USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1911 > Part 1
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GIVES
M
S
184
1872
A CITY RENGTH
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JAIRUS MANN City Messenger 1872-1912
Born October 29, 1824. Died February 4, 1912
CITY OF SOMERVILLE
MASSACHUSETTS
ANNUAL REPORTS
1911
With Mayor's Inaugural Address Delivered Jan. 1, 1912
GIVE
DOM
SOMERVILLE
FREED
NAL
AL
FOUNDED 1842.
--
1872.
MUNICIP
A CITY STRENGT
ESTABLISHED
SOMERVILLE JOURNAL PRINT
1912
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
DELIVERED BY
Mayor Charles A. Burns
MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 1912
Gentlemen of the Board of Aldermen :-
Having been selected to manage the affairs of our munici- pal corporation for the present year, we have assembled here this morning, in accordance with the charter, to begin our duties. These duties are various and important, and the most important is the disbursing of the money which the city receives, through the various channels, economically and for the best interests of the people.
The Financial Situation.
The city treasurer has placed in my hands a statement show- ing the financial condition of the city January 1, 1912. This statement is incorporated in this address, and should be read by every citizen.
The total funded debt of the city January 1, 1911, was $1,500,000. This debt was increased during the year $188,000. It was decreased $169,000, leaving the net funded debt Janu- ary 1, 1912, $1,519,000, an increase of $19,000.
The increase in the funded debt is accounted for partly by the increased appropriation for sidewalks construction, the building of the new Somerville Field for recreation, and the appropriation for the new schoolhouse in the western section of the city.
The increase in the tax rate of 1911 over that of 1910 was
ANNUAL REPORTŠ.
largely due to the increases in the state and metropolitan assessments and debt requirements. At the same time, our tax rate is bound to stay where it is, or increase, unless we have decreased appropriations or increased valuation. In this connection I again call attention to the fact that we are not getting enough new business into our city. I should like to see the two boards of trade consolidated, and a large, active com- mittee appointed to induce new commercial enterprises to locate within our borders. It is hoped that the Boston and Maine Railroad can be induced to build a delivery freight sta- tion on the Mystic flats. Manufacturers in that vicinity desire this, and if a station is erected, it will induce business to locate there, as the land is available.
There is a feeling in some quarters that the twelve-dollar limit should be abolished or increased. The amount available for current expenses for the present year under this limit is $808,710.79. This amount, with the ordinary revenues for maintenance expenditures, I believe, from the figures now available, to be sufficient, with wise economy, to maintain the departments within the twelve-dollar limit, and that the neces- sity of an appeal to the legislature for authority to exceed this limit is not at this time apparent.
The abolishing of the limit, in my opinion, will lead to ex- travagance and an increased tax rate, which will not meet with the approval of the people. The running of a city is a straight business proposition. We must be progressive in our ideas. Obsolete methods of doing things must be abandoned. I shall demand that heads of departments show results and assist us in our work. Meetings of all heads of departments will be held monthly, in order that the general financial condition of the city may be discussed.
We are in a first-class financial condition, compared with our sister cities. Our debt of $1;519,000 is small in comparison with those of many other cities of the commonwealth and the lowest, per capita, with one exception, of any. Our bond maturities in the next few years are large, and this fact must be a matter for consideration when future bond issues are contemplated.
5
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
Assessment of Property.
In connection with the finances of the city, the work of the assessors is an important factor. The assessment of property is required by law to be made at its full and fair cash value. I shall take up with the assessors in the immediate future their method of determining such values. If there is an improved system whereby the values can be more equitably determined, I shall urge its adoption.
Our Main Thoroughfares.
I have considered with the commissioner of streets and the city engineer the matter of permanently constructing the main thoroughfares of our city. These include Broadway, Elm, Summer, Beacon, Washington, and Holland streets and Som- erville avenue. Portions of these thoroughfares have already been so constructed, and Highland avenue in its entirety. The expense, as given me, will amount to approximately $155,000. While I do not expect that this can all be accomplished in one year, yet I feel that it is a good business proposition to do the work as soon as possible. The amount of money to be saved on maintenance will, in my judgment, more than offset the interest on the money borrowed. No better illustration of this can be had than Somerville avenue, which has been constructed permanently for some years, and on which the maintenance expenditure has been practically nothing. Not only on finan- cial grounds do I believe in this, but good streets are a good asset and redound to the credit of any community.
In this connection, I would call attention to the fact that the borrowing capacity of the city January 1, 1912, is $231,747.15. The bond maturities for the year are $177,000, of which sum $162,000 is within the debt limit, and the borrow- ing capacity will be increased by that amount, making a total available during the year of $393,747.15.
A serious problem confronts us as to just how to construct our streets for the use of the automobile, and at the same time render them safe for the horse. This subject must be given careful consideration.
