USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1952 > Part 1
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GIVES
OMERV
1848
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https://archive.org/details/annualreportofci1952some
CITY OF SOMERVILLE MASSACHUSETTS
ANNUAL REPORTS 1952
GIV
DO
SOMERVILLE
LA
FREED
FOUNDED 1842
AL
MUNICIPAL
A CITY 1872. STRENGTH
42. ESTABLISHED
Somerville Printing Co., Inc. 1953
HON. JOHN M. LYNCH Mayor of Somerville
INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF MAYOR JOHN M. LYNCH JANUARY 7, 1952
Mr. Chairman, Members of the Board of Aldermen, Members of the School Committee, Members of the Board of Asses- sors, Reverend Clergy, and my fellow citizens of Somerville:
To all my dear friends, loyal supporters and all the citizens of Somerville, it is my sincere hope that the year 1952 may bring a restoration of peace to the world, prosperity to our city and good health and happiness to all the citizens of Somerville.
At the recent municipal election, the citizens of Somerville selected me to be their Mayor for the fifth time. In so doing, they conferred upon me a great honor and privilege.
While I am grateful for this honor and privilege, more than that, I am seriously impressed with the responsibility placed upon me.
Let me assure all the citizens that I shall keep faith with them, and, with the help of God, will continue to give Somer- ville the same high character of city government which it has enjoyed during my administrations.
It has always been my practice, when addressing the citi- zens of Somerville, to speak frankly, because I believe that if the citizens are correctly informed of a situation, they are willing to give it intelligent consideration.
Although these ceremonies are for the purpose of inaugu- rating a new city government for the years 1952 and 1953, I shall take this opportunity to present a concise and factual report of our conduct of the city's affairs during the past two years. I do this with the belief that such a report, made in an atmosphere free from political consideration, and made after the election is over, solely for the purpose of informing the citizens of the condition of their city, will be received by the citizens without bias and in the spirit in which it is given.
In no city anywhere, at any time, did there exist the chaos - confusion - and lack of confidence in city government - that existed in Somerville two years ago. The financial condi- tion of the city was at an all-time low. The morale of our city employees had steadily declined - because of the existence of favoritism in most departments. The results of the mis- management and wrong doing of the previous administration
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ANNUAL REPORTS
had plunged our city into complete disgrace. Somerville's reputation had been seriously impaired.
As we assumed the responsibility of directing the affairs of the city, two years ago, we were faced with deficits from the previous administration of over $680,000., which had to be included in the 1950 tax rate - representing an increase of over $5.00 in that year's tax rate, which had been thrust upon us before we even took office. There was not one cent of un- encumbered funds on hand, and therefore, two years ago, the City of Somerville had no bank book - but did have tremen- dous deficits that we had to pay in 1950.
During the past two years, by an honest, prudent and sensible administration of your city's affairs, the sorry condi- tion of our city has been corrected and I am pleased to report improvements in every aspect of your city government.
When the 1951 tax rate was set, conditions showed a marked improvement. The tax rate was reduced $1.30 and there was an overall reduction in valuations of nearly four million dollars. The funded debt was reduced approximately a million dollars. All city employees received an increase in pay, the working hours of firemen and policemen were reduced - and I am proud to report, that last year, for the first time in over twenty years, the tax rate, valuations and funded debt were all reduced in the same year.
At the conclusion of 1951, the financial picture shows further improvement. There was no borrowing for any purpose in 1951. The city has no deficits in estimated receipts. While the records are not yet complete, it is safe to say, that at the end of 1951, the city's only bank book, which is known as the Excess and Deficiency Account, will show available cash ap- proaching $200,000., and the funded debt of Somerville is now the lowest it has been in over twenty years. Thus, you will see, we have put Somerville's financial house in order. The credit of our city is strong. Its fiscal reputation has been redeemed.
By the appointment of honorable and competent men and women to positions of trust in our city government, the moral fibre of our city has been revived and strengthened - and Somerville's good name has been restored.
