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DSE
PLORED 1628
CHARLESTOWN 1629 POND FEILDE 1638
MALDEN .
NORTHEND
1850.
IN 1649 006 IN
1
M.R. Travende City Freanna
John Loguable
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CITY OF MELROSE,
MASSACHUSETTS.
Annual Reports, 1901,
WITH MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS DELIVERED JANUARY 6, 1902.
C
XPLORED
1628
USE
.
CHARLESTOWN 1629 POND FEILDE 1638
*
· MALDEN ·
NORTH END
1649.
850
0
INGO
INCORPORATE
PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN, UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE CITY CLERK.
MELROSE:
A. W. DUNTON & CO., PRINTERS, REPORTER OFFICE.
1902.
SE
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
OF
HON. JOHN LARRABEE,
MAYOR OF MELROSE,
DELIVERED . JAN. 6TH, 1902.
Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Board of Aldermen:
By the will of the people, as expressed at the polls, we meet today to organize the city government for 1902.
In assuming our positions we have each promised to dis- charge all the duties imposed upon us faithfully, to the best of our several abilities, and for the interest and welfare of the people whose servants we are. May we keep constantly in mind these obligations, and approach the consideration of the problems which will confront us, in a right spirit, with no selfish aims, but with an earnest, sincere desire to solve them in such a manner as will result in the best possible good to all, and reflect lasting credit and honor upon our city.
Following a universal custom, it is my privilege to pre- sent to you matters deemed of importance, with such in- formation and suggestions as in my judgment will be of assistance in their consideration.
Before doing so, permit me to express publicly my deep sense of gratitude to the people who by almost unanimous consent have placed me in this and other positions of trust and responsibility.
6
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
Born in the town when it was but a village, identified with its growth, having rendered nearly twenty-nine years of service in public office, I appreciate fully the honors so generously bestowed.
I desire also to express my appreciation of the courtesies extended and the support given me by the out-going Board of Aldermen. I have at all times felt, whenever we have differed on public matters, that they had the best interests of the city at heart and were willing to accord to the Ex- ecutive the same desire to promote its welfare.
FINANCES.
The financial year ends Jan. 31, 1902, and you will have reports in detail from the Auditor and Treasurer at that time.
I present a statement of the city debt as taken from the ·books of the Treasurer, December 31, 1901.
Funded Debt.
Bonds:
Water bonds, . $237,000 00
Sewer bonds,
350,000 00
School bonds,
200,000 00
Town Hall bonds,
45,000 00
$832,000 CO
The Sinking Funds to be applied to the payment of the above at maturity were on Dec. 31, 1901, as follows:
Water,
$33,563 87
Sewer,
88,253 46
School,
13,366 73
$135,184 06
To which will be added before the close of the financial year the sum of $5,000.00, raised in the tax levy of 1901 for the School Sinking Fund, making a total of $140, 184.06.
7
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
Permanent Debt.
Borrowed on account of:
Central Fire Station,
$10,000 00
Public Grounds, . 10,000 00
Stone Crusher,
8,000 00
Ell Pond Park,
13,000 00
Surface Drainage,
10,000 00
$51,000 00
This debt has been increased during the past year $10,000.00 for surface drainage, and reduced by the pay- ment of note on Park Loan, $1,000.00, and also temporarily reduced by the payment of two notes amounting to $19,000.00, which were borrowed on account of the Central Fire Sta- tion $10,000.00, and for School Improvements, $9,000.00, which matured during the year; the Treasurer has been authorized to replace these notes, which when carried into effect will make the total permanent debt $70,000.00.
The temporary loans in anticipation of taxes uncollected are $103,121.65 and the taxes uncollected amount to $125,843.69.
There has been borrowed, for not exceeding one year, which must be included in the tax levy of 1902, termed as Municipal Loans, the following:
Highways, maintenance and re- pairs, . $5,000 00
Park Street, paving gutters, .
500 00
City Hall Improvement,
5,500 00
General Contingent,
2,000 00
Sidewalks, for repairs, . $500 00
For continuous walks, 500 00
For individual walks, 1,000 00
$2,000 00
$15,000 00
Loans have been authorized but not borrowed, which will also be included in the tax levy for 1902, as follows: For collection of ashes, $700 00
800 00 Sidewalks,
Amounts carried forward,
$1,500 00
$15,000 00
8
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
Amounts brought forward, $1,500 00
$15,000 00
Ell Pond Park,
1,213 43
School Department,
2,450 00
Health, .
