USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1910 > Part 1
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DOM
GIVES
SON
PELOINAN
134
1872.
2. ESTABY
A. CITY STRENGTH
H
G
CITY OF SOMERVILLE
MASSACHUSETTS
ANNUAL REPORTS
1910
With Mayor's Inaugural Address Delivered Jan. 2, 1911
IVE
DO
SOMERVILLE
FREE
FOUNDED 1842
NAL
MUNICIPAL
STA
A CITY 1872. STRENG
SOMERVILLE JOURNAL PRINT
1911
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
DELIVERED BY
Mayor Charles A. Burns
MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 1911
Gentlemen of the Board of Aldermen :--
Our fellow-citizens, in the exercise of their right.of fran- chise, have placed us in control of the affairs of our city for the present municipal year.
Let us remember at all times that we are elected to carry out, as far as possible, the wishes of the people. We should feel we are chosen on account of our business qualifications, and, in return for the distinguished honor the citizens have paid us in electing us to office, endeavor to give the city a pro- gressive, efficient, impartial business administration.
We face the responsibility of carrying out the wishes of over 77,000 people, but their demands are not great. They simply ask us to be honest and progressive, and to know no sec- tion of our city or class of our people, but to legislate for all the people all the time.
I should be remiss in my duty if I did not express to you, my fellow-citizens, my high appreciation of the distinguished honor you have conferred upon me in electing me to the high- est office within your gift.
At this time I pause to pay a loving tribute to the man, an ex-mayor of our city, whose name I have the honor to bear, and to pledge to you that same fidelity to the trust imposed upon me and that same honest and conscientious service that he gave to the people during his four years in office.
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
The duties of the two branches of the city government, the executive and legislative, are clearly defined in the city charter, and we cannot deviate from those duties. The two are co- ordinate, and should work in harmony and sympathy to the end that the best results may be obtained for the advancement and upbuilding of our city and the procuring of legislation best suited for all the people.
I have discussed our financial condition with the city treas- urer, and he informs me that our bills are all paid, and the situation is very satisfactory.
Our tax rate of $18.50 last year was low in comparison with our neighboring municipalities.
Economy must be our watchword. While we cannot neg- lect the work of keeping our buildings, streets, and sidewalks in repair, yet I urge you to assist the executive in giving the city as economical an administration as possible.
There are many recommendations which are urged by de- partments and which I should be glad to endorse at this time, but in view of the fact of the increased amount of money which will be required to maintain the departments at their present standard, and the probable decrease in our revenues, I feel that all possible care should be used in making appropriations.
The people are the stockholders of this corporation, and it is their money we are spending. Every one has to con- tribute; there is no escape. The people should know how the money is spent. I believe in publicity.
As far as practicable, I believe that the accounts of the city should be kept in accordance with the classification of the bureau of statistics of the commonwealth.
How many citizens realize that it costs per year practically $395,000 to maintain the school department, $94,000 for the police department, and $82,000 for the fire department? These are substantially the amounts for 1910.
As the city grows, greater demands are made on the treasury. It is incumbent upon us and upon heads of depart- ments to see that none of the people's money is wasted. A de- tailed statement of the financial condition of our city is made a part of this address and should be read by every citizen.
I do not believe enough progress has been made in late years in getting high-class commercial interests to locate in our
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MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
city. I earnestly hope something can be accomplished along these lines, in order that the taxable property may be increased and at the same time a high class of mechanics be brought within our borders.
Before proceeding to discuss the different departments, I wish to emphasize the fact that I am partial to no man. Every head of a department must be a leader of men, progressive and without prejudice, and should hold his position on account of his business qualifications and the proper administration of his duties. It is of the utmost importance that politics be elimi -. nated from departments, and that they be managed on a strictly business basis. Every man who in any way is connected with a department should feel he is a factor in this corporation, and should give the city the very best there is in him, and in return for his faithful efforts should receive the support of the people.
Fire Department.
We have been fortunate the past year, as in previous years, in having no large fires, especially in view of the fact that we have more than 13,000 wooden buildings in the city.
