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CITY OF MELROSE MASSACHUSETTS
Annual Reports 1910
WITH
Mayor's Inaugural Address Delivered January 3d, 1910
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PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN, UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE CITY CLERK
MELROSE THE MELROSE FREE PRESS, INC.
1911
INAUGURAL ADDRESS -OF - HON. EUGENE H. MOORE MAYOR OF MELROSE DELIVERED JANUARY 3d, 1910
Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Board of Aldermen:
N assuming for the fourth time the responsi- bility of Executive of this city, I appreciate the great honor conferred upon me, and I should indeed be ungrateful did I not ex- press here publicly to my fellow citizens who have thought me worthy of re-election, my sincere thanks. To you, and through you to all the citizens of Melrose then, permit me to say that I am deeply appreciative of this honor, that I realize the importance of the position of Mayor, and that to the very fullest measure of my abilities, I shall endeavor to bear the responsibilities of the mayorality, and to discharge, with a wish single to the best interests of Melrose, the duties which await me.
The government which we this day inaugurate, and the exercises thereon attendant, are of more than passing interest to our people, for to our hands they have committed our municipal destiny for another year. In our hands, as much in yours as in mine, rest the welfare and responsibility of good government, to be administered fairly and honestly, as much in the interests of those who have opposed us as of those who have supported us. In the stress and heat of a campaign, we too often look with a narrow and distorted vision upon the motives and principles of those who honestly differ with us; but now that the will of the people has been recorded, it is my earnest desire and purpose to administer the affairs of the city in the interest of all its people.
Reiterating what I have before expressed to our voters, it is my chief aim and purpose to conduct, so far as possible, the business of the city along business lines; giving to its prob-
4
CITY OF MELROSE
lems that consideration and attention which prudence re- quires to be exercised in private enterprise. In this endeavor, and not so much on my behalf as in the interests of those we serve, I ask your hearty and loyal co-operation.
If the city were rich in revenue, I could recommend a great many improvements and strongly urge their adoption. If we had the money to spend, I should delight to tell you where, in my opinion, it could be put to the best advantage. We are confronted, however, as is every man who comes into office in the government of a city, with the cold facts, the naked proposition, that the income of the city hardly suffices to meet its ordinary running expenses. Therefore, there is uncertainty about the situation we are to meet. We should take a broad, progressive, yet conservative, view of our duties, and see that our administration is efficient and for the benefit of all our people.
At the outset, I urge upon you the necessity of carefully examining each and every request for an appropriation. We must print the word economy in capital letters at the top of every order which is introduced this year, as the demands of the city treasury are many, and the sources of revenue limited, and we should see that the purse strings of our city treasury are tightened, not loosened, except for imperative and neces- sary demands.
Finance.
The financial condition of Melrose has always been the best, and it should be the duty of every member to so conduct the business of the city that Melrose will continue as strong financially as heretofore. The expenses, however, have grown out of proportion to the increase in the taxable valuation, and new calls are being made every year, but we should keep the expenses within the twelve dollar limit specified by law.
I call your attention to the following facts bearing on the financial condition of the city as submitted to me by the Audi- tor, for the year ending December 31, 1909:
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MAYOR'S ADDRESS
Bonded Debt.
School House Loan Bonds. $278,000.00
Sewerage Loan Bonds
375,000.00
Surface Drainage Bonds
100,000.00
Town Hall Bonds
45,000.00
Water Works Bonds
245,000.00
Total
-- $1,043,000.00
There is in the Sinking Funds to be applied to the pay- ment of these bonds when they mature:
School House .
$134,203.25
Sewerage
207,668.95
Surface Drainage
18,897.71
Town Hall
44,054.23
Water Works
161,203.97
Total
$566,028.11
Permanent Debt.
Borrowed on account of
Bennett Dam Notes
$9,000.00
Building Morgan Street Notes
2,500.00
Collector's Contingent Notes 2,951.91
Ell Pond Retaining Wall Notes
1,000.00
Franklin School Land Notes
1,250.00
Melrose Street Extension Notes
1,000.00
New Vaults Notes
2,500.00
Oakland Street Repairs Notes
1,500.00
Orris Street Extension Notes
1,934.85
Permanent Improvement of High-
ways
12,000.00
Sidewalks, Continuous, Notes
6,000.00
Street Watering Deficiency Notes
3,823.81
$45,460.57 Total
Municipal Debt.