409 70
Street Lighting,
1,025 00
Soldiers' Monument,
750 00
Dell Avenue Drain,
750 00
$8,098 13
Total, .
$23,098 13
It was not deemed necessary to borrow the $15,000.00 authorized for the extension of the sewers, which was to be refunded from the sewer assessments, the amounts paid in during the year being sufficient to meet bills as presented.
The laws limiting the indebtedness of cities to 21/2 % of the assessed valuation for the preceding three years will apply to this city, after January I, 1905, and should be borne in mind.
I am strongly in favor of the pay as you go policy and opposed to any increase in our permanent indebtedness, unless it be for necessary improvements of a permanent character which will benefit not only this but future genera- tions, who will be obliged to assume the greater part of the debt.
Briefly stated the city debt was on Dec. 31, 1901 :
Permanent Debt.
Bonds,
Loans, .
$832,000 00 51,000 00 - $883,000 00
Municipal loans (payable 1902),
15,000 00
Temporary loans in anticipation of taxes, 103,121 65
Trust Funds:
Cemetery, .
$7,427 50
E. Toothaker,
1,346 61
$8,774 II
$1,009,895 76
9
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
ASSETS.
Uncollected taxes, . $125,843 69
Due from State,
2,713 23
Sinking Funds,
135,184 06
Cash on hand,
8,880 22
Tax titles uncollected,
3,872 96
Sewer assessments uncollected,
71,476 69
Street Sprinkling assessments un- collected,
4,242 49
Sidewalk assessments uncollected,
1,826 74
Water rates uncollected (for
meter last quarter),
900 00
$354,940 08
Net debt more than assets avail-
able,
654,955 68
$1,009,895 76
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
Upon the successful maintenance and support of these branches of public service largely depends the attractive- ness of a city as a place of residence, and the comfort of its people.
Good roads insure safety and convenience to travelers in vehicles of whatever kind, for business or pleasure, while good sidewalks are indispensible to those who travel on foot.
A never failing supply of pure water and a perfect system of sewers are equally desirable and of greater importance, as they effect the health of the entire community.
Highway Division.
The needs of this division which I desire to recommend for your consideration, are the purchase of a common yard for the storage of teams and water-carts, tools, machinery and implements, steam roller, and to include sewer and water pipes; the erection of a city stable; and the purchase of a portable stone crusher.
The need of a common yard and stable connected has been presented to your Board, details are therefore unneces-
10
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
sary, as you have all the facts and figures pertaining to the matter. We are paying annually a large sum for the use of land and buildings, owned by private parties in different sections of the city; widely separated there cannot be the supervision and economical management that would be pos- sible if the city owned and controlled one place in a central location.
The main object in the consolidation of the highway, sewer and water departments into a Department of Public Works was to secure economy and efficiency in the admin- istration. The lack of a common yard and city stable is a hindrance to its full consummation.
Portable Crusher.
In the re-grading of many of our streets a large quantity of material suitable for crushing is obtained. In many in- stances it would be sufficient, when crushed, to macadamize the roadway from which it is taken, but the distance to the crusher, and the consequent expense of teaming to and from, is so great as to prohibit its use, and it is therefore wasted; if the city owned a portable crusher it could be taken to the street being repaired, the stone crushed and used and the expense of teaming a long distance saved. The acquirement of a portable crusher would be particularly advantageous to the city in the repair of streets at the Highlands, which abound in ledges, the average distance from the present crusher to this district being about 1 1/2 miles.
Sewer Division.
There is little to recommend or call to your attention re- lating to the sewers. The Commonwealth has recently completed the construction of a main trunk line running from Malden entirely through Melrose to the Wakefield line, and have taken our main sewer into it at Wyoming Avenue, thereby giving relief to the over crowded condition which existed at the junction of Pleasant Street and Wyom- ing Avenue.
