USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Norwell > Town of Norwell annual report 1960-1969 > Part 89
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A curriculum for the school health education program has not been finalized, but curricula suggested by the National Health Council, the School Health Education Study, and the American Medical Association are under consideration. It is already clear, however, that a meaningful program cannot be accomplished without first hiring individuals qualified in this area of instruction. The Board of Health is, therefore, asking for additional funds so that an experienced school nurse with a B.S. degree and educational credits can be hired for the term beginning September, 1967. It is anticipated that professional consultants will also participate in the instructional program.
The school dental health program has been revised, again, to place major emphasis on dental education in the earlier elementary grades. The School Health Advisory Committee suggested that the Board of Health not employ a school dentist, but increase expenditures for dental hygienists who should provide dental health instruction, dental inspections, and per- haps fluoride treatments. The Board of Health voted these recommenda- tions and appointed Dr. Charles Rounds to serve with the School Health Advisory Committee as dental advisor. The Board of Health and the School Health Advisory Committee wish to remind the town that no school dental program will be nearly so effective in the prevention of dental caries as would be the addition of fluoride to town water sources. We urge that this be done without delay.
Applications for household sewage disposal permits continue to pro- vide the Board of Health with its most perplexing problems, Proper enforcement of the sanitary code often requires defining the almost indefinable, such as swamp, filled land, flood plain, stream, impervious material, wet land, etc. For example, filled land is suitable for sewage disposal only when the fill is applied according to specifications contained in the general laws. However, no definition of what constitutes filling accompanies these regulations. The Board of Health has solved this dilemma by disallowing sewage disposal into lots where fill must be applied for the construction of an adequate septic system, but many other facets of the sanitary code continue to provide problems for the Board and uncertainties for the builder. Quality control in the design of septic systems has been improved by requiring that perculation tests and designs for all new systems be made by a registered engineer. The Board is now attempting to improve the quality control of construction by having qualified individuals available at all times for immediate inspec- tion of new and renovated systems.
Mr. Gunderway continues to do an excellent job in managing and main- taining the town dump. We wish to express our appreciation to him and to request the continued cooperation of users so that the dump will remain one of the most economical and best kept dumps in this area.
Willis R. Keene, Chairman Charles Ford Katherine Fuller, Secretary
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REPORT OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE
Board of Selectmen Town of Norwell
Gentlemen:
Number of Nursing Visits 1220
Number of Infant Welfare Visits 67
Number of Antepartal Visits 13
Number of Postpartal Visits 41
Number of Well-child Conferences
9
Number of Immunization Clinics 27
Number of follow-up visits for hospitals and clinics 17
Number of Conferences with Public Health Officials 9
Respectfully submitted,
Catherine A. Roe
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
The Town of Norwell, like many other towns of its size 20 years ago, has grown from a very small town into a suburban community and will continue to grow.
We, along with most other towns in similar circumstances, have been so burdened by school construction and operational costs that Administra- tive and functional needs of Town Government have been ignored, gener- ally in the attitude that these requirements can be continuously postponed.
This approach finally collapses but only after some years of impro- visation and inefficiencies and eventually expensive and excessive projects are voted frequently more than is required.
We believe that this transition in the status of our town and the result- ing facility needs is a condition that commands the attention of all tax- payers and that it is the responsibility of the Board of Selectmen to present the nature of the problem to you for your consideration and supported by a realistic, comprehensive and objective solution and most importantly within the capacity of the taxpayer to meet the costs.
The cost of all projects in such a solution should be financed by bond- ing over the maximum allowed period as by this method future taxpayers will participate in the burden of additional facilities principally required by this added population.
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The Board of Selectmen, cognizant of the growth pattern of the town, considers that the consequential and unavoidable expanded facility require- ments should be planned for a uniform tax burden over the next few years, avoiding the significant irregularities in the tax rate resulting from random capital outlay appropriations.
In our opinion the town will soon realize that the need for certain projects is imminent and they will be provided for before 1975. An analysis of the financial costs of the required program demonstrates that with proper planning these costs by themselves will not be respon- sible for any significant increase in the tax rate.
