Town of Norwell annual report 1960-1969, Part 41

Author:
Publication date: 1960
Publisher: The Board
Number of Pages: 2480

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$6,998.84

Administration and Expense

2,769.85

Total

$9,768.69

Respectfully submitted, JOHN D. LINDSAY MINNA R. SENGER RALPH H. COLEMAN, Chairman Board of Public Welfare

172

VETERANS AGENT

REPORT OF THE VETERANS AGENT

Board of Selectmen Norwell, Massachusetts

Gentlemen :

Chapter 115, G. L. Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides benefits for qualified veterans and their dependents.

Last year, 1962, thirty-nine applicants were processed by this de- partment. Not all applications are necessarily of monetary nature. This department has assisted Veterans and their dependents with such problems as Veterans Benefits, admittance to Veterans Administration Hospitals, recovery of Veterans discharge and separation papers, Veterans pensions, widows pensions, disabilities, out of State bonuses, employment, and many other problems that Veterans have. There are almost 1,000 Veterans living in Norwell and as they get older they will become eligible for some kind of assistance.

In the past year, 1962, the Veterans Agent has received for the Town the maximum reimbursement from the State, 50 % .

The office of the Veterans Agent is not adequate for its present needs. It is presently being shared with another Town Department. Any agency that works with the welfare of other people should have the privacy of its own office and the proper facilities for keeping confi- dential records confidential.

To all Veterans in the Town of Norwell, please do not hesitate to call me on any problems pertaining to Veterans.

Respectfully submitted,

LEONARD J. COX

Veterans Agent

173

PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE

REPORT OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE

Board of Selectmen

Norwell, Massachusetts

Gentlemen :

Number of Nursing Visits

1339

Infant Welfare Visits

Antepartal Visits 15

Postpartal 43

Well-child Conferences 11

Immunization Clinics

Tuberculosis Follow-up Visits

In-service course in Tuberculosis

Conferences with Public Health Officials

Respectfully submitted,

CATHERINE A. ROE

Public Health Nurse

REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF WIRES

Board of Selectmen

Norwell, Massachusetts

Gentlemen :

The Electrical Inspection Program has completed its first full year of operation. During this period, 176 Permits were issued and inspec- tions made.

This important town service has been well accepted by the home owners and contractors, and we want to thank them for their cooperation.

There are many additional requirements in the new State Code that will be adopted this year. We urge that wiring permits be ob- tained before any electrical work is started. Inspections can then be made on time to insure compliance and to avoid delays or changes.

Permits and Fee schedules are available at the Town Hall.

Respectfully submitted, RAYMOND A. HANSEN, Inspector J. LEE TURNER, Alternate Inspector

174

JAMES LIBRARY

REPORT OF THE JAMES LIBRARY

To the Board of Selectmen Norwell, Massachusetts

Gentlemen :

Norwell residents have shown continued interest in library activity during 1962, some with ideas for the Suggestion Box. some with both large and small gifts of time and money for new projects, and many, by their eagerness to take home the new books and their thoughtful- ness in returning them promptly. Once again everyone joined the youngsters in enjoying the familiar Christmas tree as it expressed the friendly glow of James Library at the community center during the holidays.

Open some of each weekday, the Library serves many publics, school-age and older, through our two devoted librarians, Mrs. Ed- mund V. Anderson and Mrs. Gustave Roubound, who keep in the closest possible touch with reading tastes and research requirements. Books are lent for use at the schools and students continue to use the library facilities for study and for assigned work projects.

A survey, looking to the future, indicates the value of a new and expanded Children's Department to be located on the second floor and work is beginning, both there, and in areas to be freed, on the main floor. Important structural work on the exterior is completed and plans for brighter lighting and interior color are being carried forward as part of a gradual rearrangement. For special considera- tions in helping the Library we want to thank our librarians, willing repairmen, the Library Associates, the newly-formed Junior Associ- ates and say an appreciative word, also, for the cooperation of town officials and our many borrowers.

Respectfully submitted, QUENTIN L. COONS, Chairman MILDRED T. HASTINGS, Treasurer HARRIET L. MEYER, Secretary WILLIAM C. BENNETT CHARLES A. ENGVALL James Library Trustees

175

INDUSTRIAL AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

REPORT OF THE INDUSTRIAL AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

Board of Selectmen Norwell, Massachusetts

Gentlemen :

Submitted, herewith, is the report of the Norwell Industrial and Development Commission for the year ended December 31, 1962.

Members of the Commission have met with representatives of firms or groups contemplating this town as a sitefor their businesses.

