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THE PUBLIC LIBRARY OF THE
CITY OF SOMERVILLE
SOMERVILLE
MASSACHUSETTS
CAT. 2 5M 6-56
352
569
cont
CITY OF SOMERVILLE MASSACHUSETTS
ANNUAL REPORTS 1956
GIVE
SOMER
35
ILLE
FREE
NAL
FOUNDED 1842
MUNICIPAL
A CITY 1872 STRENGT
1842 ESTABLISHED A
HI
Somerville Printing Co., Inc.
1957
--
-
STACK
352 569 1956
STAUK REF. C 523
EIPEU =- 842
HON. WILLIAM J. DONOVAN Mayor of Somerville
NOV 8'57
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https://archive.org/details/annualreportofci1956some
MAYOR DONOVAN'S MID - TERM, ADDRESS
SOMERVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS
JANUARY 7, 1957
Mister President, Honorable Members of the Board of Alder- men, Honorable Members of the School Committee,
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:
First of all, permit me to extend to you my most cordial greetings and best wishes for a happy, prosperous and success- ful New Year.
As we glance in retrospect at the year 1956, we are im- pressed by the fact that it has been characterized by certain abnormal difficulties and also, I am happy to say, with the heartening measure of success.
It is my sincere conviction that the progress of my ad- ministration is creditable not exclusively to my own endeavors or those of my loyal department heads, but is likewise attribut- able especially to the cooperation of your honorable Boards and to the industry and efficiency of our municipal employees and to the sustained interest and support of the innumerable civic,
6
ANNUAL REPORTS
social, and fraternal organizations which have collaborated so enthusiastically in our projects for municipal advancement.
FIRES
We have alluded to certain difficulties which beset our path during the past year. We refer, of course, particularly to the two disastrous fires which partially destroyed the High School. The first fire occurred at the very beginning of the year, on January 4th. Since this fire was confined to the audi- torium and cafeteria, the resultant inconvenience was speedily overcome and the respective quarters were thoroughly reno- vated at an aggregate cost of $201,929.81. The net insurance settlement was $158,618.29. The difference, amounting to $43,311.52 was expended from the City Treasury for improve- ments demanded by present-day building standards.
The second fire occurred on June 8th. This conflagration imperiled the entire school structure and would have proven a gigantic catastrophe were it not for the prodigious efforts of our fire-fighters. As it eventuated, the entire central portion of the main building was almost completely destroyed. As a consequence, we have been compelled to virtually reconstruct the entire edifice. Funds needed for this work were made available through the medium of two loans, one in the amount of $400,000.00 and a second for $500,000.00. The first loan was for a period of one year and the second was for a two year period, so the entire impact of this loss falls upon my adminis- tration.
It is worth noting here that the condition of the Central High School was such that it was ordered closed by the State Inspector of Public Safety. It is a source of great pride to me that we were able to reopen the school on time this past September. The tremendous work which has already been accomplished and is now in the process of being done will be open to your inspection and that of the entire public later this year. At that time, we will be in a position to rescind the present two-session school day arrangement.
7,
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
At this juncture, I would like to point out that on October 28th of 1956, we marked the unprecedented advancement of dedicating three completely new and modernly equipped ele- mentary schools. These three new school buildings represent an investment of approximately $1,650,000.00. All the per- sons in the community who took advantage of the opportunity to examine these new buildings have been lavish in their praise of the work accomplished.
In addition to the reconstruction of the High School, and the erection of the three new elementary schools, we may point with pardonable pride to our achievement in respect to renova- tion and refurbishing a number of other school buildings.
EDUCATION
Public education is concerned not simply with school structures but with improving curricula. In this regard, it is worth noting that we have taken several strides forward within the last twelve months. There has been a reorganization of the Trade High School and the establishment of a four year course enabling students to be certified for regular diplomas. We instituted a remedial reading course under the direction of qualified teaching personnel. We have also introduced a pro- gram for speech correction and we are now in the process of acquiring the most up-to-date scientific testing equipment in advanced sight saving programs.
