Annual Town Report MASSACHUSETTS MASSACHUSETTS Annual Town Report

183 Pages·2016·3.83 MB·English

by  Susan Kelley

TOWN OF
TOWN OF
DUXBURY
DUXBURY
MASSACHUSETTS

MASSACHUSETTS

AAnnnnuuaall TToowwnn RReeppoorrtt
for the period covering
for the period covering
July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015
July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015
Town of Duxbury Website: www.town.duxbury.ma.us

Town Hall At-a-Glance
Please refer to the list below for a brief list of some of the services available through vari-
ous Town Hall departments. For more information, please stop by or call the appropri-
ate office and we will be happy to assist you!

781-934-1100
Telephone Department
Extension

x5402 Selectmen/Town Manager: Address specific concerns to the Selectmen or the Town Manager; pay
Parking Citations to the Parking Clerk; obtain Talent Bank Applications; obtain Employment Applica-
tions; Resident (non-commercial) clamming permits; beach horseback riding permits; mooring applica-
tions, waiting lists and payments, conservation maps and general information.

x5451 Town Clerk: Obtain Birth, Death, Marriage certificates; Marriage licenses, dog licenses, business certif-
icates, voter registration and election information.

x5471 Conservation: Questions regarding ecology/conservation, whether or not in conjunction with
building construction.

x5410 Human Resources Director

x5412 Employee Health Benefits

x5476 Planning Board: Questions regarding development of property.

x5481 Municipal Services: Obtain building, zoning, plumbing, gas, wiring, home occupation,
business occupation, sign, certificate of occupancy permits, and zoning and building
code enforcement..

x5491 Board of Health: Obtain Title V septic information; file plans and obtain permits for septic systems;
obtain well permits; obtain permits for the keeping of farm animals; report health issues and obtain in-
formation on a variety of health-related subjects; Liquor License Information.

x5501 Department of Public Works: You may refer general questions to the DPW office, or specific issues
can be addressed to the appropriate department:
Animal Control 781-934-6424
Cemetery 781-934-5261
Highway x 5510
Lands and Natural Resources x 5515
Water Department x 5521

x5432 Assessing Department: Obtain records and information pertaining to real property,
motor vehicle excise tax, personal property, the boat excise tax and other matters.

x5421 Accountant’s Office: Obtain information on the financial health of the town.

x5449 Treasurer/Collector: Pay tax and water bills; obtain beach and transfer station stickers.
Municipal lien requests.

Index - Page 15, Photo Credits - Page 16
Annual Report
July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2015

A 12 - 15 foot great white shark
was spotted off Duxbury Beach.
www.town.duxbury.ma.us
In Memoriam
Reverend Monseigneur William F. Glynn
December 3, 1922 - March 13, 2015

Duxbury lost a well-respected and widely admired priest who had served the archdiocese and the town of Duxbury for
many years. Rev. Msgr. William Glynn came to Holy Family Church in 1981 where he remained until his retirement in
2007 at the age of 85. Upon retirement, Msgr. Glynn moved to the Village at Duxbury where he celebrated masses on
holy days and occasionally officiated at funerals in the community.

In addition to his duties at the Church, Msgr. Glynn was the Chaplain for the Duxbury Fire Department. He was con-
sidered a part of the department long before the 2006 ceremony when he received a badge certifying him as the depart-
ment’s official Chaplain. “He certainly helped many people in this community,” stated Fire Captain Brian Monahan.
“Whatever you needed him for, he was there.”

Msgr. Glynn was a big sports fan, flying a Red Sox flag every season, hoping for a World Series victory. He was also a
supporter of Duxbury sports teams and would often attend games as a spectator.

Rev. Msgr. Glynn will be missed.

Sgt. Ernest “Ernie” B. Coose
November 22, 1938 - December 4, 2014

Sgt. Ernest Coose, recipient of the prestigious Trooper George L. Hanna
Memorial Award for Valor, with former Governor Michael Dukakis

In December, the Police Department, and town, mourned the passing of retired Sgt. Ernest Coose. Sgt. Coose was a
mentor to many of Duxbury’s current police officers. Sgt. Coose is the only Duxbury officer to receive the prestigious
Trooper George L. Hanna Memorial Award for Valor, which is the highest award bestowed to law enforcement by the
Governor.

