Report of the city of Somerville 1953, Part 1

Author: Somerville (Mass.)
Publication date: 1953
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 416


USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1953 > Part 1


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G


OMERVILL


REI


187%.


A CITY STRENGTH


IN


ESTABLISHED


CITY OF SOMERVILLE MASSACHUSETTS


ANNUAL REPORTS 1953


GIVES


AT


SOMERVILLE


FREEL


FOUNDED


MUNICIPAL 1842


L A CITY 1872 STRENGTH


42. ESTABLISHED A


Somerville Printing Co., Inc. 1954


HON. JOHN M. LYNCH Mayor of Somerville


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MID-TERM ADDRESS OF MAYOR JOHN M. LYNCH JANUARY 5, 1953


Mr. President and Members of the Board of Aldermen:


At this, the beginning of a new year, it is a pleasure for me to express to you and to all the citizens of Somerville, my sin- cere hope that this year and those to follow it will bring peace, prosperity and happiness to all.


With the passing of the year 1952, and the beginning of a new year, it is appropriate that we pause briefly and review the events that have taken place during the past twelve months, while we also consider the program that should be undertaken during the coming year.


In the past year, we have made steady progress in the im- provement of the necessary equipment in various departments. Out of current revenue and without borrowing, we have pro- vided for new equipment, including motor vehicles, road- working equipment, oil-burning equipment in two school buildings and furniture for school buildings, at a cost of ap- proximately $85,000.00. Our program of street improvement was carried on during the past twelve months. We have re- paved the major portions of Beacon Street, College Avenue, Pearl Street and Medford Street. The street repair work which was done would have cost the city alone $80,000.00. By co- operating with the State and County Government, the city was obliged to pay only one-fourth of this cost, or $20,000.00.


During the year 1952, a desperately needed improvement was completed on Broadway, where Safety Islands and a modern


6


ANNUAL REPORTS


street-lighting system have been installed. The value to the city of these improvements is great. The value of the work done on Broadway cannot be measured in dollars. Before the improved lighting system and the safety islands were installed, this broad street had been the scene of many serious accidents. Since the installation of the new lighting system and safety islands, not one fatal accident has occurred in the improved area.


During the past year, long drawn-out litigation in connec- tion with garbage removal and disposal was terminated in favor of the city. After the contract, which was in effect when I took office, was declared illegal by the Supreme Court, I was able to contract for this necessary service upon much more favor- able terms under a new contract executed in 1952. Under the new contract, the city receives considerably more revenue, and of even greater importance, the vehicles which are used in this work now are of the most modern and sanitary type, which is a refreshing change from the outmoded, unsanitary collection methods employed under the old contract.


When I addressed you one year ago on the occasion of our taking office, I told you that one of the problems which we would face would be provision for increased compensation for city employees, in order to help these loyal workers to meet the ever-rising cost of living. With your co-operation, and by good management, we were able to grant a substantial increase to every city employee and to make it retroactive to the be- ginning of the year 1952. The cost to the city of the increased compensation for all of the city employees, including those in the School Department, was $432,704.23.


All of these improvements, and salary adjustments for city employees, have increased the cost of our city government. At the same time, all of the municipal services have been main- tained at a high level. I feel that we may all take pride, however, in the fact that, in spite of these increased costs, our tax rate for 1952 would have been reduced if it were not for the staggering increase in the Metropolitan Transit Authority deficit, over which we have no control. The amount of the


7


MAYOR'S ADDRESS


deficit assessed upon the City of Somerville in 1952 was $306,000.00. In addition to this, we were forced to pay off ap- proximately $90,000.00 resulting from the 1949 deficit, which was paid off in that year by borrowing - by the previous ad- ministration. The total cost, therefore, to the City for M.T.A. deficits during the year 1952 was approximately $400,000.00. That amount represents over $3.00 on our tax rate - or ex- pressed in another way, is equal to a head tax of about $4.00 on every man, woman and child in the City of Somerville.