This seeming paradox can be accomplished by intense planning and the scheduling of projects based upon the effect of the following factors in the near future years.
1) Partial termination of net principle payments
2) Annual reduction of interest on outstanding debt
3) Rising valuations (new construction only)
4) Prudent increase in per capita debt.
The Board has developed a plan for 1967 thru 1975 with the resulting total tax burden for capital outlay in each year, based upon 1965 valua- tions plus new construction, equal to or less than the 1965 actual burden for the same expense category. In substance, the proposed plan or guide to capital outlay will not require any increase in the tax rate.
1967 - 1975 PROPOSED CAPITAL OUTLAY GUIDE PROVIDES FOR
ANNUAL APPROPRIATIONS
PROJECT APPROPRIATIONS
Road Reconstruction
High School Addition
Equipment Side Walks
Athletic Fields
Junior High Conversion
Well Development
Vinal School Addition
Drainage
Town Hall Addition
Principal
Central Fire Station
Police Station
Interest Emergency Service
Water Tower
Water System Completion
Stabilization Fund Land Taking
Water-Park Dept. Garage
Wet Land Acquisition Library
The timing of the projects has been determined according to their relative need, grouped wherever it is financially advisable to do so and stabilization fund appropriations have been scheduled to qualify for School State Matching Grant funds.
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This plan with its provisions for future growth should take care of our needs for many years or to such an extent that the cost of any un- forseen requirement would not be an oppressive burden on the taxpayer.
MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS
The Town of Norwell fortunately was given its Town Hall and the funds to maintain it. This building has been adequate for 30 years but it cannot be expected to serve the needs of the town expanding from 2500 to over 10,000 in the near future. However, it can be made more than adequate for this growth by a simple addition and retaining the use of all present areas.
This has been proposed before but the town failed to appropriate the necessary funds by a 2/3 vote. No significant objections were ever raised against the principle of an addition but only on a prefunctory ex- amination of a schematic plan never intended for construction.
For this reason the Board of Selectmen suggested and the town voted to employ architects and planning engineers to develop preliminary costs, plans and recommendations for an addition adequate for our future needs.
This has been accomplished and every interested Board and Committee were given whatever opportunity they requested to present their individual requirements to the consultants for their consideration.
A central fire station preliminary plan approved by the Board of Fire Engineers was developed under the same circumstances which would be located in the rear of the present Central Station.
Preliminary plans for a Police Station have been developed either as a separate building or as a wing to a single story fire station.
The preliminary plans and costs for each of these projects separately or in combination will be available before the town meeting along with the recommendations of the Consultants and the Board of Selectmen.
The present Annex and fire station are in a most unsatisfactory con- dition and substantial repairs must be made at once if these buildings are to be used for any lengthof time. The Annex is an old dwelling house and is not in any way suited for municipal use and it cannot be remodelled to serve our growing needs.
There is a contract price and supervision cost advantage to develop all three projects at one time and there is no significant tax advantage in separating the projects 1 or 2 years apart as the interest and princi- pal will soon be due on all three in the same year.
Although the cost of all three projects is substantial it is less than 80% of one addition to an elementary school and the cost will be spread out over 20 years. In addition the burden of all of these 3 municipal buildings has been included in the Capital Outlay plan.
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WET LANDS
There are many acres of wet land in the town of Norwell which in their present state are unsatisfactory for building purposes. Construc- tion in these areas can result in the need for a costly municipal sewage system and there could be pollution of our public water supply.
The Board of Selectmen does not consider that present statutory regulations prevent the use of this land and that our interests can only be protected by the outright purchase of the swamps.
We have sponsored a Wet Land Study Committee to investigate the possibility of our qualifying for State and Federal Grants under the Open Space and Conservation programs.
The Capital Outlay plan provides for our share of the cost should we decide to apply for Federal or State assistance if we meet the require- ments and accept the conditions.
