USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Norwell > Town of Norwell annual report 1960-1969 > Part 116
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Also, during this time we prepared for and worked on the Oiling Pro- gram, as outlined by the Board of Selectmen and the State Department of Public Works. This project is known as Chapter 81 work.
The Town Resurfacing Program of Mix-in-Place work included Summer Street, Tiffany Road, Prospect Street and Pleasant Street.
Type I work on Grove Street (3,000 feet) and River Street (2,000 feet) was done in 1968; we are asking for funds under a Special Article to continue the work on these roadways. Doing the work at this pace - 2,000 to 3,000 feet per year - would require eight to ten years to com-
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plete each of these streets. Therefore, the program must be accelerated. Due to the rising cost of labor and materials, we are forced to request a larger amount of money to do this type of work, as well as our main- tenance work. The costs have increased faster than the appropriations, so we are finding it difficult to keep abreast of the heavy traffic demands, etc.
In the middle of Winter our most important and pressing problems are snow clearance and sanding roadway ice spots. Taking care of these hazards is very expensive. To make the roads safer in Winter, we have employed the use of more chemicals. An earnest effort is made by the Highway Department to have the roads in readiness for any emergency which may arise and for the speed and safety that motorists now expect. Sometimes this requires long hours of our labor crew. This year we are again asking for more equipment to keep up with the demands of our growing town.
In 1967, and again in 1968, the Town accepted almost a mile of extra roadway. At the present time there are five developments in various stages of construction. It appears, judging by what is in the planning stages, that there will be no lessening in the rate of construction for the year 1969. From this fact, you can readily see that the Highway Department cannot possibly accomplish all the necessary work relegated to it without the addition of more equipment.
The sidewalk on High Street is a project which is still not settled. How- ever, when the Highway Department receives the "O.K." from the Select- men, I am sure this project can be finished very quickly. This sidewalk will increase the safety of the children on High Street, who walk to the Cole School; it will also take care of some of the drainage problem in this area, such as water coursing down the street, etc.
I feel it is my duty to call to your attention two other problems which are costing the Town considerable money and inconvenience, namely, the dumping of rubbish on the highways and the vandalism of street signs. Strewing beer and other types of cans, garbage and various kinds of litter, including broken bottles, on the Town roads is creating a major hazard for the vehicular traffic, especially for cars pulling over to the side of the road for an emergency stop. This is a messy situation and it is practically impossible for the Highway Department to clear away all this discarded debris before the morning traffic starts to roll.
In reference to the sign vandalism problem, the Town has suffered much from the effacing, removal and destruction of road signs, such as street- name signs, "Stop", directional and warning signs. The cost of replacing these signs in 1968 has soared to $700.00. Even though we make our own signs, the blanks, reflectorized tape and labor have to be paid for. What could be even more costly, is the undue delay of emergency ve- hicles, doctors and out-of-town people, who are unable to find certain locations because of the missing signs.
In the coming year, I hope that this department will be able to replace all missing or damaged signs, but it is nearly impossible to furnish signs
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for all the new developments and also replace vandalized signs, frequently two or three times at the samelocation. A sincere effort is constantly made to do as much as possible with the money and labor available to this department. It would help to a great extent, if every taxpayer tried to restrict children from interfering with the road signs, and tolerated no discarding of rubbish out of their car windows.
I wish to express my sincere thanks for the cooperation of all Town Officers, Town Committees and Departments, the citizens of Norwell, and the utilities companies, with whom I have had the pleasure of working this year.
I would also like to say that we are most grateful for the assistance of the Department of Public Works at the Middleboro District Office. Without their help and cooperation, such projects as - Chapter 81 maintenance on all Norwell roads, Chapter 90 reconstruction of Main Street (Route 123), and painting of lines on Main Street (Route 123) and Pond Street (Route 228), would not have been possible.
Sincerely, E. Arnold Joseph Highway Surveyor
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
Board of Selectmen Norwell, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
As Inspector of Animals for the Town of Norwell, I have completed my duties for 1968 and report as follows:
Inspected barns and reported same to the State.
