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SOM
G
INTEREST DUE IN 1958 as of DECEMBER 31, 1957
January
February
April
May
June
July
August
October
November
December
Total
Transit Assessment
Public Works # 1
$237.50
475.00
Veteran's Housing
1,125.00
2,250.00
Veteran's Housing
306.25
525.00
Sewer Loan
131.25
262.50
Public Works
268.75
537.50 412.50
Sewer Loan
450.00
862.50
Sewer Loan
4,750.00
4,750.00
9,500.00
Municipal Garage #2
960.00
900.00
1,860.00
Stadium Loan
1,687.50
1,687.50
3,375.00
Municipal Off-Street Parking
3,240.00
1,350.00
2,340.00
St. Const. & Perm. Pavement
2,600.00
Macadam Pavement & Side- walk Bonds
1,300.00
12,150.00
10,010.00
20,020.00
Municipal Relief
540.00
1,080.00
School Loan
3,750.00
TOTAL
$7,956.25
$7,140.00
$20,293.75
$987.50
$10,010.00
$7,243.75
$6,620.00
$19,018.75
$987.50
$10,010.00
$90,267.50
BONDS DUE IN 1958 as of DECEMBER 31, 1957
January
February
April
July
August
October
November
December
Total
Transit Assessment
Public Works # 1
19,000.00 30,000.00
30,000.00
Veterans Housing
10,000.00
10,000.00
Sewer Loan
1,000.00 11,000.00
2,000.00
2,000.00
Sewer Loan
3,000.00
Municipal Garage # 1
35,000.00
35,000.00
Municipal Garage #2
5,000.00
10,000.00
60,000.00
60,000.00
School Loan
25,000.00
25,000.00
Municipal Off-Street Parking
25,000.00
20,000.00
90,000.00
90,000.00
Macadam Pavement and Sidewalk
20,000.00
20,000.00
Municipal Relief
TOTAL
$63,000.00
$40,000.00
$95,000.00
$61,000.00
$30,000.00
$92,000.00
$79,000.00
$60,000.00
$520,000.00
...
3,500.00
1,040.00
2,340.00
Funding Loan
23,085.00
Elementary School
540.00
10,010.00
6,480.00
Departmental Equipment Loan
1,687.50
3,037.50
4,940.00
206.25
206.25
$987.50
$1,975.00
$987.50
237.50
1,125.00
218.75
131.25
268.75
412.50
Municipal Garage # 1
3,240.00
10,935.00
19,000.00
Veterans Housing
1,000.00
Public Works #2
11,000.00
Sewer Loan
3,000.00
5,000.00
Stadium Loan
Elementary School Loan
30,000.00
30,000.00
Departmental Equipment Loan
25,000.00
Street Construction and Permanent Pavement
20,000.00
Funding Loan
45,000.00
45,000.00
$79,000.00
$79,000.00
10,000.00
7,250.00
...
CITY OF SOMERVILLE
MASSACHUSETTS
ANNUAL REPORTS 1957
GIVES
SOMERVILLE
AT
FREED
10
FOUNDED 1842
JAL
MUNICIPAL
ESTABLISHED A
CITY 1872 STRENGTH
Somerville Printing Co., Inc. 1958
EIPEU+842
HON. WILLIAM J. DONOVAN Mayor of Somerville
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.
I have here a detailed report on the activities of the Public Works Department for the past year. I am not going to elabo- rate or dwell on it since it would consume most of the evening.
However, in the near future it is my intention to publish this report in its entirety.