I am proud to report the many improvements we have ef- fected in our city, with the knowledge that everything we have accomplished has been done in a straightforward, legitimate and honest manner, without borrowing, and paid for entirely from current receipts.
Among the improvements to which I am pleased to call at- tention, were the much-needed resurfacing and reconstruction of streets and squares in our city.
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MAYOR'S INAUGURAL
SOMERVILLE AVENUE was completely resurfaced from the Northern Artery to the Cambridge Line at Porter Square, including all of Union Square, together with the erection of safety islands at dangerous intersections. A new and modern lighting system was installed over the entire length of Somer- ville Avenue, for the purpose of reducing accidents and aiding the general safety of pedestrians.
CROSS STREET was resurfaced from the Northern Artery to Broadway.
WEBSTER AVENUE was completely resurfaced from Union Square to the Cambridge Line.
MEDFORD STREET was resurfaced from the Northern Artery to Cambridge.
BROADWAY is the most heavily traveled street in our city.
We have installed a system of modern traffic safety islands from Charlestown to the top of Winter Hill, which is just being completed - with a new and modern mercury vapor-lamp lighting system the entire length.
Traffic accidents on Broadway cost five lives in 1949 and two lives in 1950. Now, we have a traffic system on Broadway which gives maximum protection to the public.
A contract has been entered into for the reconstruction of Washington Street, which will be completely resurfaced from Union Square to the Northern Artery. This network of highway improvements cost approximately $200,000. By wise admini- stration, taking advantage of Chapter 90 of the General Laws, the cost to the Somerville taxpayers was only $50,000., the balance being paid for by the State and County - thus effect- ing a saving to Somerville taxpayers of $150,000.
The two bridges on Lowell Street have been rebuilt at a cost of $33,654.25.
In the Water Department, $40,000. was expended for the purchase and installation of new water meters, to replace worn out, inefficient meters-bringing to the city additional revenue by the proper and equitable recording of water consumption.
May I point out here that this is a self-liquidating project.
In the Building Department, new, modern oil-burning equipment has been installed at the Central Heating Plant on Central Hill, at the Western Junior High School, at the North- eastern Junior High School, and at the Glines and Cutler Schools, at a cost of $56,351.50, thereby effecting a substan- tial saving in the cost of heating, and providing greater comfort for the children and teachers of these schools.
The exterior of the Central Library has been steam-cleaned and repointed.
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ANNUAL REPORTS
There has been a complete interior and exterior renovation and insulation of the City Home located at Clarendon Hill - and old folks are enjoying more comfort in the declining years of their lives.
New and modern toilet facilities have been installed at the Bingham, Morse and Brown Schools, replacing outmoded and unsanitary equipment.
On Albion Street, we constructed a new and modern play- ground at a cost of $10,400. This playground has been ac- cepted by many neighboring communities as a model to be copied by them.
A new outdoor running track was constructed at the rear of the Somerville High School which is considered by athletic authorities everywhere to be the finest in Greater Boston.
We have a project under agreement with the Metropolitan District Commission to extend and enlarge the Caesar Marchi Playground located on Winter Hill - so that the new play area will be larger in area than the present playground - and this improvement will be made at no cost to the taxpayers of Som- erville, the expense being absorbed by the Metropolitan Dis- trict Commission.
In accordance with the pledge contained in my 1950 Inaugural Address, I had filed for me with the State Legislature a bill for the erection of a suitable Stadium at the site of Dilboy Field.
As a result of this proposal, the State Legislature appro- priated $200,000. to have the Metropolitan District Commis- sion erect a new stadium at this site. Plans are now being drawn, and we have been assured that the new stadium will be available for athletic activity sometime this year. Thereby, Somerville High School athletic teams will be playing their home games in their own modern stadium with completely modern and comfortable facilities. It would have been built last year, were it not for the prohibition imposed by the National Pro- duction Board - due to the war emergency.
The expense of building this stadium, which amounts to $200,000. will be borne by the State Government, and, there- fore, is a saving to the taxpayers of Somerville.
