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 1931 > Part 1
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City of Quinry
1625 1640
792
QUINCY
1931
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https://archive.org/details/inauguraladdress 1931quin
City of Quincy Massachusetts
CITY GOVERNMENT OF 1932
TOGETHER WITH THE
ANNUAL REPORTS
OF THE OFFICIALS OF THE YEAR
1931
5
1640:1292
. 162
MANET
QUINCY 1888
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 43
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
INAUGURAL ADDRESS BY MAYOR THOMAS J. MCGRATH TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 1932
Gentlemen of the City Council:
Today marks the 140th year of the incorporation of the munici- pality of Quincy and the forty-third year under a city form of gov- ernment. These anniversaries in themselves are of no special signifi- cance except as they reveal the tally of the years during which the community has existed as a separate and independent munici- pality. During this long span of years, the city has grown in numbers and in prosperity until today we are proud to be an instru- ment in the service of a municipality that is steadily making its way to a foremost place among the political divisions of the State.
The opening of the new year may, however, have a deep signifi- cance to us when we consider the unusual conditions which confront the city at this moment. The times call urgently for the most drastic economy, and as far as the Mayor can achieve this result, the expenditures for the year will be kept down to the lowest figure consistent with efficient management of our manifold activities. When the tax rate was declared last September, I stated in the press that Quincy was for a time at least brought to a realization of the old economic law of diminishing returns, and with our small additional new wealth created in 1930 and 1931, the city would be forced to forego the undertaking of many projects. This new wealth in the last two years has been less than two and a half million dollars. With our sources of income halted, there is no other course open to the Mayor and Council than to curtail expen- ditures to such a point that no additional burden will be placed on the home owners. This should and must be the aim of the city government of this year and precludes the possibility of anything but the most necessary undertakings.
In a letter sent to the departments in December, I asked that budgets be based on economy. Many things which we did last year and the year before are impossible until such time as the city is assured of more income. The budget for 1932 will be submitted to the Council at an early date so that ample time for study can be given to it.
I am of the opinion that a temporary twelve-months' holiday in capital expenditures will not seriously affect the well-being of the city. For five years we have been spending generously in all sec- tions.
A table which accompanies this statement to the Council conclu- sively proves that Quincy has done an extraordinary amount of new work, and that a curtailment now will not in any sense harm the interests of the people who furnish the means to carry on our municipal activities. To economize does not mean that we will allow either neglect or indifference to mark the work of 1932. All our services must be kept at a maximum of efficiency, and in achieving this purpose I am confident of the good will and whole- hearted assistance of every department.
Work Done in the Years 1927-1931
To briefly summarize the activities during the years 1927-1931, but excluding all building construction, street widenings, grade crossing and water extension, I have appended to this statement a tabulation which I think will interest the Council and people of the city. It shows that our means have been generously expended for necessary and worthwhile improvements:
4
CITY OF QUINCY
1927
1928
1929
1930
1931 Miles
Totals
Miles
Miles
Miles
Miles
Miles
Accepted streets
7.89
6.55
3.10
4.76
3.01
25.31
Rebuilt streets
4.18
4.89
6.74
6.55
3.85
26.21
Granolithic walks ...
6.45
7.51
4.70
6.61
3.75
29.02
Amiesite or asphalt walks
1.30
6.46
2.40
16.63
8.24
35.03
Surface drains.
6.27
6.08
4.50
7.46
5.87
30.18
Sewers
5.12
7.55
6.06
5.27
5.02
29.02
Drainage
During the past few years considerable major drainage work has been done, and districts which were previously insufficiently drained are now well supplied with drainage systems. Complaints are, however, made from time to time because of the open water courses which flow through congested sections. I believe that this work should be done some time, but before undertaking such a stupendous problem, the city should thoroughly study the project, both in its engineering and cost phases. The work will be exceed- ingly expensive, and from present indications I see no value in considering a matter which must wait until the city is financially able to undertake a work which would absorb all the credit re- sources of the city.