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
13
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
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 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
14
ANNUAL REPORTS
of many of these problems. Somerville today has reached a transitional stage in its progress. We have great assets as well 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, 1958
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 1957, 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, 1957 REVENUE ACCOUNTS
ASSETS
Cash:
In Offices and Banks
$565,056.41
$565,056.41
Petty Cash Advances
$800.00
Accounts Receivable:
Taxes 1945
19.40
Taxes 1946
9.03
Taxes 1948
728.99
Taxes 1949
43.41
Taxes 1950
4,740.93
Taxes 1951
4,911.68
Taxes 1952
6,571.96
Taxes 1953
6,017.59
Taxes 1954
7,491.04
Taxes 1955
5,094.44
Taxes 1956
17,025.02
Taxes 1957
367,480.85
$420,134.34
Tax Titles
129,308.87
Tax Possessions
40,929.60
Building Code Razing Fees, Taxes 1956
739.00
School - Athletic Receipts
13,219.34
Building Code Razing Fees, Taxes 1957
7,895.00
Smith - Hughes Fund
813.00
Revenue Reserved Until Collected :-
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, 1948
81.04
Departmental
161,951.28
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, 1949
2,737.14
Water
110,910.02
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, 1950
6,335.91
Tax Titles
129,308.87
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, 1951
5,495.09
Tax Possessions
40,929.60
..
Tailings
6,806.80
School Deposits, Forfeited Fees
131.86
City Clerk's Deposits
1,922.75
School Dept. Evening School Deposits
696.50
School - Book Deposits
872.95
Unexpended Balances:
225,109.47
Revenue Appropriations Income of Trust Fund
3,285.50
Reimbursement, Disability Assistance
4,687.65
Reimbursement, Old Age Assistance
68,913.33
Pay Roll Deductions for Purchase of Savings Bonds
927.05
Federal Tax Withholding
86,742.75
Parking Meter Receipts
9,639.67
Group Insurance Deductions
442.44
Group Insurance Dividend
15,206.42
Employees Insurance Deductions
615.90
Blue Cross Deductions
23,876.21
Blue Cross Dividends
..... .
.
·
.
.
1,800.09
Hot Lunch Project Receipts
26,578.06
George - Barden Fund
5,078.85
·
.
· .
·
...
ANNUAL REPORTS
LIABILITIES
Cashiers Overages
$208.03
Unidentified Cash
24.37
..
..
......
. .
.
.
.
BALANCE SHEET - Continued
Assets - Continued
Liabilities - Continued
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, 1952 7,384.04
Motor Vehicle Excise .. 256,954.04
Bldg. Code Fees Revenue . 8,634.00
Sale of Real Estate
$708,687.81 7,340.85
State Taxes and Assessments 1957
23,005.88
County Assess. T. B. Hospital 1957
3,617.43
Reserve for Petty Cash Advances
800.00
County - Dog Licenses 79.75
Excess & Deficiency
563,678.09
Departmental Bills Receivable:
Health Department
158.50
Welfare Miscellaneous ....
73,087.74
Old Age Assistance
21,740.83
City Home
2,155.55
School Contingent ..
18,590.87
City Owned Prop. Rentals
52.00
Aid to Dependent Children
46,165.79
161,951.28
Water Department Accounts
110,910.02
$272,861.30
Overlay 1947
168.50
Overlay 1949
59.91
Overlay 1950
611.31
Overlay 1951
1,282.11
Overlay 1952
3,490.64
Overlay 1953
5,411.36
Overlay 1954
5,914.88
Overlay 1955
17,685.36
Overlay 1956
.......
32,254.00
.......
·
·
.
.
.
.
.......
· ......
17
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, 1953 5,674.37
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, 1954 6,103.60
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, 1955 8,193.00
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, 1956 22,739.62
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, 1957
192,210.23
$256,954.04
CITY AUDITOR
18
BALANCE SHEET - Continued
Assets - Continued
Liabilities - Continued
Overlay 1957
7,810.05 35,442.12
County Tax 1957
$110,130.24
$1,804,808.80
$1,804,808.80
NON-REVENUE ACCOUNTS
Cash in Offices and Banks Accts. Rec. State & County, Aid to Highways ..
$203,738.88
Non-Revenue Appropriations
201,995.79
State & County Aid to Highways Revenue . .