It is disturbing to report at this time that the taxpayers of Somerville are to be further burdened in 1953 as a result of another M.T.A. deficit substantially greater than the deficit we paid in 1952. According to the best figures available, the deficit assessed to Somerville in 1953 will be in excess of half a million dollars.


I am happy to report that with the co-operation of your Honorable Board, one of the most progressive steps in recent years has been taken with the realization of the plan for the construction of a Public Works Garage. For a number of years, the city has been gradually increasing its fleet of motor vehi- cles of all types in various departments. There has been no adequate provision for the storage and maintenance of these vehicles, which represent a considerable investment. Work will soon begin on the construction of a modern, well-equipped garage, in which will be stored all vehicles and equipment of the various departments which are engaged in public works. We will also have provision for office space for these public works departments. I am confident that the savings that will result from more effective purchasing of supplies in the main- tenance of vehicles, and with the elimination of the need for renting outside space for some city departments, will not only liquidate the cost of this garage, but will result in increased savings and better service to the community. I regard the building of the Public Works Garage as the first step in a nec- essary program of consolidation of the Public Works Depart- ments.


The Street Department, Water Department, Building De- partment, Electric Lines and Lights Department, Engineering


8


ANNUAL REPORTS


Department and the Sanitary Department all have many com- mon interests and problems. Instead of having six independent groups, it will be far more efficient and satisfactory to constitute these into one Public Works Department, with one responsible head, at a great improvement in efficiency, and undoubted reduction in cost of operation.


Under our Charter, we are not authorized to create depart- ments. Therefore, I have filed a Bill with the 1953 Legislature proposing that such a department be established in this city, and I urge support of this legislation so that we can continue to progress in efficiency and service.


I think that all of us who have been charged with the responsibility of administering the affairs of this city during the past year, can take pride in the fact that we have main- tained all municipal services at a high standard and have kept our own financial affairs in such condition that, in this time of increased taxation, we in Somerville were able to have one of the smallest increases in any of the larger cities served by the Metropolitan Transit Authority.


In the conduct of the affairs of the city, we never have an opportunity to sit back and say, "Our work is now completed." Always, there are problems which press for solution. This year is no exception and we have many urgent matters which will require our earnest consideration.


Only recently, the School Committee voted to request an appropriation of $150,000.00 from this Honorable Board to provide for increased salaries in that department.


As you realize, we have no authority to reduce School Committee appropriations, so that the plan for increased com- pensation in the School Department will be carried out during this year. As we all know, the cost of living affects all employees equally, so that, if the school personnel are to re- ceive an increase in pay, it is my intention to make provision for increased compensation for all other city employees - in accordance with the ability of the city to meet the cost.


9


MAYOR'S ADDRESS


In order to get our general program on a practical basis, planning is necessary. During the past year, the Planning Board which was created late in 1951, has had a full year's experi- ence. That Board is engaged now in investigation and analysis, in order to present a fully-developed plan for the continued progress of Somerville.


The Housing Authority has been progressing with plans for increased facilities for the people of this city. Bids have re- cently been opened for a new project to provide 216 apart- ments on Mystic Avenue adjacent to the Veterans' Housing Project. The new project which is to be erected will be designed to provide homes at low rentals to those who qualify.


Urban Redevelopment is still in the planning stage. I have every assurance that progress will be made in this field when all phases of it have been adjusted so that, as far as is humanly possible, this program will be to the advantage of all of the people of the city.


One particular matter which has had our serious attention has been the provision of an adequate Stadium for our high school athletic teams. With the co-operation of the Somerville members of the Legislature, authority was granted to the Metropolitan District Commission to build at Dilboy Field a modern, suitable stadium. Unfortunately, that project was de- layed because of steel shortages and other emergencies result- ing from the present world situation. Work is still progressing on the plans for this stadium, and I am confident that a method will be worked out whereby we will acquire an adequate sta- dium worthy of our fine athletic teams, which will be financed completely, or in a great part, by the Metropolitan District Commission. The Swimming Pool which is proposed for Foss Park has been delayed by the same National Emergencies. I am confident that this project will be undertaken and com- pleted with resulting advantage to the people of all sections of Somerville. I have been informed within the last few days that the Government has made certain releases on steel to be used for purposes such as this.