Reported to the Division of Livestock Disease Control the census of animals in the Town of Norwell.
Quarantined and released approximately thirty-seven dogs.
Respectfully submitted, Richard E. Cugnasca, D.V.M. Inspector of Animals
REPORT OF THE BUILDING INSPECTOR
Board of Selectmen Norwell, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The year 1968 showed a slight decrease in the number of building per- mits issued; there were nine less new homes built than in 1967. An in- teresting note is that there were 17 permits issued for swimming pools.
The new fire station is completed and in operation, a handsome struc- ture and a definite asset to our Town. The new Congregational Fellow-
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ship Hall is also completed and services are being conducted regularly. This is an attractive and worthy addition to Norwell.
I would like to say the contractors I have worked with during the past year have been most cooperative and it has been a pleasure carrying out my duties with them.
Building permits issued and inspections made in 1968 are summarized as follows:
RESIDENTIAL
New Dwellings 74
Additions - Alterations 37
Garages 7
Barns, Sheds, Etc.
5
Swimming Pools
17
COMMERCIAL
Non-Residential Buildings 3
Additions - Non-Residential 6
Gas and Service Stations 4
Garages - Non-Residential
1
OTHER
Construction Trailers 2
Buildings Moved 4
Buildings Demolished 6
Replacement Permits -
Previous Years 4
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The assistance of the town boards and committees, and especially that of Mrs. Mildred Sundwall and Mr. Harry Chaseis gratefully appreciated.
Respectfully submitted, Charles E. White, Building Inspector Richard C. Wiley, Alternate Inspector
REPORT OF THE GAS INSPECTOR
During the calendar year of 1968 ninety applications for installation of gas appliances were received. Inspections of these installations were made by Gas Inspector George A. Beach and Alternate Inspectors Warren P. Merritt and James F. Macdonald, Jr.
Respectfully submitted, George A. Beach Inspector of Gas Piping and Gas Appliances
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REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF WIRES
Two hundred and sixty-five permits were issued for electrical installa- tions during the calendar year of 1968 and inspections were made by Wire Inspector Raymond A. Hansen and Alternate Wire Inspector J. Lee Turner.
Permit fees received amounted to $2,488.00, which, in turn, were paid to the inspectors for their services.
The cooperation of the contractors and homeowners was greatly ap- preciated.
Respectfully submitted, Raymond A. Hansen Inspector of Wires
REPORT OF THE JAMES LIBRARY
During 1968 the James Library continued to try to improve and ex- pand the service it has provided to the readers of Norwell for over 60 years.
The most important step forward that was taken in the past year was the addition of extra library hours, Thanks to the 1968 Annual Town Meeting's increased appropriation, the Library is now open five after- noons a week from 2 to 5, as well as the previous two evenings and Saturday morning.
The number of registered reader families increased during the year to 1,038, an increase of 107 over 1967. The adult section lent 12,403 vol- umes and the juvenile section 8,539, for a total of 20,942. The books in circulation are added to each month, with the purchase of 355 titles dur- ing the year. In order to keep the collection up to date, the books are constantly being checked for timeliness, with the result that 248 outdated or outworn books were discarded in 1968.
As an added service to our borrowers, a rotating book deposit from the Regional Service of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will begin soon.
This report would not be complete without our public acknowledgment of a debt of gratitude to our two regular librarians, Mrs. Helen Roubound and Mrs. Constance Sayrs, and our two part-time librarians, Mrs. Dar- lene Beauvais and Mrs. Jean Cleary, without whose knowledge and de- votion the James Library could not function.
Respectfully submitted, Trustees of the James Library Constance Blake Mildred Hastings, Treasurer Bruce Hawthorne Harriet L. Meyer, Secretary William C. Bennett, Chairman
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REPORT OF METROPOLITAN AREA PLANNING COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE
The Metropolitan Area Planning Council continues to grow. During the past year seven more towns, Essex, Holliston, Littleton, Medway, Milford, Southboro and Wrentham were elected to council membership bringing a total of 99 towns and cities of eastern Massachusetts in this organization.
