USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1908 > Part 1
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OM
ILLE
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FOUNDED 1842
1872.
A CITY STRENGTH
SHEJ
ESTABLI
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GIVES
EE
SOMERV
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MUNICIPAL
1
CITY OF SOMERVILLE
MASSACHUSETTS
ANNUAL REPORTS
1908
With Mayor's Inaugural Address Delivered Jan. 4, 1909
GIVE,
SOMERVILLE
FREEL
FOUNDED 1842
NAI
MUNICIPAL
842. ESTABLI
ED
A CITY 1872. STRENGT
HI
SOMERVILLE JOURNAL PRINT
1909
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
DELIVERED BY
MAYOR JOHN M. WOODS
MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 1909.
Gentlemen of the Board of Aldermen :-
As a city, we have abundant reasons for rendering devout thanks to Almighty God for all the blessings of the past, and the good hopes for the future. Pestilence has not come nigh our dwellings, nor dire disaster injured us in body or estate. Busi- ness depression, that made labor unemployed and incomes de- crease, apparently has for a season departed, and we begin to see and hear the rising tide of returning prosperity. Verily, our lines have fallen in pleasant places, and we have a goodly heritage.
First, I desire to publicly thank Mayor Grimmons, and ail the heads of departments and city officials, for their kindness and willingness to assist me in every way possible, and the city messenger for his thoughtful care and interest in my behalf.
The financial condition of the city, containing statements of the funded debt, value of public property, facts in relation to taxation, revenue, comparative tables, etc., which are a part of this address, I shall omit the reading of, as they will be printed, and every citizen can study and compare them at his con- venience.
The time between the election and inauguration of a new mayor is too short to make but little more than a superficial in- vestigation of the various departments of our city. I have care- fully considered all the suggestions and recommendations sub-
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
mitted to me by the heads of departments. Many of them I should be glad to recommend for your consideration, but having in mind the high tax rate and that every dollar spent comes out of the pockets of the people, it does not seem wise to recom- mend anything that shall suggest any new, large expenditure of money ; but rather that the strictest economy should be exer- cised, consistent with correct business principles-economy without parsimony, taking good care of what we have. A debt is never a blessing, and interest is a constant drain. Believing it wise that a larger reduction of the debt should be made each year, it seems to me the only safe way is to "cut our garment according to our cloth," limiting our expenditures to our actual needs. I am aware that it is not the most pleasant thing for the head of a household, city, state, or nation to urge economy ; but, nevertheless, it becomes, in many instances, absolutely neces- sary, for the solvency and security of all, that it not only be preached, but practiced.
Highways.
Our side streets are mostly in a fairly good condition, but the main thoroughfares; as a whole, are in a condition that is but little short of a disgrace to the city. I recommend that a con- prehensive and systematic beginning be made to put them in first-class condition ; side and short streets can, and must, as a rule, wait. In this connection I earnestly request all our busi- ness men and women and householders to see that no rubbish or litter is thrown into the street. In the language of old, if each one will build over against his own house, not only take pride in his or her store or dwelling, but in the street in front, it will not only be a pleasure to our own citizens to walk or ride in our own streets, but those from the outside will go through our city instead of around it, as many of them do now.
Police Department.
A large number of our citizens share with me in the belief that this department needs a thorough house-cleaning to bring it up to the proper standard of efficiency and discipline. presume the department will compare in its personnel with others in the commonwealth, but that is not enough. What the department needs, and must have, is an efficient head, a man of experience, ability, and courage ; one who will perform his own duty in letter and spirit, and see to it that every man under him
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MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
does the same. In no department of our city is it more neces- sary than in the police department that every man should be of the highest personal character. They are the men to whom we look to enforce the laws of the commonwealth and ordinances of the city, and to protect the lives and property of all the people.
Fire Department.
From all the information I am able to obtain, there does not appear to be that discipline that is necessary to render the best service to the city. I shall endeavor to make a careful investi- gation of the conditions existing, and remedy the defects, if any be found. I believe the city is well protected as far as engine houses and apparatus are concerned.
City Engineer's Department.
The city engineer has submitted to me a most complete report of the department under his charge, replete with valuable information, and containing many suggestions worthy of careful consideration, one of which appeals strongly to me-to increase the usefulness of the parks and playgrounds of the city, not only for the benefit of adults, but for the children. I am interested in the boys and girls of our city, that they may grow up strong and vigorous in body as well as in mind and character. There is an education in the soil that neither books nor schools can supply.