Of the 7,143 feet of sewers ordered built by your Board, 5,300 feet have been laid. The contractor had trouble to
II
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
procure workmen, otherwise all would have been completed. There is every indication that the amount appropriated is ample to complete the work. There will probably be no large demand for extensions the coming year as most of the city is well provided. There are now in operation 32.7 miles of sewers, with which are connected 2,030 buildings; along the line of the sewers there are about 500 buildings not connected.
The total net assessment levied to date is $168,257.04, of which $96,780.35 has been collected.
Water Division.
The Water Division is in an excellent financial condition, with a prospect of continued improvement.
The total bonded water debt is $237,000.00; there is in the hands of the Sinking Fund Commissioners $33,563.87, leav- ing a net debt of $203,436.13. We have a claim against the Commonwealth, which when collected will materially re- duce this amount, the facts concerning which and the recent tender in settlement are known to your Board. The first bonds due are $37,000.00 in 1905; the next issue due will be $50,000.00, in May 1907.
The absolute necessary annual expenses of this division are as follows:
Metropolitan assessment, $13,000 00
Maintenance,
7,000 00
Interest,
9,480 00
Total,
$29,480 00
The collections for water rates amount to about $47,000.00, so it will be seen that there is a surplus, provided no exten- sions or renewals are paid for out of the receipts, of about $17,000.00 or $18,000.00.
In the past four years all of the expense of construction has been paid from the receipts. The amounts are as fol- lows:
I2
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
1 898,
$13,065 80
1899,
3,812 33
1900,
3,550 00
$20,428 13
For 1901 the amount has not been determined.
This expense should not be paid from the water rates but should be provided for by bond issue. The needs of this division to which I particularly call your attention are an improvement in the distribution and the replacing of cement lined pipe with cast iron pipe. Frequent com- plaints are received from residents of the elevated districts that they are unable to obtain water. At present the main pipe extends through the center of the city, which also hap- pens to be the lowest section, leaving the hills on the ex- treme end of the pipes, and consequently reducing the pres- sure, both on account of their elevation and their remote- ness from their main supply. Such a condition should not exist, especially when our fire department depends largely on the pressure of the water through hose attached to hy- drants, without the added force given by the steamer. To remedy this, and to better distribute the pressure throughout the city, a main supply pipe of at least 12 inches in diam- eter should encircle the city, which would furnish a direct supply to all of the hills. The route of this pipe, as laid out by the Engineer and Superintendent of Public Works, is through Cleaveland, Maple, Vinton, Orris and Warren Streets to Franklin Street, through Franklin and Green Streets to Avon Street-all of which has been laid-through Avon, Elm, Linden, Porter, Fletcher, Upham, Sewall and Larrabee Streets and Whitman Avenue to Beech Avenue, through Beech and Linwood Avenues, Lynde and Summer Streets and Wyoming Avenue to the junction of Main Street, making a total distance of 19,347 feet, of which 3,260 feet are already laid, leaving a balance to be laid of 16,037 feet, which is estimated to cost $1.883 per foot, or a total cost of $30,268.18. With this new main the present needs would be supplied and it would also furnish an adequate supply in any direction in which the city may grow in the future.
I3
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
In the low sections of the city where the pressure is 90 lbs., the old cement water pipes, which in many instances have been in use for 30 years, should be replaced with cast iron pipes, principal among them being those in Foster, Maple, Vine, Winthrop, Willow and Upham Streets, Wyom- ing and Lake Avenues.
There is little encouragement to rebuild or macadamize streets until this work is done, as the frequent breaks in the old cement pipes practically destroy all such work.
SURFACE DRAINAGE.
In compliance with your order the Engineer and Superin- tendent of Public Works has prepared and reported a system of surface drainage for the city, which has been accepted and adopted.
The sums appropriated last year $10,639.19 were expended to relieve immediate needs in the several localities, each of which will eventually form a part of this system, viz:
Russell and Adams Street, . $ 864 53
Green and Linden Streets,
2,257 89
Lebanon, Laurel and Gooch Sts., 4,053 56
Cedar Park and Essex Street, 1,708 83
West Hill Avenue,
833 05
Miscellaneous,
921 33
$10,639 19 The solution and settlement of this question is of great importance to the city, greater I believe than any other which you will have presented to you.