After having sought and considered advice from others as to the suitability of all areas of the Town which could be set aside for in- dustrial purposes, our Commission, in cooperation with the Planning Board, recommended rezoning an area north of Grove Street and west of Prospect Street to the Hingham boundary line, for industry only. This area contains approximately 370 acres of what we consider the best available land for industrial development in the Town. This was turned down by the voters at the March Town Meeting. Since then, we have met with prospective business firms that would have consid- ered the Grove Street area, but were not interested in Pond Street for reasons of drainage and other problems. We had no other sizable areas to offer.

The development of appropriate small industry in Norwell must be considered as a long-range program, for, with the small amount of suitable land available, we shall, unfortunately, have to wait pa- tiently for other, more desirable areas in adjacent towns to be filled first.

The Norwell Industrial and Development Commission has been short one member for almost two years. We are still awaiting the Se- lectmen's action on this appointment.

The Commission wishes to publicly express its gratitude to Mr. Loring Jacobs for his assistance and advice when we have met with prospective clients.

Respectfully submitted, HENRY ABRAHAMS, Chairman JOHN E. ANDREWS, Clerk CHARLES CROMBIE DENNIS F. MEDEROS

176

TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE

REPORT OF THE TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE

The Town Forest of Norwell at the present time is not adequate. It consists of twenty-nine ( 29) acres split into three sections in vari- ous parts of the town, and in our opinion the acquisition of more land is imperative. Several hundred acres are needed for a town of our size, especially in view of the tremendous growth in population ahead.

The Committee solicits gifts of parcels from the citizens which could be used to amplify our present areas.

Respectfully submitted, D. FRANK MEDEROS, Chairman JOSEPH K. COLLINS PAUL C. RASMUSSEN

177

REPORT OF THE WILLIAM J. LEONARD MEMORIAL LIBRARY

To the Board of Selectmen Norwell, Massachusetts

Gentlemen :

During the year of 1962 the Library has endeavored to keep up with our rapidly growing population. We are doing the best we can in our very cramped quarters. The community has far outgrown the size of the library and a new building is definitely needed. The Li- brary must move to larger, more efficient quarters, but where ? We ask the townspeople to give this important matter their serious attention.

We want to thank the Norwell Women's Club for their gift of Science books, also others who have given books of great value. These books have added greatly to our reference shelves. More room is needed for the students to take advantage of them. The study area is tiny and very congested.

Many new books, both fiction and non-fiction, have been added during the past year. We have added many new titles from " Best Sellers" to "Classic".

We are especially indebted to Fire Department Company #2 for their numerous courtesies and services.

Mrs. Robert Carr and Mrs. Thomas Cann will be on hand to help all residents select books for pleasure or research. An invitation is extended to all to visit the library. Hours are Mondays from 2:30 to 4:30 P.M., Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:00 to 9:00 P.M., and Saturdays 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.

Respectfully submitted, LORRAINE D. DUTY MILDRED M. CARR

Trustees

178

DRAINAGE COMMITTEE

REPORT OF THE PERMANENT DRAINAGE COMMITTEE

Board of Selectmen Norwell, Massachusetts

Gentlemen :

We respectfully submit the following report of our activities for the past year.

The past year has seen a marked increase in both the number and size of subdivisions submitted to this board for action. These plans, while prepared by competent professional engineers and land surveyors, must be very closely checked for proper design, as the engineering firms are in the employ of the developer whose sole aim is to keep the costs of roadways, drainage and utilities at a minimum; thus, the firms are forced to design within a limit controlled by the developer, rather than limits based on proper design. The function of this committee is to safeguard the town, as subdivision streets eventu- ally become our responsibility for maintenance and care. We must insure that systems installed within a subdivision are adequate, not only within themselves, but that they fit the overall picture as far as expansion and integration with our existing system, as well as with our future systems.

The work involved in checking these plans is techanical and pro- fessional. In the past this was undertaken by those members of the committee whose experience and available time made this possible. Now, however, the workload is so heavy that the demands involved in this area pose a hardship. We are reluctant to award this work to engineering firms because of the costs involved; the standard hourly rate for this type of work is ten dollars an hour. Our annual allot- ment of funds would quickly be dissipated in this one field. We do feel that this problem must exist within other groups, such as the Plan- ning Board, Water Board, Health Department and others. We therefore submit the problem to you at this time for your consideration and study. It is quite apparent that steps must be taken in this field to provide some form of engineering service to the Town, similar in na- ture to the function of the Town Counsel or Town Accountant. One central agency to provide engineering service must be provided in the very near future. This central control would serve also as a coordin- ating body between the various groups, such as Highway, Tree, Health, Water, Drainage, Building, Assessors, and Selectmen who have need of engineering advice and planning in many functions of

179

DRAINAGE COMMITTEE

their work. To try to accomplish this on a "piecemeal" basis is far from the most economical or practical method. Now is the time to give thought and study to the possible solution of this soon-to-be criti- cal problem.