Other Departments.
The city clerk's and treasurer's offices appear to be in good condition and well managed, as do also the public buildings and water departments.
Electric Lines and Lights Department.
From what I have learned about this department, it needs a new head for the best interests of the city.
Schools.
In approaching this subject, I am aware that probably my views will not meet with general approval, especially from edu- cators. They are the result not of experience in and with the schools, but rather with the product of the schools. It has long been my firm conviction that the schools are trying to do too
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
much, and quality is being sacrificed for quantity. Use, not ornament, it seems to me, should be the settled purpose. In the language of Spencer, "The function which education has to dis- charge is to prepare us for complete living." I shall, at the proper time, try to put my views in concrete form before the school board, and if they have any merit, hope for their adop- tion.
Public Library.
The public library, under the management of its skilled and able librarian, is fulfilling its mission in the highest and best sense.
Poor Department.
The poor department appears to be managed wisely and well.
Assessors' Department.
There is a feeling amongst some of our tax-payers that there are inequalities in the assessment of real estate, that some sections and some of the older properties are quite a per cent. above what they could be sold for under the most favorable con- ditions, or will yield a fair return on the investment. The tax bill is more important than the tax rate. The law says property should be assessed at a fair cash valuation; if some property is assessed five or ten per cent. more than it ought to be, an in- justice is being done, and we are paying state, county, and metropolitan systems taxes on what we have not got. I would most respectfully ask the board of assessors to give this matter their careful and thoughtful attention, and also request our honorable senator and representatives in the legislature to give the closest scrutiny to all appropriation bills. The state tax is a large drain on our resources.
Trees.
Nothing adds more to the health, beauty, and comfort of our city than well-kept trees. Our soil is adapted to the growth of nearly all of the native New England hardwoods. It is time and money wasted to set out trees along our streets unless they are properly cared for. Young trees require moisture until they have taken root, and they and all trees should be pruned by those who know how to do it properly, so that they shall be sym- metrical in shape and not injured. All tree pests should be well
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MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
looked after before the leafy season arrives. There are in our city many vacant lots and waste places, unsightly to the eye, doing no one any good, that ought to be utilized and beautified. I had hoped to have sufficient data from other cities that are doing something in this line to present some definite plan for your consideration, and I hope before spring opens to further investigate this matter, and find out what the city officially can do in this direction.
Lowell Street Bridge.
I confidently hope at an early date to be able to submit to your honorable board a solution of this matter that will be just and honorable to all parties at interest.
No License.
Our city has said in a most emphatic manner that intoxi- cating liquors shall not be sold. I shall enforce the law in letter and spirit, and I respectfully request that the closest scru- tiny be given to every applicant for a license to transport liquor into the city.
Veterans of the Civil War.
I commend them to your favorable and generous considera- tion. None of them have long to stay here.
Dedication of the Soldiers' Monument.
It is confidently hoped that this will be completed and ready for dedication next Memorial day. On that day the veterans of the Civil war should have the post of honor. I earnestly hope the day, sacred to the dead and living heroes; the spot, hallowed by all the sublime and precious memories of the past ; the monument, an object lesson of all that is patriotic in heroism and heroic in patriotism, will be made a notable event in our city's history, and I urge all the patriotic men and women in our city to join with me in making the dedication of this monument, to the men that made the nation whole, a digni- fied and impressive occasion.
The Carnegie Library.
This will be completed and ready for dedication in a few months. It should be dedicated in a manner befitting its high purpose and the noble impulse that prompted the gift.
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
Appropriation for Hospital.
I recommend the appropriation of five thousand dollars for the Somerville hospital, for the care of our people who are un- able to pay. I also heartily commend every agency in our city that is laboring for moral uplift and amelioration of want and suffering. Government means something more than levying and collecting of taxes, and expending them wiscly, and enforc- ing the laws. In the language of the constitution of this com- monwealth, it was instituted for the common good, for the pro- tection, safety, prosperity, and happiness of the people.
Amendments to City Charter.
