USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Quincy > Inaugural address of the mayor, with the annual report of the officers of the city of Quincy for the year 1930 > Part 1
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City of Quinry
1640
1625 1792
QUINCY 1888
1930
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2016 with funding from Boston Public Library
https://archive.org/details/inauguraladdress 1930quin
City of Quincy Massachusetts
CITY GOVERNMENT OF 1931
TOGETHER WITH THE
ANNUAL REPORTS
OF THE OFFICIALS OF THE YEAR
1930
16
0¥129
16.
MANET
QUINCY? 1888
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 42
E. L. GRIMES PRINTING COMPANY 368 CONGRESS STREET BOSTON
AN INDEX OF THE REPORTS APPEARING IN THIS VOLUME WILL BE FOUND AT THE END OF THE BOOK
MERRYMOUNT PARK THE GIFT OF HONORABLE CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS THE SECOND OF THE NAME WHO IN HIS LETTER CONVEYING THIS PROPERTY TO THE TOWN OF QUINCY STATED THAT THE LAND WAS A PART OF THE ORIGINAL GRANT TO EDMUND QUINCY IN 1637 ADDING THAT HE MADE THE BEQUEST (REPEATING THE WORDS OF JOHN ADAMS) TO SHOW THE VENERATION HE FELT FOR THE RESIDENCE OFHIS ANCESTORS AND THE PLACE OF HIS NATIVITY AND THE HABITUAL AFFECTION HE BORE TO THE INHABITANTS WITH WHOM HE SO HAPPILY LIVED.
ACTUATED BY THE SAME FEELING, IHAVE WISHED NOW. WHILE ITIS SURELY IN MY POWER, TO DO SOMETHING FOR THE TOWN AND ITS PEOPLE WHICH AS TIME GOES ON, WILL BE OF EVER-INCREASING VALUE AND SERVE TO REMIND COMING NAMES AND GENERATIONS OF THE NAMES AND GENER- ATIONS THAT ARE GONE."
THIS GENEROUS BEQUEST WAS MADE IN 1885. IN 1895 MR. ADAMS GRANTED TO THE CITY THE FLACE KNOWN AS PINE ISLAND
IN GRATELUDAPPRECIATION OF THE GENEROSITY OF ONE LONG DISTINGUISHED FOR HIS INTEREST TH AND SERVICETO THE PEOPLE OF ODINCY AND THE TATION THIS TABLET IS ERECTED IKO
MEMORIAL TO HONORABLE CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS, 2ND DEDICATED ARMISTICE DAY, 1930
INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF MAYOR THOMAS J. MCGRATH, TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL, MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 1931
Gentlemen of the City Council:
This year marks the beginning of the forty-second year of Quincy's incorporation as a city. Since the first city government in 1889 there have been many changes in the process of evolution from a small city to a corporation which now numbers perhaps 75,000 people, and a present real property value of approximately $130,000,000. With the steady increase in population came also the steady increase in demands for public improvements, notably for additional school facilities. These demands have been met, and while the cost was large the people of the city have the satisfaction of realizing that in equally balanced development Quincy stands well with the other cities of the state. While we are by no means through with big capital expenditures I feel that this year is an opportune time to limit outlay to those items which are of first importance. For quite a period the city government has been ex- ceedingly generous in extending municipal works, but owing to reduced income this year it does not seem advisable to ask the property-owner to contribute more than is absolutely necessary to maintain our present standards. I hope the members of the City Council will take this view of the situation and thus avert a condi- tion whereby we would be compelled to increase the tax rate. In this connection I believe it well to sound a warning against indi- vidual or organized attempts to increase the budget for personal service. There may be a case here and there where justice de- mands a revision of the salary scale, but in the main those who are privileged to be on a municipal payroll during these hard times are the most privileged of wage earners. Candidates for these preferred services will work untiringly to obtain appointment, but as soon as this is secured we find them immediately joining with others to get greater preference. It seems to be the right time to resist these appeals. When we consider that excellent workmen in the trades have, during a long period, been subject to adverse industrial conditions, the answer to an appeal for more wages or gratuities on the part of city employees should be met with a de- cisively negative answer by the city government. I am sounding this note of warning because I believe the members of the City Council, as well as the Mayor, have been importuned to grant concessions to those who are already earning good wages and whose employment is guaranteed. If there was ever a time when public expenditure should be closely scrutinized that time is this year. The return for service in every walk of life has been much re- duced during the past years, and there is no reasonable excuse for the city to expend beyond the necessary requirements of the dif- ferent departments. Fortunately the outlay heretofore has been sufficient to extend our street, sidewalk, sewer and water work in such volume that this year's work may be largely concentrated on what the City Council may decide to do on schools, new streets, and completing the big projects tentatively agreed upon. The devel- opment of Beale Street and the auxiliary way from Granite Street to Franklin Street are efforts to aid the business interests of the
4
CITY OF QUINCY
city, and consequently should receive the whole-hearted support of the city government.
