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THOMAS CRANE PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1641 0097 6828 8
THOMAS CRANE PUBLIC LIBRARY QUINCY, MASS.
CITY APPROPRIATION
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2016 with funding from Boston Public Library
https://archive.org/details/inauguraladdress 1961quin
City of Quincy Massachusetts
162 MAN
QUINCY 1886
ANNUAL CITY REPORT 1961
This annual report is prepared under the direction of the Mayor
Credit Pictures marked "TPL" are by courtesy of The Patriot Ledger
Table of Contents
SECTION ONE - Historic Quincy
Page
QUINCY, U.S.A.
4
PREFACE 5
THE MAYOR 6
MESSAGE OF THE MAYOR 7
11
DIRECTORY OF CITY OFFICIALS
12
SECTION TWO- Municipal Department
THE CITY CLERK
16
BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS 16
17
PLANNING BOARD
17
WELFARE DEPARTMENT
18
PARK COMMISSION
21
PURCHASING DEPARTMENT
22
CEMETERY BOARD OF MANAGERS
22
POLICE DEPARTMENT
23
FIRE DEPARTMENT
29
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
32
QUINCY CITY HOSPITAL
39
RECREATION COMMISSION
41
VETERANS' SERVICES
44
THOMAS CRANE PUBLIC LIBRARY
45
MANAGERS OF HISTORICAL PLACES
46
CIVIL DEFENSE
47
QUINCY HOUSING AUTHORITY
48
QUINCY RETIREMENT BOARD
53
BUILDING INSPECTION
54
WIRE INSPECTION
55
PLUMBING INSPECTION
56
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
QR
56
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
58
MUNICIPAL ELECTION
352 60
PUBLIC WORKS
QUA
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
63
STREET CONSTRUCTION
1961. 63
SANITARY DIVISION
64
ENGINEERING DIVISION
64
SEWER DIVISION
67
WATER DIVISION
68
SECTION THREE - Financial Statistics
AUDITOR OF ACCOUNTS
71
COLLECTOR OF TAXES
80
TREASURER
88
BOARD OF ASSESSORS
101
d
City of Quincy
-
2
THE CITY COUNCIL
PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT
Section One
HISTORIC
QUINCY
Junior High School students participating in Govern- ment Day program simulate a run to a fire on an aerial ladder with Tillerman AL DiRADO as their tutor.
BEPX
-
TPL FOTO
QUINCY, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A. 1625-1962
THE QUINCY OF YESTERDAY
Explored by Captain John Smith, 1614
Visited by Captain Myles Standish, 1621 Settled by Captain Wollaston, 1625 Incorporated as part of Braintree, 1640
Incorporated as a separate town, 1792 Chartered as a city, 1888
Birthplace of John Adams, John Quincy Adams, John Hancock
THE QUINCY OF TODAY
Population - federal census - 87,409
Population of trading area - 350,000 Six miles from heart of Boston Twenty-six miles of waterfront Nationally famous off-street parking facilities
Assessed valuation 1961 -$179,778,900
Value of building permits - $3,955,781 Value of residential construction - $966,406 New single family homes 1961 -61 Home of great Fore River shipyard
Home of first railroad in America Home of first productive iron works in America Tax Rate 1961 -$75.60
City of Quincy
4
PREFACE
This is the story of municipal government in the City of Quincy during the year of 1961. It is told with words, pictures and figures. In this report the people of Quincy can find out how their tax money was spent by the officials they chose to represent them.
So long as the citizen knows what his government is doing, and has the power to change his elected officials when they ignore the mandate of the electorate, his freedom is secure.
That is the American Way.
Annual Report
- 5
THE MAYOR
/ T) =
Honorable AMELIO DELLA CHIESA Mayor of Quincy 1954-1963
Ward Councilor 1944-1949 Councilor at Large 1950-1957 Council President 1948 State Representative 1953-1962
Courtesy Blackwell Studio, Quincy
City of Quincy
6 -
THE MAYOR'S MESSAGE
During the past few years the City of Quincy has been and is still engaged in a very extensive and comprehensive building program.