Sewer Work at Squantum
For two years the city has been advancing the sewer construction at Squantum, and by next year the trunks and mains installed will furnish facilities to the most populous sections of this district. A pumping station is being built and by the fall of 1932 it should be possible to connect these districts with the main sewer. The work has been expensive because of the ledge and deep cuts in the low levels, but when next year's program is completed a district which has long been asking for sewers will be served.
New Streets
Of the new streets authorized in 1931 and the unfinished sched- ule of 1930, only four streets remain unfinished: Sherman, Pier- mont, Sachem and Taylor. The drainage work is completed in Sherman and Piermont, and the sewer and drainage will be in- stalled in Sachem Street as soon as working conditions permit.
Beale Street
The outstanding street development of the year was the widen- ing and construction of Beale Street, and a new bridge over the tracks of the New Haven. For many years this necessary improve- ment was held in abeyance, but last year seemed to be the time to do the work and thereby create a splendid wide thoroughfare from Hancock Street to Newport Avenue. A pleasing feature of the new street is the modern system of lighting, a feature which greatly enhances the beauty and utility of this business center.
The Grade Crossing
Under an agreement between the city, the State and the railroad, work on the elimination of the grade crossings was begun in Sep- tember. The contract for the changes at Quincy station and School Street was awarded to the Tredennick-Billings Company of Bos- ton, and this work will probably be finished this spring. Bids for the work which embraced the changes at Water Street, a new sta- tion and the widening and raising of the bridge at Granite Street, were included in proposals which were submitted late in Novem- ber. In the middle of December the Mayor was notified that be-
5
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
cause of financial reasons, the railroad would not award the con- tract and suggested that bids be returned. The city immediately objected to this and as a result of meetings in Boston, the consid- eration of the bids is postponed until March 1. The city will wait until that time before assuming that the terms of the agreement are not to be observed by all parties in interest.
While the work at Quincy.station was in progress, the city pro- posed to the railroad that it extend its parking area and also cede by gift or purchase a 10 foot strip along Upland Road for a wider street. From information which has been received I do not believe the railroad will part with any of its holdings. A wider Upland Road would be a boon to the center of the city, and I would sug- gest to the Council to take what is now a sidewalk on the railroad side and use it for street purposes exclusively. The foot travel is on the westerly side and if this strip should be taken a street of greater width and better lines could be made from Saville to Granite Street.
Schools
Since 1924 the city has built either as wholly new structures or as additions to old ones the following buildings: The Senior High School, opened in September of 1924; the North Junior High, opened in February of 1927, and the South Junior High, opened in September of the same year. In the years following, and including the authorization of 1931, two new buildings were erected in the Merrymount and Adams Shore sections, an addition to the Daniel . Webster, additions to the Montclair, Gridley Bryant, Adams, Quincy and the easterly wing of the North Junior High.
It would seem from this record that with the present slow in- crease in population that the city school needs had been satisfied. Congestion in the High School prompted the School Committee to decide to establish a high school in the North Quincy section, which when completed by the addition of the west wing will furnish ample high school facilities to those living north of Beale and Beach Streets. The east wing of the North Junior was opened the first of last year, and the present enrollment takes children in the tenth year of their school experience.
The Mayor received authority during the year to procure plans for this west wing, but as the resources of the city do not at pres- ent permit an adequate expenditure, this authorization has not been exercised. How soon we can undertake a capital expenditure of $400,000 depends largely on circumstances, and how much money may be allotted to other purposes. This phase of our problem will be discussed elsewhere, but I would recommend that as soon as means are available serious consideration should be given to this major school need. The grounds surrounding this school have been graded during the year, and the change in appearance has been a source of pleasure to the Mayor and to the people in that section of the city.
While the major school building undertaking will be the North Junior High addition, the Mayor feels that the Wollaston section must receive some consideration. An addition to the Wollaston School has been suggested, and additional school facilities are de- sired by those living in the comparatively new territory extending from Newport Avenue to the Parkway. It may be that the School Committee will endorse plans for these projects, but the proposal for the North Junior High is, because of its importance, the most essential school undertaking of the year. As it involves a large expenditure, it will seriously influence all other proposals for this ยท year.