There has been added to the fire department apparatus an automobile chemical. In fighting fires, all agree that the first few minutes are the most important, and in getting there quickly this machine has demonstrated its worth. The ques- tion of putting the department on a permanent basis is, in my judgment, too serious financially to be considered at this time. The efficiency of our department is evidenced by the low rate of insurance which is established.
Our fire houses are well equipped and in good condition. Some change will undoubtedly have to be made in the near future for housing our fire apparatus in the Winter Hill section.
Highways.
One of the best assets a city can have is good streets and sidewalks, kept in first-class repair and clean. Every citizen can assist the department by endeavoring to keep the street clean in front of his residence.
During the year permanent paving was laid on College avenue, from Powder House square to Davis square, Somerville
6
ANNUAL REPORTS.
avenue, from Lowell street to and including Oak square, and both sides of the approaches to the Somerville-avenue bridge.
I am informed that many elm trees were killed by the elm- leaf beetle during the past year. No expense should be spared to save the trees.
I believe good results have been obtained in the use of oil and tar to keep down the dust, and, in my judgment, these should be used more extensively.
Employees of the department laid all the granolithic side- walks last year, thus giving work to Somerville citizens and tax-payers. Our citizens should be given preference in the work of all departments whenever it is not detrimental to the city financially. Granolithic appears to be the material the people demand for sidewalks, and, in my opinion, should be used whenever it is expedient to do so.
I believe the department is keeping pace with the modern idea of the construction of highways.
Police.
The police department is one of the most important in the city. It is of vital interest and one that should receive the support of the people. It is regrettable that the finances of the city will not permit us to increase the number of patrolmen to keep pace with the increase in population.
An automobile patrol and ambulance should replace the horse-drawn patrol wagon and ambulance whenever our finances will permit. We must bear in mind that our city covers a very large area, and that our population is growing farther away from our police station. One of our honored mayors, in his inaugural over twenty years ago, recommended a sub-police station for the western section of our city. If, in his judgment, it was needed then, how much more is one needed now! The use of motive power, however, instead of horse power, would greatly assist the department in its work.
The liquor laws must be strictly enforced, and I think it would be a benefit to the city if a small liquor squad could be established.
I believe the members of the department should hold mili- tary drills at stated intervals under a competent drill master, which would tend to increase the discipline of the force. The
ry
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
department should be put on a military basis and the rules en- forced to the letter.
Electrical Department.
The commissioner of electric lines and lights informs me that our present police signal system is far from reliable and is in need of constant repairs. I call your attention to this mat- ter, that a thorough examination may be made of the system, in order that we may satisfy ourselves as to the condition of this important adjunct to the police department.
The placing of wires underground is being carried along as fast as possible, and in a few years the main streets will be practically cleared of overhead wires.
Schools.
We have something over 12,000 pupils in our public schools, and it costs approximately $30 a year for each pupil. We are proud of our schools, and justly so, and do not regret one cent we spend in this direction.
The high school buildings have been utilized practically all the time since the new schedule of attendance went into effect. The evening sessions of our schools are of tremendous importance to those not permitted to attend during the day, and should receive the careful consideration of the school com- mittee.
The two-years' course in the industrial school is proving very popular among our boys, and double the attendance is ex- pected in a short time. It is hoped that an industrial school for girls will be established shortly.
We are getting more practical in our educational ideas, and our school committee is progressive, and, in my opinion, meeting the requirements of the day.
The high school problem still awaits settlement. In the addition, that must come in some way, let us remember that, besides adequate recitation rooms, we should have a commo- dious assembly hall and gymnasium, both of which now are needed.
Land was purchased last year on the Powder House boule- vard for the erection of a school building, When this building
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
is erected, let us profit by experience and build large enough to accommodate this section for years to come.
During the past year several parcels of land have been taken adjacent to schoolhouse property, in order that the build- ings might have more light and air, and also that the school
playgrounds might be better arranged for the children. On some of these parcels of land buildings are located, so that it will be necessary to make an appropriation for clearing the land and providing permanent surfaces for these yards.