During the past year a large amount of money was spent on our trees, A spraying machine was installed, and I think
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
this year will witness good results from the work accomplished by it. I recommend that trees be purchased and set out in various sections of the city.
Before leaving consideration of this department, I wish to call attention to the effort that is being made to keep the streets clean. Paper and rubbish continually thrown into the streets greatly hinders the realization of our desire for clean streets and detracts from the good appearance of our city. A large amount of money is spent every year in this work, and we shall endeavor this year to do the work more systematically, but we cannot keep the streets clean unless we have the assistance of the people.
The High School Problem.
The greatest question which confronts us in regard to our schools is the proper accommodation of the high school pupils. Additional space should be made to take care of at least 600 students. From investigation, and in accordance with recommendations by the commissioner of public build- ings and the superintendent of schools, it appears that this can be best accomplished by the construction of two wings on the west building, which work was a part of the compre- hensive plan originally designed before the addition to the east building in 1906. More space is required for the manual training, commercial and domestic science departments, and laboratories. I would like to see in one of the wings an auditorium capable of seating at least 1,500 pupils. This would be a place where the entire school could come to- gether, and it could also be used by the people at large. A gymnasium is needed, in order that the pupils may have proper physical instruction. At present the pupils in all our schools are getting no practical physical exercise. If nothing else is done to the two buildings, the connecting corridor should be raised immediately so as to connect all the floors. As I stated in my inaugural one year ago, I believe that we should have a physical director in our schools, and, if possible, this director should also take charge of the general athletics.
I think that if a two-years' business course could be inaugurated in our high school, it would meet the require-
ry
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
ments of many of our young people who cannot afford to remain in the high school four years.
The S. Newton Cutler school is now in course of construc- tion on Powder House boulevard, and is expected to be a dis- tinct addition to our public buildings.
Last year an industrial school for girls was established, which is meeting with great success.
In regard to the increase of pay for the elementary school teachers, there seems to be a general feeling among the peo- ple that their salaries should be larger than at the present time. I feel that their demands are just. Of course, it is a question of finding the money. If the school committee can manage to save money in other directions, or if some other arrange- ments can be made, the teachers' request probably can be met.
Where needed, land is being purchased and playgrounds are being enlarged around the school buildings as fast as possible. The summer playgrounds are a great success, and are doing much good for our young people, and the city should co-operate as far as possible in their continuance. I believe the work last year was conducted on a more compre- hensive plan than ever before. We should assist in this splendid work not only as a city, but individually.
Somerville Field.
During the past year the new Somerville field for recrea- tion was begun and partially completed. A grandstand was constructed, and an area prepared for football and baseball. When completed, this will be one of the finest recreation fields possessed by any municipality. While the city has expended considerable money on this field, it is a good business propo- sition. I believe that, from the income which will be received from various sources, in twenty years' time, when the last of the bonds will mature, all expenses incidental to the field will have been paid. It is intended to so conduct the field that in the near future the students in the high school and in the senior classes in the grammar schools can attend various con- tests at a nominal cost, and eventually at no expense.
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8
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Grade Crossing Abolition.
The city engineer is making a set of block plans com- prising the entire city's area, from accurate surveys made during the past twenty-five years. These plans will be of great value to the assessors and the various departments.
There should be a city ordinance requiring that all under- ground construction done by private corporations or com- panies shall be inspected by a competent city employee at the company's expense, so as to eliminate, as far as possible, faulty construction.
The past year witnessed the completion of the grade cross- ing at Webster avenue. It is hoped that the abolition of the remaining crossings may be completed as soon as possible, so that the commercial development along the line of the rail- road may be more rapid.
Hospital Work.
The tuberculosis hospital was completed last year, and equipped and put into operation. The accommodations have been taxed to the limit.
In reference to the Somerville hospital, I will say that it is doing a splendid work. I believe that the money which the city annually appropriates for the hospital should be regarded somewhat on humanitarian lines, and not entirely as a busines ; proposition. I question if the city could maintain a hospital of its own at an expenditure of $5,000 a year. Taking into con- sideration the number of patients who are cared for by the hospital at the expense of the city, the number of out-patients who are treated, and the immense benefit which the hospital is to the city, I recommend that the usual sum of $5,000 be appropriated for the care of the sick poor at this institution.
I am pleased to commend the excellence of the many charitable associations in the city. It has been suggested to me that an organization of the several associations would be of mutual benefit to all of them in carrying on their charitable work.
9
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
The Public Library.
In the death of Sam Walter Foss, our public librarian, Somerville lost one of her most esteemed citizens. Few men in our midst were regarded with such affection as he. Mr. Foss was identified for so many years with our library that he seemed a part of the institution.
The library is extending its work and influence by the establishment of branches in the eastern and Union-square sections. For the first time, the gross yearly circulation of books has exceeded half a million, which is a remarkable record.