Four meetings of the council were held during the year. At the May meeting convened in Wakefield, Mass., Mr. Franklin Flaschner of Newton was elected president succeeding Reverend W. Seavey Joyce, S.J., who had served with distinction in that capacity since the inception of the or- ganization. He has assumed new duties as president of Boston College.
The Open Space and Recreation Plan and Program which has been in preparation for several years was virtually completed during the year. The report was issued in five volumes and is a comprehensive and de- tailed plan for the preservation and development of the principal rivers of the area, Boston Harbor and its islands, various beaches and open spaces, as recreational areas for the benefit of a growing population. The undersigned served on the Technical Advisory Committee on Open Space and Recreation.
Other reports produced during the year include, "Guides for Progress", "Development Opportunities for Metropolitan Boston", and two volumes of "Federal and State Assisted Housing Programs".
Projected work programs for the ensuing year include Phase III of the Sewer and Water Plan and Program; Education, Health and Manpower Training; Housing Studies and Research; Economic Development; Trans- portation (Arterial Streets); and Metropolitan Aids to Government (Com- munity Assistance). The latter includes such subjects as solid waste dis- posal, housing, open space and recreation and transportation.
R. M. Savage
REPORT OF THE PERMANENT BUILDING AND MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE
Early Fall the new Central Fire Station was completed and an open house was held to allow the citizens of Norwell to tour the new facility.
The Committee has engaged Architects to develop preliminary plans and cost estimates for a new free standing high school and an addition to the present Senior High School for comparative purposes.
The cooperative efforts of the Site Committee and School Committee will enable us to formulate sufficient data which will be presented to the Town
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at a special meeting early this Spring to decide the proper course of ac- tion to follow.
Richard E. Bergeron, Chairman
William Schultz, Secretary Arthur Raymond Harold Cranton Fred Levin
Duncan Banks
REPORT OF THE PERMANENT DRAINAGE COMMITTEE
The effects of growth, the increase in population, and conversion of Norwell from a rural community to a suburban town require an increase in every area of town government and service. As the work load and demands increase, expansion and growth must correspondingly occur in those facilities that service the town. As more and more land is developed and changed from its natural state to residential and commercial use the requirements for facilities to handle storm runoff increase not only at the developed site, but along the entire course of flow until it leaves Norwell.
In the past it was possible for the personnel of this Committee to design small systems and have the town highway force handle the installation. However, increased demands on the highway force mean less and less time available for drainage work, while the need is on the increase. Ob- viously, the only alternative was to use private contractors for installation. In order to protect the interests of the Town, it would be necessary to initiate contracts, have precise specifications, detailed plans and a multi- tude of technical addenda contingent with this type of action.
The scope of work requires an engineering firm familiar with small town procedures, large enough to cope with the work load, yet small enough that key personnel are familiar with our problems and available for discussion and action. After an extensive investigation of several en- gineering firms in this category this Committee entered into a contract with Weston & Sampson of Boston. Preliminary estimates were prepared for projects in the Washington Park, Norwell Homes and Mt. Hope St. areas. Articles were submitted in the Town Warrant based on these es- timates and were voted.
The three areas were combined into a single project for economic rea- sons and a definitive design made. Considerable time was spent reviewing and revising the necessary documents and this Committee would like to acknowledge the close cooperation and valuable assistance of David Turner, Town Counsel, The project was advertised and bids were re- ceived from eight contracting firms. The economic responsibility and work reputation of the low bidder were investigated and in December the con- tract was awarded to the low bidder, John G. Walsh Contracting Co., Inc. of Attleboro. The Committee is looking forward to the construction phase and the rapid completion of the project.
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During the past year eight proposed subdivisions were submitted to the Committee for review and recommendations of storm drainage systems. Several are still in the process of revision by the development engineers.
The Committee wishes to express its thanks to the other town officials, boards and personnel for their cooperation during the past year.