During 1961, the city of Quincy contracted for and constructed eight streets under the betterment act at a cost of $67,229.85. Forty- seven streets and three intersections were re- surfaced under contract at a cost of $88,602.50.
Belmont and Coe Streets were reconstructed under contract at a cost of $9,582.25. Eighteen streets were lined with curbing under contract at a total cost for labor and material of $49,589.46.
Chapter 90 Contracts
The asphalt sidewalks were replaced with con- crete in front of three churches on Hancock Street and Glover Avenue, School Street and Franklin Street.
Under Chapter 90, contracts were awarded by the city and state for the widening and recon- struction of Quarry Street, at a total cost of $401,743.78. Of this amount, the city will con- tribute $136,525.15, plus the cost of land damages, the state $176,805.76 and the county $88,402.87.
Some 175 trees were planted throughout the city at a cost of $2,450. Our work in removal of diseased trees continued at a cost of $9,677. The contract for the construction of the new gymnasium and alterations to the existing structure at North Quincy High School was awarded at a cost of $290,500. The total cost on the project including land damages will amount to over $400,000. Additions and alterations to the school department offices amounted to $35,025. Landscaping at our hospital amounted to $6,098.
City Workers
In addition to what has already been men- tioned, our own city workers have installed some 60 sidewalks, made important street widenings, installed water mains in some 24 streets, sani- tary sewers in some 16 projects, as well as 28 storm drains projects at a total cost of $389,- 141.59.
Several traffic signs and pedestrian lights were installed in various locations and street inter- sections for the safety of children attending schools.
Twenty-six thousand, five hundred dollars was transferred from the water reserve account to purchase new fire fighting equipment which was assigned to the Squantum fire station to replace an older piece of apparatus.
Cemeteries
Since the inception of the Board of Managers of Public Burial Places considerable improve- ments have been made at the three city-owned cemeteries.
At Mount Wollaston, some 75 trees and stumps have been removed, 113 bushes were planted in the new section "R," the old office building has been demolished, 1,500 copies of the original Mount Wollaston map were printed and distrib- uted to people. As a guide in locating their lots, new shingles were installed on the roof of the existing office building.
Demolish Old Gate
Some 62 cast aluminum signs with polished letters and dark green background were installed in addition to 33 section signs of similar design.
The old gate at the Sea Street entrance was demolished and a new entrance installed. Many of the streets within the cemetery itself were re- surfaced. A chain link fence was erected along Longwood Road.
A new heating system was installed in the new garage and a ladies' room and a men's room was constructed in the same building.
At the Hancock Street Cemetery, old trees were cut down, a new chain link fence installed, two search lights were placed on City Hall, aimed at the entire cemetery and all the walks were resurfaced with black top.
At the Hall Place Cemetery, trees and stumps were removed, a new link fence installed and the old fence was repainted with a coat of aluminum enamel.
As you know, available space at the Mount Wollaston Cemetery has just about been ex- hausted. With this in mind, a bill was intro- duced in the Legislature by your mayor, asking that some 45 acres of land off Granite Street in the Blue Hills be turned over to the city of Quincy for burial. Borings are presently being taken in this area as a preliminary to final dis- position of this measure. It is hoped that favor- able action will be taken some time this year.
Education Costs Rise
The tentative budget for the School Depart- ment amounts to $6,892,244 - or an increase over
Annual Report
7
last year's figure of approximately $222,245. In the past eight years, 1953 to 1961, the percentage of the tax dollar spent on education in Quincy jumped 87 percent, while the percentage required for conducting all other municipal services has increased only 30 percent.
In 1953, with a $50.80 tax rate, $16.38 was spent on schools, and $34.42 on other municipal services. Last year, with a $75.60 tax rate, $30.65 was for schools and $44.92 for other services.
This year, I filed legislation requesting that a committee of the Massachusetts General Court be appointed to study the increased costs of public school education and its effect upon the tax and rent payers in the state.
