Town of Lynnfield, Essex County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, annual report 1961-1970, Part 18

Author: Lynnfield (Mass.)
Publication date: 1961-1970
Publisher: The Town
Number of Pages: 1002

USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Lynnfield > Town of Lynnfield, Essex County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, annual report 1961-1970 > Part 18

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cial and Municipal operators, yet they have little or no knowledge of their application or hazards.

Almost 200 saplings averaging 10 to 15 feet in height were planted along town ways, either as replacements or new plantings. In new de- velopments, initial plantings have been or will be made by the developer at no cost to the town. Roadside trees have almost ceased to be a cause of power outage. A continuing program of trim- ming by your Tree Department with the cooper- ation of the Reading and Peabody Electric Com- panies has affected this safety condition. Coop- eration was given with the Highway Depart- ment in snow removal and trimming and re- moval of trees for new street construction. This department also worked with the Park and Cem- etery Department on care of public trees where some reenforcing and cableing was done.

Experimental leaf feeding and growth control of roadside grass and weeds indicated worth- while results and an expanded program will be carried on in 1963. Dutch Elm still defies the efforts of our research Scientists, while a degree of control has been achieved, the complete an- swer has not been found.

Our thanks to the cooperation of all Town Departments in 1962. May next year be as fruit- ful and congenial.

GUSTAV H. KOCH, Tree Warden Moth Superintendent Delbert Porter Harold Hall

Sealer of Weights & Measures

All weighing and measuring devices used in the Town of Lynnfield were checked for accu- racy and corrected if necessary before sealing. Minimum visits to spot check were made before the annual check. Packaged goods were checked for proper labeling, that is, price per unit, unit weight or volume, and total cost per package.

There seemed to be a lessening of the trend to add weight or size units, which were very con- fusing as to value being given. Cooperation was excellent and errors minimal.

GUSTAV H. KOCH Sealer of Weights & Measures

Wire Inspector

During the year 1962, 238 wiring permits were issued involving approx- imately 550 inspections. Over this period your In- spector was called upon by many local residents, who planned additional electrical installations in their homes, for advice and counsel in this re- gard.

During 1962, two fires found to be caused

by faulty wiring. The most serious was

in the old Smith House at the Center. Wiring had been installed over a period of years and no permits had been applied for or issued to cover such installation. Your Inspec- tor, therefore, had no knowledge of such work being done. Fortunately, however, no one was seriously injured. The Smith House is now in the process of being rebuilt and the new wiring system which will be installed will correct this condition and eliminate any possible fire hazards occurring from faulty wiring installation.

JAMES V. THOMPSON

Fire Alarm Supervisor

At the March 1962 Town Meeting, your Fire Alarm Supervisor submitted a budget for main- tenance and capital outlay for the fire alarm system. It was voted and approved at that meet- ing to give the Selectmen the sum of $500 to be used in making a survey for the future expan- sion of the fire alarm system. This survey was made by the New England Fire Insurance Rating Association in July and the results of that sur- vey was transmitted in a letter to the Selectmen on July 25, 1962. This letter contained their rec- ommendations of what needed to be done and the procedure which should be followed by the Fire Alarm Department. This was a 3-page re- port covering 24 articles. Many of the recom- mendations submitted in this report had been advocated earlier by your fire alarm supervisor, but his recommendations had been turned down. Due to lack of funds, it was not possible to fol- low the Association's recommendations and we were merely able to do emergency repairs and

make a daily board check of the fire alarm switchboard.

The present fire alarm system in the town of Lynnfield is one of the most modern that it is possible to install, but it follows that it must be adequately maintained and periodic tests must be made to insure it is always in a state of readiness (recommended by the National Fire Protection Association, Bulletin No. 73). In ad- dition, a certain amount of outside line renewal and unforseen pole changeovers and installation must be done each year.

It is hoped that when the Fire Alarm Budget is submitted at the 1963 Town Meeting that it will be given very careful consideration by the townspeople; that they will keep in mind that this is a $50,000 investment and that as such it warrants every effort to see that it is properly maintained.