The Schools
Despite the unusual expenditures for new school buildings in the past few years the demand still remains unfulfilled. New buildings or additions are needed in the Wollaston and Atlantic districts, and I hope that early in the year the 1931 building program of the School Committee will be ready for consideration by the Council. The Mayor has been requested to ask the Council for permission to engage an architect for an addition to the Quincy School, but before doing this I hope to arrange a joint meeting of the Council and Committee so that the whole 1931 schedule may be in hand before any action is taken. There is an undeniable demand for additional rooms in the Atlantic district, and this is also true of the Massachusetts Fields and Wollaston areas, but before taking definite action on one it is my thought that other equally urgent demands should be considered by a joint meeting.
The School Committee has been considering three additional school sites, at Germantown, the southerly side of Furnace Brook Parkway, and a lot on the southerly side of Fenno Street, owned by the trustees of the National Sailors' Home. This latter request is now before the City Council. In the matter of the Germantown lot the Mayor was instructed to write to Mr. Arthur Adams, the treasurer of the Sailors' Snug Harbor, but through some fault no answer has come to the city. Another letter will be sent Mr. Adams without delay. The lot on the Parkway is now being con- sidered by the School Committee. My estimate of the cost of these three lots would be from forty to fifty thousand dollars, and is a considerable sum to pledge for locations which, in at least two instances, will not be required for some years to come. Aside from the consideration of these lots the actual needs in Wollaston and Atlantic are urgent and if possible should be given first considera- tion. In all these districts it is a present matter of additions, which will not demand as much money as would new buildings. With the contemplated development of the National Sailors' Home property a new school in that area will be necessary as soon as this development is carried out. In considering the need for addi- tional school buildings it should be the hope of the Council that as soon as possible the west wing should be added to the North Junior High. It is the intention of the School Committee to make this building a high school center, and with the new west wing pupils from part of the Wollaston section and Atlantic could be accom- modated in this building. As this wing would cost approximately $300,000 it will have to wait until our credits are more ample than they are at the beginning of the year. If, however, we must wait until another time to complete the building the grounds surround- ing the North Junior should be developed. Anticipating that the Council feels an interest in this work, I have asked Mr. Herbert Kellaway, the lanscape architect, to prepare a new plan for grad- ing, and this, with an estimated cost, will be sent to the Council so that if the matter is agreed upon work can be started in time to give the lot a better appearance this summer.
Streets
As there has been so much street rebuilding work done in the past year the present program of such work does not embrace more than three major projects. City Square from Dimmock Street to Granite Street should be reconstructed, and Hancock
5
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
Street from Granite Street to School Street should be improved. Now that the drainage work in Standish Avenue is done this im- portant thoroughfare should be rebuilt from Hancock to Beale Streets. Elm Avenue from Hancock to the junction of East and West Elm is not in the best condition, but a method may be found to improve the surface without a great expenditure. There are other streets which may be rebuilt, but these are of minor impor- tance compared with the streets named in this paragraph. The City Council has already given its consent to the widening of Beale Street, and I presume that it is the intention to complete the undertaking by installing a new bridge. With this in mind I have approached Mr. Tuttle of the New Haven to give us a plan of the proposed bridge, and this he has consented to do.
