USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Norwell > Town of Norwell annual report 1950-1959 > Part 81
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135
TOWN OF NORWELL
No Degree
Bachelor's Degree
Master's Degree
1
$3,100.00°
$3,300.00
$3,500.00
2
3,300.00
3,500.00
3,700.00
3
3,500.00
3,700.00
3,900.00
4
3,700.00
3,900.00
4,100.00
5
3,900.00
4,100.00
4,300.00
6
4,000.00
4,200.00
4,400.00
7
4,100.00
4,300.00
4,500.00
8
4,200.00
4,400.00
4,600.00
9
4,300.00
4,500.00
4,700.00
10
4,400.00
4,600.00
4,800.00
11
4,700.00
4,900.00
12
4,800.00
5,000.00
13
4,900.00
5,100.00
14
5,000.00
5,200.00
15
5,100.00
5,300.00
The reasons for this revision are:
1. The State Law requires a minimum of $3,300.00.
2. The salary schedule of 1953 recommends that the maximums be raised whenever the minimum is increased.
3. The new law takes effect on or about September 17, 1957.
This committee realizes that the recommended revision will not put Norwell on a competitive basis with other towns in this vicinity. Hence, this revision is temporary and will allow this committee suffi- cient time to work out a more permanent salary schedule this Fall."
The School Committee voted to accept the report and to establish the minimum salary at $3,300.00.
The Salary Committee continued their study through the fall, and after checking with other communities in the area, it was found neces- sary to raise the schedule to $3,600.00 for the bachelor's degree, and $3,800.00 for the master's degree. This was recommended to the School Committee and was adopted to be effective January 1, 1958.
An Elementary School Addition Committee consisting of Robert Kroeger, Clinton MacCoy, Edmund V. Anderson, Reginald Smith and George H. Whitcher, Jr. was appointed by the Selectmen and School Committee acting jointly and George H. Whitcher, Jr. chosen to repre-
136
ONE HUNDRED EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
sent the School Committee. The Committee organized as follows within 30 days after the Town Meeting: George H. Whitcher, Chair- man, Robert H. Kroeger, Clerk. Five architects were interviewed and the firm of Harold C. Knight Associates selected to draw up prelimin- ary plans and specifications. These were accepted by the townspeople at the Special Town Meeting and it was further voted that working plans and specifications with firms bids be brought to another Special Town Meeting.
With the start of 1958, one full year has passed with the Grace Farrar Cole School in operation. Every room is now in use. By Sep- tember 1958 it will be necessary to have makeshift classrooms in the cafeteria and auditorium, thus shortchanging certain classes and cer- tain activities curtailed until a new addition is completed. We feel it is important to start planning for an addition immediately.
The grounds about Hatch's pond, in the rear of the Cole School, were improved to provide a safer area for play. This coming year the playfield will be ready for school and neighborhood recreation.
At the time of the removal of stumps and logs at Hatch's pond, Dr. Vinal received a letter from Phillip Shute, owner of the land west of the pond in which he wrote "At such time as the Town of Norwell is ready to actually go ahead with a plan to clear the whole pond area and make a recreation area, I would be willing to deed to the town on the westerly shore a strip of land approximately 100 feet deep from the Norwell Shore line."
The School Committee endorses the idea that the town finish cleaning the area and publicly acknowledges the generosity of Mr. Shute's offer.
The Selectmen appointed two members of the School Committee to serve as Norwell's representatives on the Plymouth Old Colony Day Committee to welcome the Mayflower II. No money was appropri- ated but donations were accepted and our High School band partici- pated in the parade. A replica of the Town Seal mounted on two poles was carried by two pupils at the head of the band. The band re- splendent in new uniforms received very favorable comment.
Early in 1957 the Committee improved the Center Elementary School playfield so it would be suitable for Little League baseball. Supervisors of the League program further improved the grounds by rolling the field and adding fencing. Thus the younger baseball players did not conflict with the High School teams.