Fire Department Equipment.
Land has been taken for a new fire station at the top of Winter hill. As soon as possible a building should be erected thereon and apparatus installed to take care of that fast-in- creasing section. Motor-driven apparatus should be pur- chased whenever new equipment is needed and the city's finances will permit. It is only a question of time when the horse-drawn apparatus will be a thing of the past. The com- mittee on public safety should investigate the matter of plac- ing a ladder truck in the engine house on Clarendon hill. To continue the good work of this department, its equipment should be kept at the highest standard, in order to get the results which the people expect and must have.
I do not feel that our fire-alarm system is up-to-date, and I would like to see a modern system installed. The committee should give this matter its immediate attention.
Inspection of Electric Wiring.
I have taken up with the commissioner of electric lines and lights the inspection of electric wiring in buildings, from a fire standpoint. The rules and requirements which are adopted for the installation of such wiring are intended to eliminate, as far as possible, the danger from fire which would result from careless and inferior workmanship. It is imperative that any person having work done should co-operate with the depart- ment by insisting upon an inspection and approval of such work before accepting it.
10
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Betterment of the Police Service.
The police force has done a great deal of commendable
៛ work in the past year. I believe that the personnel in general is good. There are a few men in the force who do not meet the requirements of a progressive, up-to-date patrolman. These men are receiving attention, and I hope better results will be obtained this year than in the past. We should have two sergeants on the streets during the daytime, and if any of the present sergeants are not capable of performing street duty, they should be retired and men put in their places who can do the work. The police-signal system is obsolete, and we should install a new one, and I recommend that the commit- tee on public safety take this matter up immediately. There should be a general overhauling of the police station. New cells should be put in, new floors laid, and the interior re- arranged. I shall insist the present year on the officers having revolver practice, and all should be supplied with up-to-date revolvers of some good, standard make. As I stated in my inaugural one year ago, the department should be conducted on a military basis. There was installed last year an automobile patrol and ambulance, which is of tremendous help to the de- partment. -
Liquor Licenses.
I wish to commend the committee on licenses for the man- ner in which they performed their duty during the year. I feel that the city government legislated in reference to the drug- gists' and expressmen's licenses with due regard to the laws of the state and the best interests of our people. We are abso- lutely opposed to the licensing of the saloon to do business in our city, as shown by the decisive no-license vote, but the ques- tion of licensing druggists and expressmen is an entirely separate one, and it is of such importance that I would like, if possible, that the question might be referred to the voters.
Readjustment of Street Lights.
The committee on electric lines and lights, with the com- missioner, has started a system of readjustment of the street lights of the city. It is hoped that, when the work is com-
11
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
pleted, the city will be better lighted than ever before, and on a more economic basis. The most recent, improved magnetite lamps are to be placed on Broadway, from the Charlestown to the Arlington line, brilliantly illuminating this splendid thoroughfare.
Light and Power for Central Hill Buildings.
The recommendation contained in the finance report for an electric generating plant for furnishing light and power for the municipal buildings on Central hill, it seems to me, should be given careful consideration by your honorable board early in the year. The installation of such a plant will entail consider- able expense, but it may be found that a great saving can be made in this particular item of maintenance.
Bathing Facilities.
The popularity of the bathing beach on the Mystic river continued during the past year to such an extent that it is almost imperative that the city should acquire land there and erect a permanent plant for bathing facilities.
Metropolitan District Developments.
The metropolitan plan commission, appointed to report as to the feasibility of a plan for the metropolitan district, and to draft legislation, will probably report its findings to the incoming legislature. This commission will take up, if the bill passes, the planning of the development of the whole metro- politan district. I was present at a conference in regard to this bill, and stated that Somerville would oppose anything whereby it would seem that our metropolitan assessments would be increased. These assessments have increased in the last ten years practically sixty-five per cent., and they have reached such alarming proportions that it would seem to be about time that a halt was called. I hope that the members of the legis- lature from Somerville, if this bill comes before them, will give it their careful consideration.
Finance Committee Report.
The committee on finance, under an order adopted by the board of aldermen, made a study of the finances of the city.
12
ANNUAL REPORTS.
The members of this committee are to be commended for the work which they did for the city, especially when it is taken into consideration that these men receive no remuneration for their labor. While I do not agree with them in all of their recommendations, yet the report is evidence of the large amount of study given the various departments. This report, with recommendations, has been referred to your honorable board for your consideration.
In order to reduce expenses, it seems wise that the plan of consolidating departments should progress as rapidly as possible. While I had some objections to merging the collec- tion of ashes and offal with the highway department, the ex- pense of this work has increased to such proportions it seemed advisable that something should be done. The control of the appropriation for this work now comes directly under the mayor and aldermen, and it is my hope that through this con- solidation the expense of doing this work will be materially reduced.