Another matter which should be decided this year is the pro- posed extension of Franklin Street. Under an agreement made with the Council the Granite Street end was cleared and used during the holiday season. The city's lease was for five months, which brings it to a close in March of this year. Whatever doubts may have been had concerning the utility of this way there can be no doubt as to its utility as a parking space. From the moment it was available it was in constant use, and one might naturally conclude that as a parking area and as a necessary auxiliary street this proposed way has many merits. At any rate it was splendidly useful during the holidays and measurably helped in increasing holiday trade.
The City Hospital
Work on the new operating room is progressing at a favorable pace, and with its completion the facilities of this institution will be adequate for a few years. The city could, if means were at hand, keep on constructing new buildings, but for the present the work of the hospital will not suffer if we stop with the completion of the present program.
Protection of Life and Property
The Council has granted four additional policemen, and today you received a request from Chief Sands for six additional men. This means an addition of ten men in both departments, and entails an expense of at least $17,000, which is a considerable sum to add to the year's budget. This increase in service costs is in- evitable in a city where the calls are so many, and consequently I am willing to support these requests to the Council.
New Streets
The demands for new streets will probably be as numerous as in other years. At the beginning of the year it is always necessary to know just what credits are available as of January 1, and what will be available as the year goes on. On January 1 our borrowing margin was $223,385, and this will be increased up to July 1 by the sum of $308,000, giving the city a total credit after July 1 of $531,385. If we should allot $125,000 for new streets the balance would be $406,385. The railroad's estimate of the cost of a new bridge at Beale Street was $197,000. This cost contemplated a wider bridge, with 18 feet headway, with tracks lowered so as not to change the present grade of street. I am only quoting this estimated cost to show that in this one undertaking the cost is much more than was originally planned. Revised estimates may substantially reduce this cost. If the Council decides on some action relative to the street through the Edwards Meadows the cost
6
CITY OF QUINCY
of this work must be kept in mind, and by grouping it with the Beale Street project our available funds after allotting for new street construction would not much more than satisfy the demands of these two enterprises. After July we will have other credits, but these will be in relatively small amounts, with a total in the five months-August to December-of $205,000. It may be that the Council will decide to clean up these big jobs before launching other appropriations of secondary importance.
Late last year the Council authorized an expenditure of $15,000 to cover the ditch from Holbrook Road to Wilson Avenue. At the time this sum was requested it was known that it would not be sufficient to complete the work, and as no start was made a new estimate will be sent to the Council, and if the money is made available work can be begun early in the year.
Sewers
The three important sections to be considered in sewer extension are Squantum, Adams Shore and Houghs Neck. About two miles have been laid in Squantum, and our concentrated effort for 1931 should be in this district. All our work has been done on the westerly side, but the most essential work-to continue the trunk sewer along the easterly shore-should be done this year. This is an expensive project, but by the ruling of the Metropolitan Dis- trict Commission the installation of a pumping station depends on the city's development of a greater sewerage area. This means the construction of the easterly trunk and such laterals as will convince the Commission that sufficient houses are connected to warrant the construction of the station. Our main effort this year should be in Squantum, not overlooking, of course, the need of providing all new streets with sewers. The culvert across Hancock Street near the Atlantic fire station will be built this year. When this is done the efficiency of the drainage system which flows through this culvert will be demonstrated, and a condition which has bothered the city for years greatly improved.
Comfort Station
The plea for a Comfort Station has been brought to the atten- tion of the city government many times, but so far it has been impossible to get consent for this necessary facility. The growth of the city clearly demands that something be done, and I feel confident that this year we can meet this problem. Heretofore the location of such a station has always been placed within the shadow of City Hall. From a study of actual conditions as they developed during the Christmas season it seems that such a building should be located nearer the business center, which apparently is some- where in the vicinity of Granite and Hancock Streets. It may be that the city could find a suitable site in the vicinity of this location and either as owner or tenant develop an adequate comfort station.
