USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1913 > Part 1
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GIVES
RV
CE
SO
LLE
R
A CITY 1872
184
AS
STRENGTH
MUNIC
ES
CITY OF SOMERVILLE
MASSACHUSETTS
ANNUAL REPORTS
1913
With Mayor's Inaugural Address Delivered Jan. 5, 1914
GIVES
DO
SOMERVILLE
FREE
NAL
FOUNDED 1842.
1872.
MUNICIPAL
A CITY STRENGTH
42. ESTABLISH
SOMERVILLE JOURNAL PRINT
1914
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
DELIVERED BY
Mayor Zebedee E. Cliff
MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 1914
Gentlemen of the Board of Aldermen :-
Again in accordance with a time-honored custom we gather for the purpose of taking our several oaths of office and to then assume, as servants of the people, all the great cares and solemn responsibilities of conducting the affairs of our beloved city.
We are privileged to be the first city government to be in- augurated in this beautiful auditorium. A large common meet- ing place of this kind has long been needed, and its value to high school life and for general municipal purposes will be more and more appreciated as time goes on.
The duty of governing the municipality we now assume, and we must be faithful and true to our citizens who honored us by their suffrage.
Never before in the history of our city have the business men, plain, honest and practical people, the bed rock of the municipality, taken so much interest in public questions vital to their interests, comfort and prosperity.
The earnest, progressive citizen of today is not content in municipal affairs to blindly follow partisan leadership, but he is thinking for himself. Letus, then, as far as possible, ignore party affiliations, as we are, and should always be, a city govern- ment of and for all the people.
Your hearty co-operation with the mayor is necessary to a successful performance of our duties, and be assured that the mayor will co-operate with you in anything and in everything that will tend to the advancement of the people's welfare and happiness.
The expenditure and safeguarding of the citizens' money is a sacred trust ; economy must prevail, and this without in any way crippling any of our departments.
6
ANNUAL REPORTS.
unimproved real estate suitable for building purposes. By compelling such land to pay its rightful proportion, we not only equalize taxation, but we induce the building of more taxable property.
It is my intention to take up with the boards of trade the matter of bringing new industries into our city, as well as many other matters which will further our commercial success. These boards are wisely conducted and earnest in their work, and I shall be only too glad to co-operate with them in their efforts for the advancement and prosperity of our city.
City Charter.
There will undoubtedly be introduced in the legislature the present year, as in every year, one or more proposed amend- ments to the charter. These should receive your careful atten- tion. Any such amendments as will help to better the adminis- tration of city affairs should receive our hearty support, but amendments introduced without good reason, and simply as an experiment in municipal government, should be strenuously opposed. Let us sink all political differences and personal prejudice in our consideration of such measures, and strive to obtain for our city the best possible form of government.
It seems to me that we have too frequent elections, and that the annual change in administrations does not tend to a settled policy in municipal affairs. I would recommend that the charter be so amended as to provide for biennial elections.
Planning Board.
Somerville, in common with other cities of the state, has added to her government a new body known as the planning board. This board, which is appointed in compliance with a legislative act of last year, is required to make careful studies of the resources, possibilities and needs of the city, particularly with respect to conditions which may be injurious to the public health or otherwise injurious in and about rented dwellings, and to make plans for the development of the municipality, with special reference to the proper housing of its people. The board is required to make an annual report to the city council, giving in- formation regarding the condition of the city, and any plans or proposals for development, and estimates of the cost thereof. It is the apparent intent of the law that the board shall act, to a
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
certain extent, in harmony with the homestead commission of the commonwealth, which was created in 1911.
This board is permitted a wide latitude in its studies, and it should proceed with the greatest deliberation in reaching its conclusions.
Workmen's Compensation Acts.
At the last city election the voters accepted the act to pro- vide for compensating laborers, workmen and mechanics for in- juries sustained in public employment. This means that in the future the liability of the city for injuries in public employment will be the same as provided in the statutes relating to em- ployees in ordinary business, known as the Workmen's Compen- sation Acts. In private business the employer generally in- sures, but in municipal business the expense of insurance would be a considerable item. We should carefully estimate, to the best of our ability, basing our estimate upon the municipal ex- perience of the past, the probable cost to the city upon an in- suring or non-insuring basis. We have for years eliminated the insurance cost in the maintenance of our public buildings, and the wisdom of the practice has been demonstrated, but fire risks to buildings, separated by wide 'areas, and accidental risks to our employees hardly furnish a basis of comparison as to the economy in insurance. This matter of provision for liability is one that should be given most careful consideration.
Fire Districts.