I believe in adding to our corps of teachers a physical di- rector who knows the requirements of our grammar school pupils, as well as of those in our high schools. In doing this, the children will be obliged to take a short physical exercise every day, which I should think would be a needed relief from the monotonous routine of the day's work. This physical di- rector should also have general charge of our athletics, arrange inter-school games of all kinds, and be a man of the highest standard of character and ability.
There is very much more I would like to say in reference to the schools, but time will not permit. I would recommend that every citizen read the report of the school committee for 1910.
Public Library.
The affairs of the public library are in a healthy condition, although the past year has been a trying one. The president, Dr. Edward C. Booth, retired at the very outset. The library had enjoyed his invaluable services for many years. The ill- ness of our librarian, Sam Walter Foss, has been a source of regret to all our citizens, and it is sincerely hoped that he will soon be restored to full health and vigor.
With the multitude of books on the market, great care should be exercised in their selection. I am informed that no book is allowed to enter circulation until it has been passed upon by a member of the board of trustees. The phenomenal growth of the branch library has continued to be a source of wonderment and great satisfaction. Nearly 200 years before the Christian era Plautus wrote: "Each man reaps on his own farm," and we certainly have reaped a rich harvest in our pub- lic library.
·
9
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
Grade Crossings.
The work of abolishing grade crossings on the Fitchburg division of the Boston & Maine railroad is progressing. The Somerville-avenue crossing has been completed, and this year will probably see the completion of the Webster-avenue cross- ing. The work of eliminating these dangerous grade crossings will be continued for a number of years, as decreed by the courts, and the total cost when completed will be about $1,500,000, the city paying ten per cent. of the cost, and the payments being distributed over a term of years.
Last year witnessed the completion of the Lowell-street bridge, which has long been desired and is of great benefit to the city in many ways.
Public Playgrounds.
The Somerville Playgrounds association is doing splendid work, and the city is co-operating. During the summer months certain areas are used in the city's parks, playgrounds, and school yards for outdoor kindergarten schools. The places are equipped with swings and various apparatus, and supervisors are employed. This work should receive the sup- port of every citizen.
The city's only enclosed field for athletic games is main- tained on leased land, and this lease expires July 1, 1911. Some immediate action will be necessary for the construction of a permanent field for this purpose. Already a small parcel of land has been transferred permanently to the city by the metropolitan park commission, and negotiations are pending for a large additional area, located in the northwesterly part of the city, and bounded by the Powder House boulevard and Ale- wife brook, about ten acres in all, to be used for recreation purposes. While this may not be the best place for an athletic field, it is, perhaps, the only available spot that is large enough to meet our further requirements. We should have a field where all kinds of athletic contests may be held, and a building containing showers and lockers.
The Somerville bathing beach has been so generally patronized by our citizens that we should consider the purchas- ing of the land bordering the Mystic river at the point where our bathhouse now stands, and the advisability of establishing a permanent building for the accommodation of bathers.
10
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Hospitals.
The tuberculosis hospital is nearing completion, and should be ready for occupancy not later than February 1. When equipped, this hospital will accommodate twenty-four patients. It is designed as a camp, provision being made for outdoor living as much as possible for the patients.
I recommend that the usual sum of $5,000 be appropriated for the care of the sick poor at the Somerville hospital. Our city is second to none in its loyal support of its charitable insti- tutions. Let us hope that the coming year will see even a greater interest manifested.
Fourth of July Celebration.
The celebration of Independence day of the past year was most successful, and I wish at this time to congratulate his honor, the mayor, and the board of aldermen, the Somerville Fourth of July association, and the many citizens and associa- tions who so heartily co-operated in every way toward its success.
The parade and all of the features incident to the celebra- tion were highly creditable, and the presence of our honored president and other distinguished guests was a rare honor to our municipality.
Metropolitan' District.
A greater Boston is being discussed by the people and the press. Our city has a real place and does a real work in the world, and it is our own work, which no one else can do for us. We never want to lose our identity or surrender our local self- government. At the same time, there are certain features of a unification into a great metropolitan district that might work to our advantage and are of such importance as to require the careful consideration of our people.
