USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1909 > Part 1
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F
EED
DO
UNICI
184
GIVE
ESTAB
SOMERVILI
1872.
CITY
STRENGTH
CITY OF SOMERVILLE
MASSACHUSETTS
ANNUAL REPORTS
1909
With Mayor's Inaugural Address Delivered Jan. 3, 1910
GIVE
SOMER
FREED
FOUN
NAL
L
MUNICIPA
1.842. ESTABLI
A CITY 1872. STRENGT
SOMERVILLE JOURNAL PRINT
1910
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
DELIVERED BY
Mayor John M. Woods .
MONDAY, JANUARY 3, 1910
Gentlemen of the Board of Aldermen :-
I pause at the threshold of the new year to pay a loving tribute to the noble characters who have passed from mortal sight in the year that is gone,-Quincy E. Dickerman, noble citizen, faithful teacher, wise in councils for many years in the school board; Mrs. Attwood, earnest, active, and faithful in school affairs; Captain Harrison Aldrich, Comrade James F. Davlin, Commander Charles D. Dean, of Post 139, G. A. R., true in war, faithful in peace,
"On Fame's eternal camping-ground their silent tents are spread,
While Glory guards, with solemn round, the bivouac of the dead";
Charles A. Cushman, noble, generous soul, and man of large affairs; Hon. Francis H. Raymond, faithful public servant and honorable citizen; Rev. Father Galvin, teacher and preacher of righteousness for many years; and William A. Flaherty, re- · spected as a citizen, honorable as a public servant. "A good name is better than great riches, and loving favor than fine gold."
Words are but feeble instruments to express my gratitude to the Giver of All Good for His merciful kindness to us as a
1
ANNUAL REPORTS.
municipality and as individuals, and to express to you, my fellow-citizens, my appreciation of the confidence you have shown in me in electing me for a second term the chief execu- tive of the city. For this high and distinguished honor I promise in return the best service I can render.
The whole civilized world is to-day witnessing a public rec- ognition of the fact that the problem of the hour is that of municipal life. The frontier problem has been solved, and with the solution there has come a backward sweep in the tide of people from the country to the city. Now, as in the early days, it is the city that is the heart of the nation, and the city prob- lems are the ones that most heavily tax all the powers of present-day statesmanship. Population concentrates, and de- mands for new requirements of new population grow more in- sistent each year. The power of light as a police agent, of the beautiful in environment as a civilizing agent, the right of the people to aid in the pursuit of happiness,-these are present- day problems for us to work out and solve. They will not down at any man's or party's bidding. The nearer the people are to the government, and the more that are interested in it, the better it will be. After all, the government of this city or any other is but a reflex of the people's will. Public servants want to please the people and carry out their wishes. The mo- mentous danger lies in the lethargy of the people. At the city election held December 14 last, forty-four and a fraction of every hundred legal voters said by their action: "We have no interest in the enforcement of law, and care nothing how the money we pay in taxes is expended or who expends it." Take no interest in the welfare of your city, and some day you may awake to find a corrupt political demagogue in the mayor's chair and men of like stamp in your board of aldermen. "Eter- nal vigilance is the price of liberty."
Revision of the City Charter.
Last year I submitted to the board of aldermen some amendments to the city charter, and asked not only their co- operation, but that of the people, to secure from the legislature these changes. The effort was fruitless, as neither aldermen nor people co-operated with me. I shall not renew the appeal to the legislature, believing it would be useless, but I should be false to myself, to the high office I hold, and to the people, if I
5
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
did not, with all the earnestness and emphasis possible, urge upon you to take immediate steps towards a revision of the city charter. A year's experience has fully demonstrated to me its incongruities and inconsistencies, and its inadaptability to present-day needs. It was the best thought of the men who framed it, was adapted to that time, and was a vast improvement over the old one, but time and experience have proved to me that it is not in line with the best municipal thought of to-day. Many of the good business rules and methods of ten years ago are to-day discarded as obsolete. Much of the legislation en- acted ten years ago is either repealed or amended almost be- yond recognition. If you desire the city to be managed hon- estly and according to the best business methods, charges in the charter are imperative to make it possible. I believe it well worth the experiment to elect the mayor and aldermen for two years or more, and that the board of aldermen be reduced to seven or nine, and all elected at large, and to have all mat- ters considered in committee of the whole. Then each one would be in touch with the needs of the whole city. I believe it would result in electing broader and better men, and they would realize their responsibility to the whole city, rather than to the ward where their domicile is. I have dwelt somewhat at length on this subject, believing it of vastly more importance than the details of the methods of departments, or the history of what has been accomplished the past year.