I desire to bring to your attention the need of fire districts, which I have advocated for years. I believe a beginning should be made, at an early date, in establishing such districts where the danger from fire seems greatest.
Streets.
Never more than at the present time have good roads been demanded. With the advent of heavy auto trucks and in- creased traffic everywhere, we must keep up with our neighbors in meeting this demand. Methods of construction have reached an advanced stage. Highland avenue and the recently- constructed Tufts street are commendable examples of good road work. No matter how good the original construction, constant supervision is necessary. Immediate repairs of worn surfaces will go far in keeping our roads in proper condition.
8
ANNUAL REPORTS.
The cry for clean streets is universal. We all hear it, but not enough heed it. With a little more care we can make our city a model in this respect.
Grade Crossings.
The construction work of the abolition of grade crossings was placed by the decree of the court in charge of the Boston & Maine Railroad. At Somerville avenue, Medford street, Webster avenue and Dane street, during the last five years, the work of construction has been substantially completed. By statute law the duty is placed upon the city of taking charge of claims and actions for damages to estates caused by the change of grade of public ways. The city solicitor informs me that there were about 175 such claims. Up to the present time more than 125 claims have been adjusted by agreement with owners of estates, and only three actions in court have been brought to trial.
Street Railways.
The public service commission of the commonwealth, act- ing under chapter 402 of the Acts of 1907, on December 23 granted authority to the Boston Elevated Railway Com- pany to act as a common carrier of baggage and freight in this city. Under this law the company is subject to such regula- tions and restrictions as may from time to time be made by the local authorities, subject to the approval of the com- missioners, and in the grant of the commission it is ex- pressly provided that the exercise of the authority shall not in any way interfere with the conduct of the passenger service. The people of Somerville are among the largest patrons of this corporation and are entitled to the best service that can be given. If it appears that the carrying of baggage and freight interferes with the proper carrying on of passenger transporta- tion, the city government should take immediate action to im- pose further restrictions.
High School.
For several years the high school has been administered under trying conditions on account of the lack of sufficient seat- . ing accommodations. These conditions have been overcome by the recent construction of additions to the buildings and a re-
9
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL
ADDRESS.
arrangement of the various rooms. The entire school is now enabled to return to a single session and to normal conditions.
The improved conditions and the opportunity which is thus given for the school to put into effect its plans for instruction and study seem to be greatly appreciated by all who are inter- ested in the educational affairs of the city. This auditorium fur- nishes an opportunity for the gathering of the entire school and faculty at one time. These gatherings are sure to develop a better school spirit, and will in other directions be beneficial to the school activities.
I believe that a system of water service and hydrants should be constructed in connection with the buildings on Cen- tral Hill park. These buildings are not protected by fire in- surance, and the comparatively small amount of money necessary for this equipment would safeguard property valued at more than $500,000.
Public Library.
The new library building on this hill has been recently finished and dedicated. This was completed within the appro- priation, and the trustees' estimates for this year's maintenance in the new structure are the same as for last year in the old. Economy will be possible because of better grouping of the parts of the service. This building is one of the best public buildings in the city, both from an architectural and a practical point of view. In its construction and equipment, careful atten- tion has been given to all matters of detail, and I congratulate our citizens on possessing today one of the best library build- ings in the commonwealth.
City Hall Annex.
Some disposition should be made at once of this building, as it not only detracts from the architectural beauty of the new library, but, in its present location, spoils the artistic effect of the whole park. I am somewhat surprised that provision has not already been made to carry out the original intention, which I have understood was definitely agreed upon, to remove this building on or before the completion of the new one. The in- terior of the old library building can be remodeled at small ex- pense to furnish accommodations for departments now quartered in the 'annex, but there should certainly be provided quarters for the Grand Army no less comfortable than they now
10
ANNUAL REPORTS.
have. If your board decides that the building should be re- moved to another location, the present quarters can be main- tained; if you decide that the building should be torn down, suitable provision should be made in the old library building. Let us not go backward in honoring our veterans. Governor Guild, in his oration at the unveiling of the noble monument which stands on this beautiful hill, said :-
"From the days when on Prospect Hill the first flag of the united colonies, the stars and crosses, was hoisted by Israel Put- nam at the siege of Boston, Somerville has been nobly worthy of Middlesex and Massachusetts. In the great struggle that decided that slavery was to end, the long roll of service shows that this city was represented not in the Fifth nor in the Thirty -. ninth alone, but that it shared, through one representative or another, in well-nigh every achievement by Massachusetts for the Union, afloat or ashore."
Somerville Hospital.