Bath House, Ell Pond
$300.00
. Building Forest Street . 2,000.00
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CITY OF MELROSE
Fire Dept., Hay and Grain $400.00
Fire Dept., Fire Horses and Hose
4, House . 1,500.00
Franklin Street Widening .
1,400.00
General Contingent .
1,000.00
Health Dept., Contagious Diseases
350.00
Main Street, Curbstone and Walk
1,733.52
Melrose Common Ball Park
225.00
Melrose Common Playgrounds
150.00
Pension, Retired Officer
360.00
School Dept., Contingent .
850.00
School Dept., Contingent .
400.00
School Dept., Books and Supplies
1,000.00
School Dept., Furniture
1,600.00
School Dept., Printing
150.00
School Dept., Repairs, School Houses
2,185.00
School Dept., Retubing Boiler
225.00
School Dept., Salaries
450.00
Sidewalks, Continuous
1,000.00
Soldiers' Relief
800.00
Total
$18,078.52
The amount which must be raised in 1910 for the payment of Permanent Debt is $15,346.76
Municipal Debt is 18,078.52
Total
$33,425.28
Loans have been authorized since the Budget was passed, as follows:
Bath House Note $300.00
Building Forest Street Note 2,000.00
Building Morgan Street Note 2.500.00
Collector's Contingent Note
2,951.91
Fire Dept., Hay and Grain Note
400.00
Fire Dept., Fire Horses and Hose 4 House 1,500.00
Franklin School Land Note 1,250.00
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MAYOR'S ADDRESS
Franklin Street Widening Note . $1,400.00
General Contingent Note 1,000.00
Health Department, Contagious Diseases 350.00
Main Street Curbstone and Walk Note
1,733.52
Melrose Common Ball Park Note 225.00
Melrose Common Playground Note
150.00
Oakland Street Repairs Note
1,500.00
Pensions Note .
360.00
School Dept. Contingent Note
850.00
School Dept. Contingent Note
400.00
School Dept., Books and Supplies
1,000.00
School Dept., Furniture
1,600.00
School Dept., Printing
150.00
School Dept., Repairs, School
Houses
2,185.00
School Dept., Retubing Boilers
225.00
School Dept., Salaries
450.00
Sidewalks, Continuous
5,000.00
Sinking Fund Com., Examination of Sinking Fund
100.00
Soldiers' Relief
800.00
Street Watering Deficiency Total
3,823.81
$34,204.24
Bonded Debt
$1,043,000.00
Permanent Debt
45,460.57
Municipal Debt
18,078.52
Total
-$1,106,539.09
Temporary Loans in anticipation of taxes
$157,166.48
Cemetery Trust Funds .
20,771.50
E. Toothaker .
.
1,272.74
$179,210.72
Gross Debt
$1,285,749.81
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CITY OF MELROSE
Assets.
Cash on hand .
$14,853.81
Sinking Funds
566,028.11
Due from Commonwealth .
3,375.50
Uncollected Taxes
196,832.62
66
66 Uncollected Tax Tak-
5,221.25
R. E. Possession
1,747.84
66 Sewer Asst. Possession
241.83
66
Moth Assessments
396.52
66 Sewer Assessments
12,160.43
66
Sidewalk Assessments
2,359.67
66
66 Street Betterments
822.87
66
Street Water Asst's .
3,416.76
$807,707.56
Gross Debt
$1,285,749.81
Less Assets
807,707.56
Leaving Net Indebtedness
$478,042.25
Our Material Assets are:
Cemetery
$35,700.00
City Hall and Fire Stations
159, 025.00
Fire Alarm and Apparatus
30,098.99
Parks and Public Grounds
39,700.00
Public Library
40,600.00
School Houses and Land .
: 419,450.00
Sewerage System
418,939.17
Stone Crusher and Land
9,000.00
Surface Drainage
131,776.79
Water System .
395,321.29
Total
-$1,679,611.24
66
Uncollected Tax Titles
250.35
ings
An analysis of the Auditor's statement shows that the Net Funded Debt is $68,152.47 more than last year; that the
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MAYOR'S ADDRESS
Net Municipal Debt is $28,451.48 less; and the Net Permanent Debt is $4,474.28 less than last year, and the Temporary Loans in anticipation of taxes is $10,401.48 more, making a net increase of $45,628.19.