I don't know just what can be done about it - but, I feel a study should be made to ascer- tain if there isn't some way to lessen this ever- mounting expense on real estate. Under Massa- chusetts law, cities and towns through local taxation on real estate must assume the entire cost of educating 192,000 school children in the five-to-six year old bracket and 84 percent of those from seven to 16.
Only three states in the country provide such low state aid for education, some states assume from 32 to as high as 84 percent of the cost.
New Incinerator
Perhaps the most noteworthy step that will be taken by your government this year is the awarding of a contract to the engineering firm of Metcalf and Eddy for the planning of a new incinerator plant to be erected off Quarry Street at an estimated cost of $1,485,000. From many meetings and consultations with representatives of the above-mentioned firm, it appears that a circular type incinerator is best suited to our needs; is less costly and the least likely to break down.
However, the engineering firm that will be employed has been instructed by your mayor to solicit price estimates on various types before the plans and specifications are drawn up.
As your mayor, please believe me when I say that it is virtually impossible to reduce taxes by trying to reduce the cost of government. As an example of what I mean, the salary item alone in the 1961 budget was some $1,451,000 more than it was during the year 1960. Pensions will in- crease from $578,760 in 1961 to $658,618 in 1962.
The step-rate salary increases in the school budget will amount to approximately $142,000 in this year's budget. The only alternative is to increase and broaden the tax base by new construction : industrial, commercial and mul- tiple dwellings.
Quincy, like many other communities is faced with a lack of suitable plots of land for two, three and four family houses. The only way to
overcome this deficiency is for Quincy to encour- age, rather than discourage highrise apartments. Unless measures are taken in this direction, there is very little hope of maintaining a reasonable tax rate.
Ideally Suited
The proposed three million dollar high-rise apartment project in North Quincy is certainly a step in the right direction. The particular area of land selected as a possible site for this development seems to be ideally suited in every way. The proposed apartments would replace what is now an unsightly swamp into a tax pro- ducing enterprise. Properly landscaped with spacious parking facilities, this section could very well become one of the most attractive areas in the city.
I, personally, wish to go on record as being in favor of not only these, but other high-rise luxury apartments, in comparably suitable sec- tions of our city. Quincy is growing up! Sooner or later we must face reality and recognize not only the need but the desirability of multiple- story apartment houses as a means of maintain- ing a reasonable tax rate.
New Fire Station
Due to the rather dangerous condition of the 30 year-old Atlantic fire station and the fact that it is settling, the city has commited itself to the construction of a new station on the site of the present structure. It is estimated that the cost of the new building will be approxi- mately $150,000.
Thecity of Quincy plans to acquire some additional adjoining land at a nominal fee, thereby insuring sufficient area for a most modern and up-to-date structure.
New Library
The city of Quincy is presently negotiating the purchase of a plot of land opposite the Sacred Heart Church, as a most suitable site for a new branch library. It was originally planned to have this building erected without land cost on a portion of the North Quincy High School grounds. This idea was necessarily abandoned when the School Committee declined to give up the land.
Preliminary plans for this building seem to indicate a beautiful structure that will not only enhance the general appearance of this section of our city, but will offer opportunities for young and old alike to pursue the cultural and educational facilities that good libraries have to offer. Someone once said that the true uni- versity these days is a good collection of books.
May this particular branch library serve as an example of what I hope will be established in other parts of the city as the need arises and funds are available.
City of Quincy
8
Hospital Addition
During the coming year, the contract for extending and enlarging the Quincy City Hos- pital will be awarded to the successful bidder. Designed by Coletti Brothers, this new addition, including the most modern and up-to-date facili- ties in X-ray, nursery and special care services, will make our hospital one of the most complete institutions of its kind in the state.
Staffed by competent administrators, doctors, nurses, technicians, aides, maintenance workers and all others engaged in taking care of the sick, our hospital can rightfully be proud of its impressive record in the past, and its hope for even greater service in the future.