The provision of adequate playground areas in Somerville has always been a problem because of the congestion of our


10


ANNUAL REPORTS


city. I believe that we should take affirmative action and pro- vide playgrounds, particularly suitable for smaller children, at numerous locations throughout the city. I have given serious consideration for a plan involving the sale of the Conway Play- ground on Somerville Avenue. This playground, in my judg- ment, is absolutely unsuitable because of its location. Small children, in order to reach this playground, must cross heavily traveled Somerville Avenue or a busy railroad line. I believe that the children of that area would be far better served by two smaller playgrounds, which would be accessible without cross- ing these heavily traveled ways. The Conway Playground, while absolutely unsuitable for its present purpose, would be highly desirable for industrial use and is zoned for that purpose. I am confident that an industry could be located in that area which would provide tax revenue to the city and employment to its residents. Because of the value of the locations, its sale would bring to the city a substantial sum, which sum could be used for the purpose of establishing smaller and more suitable play- grounds in other locations.


During the last year, considerable progress has been made in meeting one of our most urgent needs - the provision of modern adequate school facilities for the children of this city. Two years ago, the services of a professional School Survey Group was secured and, after extensive investigation and study, this group filed a comprehensive report with the School Com- mittee. After study of that report, at the request of the School Committee, I appointed a group to consider the first steps to be taken in carrying out the recommendations of the Survey Group.


I have submitted to your Honorable Board the first pro- posal to get this program under way. Three sites have been chosen by the School Building Committee to provide facilities in three areas where they are most urgently needed. I recom- mend that your Honorable Board take action, as soon as pos- sible, upon the recommendations which I have submitted. It is especially necessary that prompt action be taken because our program contemplates obtaining assistance from the State Schoolhouse Building Assistance Commission in financing the


11


MAYOR'S ADDRESS


building of these schools. When final plans have been prepared and then approved by that commission, a contribution of ap- proximately 30% of the cost of the buildings will be made to the city - thereby effecting a substantial saving to the tax- payers of Somerville.


It is a known fact that, although Somerville is seventh in size in population in the State, it has the third largest school population, which makes it obvious that this step of moderniz- ing these school facilities - the first taken in nearly twenty years - is necessary in order to give to our children school facilities that are adequate, safe, and second to none in the State, and I propose to see this program through to a successful conclusion.


In relation to the pressing need for Off-Street Parking in business areas, it is my fervent hope, in spite of the obstacles we have met in the past, that some solution will be found for this problem in the coming year. I shall devote every effort to this end because business substantially helps to meet the ex- penses of operating the affairs of this city. The loss of business means that the home owner might be further burdened with increased taxes.


I have attempted briefly to summarize the accomplish- ments of the past year and to outline in general the highlights of the program for the coming year. What we have accom- plished in the past has been due to the co-operation of your Honorable Board, the School Committee, The Board of Asses- sors, Department Heads and the loyal employees of our city.


I have also had the benefit of advice of interested groups of citizens in various matters and, without slighting any, I want to publicly express my appreciation for the co-operation and assistance of the Somerville Taxpayers' Association and the Somerville Chamber of Commerce.


During the past year, our city has, to a great extent, been restored to the sound position it once enjoyed and we are now able to proceed with the improvement of our physical plant and, in a prudent manner, to go forward upon a program of modernization.


12


ANNUAL REPORTS


Today our city is financially sound, and with God's help, we will continue to conduct the affairs of the City of Somerville on a sound, common sense basis with honesty and dignity, to the end that Somerville may continue to be a better place in which to live.