Average Valuation for three years is $15,773,097.00
Two and one-half per cent. of same is 394,327.42
Net Debt is 275,325.85
Leaving the Borrowing Capacity for 1910 $119,001.57
Highways.
The standing, enterprise, progress, and prosperity of a city can largely be determined by the quality and condition of its streets. Nothing so impresses the visitor to any city as the condition of the main thoroughfares. Marked improvements have been made during the past few years. I believe that the streets of our city compare favorably with those of other cities. Streets are like buildings, and it is not wise economy to neglect them, for such neglect is sure to result in loss by deterioration. It may appear to be economy for the time being to restrict and curtail the expenditure for streets, but ultimately the lack of wisdom will be revealed and a larger aggregate expenditure required. Many of us realize, however, why curtailment last year was necessary. We did not have the money; but if an extra amount is possible this year, I recommend an increased appropriation.
Owing to the extreme wear occasioned by automobiles upon ordinary macadamized roads, the subject of road making has everywhere been given the closest attention, and the most extensive experiments have been made by various experts in this line of business. Acting upon the results of these experi -. ments, we have, during the past two years, used to quite an extent a preparation of tar for binding the surface of our ma- cadamized roads. This new method of construction has proved very satisfactory, and we have used it on a portion of the following streets: East Emerson, Porter, Essex, Grove, Lebanon, Upham, and Main.
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CITY OF MELROSE
The sidewalks have had considerable attention during the past few years. A large number of tar concrete sidewalks in all parts of the city, have been re-surfaced. Many of the dirt sidewalks have been re-graded and re-surfaced, making them now as satisfactory as could be expected in this kind of walk.
Water.
The wisdom of placing our entire water system upon a metered basis has been thoroughly demonstrated, reducing the quantity of water drawn by Melrose from the Metropolitan supply as shown in the following table:
Gallons Per Day.
1908
1909
January
1,568,000
899,800
February .
1,535,800
915,500
March.
1,395,700
867,500
April
1,414,300
907,700
May
1,492,200
962,800
June
1,681,300
1,078,400
July
1,599,200
1,079,100
August.
1,271,400
1,001,400
September.
1,383,600
958,100
October.
1,096,100
924,300
November
966,400
911,700
15,304,000
10,506,300
and reducing our Metropolitan Tax from $28,693.90 in 1908 to $24,523.38 in 1909, and as we pay in 1909 for water used in 1908, we will not get the full benefit of our meters until 1910. Our citizens, I trust, appreciate the fact that their water tax has been reduced about one-half.
Collection of Ashes.
The collection of ashes by the city teams, in place of by contract, seems to be very satisfactory to our citizens, as this year we have collected 3,201 double loads or 105,633 barrels,
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MAYOR'S ADDRESS
at a cost of 68 cents per load. This is an increase of 592 double loads over 1908, due probably to the fact that we re- move everything placed out, and collect on time.
Sewers.
The demand for sewers is increasing with the growth of the city; wherever possible, this demand should be granted, not only in the interest of convenience and comfort, but as a health safeguard.
Fire Department.
In this department, where public safety from loss by fire requires good discipline, prompt service, and brave hearts, it is indeed most gratifying to find all these requirements ful- filled to an extent approaching the maximum, and that, too, at a minimum degree of cost. An investigation of the De- partment and a comparison with those of other cities, will give you just cause to be proud of your own. These highly satis- factory conditions speak in high praise of the good judgment displayed by those directly in charge, and go to prove that the success or failure of a department depend much upon the men at its head. Our citizens, I am sure, appreciate the devotion of these men, and the high standard of efficiency which has been maintained year after year under the present chief. While adequate protection has been afforded in the past, it should be realized that as the city grows, the needs of the de- partment increase, especially in the interest of better protec- tion to life and property at the Highlands. You will doubtless have this need brought more pointedly to your attention later, and by reason of the rapid growth which this section has ex- perienced during the past few years, and the great increase in property values there, a request of this nature deserves, and is certain to receive, from you, immediate and favorable con- sideration, should the necessity be found to exist.
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CITY OF MELROSE
Brown Tail and Gypsy Moths.