6
CITY OF QUINCY
80
TOTAL
POPULATION
60
50
THOUSANDS
1916 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 1931
14
TOTAL
SCHOOL
MEMBERSHIP
13
12
10
9
8
.
7
1915 1916 16-17 17:18 18-19 19 20 2021 21 22 2223 23 24 2425 25 26 26 27 27 28 28 29 2930 1936 31
6
SCHOOL
CHILDREN
PER 1000 POPULATION
200
180
170
160
150
191 1916 16-17 17:18 18-19 19 20 20 21 21-22 22-23 23 24 24 25 25 26 2627 27 28 2829 29 30 193031
Population, 1931
74,923
School enrollment as of September 1931
14,339
School enrollment per 1000 of population
188
THOUSANDS
LCHILDREN
70
7
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
The Quincy City Hospital
Since 1925 very considerable additions have been made to the plant of the hospital. A nurses' home and maternity building were erected during 1925 and 1926, and in 1929 and 1931 a new medical and surgical building, and an addition to the operating rooms have been built. The grounds have also been graded. A new X-ray and hydro-therapy department has been added to the equip- ment, and with the increased facilities in the operaitng room, the hospital now takes its place as one of the best equipped institu- tions around Boston.
The bed capacity is now 218 beds and is probably adequate for some years to come. If means were at hand a new administration building would be a distinct advantage, but the actual efficiency of the institution will not be lessened if this and other improvements are delayed.
The Council authorized an expenditure of $13,500 for repairs during the year, and I am confident that the buildings will be put in good condition and a substantial balance left. With this balance and a further additional sum the city should install stokers. The smoke nuisance in a thickly-settled neighborhood is becoming acute, and the only solution seems to be the installation of stokers, which will minimize the smoke emission and also save fuel.
The Comfort Station
In 1931 the city provided $25,000 for a comfort station in Quincy center. The need of such a building is apparent to all who are acquainted with the conditions in the shopping district, but the quest for a suitable site has been baffling. A request was made of the New Haven to sell a portion of the lot at the corner of Granite Street and Upland Road, but so far no answer has been made to this specific proposal.
I believe that the location should be somewhere convenient to the shopping center, but site after site has been rejected as unsatis- factory. The new parking area on Granite Street has been sug- gested, but the obvious disadvantages of this choice have forced a survey of other places. As we have the funds necessary for the building, our next step will be the selection of a site. The city cannot afford to buy expensive land for this purpose and conse- quently the final choice must combine suitability and relatively cheap land.
The Welfare Department
Expenses in this department have been steadily mounting, and for the time being I see no relief for this continued outlay. The winter months will probably show an increase in cost, but as this is something which cannot be controlled, the city must meet the situation without complaint. If conditions should improve this cost will decrease, but present indications are that all cities must provide assistance for a long time to come.
New Playgrounds
While there has been some agitation for new playgrounds, I be- lieve that all consideration of such requests should be postponed to some other time. The proposals may have merit and may be necessary, but this year above all others is most inopportune for favorable action on these matters. The playgrounds at Montclair and at Hollis Avenue are not completed, and if we had the means these should be developed before new sites are purchased.
8
CITY OF QUINCY.
21
18
15
12
9
6
PERCENTAGE VARIATION OF TOTAL VALUATION
0
9
12
15
18
1916 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1931
130
120
110
100
90
80
70
60
-
40
TOTAL
REAL
VALUATION
10
8
6
4
C
1916 17 18 19
20
21
22
23 24
25 26
27
28 29 30 1931
SVOItIN
NEW CONSTRUCTION
Total valuation, real property, 1931 $121,267,450 Personal property valuation, 1931 $11,629,975
EXCLUDING NEW CONSTRUCTION
SNOITTIW
9
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
The Disposal of Refuse
A matter which will compel the attention of the city government at no remote time is an effective way to dispose of the refuse col- lections. Since 1927 the city has been using a quarry off Quarry Street, but the menace of fire and resulting smoke has been the cause of many complaints. For a time last summer all this refuse was used to fill up water holes in different sections of the city and later at Mount Wollaston Cemetery. At these places it was nec- essary to cover with gravel, but the cost of such prevented the continuation of the work at Mount Wollaston. This work at the cemetery has been resumed and by spring the depression in the easterly section will be entirely filled. Thus, the two-fold purpose of disposing of refuse and making excellent fill at the cemetery was achieved. These means do not, however, meet the increasing difficulty of finding a suitable way to dispose of rubbish, and by 1933 the city will be compelled to install an incinerator or find a place outside the city for dumpage. If the city does decide next year to erect an incinerator, provision must be made for the care of garbage. The city is now selling this to persons outside Quincy, but the time is not far distant when it will be impossible to dis- pose of it by sale.