It is such progress as this, I think, that makes particularly appropriate the direct participation by the Mayor in the plan- ning and proceedings of the School Committee.
RECREATION
In terms of public recreation, we may point with feelings of genuine satisfaction to certain measures recently taken. The new Dilboy Stadium has been re-dedicated and we have sub- mitted plans for a multi-purpose recreation area, on the site of
8
ANNUAL REPORTS
the old Dilboy Field, to be built with additional M.D.C. funds. We have requested the whole-hearted support of the Repre- sentatives of the General Court in this most worthy endeavor.
At the new Arthur D. Healey School, the all-purpose room is being utilized almost continuously for recreational purposes. In the field of recreation, there has been established a wide program of activities encompassing ceramics and photography which are proving most popular.
PUBLIC LIBRARIES
The greatest improvement in our Public Library buildings within recent memory has been the installation of a modern scientific lighting system at the Central Library. This work is now nearing completion. Our Public Library buildings, like our other public buildings, are for the most part quite vener- able. Repair work is constantly going on in our various branch libraries and additional improvements are needed.
In the Union Square area, a new site for the branch Library is in urgent demand. We are cognizant of this need and hope to evolve a solution in the near future.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Certain notable advances have been made in the Police and Fire Departments within recent months. In the matter of equip- ment, we have acquired a new cruiser car and three ambulance- type cruiser cars. The latter are equipped with first aid emer- gency equipment.
At the Central Fire Headquarters on Medford Street, at the Police Headquarters in Union Square, and at the Public Works Building, we have installed gasoline-operated automatic stand- by generators, which, in the event of any type of emergency, would insure continuance of communication.
9
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
The Crime Prevention Bureau of the Police Department has been operating with marked efficiency. There has been a continued attack on violations of all forms of crimes and con- siderable progress has been achieved in eliminating obscene literature from our news-stands.
Moreover, the recently established parking meter patrol is rapidly proving its efficiency and we are daily receiving mes- sages of approval from shoppers and store managers.
An extensive program of safety education is being con- ducted in our schools under the direction of a Safety Officer and with the cooperation of the American Automobile Associa- tion. In 1956 the City of Somerville received Honorable Men- tion in the National Pedestrian Protection Contest sponsored by the A. A. A. for improvement of its casualty record during the years of 1955 and 1956.
I am very conscious of the fact that for the protection of persons and property, additional equipment is needed by the Fire Department. In accordance with my original planning in this respect, new pieces of apparatus will be acquired, as the City can finance the cost.
PUBLIC WELFARE
The Welfare Department's responsibility to provide money payments and services to the aged, the disabled, dependent children, and those temporarily in acute distress, has been dis- charged with a minimum of fanfare and a maximum of des- patch and professional skill. The reorganization of the De- partment's staff structure, which commenced over two years ago, continues to progress with accruing advantages to the community.
New investigative procedures and a continuing public in- formation program have demonstrated their positive worth. The Department has acquired some new mechanical equipment and
10
ANNUAL REPORTS
additional social case workers are increasing the operating efficiency of the agency. Prudent and economical management of the Department's financing has effectuated certain savings, while at the same time the Welfare Department, during the past year, has liquidated a backlog of over one hundred thirty- five thousand dollars in accumulated indebtedness to other cities and towns.
CIVIL DEFENSE
Our Civil Defense Agency is constantly advancing its ef- forts. First aid courses have been given to many organizations throughout the City under its sponsorship, especially to P.T.A. Groups. Warden Services and Radiological Teams have been established and their numbers are increasing.
During 1957, the Women's Services will be expanded.
A new piece of fire apparatus has been purchased for the Auxiliary Fire Department.
A unit of the Civil Air Patrol with an enrollment of approxi- mately sixty boys and girls has been established and has been functioning. Arrangements have been completed with the Tufts University Air Force Reserve Officers' Training School for the instruction of cadets.