JAMES V. THOMPSON

Animal Inspector

With the passing of Arthur Hudson, Senior in the spring of 1962, his herd of milk cattle soon passed to other pastures and entered the final chapter of what had been the "Cash Crop" of many of the older inhabitants of Lynnfield. Our "Gentlemen Farmers" may have a few sheep grazing in the old orchard or a riding horse or two may show up here and there for a year or two, but "Country Atmosphere" is now a nos-

talgic expression. Our duties now are mainly the quarantining of dogs and cats that have nipped the little "nippers" that tease them. While the canines were better behaved in 1962 than in previous years we must be ever watch- ful and report all bites to prevent any possible return of Rabies to this State.

GUSTAV H. KOCH Inspector of Animals

€

James V. Thompson

occurred which were

Road Commissioner

As the year 1962 comes to a close and we review the activities of the High- way Department for this year, the rains of Octo- ber 5th and 6th caused us the most trouble. The rainfall for the entire year was 43.06 inches, which is only .41 inches above normal. However, James C. Fletcher about 25 per cent of this came on the previously mentioned dates and flooded many sections of the Town. A master plan of the Town drains and waterways is now being prepared. Action was taken at a special Town meeting in Novem- ber, to remedy the Essex Street - Pillings Pond area, and at our annual meeting in March of 1963, money will be requested to improve other areas.

One new dump truck chassis and one new snow plow were purchased. Grove Street, Fair- view Avenue and Forest Hill Avenue were re- built. Essex Street was rebuilt from Main Street to Forest Hill Avenue, with Chapter 90 funds. The only new streets constructed this year by developers were at Westhall, off Walnut Street. Locust Street was resurfaced by the State, as it was used as a haul road for the rebuilding of Route 1 and Route 128. The new service road built by the State between Route 1 and Summer Street has made the Lake Street and Locksley Road area much safer.

Plans have been made and a contract will be let early in 1963, to correct the bad curve on Route 1 north of Ships Haven. This is a State project.

New street lights were installed on Summer Street from Main to Walnut Streets and on Walnut Street to the Saugus line.

Center line painting of our main roads needs attention. This was done by the State prior to 1962, at which time they discontinued that ser- vice. Town funds have been requested to repaint them in 1963.

The first patent for a street sweeper was made on December 8, 1903, and to this date the Town of Lynnfield has not purchased one. Again funds will be asked for that purpose in our 1963 budget, with the hope that it will be approved.

Plans are in the making, to straighten the section of Salem Street from Dewing Road to Mansfield Corner. The curves at Ramsdell's and beyond Tally Ho have been the scene of many bad accidents. Pinehill Road, Arlington Street and Hutchins Circle will be rebuilt this year.

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 cooperation throughout the year.

JAMES C. FLETCHER Road Commissioner

Veteran's Services

Burton B. Cogswell

During the year 1962 six permanent cases re- ceiving benefits have been reduced to four due to deaths. Eleven emergency cases were processed and aid given to the appli- cants; along with the usual amount of requests for information and help with the Veterans Admin- istration Office, Boston, Mass.

Four hospital contracts were made and ac- cepted.

All veterans graves were given close inspection and found to be in good condition.

Respectfully submitted, BURTON B. COGSWELL Veterans Service Director, Veterans Graves Registration Officer

Civil Defense

Lawrence E. Austin Director

Sanborn A. Caldwell C. D. Fire Chief

Frank A. Pagano C. D. Police Chief

The usual activity of a peacetime Civil De- fense organization has kept the Lynnfield Civil Defense units actively trained in the year 1962.

The communications unit, under the leader- ship of the assistant Civil Defense Director Richard Doremus, has been activated on several occasions to meet emergencies, working in con- junction with the Auxiliary Police. They have also operated the public address system, located in the High School, for the several Town meet- ing functions. This has resulted in considerable savings to the Town.

The Auxiliary Police unit has performed their duties as required on several occasions, to meet emergencies which have arisen. In listing a few of the emergencies, the flood, Halloween, the fire on Main St. and several other minor emergencies.

Under the able leadership of the Auxiliary Chief Frank Pagano, the membership has been increased to 25 men. This number is far short of the required minimum of 45 volunteers.

The Auxiliary Fire unit, under the leadership of Auxiliary Chief Sanborn Caldwell, train reg- ularly each week with the regular department. They also answer all alarms on a standby call basis.

The Cuban crisis once again brought to our attention the need for individual home pre- paredness. With the onset of the crisis, all em- ergency Civil Defense equipment was checked for operation. A complete list of any equipment

owned by the Town or private citizens, which could be utilized in an emergency, was listed.