We know from experience that the preservation and main- tenance of the streets and walks largely depends on proper drainage; that money expended on some streets in the past has been to a large extent wasted by reason of the destruc- tive effect of surface water.
As a health measure its importance cannot be estimated, and from a material standpoint, the relief which could be afforded certain estates by proper drainage, would add to- their value, making available for dwellings or business purposes, land which is now unsightly and of but little use, thus adding to the wealth and prosperity of the city.
14
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
I would recommend that further appropriations be made for the extension of the system; that the Legislature be petitioned for the passage of a special act that will simplify and make certain the methods to be pursued in all matters relating to the laying out of and the taking of land for such drains; the assessments for betterments, etc., and that action be taken which will result in the lowering of Spot and Ell Pond Brooks.
Intimately connected with the question of surface drain- age is the present and future condition of Spot and Ell Pond Brooks, as they are directly and indirectly the natural outlet for the surface water for almost the entire city.
By an act of the Legislature in the year 1869, the County Commissioners of Middlesex County were authorized and directed to take and lay out such land, water courses and water rights, dams, and other real estate or interests or easements or rights therein, on or adjoining the streams or brooks running from Ell pond in Melrose and Spot Pond in Stoneham to the tide-water in Malden, as they shall deem necessary for the purposes of proper drainage and the public health. They were further authorized to control the damming up and letting off the waters of said ponds. They could change, widen, straighten and deepen the channels of said brooks or streams, and remove all dams or other obstructions therefrom, and use and appropriate said brooks or streams in such manner as they deem necessary for the purposes named. The act was accepted by the then towns of Malden and Melrose, hearings were held on the question of removing the obstructions, and the Board determined and ordered that the removal of the dam at Dyer's Mill privilege was necessary for the purposes of proper drainage and the public health. Upon their order and decree the dam was removed by agents appointed, after which they did further adjudge and decree that the streams or brooks should be located and their courses and widths described. This was performed by the agents and their report became a part of the final report of the commissioners. The total expense was apportioned between the towns, Melrose paying $4,105.55, and they were each required to keep in repair and
15
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
maintain that part of the drain within their respective limits.
It is claimed by the Commissioners that their duties and powers ended with their final report. Melrose has continued to maintain and keep in order the brooks within its limits, removing obstructions nearly every year, but has not deep- ened the channel or widened the brooks as prescribed in the original order.
During this time there has been no improvement, which would benefit this city, within the limits of the city of Malden ; to the contrary, by the building of streets and the laying of water and sewer pipes, the brook has been made smaller. Committees have been appointed and conferences held with the Malden authorities in regard to the obstruc- tions, but no real progress toward their removal has re- sulted.
During the past year the residents along the line of Spot Pond Brook, in the vicinity of Whittier and Cutter Streets, were seriously inconvenienced by surface water. The mat- ter was brought to the attention of the Metropolitan Water Board, by whose authority water from Doleful Pond has been brought into Spot Pond Brook.
While the improvements were in progress at Spot Pond, a pipe was laid from Doleful Pond beneath Spot Pond to its original outlet, and the water-shed or drainage area of about 800 acres, which before run into Spot Pond, is now directed into Doleful Pond, and from thence by pipe into Spot Pond Brook; as a result, the conditions surrounding the brook have entirely changed, the brook is taxed beyond its capacity, and in times of a heavy rainfall, when most needed, overflows its banks and floods the estates adjoining. This increase in volume of water also adds to the difficulties below where the brook unites with Ell Pond Brook.
The State, by its Commissioners, has assumed the right to so use Spot Pond Brook, and should provide the much needed relief, for this section. I am informed that the matter is receiving their serious consideration.
The lowering, deepening, widening and increasing the capacity of these brooks, the removal of all obstructions to
16
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
the tide-water in Malden, as provided by the Act of the Legislature and order of the County Commissioners, should also be accomplished, as intended and ordered.
PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATIONS.
Of these corporations who enjoy special privileges in our highways and streets, we have but four. With the growth of the city the demand for telephones, electric lights and better facilities for travel has increased rapidly, and loca- tions and extensions of lines have been granted until we have a large number of poles, in many instances more than required, provided the companies could, by agreement, unite and use larger poles of uniform size, thereby reducing the number and relieving in some measure the disfigurement of the streets.
