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GIVES
MERVILL.
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LONG
ESTABLISHED
THE PUBLIC LIBRARY OF THE CITY OF SOMERVILLE
SOMERVILLE
MASSACHUSETTS
Gift of
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CITY OF SOMERVILLE MASSACHUSETTS
ANNUAL REPORTS 1955
SOMERVILLE A
FREE
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FOUNDED 1842
A CITY 1872 STRENGTH
INOW
1842 ESTABLISHED A
PUBLIC LIBRARY
Somerville Printing Co., Inc. 1956
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352 569 1955
STACK REF. · CSII
EIPEU __ 842
HON. WILLIAM J. DONOVAN Mayor of Somerville
AUG 9 '56
Gift of the city of Somwollen July is
MAYOR DONOVAN'S MID - TERM ADDRESS SOMERVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS JANUARY 3, 1955
In the true Christian spirit, I extend to you and all the citizens of Somerville, my sincere best wishes for a healthy, happy, peaceful and prosperous New Year.
The eventful year of 1954 has been, not only a period of orientation and planning, but one of accomplishment as well.
In my inaugural address, I pointed out my objectives; and have constantly tried to attain them. When we review the accomplishments of this past year, we recognize that such a full program was made possible only through the combined efforts of a large number of individuals, boards and commit- tees working together in harmony.
To the Board of Aldermen and the School Committee, I extend my sincere thanks for the support and cooperation they have given me. To the many Boards, Committees, Civic Groups and Service Organizations who have labored in my behalf, I extend my sincere thanks and public commendation for their untiring efforts.
6
ANNUAL REPORTS
Above all, I wish to publicly express my appreciation for the increase in work and enthusiasm shown by our regular City employees. This is a most hopeful omen for the future of our City.
I have utilized to the fullest degree our existing facilities for the protection, advancement and enhancement of the lives of our citizenry. To the best of my ability, I have introduced into the custodianship of Somerville's affairs, the elements and practices of sagacious and progressive business management.
The process of city government is one of continuity, it does not begin on a particular day, nor end at a particular time. It requires constant, vigilant watchfulness on the part of the officials charged with its responsibility.
When I assumed office last January, I faced many prob- lems, some new, others that had been developing over a long period of time. Among the latter was the strong feeling against the use of pin-ball machines in corner stores and liquor estab- lishments. To break through the maze of debate and uncer- tainty clouding this issue, I determined that a positive and aggressive act was necessary. I, therefore, as Chief Executive of the City, ordered all pin-ball machines to be removed be- cause of the public clamor, and their potentially harmful in- fluence on the children of our City. With the full cooperation of the Board of Aldermen, the Legal Department and the Police Department we were, then, enabled to establish defi- nite control over these mechanical devices. The practically universal acclaim on the part of our citizenry following this action, has been a source of much comfort and satisfaction to me.
At the beginning of the year 1954 the City was faced with the monumental task of finishing the actual construction of the new Public Works Building, and organizing, developing, equipping and administering the new Department of Public Works, which was to absorb the former Highway, Engineering,
7
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
Water Works, Electric Lines and Lights and Building Depart- ments. Since the new building was a capital improvement and no money available, I asked and received from the Board of Aldermen approval of a bond issue to finish this work.
To coordinate the activities of the various divisions of the new department required a firm hand and a man of experience. The City has been extremely fortunate that I was able to pro- cure the services of Walter J. Manning as Public Works Commissioner. He has introduced integrated procedures which have increased efficiency, and eliminated needless duplication.
The value of this new department was brought home to me on those fateful days, August 31st and September 11th, when we experienced the terrible storms known as Hurricanes Carol and Edna. Repeated trips around the City revealed many thousands of feet of wire on the ground, poles toppled, others at dangerous angles, uprooted trees blocking streets and lying against houses, our streets littered with debris and building wreckage, and our people in dire distress. I immediately issued instructions to all Department Heads to do everything in their power to relieve the suffering, distress and inconvenience visited upon our people by these terrible storms, and to start the great task of restoration at once. The speed and precision with which our crews tackled this gigantic job, will always be a source of deep satisfaction to me. I am indeed proud of our workmen and our people, for their splendid conduct in those most trying times.
Prior to my taking office, an architect had been retained by the previous administration to prepare plans for two new elementary schools :- An eight room school to be built on the Capen Street site, and a twenty-six room school to be built on the Meacham Street site. I have carried this project steadily forward and have received approval of plans by the State School Assistance Commission with a resultant substantial sav- ing for our taxpayers. Both of these schools are now under construction, and it is our plan to complete them in time for the opening of school in September 1955. I faced many ob-
8
ANNUAL REPORTS
stacles in the furtherance of this plan, but have succeeded in resolving them one by one. The completed buildings will be welcome additions to the community.
