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Melrose Public Library Melrose, Massachusetts
CITY OF MELROSE MASSACHUSETTS
Annual Reports 1912
WITH
Mayor's Inaugural Address Delivered January Ist, 1912
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CHARLESTOWN 1629
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INC
ORAT
PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN, UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE CITY CLERK
MELROSE, MASS.
THE MELROSE FREE PRESS, INC.
1913
Gm 352
MELROSE PUBLIC LIBRARY MELROSE MASS.
CHARLES E. FRENCH MAYOR
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INAUGURAL ADDRESS
-OF-
HON. CHARLES E. FRENCH MAYOR OF MELROSE DELIVERED JANUARY 1st, 1912
Mr. President, Aldermen, Ladies and Gentlemen :-
Y the vote of the citizens, I have been called from the ranks, to serve for a brief period as the chief executive officer of the city. In assuming the duties of the office, I wish to thank the people of Melrose for the great honor conferred upon me, and to express my appreciation of the confidence you have shown in me, and the trust you have placed in my keeping. I fully realize the grave responsibility and have solemnly sworn in your presence to serve you faithfully.
Municipal government in the United States is passing through a period of questioning and reconstruction. On all sides there is an awakening of citizenship, and increased interest is being taken in methods of public administration. Changes of governmental forms are being tried in the hope of improving conditions. Often these plans seem to be political attempts to change the personnel of the office-holding class. Whatever may be the cause or the motive, the effect will cer- tainly be the evolution of an improved system of municipal control by the people. Publicity of affairs will arouse the citizens of any community to their responsibilities, and the will of the majority must be accepted as the correct solution of the problem of representative government.
Recognizing the custom of making executive suggestions and recommendations at the beginning of each administration, it would seem wise to proceed along general, rather than specific lines, waiting for experience to test the soundness of preconceived opinions. I accept the duty imposed by a time- honored precedent, reserving the right to change my position if the path be more clearly illumined by the light of experience.
4
CITY OF MELROSE
Ten years of active legislative service will soften and harmon- ize the details of executive policy to legislative requirements. The charter which is our fundamental law, is in no section vague or uncertain. Its commands are positive and no divi- sion of responsibility is allowed. All recommendations for legislation must come from the Mayor.
In the conduct of the various executive departments, it will be my endeavor to so systematize the work that you may at any time, with reasonable promptness, get such informa- tion as you may need. I shall recommend from time to time any legislative changes found necessary, with the reasons that support them.
While the present financial condition of the city is sound, some of our methods are gradually leading us into paths beset with danger. Each year we add to the burdens of the next, by reducing the amount available under the $12.00 limit for current expenses, or increasing the interest account, outside the $12.00 limit. Money paid for interest is an expense for which there is no return, and from the community standpoint, represents absolute waste. Would it not be a fair business proposition where betterments are assessed, or costs divided with individuals, to include the interest charge as part of the cost ? I think so.
It is not my intention to burden you with the considera- tion of a long array of figures, but rather to suggest the results obtained by studying them with some care. A comparison is made of the years 1901 and 1911. The year 1901 is taken instead of 1900 because the fiscal year of 1900 extended over a period of 13 months.
1901 19II
Total valuation $14,890,765.00 $16,897,625.00
The net bonded debt for which Sinking Funds are re- quired is as follows:
Net School House Dept.
$181,454.97
$121,161.09
Net Sewerage Debt.
261,713.38 161,041.64
City Hall Debt. 45,000.00 (Surplus) 1,119.31
Net Water Debt ..
203,237.88 88,675.68
Surface Drainage Debt.
93,919.40
Total
$691,406.23
$463,578.50
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MAYOR'S ADDRESS
SERIAL BONDS.
Auditorium Bonds
$45,000.00
Water Bonds
53,000.00
Park Bonds.
12,000.00
Municipal Loans, Notes
22,700.00
Permanent Loans, Notes
56,471.86
$189,171.86
Less premiums.
1,735.70
$187,436.16
Total Bonds and Notes .
$651,014.66
Municipal Notes due in 1912. . .
$24,900.00
Permanent Loan Notes due in 1912
22,461.86
Serial Bonds due in 1912,
Water
$5,000.00
Auditorium.
3,000.00
Park.