City Departments.
The several departments of the city are, generally speak- ing, in good condition. The changes made in the heads of the police and electric lines and lights departments have proved most satisfactory, and both departments have been brought up to a high degree of efficiency.
Chief Hopkins, for thirty-seven years the head of the fire department, and for more than a half-century a respected citi- zen and able fire-fighter, retires at his own request. I hope to place a man at the head of this department who will bring it to such a state of efficiency and discipline that no just criticism can be made against it. By the granting to the firemen of one day off in six, instead of one day off in eight, an unnecessary burden has been laid upon the tax-payers, with no benefit to
6
1
ANNUAL REPORTS.
the men, and a permanent injury to the city. I am pleased at the general approval of my veto of this matter.
The highway department is not in a satisfactory condition. For many years there has been a good deal of complaint from many of our citizens at the way in which it has been managed. The facts fully warrant this dissatisfaction. Owing to circum- stances entirely beyond my control, and against my best judg- ment, I re-appointed the head of this department. There was no other alternative. Owing to the strained relations existing the first of the year between the executive and legislative branches of the government, it was an impossibility to put any other man in his place. What could not be cured must, of necessity, be endured. The city's business could not be allowed to suffer, so I did the only thing that could be done under the circumstances. The revelations of dishonesty in this depart- ment are known to all. Early in the year I called the attention of the commissioner to the man now serving sentence for pad- ding the pay-rolls, saying that I believed him both incompetent and dishonest. He was under civil service, and could not be touched without specific charges and proof. Although dis- honesty in this department may have ceased, incompetency, waste, and favoritism still continue. There should be a new, competent head of this department. Last year I pointed out the only safe and sure remedy for the present condition of mat- ters, which, if it had been adopted, would have resulted in a department run along business lines and in a great saving to the city.
Licenses.
For this year, as formerly, the city has declared in an em- phatic manner that intoxicating liquors shall not be sold. While I believe that most of the druggists are honorable men and intend to obey the law, the facts show that some do not. I believe the city will not suffer if a less number of licenses of this class is granted. There is no privilege granted by your honorable board that I believe is so much abused as that granted to expressmen to transport liquors into the city. The books of a number of them show that they are substantially agents for Boston liquor firms. I believe the number of these permits ought to be materially decreased, and that no harm would come to the city if none were granted,
ry
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
There has been a large increase in the applications for common victuallers' licenses. I am satisfied that some could not readily furnish a meal of victuals. Some of them, I am satisfied, want a license so they can keep open Sundays.
I renew the request of last year that the committee on licenses give the closest scrutiny to all applicants, especially druggists, liquor expresses, common victuallers, and junk ped- lers and dealers. I shall use all the means in my power to en- force all the laws and ordinances.
Playgrounds.
A good beginning has been made the past year in the mat- ter of playgrounds. What has been done appears to meet the approval of the most of our citizens. The good work should be continued, especially for the benefit of the younger children.
New Bridges.
The street and bridges over the Somerville-avenue cross- ing of the railroad tracks and the Lowell-street bridges and ap- proaches will be completed at an early date. I recommend that the completion of these long-desired and much-needed improve- ments be recognized officially in a proper manner.
Alewife Brook.
A bill is before the legislature to make the centre of the new location of Alewife brook the dividing line between Som- erville and the cities and towns on the other side. I commend this bill to your hearty endorsement and support. It is be- lieved there will be a bill introduced in the legislature to change the name of Alewife brook to Menotomy river. I believe this city ought to oppose this change of name by every means pos- sible. This brook by this name is a part of our history and traditions.
New Athletic Field.
In this connection, it is understood that the metropolitan park commission will turn back to the city quite a tract of land along the banks of this brook. The agreement between Tufts college and the city for the Broadway athletic field will soon terminate. As I said last year, I believe in good, clean athletic sports and in having a suitable, well-equipped place for them I recommend that preliminary steps be taken to secure land for
8
A
ANNUAL REPORTS.
this purpose. As an eye-witness of most of the important games played on the Broadway field, I have yet to learn of any one complaining of the price of the tickets, or that they did not get their money's worth. Such a field, open to the public when not needed for school athletic purposes, would prove a great blessing. I make no apology to anybody for being a baseball and football enthusiast, and I hope to see Somerville have teams that will do them all up, like Somerville did Waltham last year.
Metropolitan Boulevard.
The joint commission on metropolitan improvements has had several hearings on the matter of a boulevard through Somerville and Cambridge, connecting the north and south park systems. Our city was most ably represented at these hearings by Alderman Shepard, in charge, City Solicitor Kaan, and many others. I am in hopes the commission will report favorably. I ask your earnest support, and that of all our citi- zens, to secure this greatly-needed connecting link, which can- not fail to be of immense value to our city.