At as early a date as possible I shall submit in writing to your honorable board for your consideration, and I trust ap- proval, some proposed amendments to the city charter, but time will not permit, nor am I fully prepared now to give full and complete reasons for these changes, but will give in outline, in a general way, my views :-
First,-The present system, under the city charter, of pur- chasing supplies is loose and unbusinesslike, a temptation to petty graft, and renders it almost an impossibility for the mayor to have an oversight or knowledge of the expenditures of the city. In my judgment, there should be a competent man appointed by the mayor, and responsible to him, who should do all the purchasing for every department in the city, department heads making their requisitions upon the agent, and he submit- ting them to the mayor. The heads of departments could then give their entire time to the work of their departments. I be- lieve this would result in more efficient service, and in saving money to the city.
Second,-I believe in placing the entire control and care of the streets under one competent head, who should be a civil engineer, he to appoint his subordinates, subject to the ap- proval of the mayor. One head of a department suggests that lie is not wholly responsible for the condition of things under his charge, on account of the doings of other departments. Putting the streets under one responsible head saves liability of friction and jealousy, and ought to result in improvement in the streets, and a saving to the city. Divided responsibility often results in little or none.
Third,-I believe the mayor should have the power of veto over the school committee that he has over the board of alder-
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MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
men. It seems an anomaly that the mayor can be trusted in other departments of the city, and cannot be trusted in the school department. I see no good reason why every depart- ment should not be a co-ordinate branch of the government, unless contrary to the city charter or the laws of the state.
I sincerely hope the changes I have suggested will not only meet your approval, but also of the honorable senator and representatives, the school committee, and our citizens gener- ally, and that in petitioning the legislature for these changes I may have a solid city behind me.
Encouragement of Public Spirit.
We are indeed fortunate in having such a large number of high-minded, public-spirited men and women in our city. Civic pride is not lacking ; it only needs to be crystallized and solidi- fied to become a more vital force for the betterment of the city. I heartily commend the Fourth of July Association and all others that have for their object the pleasure and amusement of our people. In like manner I give my most hearty endorsement to the Winter Hill Improvement Association. I hope to see its counterpart in every ward in the city, vying with each other in a friendly rivalry to see which shall do the most to make a brighter, better, cleaner, and more beautiful Somerville. I be- lieve in good, clean, wholesome athletic sports, and that there are but few tax-payers who will object to a reasonable appro- priation to make them possible. The more attractive this city is made, the more people will come to it, and more money will be spent in it.
Official Responsibility.
The city charter says that the several administrative boards named in Title 6 shall at all times be accountable to the mayor for the proper discharge of their duties. I shall hold them to this responsibility. It is necessary that the head of every de- partment over which the mayor has control and is responsible for should be men in whose ability and honesty he has the ut- most confidence. The whole people hold me responsible to them, and I accept the responsibility. Every person paid by the city is paid to work, and not to shirk. I believe in personal and individual responsibility. I shall not be slow to praise and commend faithful service, nor to censure and condemn neglect and inefficiency. I ask the confidence and co-operation of every alderman, official, and citizen in all that shall be undertaken for
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
the benefit of the city, and I pledge you mine, that we may to- gether work with an eye single to only the public good, to the end that our beloved city shall be dearer to all the people, and stand out bold and clear as the best ordered and best governed city in all the land.
The total funded debt of the city January 1, 1908, was $1,508,000. This debt was increased during the year $110,000. It was decreased $151,500, leaving the net funded debt January 1, 1909, $1,466,500, a net decrease of $41,500.
The total amount of taxable property is $63,158,400, of which $56,292,500 is real estate, and $6,865,900 is personal es- tate. At a rate of $18.40 on each $1,000 of valuation, the tax is $1,162,114.56. There are 21,163 polls at $2, making $42,326. Amount assessed for street watering, $30,619.90, and for the suppression of gypsy and brown-tail moths, $788.74, on non- resident bank shares to be paid to the state, $1,845.52, making a total tax levy of $1,237,694.72. The total number of persons assessed, resident and non-resident, was 28,928.
Of the amount received in taxes, $200,000 is required for the debt provisions ; $228,709.56 are state and county taxes, metropolitan district assessments, etc., matters over which the city has no control; $395,000 is used for current expenses of departments, over which the board of aldermen has no control; $338,405 is the amount for current expenses within control of the board of aldermen.
The same statement based upon the $18.40 per thousand is as follows : Of each $18.40, $3.62 is for state, county, and met- ropolitan taxes, and overlay and abatement ; $3.17 for debt re- quirements ; $6.25 for current expenses over which the board of aldermen has no control; $5.36 for current expenses within control of the board of aldermen.