Donald E. Schwinn, Chairman Richard E. Splaine Robert Esterberg William C. Bennett
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
To the Citizens of Norwell:
SUB-DIVISION CONTROL
The primary responsibility of this Board is to satisfy the requirements of the Massachusetts Sub-Division Control Law. Six sub-division plans reached the stage of final approval during 1968, totaling 72 lots. One of these was the Accord Park industrial site, where the number of lots will be determined by the size of the parcels the individual businesses require. The Board also processed 42 plans for house lots on established Town ways. These accounted for 130 lots. Therefore, a total of 202 number of house lots were planned during the year.
ZONING BY LAW CHANGES
Three By Law changes were passed at the June 1968 special Town meeting. These included an article which eliminated the so called "Pork Chop" lot. All house lots now require similar frontage on the street even if there is no excess acreage.
GENERAL
The Planning Board twice had occasion to use outside engineering serv- ices in order to protect the interests of the Town in the design of sub- divisions. Funds for this use were first appropriated last year. Consider- able attention is continually paid to be sure ways in sub-divisions are constructed according to the Planning Board's Rules and Regulations. E. Arnold Joseph, Highway Surveyor, is the Planning Boards Works Supervisor and helps assure proper performance by the sub-dividers. All sub-division plans are reviewed with consideration for future traffic flow patterns, and reservations for future roads are often required by the Board. During 1969, the Board plans to continue its progress toward a Master Plan, update its Rules and Regulations, and review the Zoning By Laws for other revisions.
ORGANIZATION
The Planning Board generally met the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Thursday of
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each month at 8:00 P.M. in the second floor of the Town Hall Annex on Central Street. In the Fall meeting nights were changed to Monday, which has proved more convenient because many other Boards also meet on that night. The Board also often met informally in alternate weeks to discuss general problems and long range planning.
Respectfully submitted, Gilbert A. Cummings, Chairman Robert R. Reed, Vice-Chairman Richard K. McMullan Philip Joseph, Clerk Roy Richardson
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Board of Selectmen
Town of Norwell
Gentlemen:
Thank you for your continued support and confidence throughout the past year.
We have had many frustrations and through necessity have had to re- evaluate our position to place more emphasis on social problems than ever before.
Basically our young people are serious minded and law abiding. Our juvenile problems are encouragingly low. We have however, experienced an increase in the use of drugs. Our investigations show this is primarily of an experimental nature. We are deeply indebted to Sgt. William Harvey of the State Police Narcotics Bureau for his invaluable assistance. Also the Norwell School Administrators and local Clergy have been extremely cooperative.
Unfortunately, as reflected in our budget for 1969, there is no such thing as 'Bargain Basement' law enforcement. We are in desperate need of new quarters and additional manpower. It is essential that we keep our salary structure in balance. The additional man requested will enable us to expand our patrol in an attemptto combat the rash of house breaks that have plagued Norwell and the entire South Shore area.
Below is a partial list of our activities for 1968:
Total calls received - 22,321
Breaking and Entry
52
Arrests
348
Larceny
135
Court Complaints 450
Prowlers
36
Accidental Deaths
2
Auto Accidents
128
Cruiser Ambulance
123
M.V. Violations
539
Emergency Messages
72
Mutual Aid
77
Domestic Trouble 46
Vandalism
103
Summons Served
286
Respectfully submitted,
Kenneth J. Bradeen, Chief
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REPORT OF THE RECREATION COMMISSION
Board of Selectmen Norwell, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
This report of the Recreation Commission is basically the same as our previous report.
Our 6 week Summer Program has the usual fine attendance from the youngsters and those participating seemed to enjoy the programs.
The Commission reviews the program each year and we recognize the good, and the bad, features each year.
It is rumored that each department in our town feels it is the most im- portant. Your Recreation Commission is no different. We want to do more-for our youngsters, for our young adults, for our Senior Citizens, for you.
Our plans are simple, to provide opportunities, facilities and qualified leadership.
To provide qualified leaders means money.
It is becoming more and more difficult to compete for qualified leader- ship with the inadequate salaries that we offer. To provide facilities re- quires money.
We do have a Teen Center Group but the name is a misnomer because we do not have a "Center".
Money means taxes, and we do not have the answers.