1,500.00
$9,500.00
$56,861.8 6
Amount available in 1912
under $12 tax limit .....
$201,680.10
Borrowing Capacity for 1912. $126,147.53
Our schedule of city property showed in 1901 a valuation of $1,582,327.26; in 1911 it shows a valuation of $1,877,323.92. Our net assets in 1901 were $805,921.03, and in 1911, $1,538,924.77.
In this connection, I submit for your consideration the distribution of the tax rate of $16.20 in 1901, and of $20.40 in 1911.
190I IgII
City Tax, including Interest on Loans and Sinking Funds
$14.24
$16.37
County Tax .
.65
.63
State Tax .
.25
1.14
Metropolitan Sewer Tax
.65
.92
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CITY OF MELROSE
Metropolitan Park Tax.
.41
.69
Charles River Basin Tax
.00
.24
Overlay.
.00
.41
$16.20 $20.40
These figures show that in 1901 we paid for State, County, and Metropolitan assessments, $1.96 per thousand of valua- tion, and in 1911, $3.62 per thousand. Therefore, of the $4.20 per thousand increase in the tax rate during the past eleven years, $1.66 is caused by assessments oven which we have no control, leaving an actual increase for city purposes of $2.54.
I have said we have no control over the assessments made by the County and State. It is true that a decrease in the assessed valuation would decrease these assessments, but would also decrease the amount allowed by law for running expenses. Suppose the valuation were placed at that of 1901; the needs of the School Department alone would re- quire $7,00 of the $12.00 allowed by law for current expenses, leaving an amount insufficient to pay the ordinary fixed charges.
The question of taxation, hedged in as it is by statute law, leaves the municipality in a dilemma from which it can be re- lieved only by the exercise of almost perfect judgment. Mr. President, I respectfully urge upon you and your honorable Board, a careful consideration of this problem. It is of para- mount importance, upon its proper solution rests the welfare of the city.
The appropriations once made, it is my duty to see that every dollar expended brings in return its complete value to the community. I have this evening sworn to do this, to the best of my ability.
There are deficiencies on the books of the Treasurer that should be taken care of by immediate legislation, as they are annually adding to the interest account.
A cemetery deficiency of $8,653.36, long standing on the Treasurer's books by an act of questionable book-keeping under the town form of government;
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MAYOR'S ADDRESS
A street sprinkling deficiency of $3,318.10, made by ex- penditures in excess of the assessments, and
A deficiency of $7,403.58, caused by tax takings author- ized by the city, but for which no proper financial provision has been made.
There are also minor deficiences which can be absorbed in the next annual appropriations.
The three mentioned above should be taken care of this year by legislation, as there is no other way to correct them.
Highway Department.
While our highways have shown some improvement, I believe their condition is not as good as might be expected from the amount of money appropriated during the past few years. The fixed charges of the Department are too high for the amount appropriated, leaving too small an amount for the actual work done. It will be my endeavor to correct this con- dition. The policy of skimming over our streets, while of temporary advantage, is not in the interest of true economy. The work should be of a more permanent nature, even if less must be done. The good streets we have should not be al- lowed to deteriorate, and others should be put in proper con- dition, as rapidly as our finances will permit. Good sidewalks and edgestones are appreciated by our citizens, and appropri- ations for their construction and care should be liberally treated and effectively spent. In all cases where individuals are willing to pay a share of the expense, such persons should always find the city prepared to supply its half.
In the acceptance of new streets care should be exercised that they be built to meet the requirements of a high standard, and should be accepted only under these conditions. We have 45 miles of public streets. To properly care for them, every dollar appropriated must bring in return its full pro- ductive value.
Parks and Public Grounds.
The parks and public grounds are set aside for the com- mon use of all our people, and this fundamental fact should be
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CITY OF MELROSE
the guiding influence in their development. Facilities and conveniences should be arranged for rest, recreation, and ex- ercise, amid surroundings that will tend toward a moral and physical uplift for the community.
The city having voted to establish a Park Commission, we are in a measure committed to the immediate improvement of our park land. It will be my duty, as well as my pleasure, to assist in carrying out the will of the people as expressed at the polls. I am convinced, however, that a careful plan should be made covering every detail, that all money expended may bring its proper return.