Construction done during the past year includes the following :

High Street: A two-basin system was installed on High Street in the vicinity of the Cole School, and an outlet line extended through the school grounds to Hatch Pond. This eliminates a dangerous icing condition at the school and will also prevent washouts of the school lawn. This was undertaken in conjunction with, and at the request of the School Committee.

Mount Blue Street : Two cross culverts were replaced. These were old, stone box type culverts that had partially collapsed and were be- yond repair. This type of work has a high priority as immediate re- pairs to existing systems are more economical than possible major expense should road washouts occur.

Tiffany Road: The existing system, installed in 1961, was extended in an easterly direction along the southerly side of the street, and two additional basins installed. The system was extended westery along the northerly side of the street and pipe was installed. An outcropping of ledge was encountered and work was halted due to a lack of suf- ficient funds to remove the ledge.

We feel that our annual goal of $5,000 for drainage work is an amount that can be handled by our Highway Department, in addition to their many other highway duties. When it is pointed out that the average subdivision today is spending about $50,000 for drainage work within a development, then surely our $5,000 per annum can be considered modest when applied town-wide.

This committee wishes to express its thanks to the other boards and officials for the fine spirit of cooperation shown it, and particu- larly to the Town Hall staff whose fine work makes our part-time efforts possible.

RICHARD E. SPLAINE, Chairman E. ARNOLD JOSEPH W. CLAYPOOL BENNETT GERALD L. HATHORNE WILLIAM R. RITCHIE, Clerk

180

MOSQUITO CONTROL

REPORT OF THE SOUTH SHORE MOSQUITO CONTROL PROJECT

To the Citizens of Norwell :

Submitted herewith is the report of the South Shore Mosquito Con- trol Project of is activities in the Town for the year ending Novem- ber 30, 1962.

The Town of Norwell appropriated $3850 for mosquito control in 1962. Along with this $150 was appropriated for salt marsh main- tenance. This money was used for mosquito control in the Town by the South Shore Mosquito Control Project, a cooperative effort em- bracing the City of Quincy and Towns of Braintree, Cohasset, Dux- bury, Hingham, Hull, Marshfield, Norwell, Scituate and Weymouth. In addition the project worked under contract for the U. S. Naval Ammunition Depot for a period up to June 30th, ending our final contract before its deactivation.

TYPE OF CONTROL PROGRAM

The basic program of control continued to be based on drainage in the off-season and larvaciding of all areas found to be breeding during the mosquito season. This program was supplemented by ap- plication of D.D.T. dust to selected areas during the period when the swamps were frozen. Fog generators and mist blowers were used to combat flying mosquitoes.

ENCEPHALITIS

As a result of the dry weather and/or other factors not yet recog- nized, Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis did not appear in humans in Massachusetts this past summer. However, since there is always a definite threat present during late summer and early fall, the period when Encephalitis is most likely to appear, the Project was in contact with the U. S. Public Health Service, Massachusetts Department of Public Health and other mosquito control agencies in a cooperative effort to recognize the danger signs so that work could be directed against the suspected species of mosquitoes.

AERIAL DUSTIN AND/OR SPRAYING

The spring dusting or spraying of all fresh water swamps known to be breeders and too large to be treated by hand was done. D.D.T. was used at the rate of a half to one pound per acre keeping well within the realm of safety to humans and wildlife. One hundred acres were treated in the Town of Norwell.

181

MOSQUITO CONTROL

GROUND SPRAYING

The ground crews circulated on a schedule throughout their sec- tion. They varied from this circuit to treat in the vicinity of complaints, or to treat places found to be breeding by the superintendent or fore- men's inspection. They then returned to their rounds.

CATCHBASIN SPRAYING

Catchbasin spraying was done with a motorcycle servicar, a com- pressed air sprayer mounted on the rear. Due to a reduction of sum- mer personnel only one unit was operating this year. A dry summer enabled regular crews to treat basins in their assigned towns, thus enabling us to keep ahead of this type of breeding.