The Board has fulfilled all its responsibilities as outlined in our 1965 Annual Report and in addition has directed its efforts as evidenced by the foregoing.
Chester A. Rimmer, Chairman Ernest J. Milani Richard A. Housley
REPORT OF THE CIVIL DEFENSE AGENCY
The replacement of the aged ambulance remains a matter of great importance to the residents of our Town. We have been fortunate this year that no serious mechanical problems have occurred, but the general deterioration continues and soon the vehicle may not meet inspection standards. The purchase of a new ambulance was approved by the Advisory Board last year, but certain questions regarding the type of vehicle arose at the March meeting and action was postponed until the next special or regular meeting which now means next March. The article calling for a new ambulance will again be inserted in the warrant.
Under an agreement between the Massachusetts Hospital Association and the Massachusetts Civil Defense Agency, the so-called Pre-packaged Hospital stored at our headquarters at the Osborn School has been assigned to the South Shore Hospital for its use, or use in a disaster area, when and if a serious emergency should occur. This is a great help to us all as it means that the 200 bed hospital will be used under the direction of the South Shore Hospital and its trained staff at a location - such as at the Osborn School itself - to be designated at the time of need. The custodianship and care of the hospital unit remain with this Town agency, but its use will be under the direction of the Hospital. This is a great improvement over the old uncertainty of who would operate the hospital at time of need.
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The past year was again a good one in that no major emergencies occurred, requiring the calling out of our Auxiliary Police and other trained units. However, training was continued, there having been two First Aid courses this year. It is unfortunate that we are unable to take more advantage of courses given by the State Agency, but all of our Auxiliary Police and Firemen have jobs from which they cannot get away and the Police are handicapped by a shortage of men. We also need several people who are interested or trained to help with Radiological monitoring, an important part of Civil Defense today.
The plan for the care of school children in times of National emergen- cies was again studied and the plan adopted several years ago was again approved by the School Department and Civil Defense and distributed to the children and parents in April.
A supply of a new type of instant hot beverages is now stored at head- quarters to help with emergency feeding. These are cups containing dry ingredients to which only hot water need be added to serve hot beverages such as coffee, chocolate and soups. This will be a great help when firefighters or police are in the field for long periods.
Anyone interested in volunteer work in any one of the various phases of Civil Defense should contact the Director as there is always a need for more manpower.
W. Clarke Atwater, Director CIVIL DEFENSE AGENCY
REPORT OF THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
The Norwell Conservation Commission met regularly throughout the year, the first Monday of the month, with additional meetings as required with other Boards or local or State agencies.
During the year we have discussed possible acquisition of land for conservation purposes, land unsuitable for building and upon which owners do not wish to pay taxes. Due to various delays, we have been unable to take title to these properties during 1966. The Planning Board has been advising us of proposed building and we have attended hearings held under the "Hatch Act," which was enacted March 29, 1965. The Hatch Act purpose is to control building in unsuitable wet areas. Robert Reed, Planning Board member, has attended many of the Conservation Commis- sion meetings contributing his knowledge of Planning Board opinions.
In February members of the Conservation Commission attended a meeting in Hingham of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. The Council includes 79 towns in the eastern part of Massachusetts, and we were advised of their study plans for long-range open space and recrea- tion activities in the metropolitan area. Two thirds of this study is being paid for by the Federal Government. At their request the Conservation Commission prepared a map which has been incorporated into their larger map. At present there are 200,000 acres of undeveloped land, which they hope will be developed to the best advantage for use for recreation and conservation. This map was required so that Norwell could be a member of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, with subsequent advantages to the Town.
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The first part of the year we were busy contacting public officials regarding the Cohasset Annex, which the Department of Natural Resources was very anxious to have put under its control. The Department eventually bought 2,877 acres from the Federal Government located in Norwell, Scituate, Hingham and Cohasset, to be used for recreation.