I have asked and received from the Board of Aldermen approval to raise funds to build a third sorely needed elemen- tary school. Drawings for this third school have been prepared and submitted to the State School Assistance Commission for approval. I confidently expect to start construction of this building early in the spring on the Site of the old Pope School. I intend to push construction of this school just as fast as pos- sible, to eliminate hardships being endured by families in that area, and needless expense being borne by our City.
In my inaugural address last January, I stated that the primary objective of this administration would be to develop a program of proper maintenance and rehabilitation of the City. I also stated that ordinary maintenance should be, as nearly as possible, on a pay-as-you-go basis. Adhering to this policy during the past year, we have purchased five badly needed Fire Engines consisting of two Hose Wagons, two Pumping Units and one Aerial Ladder Truck. To date, we have received four of these units, and expect delivery of the fifth unit before spring.
We have purchased for use by our Police Department four new patrol cars. Three of the four patrol cars are of the station wagon type, and are outfitted for use as emergency ambulance iunits, an innovation for our City of Somerville.
We have purchased six new trucks for our Sanitary Depart- ment and in addition have rebuilt two Sanitary Department trucks.
We have purchased a new truck to be used by the Recrea- tion Department.
9
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
I wish to emphasize; all of this automotive equipment | have just named has been paid for from current revenue. This is real pay-as-you-go procedure.
The rehabilitation of our buildings is progressing as rapidly as possible, consistent with the money available for this part of our program. To date, twenty-four classrooms in our school buildings have been completely renovated and redecorated. A new classroom has been constructed in the Cummings School. Another new classroom is now under construction at the Forster School for the use of special class pupils. In addition, cafeterias at the High School, The Trade High School, The Northeastern Junior High and The Southern Junior High have been redecorated and new bench type tables are being built to relieve congestion in the High School cafeteria. This week we are starting to redecorate the Western Junior High School. Room 10, the upper hallways and the art classroom of the High School have been repainted. Three classrooms and the as- sembly hall have been repainted at the Bingham School, in addition to the one room that was renovated and redecorated. The G. A. R. Hall under the High School gymnasium has been completely renovated, and a new floor laid for the express benefit of clinics for disabled children. The Dental clinics have been redecorated and new Dental Units installed. Four of these Dental Units were procured from the Surplus Property Division of the State Department of Education at no cost to the taxpayer.
Since it has become evident that we are earnestly and sincerely trying to improve our facilities, others are lending a most welcome hand. For example, the pupils of the Trade High School are painting and helping with maintenance in their building, and the firemen at Engine 5 and Engine 7 have redecorated their buildings. This is a healthy sign and I feel this type activity will spread rapidly.
In the interest of further economy and increased effi- ciency, the Treasurer's Department has purchased and put into operation a new payroll machine. As the operators become
10
ANNUAL REPORTS
more proficient in the use of it, further economies will be effected. I hope to introduce machine bookkeeping in some of our other Departments in the near future.
The Welfare Department's quarters have been completely renovated and enlarged. The entire lower floor of the City Hall has been turned over to this Department. This new ar- rangement provides a reception center where applicants can be interviewed, and records processed with greater privacy and more expediency.
In taking further steps to rehabilitate our City, I have initiated a tree removal, sidewalk replacement, and street re- pair program, together with the reconstruction of the Prospect Hill Tower, the installation of modern and efficient lighting in the Central Library, and the construction of a new Honor Roll. We have greatly improved our storm drain system and installed modern new pumps at the Medford Street underpass. It is my intention to constantly expand and increase our facilities until the nuisance of flooded streets, poor sidewalks and unkempt appearance becomes a thing of the past.
Recognizing the necessity of providing adequate facilities for an expanded recreation program, we have developed Trum Playground as a multiple use area. Field lighting has been installed at both Trum Field and Glen Street Playgrounds, which has provided extended hours for recreational activities. Further development of the Conway Playground has been started and it will be available for many activities this coming year. The Club House at Lincoln Park has been enlarged and completely rebuilt, including the installation of modern shower facilities. Our next objective will be the development of neigh- borhood Play Spots and Tot Lots. One of the key factors behind Somerville's low rate of juvenile delinquency, is our progres- sive supervised recreation program.
Operational costs of government are still increasing. Salary increases and rising costs of supplies and materials have re-
11
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
sulted in approximately a $134,000 increase in our school budget for the coming year. State legislation is responsible for a large portion of the substantial increase in our Welfare budget.