DITCHING

Drainage, always considered the keystone of mosquito control, is more than ever important as a result of a growing concern by certain groups over the use and buildup of insecticides and other chemicals in our wildlife areas. Over the years the ditching done by this project has greatly reduced the areas that need spraying or dusting of in- secticides. On fresh water, only areas capable of mosquito breeding are drained, shallow stagnant pools. On salt marshes we attempt to keep all ditches clear of grass and mud to allow tidal water a free flow in and out, also to eliminate all brackish sheet water at upper ends of marsh where salt marsh mosquitoes will breed.

The largest amount of mosquito control can be reached with a good drainage program. With this idea in mind, we have proceeded in all areas possible to ditch. In the Town of Norwell 1350 feet of ditches have been reclaimed.

FOGGING

This past season the project has had in operation a Curtis Dyna Fog Insecticidal Fog Applicator. This machine emits a smoke con- taining small particles of insecticide. This smoke or fog drifts with air currents over the area, wiping out all mosquitoes and other fly- ing insects present. This machine makes it possible to cover a large area and with insecticide particles being so small there is very little residue to build up in any one area.

PLANS FOR WINTER

Throughout the months, between the past and coming mosquito breeding season, much attention will be given to ditching. Work on the salt marsh will be done in the fall and early spring, and the colder winter months will be spent in the more protected areas.

182

In addition, when snow and ice conditions are right, prehatch dust- ing by ground crews, as was done in the past year, will be applied. The success of the past work along these lines makes it feasible to continue the program. All areas that were hand-dusted were free of mosquito breeding in most cases until mid-July.

PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR

All phases of the work carried out in the past will continue, plac- ing emphasis on drainage for permanent control and then, in this order : dusting for prehatch control, spraying for larval control, mist blowing and fogging for adult control.

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED

N. A. D.

Since 1957 the project has been under contractto the U. S. Navy to do all phases of mosquito control in their Ammunition Depot, Hing- ham and Cohasset Annex. In June of this year, the Navy decommis- sioned this reservation, leaving a large area in the center of the pro- ject with no control. At present it is uncertain as to what will be done with this area. If the land involved should revert back to their former towns, Cohasset, Hingham, Norwell, Scituate and Weymouth, it will be necessary to up the assessments of these towns for mosquito con- trol as with our present budget we would be unable to handle it.

NEED FOR NEW DITCHING TRACTOR

The project operates two pieces of tractor equipment on its drain- age operation, an OC-6 scavel plow used for cleaning out existing ditches and an OC-4 backhoe trencher for making new drainage work. They have both been in constant use, one since 1955, the other 1957.

On ordinary dry trenching operations these machines might last a few more years. However, on mosquito control ditching the machine is constantly in water, mainly salt water, year round. Consequently because of rust corrosion, along with wear, they have reached a point where they must be replaced in order to maintain what has been ac- complished and to continue the phase of machine ditching.

It would not be necessary to replace both tractors, as one tractor so constructed could receive and operate both a scavel and backhoe trencher. This would necessitate the need for just one tractor as both these are usually being used on the same job.

183

REPORT OF THE BUILDING INSPECTOR

Board of Selectmen

Norwell, Massachusetts

Gentlemen :

It is with pleasure that I submit the first annual report of the Nor- well Building Inspector. Since this is the initial report, perhaps the duties should be restated here. The purpose of the inspector is to issue building applications and permits and inspect all building operations within the Town in order to enforce the laws and regulations relating to construction as specified in the Building Code.

We are fortunate to have a new Building Code which serves as a guide and source of reference for the proper methods, materials and practices for the construction trades. As the Town continues to grow and progress, this will aid in maintaining a high standard of quality in building, as well as protecting public safety and health.

Since we were starting fresh, it was necessary to set up new sys- tems and establish rates and procedures. New permits and applica- tions were devised to give more complete information applicable to new building operations.

A close liaison was developed, during this past year, with other Town Departments, whose work is allied to new building and construc- tion, for a better understanding of the various problems involved.

The following is a summary of building permits issued during the year 1962 :

New Dwellings

Bank Buildings

Garden Apartments

Swimming Pools

Garages

Bomb Shelters

Alterations, Additions, and Out Buildings

TOTAL PERMITS ISSUED

121

All inspections were performed as required, after I took office July 20th.

I would like to express appreciation to the Board of Selectmen for this appointment and can sincerely say I have fully enjoyed the work, as my interest and livelihood is in the building field.

All town officials, boards, committees and builders have been most cooperative. A special vote of thanks to Mr. Harry Chase and Mrs. Emily Paradise for their valuable assistance.