Respectfully submitted, JOHN M. LYNCH, Mayor


13


TREASURER AND COLLECTOR OF TAXES


REPORT OF THE TREASURER AND COLLECTOR OF TAXES


Somerville, Massachusetts February 15, 1954


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


Gentlemen:


Presented herewith is the annual report of the City Treas- urer and Collector of Taxes for the year 1953, as appears by the records of the office.


Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM J. REYNOLDS,


City Treasurer and Collector of Taxes


14


ANNUAL REPORTS


CASH STATEMENT


RECEIPTS


Balance January 1, 1953


$16,952,310.43 1,475,458.34


Transfer from Non-Revenue


1,554,699.35


19,982,468.12


Cash adjustment


367.62


$19,982,835.74


PAYMENTS


$17,213,719.58


Balance December 31, 1953


1,719,753.61


Transfer to Non-Revenue


1,049,074.17


19,982,547.36


Cash adjustment


288.38


$19,982,835.74


15


TREASURER AND COLLECTOR OF TAXES


The Assessors' Warrants for the Tax levy, assessed upon polls and property for the year 1953, and the Motor Vehicle Excise amounted to $7,295,903.74.


Real Estate Valuation:


Land


$33,580,700.00 89,930,000.00


Buildings


$123,510,700.00


Personal Valuation


7,203,300.00


$130,714,000.00


Personal Tax @ $55.30 per $1,000


$398,342.49


Real Estate @ $55.30 per $1,000


6,830,141.71


Polls-31,695 @ $2.00


63,390.00


$7,291,874.20


Assessments


Motor Vehicle Excise:


Commitment No. 1


$94,040.88


2


48,735.42


3


37,943.39


4


108,333.23


11


11


6


28,599.99


11


7


58,121.77


11


8


51,857.65


9


16,399.05


" 10


34,780.09


" 11


12,766.25


$526,384.35


Commercial


$11,660.50


Water Liens


4,029.54


Total Commitment by Assessors


$7,295,903.74


TEMPORARY LOANS, 1953, IN ANTICIPATION OF REVENUE


Balance from 1952


$250,000.00


Dated


Due


Rate


Amount


Jan. 29, 1953


Nov. 16, 1953


1.11 $1,000,000.00


March 30, 1953


Nov. 20, 1953


1.09


500,000.00


Apr. 1, 1953


Nov. 20, 1953


1.17


500,000.00


Apr. 24, 1953


Nov. 13, 1953


1.27 500,000.00


July 25, 1953


Dec. 1, 1953


1.54 500,000.00


Dec. 2, 1953


Feb. 1, 1954


1.15


300,000.00


$3,300,000.00


3,300,000.00


3,550,000.00


Notes paid in 1953


3,250,000.00


Balance to 1954


$300,000.00


5


34,806.63


16


ANNUAL REPORTS


LOANS IN 1953, IN ANTICIPATION OF LOANS


Balance from 1952


None 100,000.00


December 7, 1953 December 31, 1953


Notes paid in 1953


100,000.00


Balance to 1954


None


FUNDED DEBT AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1953


Rate Date of Issue


Due


Amount


Transit Assessment Loan


11/4 Nov. 15, 1949


1959


$474,000.00


Veterans' Housing


13/4 Jan. 1, 1948


1963


75,000.00


Remod. & Reconst. Chap. 44 11/4


Apr. 1, 1947


1957


300,000.00


Veterans' Housing


11/2


July 1, 1947


1962


290,000.00


Sewer Loan


23/4


Oct. 1, 1937


1967


23,000.00


Sewer Loan


33/4


July 2, 1934


1964


11,000.00


School Loan


31/2


July 2, 1934


1954


15,000.00


Water Loan


11/2 Apr. 1, 1940


1955


10,000.00


Sewer Loan


21/4 Jan. 1, 1939


1969


48,000.00


Sewer Loan


13/4 Oct. 2, 1939


1957


20,000.00


Municipal Relief


1.10 Sept. 15, 1950


1955


141,000.00


Municipal Relief


1.40 Oct. 1, 1952


1957


200,000.00


Municipal Garage


2.