137
TOWN OF NORWELL
One member of our Committee has served on the Regional High School Survey Committee, visiting several Regional Schools, making necessary trips to the State School Assistance Commission in Boston and has made periodic reports to the School Committee which latter group has met with the Regional Committee.
It was necessary to extend the transportation system. A bus now covers Bowker Street and another goes into Norwell Homes.
From reports from all Committees studying the school situations comes the overwhelming fact that Norwell must have more buildings and facilities immediately.
The Long Range Study Committee has had many meetings and after careful study of the tables of enrollment present and future made the following recommendations:
1. The present plan to add 6 rooms to the Central Elementary be voted with all dispatch.
2. That Cole School needs 6 rooms by September 1959.
3. That High School facilities are needed. Two choices - Town owned or Regional.
4. Do not recommend additions to present High School building.
All minds must turn to the problem and come up with the best possible solution for the Town and the pupils.
The citizens of Norwell must be made completely aware of the needs for expanded school plant facilities. School administration has "blueprinted" an educational plan to best serve the pupil population over the next several years. It must be apparent, however, that books, supplies, personnel, and buildings are essential to the functioning of any educational plan and program. Norwell schools can provide any educational service to any number of pupils provided the citizens can and do support that service. Continuing high educational standards depend on that support.
In closing this report, the Committee wishes to express its appre- ciation for your support and solicit your continued interest and assist- ance in the years to come.
NELLIE L. SPARRELL, Secretary GUNVOR N. ARMSTRONG WILLIAM G. VINAL GEORGE H. WHITCHER, JR. ERNEST W. HASKINS, JR., Chairman
138
ONE HUNDRED EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Town Treasurer for Year 1957
RECEIPTS:
Balance January 1, 1957
$323,518.42
Received during the year
1,009,233.10
TOTAL
$1,332,751.52
PAYMENTS:
Total of Warrants
$1,082,573.33
Balance December 31, 1957
250,178.19
TOTAL
$1,332,751.52
Eightieth Annual Report of Coffin Cemetery & Charity Fund
Amount of Fund $2,000.
Interest available January 1, 1957
$838.09
Interest added during 1957
87.75
$925.84
Withdrawn during 1957
105.00
Interest available January 1, 1958
$820.84
Seventy-Second Annual Report of Abigail T. Otis Poor Fund Amount of Fund $2,000.
Interest available January 1, 1957
$460.49
Interest added during 1957
75.86
$536.35
Withdrawn during 1957
100.00
Interest available January 1, 1958
$436.35
Seventy-Second Annual Report of Abigail T. Otis Cemetery Fund
Amount of Fund $1,000.
Interest available January 1, 1957
$104.62
Interest added during 1957
34.78
$139.40
Withdrawn during 1957
5.00
Interest available January 1, 1958
$134.40
139
TOWN OF NORWELL
Seventy-Second Annual Report of Abigail T. Otis Tomb Fund Amount of Fund $500.
Interest available January 1, 1957
$56.60
Interest added during 1957
17.51
Withdrawn during 1957
$74.11 5.00
Interest available January 1, 1958
$69.11
Twenty-Ninth Annual Report of Annabel Wakefield Poor Fund
Amount of Fund $1,000.
Interest available January 1, 1957
$941.41 59.51
$1,000.92
Withdrawn during 1957
100.00
Available January 1, 1958
$900.92
Twenty-Ninth Annual Report of Annabel Wakefield Library Fund
Amount of Fund $100.