In addition to the amount received from taxes, there was available last year the sum of $223,199.57 water income account; we received $36,319.48 from corporation and bank taxes; from the clerk of the courts, $3,628; from the county treasurer, for dog licenses, $4,214.39; from the state, the street railway tax, $40,400.47; from the Boston Elevated railway tax, $9,010.15; and amount received on account of armory, $6,109.30 ; a total of $322,881.36, making the total amount available from these sources and from taxes, $1,560,576.08.
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MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
Funded Debt .- The funded debt of the city January 1, 1908, was as follows :-
City Loan
$1,102,000 00
Sewer Loan .
290,000 00
Paving Loan
25,000 00
Water Loan .
69,000 00
Metropolitan Park Assessment Loan
22,000 00
$1,508,000 00
The debt was increased during the year by appropriations made by the board of aldermen as follows :-
Electrical Department, Underground
Construction
$3,000 00
Fire Department, Additional Apparatus . 3,500 00
Highways Construction
28,000 00
Highways, Paved Gutters and Crossings
12,000 00
Highways, Shade Trees
500 00
Public Buildings Construction, Building
Public Buildings
20,000 00
Sewers Construction
30,000 00
Sidewalks Construction
13,000 00
$110,000 00
The debt was reduced during the year by maturities as fol- lows :-
City Loan
$123,500 00
Sewer Loan .
15,000 00
Paving Loan
5,000 00
Water Loan
7,000 00
Metropolitan Park Assessment Loan
1,000 00
$151,500 00
Leaving the funded debt of the city January 1, 1909, $1,466,500 (a decrease of $41,500 from the previous year), classi- fied as follows :- *
City Loan bonds bearing interest at 31/2 per cent. · City Loan bonds bearing interest at 4 per cent.
$279,000 00
779,500 00
Amount carried forward . $1,058,500 00
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
Amount brought forward $1,058,500 00 City Loan Sewer bonds bearing interest at 312 per cent. 69,000 00 City Loan Sewer bonds bearing interest at 4 per cent. 233,000 00
City Loan Sewer bonds bearing interest at 412 per cent. 3,000 00
City Loan Paving bonds bearing interest at 4 per cent. 20,000 00
Water Loan bonds bearing interest at 4 per cent. 62,000 00
Metropolitan Park Assessment Loan
bonds bearing interest at 31/2 per cent. 21,000 00
Total Funded Debt January 1, 1909 . $1,466,500 00
The foregoing amount represents the net indebtedness of the city, the unfunded liabilities for the temporary loans, etc., being equaled by its assets, which consist of uncollected taxes, sewer and sidewalk assessments, etc.
Taxes .- The assessors' warrant for the tax levy assessed upon the polls and estates of the inhabitants, as of May 1, 1908, was duly submitted to the collector.
The total amount of taxable property, not including non- resident bank shares, was $63,158,400, and the rate established was $18.40 on each $1,000 valuation, as follows :-
Real estate, valuation . $56,292,500 00
Personal estate, valuation 6,796,200 00
Resident bank shares . 69,700 00
Total valuation . $63,153,400 00
At a rate of $18.40 on each $1,000 valua- tion . .
.
$1,162,114 56
Non-resident bank shares, $100,300 at $18.40 1,845 52
Polls, 21,163 at $2
42,326 00
Street watering
30,619 90
Suppression of gypsy and brown- tail moths 788 74
Total amount of tax levy
$1,237,694 72
Total number of persons assessed, resident and non-resident, 23,928.
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MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
Appropriations .- The amount of revenue provided by the tax levy may properly be classified as follows :-
Rates assessed on $1,000 valuation. Amount.
For current expenses within the control of the board of aldermen .
$5 36
$338,405 00
Current expenses of depart-
ments over which the board of aldermen has no control
6 25
395,000 00
Debt requirements .
3 17
200,000 00
State and county taxes, met- ropolitan sewer and park assessments, and Overlay account
3 62
228,709 56
Total amount assessed on a valua-
tion of $63,158,400 at · $18 40 $1,162,114 56
Non-resident bank shares .
1,845 52
Poll taxes assessed, credited to state and county
42,326 00
Street watering
30,619 90
Suppression of gypsy and brown-tail
moth tax .
788 74
Total amount of tax levy . $1,237,694 72
The appropriations to the various accounts were as fol- lows :-
ACCOUNTS WITHIN THE CONTROL OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN.
Assessors
$11,000 00
City Auditor .
