Report of the city of Somerville 1930, Part 1

Author: Somerville (Mass.)
Publication date: 1930
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 574


USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1930 > Part 1


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ANNUAL REPORTS 1930


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S48


HON. JOHN J. MURPHY Mayor of Somerville


INAUGURAL ADDRESS HON. JOHN J. MURPHY Mayor of Somerville JANUARY 6, 1930


Gentlemen of the Board of Aldermen, members of the School Committee, and my fellow citizens : Permit me to thank the people of our city for the confidence shown and the high honor conferred upon me.


To serve as the chief executive of our beloved City of Somerville, so plentifully blessed by God with historic richness and a splendid citizenship, is a privilege truly great.


Somerville was founded as a town in 1842, and incorpor- ated as a city in 1872. During these 87 years the Republican party or its predecessors have been in complete control of every branch of the government of Somerville. This is the first time in history that the citizens have entrusted to a Democratic Mayor, a Democratic Board of Aldermen, and a Democratic School Committee, the adminstration of their municipal affairs.


We, of the Democratic party, have a mandate from the people. Therefore, we approach our opportunity and our obli- gation with our every thought and action devoted to the best interests of our city and its people.


We find ourselves confronted with the task of setting up and starting in motion an adequate and comprehensive pro- gram having two main objectives:


First : The alleviation and ultimate correction of urgent municipal needs ..


MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS


Second: The initiation of the first steps in a compre- hensive program looking to the fullest development of our civic life.


Having this in mind, let us now consider, briefly, some phases of our municipal conditions.


COMMUNITY RESEARCH


Economists engaged in the study of contemperaneous American life are in accord that there is nothing more inter- esting or necessary in the consideration of our problems and the search for solutions than a scientific survey of govern- mental conditions. On the result of such a survey of our municipal condition, a proper program for the future may well be inaugurated whose salient feature shall be the judicious expenditure of the tax revenue or scientifically planned im- provements.


I therefore recommend to your Honorable Board, appro- priations that will permit a survey of our general conditions, by the authorities of the Massachusetts Institute of Tech- nology, and also a survey of our traffic problem by the authori- ties of Harvard University.


We are in full accord with the request of President Hoover in regard to the initiation of a program of municipal improve- ments, as soon as the same may be done, in order to ease the present industrial depression by providing means of employ- ment. As a means to this end, and for the purpose of meeting our municipal needs, I recommend the following imperative public improvements :


A. Police Station : The most urgent need of the police department is a new station. For years the present building has been unfit, unsanitary, and wholly unsuited to the require- ments of the department.


B. School Buildings: Many of the elementary school buildings of the city have become obsolete and constitute a serious menace to the health and safety of the children.


After a thorough investigation, a program of construction of new elementary school houses should be undertaken as soon as possible. Somerville should have schools second to none in this Commonwealth, and that is our ultimate object.


C. Streets and Sidewalks: Both from a residential and industrial standpoint, a city is properly judged by the char-


MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS


acter and condition of its thoroughfares. Good streets and sidewalks are among the most valuable assets of a city. We believe it is now necessary to begin a comprehensive program of street and sidewalk construction and maintenance of the main arteries, and particularly, the cross-town thoroughfares.


D. Fire Stations: There is need for the erection of two new fire stations, one in the Winter Hill District, and the other in the West Somerville District. This will provide ade- quate fire protection.


LAW ENFORCEMENT


The police department should be given every possible assistance by the city government in order that it shall not be handicapped in enforcing the law. I am determined that in Somerville the protection of lawless elements will not be tolerated, and no condition will be permitted to arise that shall warrant, during my administration, any interference by Federal, state, or county authorities.


POLICE DEPARTMENT


The assignment of members of the department to traffic duty at schools, churches, public squares and dangerous inter- sections will be made as far as possible.


I shall recommend additions to the personnel of the de- partment whenever necessary for the adequate and proper protection of life and property.


Every consideration will be given to the modernizing of the equipment of the department so that its efficiency may not be impaired.


The use of the department auto-patrol as an ambulance is repugnant to the citizens of the city. I therefore recommend the early purchase of a properly and fully equipped ambulance.


FIRE DEPARTMENT


I recommend the establishment of a course of instruction in fire prevention and rescue work; the installation of fire signal systems in our schools; and the further modernization of equipment so as to permit the department to function prop erly in fighting fires. This is necessary, not alone for the pro- tection of lives and property, but also to obtain a reduction of insurance rates on the properties of our citizens.