TREASURER'S OFFICE
The acquisition of a new payroll machine has greatly in- creased the efficiency and reduced the operating costs of the Treasurer's office. In addition, each City employee now re- ceives an up-to-date record of deductions each week with his pay check.
PLANNING, REDEVELOPMENT AND RENEWAL
A new approach to municipal planning in the form of a new zoning map and related ordinance have been submitted to the Board of Aldermen for its study and approval. In order to
11
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
protect the residential regions and to define the accessible areas for commercial and industrial expansion, I earnestly urge your Honorable Board to expedite enactment of this impera- tively needed action.
We have taken two additional steps to improve the contour and perfect the profile of the City. The industrial development program which we launched more than two years ago, has marched steadily forward despite federal red tape. Appreciable interest has been shown in commercial circles in the bids for land made available in the Joy-Linwood area. We confidently expect the eventual utilization of this land will lay the founda- tion for a broader tax base with the resultant savings to our taxpayers and increased employment opportunities for our citizenry.
Secondly, we have recently launched a broad property re- habilitation program under the auspices of the Urban Renewal Authority recently appointed. This new Authority just estab- lished remains in the formative stages of its planning, but we confidently anticipate its rapid advancement to help our home- owners and the citizens of Somerville.
SANITARY DEPARTMENT
In our desire to improve the efficiency of the Sanitary De- partment, after study I recommend the purchase of twelve new enclosed load packing trucking trucks and a street sweeper. These trucks will eliminate the scattering of debris on our streets. The employees of the Department will be relieved of the types of injuries they have been sustaining while working on the old type trucks. Bids are now being advertized and within approximately sixty days these latest additions to our mechanical equipment will be in operation on our streets. They are designed to be both time saving and labor saving and will greatly facilitate rubbish collections.
At this time may I pay a measure of respect to the late John F. Meskell, Superintendent of the Sanitary Department,
12
ANNUAL REPORTS
who passed away a fortnight ago. Mr. Meskell's record of pub- lic service requires no words of eulogy from me. The record of his leadership and sincere loyalty to our community will forever be cherished by his countless friends.
PUBLIC WORKS
The Divisions of the Public Works Department are continu- ing their splendid record of service to the community.
A detailed report on the activities of the Department will be published in the near future.
I urge you to read its contents.
CONCLUDING REMARKS
It certainly needs no emphasis on my part to make you aware of the stark fact that the fixed costs of our municipal government continue to increase with the costs of everything else. Oddly enough, some people without realizing their lack of logic, somehow or other expect us to increase our services without paying the inescapable cost. There is nothing new about pointing out the fact that the revenue available to our cities is strictly limited because of an obsolete tax structure, based on real estate only.
It is however worth noting here that our City along with the other communities throughout the State must bear not only the costs directly attributable to local government but we are called upon to share directly and indirectly in the costs of County government and of the government of the Commonwealth. People not intimately familiar with municipal administration do not realize that each year the charges levied against us for the maintenance of county institutions and for the agencies of a regional nature, such as, the M. D. C., the M. T. A., and like facilities, are constantly mounting and constitute an increasing burden which must be included in our municipal budget. To be
13
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
specific, in the year 1957 we must pay about one million six hundred thousand dollars ($1,600,000.00) for County and State assessments.
Wage earners, housewives, and homeowners are keenly aware of the ever rising costs of our present economy.
Your City Government likewise is faced with constantly increasing costs of operation and continual pressure for salary and wage increases.
It has been my intention to increase all City employees. consistent with our ability to absorb the additional expenditure without curtailing normal public services.
I vigorously opposed wage increases recently granted not- withstanding my veto because it is my firm conviction they were excessive in view of the financial obligations which confront us.
This action has disrupted the orderly procedure we have been following toward wage adjustments for all city employees commensurate with today's rising costs and in keeping with our ability to pay.
In conformity with the actual fiscal condition of the City, I hope to be able to give consideration to the other groups of. City employees not effected by the recent wage actions.