Oct. 1, 1952


1972


615,000.00


Municipal Garage


2.40 Apr. 1, 1953


1973


104,000.00


Stadium Loan


2.70 Oct. 1, 1953


1973


165,000.00


Elementary School


2.20 Dec. 1, 1953


1973


1,150,000.00


$3,641,000.00


INTEREST ON BONDS DUE IN 1954


Jan.


March


April


May


June


July $768.75


Sept.


Oct. $491.25


Nov.


Dec.


Total


Sewer


$806.25


...


$491.25


$2,557.00


School


262.50


..


...


.........


262.50


525.00


Transit Assessment


..........


.......


..


..........


..........


...


..


5,925.00


Veterans' Housing


2,831.25


..


....


..........


..........


...


..........


..........


...


5,575.00


Remodel & Reconst. ....


1,875.00


1,406.25


3,281.25


Municipal Relief


$775.50


1,400.00


$775.50


1,400.00


4,351.00


Water Maintenance


..


.......


..


..


..


..


..


......


..


...


..


....


. .


..


. .


.......


.. .......


...


..


..


14,724.00


Stadium


....


.....


2,227.50


2,227.50


4,455.00


Elementary School


..


..........


...


12,650.00


..


..


..........


12,650.00


25,300.00


Totals . .. ..


$3,900.00


$775.50 $13,466.75


$2,962.50 $12,650.00


$3,775.00


$775.50 $12,888.50


$2,962.50 $12,650.00 $66,806.25


.......


..


.....


..


........


...


..


...


..


......


..


..


..


..


75.00


37.50


112.50


Municipal Garage


7,398.00


7,326.00


..


..


..


2,743.75


..


...


$2,962.50


$2,962.50


17


TREASURER AND COLLECTOR OF TAXES


YEARLY BOND MATURITIES WITH INTEREST Municipal Relief Loans


Year


Principal


Interest


Total


1954


$121,000.00


$4,351.00


$125,351.00


1955


120,000.00


2,870.00


122,870.00


1956


50,000.00


1,400.00


51,400.00


1957


50,000.00


700.00


50,700.00


$341,000.00


$9,321.00


$350,321.00


ALL OTHER LOANS


1954


$341,000.00


$62,455.25


$403,455.25


1955


326,000.00


56,541.25


382,541.25


1956


321,000.00


51,189.75


372,189.75


1957


321,000.00


45,875.75


366,875.75


1958


235,000.00


41,042.50


276,042.50


1959


230,000.00


36,896.25


266,896.25


1960


151,000.00


32,793.75


183,793.75


1961


151,000.00


29,678.75


180,678.75


1962


151,000.00


26,563.75


177,563.75


1963


115,000.00


23,448.75


138,448.75


1964


105,000.00


20,955.00


125,955.00


1965


104,000.00


18,615.00


122,615.00


1966


104,000.00


16,312.50


120,312.50


1967


99,000.00


14,010.00


113,010.00


¥68


98,000.00


11,842.50


109,842.50


.69


98,000.00


9,702.50


107,702.50


970


95,000.00


7,600.00


102,600.00


1971


95,000.00


5,535.00


100,535.00


1972


95,000.00


3,470.00


98,470.00


1973


65,000.00


1,405.00


65,405.00


$3,300,000.00


$515,933.25 $3,815,933.25


Total


$3,641,000.00


$525,254.25 $4,166,254.25


18


BONDS DUE 1954


January


April


July $36,000.00


September


October $7,000.00


November


December


Total


Sewer


$3,000.00


$46,000.00


School


15,000.00


15,000.00


Transit Assessment


$79,000.00


79,000.00


Vets Housing


10,000.00


10,000.00


Remodel & Reconst.


$75,000.00


75,000.00


Municipal Relief


$71,000.00


50,000.00


121,000.00


Water Main.


5,000.00


5,000.00


Municipal Garage


6,000.00


35,000.00


41,000.00


Stadium


10,000.00


10,000.00


Elementary School


..


