat which are influencing the decline of the Pond's water. The ability of fish to survive in such a medium is almost impossible. This being one of the reasons for many dead fish that were found floating on the top of the water, which had to be retrieved and buried to deter the obnoxious odors.
On June 22nd, bacteria tests were taken. We found that pollutants and sewage are being absorbed by the Pond. Pollutants from a stream coming from West Peabody are entering the Pond. Boards of Health of the State, Town of Lynnfield, and Peabody were notified of the existing conditions.
In essence, what the S.E.A. Consultants found was that the pond is dying due largely to lack of depth and pollutants from streams and cesspools.
The Committee has reported all findings to date to the Board of Selectmen. It hopes by town meeting time, to have a solution to abate the unhealthy condition that exists in the Pond. The Committee will continue to work on this serious situation and will remain a Committee dedicated to the preservation of a clean, healthy, and useful Pond.
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