The average amount paid the veterans or their widows for soldiers' relief is $8.85 per month. It does not appear that this average can, or should, be reduced. Under the new ordinance now in effect, an agent is to be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by your honorable board, who will investigate all cases. The only effect this will have, for the present at least, in my opinion, will be, possibly, the distributing of the money more equitably.
The new ordinance, now in effect, in relation to the city auditor has increased the duties of the city auditor materially, and I feel that, as a whole, the system will be improved. There will be no substantial increase in the maintenance of this de- partment for the present year.
I have tried to co-operate, as far as possible, with the heads of departments in giving to the city a progressive, busi- ness administration. Payments have been made promptly, in order to secure cash discounts whenever possible, and this policy will continue.
We should undertake to co-operate with each other and
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MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
give the city a clean, business administration. I appreciate the honor which the people have paid me in re-electing me to the highest office within their gift, and I shall continue in my endeavor to discharge my duties with credit both to my city and myself.
I wish you and all of our people a Prosperous and Happy New Year.
Financial Statement.
The total amount of taxable property April 1, 1911, was $67,284,066, of which $59,837,100 was real estate and $7,446,- 966 was personal estate. At a rate of $19.10 on each $1,000 of valuation, the tax was $1,285,125.66. There were 22,414 polls at $2, making $44,828. Amount assessed for street sprink- ling, $33,544.15, and for the extermination of gypsy and brown- tail moths, $1,166.71, a total of $1,364,664.52, to which sum add $1,576.40 on non-resident bank shares to be paid the state, making a total tax levy of $1,366,240.92. The total number of persons assessed, resident and non-resident, was 30,543.
Of the amount of the tax levy, $247,000 is required for the debt provisions ; $245,725.66 for state and county taxes, metro- politan district assessments, overlay and abatement, etc., mat- ters over which the city has no control; $425,675 for current expenses of departments, over which the board of aldermen has no control ; $366,725 for current expenses within control of the board of aldermen. The same statement based upon $19.10 per thousand is as follows: Of each $19.10, $3.65 is for state, county, and metropolitan taxes and overlay and abatement ; $3.67 for debt requirements ; $6.33 for current expenses over which the board of aldermen has no control; $5.45 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 $226,554.24 on water income ac- count ; $27,189.13 from corporation and bank taxes; from the clerk of the courts, $2,336; from the county for dog licenses, $3,949.82 ; street railway tax, $50,836.88; Boston Elevated Rail- way tax, $10,000.74; a total of $320,866.81, making the total amount available from these sources and from taxes $1,685,531.33.
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1
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
Funded Debt .- The funded debt of the city January 1, 1911, was as follows :-
City Loan $1,050,000 00
Sewer Loan . 332,000 00
Paving Loan 10,000 00
Water Loan .
50,000 00
Metropolitan Park Assessment Loan 19,000 00
Lowell Street Bridge Loan
39,000 00
$1,500,000 00
The debt was increased during the year by appropriations made by the board of aldermen, as follows :-
Highways Construction
$50,000 00
Highways, Paved Gutters and Crossings, 6,500 00
Building Public Buildings . 70,000 00
Sewers Construction
20,000 00
Sidewalks Construction
20,000 00
Police Department, Additional Equip-
ment ·
4,000 00
Recreation Field, Alewife Brook · 15,000 00
Fire Department, Additional Apparatus 2,500 00
$188,000 00
The debt was reduced during the year by maturities as fol- lows :-
City Loan
$138,000 00
Sewer Loan .
18,000 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
$169,000 00
Leaving the funded debt of the city January 1, 1912, $1,519,000 (an increase of $19,000 over the previous year), in bonds classified as follows :-
City Loan, at 31/2 per cent.
$277,000 00
City Loan, at 4 per cent. .
803,000 00
Sewer Loan, at 31/2 per cent.
88,000 00
Sewer Loan, at 4 per cent.
246,000 00
Paving Loan, at 4 per cent. 5,000 00
Water Loan, at 4 per cent.
44,000 00
Amount carried forward
. $1,463,000 00
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MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
Amount brought forward $1,463,000 00
. Metropolitan Park Assessment Loan, at 31/2 per cent. 18,000 00 Lowell Street Bridge Loan, at 31/2 per
cent. . 38,000 00
$1,519,000 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, 1911, was duly submitted to the collector.
The total amount of taxable property, not including non- resident bank shares, was $67,284,066, and the rate estab- lished was $19.10 on each $1,000 valuation, as follows :-
Real estate, valuation . $59,837,100 00
Personal estate, valuation .
7,387,200 00
Resident bank shares .
59,766 00
Total valuation
. $67,284,066 00
At a rate of $19.10 on each $1,000 valua- tion
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