Your Civil Defense Director attended several meetings on a State level, to determine the Fed- eral and State emergency co-ordination with the local Governments. A representative of the Sel- ectmen also attended the Governors conference with the Civil Defense representatives. It is my firm belief that with the lack of funds and co- ordination on the Federal and State level, each community must formulate its own disaster plans to cope with the possibilities of an atomic attack. To survive an actual attack, each family will be required to have available to them, their own form of shelter. Community shelters in the Town of Lynnfield are not available and far too costly to warrant their construction. Construc- tion of the existing public buildings in Lynn- field do not meet the criterion of the Federal standards for a protection factor of 4. with a protection factor of 3, which we do have in the majority of the buildings, the Federal Gov't. will eventually mark and stock with emergency rations.

I want to thank all of the department heads, townspeople and the personnel of the Civil De- fense organization for the excellent co-operation which they have extended to me. To officer Pat Navas, who willingly gives of his time to train the Auxiliary Police and to Deputy Chief Joseph Natoli of the Fire Department, I extend my gratitude.

LAWRENCE E. AUSTIN Civil Defense Director

Library Trustees

Nancy Santeusanio

Charles E. Herlihy, Jr.

Richard N. Eckert

"The progress of a library depends more on the lay citizen than on the librarian." Your Board of Library Trustees is very happy to re- port steady progress during the past year in all areas of the work of our library. This can best be shown by comparison with figures for 1961.

1961

1962

Patrons

3,874

4,179

Story-hour Attendance

1,318

1,479

Fines

$1,512.75

$1,829.55

Book Purchases

2,587

3,242

Circulation

69,073

82,752

These figures, however, gratifying, do not tell the whole story. The cataloging of both libraries, which was started two years ago, has progressed so far under the direction of Mrs. Natalie Brooks, that there are now very usable files, which are proving of great convenience both to the patrons and the staff. Reference work, both at the libraries and over the telephone has in- creased steadily. The reading and study room has become inadequate for the number of stu- dents using it both afternoons and evenings. It has been found necessary to open the Green Library on Saturday mornings, for book cir- culation and study use. Story hours are held the second and third Saturday mornings of each month and have proven very successful. This necessitates closing the study room during these hours, because of inadequate areas, which is an inconvenience both to the staff and the patrons.

The summer reading program, sponsored by Friends of the Lynnfield Library, attracted five hundred children, and of these over three hun- dred won certificates for reading twelve or more books. The party climaxing the program was attended by two hundred seventy-five children.

It has been necessary to make some physical changes to provide for the expanding use. At the Green Library, two new waist-high stacks give privacy to the little folks' corner. Four ranges of steel stacks have been purchased for the basement, where a file of back-numbers of magazines, books of historical value, and less- used books have been placed. To meet the min- imum American Library Association standards, Lynnfield Library must increase its collection from 18,000 to 25,000 books within the next few years, and necessary shelving must be provided. New stairs to the basement have been built and a dehumidifier installed. Additional catalog files have been purchased for both libraries. The Green Library building has been painted. Be- cause the study and reading area is used by stu- dents for reference work, an adult browsing area has been arranged by moving stacks in the main room. Two lounging chairs and a mag-

Elizabeth Green Library Saturday morning story telling hour.

azine table have been given by the Friends of the Library for this section. At the Branch Lib- rary, a new librarian's desk and a display case have been purchased, and new doors installed.

The Friends of the Lynnfield Library have continued helping in many capacities. A highly successful lecture series in the late winter, a used book sale on the Common, and a tea for the new teachers in the school system were a- mong their many activities. Volunteers for typ- ing, filing, pamphlet classification, art work, etc., have come from this group. $50.00 for art books was given. Other gifts and services of the Friends are noted in this report.

The three Garden Clubs, the Center Garden Club, the Lynnfield Garden Club and the Village Garden Club, have made invaluable contribu- tions, beautifying the libraries both inside and out with window boxes, displays and arrange- ments.

Lynnfield artists have been very generous in lending their paintings for exhibit. Mr. Fred Klodner presented an original painting of the Green Library. Other gifts from interested friends and patrons include magazine subscrip- tions, many books, and $90.00 for new books provided by the Klapes Fund.