Care of the Streets.
It seems good judgment to pursue the same policy towards the streets as last year, giving the greatest attention to the main thoroughfares, especially Somerville avenue. A number of the streets have been treated with binding and dust-laying preparations, saving the street and lessening the dust. I be- lieve it wise to continue to use the preparations on streets that are in good condition. "Cleanliness is next to godliness." The streets are the living-rooms and show-windows of the city, used and seen by all the people and the strangers within our gates,-if clean and wholesome, a pleasure and benefit to all; if dirty and littered, an eyesore to everybody, a menace to health, and a disgrace to the city.
Our Water-Front.
The bathhouse and shelter on Mystic river have proved a great success. I hope to see some steps taken to secure for all time this water-front for the use of our people. . What has been done by the legislature for Revere, Lynn, and Swampscott I believe we should ask the legislature to do for Somerville, Later I hope to make some specific recommendations in rela-
9
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
tion to increased facilities, so as to make this a popular and safe resort.
Police Court.
There is imperative need of additional room and accommo- dations for the transaction of the business of this court, and for the preservation of its records. Plans have been drawn by the building commissioner for such changes and improvements as seem to be necessary. These are ready for examination at the convenience of the court.
Financial Condition of the City.
The city is in a sound financial condition, and its credit excellent. All bills are paid, and a substantial balance is in the treasury. All the facts and figures relating to the debt, receipts, and expenditures are a part of this address which I commend to the thoughtful consideration of every tax-payer.
The total funded debt of the city January 1, 1909, was $1,466,500. This debt was increased during the year $190,000. It was decreased $153,500, leaving the net funded debt January 1, 1910, $1,503,000, an increase of $36,500.
The total amount of taxable property is $63,658,953.20, of which $57,295,600 is real estate and $6,363,353.20 is personal es- tate. At a rate of $18.60 on each $1,000 of valuation, the tax is $1,184,056.53. There are 21,191 polls at $2, making $42,382. Amount assessed for street sprinkling, $30,677.25, and for the suppression of gypsy and brown-tail moths, $1,649.41; on non- resident bank shares to be paid to the state, $1,379.13, making a total tax levy of $1,260,144.32. Total number of persons as- sessed, resident and non-resident, was 29,007.
Of the amount of the tax levy, $220,000 is required for the debt provisions ;. $210,731.53 are state and county taxes, met- ropolitan district assessments, overlay and abatement, etc., mat- ters over which the city has no control; $417,500 is used for current expenses of departments, over which the board of al- dermen has no control; $335,825 is the amount for current ex- penses within control of the board of aldermen.
The same statement based upon $18.60 per thousand is as follows : Of each $18.60, $3.31 is for state, county, and metro- politan taxes and overlay and abatement; $3.45 for debt re- quirements ; $6.57 for current expenses over which the board of aldermen has no control; $5.27 for current expenses within control of the board of aldermen.
10
ANNUAL REPORTS.
In addition to the amount received from taxes, there was available last year the sum of $223,094.29 on water income ac- count; we received $35,184.68 from corporation and bank taxes; from the clerk of the courts, $2,321; from the county treasurer, for dog licenses, $3,796.11; from the state, the street railway tax, $45,778.32; from the Boston Elevated railway tax, $9,236.99; a total of $319,411.39, making the total amount available from these sources and from taxes $1,579,555.71.
Funded Debt .- The funded debt of the city January 1, 1909, was as follows :-
City Loan
. $1,058,500 00
Sewer Loan .
305,000 00
Paving Loan
20,000 00
Water Loan .
62,000 00
Metropolitan Park Assessment Loan
21,000 00
$1,466,500 00
The debt was increased during the year by appropriations made by the board of aldermen as follows :-
Highways Construction .
$80,000 00
Highways Construction, Lowell Street Bridges
40,000 00
Highways, Paved Gutters and Crossings,
8,000 00
Public Buildings Construction, Building
, Public Buildings ·
20,000 00
Sewers Construction
30,000 00
Sidewalks Construction
12,000 00
$190,000 00
The debt was reduced during the year by maturities as fol- lows :----
City Loan
$125,500 00
Sewer Loan
16,000 00
Paving Loan
5,000 00
Water Loan . .