I am very glad to renew the annual recommendation that the usual sum of $5,000 be appropriated for the work of this admirable institution. My only regret is that the city is not financially able to do much more, as I consider this one of the most needed and valuable institutions in our city.
No=license.
The attitude of our city in the matter of the sale of intoxi- cating liquor is one in which we take great pride. The vote at the last city election was particularly gratifying, the majority for no-license being the largest in our history.
I desire to acknowledge the courteous response of the various heads of departments to my requests for information. I have refrained at this time from making any statement of the work of departments, as I wish to acquaint myself more thoroughly with the details of their management. For the same reason, I have refrained from commendation or criticism. I enter the office of mayor under obligation to no man to do other than my duty as mayor. As I stated many times during the late campaign, both in public and in private, I intend to get down to bed rock and know just what is being done in all departments. It is my purpose, if I find that any department is not properly conducted, to correct the wrong, and if proper
11
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
business methods are not in use, to endeavor to install them.
I believe that every honest man in public life welcomes fair, decent criticism, but the spirit of fault-finding with city govern- ments of today, generally without reason, has a bad influence in any community. A "booster" is better than a "knocker." If the members of the city government feel that they have the con- fidence and support of the people, they will do better work.
To you, members of the board of aldermen, I have just a word to say in closing. I have served in the board of aldermen and know the value to the city of hearty co-operation between the legislative and executive branches. I pledge you mine, and earnestly ask for yours. Do not let us for one moment forget that we are the servants of the people. We are the creatures of the moment, selected by our citizens to honorably and man- fully conduct the city's affairs for the current year. Let us so live our official lives that at the end of our term of office it may be said that we have faithfully and conscientiously exerted our best efforts for the welfare, comfort and happiness of all the people. Our duty is a sacred one.
Financial Statement.
Funded Debt .- The funded debt of the city January 1, 1913, was as follows :-
City Loan
$1,216,000 00
Sewer Loan
331,000 00
Water Loan
38,000 00
Metropolitan Park Assessment Loan
17,000 00
Lowell Street Bridge Loan
37,000 00
Municipal Loan
35,000 00
$1,674,000,00
The debt was increased during the year by appropriations made by the board of aldermen as follows :-
High School Addition, Furnishing and Equipment
$14,000 00
S. Newton Cutler School, Grading Land 1,300 00
Central Heating Plant 30,000 00
Bingham School, Construction of Hall 2,000 00 Bell School, Additional Window Space 1,200 00
Highways Construction
20,000 00
Amount carried forward
$68,500 00
12
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Amount brought forward .
$68,500 00
Highway Department, Steam Roller
4,500 00
Highways, Shade Trees
500 00
Sidewalks Construction
20,000 00
Sewers Construction
30,000 00
New Cells, Police Station
5,000 00
Electrical Department, Underground
Construction
3,000 00
Playgrounds Extension
2,500 00
Lincoln Park, Shower Baths
1,000 00
Municipal Loan
87,000 00
$222,000 00
The debt was reduced during the year by maturities as follows :-
City Loan
$160,000 00
Sewer Loan .
19,000 00
Water Loan
6,000 00
Metropolitan Park Assessment Loan
1,000 00
Lowell Street Bridge Loan
1,000 00
Municipal Loan
35,000 00
$222,000 00
Leaving the funded debt of the city January 1, 1914, $1,674,000, in bonds classified as follows :-
City Loan, at 37/2 per cent. $208,000 00
City Loan, at 4 per cent. .
848,000 00
City Loan, at 41/4 per cent. 105,000 00
Sewer Loan, at 31/2 per cent. . 80,000 00
Sewer Loan, at 4 per cent. 232,000 00
Sewer Loan, at 414 per cent. .
30,000 00
Water Loan, at 4 per cent.
32,000 00
Metropolitan Park Assessment Loan,
at 31/2 per cent. . 16,000 00
Lowell Street Bridge Loan, at 31/2 per
cent. ..
36,000 00
Municipal Loan, at 41/2 per cent. 87,000 00
$1,674,000 00
Taxes .- The assessors' warrant for the tax levy assessed upon the polls and estates of the inhabitants, as of April 1, 1913, was duly submitted to the collector.
13
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
The total amount of taxable property, not including non- lesident bank shares, was $71,906,464.00, and the rate estab- lished was $19.80 on each $1,000 valuation, as follows :-
Real estate, valuation . $64,077,600 00
Personal estate, valuation
7,768,300 00
Resident bank shares
60,564 00
Total valuation . $71,906,464 00
At the rate of $19.80 on each $1,000 valua-
tion .
$1,423,747 99 .