Interest available January 1, 1957
$11.26
Interest added during 1957
3.49
$14.75
Withdrawn during 1957
0.00
Interest available January 1, 1958
$14.75
Thirteenth Annual Report of Rehabilitation Fund
Balance of Fund January 1, 1957 $1,465.36
Interest added during 1957 46.14
$1,511.50
Withdrawn during 1957
0.00
Balance January 1, 1958
$1,511.50
Washington Street Cemetery Fund
Balance January 1, 1957
$4,599.25
Received for sale of lots
150.00
Interest added during 1957
146.35
Withdrawn by vote of the Town
350.00
Balance of account January 1, 1958
$4,545.60
Fred B. Clapp Fund Benefit of Pinehurst Cemetery Amount of Fund $1,000. Interest added during 1957 $31.25
Paid to Pinehurst Cemetery
31.20
0.00
$4,895.60
Interest added during 1957
140
ONE HUNDRED EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Cemetery Perpetual Care Funds
Name of Fund
Amount
Income
Wd.
Available
Eliza Josselyn
$200.00
$6.61
$6.61
$10.18
Samuel C. Cudworth
200.00
7.41
7.41
35.49
Prudence C. Delano
300.00
10.71
10.71
40.55
Nancy Hersey
100.00
3.28
3.28
4.47
Mary O. Robbins
200.00
6.74
6.74
14.78
Charles H. Merritt
100.00
3.18
3.18
1.02
James W. Sampson
250.00
8.25
8.25
12.23
Susan C. Damon
100.00
3.44
3.44
9.47
Davis Damon
100.00
3.60
3.60
14.90
Anson Robbins
100.00
3.45
3.45
10.09
George H. Bates
100.00
3.27
3.27
4.27
Benjamin Jacobs
200.00
6.90
6.90
19.16
N. P. Brownell
150.00
4.76
4.76
1.10
George Otis Torrey
185.48
6.34
6.34
15.57
Leaffie B. Curtis Miller
150.00
5.03
6.00
12.25
Hosea J. Stockbridge
540.92
20.18
0.00
120.59
Betsey Tolman
100.00
3.41
0.00
12.31
George P. Clapp
100.00
3.91
0.00
28.74
John H. Knapp
100.00
3.44
0.00
13.39
Albert S. Greene
200.00
10.27
0.00
136.80
Charles Tolman
300.00
11.18
0.00
66.71
ChesterS. Barker
100.00
3.51
0.00
14.86
Samuel D. Stetson
75.00
2.43
0.00
5.11
Sarah T. David
75.00
2.43
0.00
5.15
Melvin Little
200.00
6.96
0.00
28.02
E. Chamberlain & M. Tyler
100.00
3.44
0.00
13.06
Gad Leavitt
100.00
4.80
0.00
57.63
Samuel Eels
100.00
3.74
0.00
22.91
Abbie S. Bates
200.00
16.79
53.75
296.56
Olive Brigham
100.00
3.18
0.00
4.31
Benjamin P. Nichols*
75.00
2.49
0.00
7.09
Timothy Chapman
100.00
3.18
0.00
4.31
W. Wallace Farrar
200.00
6.36
5.80
2.84
Robert K. Stoddard
150.00
5.71
18.50
20.24
Wilbur Nichols
100.00
3.24
0.00
6.50
Henry L. Nichols
100.00
3.24
0.00
6.37
Charles E. Brewster
100.00
3.30
6.00
2.63
Maurice E. Pratt
100.00
3.32
0.00
9.15
Lewis W. Kilburn
100.00
3.18
0.00
4.31
Thomas Sampson
75.00
2.55
0.00
9.25
Adeline Payne and
141
TOWN OF NORWELL
Name of Fund
Amount
Income
Wd.