Again, in my 1950 Inaugural Address, I stated that I had legislation filed for the installation of a Swimming Pool within the confines of our city by the Metropolitan District Commis- sion.
I am now pleased to report that $350,000. has been appro- priated by the State Legislature for a new Swimming Pool.
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MAYOR'S INAUGURAL
Plans are now being completed and, this summer, we will have the most modern, up-to-date Swimming Pool in Greater Boston installed at Saxton Foss Park.
The cost of this project, also, will be absorbed by the State Government - thus relieving the Somerville taxpayers of the tremendous burden of the cost of this improvement.
In summarizing, let me point out that I am proud, as mayor of Somerville, that the State Legislature, during my term of of- fice, had sufficient confidence in our administration to warrant passing the legislation which brings such great recreational benefits to the people of our city, and at such a tremendous saving to our taxpayers.
Without fear of contradiction, I feel that I may safely say that Somerville has made greater progress in obtaining recre- ational facilities in the past two years, during my administra- tion, than at any other time in this century.
During the past two years, in the Public Works Depart- ments of our city government, we have kept pace with the march of progress, by a program of reasonable modernization of equipment in these departments.
For example: in the Sanitary Department, we purchased four new trucks for the collection of ashes and rubbish.
In the Highway Department, we purchased three dump trucks, one automobile, one street sweeper, six plows for snow removal, and six sand spreaders, which are in process of being delivered.
In the Engineering Department, we purchased one dump truck and two pick-up trucks.
In the Electric Lines and Lights Department, we purchased three trucks.
Thus, a total of seventeen pieces of automotive equipment have been purchased for our Public Works Departments, totally eliminating the private hire of automotive equipment for the first time in many years.
The hiring of automotive equipment in the last year of the previous administration cost $31,000. in the Sanitary Depart- ment alone.
For the Police Department, there were purchased eleven Cruising Cars and one Combination Patrol Wagon and Ambu- lance.
In the Fire Department, we bought two ultra-modern American La France Pumping Engines and four other pieces of automotive equipment which, in both of these departments, gives our citizens the most vital protection for the safety of their lives and property.
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ANNUAL REPORTS
All of this equipment cost the city a total of $130,559.04 and has all been paid from current revenue.
There was no borrowing for this purpose.
In consideration of our program of providing for our needy citizens, we established a Food Depot in 1950. This was for the distribution of surplus food commodities to all recipients of aid in the various divisions of relief of the city. This has worked out beneficially for many families, particularly for those families who, through circumstances beyond their con- trol, found it necessary to seek assistance.
The food distributed is provided by the Federal Govern- ment and costs the city nothing. It is distributed free to those entitled to receive assistance.
In my 1950 Inaugural Address, with reference to the condition of our schools, I said, and I quote "The condition of Somerville's School Buildings is below accepted standards, and just as soon as I am able to obtain a complete picture of these conditions, I shall consider a long-range school building pro- gram." (end of quote) In keeping with this promise, and also in consideration of the taxpayers of the city, I initiated a Sur- vey in the School Committee by an unbiased, impartial group of experts.
The School Survey Report has been completed - and this is the first time in Somerville's history that a comprehensive study has been made of Somerville's outmoded school facilities.
In my 1950 Inaugural Address, I asserted that I was un- alterably opposed to any further liquor licenses being granted in Somerville.
I have been officially recorded against every application for a liquor license which has been before the Somerville Licensing Commission or the State Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission, during the past two years.
My position remains unchanged. I am still unalterably op- posed to any further liquor licenses in Somerville.
I would be remiss in my duty if, at this time, I did not pub- licly acknowledge the co-operation and assistance given the city government by the Somerville Taxpayers' Association and the Somerville Chamber of Commerce. Both of these organiza- tions have impartially and forthrightly rendered valuable assistance to me in meeting the many problems which have confronted us during the past two years.