Property Assessments
Property values were reduced last year by a little more than eight and one-half million dollars. In 1930 a reduction was also made on property which was over-assessed. Values are, however, still too high. Neither my own nor previous administrations are wholly to blame for these extravagant estimates which had been put upon Quincy property. Since 1920 and up to 1929, the city had been under the spell of rampant speculation in real property values and quite naturally assessments reflected this inflation. Our tax rate and our expenditures were based on these estimates, but now that the readjustment has brought property to something approaching actual worth, the city must recognize the situation by a further revision of assessments. My own opinion is that a low valuation and a rate sufficient to meet all obligations, even though this rate exceeds $30 per thousand, is a better method of raising revenue than by a low rate based on values that fluctuate with the changes in conditions. The speculation in Quincy values has not been wholesome, but now that the change has come we may expect the city to raise its income from property properly valued, and at the same time not increase the total tax bill to the property owner. To accomplish this brings us directly to the necessity of keeping expenses down to the lowest point. No relief to property can be had unless the costs of government are reduced.
Tax and Other Collections
The Mayor is forced to again call attention to poor tax collec- tions. Out of a total levy of over four million dollars, approxi- mately two million four hundred thousand dollars were collected up to December 31. This is the usual 60 per cent. Probably condi- tions are much better in Quincy than they are in other cities, but evidently we must continue to show the poorest record among the cities. The city's credit is now at stake, and this cannot be jeop- ardized by insufficient tax receipts. The matter assumes a new importance this year. because of the reluctance of banks to loan to cities with unsatisfactory records.
In December last we were forced to renew a note for $100,000. Our usual sources were closed and it was with difficulty that the loan was made. The rate of interest was 5.57 per cent. Our rate
.
10
CITY OF QUINCY
UNDER 5000 6159
5000-10000
6799
10000-15000 844
15000-20000 260
20000 AND OVER 566
TOTAL TAXPAYERS ~ 14,628 88.5% UNDER#10,000
1
1931 REAL ESTATE TAXPAYERS
40
35
3.0
25
TAX
RATE
15
1916 17 18 19 20 2 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1931 55
50
45
DOLLARS
PER
CAPITA COST OF GOVERNMENT
35
30
1917 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1931
TAX RATE
1917
$25.60
1922
$36.20
1927
$27.20
1918
24.20
1923.
28.40
1928
26.80
1919
28.00
1924
27.00
1929
28.40
1920
32.20
1925
27.00
1930
28.00
1921
36.40
1926
27.60
1931
30.80
DOLLARS PER THOUSAND
20
40
11
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
for the year on all temporary loans did not average 2 per cent. The banks are exacting their tribute from those communities which do not collect their levies. The 40 per cent who do not pay are therefore directly responsible for the large temporary loan which we float every year, and are this year imposing an additional pen- alty on those who do pay, through the excessive interest rates which we will be compelled to pay.
This tax indebtedness must be met. The city has coming due this year $1,300,000 in temporary notes, with maturities in every month up to August. This whole note issue should have been paid before December 31, last year, but because we are remiss in our collections more than half of the total issue is carried into 1932. We may be unable to float the 1932 issue in whole, and if we do, we may expect to pay an exceptionally heavy interest charge.
I am forced to warn delinquent owners that an early sale of property will be forced this year, rather than run the risk of dam- aging the credit or good name of the city.
Tax and Other Collections
It is not only in tax collections, but in other accounts that the city is carrying an excessive amount of unpaid bills. Despite our best efforts many of these bills remain unpaid, particularly in the hospital account. Evidently, many people assume that service in this institution is free and that they are under no obligation to pay the charges. The hospital is free to those who are unable to pay but need skillful care, but to those who can pay the city ex- pects payment. In such cases the municipality will do its best to close the accounts against people who are in arrears.