Available
Vadilla A. Damon
200.00
6.74
0.00
20.83
Floretta Whiting
100.00
3.33
0.00
9.66
Peter Tomansen
50.00
1.70
0.00
6.35
Rufus H. Binney
200.00
6.73
0.00
20.56
Arthur Stoddard
100.00
3.33
0.00
9.66
Herbert T. Howard
100.00
3.33
0.00
9.66
Nellie & Willard Thatcher
50.00
1.70
0.00
6.35
Rufus H. Binney Flower Fund
200.00
6.84
5.00
22.06
Robert J. Coulter
100.00
3.33
0.00
9.66
John M. Hall Lot 41F
100.00
3.33
0.00
9.66
Mrs. Peter Larsen
100.00
3.33
0.00
9.66
Alice K. Henderson*
100.00
3.30
0.00
8.63
Walter A. Wood
90.00
3.08
0.00
11.46
John M. Hall Lot 34F
100.00
3.43
0.00
12.76
Chester A. Robinson
100.00
3.43
0.00
12.76
John R. Collamore
200.00
6.86
0.00
25.55
Louis W. Wheeler
100.00
3.43
0.00
12.76
Charles E. Chadwick
200.00
6.86
0.00
25.55
Conrad Willers
200.00
6.86
0.00
25.55
Walter R. Hall
100.00
3.35
0.00
9.87
Charles Holden
100.00
3.27
0.00
7.45
Martha E. French
100.00
3.33
6.66
3.00
Alpheus Thomas
100.00
3.33
8.33
1.33
George Wilder & Asa Vining
100.00
3.33
4.00
5.66
William Purtle
100.00
3.43
9.53
3.23
John J. McGrail
100.00
3.43
10.00
2.76
Albert I. Farrar
200.00
6.86
10.00
15.55
Lillie C. Wilder
200.00
8.29
0.00
71.37
George V. Jackson
50.00
1.70
0.00
6.35
Lorenzo D. F. Marston
50.00
1.70
0.00
6.35
Hilda S. Currie
100.00
3.43
0.00
12.76
Niel D. Dwyer
100.00
3.27
0.00
7.45
Ray Clark
150.00
4.84
0.00
8.67
H. Elizabeth Turner
150.00
4.84
0.00
8.67
Charles A. & Elizabeth Bates
100.00
3.33
0.00
9.52
Florence A. Wiggin
100.00
3.27
0.00
7.45
Joseph E. Reagan
200.00
6.40
0.00
9.79
George A. Poole
150.00
4.86
0.00
9.57
M. Josephine Farrar
Flower Fund
500.00
16.34
13.75
28.96
Bessie P. Keene
200.00
6.40
0.00
9.79
Eva Delaney
200.00
6.40
0.00
9.79
142
ONE HUNDRED EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Name of Fund
Amount
Income
Wd. Available
Minot F. Williamson
200.00
6.40
0.00
9.79
Muriel Smellie
50.00
1.70
0.00
6.35
John W. Ekstrom
100.00
3.27
0.00
7.45
Anna M. Carey
200.00
6.49
0.00
12.88
Withers
100.00
3.28
0.00
8.26
Mabel T. Rowell
200.00
6.40
0.00
9.79
Truman C. Crowner
100.00
3.27
0.00
7.70
Albin J. Johnson
50.00
1.70
0.00
6.21
Charles Cutler
200.00
6.52
0.00
13.83
Frank E. Lind and
Henry G. Burnside
200.00
6.40
0.00
9.70
William W. Leonard
200.00
6.49
8.35
4.38
W. H. Sharp
100.00
3.20
0.00
5.66
James F. Murray
30.00
1.00
0.00
3.14
Mrs. Henry Hines
50.00
1.68
0.00
5.00
Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Young
100.00
3.33
0.00
9.71
Anna Curtis
200.00
6.52
0.00
14.13
Anna Curtis Flower Fund
100.00
3.17
3.00
2.73
Thomas B. Gallagher
100.00
3.30
0.00
8.63
Mr. & Mrs. F. Winsor Damon
75.00
2.43
0.00
4.89
Mrs. Patrick Kerins
75.00
2.43
0.00
4.50
Bertha MacFadden
100.00
3.19
0.00
4.69
Gustaf A. Anderson
100.00
3.18
0.00
4.18
Herman H. Kenney
100.00
3.16
0.00
3.66
Carl W. Buckler
100.00
2.74
0.00
3.04
Sigurd and Belle Sjurson
50.00
0.85
0.00
0.95
Harold and Effie Osborne
100.00
3.14
0.00
3.14
Mary Curtis
400.00
11.58
7.25
4.33
Henry N. Powers
200.00
5.28
0.00
5.28
Alexander Black
50.00
1.19
0.00
1.19
Edward P. Keefe 37F
50.00
1.06
0.00
1.06
Edward P. Keefe 36F
200.00
2.17
0.00
2.17
Wallace H. Damon
200.00
0.54
0.00
0.54
Ainslie Lot No. 85
200.00
0.54
0.00
0.54
Joseph R. Mason
200.00
1.63
0.00
1.63
Charles H. Pike
200.00
6.00
0.00
9.07
$16,346.40
$537.27
$253.86 $1,841.81
Respectfully submitted, MARGARET CROWELL, Town Treasurer.