We will resubmit our Swimming Pool Article again this year for your reconsideration.
We will also request money for a "Center", which will also have facilities for storage of equipment which is still scattered all over town.
Mrs. Ruth Marsh was unable to continue as a member of the Com- mission and submitted her resignation. We wish to thank her for her many contributions to our programs.
Mr. Robert Blake of Main Street was appointed by the Selectmen to replace Mrs. Marsh and we welcome him to the Board.
Respectfully submitted, Robert G. MacWilliams, Chairman Robert Blake James King Mary Knapp Austin Reynolds, Jr.
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Norwell:
The loss of John Bond early in the year was felt very deeply by the members of the School Committee, for we lost not only a friend but an able and dedicated Committeeman. He exemplified what a School Com- mittee member should be. He combined a no-nonsense business-like ap- proach with warmth, understanding and humor. Strong in his convictions, he was also always willing to listen to the opinions of others. Though his own children were grown and out of the system, he had a deep con- cern for the youth of Norwell and the importance of their education. He gave unstintingly of his time and energy to help bring excellence to the Norwell School System. In tribute to these qualities the Committee, un- officially, set up a John Bond Memorial Fund, the proceeds of which will be given as an annual award to a graduating student.
Excellence in education is of course the goal of all School Committee members. We feel that this year we have made progress in that direction, Growth is perhaps a characteristic word for this year, not only growth in numbers, but in depth and breadth. With the addition of kindergartens we have brought an earlier and better start in the process of education to two-hundred youngsters. We have seen a growth in depth in our read- ing program, with tentative plans for further development next year. We have seen a broadening of scope with the introduction of Creative Writing and Russian in the high school. Though experimental, these courses will be incorporated in the regular program if year-end review shows them to have been successful. We have experienced further expansion of our library and audio-visual facilities. We have added to the Guidance De- partment in order to broaden its scope as well as to service the increasing number of students.
This growth in numbers, far beyond earlier projections, brings us to the pressing problem of housing. Stop-gap measures have been taken, but we are fast running out of stop-gaps and the pressure is being felt on all levels. More space is imperative! As a result of hours of study, the Committee made known its feeling that the building of a new high school and shifting of other classes would best solve the problem at all levels. Others felt that an addition to the existing building would be preferable. The question has not yet been settled. It is hoped that whatever the de- cision, it be made soon as theproblem is reaching emergency proportions.
Another problem which is ever present is that of the communication gap. Steps have been made to close that gap both within the system and be- tween system and town. A series of meetings led by Dr. Stuart Marshall of Boston University, an expert in the field of Education and Group Dy- namics, was attended by Administrators, Principals, Coordinators, and Committee Members. The object was to bring us closer together, to sensi- tize us to one another as individuals. The understanding of each others problems derived from this experience should make it easier to work to- gether toward our common goal - the education of Norwell's children.
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The Committee had two plans to better communication between school and town. The first was the so-called "Ombudsman" program. It was an- nounced that a member of the staff and a member of the School Com- mittee would be available in the Superintendent's office on Wednesday nights to answer questions or listen to suggestions. The response from the town was disappointing, but it is hoped that with more publicity the pro- gram may be beneficial. The second program, a "Bulletin" was never undertaken due to lack of time. It is hoped that next year, with the pos- sibility of less time required for collective bargaining, a bulletin will be forthcoming.
In addition to collective bargaining and regular twice-monthly meetings, Committee members attended numerous area and state-wide School Com- mittee Conferences, meetings on libraries, drugs, etc., and seminars at Boston University, and visited several other school systems. In this way the Committee attempted to educate itself in order to grow along with the system.
1968 saw progress and growth, but we cannot stop here. The process must continue if we are to provide the education our youngsters will need to make their way through the years ahead.
Respectfully submitted, Ann D. Burrows, Chairman
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee:
The theme of change developed in last year's report not only continues to assert itself, but is becoming more pronounced. Change - not for its own sake - is becoming a distinctive characteristic of the Norwell Public Schools, and it is our fervent hope that our total educational program will reflect the best in modern educational trends.
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