The purpose of this mid-term message is to provide an ac- counting of our stewardship to the people as a whole whom we. have been elected to represent. The problems which were pre- sented to us at the beginning of our administration seemed! almost overwhelming. But, patient study, careful planning and: the unselfish cooperation of your Honorable Boards, the Mu- nicipal Department Heads, the rank and file of our employees. and the citizenry at large have contributed towards a solution of many of these problems. Somerville today has reached a transitional stage in its progress. We have great assets as well
14
ANNUAL REPORTS
as sizable liabilities. We should never become so pessimistic that we are blind to our natural resources and the infinite energies latent in a free people. We have our worries and our frustrations but we also have abundant blessings in our American way of life. Somerville richly participates in these blessings. We, the Officials of Somerville, will go forward con- fident that we will prove worthy of these blessings keeping always in mind the common good of our entire community.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM J. DONOVAN, Mayor
15
CITY AUDITOR
REPORT OF THE CITY AUDITOR
Office of the City Auditor January 31, 1957
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 1956, 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 SHEET, DECEMBER 31, 1956
REVENUE ACCOUNTS
Assets
Liabilities
$143.00
Unidentified Cash
24.37
Tailings
1,344.58
School Deposits, Forfeited Fees
145.35
City Clerk's Deposits
871.25
Taxes 1946
9.03
Taxes 1947
169.50
Taxes
1948
732.99
Highway Deposits
64.00
Taxes
1949
51.41
Unexpended Balances:
Taxes
1950
5,474.49
803,853.49
Taxes
1951
6,592.00
5,002.97
Taxes
1952
9,311.60
Reimbursements, Old Age Assistance ..
45,871.38
Taxes
1953
9,126.01
Reimbursements, Disability Assistance
3,238.72
Pay Roll Deductions for Purchase of Savings Bonds
1,851.09
Federal Tax Withholding
55,090.67
Parking Meter Receipts
24,685.42
Group Insurance Deductions
282.64
Group Insurance Dividend
17,999.92
Employees Insurance Deductions
545.99
Blue Cross Deductions
4,024.78
Blue Cross Dividends
1,664.66
Hot Lunch Project Receipts
31,074.16
School-Athletic Receipts
7,794.20
George - Barden Fund
1,298.14
Smith - Hughes Fund
576.67
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, 1950
6,335.91
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, 1951
5,894.95
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, 1952
8,343.73
Water 184,503.77
Tax Titles 112,743.92
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, 1953 6,202.53
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, 1954
6,666.89
Tax Possessions 45,118.35
.....
.......
8,484.72
Taxes
1955
10,225.26
Taxes
1956
363,396.59
$413,593.00
Tax Titles
112,743.92
Tax Possessions
45,118.35
Bldg. Code Razing Fees, Tax- es 1956
4,651.00
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, 1948 81.04
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, 1949
2,737.14
Revenue Reserved until Collected :-
Departmental $127,585.00
Cash:
In Offices and Banks
$678,582.49
$678,582.49
Accounts Receivable:
Taxes 1945
19.40
School Dept. Evening School Deposits
739.50
School - Book Deposits
671.80
.
.
.
.
ยท
. ......
.
ANNUAL REPORTS
......
..
......
Revenue Appropriations Income of Trust Funds
Taxes
1954
Cashiers Overages
BALANCE SHEET - Continued
Assets - Continued
Liabilities - Continued
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, 1955 12,126.84
Motor Vehicle Excise ...... 146,763.76
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, 1956 98,374.73
Bldg. Code Fees Revenue .. 4,651.00
$146,763.76
$621,365.80
Departmental Bills Receivable:
Health Department
1,598.82
Welfare Miscellaneous
60,363.53
Old Age Assistance
9,476.66
Overlay 1951
906.85
City Home
2,215.04
Excess and Deficiency
169,263.17
School Contingent
6,955.84
Reserve for Uncollected, D. J. O'Donoghue ..