The improvement of Ell Pond Park should be continued steadily, aiming to complete the work within a reasonable time. An amount should be appropriated each year that can be financially assimilated without undue burden on the tax- payers. No plan of improvement will be adequate, unless it contemplates ultimately the acquiring of the ice house prop- erties on the shore of the pond; but in my opinion, no takings should be made until the properties can be obtained for their physical value. This I am convinced, will come about in due time, and need not be immediately considered.
Water Department.
The Water Division of the Public Works Department should not only be self supporting, but should also provide money enough to meet the requirements of the Water Sinking Fund. It would appear from the condition of the Water Account, which shows a deficiency in the operating expenses for the year 1911 of $3,229.73, that our price for water is too low, or the minimum charge too little. The installation of water meters has satisfactorily regulated the charge made to us by the Metropolitan Water Board. We should be able with the data now at hand, to adjust the rates to cover the necessary charges on the department. Perhaps greater economy of maintenance will be sufficient. If not, then it is our duty to increase the rates to a point that will provide the revenue to meet the requirements. Water consumers should not be indirectly taxed to meet the expenditures of other de-
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MAYOR'S ADDRESS
partments, but should pay the entire cost of water construc- tion and maintenance. No further issue of water bonds should be made unless for construction or economies that will bring an increased revenue sufficient to pay the cost of the work done.
Sewer Department.
The Sewer Division of the Public Works Department is in a satisfactory financial condition at the present time, but the day is not far distant when appropriations must be made for the Sinking Funds. . The amount received from assessments to abutters has thus far been enough to satisfy the legal re- quirements, but soon we must appropriate for the city's share of the enterprise. As the cost of maintenance is not great, the appropriations for the repairs should be small for some years to come. Bond issues for sewer extensions should be made only to meet actual needs.
In the matter of sewer assessments a more equitable di- vision of the cost would seem advisable. The vote of the town in 1898, making an arbitrary assessment of 20 cents per foot frontage, and 5 mills per foot of area, while sufficient at that time, is now unfair to the city, owing to the increased cost of material and labor. In most cases the city's share of the cost is three times that of the individual. To carry out the intent of the original vote, a reapportionment has become necessary. The following figures are presented in this con- nection :
The amount spent for sewer construction, and the amount assessed for the same, during the past five years is as follows:
For Construction
Amount Assessed
1906
$7,922.74
$3,249.40
1907
8,061.00
2,408.56
1908
19,650.86
6,793.54
1909
6,497.28
718.41
1910
9,096.19
3,292.34
Totals . $51,228.07 $16,462.25 which, following the intent of the vote of the town, shows a loss to the city of $9,151.78 in assessments, during the 5 years covered by the figures.
10
CITY OF MELROSE
Surface Drainage.
The plan for surface drainage made during the first year of the city, has proved its value, and your honorable Board has acted wisely in requiring appropriations for this account to be spent along the lines of this plan. The time has arrived for a campaign of unceasing activity to improve the conditions caused by the present level of Spot Pond brook. I believe the engineering problem has been satisfactorily solved by the Commonwealth, but the apportionment of cost suggested is greater for Melrose than is justified ,in view of the fact that the conditions are largely due to changes in the drainage area. It is our duty to reopen this question with the Metropolitan Water Board, asking for a more reasonable apportionment. Melrose has paid constantly increasing State and Metropolitan assessments for benefits very remote. Might it not be pos- sible to adjust the cost of this much needed improvement on a basis more nearly reaching the source of the evil? I believe it to be the best method of procedure.
Fire Department.
In the Fire Department I recommend the gradual change to apparatus of the automobile type in the interests of ef- ficiency and economy. The amount paid each year for horses, and the care of same, will easily meet the financial require- ments, without increasing the annual appropriation. A well drilled department with quick-acting apparatus, is the proper fire fighting equipment in a community like ours, where the fires are few. and the buildings are of moderate height, and constructed for the most part of wood. We have the per- sonnel, and given the other factors, would have a model de- partment.
School Department.
The operations of the School Committee are not closely connected with our work. The laws of the Commonwealth determine their powers and fix their responsibilities. In their conduct they are answerable, not to us, but to the people, nor is it our privilege to interfere with them in the performance of their duty. The present administration of the department is
11
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
in able and worthy hands. Friction has been almost entirely eliminated, and frankness and sincerity are shown in all their dealings with your honorable Board. In your appropriation for school purposes, I recommend as great liberality as the financial condition of the city will allow, in the firm belief that the School Department will finance its affairs in accordance with appropriations made. It is to be borne in mind that we live again in our children, and the very existence of our institu- tions depends on their fitness to carry on our work.