725 00
City Clerk
5,800 00
City Engineer
11,500 00
City Messenger
2,000 00
City Solicitor
2,450 00
City Treasurer
9,500 00
Clerk of Committees and Departments
4,700 00
Election Expenses, City Clerk
1,650 00
Election Expenses, Commissioner of Pub- lic Buildings 900 00
Election Expenses, Pay of Election
2,600 00
Officers
Election Expenses, Registrars of Voters . 1,780 00
Amount carried forward
$54,605 00
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
Amount brought forward
$54,605 00
Electrical Department
8,500 00
Executive Department
4,000 00
Fire Department .
38,000 00
Inspection of Buildings
5,200 00
Military Aid .
900 00
Police
48,000 00
Printing and Stationery
1,000 00
Public Buildings Maintenance, City
Buildings
10,000 00
Public Buildings Maintenance, Fire De- partment 5,000 00
Public Buildings
Salaries Maintenance, Janitors'
29,000 00
Public Buildings houses
Maintenance, School-
32,000 00
Public Grounds
10,700 00
Sealer of Weights and Measures
1,500 00
Sidewalks Maintenance
2,000 00
Soldiers' Relief
22,000 00
Somerville Hospital
5,000 00
Street Lights
57,000 00
Suppression of Gypsy Moths
and Brown-tail
4,000 00
Total amount assessed on a valuation
of $63,158,400 at $5.36 $338,405 00
ACCOUNTS OVER WHICH THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN HAS NO CONTROL.
Health Department
$8,000 00
Health Department, Collection of Ashes and Offal 43,000 00
Health Department, Contagious Disease Hospital
1,000 00
Health Department, Medical Inspection in Public Schools . 1,500 00
Public Library
16,000 00
Public Library, West Somerville Branch . 1,000 00
School Contingent 28,000 00
School Teachers' Salaries 280,000 00
Support of Poor, City Home 3,000 00
Support of Poor, Miscellaneous .
13,500 00
Total amount assessed on a valuation
of $63,158,400 at $6.25 $395,000 00
ACCOUNTS PROVIDING FOR DEBT REQUIREMENTS.
Interest $70,000 00
Reduction of Funded Debt . 130,000 00
Total amount assessed on a valuation
of $63,158,400 at $3.17 $200,000 00
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MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
PROVIDING FOR STATE AND COUNTY TAXES, ETC.
State Tax . · $96,470 00 Deduct one-half of poll taxes, 21,163 00
$75,307 00
County Tax . · ·
$60,830 68
Deduct one-half of poll taxes,
21,163 00 39,667 68
Metropolitan Sewer Assessment
59,602 25
Metropolitan Park Assessment .
30,853 80
Overlay and Abatement
16,550 79
Armory Tax
562 50
Wellington Bridge Tax
6,165 54
Total amount assessed on a valuation of $63,158,400 at $3.62 $228,709 56
Collected for State on non-resident bank shares
1,845 52
$230,555 08
In addition to the above, the following appropriations were made from the various income accounts :-
From the income of the water works :-
Water Maintenance
$30,000 00
Less Unexpended Balance 1,012 13
$28,987 87
Water Loan Interest .
2,720 00
Reduction of Funded Debt, Water Loan Bonds
7,000 00
Metropolitan Water Assessment
108,691 08
Water Works Extension
15,000 00
Sewers Maintenance
12,000 00
Fire Department
38,000 00
Reduction of Funded Debt .
10,800 62
$223,199 57
From the income from the state and county :-
Police, the amount received from the state for corporation taxes $32,307 83
Police, the amount received from the state for bank taxes 4,011 65
Police, the amount received from the clerk of the courts for fines, costs, etc. 3,628 00 · Public Library, the amount received from the county for dog licenses . 4,214 39
Amount carried forward . $44,161 87
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
Amount brought forward $44,161 87
Highways Maintenance, from street rail- way tax 40,400 47 Highways Maintenance, from Boston Ele- vated Railway tax . 9,010 15
Reduction of Funded Debt, the amount received from the state on account of Armory
6,109 30
Total $99,681 79
Total from water income and from
state and county
$322,881 36
The aggregate appropriations from tax levy and from in- come were as follows :-
From tax levy .
$1,237,694 72
From income ·
322,881 36
$1,560,576 08
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MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
The following tables, giving a condensed history of the city's- finances, are herewith presented for reference :-
YEAR.
Amount of Funded Debt.
Increase of Funded Debt.
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