The Conservation Commission has assisted our Selectmen in conser- vation matters; in the spring bringing to their attention a brochure prepared by Camp, Dresser & McKee, showing plans to dam the North River to create a 3200 acre reservoir in Pembroke, Norwell and Hanover, which would hold six billion gallons of water. This study was prepared for the Central Plymouth Water Supply District, with funds provided by the Legislature, who are making long range plans for Brockton's water supply. The Legislature has voted additional funds to continue this study.
The Conservation Commission also brought to the attention of the Selectmen a bill filed to relocate Route 128, to make easier access to the Southeast Expressway from Scituate, Cohasset and Hull. Previous bills filed for this purpose have followed the Norwell-Hingham boundary.
Members have represented the Norwell Conservation Commission at panels in other towns; have attended hearings at the State House regard- ing conservation. One in March concerned a constitutional change which would allow land to be assessed on the basis of use and not full and fair valuation. This bill (H57) was submitted by the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation. The matter is now being studied by a special com- mission sworn in by Gov. Volpe, as it will be difficult to find a fair, easily administered and politically acceptable system. A hearing also attended was in regard to lowering minimum house lot requirements. This matter also was turned over to a study committee but returns perennially.
The Conservation Commission Chairman, Arthur Merritt, was selected by the Commission to represent them on the newly formed Wetlands Study Committee initiated by Mr. Rimmer, and which the NCC endorses wholeheartedly.
In November, the Commission attended the first hearing held by the Department of Natural Resources in Pembroke, the initial step in acquiring State Control of marshland along the North River. The Depart- ment feels this is necessary to protect the marshlands from exploitation. Three years ago, March 1963, the voters added Section VI-B to the Zoning By-Law to include a Saltmarch Conservation District, requiring anyone to apply to Zoning Board of Appeals for a permit to fill, drain, dredge or excavate the marsh. The law requires the Conservation Com- mission to give an opinion as to whether or not such action would be consistent with the natural character of the area and the aims and purposes of the Conservation Commission.
The interpretive Soil Study Map prepared by the USDA Soil Conser- vation Service was received in late fall. This map was prepared with 12 interpretations showing limits for land use as follows: Septic tank sewage disposal, commercial and industrial sites, home sites, athletic fields, wetland wildlife sites, sanitary landfill (trench method), sources of
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sand and gravel, roads, woodland, surface runoff, agriculture and slope characteristics. 35% of Norwell is composed of wetland, with severe limitations for residential, commercial and industrial use. 546 acres or 4% is tidal marsh, subject to the tidal overflow along the North River. Hardpan below the surface prevents water from moving downward readily in many areas.
During the year the Commission received cooperation and assistance from other Boards. We would particularly like to thank the Town Clerk for her assistance in obtaining copies of new legislation, which certainly indicates that Massachusetts is alert to the need of conservation of our resources. We would also like to acknowledge the understanding and support from the Planning Board, who endorsed our plans to obtain the soil map study for the town. The Board of Assessors have been most sympathetic in providing assistance and advice. We hope that these Boards and any others will call upon us during the coming year if we may help them in any way.
We would like to note the passing of a valued member, Benjamin Stetson, April 28, 1966. He was of great assistance to the Commission due to his lifelong knowledge of Norwell and the North River.
We note with interest the addition of the study of Conservation in the Norwell Schools. Mr. David Ryan and Mrs. Janice Litchfield of the South Shore Nature Center are providing much to the community and whenever possible we attend their meetings.
We would welcome any interested townspeople to our meetings so they may express any suggestions and exchange ideas for the benefit of the town and the continued growth of Norwell in keeping with its potential.
Respectfully submitted,
Arthur Merritt, Chairman Mildred Hastings George Whitcher Joseph Paradise David Stewart Wesley Osborne, Jr. Katherine E. Cranton, Secretary
REPORT OF THE COUNCIL ON AGING
Board of Selectmen Town Hall Norwell, Mass.
Gentlemen:
In accordance with Chapter 242 of the Acts of 1966, the Norwell Council on Aging respectfully submits the following report of its activities and programs.