J. W. and B. E. Hall
200.00
6.49
0.00
12.77
143
TOWN OF NORWELL
Report of the Planning Board
To the Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
There was a significant reduction of activity during 1957 in the subdivision of parcels of land in Norwell for residential use. The Board examined and endorsed 40 plans not requiring approval under the subdivision control law as compared to 64 during 1956. There was a proportionate drop in the issuance of building permits.
The Board considered the use within the town of automotive type trailers for occupancy as living or business purposes. We concluded such use of trailers to be detrimental to the sound planning for de- velopment of the town and an article amending the Zoning By-Law forbidding such use was voted at the October 14, 1957 Special Town Meeting.
The urgency and importance of the proposed Southeast Express- way prompted the Board to call a joint meeting of the Planning Boards of the towns of Rockland, Hingham, Hanover, Pembroke, Marshfield and Norwell, to hear Mr. Whitcomb, Locations and Survey Engineer of the Department of Public Works, speak on this subject. The meet- ing was held at the Cushing Memorial Town Hall on August 29, 1957. It was the general consensus of those present that the meeting was very informative and worthwhile. We continue to keep in touch with the Department of Public Works on this project and our planning consultants are following these developments closely to ascertain its effect upon our long range planning program.
The long range planning program is now developing rapidly. In March, 1956, the town voted 2,500. for this work. A considerable amount of work was done by the Planning Board and in December, 1956 application was made to the Massachusetts Department of Com- merce for Federal Matching Funds under the Urban Planning Assist- ance program. Approval was finally received and during November and December, 1956 contracts were entered into between the Board, the Department of Commerce and the consulting firm of Adams, Howard and Greeley of Cambridge. The fees for these services will be $4,500 - of which Norwell will pay $2,250. - and matching Federal Funds account for the balance. The following elements of work are included:
A. Review the Existing Land Use study prepared previously by the Planning Board.
144
ONE HUNDRED EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
B. Prepare an analysis of future population and distribution.
C. Prepare an Economic Base study including an analysis of the in- come and expenditure pattern and the probable impact of man- ufacturing and commercial industries which might locate in town. Also consider municipal cost and income in relation to the future needs.
D. Review existing school facilities, sites and needs and prepare a Plan with recommendations for future needs, sites and facilities.
E. Make a study of future needs for the community facilities and present proposals and recommendations.
F. Prepare Preliminary General Plan of land use and circulation covering also the above items:
1. As a basis for rezoning.
2. As a basis for residential, industrial and commercial changes and development.
G. Prepare recommendations and general proposals for the revision of the Zoning By-Law and Zoning map outlining the reasons for these changes.
H. Prepare a Capital Improvement Program establishing priorities for all major public improvements for a six-year period after con- sultation with the Planning Board.
It is hoped that a preliminary report will be available by March, 1958. The work should be completed and final report published be- fore the end of September, 1958.