532.08
City Owned Prop. Rentals ..
2.00
State Taxes and Assessments 1956
10,974.43
Insp. Milk & Vinegar ..
108.00
Aid Dependent Children ..
46,797.06
Highway Dept.
68.05
127,585.00
Water Department Accounts
184,503.77
$312,088.77
Overlay 1953
11,559.19
Overlay 1952
3,484.62
Overlay 1954
38,926.88
Overlay 1955
37,748.84
Overlay 1956
28,663.46
Due from Dept. Coll. O'Don- oghue
532.08
County Tax 1956
15,076.19
Loans Authorized
500,000.00
$635,991.26
$2,349,532.55
$2,349,532.55
17
..
34,132.38
Overlay 1947
1.00
Overlay 1949
7.93
County - Dog Licenses
$49.80
Sale of Real Estate
Loans Unissued
500,000.00
CITY AUDITOR
County Assess. T. B. Hospital 1956 3,440.36
.
NON-REVENUE ACCOUNTS
Assets - Continued
Liabilities - Continued
Cash in Offices and Banks ...
$362,979.57
Accts. Rec. State & County,
Aid to Highways
9,058.13
Loans Authorized
425,000.00
Loans Unissued
425,000.00
$797,037.70
$797,037.70
NET FUNDED OR FIXED DEBT
Assets - Continued
Liabilities - Continued
Loans with statutory debt limit:
Chapter 44 - Sewer Loan $61,000.00
Municipal Relief Loan .....
272,500.00
School & Municipal Bldgs. Loan
75,000.00
Municipal Garage Loan ..
596,000.00
Elementary School
1,370,000.00
Public Works Equip. Loan
57,000.00
Public Works Bldg. Loan .. 54,000.00
Municipal Off-St. Parking
300,000.00
ANNUAL REPORTS
$2,785,500.00
Loans outside statutory debt limit:
P. W. A. Sewer Loan $8,000.00
Veterans Housing Loan ... 230,000.00
Transit Assessment Loan ..
237,000.00
Stadium Loan 135,000.00
Reconstruction High School
400,000.00
$1,010,000.00
$3,795,500.00
$3,795,500.00
18
Non-Revenue Appropriations
$361,236.48
State and County Highway Revenue ..
9,058.13
Somerville Housing Authority
1,743.09
Net Bonded Debt
$3,795,500.00
TRUST AND INVESTED FUNDS
Assets - Continued
Trust Funds: Cash and Securities $63,942.38
Invetment Funds: Cash and Securities 2,463,182.91
Liabilities - Continued
Trust Funds:
Contagious Hospital $1,000.00
School Funds 13,923.60
Library Funds 43,621.57
Welfare Funds
1,751.45
Recreation Funds
3,645.76
Invested Funds:
Municipal Buildings Insur- ance Fund 4,251.99
* Retirement System Funds 4 % and 5%
2,203,738.91
Veterans Housing Funds .. 255,192.01
$2,527,125.29
$2,527,125.29
* Figures submitted by Retirement Board.
CITY AUDITOR
19
.