Respectfully submitted,

CHARLES E. WHITE

Building Inspector

184

REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE

REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE

To the Citizens of Norwell :

After the March election the school committee organized as follows:

George H. Whitcher, Jr., Chairman Fletcher S. Boig, Vice Chairman Betty M. Cook, Clerk

The committee meets regularly on the second Wednesday of each month at the School Department Offices in the Junior High School. All meetings have been advertised in compliance with the Public Law 626 ( so-called open meeting law ). These meetings are generally at- tended by the press, advisory board members and a few interested citizens. Our elected committee, under a system of State Laws and Regulations, is in sole charge of the public schools of our town. It is a policy-making body with responsibility for supervision of the ad- ministration of these policies. We invite any interested citizen to attend our meetings.

Bids for materials, supplies, and/or services calling for expendi- tures of $300.00 or more have been advertised for in sealed bids, which have been opened publicly at our regular meetings and the contracts awarded accordingly.

BASEBALL BACKSTOP-JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Bay State Fence Co., Quincy $975.00

Reliable Fence Co., Norwell 691.00

Awarded to : Reliable Fence Co.

FOOTBALL EQUIPMENT

Bids on 30 H612 MacGregor Football Helmets and 30 pairs of A618 MacGregor Football Shoes.

Helmets $618.00

Shoes $387.00

E. F. Holland Co., Boston

W. H. Brine & Co., Boston ( white )

538.50

378.00

( color ) 558.00

Shaw's Sporting Goods, Mansfield

486.00

342.00

Awarded to: Shaw's Sporting Goods

185

REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE

TRANSPORTATION

North River Transportation Co. George E. Joseph Awarded to: North River Transportation Co.

$.43 per mile

.57 per mile

PAINTING

Norwell Elementary School - Exterior

Geo. Jasen Co., Cohasset

$1,267.00

Horten Paint Co., Walpole

695.00

Anderson Bros. Co., Somerville

1,435.00

Royal Painting Co.

1,185.00

Erickson Bros. Co., Braintree

750.00

Awarded to: Horten Paint Co.

Cole School - Two lavatories, 3 classrooms

Geo. Jasen Co., Cohasset

$400.00

Horten Paint Co., Walpole

582.00

Anderson Bros. Co., Somerville

905.00

Royal Painting Co.

730.00

Erickson Bros. Co., Braintree

695.00

Awarded to: Geo. Jasen Co.

Norwell Elementary - Second Floor Corridor, teacher's room, 1 classroom

Geo. Jasen Co., Cohasset

$305.00

Horten Paint Co., Walpole

371.00

Anderson Bros. Co., Somerville

655.00

Royal Painting Co.

560.00

Erickson Bros. Co., Braintree

450.00

Awarded to: Geo. Jasen Co.

Junior High School - Kitchen, Cafeteria, 2 lavatories

Geo. Jasen Co., Cohasset

$295.00

Horten Paint Co., Walpole

496.00

Anderson Bros. Co., Somerville

570.00

Royal Painting Co.

510.00

Erickson Bros. Co., Braintree

440.00

Awarded to: Geo. Jasen Co.

REPAIR STAIRS AND THREE LANDINGS- JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Wentzell Floor and Wall

Tile Co. $300.00

Only bidder. Awarded to: Wentzel Floor and Wall Tile Co.

186

REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE

CHIMNEY REPAIRS-JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL Merrick Engineering Co .. Brockton $593.00

Boston Chimney & Tower

Co., Boston 828.00

DiLibrio Construction Co. Watertown

1.995.00

Quincy Waterproofing Co ..

.V. Quincy 822.00

W. H. Haslett Co., Quincy

1.452.00

Awarded to Merrick Engineering Co.

FUEL BIDS No. 5 Oil

Bridgewater Ice & Coal Co.

$3.26 per barrel

Quincy Oil Co. 3.36

Brockton Ice & Coal Co.

3.40

New England Petroleum Corp. 3.43

Awarded to: Bridgewater Ice & Coal Co.

No. 6 Oil

Bridgewater Ice & Coal Co.

2.47 per barrel

Quincy Oil Co. 2.57

Brockton Ice & Coal Co.

2.61

New England Petroleum Corp. 2.64

Awarded to Bridgewater Ice & Coal Co.

No. 2 Oil

Fox Hill Oil. Norwell

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Town of Norwell annual report 1960-1969, Part 41

Author: Publication date: 1960 Publisher: The Board Number of Pages: 2480

Author:
Publication date: 1960
Publisher: The Board
Number of Pages: 2480