6,000 00
Metropolitan Park Assessment Loan
1,000 00
1
$153,500 00
Leaving the funded debt of the city January 1, 1910, $1,503,000 (an increase of $36,500 over the previous year), clas- sified as follows :-
11
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
City Loan bonds bearing interest at 31/2 per cent. · City Loan bonds bearing interest at 4 per cent. . City Loan Sewer bonds bearing interest at 31/2 per cent.
$364,000 00
689,000 00
96,000 00
City Loan Sewer bonds bearing interest at 4 per cent. 221,000 00
City Loan Sewer bonds bearing interest at 41/2 per cent.
2,000 00
City Loan Paving bonds bearing interest at 4 per cent. 15,000 00 . Water Loan bonds bearing interest at 4 per cent. 56,000 00
Metropolitan Park Assessment Loan
bonds bearing interest at 31/2 per cent. ·
20,000 00
Lowell Street Bridge Loan bonds bear- ing interest at 31/2 per cent. .
40,000 00
Total Funded Debt January 1, 1910 . $1,503,000 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, 1909, was duly submitted to the collector.
The total amount of taxable property, not including non- resident bank shares, was $63,658,953.20, and the rate estab- lished was $18.60 on each $1,000 valuation, as follows :-
Real estate, valuation . $57,295,600 00
Personal estate, valuation . 6,310,100 00
Resident bank shares . 53,253 20
Total valuation . $63,658,953 20
At a rate of $18.60 on each $1,000 valua- tion $1,184,056 53 .
Non-resident bank shares, $74,146.80 at $18.60 1,379 13
Polls, 21,191 at $2 . 42,382 00
Amount carried forward . $1,227,817 66
12
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Amount brought forward $1,227,817 66
Street sprinkling 30,677 25
Suppression of gypsy and brown- tail moths 1,649 41
Total amount of tax levy . .
$1,260,144 32
Total number of persons assessed, resident and non-resident, 29,007.
Appropriations .- The amount of revenue provided by the tax levy may properly be classified as follows :-
Rate assessed on §1,000 valuation. Amount.
For current expenses within the control of the board of aldermen · . Current expenses of depart-
$5.27
$335,825 00
ments over which the
board of aldermen has no control
6.57
417,500 00
Debt requirements .
3.45
220,000 00
State and county taxes, met- ropolitan sewer and park
assessments, and Overlay account
3.31
210,731 53
Total amount assessed on a valua-
tion of $63,658,953.20 at . $18.60
$1,184,056 53
Non-resident bank shares .
%
1,379 13
Poll taxes assessed, credited to state and county
42,382 00
Street sprinkling .
30,677 25
Suppression of gypsy and brown-tail
moth tax
1,649 41
Total amount of tax levy
. $1,260,144 32
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
6,000 00
City Engineer
11,500 00
City Messenger
2,000 00
City Solicitor
2,450 00
Amount carried forward
-
$33,675 00
.
13
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
Amount brought forward
$33,675 00
City Treasurer 9,700 00
Clerk of Committees and Departments 4,800 00
Contingent Fund .
2,500 00
Election Expenses, City Clerk . .
1,900 00
Election Expenses, Commissioner of
Public Buildings
1,000 00
Election Expenses, Pay of Election
Officers
2,600 00
Election Expenses, Registrars of Voters,
1,700 00
Electrical Department
8,500 00
Executive Department .
4,000 00
Fire Department
38,000 00
Highways, Suppression of Elm Leaf
Beetle
1,000 00
Highways, Suppression Brown-tail Moths
of Gypsy and
3,800 00
Inspection of Buildings
4,450 00
Military Aid .
900 00
Police
.
45,000 00
Printing and Stationery
750 00
Public Buildings Maintenance, City
Buildings
11,000 00
Public Buildings Maintenance, Fire De- partment
5,000 00
Public Buildings Maintenance, Janitors'
Salaries
30,000 00
Public Buildings
Maintenance, School-
houses
34,000 00
Public Grounds
11,750 00
Sealer of Weights and Measures
1,800 00
Soldiers' Relief
23,000 00
Somerville Hospital
5,000 00
Street Lights
50,000 00
Total amount assessed on a valuation of $63,658,953.20 at $5.27 . $335,825 00
ACCOUNTS OVER WHICH THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN HAS NO CONTROL.
Health Department
$8,000 00
Health Department, Collection of Ashes and Offal 50,000 00
Health Department, Contagious Disease Hospital
1,000 00
Amount carried forward
$59,000 00
·
.
.
14
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Amount brought forward
$59,000 00
Health Department, Medical Inspection
in Public Schools . 1,500 00
Public Library
16,000 00
Public Library, West Somerville Branch,
2,500 00
School Contingent
27,000 00
School Teachers' Salaries
295,000 00
Support of Poor, City Home 3,000 00 .