33,282.81
33,282.81
Somerville Housing Authority
1,743.09
$237,021.69
$237,021.69
ANNUAL REPORTS
NET FUNDED OR FIXED DEBT
Assets - Continued
Liabilities - Continued
Net Bonded Debt $4,132,000.00
Loans within statutory debt limit:
Chapter 44 - Sewer Loan 51,000.00
Municipal Relief Loan ...... Municipal Garage Loan ....
90,000.00
555,000.00
Elementary Schools ..
1,285,000.00
Public Works Equip. Loan
38,000.00
Public Works Bldg. Loan
43,000.00
Municipal Off-St. Parking
270,000.00
Sanitary Dept. Equipment Macadam Pavement Loan
200,000.00
Sidewalk Construction Loan
100,000.00
$2,757,000.00
Loans Outside statutory debt limit: P.W.A. Sewer Loan
7,000.00
Veterans' Housing Loan ...
185,000.00
Transit Assessment Loan ..
158,000.00
Stadium Loan
125,000.00
Reconstruction High School,
Funding Loan
900,000.00
$1,375,000.00
$4,132,000.00
$4,132,000.00
19
CITY AUDITOR
125,000.00
20
TRUST AND INVESTED FUNDS
Assets - Continued
Liabilities - Continued
Trust Funds:
Trust Funds: Cash and Securities
$58,811.56
Contagious Hospital
$1,000.00
School Funds
11,423.60
Library Funds
38,926.30
Welfare Funds
3,815.90
Recreation Funds
3,645.76
Invested Funds:
Municipal Buildings Insurance Fund
4,315.76
*Retirement System Funds 4 % & 5 %
2,377,544.30
Veterans' Housing Funds
206,717.01
$2,647,388.63
$2,647,388.63
.
Investment Funds: Cash and Securities
2,588,577.07
* Figures submitted by Retirement Board.
ANNUAL REPORTS
21
CITY AUDITOR
CASH STATEMENT, DECEMBER 31, 1957 REVENUE
RECEIPTS
General:
Taxes
$9,264,389:58
Motor Vehicle Excise
814,495.66
Tax Titles
21,167.93
Tax Possessions
2,125.00
Licenses and Permits
128,502.62
Fines and Forfeits
27,042.15
Grants and Gifts
1,420,132.23
Parking Meters
51,000.59
C. of M. Income Tax
200,497.23
C. of M. Corporation Tax
653,713.18
C. of M. Meal Tax
46,712.82
C. of M. School Aid
530,532.40
C. of M. Lieu of Taxes
1,025.41
Somerville Housing, Lieu of Taxes ..
22,479.12
All Other
806.31
$13,184,622.23
Departmental:
General Government
$19,598.37
Protection of Persons and Property ..
4,505.52
Health and Sanitation
14,198.62
Highways
13,563.47
Welfare
33,648.79
Aid to Dependent Children
138,981.62
Old Age Assistance
823,797.30
Disability Assistance
106,618.16
Veterans' Services
49,160.99
Schools and School Buildings
2,848.93
Recreation
294.40
Teachers' Retirement Deductions
145,787.45
Hot Lunch Receipts
94,834.59
Athletic Receipts
16,927.61
Federal Tax Withholding
925,851.62
Payroll Deductions for the Purchase of Savings Bonds
18,801.13
Blue Cross Deductions
137,716.88
Municipal Credit Union Deductions ..
15,441.75
Insurance Deductions
1,090.51
Group Insurance Deductions
27,689.87
Libraries
5,264.58
All Other
134.30
Blue Cross Dividend
135.43
Tailings
5,465.22
Uncollected from D. J. O'D.
532.08
Indemnification - Fire Loses
501,912.40
Refund - Military Credit (School)
2,106.43
Veterans' Housing Inv. Transfer
48,475.00
Cash Overages
117.32
$3,155,500.34
Water Department Accounts
$718,851.07
Interest on Taxes, etc.
16,123.69
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