The work of extermination of these pests must be con- tinued. The money expended in this department during the past few years has brought good results. There has been ex- pended in 1909 on public streets and lands the sum of $1,794.56 On private estates the sum of 826.57 making a total for the year of $2,621.13
The moth conditions throughout the city are, apparently, more satisfactory to the general public than to the Moth De- partment, if one may judge from the present lack of effort on the part of individuals in the care of their estates, as com- pared to the efforts put forth to suppress the moth pests during the years 1905-6-7; and while all city shade trees can be re- ported in as fairly good condition, the infestation of many private estates still remains a menace to city property. The citizens generally must be aroused to the fact that constant warfare against the moths is the price of freedom from these pests.
The city of Melrose occupies a position unique among the moth-infested cities and towns of the Commonwealth, in that it has not been the recipient of the moth bounty of the State for the past two years, a condition which, while entirely satis- factory to the State authorities, is not extremely beneficial to our city.
The city of Melrose has not suffered the destruction of a single street tree during the past four years, the loss of which could be directly attributed to leaf-eating insects.
During the year 1909 all city trees were carefully treated in accordance with the instructions of the State office. The ground work has been done on all city trees, streets, and parks. Seventy dead trees have been cut from Sewall Woods Park. These trees have been dead or dying for some years and by an arrangement with the Charity Department, the wood will be used at the City Farm, the cutting and teaming being done without cost to the Moth Department.
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MAYOR'S ADDRESS
The Elm Leaf Beetle seems to have been unusually prev- alent during the summer of 1909, and to have done a great deal of damage to the shade trees of many cities and towns; notably in one of our neighboring cities, where 300 beautiful elms were destroyed in one season. Spraying seems to be the best method of combating this pest and it is an extremely effective one, and wherever adopted and conscientiously at- tended to, the results have been most satisfactory. This year we will have to make an appropriation for this pest.
Police Department.
The Police Department is always subjected to more harsh criticism than any other in the city. One explanation of this is that the members are brought into closer relations with the public than other officials, and another is that in the perform- ance of their duty, they are obliged to interfere with tres- passers against law and order in the community, whose peace of mind is thereby disturbed, and the displeasure and hostility of their friends is often aroused. That much of the criticism is apt to be unfair and unmerited must be conceded; in any event, it should not deter any officer from a consciencious per- formance of his duty. I thoroughly believe that the depart- ment is composed of good, faithful men, who are honest and consciencious to a high degree.
Every effort has been made to enforce all laws, and partic- ularly the laws against the sale of intoxicating liquors. During the coming year, as in the past, I will strenuously endeavor to carry out the wishes of our voters in prosecuting all offenders against the laws governing the transportation and sale of in- toxicating liquors. My experience during the past three years has taught me the value of co-operation of all good citizens to help in the execution of these laws, which are of such vital im- portance to our people, and I urge upon every person who has the interest of the city at heart, to assist in making possible a strict, impartial and energetic enforcement of law. I am heartily in favor of the No-License policy in dealing with the liquor question, and to this method our city is committed.
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CITY OF MELROSE
Considering the condition of our finances, I am slow to recom- mend any increase in the number of the members of this de- partment. However, I think it wise, when revising the Ordi- nances relating to this department, to create the offices of Chief and Captain. The Captain could relieve the Chief of night work, and could be used to good advantage in collecting evidence, and could also perform some of the duties of a patrol- man. This matter I submit for your careful consideration.
Schools.
Every citizen of Melrose who is interested in our future citizenship and the progress and good name of our municipal- ity, takes pride in the high standard of excellence of our schools. We rejoice that every opportunity is afforded our children to obtain an education that will enable them to successfully main- tain their places in the competition for the prizes of life, as well as to make them better men and women for whatever sphere in which they may be placed. Our schools are well managed, our teachers are competent and devoted to their calling. Our accommodations, when the addition to the High School is finished, are equal to every demand. The cost of maintaining our school system is a matter of concern to all our citizens. We can only urge upon the department, the exercise of the strictest economy, and the duty is incumbent upon the other departments to exercise that degree of wise economy which we would have the School Department emulate. I would im- press upon those responsible for the conduct of the School Department, that they should not fail to fully appreciate the liberal spirit which our citizens show in the use of funds for education, and the great private sacrifices which are made by parents, in order to keep their children in school. In the ex- penditure of so large a proportion of our income for a public purpose, there should be the wisest economy practiced.
City Home.
The management of our City Home appears to give satis- faction, not alone to the inmates, but to the people in general.