It is anticipated that the total cost of these worthwhile and necessary additions will amount to $1,190,000 to be financed by borrowing $750,000 - $400,000 under the Hill-Burton Act and the transfer of $40,000 from available funds.
Transportation
The people of Quincy, in a recent referendum, indicated in no uncertain terms, their opposition to establishing a rapid transit type transporta- tion system from Braintree, connecting with the Metropolitan Transit Authority at Savin Hill Station, with a portion of any deficit to be assessed on the taxpayers of Quincy. They did, however, approve a diesel or Budd Car system to run over the now abandoned Old Colony tracks from South Station to Braintree - by a 13,315 to 11,533 vote with a portion of any deficit to be assessed the taxpayers of Quincy.
This action, although indicative of the type transportation desired, does not alter the fact that from all studies presented to date, mass transportation along the South Shore will prove to be a costly and expensive venture.
Personally, I have always been cognizant of the fact that the economic security of this whole area could very readily be dependent to a great extent upon a well-run and basically sound system of modern passenger and freight service in and out of Boston.
40-Year Bond Issue
The acceptance of what the people voted for, namely the inauguration of a Budd Car system at the least possible cost, or, may I add, deficit, or the installation of the rapid transit system as provided in the act passed by the legislature last year, will involve a 40-year bond issue that must be guaranteed by the tax-payers of Quincy and the other communities.
On Aug. 23, 1961, federal Judge Robert P. Anderson denied Massachusetts' request for permission to exercise its option for purchase of the New Haven Railroad's Old Colony line.
In a memorandum filed on the same day with the United States District Court, Judge Ander- son said : "This does not preclude the possibility that a future option can be exercised." He said the option would be continued, but the future status remains to be decided.
Judge Anderson ruled that creation of the South Shore Transportation District to run a rapid transit system between Boston and Brain- tree was not enough to exercise the option. He said the transportation district set up to pur- chase the Old Colony is not "fully committed" to a reasonable mass rapid transit system. Quot- ing from Judge Anderson's decision on the rail option relative to the South Shore Transporta- tion District : "To invoke its powers, the Com- monwealth must commit itself to some reason- able plan for the transportation of passengers and appropriate adequate money to finance the establishment of it.
4 Towns Responsible
"An agency of the Commonwealth such as an authority or a commission must be empowered and directed to carry out the plan and operate the passenger service. The act, however, simply creates and empowers an independent authority to operate a rapid transit system. But the Com- monwealth does not by the act itself adopt any reasonable plan or direct the authority to carry one out.
"Moreover, it casts the entire financial re- sponsibility for establishing, and operating what- ever system might be instituted upon four of its towns. The provision for a bond issue, de- signed to pay for the project, expressly states that the bonds 'shall not be deemed to constitute a debt of the Commonwealth, nor a pledge of the faith and credit of the Commonwealth.'
"The general impression to be gained from this legislation is that it is an effort by the Commonwealth to farm out a step-child, of which it is not excessively fond, and to leave its support to others."
Something Wrong
Judge Robert P. Anderson said that some- thing appears to be wrong when he was informed of Governor Volpe's concern about Massachu- setts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New York, with their millions of inhabitants, being asked to guarantee a $15,000,000 loan to the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad. Yet, four comparatively small communities, Quincy, Braintree, Weymouth and Hingham are expected to support a $15,000,000 rapid transit system en- tirely on its own.
Atty. Gen. Edward J. McCormack, Jr. ruled that the legislation passed last year will have to
Annual Report
9
be returned to the Massachusetts General Court to correct certain "defects in the law."
In passing, I feel duty bound, however, to mention the fact that the serious plight of all railroads in America has finally stirred our United States Congress to action. At the mo- ment, a special committee headed by Sen. George A. Smathers of Florida, is making a complete and critical study of how the federal govern- ment can be of assistance to the railroads if they are to exist.