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MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS


EDUCATIONAL POLICY AND SCHOOLHOUSE CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM


There is a wide-spread dissatisfaction throughout the city with the present non-functioning of the Junior High School system. The theory of the system has not been consummated in actual practice or results.


The students are reaching the Senior High School inade- quately trained. This situation necessitates a considerable loss of time during the Senior High School years to make up for inadequate training in elementary subjects.


The cause of this situation is either that the Junior High School system is fundamentally in error, or the system is correct, but its administration in Somerville is at fault.


The manifest results of its present administration in Som- erville are unquestionably an injustice to the city, parents, children, and taxpayers.


It is scarcely a matter of pride to know that there are too many cases where it is necessary for graduates of our Senior High School to take post-graduate courses in preparatory schools and business colleges before they are competent to enter either college or the business world.


Before embarking on the further expenditure of hundreds of thousands of dollars in Junior High School building ex- tension, it is my belief that immediate and serious considera- tion should be given to a return to the old system of grade school and high school, or else an administrative and teaching readjustment of the present systém. In order to justify such a vast expenditure of the taxpayer's money, this question should be determined by competent educational authority.


ASSESSMENT OF REAL ESTATE


Almost the entire burden of local taxation falls on the owner of real estate. The method of assessing real estate now in use by the Board of Assessors is not in accord with the best practices in use in most of the large cities of the Common- wealth. The technical basis for an equalized and balanced valuation of real estate is lacking because of discrepancies in regard to the assessment valuation of both land and buildings. Identical standards are not applied to similar classes of property. Administrative methods now used by the Board of Assessors do not compare favorably with those of the more modern systems of assessing. The installation of a modern


7


MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS


assessing system is the only way to obtain results satisfactory to the taxpayers.


This matter of assessing real estate is one of the most im- portant questions to be considered, and one which calls for immediate attention by the Board of Assessors. There is no doubt about the necessity of requiring a scientific method for the valuation of real estate; a method which will distribute the burden of taxation equitably and establish a fair relative value for all real estate within the jurisdiction of the assessors.


At the present time there is no up-to-date set of block plans and no land value maps. The judgment of the assessors themselves is admittedly the final court of appeal in respect to property valuation. These facts prove the necessity for an early change to a scientific method of assessing.


I recommend the adoption by the Board of Assessors of a modern system of assessing real estate, and I shall require full- time service of all the members of the Board.


PLAYGROUNDS


The value of playgrounds in any city, adequately equipped and properly cared for, is undisputed. The truth of this is es- pecially emphasized here in our own city because of the density of its population, and the dangers attendant upon an abnorm- ally heavy traffic on our public thoroughfares.


I invite the co-operation of the Board of Aldermen, School Committee, city engineer's department, and recreation com- mission to the end that an immediate extension and better equipment of the present system may be had for the physical development and safety of the children.


TRAFFIC


The most perplexing problem in American life today is that of traffic. Its proper solution means much to the safety of our citizens, and is of decided advantage to the success of our business men. Every move to control traffic affects the rights of our citizens in one way or another. The problem is very complicated because it involves restrictions as to speed and parking ; one-way streets ; arteries for heavy travel ; separa- tion of street grades ; control signals ; boulevard stops ; zones : and consideration of the rights of both pedestrians and auto. mobilists ; to the end that Somerville may have the advantage


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MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS


of the advice and experience of nationally recognized traffic engineers, I recommend the survey previously mentioned.


CLINICS


The wisdom of the state laws relative to the establishment of dental, medical and health clinics cannot be over-estimated. Somerville has been slow to take advantage of these benefits. I especially recommend now the further extension of the dental clinics.


EMPLOYMENT SERVICE


The effect of the present nation-wide industrial depression is being felt in our city. Many people who were formerly gain- fully employed are idle and unable to obtain work. In order to relieve this situation, and at the same time prevent an un- necessary drain on the funds of our welfare department, I be- lieve the city should do its utmost in assisting such citizens in their efforts to obtain employment. In view of the urgency of the situation, I recommend the immediate establishment of a municipal employment service, and I call upon our business and industrial interests for their co-operation.


TERCENTENARY


It is fitting that the city should join with the Common- wealth in commemorating the 300th anniversary of the found- ing of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in New England, and the establishment of the Great and General Court of Massa- chusetts.