I feel very strongly that increases forced on municipalities by our State Government, should be lessened by financial as- sistance from the State. I will leave no stone unturned in pursuit of this additional assistance, and I urge our worthy Representatives and Senators to The General Court to study zealously, the proposed refinements in home rule that will come before that august body this year.
As your Mayor, I have not spared myself in thought or ef- fort to improve our City. I have kept abreast of all activities involving our City, and am available at my office in City Hall to any citizen. I have worked diligently to administer the City prudently.
The Department Heads have dedicated themselves to their work and have rendered faithful service to the extent that a goodly number worked right through their vacation periods.
I know that every person in the City is interested in the tax rate for this year. It is impossible, at this time to even predict actual figures. However, you have my solemn promise I will do everything possible to hold or reduce our present tax rate.
In the past, in the metropolitan press, the most noticeable characteristic of Somerville news has been noisy politics. Loud blasts about small or imaginary items have seemed more common than discussions on basic fiscal, physical or social problems.
Some visitors to our City have remarked, that Somerville appears to be an indeterminate mass of tired, one, two and
12
ANNUAL REPORTS
three family houses, many in fairly good condition, some in a deteriorating condition.
While it is true that Somerville is an old City, it has many, many years to live. Its convenient location with public transit facilities available, has attracted many people to purchase their homes here. There are some 13,000 residential structures in our City. Some 9600 of these are owner occupied dwelling units. This means, that better than two-thirds of all residen- tial structures have an owner living in them. This is a very healthy situation, and an ideal setting for the City wide Clean Up and Fix Up Program we are about to launch.
While there are no current figures on the extent of mort- gage in relation to the equity of owners, it is obvious, that sincere public officials can not allow the life savings of these owners to fall by the wayside if any alternative action may be taken.
Decades of neglect, carelessness and lack of adequate planning have created conditions, the cure of which, requires vigorous action if our City is to regain its status as a place for satisfactory living, based on present day standards. Accord- ingly, with my inauguration I took immediate action to focus the attention of all our minicipal departments on their respon- sibility to rehabilitate and spruce up our City. Particularly significant has been the appointment of a "Special Advisory Committee on Improved Housing Standards" which has been able to bring together at the staff level various aspects of our problems. Particularly, they have brought out the fact that expanded programs will be required.
Although all this took place early last year, it was before the passage of the Housing Act of 1954, and is a recognition on our part, of the rightness of legislative requirements that we study our own problems and capabilities, and take effective action on our own.
13
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
With the passage of the Housing Act, I directed repre- sentatives of the Advisory Committee to bring together our accomplishments and plans, in the belief that we had a "work- able program for urban renewal" in Somerville.
Their report showed that we did not have the means to prevent blight, eliminate sub-standard conditions or to spruce up the City within the limits of our financial capabilities. How- ever, we shall implement the "workable program" report so that we may ultimately achieve our goal, a City of stable resi- dential neighborhoods that provide "A suitable living environ- ment for an adequate family life".
I submitted this program to the administration of the Housing and Home Finance Agency in Washington for ap- proval as the first step toward our goal.
On December 29, Mr. James W. Follin, Commissioner of Urban Renewal and Slum Clearance Division, Federal Housing Authority, came to our City and presented to me the Certifica- tion of Approval which qualifies the City for Federal Aid.
We can now proceed as planned and within the period of the next two years, I am sure that this program will be the most significant enterprise ever undertaken by the people of Somerville.
This past week brought realization of another project dear to my heart.
I have received approval for the construction of modern, comfortable and convenient homes for our elderly citizens. This will fulfill my promise, not to overlook our aged. Seventy- five of these desperately needed units will be under construc- tion by Spring. In addition, 42 units of federally financed public housing will be erected on Highland Avenue on vacant land near School Street.
14
ANNUAL REPORTS
With God's assistance, and a common dedication of pur- pose among our governmental bodies, we will overcome the many obstacles and problems ahead, and this coming year will bring us closer to the day, when Somerville will be recognized as one of the most progressive Cities within the Common- wealth.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM J. DONOVAN, Mayor
15
CITY AUDITOR
REPORT OF THE CITY AUDITOR
Office of the City Auditor January 31, 1956
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 report of the expenditures and receipts during the year 1955, 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, FRANCIS E. WALSH, City Auditor
16
BALANCE SHHEET, DECEMBER 31, 1955 REVENUE ACCOUNTS
Assets
Cash:
In Offices and Banks ..... $75,077.51
$75,077.51
Accounts Receivable:
Taxes,
1945
19.40
Taxes,
1946
. ....
9.03
Taxes,
1947
169.50
Taxes,
1948
732.99
Taxes,
1949
53.41
Taxes,
950
5,801.87
Income of Trust Funds ....