Only a few days ago, Mr. Patrick McGinnis of the Boston and Maine Railroad stated that, in all probability, all passenger service in the state of Maine would, through lack of patronage, be necessarily eliminated. Since 1955, the daily passenger count in that state has dropped from some 35,000 passengers to less than 8,000.
Perhaps it would be the better part of wisdom to await the recommendations of this committee before any definite action is taken in this most complex and controversial project.
Quincy's Share
Quincy's share of maintaining the Norfolk County Hospital amounts to $228,000 each year. Due to legislation passed by the Massachusetts General Court, transferring the hospital to the state, Quincy's assessment starting Jan. 1, 1963, will be reduced by approximately $100,000 per annum.
On July 6, 1961, the Metropolitan District Commissioners voted approval of the proposed artificial ice skating rink in the St. Moritz area of West Quincy, and ordered engineers to pre- pare plans and specifications immediately. The rink should be in operation this year.
The MDC also expects to undertake a large $600,000 project early this year. It includes widening of the William T. Morrissey Boulevard from West Squantum Street to Black's Creek from 40 to 60 feet, construction of a 10-foot promenade and parking facilities. The over-all project also calls for replacing all MDC drains along the boulevard and extending the two big 24-inch drain pipes about 150 feet into the water to prevent clogging by sand.
Important Factor
Before closing, may I summarize my remarks with a few pertinent thoughts on the general picture as it affects our city.
First, I am sure that you will agree with me that our capital improvement program is one of the most important factors in making Quincy a better city. Quincy has good schools, libraries, hospital facilities, parks, shopping and parking areas, streets, sidewalks and other facilities that make our community attractive, not only to those who live here, but to those who might be looking for a place to make their home or establish a place of business.
Bonded Indebtedness
As of Jan. 1, 1962, the bonded indebtedness was $11,212,000 plus the authorized loans of $1,440,000 for the construction of the incin- erator and $750,000 for the second addition to the Quincy City Hosipital or a total debt for bonds already issued and authorized of $13,402,- 000. This amount will be reduced during the year by the retirement of $1,146,000 debt pay- ments, making the indebtedness of Jan. 1, 1963, $12,256,000.
Normal construction in the Public Works Department, plus the construction of the new library and the new fire station will necessitate additional borrowing of approximately $650,000.
Quincy saved more than $17,000 last year through a reduction in interest rates on short time municipal borrowing. Up to June 1, 1960, Quincy was obligated for interest charges of $42,989 on a borrowing of $3,250,000 in anticipa- tion of revenue.
During the same period last year, Quincy borrowed $3,500,000 with interest charges of $25,487 due to a fall in rates for this type of borrowing. The last borrowing in anticipation of taxes was for $500,000 and carried an interest rate of 1.2 percent.
Quincy has done well. It must continue to press ahead if it is to maintain its long tradition of being an excellent city in which to live and work.
City of Quincy
10
THE QUINCY CITY COUNCIL 1961-1962
-
7
1
Front Row: left to right: John J. Quinn, Carl W. Anderson, President William C. Ellis, David S. McIntosh, Charles L. Shea;
Rear Row: George B. McDonald, George G. Burke, James S. McCormack, Joseph J. LaRaia.
Chairman of standing committees of the city council: Finance, Councilors Burke, Anderson; Ordinances, Councilor LaRaia; Public Works, Councilor McDonald; Public Safety, Councilor Anderson; Public Health, Hospital and Welfare, Councilor McIntosh; Veterans Service, Councilor Quinn; Pensions, Councilor Shea; Public Parks and Recreation, Councilor Burke ; Libraries and Historical Places, Councilor McCormack; Land Conveyances, Councilor McIntosh.
Annual Report
11
DIRECTORY OF CITY OFFICIALS
(Elected by the Voters)
HON. AMELIO DELLA CHIESA, Mayor
CITY COUNCIL
WILLIAM C. ELLIS, President
CARL W. ANDERSON
GEORGE G. BURKE JOSEPH J. LaRAIA
GEORGE B. McDONALD
JAMES S. McCORMACK DAVID S. McINTOSH
JOHN J. QUINN
CHARLES L. SHEA
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
AMELIO DELLA CHIESA, Chairman, ex-officio
A. WENDELL CLARK, Vice Chairman CHARLES DJERF
JAMES F. McCORMICK, SR.