Somerville has a rich historical background. On Prospect Hill the American flag was first flown to the breeze in defiance of a foe; on the shores of the Mystic River was launched the first ship built in America, "The Blessing of the Bay"; within its border is still located the old Powder House, where the Revolutionary troops stored their powder; and on Ten Hills Farm was located the residence of Governor Winthrop, the first Governor of Massachusetts.


I invite the support, suggestion, and co-operation of all our residents. I trust that they and all organizations and in. dustries will contribute their part towards making the Tereen- tenary year a most notable one.


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MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS


ADMINISTRATION


I will tolerate no political interference whatever with the operation and functioning of any municipal department. Each department head will be held responsible for the efficiency and the morale of his department.


Every department head will have my assistance and un- qualified backing to the end that Somerville may serve as a model city for service and courteous treatment to all its citizens.


CONCLUSION


Let us be mindful that service to our fellow-men will justify any sacrifices we may make. I bespeak for us all the patient consideration and co-operation of every citizen.


With implicit faith that Almighty God will guide us in the performance of our duties and with complete confidence in the glorious future of our City of the Seven Hills, let us go forward.


10


COMMUNICATION FROM THE MAYOR


ADDRESS BY HON. JOHN J. MURPHY MAYOR OF SOMERVILLE TO MEMBERS OF BOARD OF ALDERMEN


Executive Dept., January 5, 1931.


HONORABLE GENTLEMEN OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN :


Tonight you organize for the year of 1931. Tomorrow will end the first year of my administration, and I intend to sub- mit for your perusal at the next meeting the accomplishments achieved during the past year. You will find it contains a year. of progress without parallel in the history of our beloved city. I wish to thank you for your co-operation in these progressive achievements. Although the past year witnessed an unpre- cedented drain upon the city's resources for Welfare and Soldiers' Relief due to the great business depression which effected the citizens of this city in a large degree, yet the emergency was met in a manner befitting our city. The year ende:l with the city's finances in excellent condition; in fact, in much better shape than a number of cities less hard hit by the depression.


It is our duty now to take up the business for the year of 1931. I have already submitted for your consideration, my legislative program for the year, and I trust I may have your approval of same so that the necessary bills may be drawn and filed before January 17th, the last day for filing. The earlier we take action, the sooner we will be able to ascertain from the Legislature what financial assistance the City of Somer- ville is to be given in order to meet the unemployment situation and to commence much needed construction.


With proper foresight in administration and thoughtful vision in planning, the City of Somerville has a bright future. This fact is made certain by the Industrial Survey of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology which brought to our-


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COMMUNICATION FROM THE MAYOR


attention the information that Somerville is the most advan- tageously located city in New England for economical distribu- tion.


The Legislature of 1930 passed an act which permits a city to appropriate a certain sum of money to advertise its ad- vantages provided a like sum is subscribed by the public. I pro- pose to ask your approval of an appropriation of $5.000 to be met by an equal sum raised through the Somerville Chamber of Commerce. I am co-operating with President Charles Leo Shea in this matter. Somerville with its splendid opportuni- ties should be the first to take advantage of this new law. I feel confident we will be able to attract new industries to our city by the proper type of publicity.


I am also pleased to be able to report to you that splendid progress is being made toward bringing rapid transit to Somer- ville. About six years ago I introduced a bill in the Legislature for a subway through Somerville. On account of the uncertain situation with regard to the Elevated Railway ownership, noth- ing could then be done. However, in 1929, the Legislature created the Metropolitan Transit District Council comprised of the Mayors and Chairmen of the Selectmen of the fourteen (14) cities and towns served by the Boston Elevated. The act also gives certain powers to the Council such as the approval or disapproval of all future extensions of the Elevated. It was my privilege to make the motion in the Transit District Council for a rapid transit system for Somerville. This motion was passed overwhelmingly and as soon as the Legislature ap- proves the necessary appropriation, work will commence on this extension at once.


The line will commence at North Cambridge and proceed by subway under the grade crossings at Davis Square, Grove Street, Willow Avenue, Cedar Street and thence to the B. & M. R. R. tracks to the Viaduct and thence via subway to Kenmore to Brighton.


This line will prove a great benefit to more than 30,000 citizens of Somerville who commute daily to and from Boston. It will also be helpful in the drive to bring industry into the city. It will cause a decided increase in real estate values, and will attract more business into Somerville.