1. Early in 1966 the Council prepared an article for town meeting for the establishment of a Housing Authority to provide for the future
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housing needs of the aging. Although the voters did not act favorably on the article, the opportunity was presented to them. Numerous towns in this area have constructed housing facilities for the aging.
2. The Council arranged for and provided transportation to the Hammond Castle Museum in Gloucester for a group of Norwell Senior Citizens.
3. A Harvest Supper and motion picture was held for all Senior Citizens in November at the Christian Education Building of the Church Hill Methodist Church.
4. The Council is providing some equipment to the "drop-in center" for Senior Citizens at the Town Hall. This center and all Council pro- grams are open to all Norwell residents 60 years of age or over.
Much of the planning and arranging for the activities outlined above was done by the late Pat Cushing, who died as the result of a tragic accident in late May. The Council and Townspeople have lost a valuable and ardent worker.
Respectfully submitted,
NORWELL COUNCIL ON AGING Mary Jane Petze, Chairman Thomas Coughlin, Secretary Robert MacWilliams Warner Abbott Gladys Wilder Pat Cushing *
* Deceased
REPORT OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION
Board of Selectmen Town of Norwell
Gentlemen:
During the past year, the commission has been concerned primarily with consideration of the land in the westerly part of the town which is bounded northeasterly by the Southeast Expressway, easterly by High Street, southerly by the Norwell-Hanover town line, and westerly by the Norwell-Rockland town line. The entire area, with the exception of eight properties along the westerly side line of High Street, contains approxi- mately 160 acres of land and is in one ownership.
During the past year, the commission has held joint meetings with the Board of Selectmen, the Planning Board and the Conservation Com- mission of the Town of Norwell, the Board of Selectmen, and Planning Board and the Industrial and Development Commission of the Town of Rockland and with the Board of Assessors of the Town of Hingham.
On the southwesterly side of the Southeast Expressway in the Town of Hingham, about one mile northerly from the tract of land under consid-
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eration, there is an industrial complex which has been developed in a manner similar to that proposed for the Norwell land. The Board of Assessors of the Town of Hingham has stated that a considerable tax in- come will be received by the town of Hingham in the year 1967 with a negligible town expense; and they are favorably impressed with the ec- onomic advantages which they believe will accrue to the town in the years to come.
As a result of the meetings with various town boards and commissions, and as a result of its own investigations, this commission has recommended to the Planning Board that it consider submitting an article to the next town meeting providing that the entire parcel of 160 acres described above be re-zoned from a residential district to an industrial district with appropriate restrictions.
Loring H. Jacobs, Chairman Mario G. Cayon, Secretary D. Frank Mederos Frederick C. Truelove Richard Gaudette
REPORT OF THE DOG OFFICER
Selectmen Town of Norwell Norwell, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I submit my report as Dog Officer of the Town of Norwell for the year 1966.
Complaints investigated 37
Dogs returned to owners 26
Dogs reported missing 48
Injured dogs to veterinarian
and calls on injured dogs 11
Strays 12
A reminder to all dog owners -- All dogs must be licensed at 3 months and the license runs from April 1 to March 31 of the succeeding year.
Please call Dog Officer if your dog returns home after having been reported missing.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert L. Molla, Sr. Dog Officer
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REPORT OF THE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS CENTER
The Annual Report for the Center last year was written soon after the installation of the new Town Network covering the operations of the Highway and Tree Departments, and the adoption of the eight hour shifts for the operators. Both of these have proved most successful, and without doubt have improved the efficiency of the Center, and hence of Depart- ments of the Town whose telephone and radio calls are handled by the operators.
The Station Receiving Panels which receive the automatic alarms for the Schools, Churches, Nursing Homes and certain industry, have been coordinated into new alarm boxes for even greater efficiency.
We are asking for a nominal increase in the budget for the coming year which will enable us to continue the present wage of $2.00 an hour for full time operators, and $1.75 an hour for those who work less than forty hours a week. This is still a lower wage scale than we consider proper for such responsible positions, so we hope that the Town's future financial planning will permit wages more comparable with outside business and industry.
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