EDWARD S. MANN ALICE MITCHELL CHARLES T. SWEENY
(Appointed by the school committee) Superintendent of schools PAUL GOSSARD
(Appointed by the City Council)
City Auditor ALEXANDER SMITH City Clerk JOHN M. GILLIS
Assistant City Clerk THOMAS R. BURKE
Clerk of Committees PERCY N. LANE
(Appointed by the Mayor)
Executive Secretary . EDWARD T. LEWIS City Solicitor DOUGLAS A. RANDALL Assistant City Solictor STEPHEN T. KEEFE, JR. Commissioner of Public Works
CHARLES R. HERBERT
Director of Civil Defense . WALTER C. FULLER Director of Veterans' Service . . WILLIAM VILLONE
City Historian WILLIAM C. EDWARDS
Director of Hospital DR. JOSEPH P. LEONE
Harbor Master KENNETH YOERGER
Health Commissioner
DR. RICHARD M. ASH
Purchasing Agent
THOMAS V. MORRISSEY
Shellfish Constable
CARMELLO MOREALE
Treasurer and Collector
THOMAS J. SHEERIN
Board of Assessors
WILLIAM J. CALLAHAN, Chairman ARNOLD O. EASTMAN JOHN J. HANNON
(Selected through Civil Service)
Building Inspector
ALRICK A. WEIDMAN
Commissioner of Welfare
ANTHONY J. VENNA
Director of Planning JAMES E. LEE Fire Chief THOMAS F. GORMAN
Police Chief
. WILLIAM FERRAZZI
Sealer of Weights and Measures HENRY H. HUGHES
Superintendent of Cemetery ARTHUR W. DRAKE Superintendent of Engineering HENRY F. NILSEN Superintendent of Forestry .. A. WARREN STEWART
Superintendent of Highways AMBROSE IGO
Superintendent of Sewers
PATRICK TYMON
Superintendent of Water Division
ROBERT BARRY
Wire Inspector
WILLIAM PITTS
Plumbing Inspector
JOHN F. HAGERTY
Director of Recreation
WILLIAM F. RYAN
Personnel Director
KENNETH GARDNER
BOARDS
ADAMS TEMPLE AND SCHOOL FUND
(Board of Managers)
AMELIO DELLA CHIESA, ex-officio THOMAS J. SHEERIN, ex-officio WILLIAM C. EDWARDS, Clerk MELVIN THORNER WILLIAM C. ELLIS
12 - City of Quincy
DIRECTORY OF CITY OFFICIALS
(Board of Supervisors)
CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS, Chairman THOMAS S. BURGIN ROBERT M. FAXON DR. MORGAN SARGENT WILLIAM C. EDWARDS, Clerk
BOARD OF APPEALS, BUILDING
JOHN J. GALLAGHER, Chairman JAMES R. HANLON HARRY PAVAN ROBERT S. BOOTH, Alternate
BOARD OF APPEALS, ZONING
GEORGE J. KILDUFF, Chairman WALTER H. HOLLAND JOHN H. FALLON WILLIAM H. COUCH, Alternate IVAR LOFGREN, Alternate NICHOLAS BARBADORO, Alternate HENRY F. NILSEN, Clerk
MANAGERS OF HISTORICAL PLACES
D. FOSTER TAYLOR, Chairman GEORGE L. ANDERSON MRS. GEORGE H. BONSALL MILDRED L. TYLER WILLIAM P. FARRAR WILLIAM C. EDWARDS, Historian
BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS
THOMAS F. GORMAN, Chairman DR. RICHARD M. ASH WILLIAM FERRAZZI ALRICK A. WEIDMAN JOHN M. GILLIS
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