I am at present preparing the annual budget which I hope to submit shortly.


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COMMUNICATION FROM THE MAYOR


With every confidence in the bright future of our city, and wishing each of you a Happy and Prosperous New Year, I am,


Sincerely yours,


JOHN J. MURPHY, Mayor.


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COMMUNICATION FROM THE MAYOR


COMMUNICATION FROM HON. JOHN J. MURPHY


MAYOR OF SOMERVILLE


TO MEMBERS OF BOARD OF ALDERMEN


Executive Dept., February 28, 1931.


TO THE HONORABLE THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN :


I am submitting for your approval the annual Budget for the year 1931.


You will note that the amount recommended is slightly lower than last year.


During the past year many needed improvements have been accomplished. Two new school additions i. e. the Southern Junior High School and the Western Junior High, both of which are nearing completion.


Particular care has been taken to safeguard the health of the children. A Dental Clinic has been established, and at the present time there are five units operating.


The Highway Department is now operating most efficiently and our streets are in better condition than ever before. The removal of snow has been accomplished quickly and efficiently. Snow removal made it possible to give emergency employment to many worthy citizens. Much favorable comment has been made for the manner in which the snow removal was handled this year.


The Sanitary Department has made marked progress due to the City now owning its own trucks. This has expedited the collection of ashes and has also given the City the added ad- vantage of using these trucks in the plowing of streets and the removal of snow.


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COMMUNICATION FROM THE MAYOR


The Fire Department has been brought up to a more efficient basis by the purchase of considerable new equipment. A new system of telephone communication has been installed in connection with the Fire Alarm System.


The Police Department has been greatly aided in handling the traffic situation by the installation of many additional traffic lights at dangerous intersections in our City.


Much progress has been made in the Recreation Depart- ment so that the children and adults of Somerville can now obtain recreation on the various parks and playgrounds under the personal supervision of competent directors.


In view of the unprecedented drain made upon the Welfare and Soldiers' Relief Departments, I feel that we have accom- plished as much, if not more, than other municipalities of our size, and can view the coming year with confidence, that the citizens will approve of our administration of their City.


Yours very truly,


JOHN J. MURPHY, Mayor.


15


CITY AUDITOR


REPORT OF THE CITY AUDITOR


Office of the City Auditor, January 31, 1931.


To the Honorable, the Mayor, and the Board of Aldermen of the City of Somerville.


Gentlemen :-


In accordance with the requirements of Chapter 7, section 3 of the Revised Ordinances of 1929, I herewith submit a re- port of the expenditures and receipts during the year 1930, showing in detail the appropriations and expenditures and the receipts from each source of income. Also a statement of the funded debt and temporary loans, table relative to matur- ities and interest, a balance sheet showing the assets and liabilities at the close of the fiscal year and a statement of the treasurer's cash.


Respectfully submitted,


FRANCIS J. DALEY,


City Auditor


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ANNUAL REPORTS


I Hereby Certify that I have verified the treasurer's cash as of December 31, 1930, by actual count, and have verified by reconciliation of the bank accounts the amounts on deposit in the banks as of the same date.


The total cash balance December 31, 1930, was $1,073,- 820.82, as follows :


Somerville National Bank


$132,261 12


First National Bank


24,681 69


Atlantic National Bank 36,054 24


Merchants National Bank


585,042 10


National Shawmut Bank


80,275 34


Bank of Commerce and Trust Co.


86,260 24


Continental National Bank


25,000 00


Somerville Trust Co., Benefits


47,654 14


Somerville Trust Co., Teachers


27,894 87


Highland Trust Company


23,435 45


Cash and checks in office


5,261 63


$1,073,820 82


I Further Certify that I have examined the Trust Fund Securities in the hands of the city treasurer and find them to be correct, as follows :-


S. Newton Cutler Fund, Schools


$5,000 00


Sarah Winslow Fox Fund, Schools


401 38


Caroline G. Baker Fund, Schools 300 00


Isaac Pitman Art Fund, Library


4,251 66


Isaac Pitman Poetry Fund, Library


1,062 92


Francis A. Wilder, Children's Fund


100 00


Martha R. Hunt Book Fund, Library


12,000 00


Martha R. Hunt Art Fund, Library


1,299 77


S. Newton Cutler Fund, Library


1,000 00


Sarah Lorane Graves Fund, Library


400 00


Buffum Memorial Book Fund, Library


1,000 00


Thomas J. Buffum Fund, Library


2.000 00


Eunice M. Gilmore Fund, Library


2,000 00


Olive C. Cummings Fund, Welfare Department


1,681 66


Municipal Buildings Insurance Fund


18,953 54


$51,450 $3


I Further Certify that I have examined the cash and ac- counts of the city clerk. The cash on hand December 31, 1930, has been verified by actual count and the bank balance re- conciled.