20
ANNUAL REPORTS
CASH STATEMENT, DECEMBER 31, 1956 REVENUE
Receipts
General:
Taxes
$9,060,187.00
Motor Vehicle Excise
674,685.54
Tax Titles
31,999.26
Tax Possessions
250.00
C. of M. School Aid
522,400.00
C. of M. Corp. Tax
524,695.83
C. of M. Meal Tax
43,362.08
C. of M. Income Tax
308,552.26
C. of M. Lieu of Taxes
1,116.78
Sale of Real Estate
8,500.00
City Property Rentals
312.50
Licenses and Permits
127,992.29
Fines and Forfeits
11,791.20
Grants and Gifts
1,320,418.29
Parking Meters
41,413.44
All Other 286.31
$12,677,962.78
Departmental:
General Government
19,303.49
Protection Persons & Property
3,449.89
Health and Sanitation
15,244.79
Highways
4,924.40
Welfare
53,660.55
Aid Dependent Children
142,551.61
Old Age Assistance
827,932.28
Disability Assistance
130,213.31
Veterans Services
32,098.69
Schools and School Buildings
19,619.95
Recreation
300.65
Libraries
4,850.53
Teachers' Retirement Deductions
133,609.82
Hot Lunch Receipts
107,705.37
Athletic Receipts
11,481.07
Federal Tax Withholding
780,378.51
Payroll Deductions for the Purchase of Savings Bonds
17,249.97
Blue Cross Deductions
101,367.45
Municipal Credit Union Deductions
356,314.98
Insurance Deductions
957.73
Group Insurance Deductions
16,556.79
Group Insurance Dividend
25,079.00
Indemnification Fire Losses
158,618.29
49,175.00
Veterans Housing Invest. Fund Transfer All Other
215.00
Water Department Accounts
603,185.00
Interest on Taxes, etc.
13,245.57
Trust Fund Income
9,099.99
Refunds (Revenue)
61,261.42
Temporary Loans
3,750,000.00
Deposits
10,683.30
Emergency Loan, High School
400,000.00
$3,012,859.12
21
CITY AUDITOR
Loan in Antic. High School Loan
500,000.00 597.00
Premiums on Bonds
Accrued Interest
300.00
Total Receipts 1956 to date
Cash Balance January 1, 1956-Revenue
Audit Adjustments
$5,348,372.28 21,039,194.18 75,077.51 339.70
CASH STATEMENT, DECEMBER 31, 1956 Payments
Appropriations
12,782,164.02
Interest
107,744.63
Reduction Funded Debt
479,500.00
Credit Union Deductions
356,314.98
Refunds
154,824.36
Teachers' Retirement Deductions
133,609.82
Smith-Hughes Fund
2,033.11
George Barden Fund
1,925.41
Payroll Deductions for Insurance
27,371.94
Blue Cross Deductions
105,851.35
Hot Lunch Receipts
118,525.73
Athletic Receipts
15,501.25
Highway Deposits
4,959.45
Savings Bonds Deductions
16,865.14
Income Trust Funds
10,147.84
School Deposits
1,107.06
City Clerk's Deposits
530.50
Federal Tax Withholding
791,865.88
County Assessment T. B. Hospital
149,185.93
County Tax 1956
354,178.08
State Taxes and Assessments
1,030,368.26
Health-Bottling Licenses
50.00
County-Dog Licenses
4,213.40
Temporary Loans
3,750,000.00
Premiums on Bonds
597.00
Total Payments 1956 to date
20,399,435.14 678,582.49
Cash on Hand, December 31, 1956
35,000.00
Audit Adjustments
1,593.76
$21,114,611.39
CASH STATEMENT, DECEMBER 31, 1956 NON-REVENUE
Receipts
Refunds
$350.00
Chapter 90-Highway
28,435.57
Off-Street Parking Loan
300,000.00
328,785.57
Balance at Beginning of Period
367,271.60
Transfer from Revenue
35,000.00
Transfer to Non-Revenue
$21,114,611.39
731,057.17
22
ANNUAL REPORTS
CASH STATEMENT, DECEMBER 31, 1956 NON-REVENUE
Payments
Appropriations
368,077.60
368,077.60
Cash on Hand
..........
362,979.57
731,057.17
Summary
Total Revenue Receipts
21,039,194.18
Total Non-Revenue Receipts
328,785.57
21,367,979.75
Total Balance at Beginning of Period
442,349.11
21,810,328.86
Audit Adjustments
339.70
21,810,668.56
Total Revenue Payments
20,399,435.14
Total Non-Revenue Payments
368,077.60
20,767,512.74
Total Balance on Hand
1,041,562.06
Audit Adjustments
1,593.76
$21,810,668.56
STATEMENT OF APPROPRIATIONS 1956 (REVENUE)
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