It was with deep regret that the Board received and accepted the resignation from the Planning Board of Charles H. Crombie in Decem- ber, 1957. Mr. Crombie was more instrumental than any other individ- ual in the work of the Community Survey Committee on which he served as Chairman. We were indeed fortunate, however, in filling this vacancy with Mr. Albert Maverick, who was appointed jointly by the Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board to serve until the next regular town election, at which time the unexpired term will be filled by election.
Respectfully submitted,
G. HERBERT REPASS, Chairman H. PHILLIP CAUSER RALPH H. COLEMAN FREDERICK C. TRUELOVE, Clerk.
145
TOWN OF NORWELL
Report of the Insurance Survey Committee
To the Citizens of Norwell:
Authorized by your vote under Article 44 at the 1957 Annual Town Meeting, the Committee, in accordance with its instructions, re- ports as follows:
Existing Insurance - As Disclosed by our Survey
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Fire Insurance - All coverage is for Fire, Extended Coverage, Vandal- ism and Malicious Mischief.
Buildings @ 80%
Contents @ 90%
High School - Front Section
$255,950.00
$51,285.00
High School - Rear Section
192,488.00
19,108.00
Elementary - Main Street
296,610.00
30,338.00
Elementary - High Street
324,000.00
40,960.00
$1,069,048.00
$141,691.00
This insurance is gradually being incorporated into a 5-year in- stallment premium plan which originated August 1, 1956. All policies not yet on the Master policy have been endorsed to cover as per the schedule.
OTHER INSURANCE
Liability Insurance - Covering Superintendent of Schools and the School Committee as follows:
Bodily Injury $10,000/20,000 on a per pupil basis
Driver Training Vehicle
Bodily Injury
$25,000/100,000
Property Damage
$5,000. $500.
Medical Payments
Fire and Theft
Collision
Comprehensive $50 deductible
Student Protection Plan
Subscribed to on an individual basis by the parents. At no cost to the Town of Norwell.
146
ONE HUNDRED EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Fire Insurance - Fire Stations and Contents. Including Extended Coverage No. 4 @ 80%
Buildings
Contents
Norwell Center
$7,500.00
$500.00
Ridge Hill
10,000.00
1,000.00
Tiffany Road
7,500.00 500.00
All coverage in one policy on a 5-year installment premium basis.
Group Accident Insurance on Volunteers
Principal Sum $5,000.00
Medical Payments
2,000.00
Weekly Indemnity
40.00
Fleet Coverage on Fire Trucks - Liability
Bodily Injury
$5,000/10,000
Property Damage
5,000
Material Damage on Fire Trucks
Fire, Lightning and Transportation, Theft - Broad Form. All trucks in process of being incorporated in schedule.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Automobile Liability on Cruiser
Bodily Injury
$10,000/20,000
Property Damage
5,000
Fire and Theft
Comprehensive
Collision
$100 deductible
Group Insurance on Members
Principal Sum
$5,000
Medical
2,000
Weekly Indemnity
40
WATER DEPARTMENT
Fire Insurance
Stock in Town Hall Annex (Fire Ins. only) $3,000
Building Contents
Pump House - Pleasant St. $2,000.00 $4,000.00
Fire, Extended Coverage No. 4, Vandalism & Malicious Mischief. Burglary Mercantile Open Stock 3,000
147
TOWN OF NORWELL
GENERAL TOWN INSURANCE
Workmen's Compensation - Statutory
Liability
Town Offices, Including Annex
Bodily Injury Property Damage
$5,000/10,000
5,000
Individual Bonds
Town Collector
Donald C. Wilder
Treasurer
Margaret Crowell
Town Clerk
Nellie L. Sparrell Florence Baker
Asst. Treasurer
Burglary
Town Collector's Office
Messenger and Interior Robbery
$5,000
Safe Burglary
5,000
Town Treasurer's Office
Broad Form, Monies & Securities, Inside
$2,500
Broad Form, Monies & Securities, Outside 2,000
Fire Insurance
Building @ 80%
Contents
Town Hall
$100,000.00*
$10,000.00
Town Hall Annex
12,000.00
None
Including Extended Coverage No. 4
Subsequently Increased. See Note Below.