FRANCIS J. DALEY.


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CITY AUDITOR


January 31, 1931.


Middlesex, s. s.


Then personally appeared the above named Francis J. Daley and made oath that the foregoing statement is correct and true to the best of his knowledge and belief.


DAVID J. KELLEY, Notary Public.


BALANCE SHEET, DECEMBER 31, 1930


Assets


Liabilities


Cash :


In Offices and Banks


$383,444 18


Advance to Welfare Dept. 200 00


Advance, Soldiers' Benefits


200 00


Tailings


5,289 72 845 57


Accounts Receivable :


$47,997 93


Taxes 1930


$959,044 28


Taxes 1929


4,341 04


Taxes 1928


182 17


Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, 1930


41,947 98


Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, 1929


11,506 52


Premium on Bonds


21,760 25


Special Assessments, 1929


21 26


Accrued Interest on Bonds


2,461 11


Conscience Fund


12 50


Departmental Bills Receivable


47,997 93


Sale of Land


243 51


Commonwealth of Massachu- setts Soldiers' Benefits


7,070 0.0


Tax Title Revenue


19,657 67


Water Department Accounts.


45,712 31


1,132,919 92


Deferred Revenue :


Apportioned Sewer Assessments $ 158 22


Deferred Special Assessments


29,180 35


Apportioned Sidewalks Assess- ments


1,988 01


Levy of 1928


182 17


Levy of 1929


4,341 04


Levy of 1930


23,096 22


Committed Assessments :


Apportioned Sewers


16 64


Apportioned Sidewalks


119 74


Apportioned Betterments


1,822 25


Excess and Deficiency


Unapportioned Sidewalks


553 00


Unapportioned Betterments


1,694 73


4,206 36


Reserve Fund, Surplus from Over- lays


10,307 73 256,947 23


ANNUAL REPORTS


Apportioned Highway Assess- ments


24,783 95


26,930 18


Temporary Loans Unexpended Balances: Income of Trust Funds


$1,100,000 00


$383,844 18


Revenue Reserved When Collected: Departmental Bills Receivable. Water Revenue


45,712 31


93,710 24


Special Assessments, 1930


15,096 43


..


Sale of Buildings


1,575 00


18


Overlay Reserved for Abatements:


.


BALANCE SHEET-Continued .


Committed Interest : Apportioned Assessments Unapportioned Assessments


610 00 98 15


Tax Titles


708 15 21,001 52


$1,569,610 31


$1,569,610 31


Non-Revenue Accounts


Cash in Offices and Banks


$690,376 64


Appropriations


$690,376 64


$690,376 64


$690,376 64


Municipal Indebtedness


Net Bonded Debt


$3,384,000 00


Loans within Statutory limits:


City Bonds


$ 21,000 00


City Hall Addition Bonds


94,000 00


Sewer Bonds


95,000 00


Bridge Bonds


19,000 00


Highway Bonds


275,000 00


Public Building Bonds 74,000 00


Schoolhouse Bonds


533,000 00


High School Bonds


1,048,000 00


Junior High School Bonds


775,000 00


$2,934,000 00


Loans outside Statutory debt limit : Northern Traffic Artery Assess- ment


450,000 00


$3,384,000 00


$3,384,000 00


CITY AUDITOR


19


Trust and Other Invested Funds


20


Investments: Cash and Securities


$51,450 93 Trust Funds : School Funds Library Funds


$ 5,701 38


25,114 35


Poor Funds 1,681 66


Invested Fund : Municipal Buildings Insurance Fund


18,953 54


$51,450 93


$51,450 93


$51,450 93


ANNUAL REPORTS


21


CITY AUDITOR


CASH STATEMENT, DECEMBER 31, 1930


REVENUE


Receipts


General:


Taxes


$3,412,282 67


Motor Vehicle Excise Tax


540,099 75


Commonwealth of Mass., Income Tax




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