Report of the city of Somerville 1957, Part 1

Author: Somerville (Mass.)
Publication date: 1957
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 320


USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1957 > Part 1


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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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