Ernie, who began his career with the department in 1975, retired after 25 years of service. Ernie received many awards
during his career including the MADD award, Hanna Award from the MA State Police and the Medal of Valor. Sgt.
Coose was a strong, hard working non-nonsense Policeman who cared about the residents of Duxbury and the Officers
who worked with him. He was a dedicated husband and father. He will be missed.
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Officer Robert Byrne
March 17, 1927 - April 14, 2015

“Byrnesy” was a lifelong resident of Duxbury. He served on the Duxbury Police force for 40 years and
proudly wore Badge #1. Along with his many duties as a Patrolman, Robert was also the Motor Officer,
and Prosecutor for the Town of Duxbury, he retired in 1991.

“Byrnsey was a Police Officer from another time; before portable radios, car radio, air conditioning or pow-
er anything in a cruiser. He was a wealth of knowledge on Police work and the history of Duxbury. He
was devoted to his country that he loved, the town of Duxbury and most of all to his family and friends.
So on behalf of the members past, present and future of the Duxbury Police Deparment, Duxbury Fire De-
partment and all the residents who Byrnesy helped along the way, we salute you Officer Robert Byrne,
Badge number one.” ~ Sgt. Christopher Mori

Andrew Nelson

December 30, 1932 - December 28, 2014

The Duxbury Fire Department mourned the passing of retired Call Firefighter and long-time Duxbury resident, Andrew
Nelson. Andrew served the Fire Department for over 30 years and worked his way up to the rank of Lieutenant.

He enjoyed time with his friends and family, playing golf, sailing, skiing, tennis and watching his favorite Boston Sports
teams. Andy was a longtime member of Duxbury Yacht Club serving over time as a Director and chairman of Men’s Golf,
Mass Golf Association where he served as a rules official.
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James F. Queeny
January 30, 1920 - January 3, 2015

Jim Queeny moved his family to Duxbury in 1952 where he spent 32 years in Duxbury
schools as a sixth-grade teacher and eventually head of guidance at the middle school before
retiring in the 1980’s. Mr. Queeny was an active member in the community including, to
name a few, serving as Trustee of the Duxbury Free Library and member of the Duxbury
Rural & Historical Society. He was also an avid sailor and taught sailing at the Duxbury
Yacht Club. Mr. Queeny was devoted to his former students, his children, and grandchil-
dren, and will be missed.
Laurie Susan Kelso
May 1, 1963 - January 15, 2015

Ms. Kelso was a life-long resident of Duxbury and graduate of
Duxbury High School. She was an artist who continued her
studies at the Museum of Fine Arts Schools and Tufts University.
She was also an accomplished gardener and jeweler.
She will be forever missed.

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ZAR
In June, Duxbury Police Officers said goodbye to a long-time colleague and friend - retired canine, Zar. After nearly 10
years on the police force, Zar retired in 2013. As his health was failing, Zar was humanely put down on May 29, 2015.

Trained as a tracking dog, Zar and his partner, K-9 officer Ryan Cavicchi, worked together on the force since Zar was a
one-year old pup. The pair became one of the first highly trained pairs on the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council’s
SWAT team. After retirement, Zar continued to live with the Cavicchi family and helped to train a new police dog, Delta.

“Zar had quite a storied career, highlighted by being one of the police dogs used in the manhunt for the Boston Marathon bombers in Watertown
earlier in 2013,” ~ Police Chief Matthew Clancy.

Zar is missed not only by the officers with whom he served, but also by the Caviccihi family.