National Library Week in April was noted by displays, gifts of bookmarks for the child- ren, the final lecture of the series and an open house and annual meeting of the Friends of the Library. During this week, the kindergartens of the town visited the Green Library. In Book

Mrs. Lois Flewelling receiving book presentation from Letter Carriers.

.....

Lynnfield Branch Library

Week in November, Friends of the Library vis- ited the elementary schools telling stories in each room. The sixth grades visited the Green Lib- rary for instruction in library history and use.

The Board of Trustees are pleased to report the continuing advancement in the professional status of the library. The Division of Library Extension is announcing plans for a decided in- crease in in-service training courses. Members of our library staff will enroll in these as they are available. In November, Mrs. Flewelling, head librarian, passed the state examination in librarianship and is now a duly qualified pro- fessional librarian from the Massachusetts Board of Education, Board of Library Commis- ioners.

The continuing progress of the library is a source of great satisfaction to your Board of Trustees. By meeting the standards set by the American Library Association and the State of Massachusetts, for towns of less than ten thous- and population, Lynnfield received a grant of $2,099.50 towards library service. However, as soon as the population reaches 10,000, new stand- ards must be reached. This will be impossible without expanded areas; and desired further services cannot be offered. With a growing school system, the establishment of community colleges, with the expansion of knowledge in all fields of science, our library must progress in every area, - physical, professional, and cul- tral to serve adequately the town of Lynnfield.

NANCY C. SANTEUSANIO, Chairman RICHARD N. ECKERT CHARLES E. HERLIHY, JR.

S r r f

Committee Reports MUNICIPAL BUILDING STUDY COMMITTEE

According to the provisions of Article No. 17 of the 1962 Town Meeting Warrant, which was approved by the voters, the Selectmen appointed this Committee shortly after the end of the Town Meeting.

After interviewing candidates, the Study Com- mittee was fortunate in being able to secure the services of John Guarino, Locksley Road, Lynn- field, as architect for the proposed Municipal Building.

Together with Mr. Guarino, the Committee reviewed the plans of the previous Building Committee for the Police and Fire Department Building and proposed Municipal Building Wing, and met with all of the users of the present Town Hall. Present requirements as well as future needs were discussed and considered by all concerned. Full time employees of the Town, such as Town Clerk, Assessors Dept., Tax Col- lector, Etc., as well as part time employees and committees such as Selectmen, Planning Board, Veterans Agent etc. were consulted as to their requirements for space and equipment in the proposed new building.

It was the desire of this Committee to con- serve space wherever possible, but to allow pro- per area for future growth of certain depart- ments. Credit must be given to all interested parties for their cooperation; especially for not requesting excessive floor areas or unnecessary "extras" for their offices.

The proposed building will house all of the full time staff on the main floor, together with the Selectmen's office, Planning Board office, and Town Counsel's office. Adjoining these of- fices will be incorporated a public hearing room,

to accommodate approximately one hundred per- sons. At the present time there is a woeful lack of such a facility in the Town Hall.

The first floor will contain rooms for various committees, boards, agents, and commissions as well as storage area for preserving permanent Town records. At the rear of the building, ad- ditional garage area will be made available for the proper storage of Police and other Town vehicles.

Incorporated in the plan is an area for de- velopment in the future, so that no additions or major alterations should be required for an ex- tensive period of time.

After meeting with this Committee, the Fin- ance Committee, the Board of Selectmen, and the Planning Board have approved the prelimi- nary plans and specifications for the proposed Municipal Building. It is therefore planned to insert an Article in the Warrant for the 1963 Town Meeting requesting monies to secure final plans and specifications, and to construct the proposed Municipal Building Wing.

The Committee wishes to take this opportunity to thank all of the Town employees and com- mitteemen who cooperated so fully and willingly with Mr. John Guarino and the Building Com- mittee in the preparation of the plans and speci- fications for the proposed building.

John B. Rodgers, Chairman Irving H. Wilson, Secretary Frank P. Emery Mason J. Condon F. Wade Greer John Guarino, Architect

MUNICIPAL POWER SYSTEM STUDY COMMITTEE

OBJECTIVE:

Pursuant to the request of the Town under Article 20 of the 1962 Annual Town Meeting, the Lynnfield Municipal Power System Study Committee was appointed by the Board of Sel- ectmen "to study all aspects of the creation of a municipal electric light plant or department within the Town of Lynnfield, to serve the Town."