6,050.82
Taxes,
195
6,801.80
Taxes,
1952
10,093.89
Reimbursements, Old Age As- sistance
34,073.94
Taxes,
1953
9,510.46
Taxes,
1954
16,034.72
Taxes, 1955
308,684.79
357,911.86
Payroll Deds. for Pur. of Sav- ings Bonds
1,466.26
Federal Tax Withholding ...
66,578.04
Tax Titles
115,930.28
Parking Meter Receipts .. Group Insurance Deductions ..
2,939.27
Employees Insurance Deduc- tions
667.70
Blue Cross Deductions .. ..... Blue Cross Dividends
1,664.66
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax,
Hot Lunch Project Receipts ..
27,045.56
1950
6,335.91
School-Athletic Receipts .. George Barden Fund
1,198.55
1951
6,612.24
Smith-Hughes Fund
503.78
.... ..
Unidentified Cash
24.37
Tailings
1345.69
School Deposits, Forfeited Fees
304.41
City Clerk's Deposits
510.75
School Dept. Evening School Deposits
595.50
School, Book Deposits
425.00
Highway Deposits
284.45
.
.
. .
.
.
·
..
·
·
·
·
· ·
· ....
·
·
.
· ......
.. . . ...
Reimbursements, Disability Assistance
408.99
8,771.98
Tax Possessions
26,712.28
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, 1948
81.04
8,508.68
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, 1949
2,737.14
13,913.91
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax,
Liabilities
Cashiers Overage
$486.57
.............
ANNUAL REPORTS
Unexpended Balances:
Revenue Appropriations ..
174,311.57
·
.....
.
BALANCE SHEET-Continued
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, 1952 8,646.43
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, 1953 7,592.76
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax,
1954 8,813.68
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, 1955 99,287.54
Revenue Reserved until Collected:
Departmental .....
137,244.03
Water ....
98,778.68
Tax Titles ....
115,930.28
Tax Possessions 26,712.28
Motor Vehicle Excise ...
140,106.74
518,772.01
140,106.74
County Assessment 1955
851.93 25,632.38
Departmental Bills Receivable:
Health Department ..
1,047.11
Welfare Miscellaneous ....
60,190.21
Old Age Assistance ..
14,829.59
City Home
3,166.31
School Contingent ...
8,354.83
Veterans' Services
15.01
City Owned Property Rent- als ..
52.00
Aid Dependent Children .. 49,378.97
Insp. Milk & Vinegar ......
210.00
137,244.03
Water Department Accounts
98,778.68
Overlay 1950
1,004.00
Overlay 1953
5,230.59
Overlay 1952
1,996.04
Overlay 1954
7,752.56
Overlay 1955
43,435.76
Due from Dept. Coll. O'Don-
oghue
..
Units
4,317.84
Overlay 1947
1.00
Overlay 1949
7.93
Overlay 1951
1,869.65
Excess and Deficiency
205,756.34
Reserve for Uncollected,
D. J. O'Donoghue
268.33
Premiums on Bonds .. County-Dog Licenses ..
1,304.75
51.00
CITY AUDITOR
236,022.71
...
......
...
..... . .
... ..
268.33
Sale of Real Estate
Sale of Veterans' Housing
..
..
17
18
State Taxes and Assessments 1955
County Tax 1955 ............
5,378.78 32,659.85
Revenue 1955 ......
61,426.32
159,152.23
$1,110,913.61
$1,110,913.61
NON-REVENUE ACCOUNTS
Cash in Offices and Banks ....
$367,271.60
Accts., Rec. State & County
Aid to Highways ..
37,493.70
37,493.70
Loans Authorized ........
300,000.00
1,743.09
300,000.00
$704,765.30
$704,765.30
NET FUNDED OR FIXED DEBT
Net Bonded Debt
$3,654,000.00
Loans within statutory debt limit:
$71,000.00 455,000.00
Chapter 44-Sewer Loan .. Municipal Relief Loan ..... Sch. and Municipal Bldgs. Loan Municipal Garage Loan ... Elementary Schools
150,000.00 637,000.00
Public Wks. Equip. Loan ...
Public Wks. Bldg. Loan ...
1,455,000.00 76,000.00 65,000.00
2,909,000.00
... ....
Non-Revenue Appropriations State and County Highway Revenue .. .. Somerville Housing Authority Loans Unissued
365,528.51
ANNUAL REPORTS
BALANCE SHEET-Continued
BALANCE SHEET-Continued
Loans outside statutory debt limit:
P.W.A. Sewer Loan ..