Early in its deliberations, through the offices of Donald Shepherd, your committee had the advantage of a meeting with Mr. Roger Gates of Wellesley, as an independent consultant, at no cost to the Town. This provided an outside, unbiased scrutiny of the existing insurance.
The major portion of the insurables of the Town consists of the school buildings and their contents. It was found that this insurance began to be included in a master policy on the 5-year installment pre- mium basis on August 1, 1956. Coverage outstanding on that date will be added thereto as it expires. Had all existing coverage been cancelled, higher rates would have applied for short terms and any premiums returned would, by statute, have gone to the E & D account rather than to the School Committee. The gradual change is thus not
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ONE HUNDRED EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
a drain on the school budget. The 5-year installment premium plan provides definitely known premiums for 5 successive years and is the lowest cost plan available.
* NOTE: The insurance on Cushing Memorial Town Hall was sub- jected to considerable examination. The Town Hall was built as a portion of a bequest by Miss Florence Cushing. The income from the remainder of the bequest has been applied for maintenance of the building. Thus the trustees of this fund have purchased insurance for the Town Hall and contents by expenditures not appearing in the Town records. Our investigation into these matters had two results:
1. A clarification of understanding between the Selectmen and the trustees under the Cushing bequest.
2. The Selectmen have increased the fire insurance on Cushing Memorial Town Hall from $100,000 to $130,000.
This higher figure has been determined on the same 80% co- insurance basis as applies on the school buildings. $52,000 of this insurance was instituted on the 5-year installment premium plan in November, 1957. The remainder of the policies have been modified by endorsement to provide for extended cover- age No. 4. As they expire, we understand, they will be added to the 5-year plan.
It should be noted that there is $10,000 insurance on Town Hall contents. We have found no insurance on contents of the Town Hall annex. The explanation offered here was that the several departments using the annex had no budget funds for such insurance. This situ- ation should be remedied in the 1958 budget provision.
During our consultation with Mr. Roger Gates, it developed that there is available a special policy, only offered by one company, which would provide comprehensive liability coverage, even for elected and appointed individuals using privately registered vehicles while on Town business. The cost of such insurance can only be determined on the basis of a detailed questionnaire which is presently in the hands of the Selectmen for completion.
Several quarters offered the suggestion that it would be desirable to provide accident and/or compensation coverage for such elected officials as Selectmen, Assessors, Members of the Board of Public Wel- fare, Highway Surveyor, Tree Warden, Members of the Board of Water Commissioners and Fire Warden. There was some comment that, by vote, the Town could extend the benefits of the Workmen's Compensation Act to such individuals. This possibility was explored
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TOWN OF NORWELL
and there was a firm denial by the Industrial Accident Board of any such extension of benefits to such elected and supervisory officials. Should any way appear subsequently to accomplish this end, your committee will make appropriate recommendations.
It is the feeling of the committee that there should be included in this insurance committee report the fact that there is available, un- der Chapter 32B, group insurance for employees of the Town. This may make available for employees Group Life Insurance and Acci- dental Death Insurance and also may make available Blue Cross and Blue Shield benefits together with Prolonged Illness coverages. If all such coverages were made available for employees of the Town, the maximum gross cost to the Town would approximate $50.00 per em- ployee with a possible reduction of $10. to $15. per year from divi- dends. However, the Town, in considering the adoption of such a plan for its employees, should consider a gross cost of approximately $50.00 per employee to be on the conservative side. Each employee would also be permitted to buy coverage for his dependents by paying the full cost thereof. It would seem to be beneficial that the Town provide for its employees the benefits of Group Insurance as this today is part of the American way of life and our Town employees do not have the advantage of group coverages which are effective for em- ployees in many other towns and which are available to most em- ployees in industry.
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