The heroic action of our Melrose young men on last Saturday, in the hour of emergency, fills us with pride. We can not do too much for such as they. Our institutions are safe in their hands.
Public Library.
The Melrose Public Library has always been in loving hands. It is a source of personal, as well as official regret, that so little money has been available for the use of this de- partment. Year after year, the Trustees have taken our ap- propriation and used it most effectively, never murmuring at the smallness of the amount, and never exceeding the ap- propriations made. May the day soon come when we can more generously supply their needs.
At this time I wish to record my testimony of the great loss suffered by Melrose, in the sudden death of our lamented friend, Mr. Charles C. Barry, Chairman of the Trustees of the Public Library, and Chairman of our Sinking Fund Com- missioners. His untiring service to his beloved city is a memory of which we are proud. The example set by his high sense of civic duty, will remain unexcelled in our history, and will serve for years to come as a standard of the highest type of citizenship.
Health Department.
The affairs of the Health Department have been carefully administered. I will suggest, however, for your consideration, two questions which I believe to be closely connected with the health and comfort of our people. The surface drainage of a large area finds its reservoir in Ell Pond. The wash from many streets and much thickly settled land runs into the
12
CITY OF MELROSE
brooks that lead to the pond. Not one of us would think of drinking a glass of its water, but yearly, ice is cut from its sur- face and offered for sale for domestic uses. I cannot help thinking that its use is detrimental to health.
I also advise the construction and maintenance of one or more sanitaries and public convenience stations.
Cemetery Department.
The work of our Cemetery Committee is important, caring as it does for our city of the dead. The burial place has, for ages, been a factor in the development of the living. It was reverence for the dead on the hill behind the town that prevented the return of the Pilgrims after that first fearful winter. This influence persists under all forms of civilization. The maintenance charges of our cemetery are met wholly by the receipts of the department, and often a balance is turned into the city treasury. I advise the use of all receipts by the committee in charge, turning in only the amount derived from the sale of lots. Much needs to be done, and there appears no good reason for making it at any time a source of revenue.
Forestry.
The question of foresty should receive more attention in our city. Trees are a valuable asset, and their conservation is an important duty. They should be set along our residential streets and carefully guarded against the ravages of insects, and the equally detrimental effects caused by the operations of public service corporations.
The Memorial Building.
Through the generosity of many citizens, the liberality of the City Government, and by vote of the people, we are in- structed to build during the coming year, a memorial building to commemorate the service of the soldiers and sailors of Mel- rose, who enlisted in the great war between the States.
The deeds of that grand army and their great commander, whose name is borne by the Melrose Post, will ring through the ages. By their acts our Nation was held together, making it
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MAYOR'S ADDRESS
possible to become, as it now is, the greatest on earth in in- fluence and wealth. It is for us to build this Memorial in the spirit intended. An Advisory Committee was appointed by my predecessor to assist in the details of the work. It will be my pleasure to aid this Committee in every way and assume the responsibility for its acts.
. City Planning.
I recommend for your consideration, the preparation of a carefully arranged plan for the city's development, and such legislation as may be necessary to direct future expenditures for public constructive improvements, along the lines of such a plan. This in the end would be of tremendous value to our municipal advancement, conserve the rights of our citizens by protecting their interests, and ultimately create a city of harmonious and related units.
The purpose of this address is to impress on your minds the great importance of our work, and the necessity of giving to it our best efforts. If we do that, and I am sure we shall, municipal government in Melrose will not be a failure. Our growth will be healthy, and the advancement of our ideals will set a standard for emulation. The arts of peace are more use- ful and vital than those of war. He is the greatest patriot who performs his whole duty with the means at hand.
Let us meet each question as it arises, with sincerity of purpose and minds open for its solution, free from personal or political prejudice. Our value as public officials depends on the results we gain for the good of all. Not only are the in- terests of Melrose concerned in our acts, but also the cause of representative government, begun in the cabin of the "May- flower" and for which our forefathers struggled.