Polls, 23,262 at $2
46,524 00
Street Sprinkling
34,854 95
Extermination Gypsy and Brown-tail
moths
580 04
$1,505,706 98
Non-resident bank shares, $86,436 at
$19.80 .
1,711 43
·
Total amount of tax levy · $1,507,418 41
Appropriations were made as follows :-
General Government $76,298 00
Protection of Life and Property 226,200 00
Health and Sanitation
141,500 00
Highways
123,000 00
Charities
36,300 00
Soldiers' Benefits
39,200 00
Education
407,000 00
Libraries
39,100 00
Recreation
17,025 00
Unclassified
3,277 00
Municipal Indebtedness
300,151 80
Water Works
185,800 00
Amounting in the aggregate to .
$1,594,851 80
Less estimated revenue $446,760 34
Less unexpended balance, 1912 13,419 70
460,180 04
Amount to be raised by taxation
$1,134,671 76
Amount carried forward . $1,134,671 76
11
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Amount brought forward . $1,134,671 76
STATE AND COUNTY TAXES, ETC. :-
State Tax
$126,000 00
County Tax .
63,565 14
Grade Crossing Tax .
12,091 27
State Highway Tax
58 00
Abatement of Smoke, Boston and vicinity
247 44
Metropolitan Sewer Assessment
69,725 37
Metropolitan Park Assessment
36,157 60
Charles River Basin Assessment
6,349 56
Alewife Brook Assessment
1,222 50
Wellington Bridge Assessment
631 31
Overlay and Abatement
19,552 04
Street Sprinkling .
34,854 95
Extermination of Gypsy and Brown-
tail Moths .
580 04
$1,505,706 98
Collected for
state on
non-resident
bank shares
·
.
·
1,711 43
$1,507,418 41 -
15
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.
Reduction of Funded Debt.
Tax Rate per $1,000 Valuation on Account of Reduc- tion of Funded Debt.
Town .
$593,349
Dec. 31, 1872
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
55,739 35
2 72
1881
1,585,000
58,498 64
2 59
1882
1,585,000
61,390 59
2 65
1883
1,585,000
·
67,719 33
2 78
1885
+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
1891
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
1898
1,552,000
176,000
172,000 00
3 99
1899
1,492,500
110,000
169,500 00
3 30
1900
1,478,000
152,000
166,500 00
3 17
1901
1,461,000
146,000
163,000 00
3 02
1902
1,447,000
175,000
159,000 00
2 86
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
1910
1,500,000
160,000
163,000 00
2 26
1911
1,519,000
188,000
169,000 00
2 41
1912
1,674,000
332,000
177,000 00
2 54
1913
1,674,000
222,000
222,000 00
2 92
.
71,305 66
2 87
1886
1,525,000
66,894 23
2 57
1887
1,525,000
64,479 01
2 70
1884
1,585,000
$50,005
643,354
·
*$10,000 applied to payment of bonds ; balance to sinking funds.
+Sinking fund applied.
16
ANNUAL REPORTS.
YEAR.
VALUATION,
TAX LEVY.
RATE.
1872
$22,755,325
$274,374 45
$13 00
1873
29,643,100
389,214 48
12 80
1874
30,837,700
473,235 50
15 00
1875
31,317,000
518,161 40
16 20
1876
26,573,400
504,475 24
18 60
1877
25,479,400
471,789 14
18 10
1878
20,976,900
409,497 10
9 00
1879
18,950,100
352,553 80
18 00
1880
20,458,100
402,927 71
19 10
1881
22,569,100
452,945 45
19 50
1882
23,162,200
425,721 16
17 80
1883
23,812,900
411,645 43
16 70
1884
24,331,100
418,750 26
16 60
1885
24,878,400
428,605 44
16 60
1886
26,003,200
416,987 28
15 40
1887
27,471,800
424,309 14
14 80
1888
28,765,400
421,458 60
14 00
1889
30,004,600
440,324 40
14 00
1890
32,557,500
447,704 00
14 00
1891
36,843,400
539,137 10
14 00
1892
38,093,100
596,357 50
15 00
1893
41,873,600
675,886 80
15 50
1894
44,142,900
721,165 54
15 70
. 1895
46,506,300
745,609 02
15 40
1896
49,070,800
786,412 32
15 40
1897
50,231,000
913,574 42
17 30
1898
50,739,700
954,187 11
17 90
1899
51,262,400
882,580 96
16 30
1900
52,578,200
889,916 08
16 00
1901
53,924,200
907,439 82
15 90
1902
55,558,300
964,535 80
16 40
1903
57,062,000
1,038,849 84
17 20
1904
58,137,900
. 1,059,292 56
17 20
1905
59,233,000
. 1,144,000 14
18 30
1906
60,371,500
, 1,114,023 62
17 40
1907
61,627,200
1,144,434 92
17 40
1908
63,158,400
1,237,694 72
18 40
1909
63,658,953 20
1,260,144 32
18 60
1910
66,376,338 70
. 1,306,888 71
18 50
1911
67,284,066 00
. 1,366,240 92
19 10
1912
69,632,540 00
. 1,390,824 93
18 80
1916
71,906,464 00
1,505,706 98
19 80
REPORT OF THE CITY TREASURER AND COLLECTOR OF TAXES.