Charter Revision.
The matter of a change in our city charter is to be consid- ered by a committee of citizens. It is possible some changes may be recommended. I do not feel, in view of the fact of the existence of this committee, that any suggestions should be made by the executive at this time.
11
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
Banner City.
Somerville is the banner no-license city in the common- wealth, and it is incumbent on the people to keep our city in this proud position, not only in no-license, but in everything that goes to make a hustling, progressive municipality. We are a splendid illustration of a city that can grow and become beautiful under no-license. We are constantly building homes, and a man's home is his castle, his fortress, his anchor, and of all things earthly it should be the "god of his worship." My home to me is the deck, while all the rest of the world is the sea.
Gentlemen of the board of aldermen: Having had the privilege of serving in your honorable body, I can appreciate your position, the important public duties you have to perform, and the amount of time you freely give. My office will always be open for your reception. Let us consult together. Let progress be our motto. We are all working with the same end in view, and that is, to keep Somerville where she has always been and is now, at the very top of the municipalities in our grand old commonwealth.
And in conclusion, what better word could I leave with you, gentlemen and fellow-citizens, than to wish you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year !
Financial Statement.
The total funded debt of the city January 1, 1910, was $1,503,000. This debt was increased during the year $160,000. It was decreased $163,000, leaving the net funded debt January 1, 1911, $1,500,000, a decrease of $3,000.
The total amount of taxable property is $66,376,338.70, of which $58,806,600 is real estate and $7,569,738.70 is personal estate. At a rate of $18.50 on each $1,000 of valuation, the tax is $1,227,962.27. There are 21,683 polls at $2, making $43,366. Amount assessed for street sprinkling, $33,308.20, and for the suppression 'of gypsy and brown-tail moths, $883.96; on non- resident bank shares to be paid to the state, $1,368.28, making a total tax levy of $1,306,888.71. The total number of persons assessed, resident and non-resident, was 29,679.
Of the amount of the tax levy, $230,000 is required for the debt provisions ; $239,087,27 are state and county taxes, metro-
12
ANNUAL REPORTS.
politan district assessments, overlay and abatement, etc., mat- ters over which the city has no control; $424,500 is used for current expenses of departments, over which the board of al- dermen has no control; $334,375 is the amount for current ex- penses within control of the board of aldermen.
The same statement based upon $18.50 per thousand is as follows : Of each $18.50, $3.60 is for state, county, and metro- politan taxes and overlay and abatement; $3.46 for debt re- quirements ; $6.40 for current expenses over which the board of aldermen has no control; $5.04 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 $226,275.30 on water income ac- count; we received $25,721.85 from corporation and bank taxes; from the clerk of the courts, $3,817; from the county treasurer, for dog licenses, $4,085.76; from the state, the street railway tax, $49,645.15; from the Boston Elevated railway tax, $9,737.32; a total of $319,282.38, making the total amount available from these sources and from taxes $1,626,171.08.
Funded Debt .- The funded debt of the city January 1, 1910, was as follows :-
City Loan
. $1,053,000 00
Sewer Loan .
319,000 00
Paving Loan
15,000 00
Water Loan .
56,000 00
Metropolitan Park Assessment Loan
20,000 00
Lowell Street Bridge Loan
40,000 00
$1,503,000 00
The debt was increased during the year by appropriations made by the board of aldermen as follows :--
Highways Construction
$43,000 00
Highways, Paved Gutters and Crossings,
5,000 00
Public Buildings Construction, Building Public Buildings
70,000 00
Sewers Construction
30,000 00
Sidewalks Construction . 12,000 00
$160,000 00
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS. 13
The debt was reduced during the year by maturities as fol- lows :-
City Loan
$133,000 00
Sewer Loan
17,000 00
Paving Loan
5,000 00
Water Loan
6,000 00
Metropolitan Park Assessment Loan
1,000 00
Lowell Street Bridge Loan
1,000 00
$163,000 00
Leaving the funded debt of the city January 1, 1911, $1,- 500,000 (a reduction of $3,000 over the previous year), classified as follows :-
City Loan bonds bearing interest at 31/2 per cent.