Sidewalks
The success of the asphalt sidewalk has been demonstrated and consequently the city should continue its policy of installing this type of walk. Some sections have been liberally treated in the matter of new walks, and this year we should give attention to the districts which have not been favored.
I am incorporating in this statement to the Council a few statis- tical tables which I believe we can all profitably study. Figures in
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INAUGURAL ADDRESS
these tables show how generously the city has been spending in the past and show also the danger of increasing these expenditures beyond the ability of the taxpayer to pay his share of this cost.
Quincy's Future
I believe that all look forward to a greater industrial activity and in this revival harbor the wish that our city may share in the allotment of industrial settlements. The city will perhaps always remain a preponderantly residential city, but the need for indus- trial and commercial enterprises is necessary to give permanence and growth. Urban populations have always depended on some large center for opportunities to earn a livelihood, but in the changing order all communities must furnish some opportunities for employment within their own borders. Quincy needs industrial development, but until the New England area is restored to its former status as an industrial center our own city as well as other communities must wait until the restoration of the old conditions. In the meantime property owners must resign themselves to a situation which forces them to wholly bear the cost of maintaining a modern progressive city. When, however, the revival comes we may confidently expect that this city with its many natural advan- tages will share in this industrial rehabilitation.
BORROWING MARGIN FOR 1931
Net valuation, 1928
$134,509,873
Net valuation, 1929
143,910,564
Net valuation, 1930
148,288,327
$426,706,255
Three year average
$142,235,418
Two and one-half per cent
$3,555,885
Debt January 1, City
$2,958,500
Sewer
374,000
3,332,500
Borrowing Margin
$223,385
Bonds coming due which increases the borrowing margin:
City
Sewer
January
February
$16,500
March
April
80,000
$15,000
May
14,000
21,000
June
49,500
2,000
July
105,000
5,000
August
53,000
September
45,000
October
22,000
8,000
November
11,000
9,000
December
49,000
8,000
$445,000
$68,000
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CITY OF QUINCY
STATEMENT OF CITY DEBT
Debt January 1, 1930
Paid during the year
$5,520,000 765,000
Debt added during the year
1,192,000
Total debt January 1, 1931. Increase in debt during the year.
427,000
Debt maturing in 1931 which will increase the borrowing margin:
City
Sewer
January
February
$16,500
March
April
80,000
$15,000
May
14,000
21,000
June
49,500
2,000
July
105,000
5,000
August
53,000
September
45,000
October
22,000
8,000
November
11,000
9,000
December
49,000
8,000
$445,000
$68,000
FUNDED DEBT
Total funded debt of the City, January 1, was $5,520,000. Dur- ing the year this was reduced by payments as follows:
City debt within limit
$383,500
Sewer debt within limit
75,000
Outside debt limit:
Sewer
$20,500
Water
111,000
City Hospital
19,000
High Schools
54,000
South Junior High School
30,000
Government School
16,000
Montclair and Houghs Neck Schools
14,000
Southern Artery
32,000
Monatiquot Bridge
10,000
$765,000
The funded debt during the year has been increased as follows:
Within the debt limit:
Sewer
$100,000
New streets
380,000
Sanitary sewers
50,000
Montclair and Houghs Neck Schools.
27,000
Gridley Bryant School
40,000
North Junior High School
80,000
Adams School addition
70,000
Hospital building
110,000
Hospital operating room
40,000
$4,755,000
$5,947,000
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INAUGURAL ADDRESS
Outside debt limit:
Water
85,000
Schools
200,000
Hospital
10,000
$1,192,000
The funded debt of the City is as follows:
School buildings, furnishings
$2,654,000
Water
737,000
Sewer
568,500
Drains
156,000
Hospital building
569,000
Fire
30,000
Police
50,000
Streets
1,036,500
Permanent walks
5,000
Cemetery
4,000
Southern Artery Loan
137,000
$5,947,000
From the financial exhibit which is made a part of this state- ment to the City Council it will be obvious that new indebtedness can be undertaken only when absolutely necessary. On a present showing of $5,947,000 of indebtedness the per capita cost is $82.59, using the census showing 72,000 in population in computing this cost. On the basis of the 1930 assessed value of real property ($129,867,175) the ratio of debt to this value is 4.5 per cent. The figure of the ratio is not alarming but the per capita statement deserves study. Our per capita debt in 1917 was $43.15, in 1927 it was $79.33, and $78.60 for 1928. The present cost shows a tend- ency to go beyond a safe limit when the greater part of this bur- den is borne directly by the home owner. Although figures and percentages do not always tell the exact condition of a city I am convinced that with our true knowledge of our circumstances we can take these statements of rising costs as a sharp reminder that the city may prudently establish an interregnum in all but demon- strated and urgent needs.