I would like to quote, at this time, some excerpts from "The Messenger" - the official publication of the Somerville Taxpayers' Association, in its issue, Volume 4, Number 4, made public last October. The taxpayers said in their publica-
11
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL
tion, and I quote, "We are pleased to report this past two years has shown a refreshing change of policy in the municipal structure from our prior years of existence. While we feel there is always room for improvement, economy has definitely been put into practice. Examination of the records shows we are getting a dollar's value for a dollar spent. Outright theft of your tax dollars by contractors and department heads has been eliminated. The City of Somerville bank book, for the first time since 1945, shows surplus funds in the bank that have not been earmarked for spending. We thank all city of- ficials for their fine co-operation. They have done a fine job." (end of quote)
This, my fellow citizens, was from the official publication of the Somerville Taxpayers' Association, which is organized for the protection of the home owners and taxpayers of Somer- ville-and I submit that those published statements are public substantiation of everything which I have reported to you so far in this address.
I have reported to you, thus far, a record of accomplish- ment which speaks for itself. It is a record which withstands the carping criticism of those, who, not only failed to prevent the sorrowful incidents which took place immediately preced- ing my administration, but were part and parcel of the manip- ulations which brought our city to the brink of disaster at that time.
It is with this in mind that I have rendered this report to the people, with the fervent hope and plea, that in a calm and intelligent manner, they will make a proper appraisal of our record.
I must repeat to you what I said two years ago; that I can- not make many recommendations for the next two years - due to the uncertainty of the times and the serious world con- ditions prevailing.
It would be speculative to make a large number of recom- mendations, when I know that it is impossible to make many definite plans at this moment.
However, I again recommend the consolidation of the Sani- tary and Highway Departments. These are related departments and, for economic efficiency, should be consolidated.
I strongly urge your Honorable Board of Aldermen to give serious consideration to this proposal.
I recommend the erection of a modern Public Works Building on the site of our present antiquated, inefficient and costly facilities located at the rear of Trum Field. I believe that the money saved by providing for all of the various pieces
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ANNUAL REPORTS
of equipment of our Public Works Departments under one roof, with modern facilities for maintenance and repair, will amply repay the cost of erecting such a building.
I am not prepared to announce a complete program at this time for Somerville School Buildings - but when my plans are formulated, I will make definite recommendations to the end that the desire of our people for good schools will be satisfied by intelligent action in keeping with the ability of our citizens to pay.
I feel, with the co-operation of the School Department and the newly-established Planning Board, in studying the recom- mendations of the School Survey Report, much will be accom- plished in the next two years in modernizing and streamlining our Public School Buildings.
My program for enlarging and improving the recreational facilities of our city will be continued. Although Somerville is seventh in size in population in Massachusetts, it has the third largest school population in the Commonwealth-which makes it quite obvious that such a program is necessary.
We have established in Somerville a Civil Defense Agency, as required by the Federal and State Governments. I named as the head of this Agency a Veteran of World War 2, trained and experienced for the position. The agency is operating upon a scale sufficient for present conditions, but we must be pre- pared for any eventuality. The cost of administering this department has been kept at an amazingly low figure.
I desire to extend my appreciation to all the citizens of Somerville who are taking part in the Civil Defense program. Their efforts are very necessary to the success of Civil Defense and they are deserving of the appreciation of their fellow citi- zens. However, I must publicly call attention to the lethargy and indifference of many of the citizens of our city, for whose protection and existence the Civil Defense Agency is estab- lished. I again issue a patriotic appeal to all Somerville citizens to volunteer their services for the Civil Defense program. The headquarters for the Somerville Civil Defense Agency are lo- cated in the Police Station building in Union Square.
This year we established a new, modern Planning Board, to survey the physical aspects of the city, with a view to improv- ing its future.
I appointed to this Board five respected citizens, business and professional men, one of them a representative from Organized Labor. I urge the citizens of Somerville to give this new Board their complete co-operation and to thoroughly and impartially consider the recommendations they will make.