$318,000 00
City Loan bonds bearing interest at 4 per cent. City Loan Sewer bonds bearing interest at 31/2 per cent. City Loan Sewer bonds bearing interest at 4 per cent.
732,000 00
92,000.00
239,000 00
City Loan Sewer bonds bearing interest at 41/2 per cent.
1,000 00
City Loan Paving bonds bearing interest at 4 per cent. 10,000 00
Water Loan bonds bearing interest at 4 per cent.
50,000 00
Metropolitan Park Assessment Loan
bonds bearing interest at 31/2 per cent. 19,000 00
Lowell Street Bridge bonds bearing in- terest at 31/2 per cent. 39,000 00
Total Funded Debt January 1, 1911 . $1,500,000 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 April 1, 1910, was duly submitted to the collector. 1
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
The total amount of taxable property, not including non- resident bank shares, was $66,376,338.70, and the rate estab- lished was $18.50 on each $1,000 valuation, as follows :-
Real estate, valuation . . $58,806,600 00
Personal estate, valuation
7,516,400 00
Resident bank shares
53,338 70
Total valuation . $66,376,338 70
At a rate of $18.50 on each $1,000 valua-
tion
$1,227,962 27 .
Non-resident bank shares, $73,961.30 at
$18.50
1,368 28
Polls, 21,683 at $2 .
43,366 00
Street sprinkling
33,308 20
Suppression of gypsy and brown- tail moths
883 96
Total amount of tax levy .
$1,306,888 71
Total number of persons assessed, resident and non-resident, 29,679.
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
$5 04 $334,375 00
Current expenses of depart-
ments over which the board of aldermen has no control
6 40
424,500 00
Debt requirements
3 46
230,000 00
State and county taxes,
metropolitan sewer and
park assessments, and Overlay account 3 60
239,087 27
Total amount assessed on a
valuation of $66,376,- 338.70 at
$18 50 $1,227,962 27
Non-resident bank shares .
1,368 28
Poll taxes assessed, credited to state and county
43,366 00
Street sprinkling .
33,308 20
Suppression of gypsy and brown-tail
moth tax
883 96
Total amount of tax levy
$1,306,888 71
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MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
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
1,900 00
City Solicitor
2,450 00
City Treasurer
9,700 00
Clerk of Committees and Departments 4,700 00
Contingent Fund .
1,950 00
Election Expenses, City Clerk .
1,700 00
Election Expenses, Commissioner of
Public Buildings
1,000 00
Election Expenses, Pay of Election
Officers
2,700 00
Election Expenses, Registrars of Voters,
1,600 00
Electrical Department .
8,500 00
Executive Department
4,000 00
Fire Department .
32,000 00
Highways, Suppression of Elm Leaf
Beetles .
1,000 00
Highways, Suppression of Gypsy and
Brown-tail Moths .
1,800 00
Inspection of Buildings
4,600 00
Military Aid .
700 00
Police
50,000 00
Printing and Stationery
650 00
Public Buildings Maintenance, City
Buildings
12,000 00
Public Buildings Maintenance, Fire De- partment
4,500 00
Public Buildings Salaries
Maintenance, Janitors'
31,000 00
Public Buildings houses
Maintenance, School-
35,000 00
Public Grounds
11,800 00
Sealer of Weights and Measures
1,900 00
Soldiers' Relief
23,000 00
Somerville Hospital
5,000 00
Street Lights
50,000 00
Total amount assessed on a valuation of $66,376,338.70 at $5.04 · $334,375 00
.
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
ACCOUNTS OVER WHICH THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN HAS NO CONTROL.
Health Department
$8,550 00
Health Department, Collection of Ashes and Offal 50,000 00
Health Department, Contagious Disease Hospital 1,000 00
Health Department, Medical Inspection in Public Schools .
1,450 00
Public Library
17,000 00
Public Library, West Somerville Branch,
4,000 00
School Contingent 27,000 00
School Teachers' Salaries
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