We are at the threshold of a New Year. The problems of the year will not differ greatly from the problems of other years and the momentous decision for the city government is to determine what proportion of demands can be granted. But whatever the result of our deliberations I feel that we are all pledged to give the city the best that we can, and with this pledge ever uppermost in our thoughts it is safe to predict a successful year for the city government in 1931. Whatever service the Mayor can give is freely and sincerely placed at the disposal of the City Council.
CITY GOVERNMENT-1931
MAYOR, HON. THOMAS J. MCGRATH SECRETARY, WILLIAM C. CANNIFF, JR. SUPERINTENDENT OF SEWER DEPARTMENT, WALTER S. MCKENZIE SUPERINTENDENT OF WATER DEPARTMENT, JOHN G. WHITMAN
DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS
COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS, FREDERICK E. TUPPER.
CITY TREASURER, HAROLD P. NEWELL.
CITY CLERK, EMERY L. CRANE.
ASSISTANT CITY CLERK, HATTIEMAY THOMAS.
COLLECTOR OF TAXES, JAMES B. WHITE.
CITY SOLICITOR, JEREMIAH J. McANARNEY.
CHIEF OF POLICE, ERNEST H. BISHOP.
CHIEF ENGINEER OF FIRE DEPARTMENT, WILLIAM J. SANDS.
CITY ENGINEER, WALLACE S. CARSON
COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WELFARE, CHANNING T. FURNALD.
CITY PHYSICIAN, RICHARD M. ASH.
INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS, EDWARD A. DEVARENNES.
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES, JAMES M. CANTFILL.
INSPECTOR OF WIRES, ALEXANDER J. SOUDEN.
INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS, WARREN S. PARKER.
DOCK AND WATER FRONT COMMISSIONER, EDWARD M. WIGHT.
ADMINISTRATIVE BOARDS
Assessors Meet every Saturday from 9 A. M. to 12
MICHAEL T. SULLIVAN, CHAIRMAN Term expires first Monday of February, 1934 ALBERT NELSON Term expires first Monday of February, 1932
J. WINTHROP PRATT Term expires first Monday of February, 1933
Park Commissioners WILLIAM M. TRUSSELLE, CHAIRMAN THOMAS J. LARKIN JOSEPH ANGELO
Board of Health HEALTH COMMISSIONER, CORNELIUS J. LYNCH. SANITARY INSPECTOR, ROY W. CRAMOND INSPECTOR OF PLUMBING, JEREMIAH J. KENILEY. INSPECTOR OF MEATS AND PROVISIONS, HOWARD ROGERS.
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CITY GOVERNMENT
Trustees of Thomas Crane Public Library Meet first Wednesday of month at 7.30 P. M.
GEORGE E. ADAMS, CHAIRMAN.
GEORGIANA C. LANE, SECRETARY.
REV. JAMES H. SANKEY, TREASURER.
MARY M. CAREY.
CHARLES H. JOHNSON.
JOHN PRATT WHITMAN.
Managers Woodward Fund and Property
HON. THOMAS J. MCGRATH, MAYOR.
HAROLD P. NEWELL, CITY TREASURER.
EMERY L. CRANE, CITY CLERK.
ELIZABETH N. DUNN, AUDITOR OF ACCOUNTS.
JAMES F. YOUNG (ELECTED BY COUNCIL) .