A permit was granted the Telephone Company for the laying of conduits for an underground system; so far as known, they are but little used, and the overhead lines are still maintained. The public often complain of the poor service, or lack of service, rendered by these corporations, and as their right to operate is given by the officials of the town or city, representing the people, they naturally expect that the officials will secure for them better and more efficient service to which they are entitled.
The telephone service is not what it should be, owing to the rapid increase in number, and possibly want of main lines.
The electric cars now running to Boston for a five cent fare are appreciated and liberally patronized. There has been an improvement in the cars furnished, and were it not for the inability of the management to run the cars from Boston to Melrose on schedule time, which causes serious inconvenience to patrons going north, and also disarranges the transfers at the Highlands, there would be but little cause for complaint.
With increased facilities for the storage of cars, which are nearly completed, there should be an improvement in the service.
17
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
Our public schools and buildings are a source of pride and satisfaction to all the people; in them the child of the humblest or poorest citizen can receive an education which will fit him for entrance to the higher schools and colleges, or to find a place in the business world. That the advant- ages offered in our High School lare appreciated, is shown by the statistics of attendance and by the ratio of enroll- ment to the total school enrollment, as compared with other cities of the state.
The largest single item of our appropriations is for the support of schools; it is not surprising therefore that it is subject to criticism, often unjust; of this I am certain, the people desire the best schools that can be afforded, and only ask of the committee to whom the funds are entrusted, a wise expenditure and economical management, which shall result in a full equivalent for every dollar expended.
The total average membership of schools for the school year ending June, 1901, was 2,599, showing an increase over previous year of 90. The average membership of the High School during the same time was 265, an increase over previous year of 27. Number of pupils registered in High School, December, 1901, 312, an increase over that of a year ago of 36.
POLICE.
We are a law abiding people, and the sentiment as ex- pressed at the polls is strong in opposition to the sale of in- toxicating liquors, which it is generally conceded is the direct cause of most of the crimes which are committed.
The arrests for drunkenness during the year 1901 were 75, an increase over the previous year of 17. In all fairness it should be stated that most of the arrests were made at the railroad stations and from the electric cars returning at late hours from the great city where the license system prevails.
The laws have been well enforced, order preserved, and the officers faithful in the discharge of their duties.
The records show no serious crimes committed; minor offences have kept the officers busy.
18
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The Fire Department has demonstrated its efficiency in the past; its members are temperate men, and it is a credit to the city. The hose company and apparatus located for many years at Wyoming was removed during the past year to the central station. The company composed of call men residing at a distance cannot respond as quickly nor render as valuable service as before the removal. If the existing arrangement, whereby the steamer, hook and ladder car- riage, and hose company with permanent men from the central station respond to all alarms, is to be continued, the Wyoming company might well be merged into other com- panies as vacancies occur, and a chemical apparatus with permanent men substituted, which would be of more effec- tive service to the entire city,
PUBLIC HEALTH.
The importance of precautionary measures for the pre- vention and spread of disease, and the adoption and en- forcement of rules and regulations concerning the public health are of vital interest to every community.
The members of our local board have been active and painstaking in the performance of their duties, and their suggestions and recommendations deserve careful consider- ation. The establishment of a hospital for patients afflicted with contagious diseases can be at any time required by the State Board of Health, under the provisions of Chapter 171, Acts of 1901, which is as follows:
AN ACT to provide for the establishment in cities of hospitals for persons having smallpox or other diseases dangerous to the pub- lic health.
Be it enacted, etc., as follows:
Section I. Every city in the Commonwealth shall establish within its limits and keep itself constantly provided with one or more isola- tion hospitals for the reception of persons having smallpox or any other disease dangerous to the public health. Such hospitals shall be subject to the orders and regulations of the boards of health of the cities in which they are respectively located.
19
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
Section 2. Whenever a city shall refuse or neglect to carry into effect the provisions of section one of this act, after having been re- quested so to do by the state board of health, it shall be liable to for- feit a sum not exceeding five hundred dollars for each refusal or neg- lect. (Approved March 21, 1901.)
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