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MAYOR'S ADDRESS
The Board continues, as in the past, to care for our aged and infirm dependents, in a humane and christian manner, but without failing, at the same time, to give proper attention to the business details of administration.
New Insurance Methods.
It seemed apparent to me that the system by which our city property was protected from loss by fire through insur- ance, lacked uniformity. For a number of years the buildings had not been valued, and it was found that the amount placed was in some cases too high, and in others too low, while there was no insurance on the contents of some buildings. After making necessary changes and considering the question thoroughly, I asked for a blanket rate, resulting in our secur- ing a rate of $1.35 per hundred for five years on all city prop- erty, some of which had paid as high as $2.19 for one year. We shall save by this new method a very substantial amount each year.
Polling Places.
I would recommend that a special committee be ap- pointed at the beginning of the year, to investigate, consider, and report upon the polling places in each ward, and where the accommodations for voters are not satisfactory, suggest such action as may be deemed necessary.
Park Commissioners, Soldiers' Monument, Parks, and Playgrounds.
The city having accepted the Act creating Park Com- missioners, and as parks and playgrounds are now universally regarded as essential to the physical and moral health of every growing commonwealth, and now considered a necessary part of the equipment of a modern city, the park system being the poor peoples' summer resort, and money expended here bring- ing its return in health and happiness, I think we ought to be as liberal with the park appropriation as is consistent with a
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CITY OF MELROSE
wise financial policy. The people emphatically voted in favor of playgrounds, and it seems to me that the great work of the Park Commission this year is to provide as wisely and as economically as possible so that playgrounds can be established as a part of the educational and social development system of the city. I believe that when the institution of playgrounds is properly used and worked out, few things which the city does will be of more immediate benefit to its people, and I think, too, that this can be done without any great burden to the taxpayers. Your honorable Board have before you this year an order calling for a plan for beautification and improve- ment of Ell Pond Park and the shores of Ell Pond. In my judgment, the time has come when we should seriously con- sider the acquisition of the ice-house property bordering Ell Pond, and such other property as may be deemed wise. We own 15 acres (less what the boulevard have taken) North of Ell Pond, that, with the ice-house property, could be made into a most beautiful park. There is land enough for park, playground, bath house, etc. Part of it could be depressed for skating for small children, without danger of loss of life to the little ones. And I think the knoll would make an ideal place for a Soldiers' Monument, and I recommend that steps be taken with a view to the acquisition of such land as may seem desirable. I trust that this will not be considered an unfitting time to express my hope that final success may crown the efforts now being made in our community to pre- serve in enduring form, the memory of those of our citizens who died that this nation might live.
Conclusion.
In bringing to a conclusion this short address, let me respectfully urge of you, that in all your deliberations you have constantly before you this fact,-that the money necessary to meet all expenses comes from the pocket of the tax payer; let us forget selfish motives and think only of the greatest good for the greatest number. Do not be afraid of criticism. You are sure to receive it, no matter how religiously and faithfully you
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MAYOR'S ADDRESS
may observe the obligations of your oath. While inviting full criticism, it should be responsible and intelligent, for, to be of value, criticism must be intelligent, and the critic should be responsible in some way for what he says. Then the more truthfully he states the conditions which cause the complaint, the more likely he is to do good.
It will be a pleasure to work with you, and I sincerely hope that you will feel free to make any suggestions to me which may occur to you. I know I shall find them most helpful, though we may perhaps differ at times. Let us have one aim in common, and that to give to the people of Melrose the very best service in our power. But our first duty after all, must be to see that no burden shall be placed on any citizen which he ought not to bear; that not a dollar should be expended, for any purpose, which will not bring back its full measure of worth in the way of maintaining public works, or securing needed improvements. We are trustees of the prosperity, the progress, the health, the life of our city. Let our attitude toward this great trust be one of absolute fidelity. And when the year draws to its close, may we be able to show that the affairs of Melrose have been administered honestly and above board, creditable alike to ourselves, to the city we represent, and to the good old Commonwealth in which we live.
Government of the City of Melrose 1910
Mayor, EUGENE H. MOORE.
President of the Board of Aldermen,
CHARLES E. FRENCH.
Aldermen at Large, William J. Bowser, John Dike, Charles E. French, J. Sydney Hitchins, John Buffum, Thomas H. Gilman, Leslie F. Keene.
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