After 9 years of tracking down missing children, patients, and dangerous criminals, Duxbury’s Canine Zar retired in 2013. He spent his last
few years with his family relaxing and being a family dog. In May 2015, Zar was laid to rest after suffering some medical issues. It was one of
the hardest decisions I had to make for my best friend and partner. I knew that this day would come and was completely unprepared for how
hard it would be. I know in my heart it was the right thing to do, but it didn’t make it any easier.
As I look back at what we accomplished together it brings tears to my eyes. Zar was always by my side from the time we went to bed until the
time we woke up. We had a bond that couldn’t be explained in words. I know that someday we will be together again.
His career started back in 2004 and continued right up to the day he retired in 2013. His most significant career highlight included searching
for an armed home invasion suspect. Zar tracked the suspect into the woods at night, and we were ambushed. Upon entering the woods, the sus-
pect fired two shots. Zar instinctively wanted to push after the suspect, but due to the lack of visibility, and the suspect's tactical advantage, we
pulled back and set up a perimeter. Later that night the suspect turned himself in to a perimeter unit.
Another notable moment included finding a missing Alzheimer’s patient in a nearby creek. The area had previously been searched by multiple
officers. Zar started pulling me through thick brush and briars, we located her in the water alive, but nearly hypothermic. Although there are
many more stories and accomplishments to choose from, one that comes to mind happened on a cold January night. We were tracking for a sus-
pect involved in car breaks, when I noticed blood in the snow. First thinking the suspect must have cut himself, we continued on the track. It
soon became apparent that the blood was not the suspects, but from my partner Zar. He had sliced an artery on his paw, but continued track-
ing. We stopped wrapped it up, and he was back on the track. Zar located the suspect as blood was pouring out of his paw. This is one exam-
ple of the dedication and loyalty he had for his job.
I will never forget my best friend, and he will always be in my heart. It’s time to stay at rest until we meet again. He had my back all those
years, and I know he is still with me. Rest in peace.
Ryan Cavicchi

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Retirements

Thank you for your dedication and years of service to the Town of Duxbury.
Wishing a happy and healthy retirement to the following retirees:

Barry, Kathy (Municipal Services)
Bertino, Edward (System Custodian)
Billingham, Suzanne (Chandler Elementary School Principal)
Callahan, Gail (Duxbury Public Schools– Systems Administrator)
Chase, David (Lands & Natural Resources)
Cole, Bruce (Duxbury Public Schools - Administrator of Special Education)
Cook, George (Transfer Station)
DeCoste, Nancy (Schools - Prof. Substitute)
DiMuzio, Leonard (Alden School Custodian)
Ezekiel, Donna (Schools - Aide)
Hill, Amy (Schools - Physical Education Teacher)
Ladd, Roger (Fire Department)
Leary, Emily (Schools - Aide)
Marchewka, Dolores (Treasurer/Collectors Office)
Marrone, Catherine (Alden Teacher)
Piccolo, I. Graciela (DHS Teacher)
Renaud, Peter (DHS - Custodian)
Soule, Glen (Lands & Natural Resources)
Tuscher, Bruce (Highway Department)
Vickers, Edward (DPW)
Vitale, Anthony (Police Department)

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Appreciation
Public Safety, Public Works
and Senior Center Staff
The winter of 2015 was one for the record books and also one not soon forgotten. The endless white blan-
kets of snow falling and accumulating on our cars, our driveways, and our roofs was more than memorable.
It was amazing how the beauty of seeing that first sparkling snowflake led to feet of snow, exhaustion, pow-
er outages and, for some, an arm's length list of home repairs. The closure of Town Hall offices and schools
became a common occurrence. In spite of these series of unfortunate events, the people who should be
highly commended for their persistent and relentless caretaking of our community are all of the Public Safe-
ty, Public Works, and Senior Center Warming Center personnel. These men and women worked tirelessly
around the clock plowing and sanding our streets, providing refuge for those in need, and tending to emer-
gency calls. Their dedication, expertise and responsiveness went above and beyond. The residents of
Duxbury should be proud to live in a town that takes pride in maintaining the quality of services we all de-
serve even during the most challenging conditions.

To Duxbury's Public Safety, Public Works,
and Senior Center personnel,

Thank You for all you do!
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WINTER OF 2015

Accident on Route 3
UPS truck in need
DPW and police keeping our
roads clear and safe.
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