Support of Poor, Miscellaneous
13,500 00
Total amount assessed on a valua- tion of $63,658,953.20 at $6.57 $417,500 00
ACCOUNTS PROVIDING FOR DEBT REQUIREMENTS.
Interest
$75,000 00
Reduction of Funded Debt
145,000 00
Total amount assessed on a valua- tion of $63,658,953.20 at $3.45 $220,000 00
PROVIDING FOR STATE AND COUNTY TAXES, ETC.
State Tax .
$78,930 00
Deduct one-half of poll taxes, 21,191 00
$57,739 00
County Tax
$67,627 10
Deduct one-half of poll taxes, 21,191 00
46,436 10
Metropolitan Sewer Assessment
56,184 31
Metropolitan Park Assessment
31,639 44
Overlay and Abatement
10,552 53
Grade Crossing Tax .
2,443 07
Wellington Bridge Tax
5,737 08
Total amount assessed on a valuation of $63,658,953.20 at $3.31 $210,731 53 .
Collected for State on non-resident bank shares 1,379 13
$212,110 66
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 4,265 23
$25,734 77
Water Loan Interest .
2,460 00
Amount carried forward
$28,194 77
15
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
Amount brought forward $28,194 77 Reduction of Funded Debt, Water Loan
Bonds
6,000 00
Metropolitan Water Assessment
112,573 20
Water Works Extension $15,000 00
Less unexpended balance
801 92
14,198 08
Sewers Maintenance
12,000 00
Fire Department
38,000 00
Reduction of Funded Debt
12,128 24
$223,094 29
From the income from the state and county :-
Police, the amount received from the state for corporation taxes .
$31,775 39
Police, the amount received from the state for bank taxes
3,409 29
Police, the amount received from the clerk of the courts for fines, costs, etc. 2,321 00 Public Library, the amount received from the county for dog licenses 3,796 11
Highways Maintenance, from street rail- way tax .
45,778 32
Highways Maintenance, from Boston Elevated Railway tax
9,236 99
Total
$96,317 10
Total from water income and from
state and county
$319,411 39
The aggregate appropriations from tax levy and from in- come were as follows :-
From tax levy $1,260,144 32
From income 319,411 39
$1,579,555 71
16
ANNUAL REPORTS.
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.
Reduction of Funded Debt.
Tax Rate per $1,000 Valuation on Account of Reduc- tion of Funded Debt.
Town
$593,349
Dec. 31, 1872
643,354
$50,005
.
1873
809,354
166,000
1874
1,419,854
610,500
1875
1,571,854
152,000
"
1876
1,606,854
45,000
*$55,130 62
$2 07
1877
1,606,854
10,000
*58,828 58
2 30
1878
1,596,854
61,004 64
2 91
1879
1,585,000
64,915 76
3 42
¥
1880
1,585,000
.
58,498 64
2 59
1882
1,585,000
61,390 59
2 65
1883
1,585,000
64,479 01
2 70
1884
1,585,000
67,719 33
2 78
1885
₹1,525,000
71,305 66
2 87
1886
1,525,000
66,894 23
2 57
1887
1,525,000
70,252 88
2 56
1888
+860,500
25,000
37.000 00
1 28
1889
952,500
130,000
38,000 00
1 27
1890
1,057,500
150,000
45,000 00
1 38
¥
189
1,045,500
45,000
57,000 00
1 55
1892
1,194,500
253,000
104,000 00
2 73
1893
1,279,500
222,000
137,000 00
3 27
1894
1,344,500
172,000
107,000 00
2 42
1895
1,506,500
247,000
85,000 00
1 83
1896
1,531,000
177,000
152,500 00
3 11
1897
1,548,000
167,000
150,000 00
2 39
66
1898
1,552,000
176,000
172,000 00
3 99
6.
1899
1,492,500
110,000
169,500 00
3 30
1900
1,478,000
152,000
166,500 00
3 17
66
1901
1,461,000
146,000
163,000 00
3 02
66
1902
1,477,000
175,000
159,000 00
2 86
66
1903
1,505,500
197,500
169,000 00
2 96
"
1904
1,498,500
132,500
139,500 00
2 40
1905
1,510,000
148,000
136,500 00
2 30
1906
1,464,500
100,000
145,500 00
2 41
¥
1907
1,508,000
198,000
154,500 00
2 51
1908
1,466,500
110,000
151,500 00
2 06
1909
1,503,000
190,000
153,500 00
2 42
.
55,739 35
2 72
1881
1,585,000
.
*$10,000 applied to payment of bonds ; balance to sinking funds.
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