SUMMARY :

On the basis of the preliminary study by the Committee, it appears that it will be profitable for the Town of Lynnfield to purchase and oper- ate its own power distribution system using power purchased from a utility. In considering such a step, the Town should recognize that this is no small operation, representing as it does, about a half million dollar business which will soon grow to three-quarters of a million. It will require about an $850,000 initial invest- ment and the setting up of a separate Electric Light Department employing approximately ten people with an annual payroll of $50,000. It will require in addition, approximately $50,000 of working capital. This will be a self-liquida- ting operation, which preliminary figures indi- cate will net the Town an estimated $700,000 over a ten year period.

It must be recognized that these figures are preliminary. They are sufficiently attractive, however, to lead this Committee to recommend that the Town engage the services of a con- sulting engineering firm to make a comprehen- sive study to more accurately evaluate the po- tential profits of this half million dollar busi- ness and appraise the value of the existing dis- tribution systems in the Town. The cost of such a study is estimated at $10,000.

ALTERNATIVES:

The following alternatives were considered by the Committee with results as indicated :

1. Town build and operate its own power plant, and purchase and operate its own distribution system.

The power demand is not sufficient to make this alternative economically attractive.

2. Town purchase and operate the existing Lynnfield distribution system and purchase power from a utility (not a municipality) . A review of the General Laws by the Town Counsel indicates that a decision to oper- ate our own electric power system must be approved by 2/3 vote at two town meet- ings held within a 13-month period. If the

vote is unfavorable, the matter cannot be reconsidered until after a period of two years. Expansion of the system can be made only by a similar vote.

Under the legislative acts permitting the two municipalities to serve the Town with electricity, Reading and Peabody can be forced to sell the portions of their systems here to Lynnfield at their fair value pro- vided that Lynnfield will operate same; in which case, Lynnfield will be free to pur- chase power from any source available. Negotiations to determine the fair selling price of the distribution systems may take from 12 to 18 months.

Alternative No. 2 was evaluated to deter- mine if it would be profitable for the Town to purchase and operate its own distribu- tion system by purchasing power from a utility.

CONSIDERATIONS:

The following items were considered in the evaluation.

1. Initial Investment, including book value of property, S. Lynnfield Sub-Station, office, warehouse, trucks, etc. Tie Line-Center and South Sub-Stations, Engineering and Acqu- isition.

Approx. $850,000

2. Working Capital

Approx. $50,000

3. Sales and Income based on Actual Demand for 1959, 60, and 61 projected at 6% in- crease per year to 1970. Revenue estimated on basis of .03/kwh average return.

Approx. $480,000 in 1963

4. Fixed Charges, including Interest on initial investment, Depreciation, Sinking fund for bond retirement requirements in excess of depreciation, Payment to Town in lieu of taxes now paid. Fixed charges assumed to increase 21/2% per year to cover system growth.

Approx. $77,800 in 1963

5. Operating Costs excluding Purchased Power Salaries - assumed to increase 4% per year with a $12,000 jump in 1965 for added per- sonnel.

Materials and Supplies Automobile Expense Bad Accounts

Insurance Retirement and Pensions

Miscellaneous

Approx. $85,900 in 1963

ed to

as nt d- or

al he

6. Purchased Power Costs based on B. E. Co. "M" rate and 6% annual growth, with an allowance of 9% for distribution system losses.

Approx. $226,600 in 1963

POTENTIAL:

The following profits to the Town were estim- ated based on the above considerations and as- sumptions.

Year

Est. Sales KWH

Est. Revenues

Est Costs

Est. Net Profit

1963

16,100,000

$ 483,000

$ 430,300

$ 52,700

1964

17,100,000

513,000

452,900

60,100

1965

18,000,000

543,000

487,100

55,900

1966

19,200,000

576,000

515,000

61,000

1967

20,300,000

609,000

539,400

69,600

1968

21,500,000

645,000

565,600

79,400

1969

22,900,000

687,000

596,300

90,700

1970

24,200,000

726,000

626,400

99,600

8 Yr. Totals

159,400,000

$4,782,000

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Town of Lynnfield, Essex County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, annual report 1961-1970, Part 18

Author: Lynnfield (Mass.) Publication date: 1961-1970 Publisher: The Town Number of Pages: 1002

Author: Lynnfield (Mass.)
Publication date: 1961-1970
Publisher: The Town
Number of Pages: 1002