Manager of Public Burial Places WELLINGTON W. MITCHELL
Board of Survey
WILLIAM A. CRESSWELL. Term expires 1934
ARTHUR T. CARUSO Term expires 1932
GEORGE H. NEWCOMB. Term expires 1933
WALLACE S. CARSON, CLERK
Planning Board
WILSON MARSH, CHAIRMAN Term expires 1934
CLIFTON H. BAKER Term expires 1935
JAMES J. McPHILLIPS Term expires 1933
EDWARD J. B. DESMOND Term expires 1932
Board of License Commissioners
EMERY L. CRANE, CITY CLERK.
ERNEST H. BISHOP, CHIEF OF POLICE.
WILLIAM J. SANDS, CHIEF FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Board of Registrars
JOSEPH SZATHMARY, CHAIRMAN .... Term expires April 1, 1929
EMERY L. CRANE, CITY CLERK.
Managers Quincy Hospital
MAURICE P. SPILLANE, CHAIRMAN Term expires 1934
GEORGE TAYLOR, SECRETARY Term expires 1932
JOSEPH A. DASHA Term expires 1933
ERNEST B. NEAL. Term expires 1935
FORREST I. NEAL. Term expires 1936
Quincy Committee on Public Safety
JOHN H. HAYES, CHAIRMAN. 8 Gilmore Street
HENRY D. FALLONA 49 Bayfield Road
ERNEST H. BISHOP 131 School Street
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CITY OF QUINCY
Fence Viewers
H. EVERETT CRANE 159 Monroe Road
HENRY P. MILLER. 31 Chestnut Street
EBEN W. SHEPPARD
16 Millers Stile Road
CITY COUNCIL
ALFRED N. LABRECQUE, PRESIDENT. EMERY L. CRANE, CLERK OF COUNCIL.
MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL At Large-Term Expires December 31, 1931
LAURENCE J. CURTIN 29 Garfield Street
CARL H. LEANDER
288 Furnace Brook Pky.
WILLIAM M. EDMONDSTON 268 South Central Avenue
From Wards-Term Expires December 31, 1931
ALFRED N. LABRECQUE, Ward 1 .231 Palmer Street
JOHN P. FLAVIN, Ward 2. 16 Hersey Place
EDDIE D. CARSON, Ward 3. 336 Granite Street
THOMAS F. McDONALD, Ward 29 Bates Avenue
CHARLES W. HEDGES, Ward 5. 258 North Central Avenue
CHARLES J. HERBERT, Ward 6. 11 Hampden Street
Clerk of Committees
THEODORE R. DAVISON 8 East Squantum Street
AUDITOR OF ACCOUNTS
ELIZABETH N. DUNN 97 Whitwell Street Office Telephone, President 0185
CITY MESSENGER
HARRY W. TIRRELL 139 Manet Avenue Residence Telephone, Granite 5184-M
MANAGER OF WOODWARD FUND AND PROPERTY (Elected by Council) JAMES F. YOUNG
TRUSTEES OF CITY HOSPITAL (Elected by Council) CHARLES W. HEDGES EDDIE D. CARSON .
SUPERVISORS OF ADAMS TEMPLE AND SCHOOL FUND (Elected by Council) J. J. McANARNEY GEORGE E. ADAMS
COUNCIL MEETINGS
Regular meetings of the City Council are held the first and third Monday evenings of each month at 7:45 P. M.
13
CITY GOVERNMENT
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Meetings of the standing and special committees are held at the call of the Chairman or at such times as may be designated by the Council.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Finance-Councillors Carson, Curtin, Edmonston, Flavin, Hedges, Herbert, LaBrecque, Leander, McDonald.
Fire and Police-Councillors McDonald, Carson, Herbert.
Ordinances and Legislative Matters-Councillors Herbert, Fla- vin, Edmonston.
Public Buildings, Sewers and Water Supply-Councillors Ed- monston, Hedges, Leander.
Streets, Sidewalks, Municipal Lighting-Councillors Hedges, Leander, McDonald.
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