9,000.00
Veterans' Housing Loan ..
275,000.00
Transit Assessment Loan ..
316,000.00
Stadium Loan
145,000.00
745,000.00
$3,654,000.00
$3,654,000.00
TRUST AND INVESTED FUNDS
Trust Funds: Cash and Securities .......
$55,542.38
Contagious Hospital ....
$1,000.00
School Funds ... ....
10,523.60
Investment Funds:
Library Funds
38,621.57
Cash and Securities .......
2,337,292.82
Welfare Funds
1,751.45
Recreation Funds
3,645.76
Invested Funds: Municipal Bldgs. Ins. Fund
4,251.99
* Retirement System Funds 4 % and 5 %
2,042,022.08
Veterans' Housing Funds
291,018.75
$2,392,835.20
-
* Figures submitted by the Retirement Board
19
CITY AUDITOR
.......
....
$2,392,835.20
Trust Funds:
20
ANNUAL REPORTS
CASH STATEMENT, DECEMBER 31, 1955 REVENUE
Receipts
General:
Taxes
$8,246,105.97
Motor Vehicle Excise
687,809.16
C. of M. Corporation Tax
429,150.38
C. of M. School Aid
464,700.00
Somerville Housing, Lieu of Taxes ..
19,486.95
C. of M. In Lieu of Taxes
211.19
C. of M. Income Tax
298,335.57
C. of M. Meal Tax
39,753.07
C. of M. Hurricane Reimbursement
184,595.41
C. of M. Reimb. Rent Control
4,600.93
C. of M. Reimb. Civil Defence
3,685.36
C. of M. Reimb. School Construction
16,060.05
Tax Titles
30,497.10
Tax Possessions
9,017.42
City Property Rentals
317.50
Licenses and Permits
133,654.48
Fines and Forfeits
9,690.20
Grants and Gifts
1,227,311.81
Parking Meters
41,574.08
Sale of Land
22,000.00
... ... All other
...... 190.10
11,868,746.73
Departmental:
General Government
20,052.62
Protection Persons and Property
3,401.92
Health and Sanitation
19,709.92
Highways
8,132.93
Welfare
36,750.14
City Home
2,639.91
Old Age Assistance
836,456.61
Disability Assistance
124,470.03
Aid to Dependent Children
148,146.83
Veterans' Services
27,659.22
Schools and School Buildings
187,859.15
Libraries
4,365.95
Recreation
352.75
Teachers' Retirement Deductions
128,794.03
Retirement Deductions
7.36
Federal Tax Withholding
748,061.24
Payroll Deductions for the Purchase of Savings Bonds
17,704.89
Blue Cross Deductions
95,601.25
Municipal Credit Union Deductions .. Insurance Deductions
1,032.89
Group Insurance Deductions
19,769.60
Sale of Veterans' Housing Units .. Veterans Housing Investment Transfer Refund from Retirement Board
45,000.00
1,172.82
All other
646.70
2,875,038.06
Water Department Accounts .. Interest on Taxes, etc.
667,461.47
15,149.61
..
344,749.30
52,500.00
21
CITY AUDITOR
Trust Fund Income
2,318.83
Refunds
49,533.76
Temporary Loans
3,600,000.00
Deposits
11,810.35
Accrued Interest
1,442.74
Premiums on Bonds
1,304.75
Municipal Relief Loan
... 175,000.00
4,524,021.51
Total Receipts 1955 to date
19,267,806.30
Cash Balance January 1, 1955
25,019.04
Adjustments in Cash
574.66
$19,293,400.00
CASH STATEMENT, DECEMBER 31, 1955 Payments
Temporary Loans
$3,600,000.00
Income, Sale Veterans' Housing Units ..
Emergency Hurricane Damage
12,782.16 875.00 50.00
Health - Bottling
Appropriations
11,855,965.35
Interest
82,045.21
Reduction Funded Debt
522,069.64
Credit Union Deductions
344,749.30
Refunds
116,722.53
Teachers' Retirement Deductions
128,794.03
Retirement Deductions
7.36
Tax Possessions
5.03
Smith - Hughes Fund
2,815.97
George Barden Fund
1,624.93
Pay Roll Deductions for Insurance
18,866.71
Blue Cross Deductions
94,651.25
Federal Tax Withholding
745,112.82
Hot Lunch Receipts
133,276.15
Athletic Receipts
20,995.50
City Clerk's Deposits ......
490.00
Highway Deposits . .
6,803.05
Savings Bonds Deductions .....
18,305.95
Income Trust Funds ....
809.34 855.00
County Tax
336,640.85
State Taxes and Assessments
978,857.41
County Assessment T. B.
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