Many of the unpaid hospital accounts are due from non-residents who were involved in accidents. The law allows no suit against awards, and consequently these accounts remain unpaid. I am pleased to note that a bill has been introduced in this year's Legis- lature which will guarantee that hospitals and nurses will get paid for their services in these cases.
New Income for Cities
It is probable that the Legislature will this year consider addi- tional revenue for cities and towns. A growing and well-founded impression is that real estate, particularly in the cities, has been bearing too much of the burden and that relief from other sources must be obtained. Many proposals have been advanced, but so far none has met with sufficient support to get legislative sanction. The problems of all cities are such, however, that it may be ex- pected that some relief will be granted, which should be applied to the relief of real estate. A new proposal to further increase the gas tax allowance to municipalities meets with favor as a just con- tribution to the communities which are carrying the full burden of education, welfare and health work, recreational facilities and the many other activities that have become commonplaces of our municipal life.
Last year the city, in its relation to the State in the matter of income and outgo, found itself a debtor to the extent of $29,242.77. In 1930 the State paid the city over and above our payments the sum of $111,156.92. The outlook for 1932 is that there will be a further decrease in State income, which in turn will have to be made up by the taxpayers.
Our ratio of debt to real property values is 4.67 per cent. This ratio is not so unsatisfactory when we compare some other ratios, but in a city where real property values are not increasing in a very appreciable amount, it is not safe to add to this percentage.
12
CITY OF QUINCY
Last year the total levy on real estate and personal property was in the aggregate $4,051,814.83, or a per capita cost based on a popula- tion of 74,000 of $54.75. If we take the total present debt we find that the per capita cost is $76.58. These figures are presented because they give an index of the tendency to increase municipal costs and are a warning that this tendency must be curbed until there is a decided improvement in our sources of income."
Debt Statement
The total debt on January 1, 1927, was $5,078,000. The total debt on January 1, 1932, is $5,667,500, an increase of $589,500 in the five years or an average increase of debt of $117,900. The larger part of this increase is due mostly to the new school con- struction, although due allowance must be made for the big street construction work, and for three major street widening and con- struction projects: Beale, South and Sea Streets. A statement of the whole debt is here given.
Total funded debt of the city, January 1, was $5,947,000.00. During the year this was reduced by payments as follows: City debt within limit $445,000 00
Sewer debt within limit
68,000 00
OUTSIDE DEBT LIMIT
Sewer
$19,500 00
Water
127,000 00
City Hospital
21,000 00
Schools
54,000 00
South Junior High School.
30,000 00
Government School
16,000 00
Montclair and Houghs Neck School
14,000 00
North Junior High School
14,000 00
Southern Artery
31,000 00
$839,500 00
The funded debt during the year has been increased as follows:
WITHIN THE DEBT LIMIT
Sewer
$70,000 00
Streets
175,000 00
Land loans
140,000 00
Schools
125,000 00
OUTSIDE DEBT LIMIT
Water
50,000 00
$560,000 00
The funded debt of the city is as follows:
School buildings
$2,476,000 00
Water
660,000 00
Sewer
551,000 00
Drains
131,000 00
Hospital building
491,000 00
Fire
20,000 00
Police
40,000 00
Streets
1,050,500 00
Land
140,000 00
Cemetery
2,000 00
Southern Artery loan
106,000 00
$5,667,500 00
13
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
WHAT CAN WE SPEND IN 1932?
Even in a year when every capital expenditure should be closely scrutinized, the city is forced to make some allowances for expen- ditures which perhaps cannot be delayed. These include the addi- tion to the North Junior High and the completion of the sewer work at Squantum and other sections of the city. In 1931 we de- creased the debt by over a quarter of a million dollars, and my purpose was to effect a similar saving this year. With the taxable values growing at a very small rate, there is no other course open to us than to lessen the debt burden, and consequently I feel that expenditures should be confined to those things which are neces- sary, and all other matters dropped for the present.
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