..


..


$13,000.00 $86,000.00 $51,000.00 $71,000.00 $102,000.00 $79,000.00 $60,000.00


$462,000.00


..


..


..


..


$60,000.00


60,000.00


. .


..


ANNUAL REPORTS


19


PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT


REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS


January 1, 1954


Hon. William J. Donovan Mayor of Somerville.


My dear Mr. Mayor:


During the year 1953 new oil burners were installed in the Morse and New Vocational Schools, in the Central Library, and new boilers in the Central Library and the Grimmons School. There were 1000 folding chairs and 7 rooms of furniture bought during the year 1953.


The following pages contain a list of the general repairs done in schools and municipal buildings for the year 1953.


Baxter School


Set glass Reputtied sash


Installed new window cords


Painted ceilings and walls


Repaired stairs, doors and furniture


Repaired fire box in boiler


General plumbing and electrical repairs


Bennett School


Set glass Reputtied sash


Installed new window cords


Patching plaster in basement


Repairing boiler


Installing showers


Put in new screens


Shifting class room furniture


General plumbing repairs


Bingham School


Setting glass and putting in new screens New window cords


-


Plaster repairs, painting


Repairing and installing new linoleum


Electrical work on receptacles, fixtures, etc.


Installing venitian blinds Mason work on boilers and general plumbing repairs


20


ANNUAL REPORTS


Brown School


Set glass Repairing windows


Patching plaster, painting


Repairing doors and furniture


Replacing new motor in oil Burner and other electrical repairs


Steamfitting repairs and general plumbing repairs


Burns School


Painting General plumbing repairs


Steamfitters work


Repairing shed roof


Carr School


Patching plaster and painting doors, etc.


Repairing link fence


Mason work on boilers


Moving furniture and assembling new furniture


General electrician repairs


Cumming School


Setting glass


Reputtied sash


Patching plaster


Washing and painting walls and ceilings


Overhauling stoker


General plumbing repairs


Replacing blackboard and working on locks and doors


Cutler School


Setting glass Repairing doors, locks, etc.


Patching plaster


Painting seats and floor


Erecting basket ball board


General plumbing repairs


General electrical repairs


Steamfitters and Mason repairs


Durell School


Setting glass Reputtied sash Carpenters work on doors, checks and locks


General electrical repairs


New radiator in Boys' room and other steamfitters work


General plumbing repairs


Forster Annex


Repairing doors, locks, etc. Repairing stoker General plumbing repairs Electrical repairs and steamfitting repairs


21


PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT


Forster School


Setting glass Reputtied sash Patching plaster and painting


Repairing doors and panic hardware


Installing new electric service and other general repair work General plumbing repairs


Steamfitters repairs


Glines School


Setting glass


Reputtied sash


New window cords


Electrical work on new main service and other repairs


Repairing stairs and landing


Setting up desks and chairs


New black board


Putting up new roof


General plumbing repairs


Steamfitting repairs


Grimmons School


Setting glass


Reputtying sash


New window cords


Dismantling old boiler, install new boiler


Sanding and varnishing desks


Carpenters working on boiler, doors and panic locks


General plumbing repairs


General steamfitters work


General electrical repairs


Hanscom School


Setting glass New window cords


Replacing conductors and gutters


Repairing roof


Installing bubbler


Repairing soil pipe


General electrical repairs


Steamfitters repairs and mason work


High School


Setting glass Reputtied windows


New window cords


Repairing and refinish furniture


Painting walls and floors in toilets and in Mr. Morrissey's office Putting in floor in Music room


Repairing roof and copper gutters


Repairing irons on bleacher seats and metal lockers


General electrical repairs including fire alarm system General steamfitting work Plumbing repairs Laying linoleum and repairing old


22


ANNUAL REPORTS


Highland School


Setting glass New sash and window cords


Put in new screens General plumbing repairs Electrical repairs Steamfitters repairs


Hodgkins School


Setting glass New window cords and reputtied sash




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