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MAYOR'S INAUGURAL
I am fully aware of the plaguing problem of the lack of parking facilities which confronts the businessmen and citi- zens of our city. I firmly believe that every possible considera- tion and assistance should be given to ease this problem - so that we may keep present business in, and attract more busi- ness to Somerville.
A study of this problem was made in the Davis Square Sec- tion and definite recommendations were presented. The businessmen of Davis Square agreed to participate in further- ing the parking program by a financial contribution from the business establishments affected. This part of the program is still in process, and, if carried to a successful conclusion, will in a large part, solve the problem in that area.
I am hopeful that the same plan will be put into effect in other sections of the city.
I am not prepared to state accurately what the financial picture will be for the current year.
It is apparent that we are going to have an exceptionally heavy M. T. A. Assessment in 1952.
There is a general increase in the cost of materials and in other services purchased by the city - over which we have no control.
Recently, the School Committee voted to increase the salaries of all Somerville School Teachers. This increase will amount to $169,500. in this year's budget. The increases granted to the school teachers were for the purpose of enabling them to meet the higher cost of living. I am fully aware of the fact that all other city employees are likewise confronted with the increased cost of living, and, therefore, must be given due consideration.
All of these matters, not yet definitely known, and over which we have no control, make the financial situation for 1952 an uncertain and delicate problem - too difficult to de- termine at the present moment.
However, I assure the people that caution and prudence will be exercised in all matters affecting the conduct of their city government during the next two years.
The problems facing every member of the city government during the coming two years are going to be difficult to solve and will require courage and honesty of purpose - if we are to serve the people well.
I appeal to all city employees to continue to give to the citizens of Somerville the same measure of courteous and conscientious public service which they have so willingly given in the past.
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ANNUAL REPORTS
I renew my pledge that no city employees holding neces- sary jobs, who perform their duties properly, need have any fear during my term of office.
My fellow citizens, as Chief Executive of Somerville, and as one who has been honored to an unparalleled extent, I make this solemn pledge; that I shall continue to conduct the affairs of our city with dignity and courage, sincerity and honesty - to the end that honest and sensible government shall continue in Somerville.
To achieve success, I must receive the wholehearted co- operation of the members of the Board of Aldermen, the School Committee, the Board of Assessors and all the employees of the city. The same measure of co-operation which has existed between the Executive Department and the other branches of our city government should continue in the future - and Somerville will be a better place in which to live.
I shall not attempt to usurp the authority of the Board of Aldermen, the School Committee, or the Board of Assessors, and I submit that only by constant co-operation, can we suc- ceed in the difficult task which confronts us in these difficult times.
I urge everyone who is in any way a part of the city govern- ment, to do their full share to bring credit upon our city.
I sincerely appeal to all the citizens for their co-operation and assistance in enabling our administration to be a success- ful one.
In closing, may I ask that Almighty God provide us with the wisdom and courage to administer well the affairs of our city: to give us the understanding to grasp the problems which confront us, and the courage to perform our duties properly. I am confident of our ability to courageously and intelligently meet these problems. With Divine Guidance and assistance, for which we pray, Somerville will go forward.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN M. LYNCH, Mayor
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CITY AUDITOR
REPORT OF THE CITY AUDITOR
Office of the City Auditor January 31, 1953
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 Ordinance of 1929, I herewith submit a re- port of the expenditures and receipts during the year 1952, as shown by the records in this office, giving in detail the appro- priations, expenditures and the receipts from each source of income. Also a statement of the funded debt and temporary loans, table relative to maturities and interest, a balance sheet showing the assets and liabilities at the close of the fiscal year.
Respectfully submitted,
DAVID Y. ROSS,
City Auditor
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BALANCE SHEET, DECEMBER 31, 1952 REVENUE ACCOUNTS
Assets
Liabilities
Cash:
Cashiers Overages
87.11
In Offices and Bank
$790,421.43
$790,421.43
Accounts Receivable:
Taxes, 1945 19.40
123.24
Taxes, 1946
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