Mr. President, the heritage of 300 years is in our keeping. We must not fail in our responsibility.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
CITY OF MELROSE
1912
School Committee for 1912
Name
Residence
Term Expires
Isabelle Stantial
146 Florence Street .
. January, 1913
Elmer O. Goodridge
148 E. Foster Street
1913
William A. Morse .
15 Auburn Place
66 1913
Sarah A. Day .
45 Ashland Street
66 1914
Eben F. Phillips
12 Orient Place
1914
Wallace R. Lovett
12 Fairmount Street
1914
William Coggeshall
158 E. Foster Street
1915
Frank L. Welt
31 Malvern Street .
1915
Lowell F. Wentworth
19 Bartlett Street .
66
1915
Organization of Committee.
Lowell F. Wentworth, Chairman, Isabelle Stantial, Secretary
Meetings of the Committee.
Regular meetings of the School Committee will be held in the Com- mittee Room, High School Building, on September 23rd, October 28th, November 25th, and December 23d, 1912; January 27th, February 24th, March 24th, April 28th, May 26th, June 9th, and 23d, September 22d, October 27th, November 24th, December 22d, 1913, at 7.30 p. m
Superintendent of Schools.
John C. Anthony,
83 Lake Avenue.
Office: High School Building.
Office Hours: 8 to 9 a.m., on school days, and 4 to 5 on Monday, Tues- day, Thursday and Friday. Office Telephone: 55.
Superintendent's Clerk.
Helen M. Aldrich, .
69 Gainsboro St., Boston.
16
CITY OF MELROSE
STANDING COMMITTEES.
Finance and Supplies.
Mr. Phillips
Mr. Goodridge Mr. Lovett
Mr. Morse
Mr. Goodridge
Schoolhouses and Janitors. Mr. Welt Mr. Morse
Mr. Coggeshall
Mrs. Day
Teachers and Salaries. Mrs. Stantial Mr. Phillips
Mr. Coggeshall
Text Books and Courses of Study.
Mr. Welt
Mrs. Day Mrs. Stantial
Mr. Lovett
SPECIAL COMMITTEES.
Legislative.
Mr. Morse
Mr. Goodridge Mr. Lovett
Mr. Coggeshall
VISITING COMMITTEES.
High School. The School Committee
Franklin and Whittier Schools Mrs. Day
D. W. Gooch School. Mrs. Stantial
Mary A. Livermore School. Mr. Phillips
Washington School Mr. Welt
Lincoln School. Mr. Lovett
Winthrop School. Mr. Goodridge
Joseph Warren School. Mr. Morse Sewall and Ripley Schools Mr. Coggeshall
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SCHOOL REPORT
SCHOOL CALENDAR FOR 1912.
FALL TERM 1912.
Opens September 10th, and closes December 20th.
WINTER TERM 1913.
Opens December 31st, 1912, and closes February 21st, 1913.
SPRING TERM 1913.
First Half: Opens March 3d, and closes April 25th.
Second Half: Opens May 5th, and closes June 27th.
FALL TERM 1913.
Opens September 10th, and closes December 19th.
HOLIDAYS DURING TERM TIME.
Every Saturday, Washington's Birthday, Patriots' Day, Memorial Day, June 17, October 12, and Thanksgiving Day, with the half day preceding and the day following it.
Report of the Superintendent of Schools
To the School Committee of Melrose:
Ladies and Gentlemen :-
The following report of the public schools of the city is respectfully submitted for your consideration. This is the twenty-third in the series of annual reports by the Superin- tendent of Schools, and the fourth by the present incumbent of the office.
The twelve months just passed do not show many or marked changes in the work of the schools. It is by steady, gradual development rather than by forced methods, that a school system grows stronger and more adequate. We have, therefore, endeavored to continue the policy of economy com- bined with efficiency, to solve our present problems satis- factorily, and to develop our present system to its highest power, without further additions until such time as the finan- cial condition of the city warrants expansion.
The financial problem has been, and still is, the most im- portant which we have had to consider, and it is proper that the community which deals so generously according to its in- come, with its public schools, should know as definitely as possible how its money is used. We, therefore, present various tables, showing amounts spent under the various items of the State classification, the amounts used for various departments of the school work, and the per capita cost for the fiscal year 1912, together with the corresponding figures for the fiscal year 1911.
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