Treasurer's Office, February 26, 1914. To the Honorable, the Mayor, and the Board of Aldermen of the City of Somerville :-
Gentlemen: The undersigned presents herewith the forty- second annual report of the financial condition of the city, and a statement showing, in detail, the receipts and disbursements for the year ending December 31, 1913.
Public Property.
The property acquired during the year was as follows :-
New Cells, Police Station
$953 19
Fire Department, Additional Apparatus
5,800 00
Fire Department, Chief's automobile, 1912
1,875 00
Sewers Construction
$26,666 08
Less deductions
2,654 08
24,012 00
Highways, Steam Roller
4,400 00
City Home Addition
120 10
High School Addition
113,617 98
High School, Furnishing and Equipment .
12,130 75
S. Newton Cutler Schoo!
$4,474 59
S. Newton Cutler School, Grading Land,
1,063 90
School Buildings, Fire Exits (Forster School) .
2,155 04
Bell School, Additional Window Space
1,188 53
Bingham School, Constructing Hall
1,950 46
Central Heating Plant
20,416 00
Lincoln Park Shower Baths .
994 50
Water Works Extension
$20,224 44
Less Water Service Assessments 5,079 51
15,144 93
Property acquired in 1913
$300,867 19
Value, December 31, 1912
5,677,038 63
Making the total public property December 31, 1913 $5,977,905 82
Funded Debt.
The funded debt December 31, 1912, as per Table B of the last annual report, was $1,674,000.00.
The debt was increased during the year by appropriations as follows :-
Loan dated April 1, 1913 :-
Highways Construction . $20,000 00
Sidewalks Construction 20,000 00
Highways, Shade Trees 500 00
Highway Department, Steam Roller
4,500 00
Electrical Department, Underground Construction .
3,000 00
Playgrounds Extension
2,500 00
Lincoln Park, Shower Baths .
1,000 00
Amount carried forward
$51,500 00
.
.
5,538 49
Public Library Construction .
90,570 22
18
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Amount brought forward .
$51,500 00
High School Addition, Furnishing and Equipment 14,000 00
New Cells, Police Station
5,000 00
Central Heating Plant
30,000 00
S. Newton Cutler School, Grading
Land
1,300 00
Bingham School, Constructing Hall .
2,000 00
Bell School, Additional Window Space, 1,200 00
Sewers Construction
30,000 00
$135,000 00
Municipal Loan, dated July 1, 1913 :-
Fire Department, Additional Appar- atus .
$20,000 00
Highways Construction
7,000 00
Fire Department
10,000 00
Police Department
4,000 00
Contagious Hospital
4,000 00
Refuse Disposal
7,000 00
Central Library
4,000 00
School Contingent
4,000 00
School Teachers' Salaries
14,000 00
Contingent Fund
13,000 00
87,000 00
Total amount of appropriations on Funded Debt account
$222,000 00
To provide for the above-mentioned appropriations, coupon bonds to the amount of $222,000 were issued, viz .:- Dated April 1, 1913, 414 per cent.
City Loan Bonds :-
Nos. 4461 to 4471, payable 1914 $11,000 00
Nos. 4472 to 4482, payable 1915 11,000 00
Nos. 4483 to 4493, payable 1916 11,000 00
Nos. 4494 to 4504, payable 1917
11,000 00
Nos. 4505 to 4515, payable 1918
11,000 00
Nos. 4516 to 4525, payable 1919
10,000 00
Nos. 4526 to 4535, payable 1920
10,000 00
Nos. 4536 to 4545, payable 1921
10,000 00
Nos. 4546 to 4555, payable 1922
10,000 00
Nos. 4556 to 4565, payable 1923
10,000 00
Sewer Loan Bonds :-
Nos. 564 to 593, payable 1914 to 1943 30,000 00
$135,000 00
Dated July 1, 1913, 41/2 per cent. Municipal Loan Bonds :-
Nos. 4566 to 4575, payable 1914
$10,000 00
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