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ANNUAL REPORTS CITY OF ATTLEBORO 1917
Ref-Gen- 979.48
OF ATTL
9882
PUBLIC LIBRARY
De
........
H MASS
INCORPOR
ED 1885
Date Mar 1919 Nº 25479
ATTLEBORO PUBLIC LIBRARY a31654001303459b
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/reportsoftownoff1917attl
Horton, Pierce and Sanford Blocks, Park Street, prior to the fire of December 12, 1917
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ANNUAL REPORTS
OF THE
Officers and Departments
OF THE
City of Attleboro
ATTLEBOR
A
OWN OF
INCORP. I SS: 716.
DUCH
PUBS
Troc BOROUGH
ORPORATED J9
FOR THE YEAR 1917
SUN PUBLISHING COMPANY Attleboro, Massachusetts 1918
4
ANNUAL REPORT
WARD COUNCILLORS. Terms expire January, 1919.
William H. Garner 373 South Main St.
Joseph E. Gaynor. 45 James St.
Thomas S. Healey 13 Foley St.
Solomon B. Jacobs. 48 Park St.
William A. Spier 14 Grove St.
ASSESSORS.
Walter J. Newman, Chairman. 177 Pine St. Term expires January, 1918.
Harry E. Carpenter, Clerk. West St.
Term expires January, 1919.
Malcolm Currie .12 Holden St.
Term expires January, 1920.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE. Terms expire January, 1918.
Benjamin P. King, Chairman. .17 First St.
Dr. Reginald P. Dakin, Secretary .32 John St.
Mrs. Emily L. Richardson. 13 Maple St.
Terms expire January, 1919.
Mrs. Mary C. Ford . Tyler St.
Walter J. Newman 177 Pine St.
Edwin F. Thayer 17 Mechanics St.
Terms expire January, 1920.
Walter A. Briggs 1 Cliff St.
Thomas G. Sadler. South Attleboro
Mrs. Florence B. Theobald. 250 County St.
APPOINTED OFFICIALS.
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
Joseph V. Curran, Chairman. Highland Ave., Hebronville Term expires February, 1918.
Frank M. Payson, Visitor. 139 North Main St.
Term expires February, 1919.
Benjamin P. King, Clerk. .17 First St. Term expires February, 1920.
CITY PHYSICIAN.
Wilfred E. Rounseville 40 Bank St. Term expires February, 1918.
HEALTH OFFICER.
Ralph P. Kent
Term expires February, 1918. 115 County St.
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ANNUAL REPORT
FIRE DEPARTMENT-FIRE ENGINEERS.
Hiram R. Packard, Chief. 8 Hope St. Term expires February, 1918.
Fred A. Clark, First Assistant. 22 Hayward St. Term expires February, 1920.
Craig C. Pope, Second Assistant. 244 Park St.
Term expires February, 1919.
POLICE DEPARTMENT.
Edmond H. Gingras, Chief and Lockup Keeper 15 John St. Term expires February, 1918.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
Harry J. Goodale, Superintendent. 61 County . St. Term expires February, 1918.
W. Earle Kimball, City Engineer. 9 Elizabeth St. Deceased May 2, 1917.
John B. Wright Y. M. C. A. Resigned December 22, 1917. Appointed by Superintendent of Public Works.
AUDITOR.
Edgar F. Bosworth 235 Park St. Appointed by the Council. Resigned September 1, 1917.
Edward A. Sweeney Bates Block
Appointed October 30, 1917. Term expires February, 1918.
Millard F. Ashley
INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS. 8 Sturdy St. Term expires February, 1918.
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.
Hugh Gaffney 31 Dennis St. Term expires February, 1918.
BOARD OF REGISTRARS.
John R. Curry, Chairman 4 Foley St.
Term expires April, 1919.
Chester A. Smith . South Main St., Hebronville Term expires April, 1918.
Michael Galligan. 70 Dunham St. Term expires April, 1920.
Frank I. Babcock, ex-officio 163 South Main St.
6
ANNUAL REPORT
CITY SOLICITOR.
John J. Coady .10 John St. Term expires February, 1918.
PARK COMMISSIONERS.
Charles A. Mooers, Chairman. 72 County St. Term expires February, 1920.
John E. Anderson. Thacher St.
Term expires February, 1918.
Solon D. Bushee. 255 County St. Term expires February, 1919.
TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY. Terms expire February, 1919.
Joseph L. Sweet, Chairman. 42 Peck St.
Leonard I. Lamb 197 South Main St.
Thomas E. McCaffrey 99 Union St.
Terms expire February, 1918.
Mrs. Irene T. Hill. 192 South Main St. John J. Thacher. . South Main St
Resigned October 16, 1917.
Raymond M. Horton. 116 Pleasant St. Appointed November 20, 1917.
Miss Elizabeth J. Wilmarth. 73 North Main St.
Terms expire February, 1920.
Mrs. Eleanor S. Carpenter. . 60 Peck St.
Charles S. Holden, Secretary .378 North Main St.
Mark E. Rowe. 178 South Main St.
CITY FORESTER.
W. E. S. Smith. 51 Thacher St. Term expires February, 1918.
FOREST WARDEN.
Hiram R. Packard. 8 Hope St. Term expires February, 1918.
SOLDIERS' RELIEF AND BURIAL AGENT.
Fred L. Morse. 24 Dean St. Resigned June 14, 1917.
Walter J. Newman 177 Pine St.
Appointed July 3, 1917. Term expires February, 1918.
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ANNUAL REPORT
PLANNING BOARD. Terms expire February, 1919.
Joseph Finberg, Chairman. 24 John St. Milford E. Bliss 12 Dean St.
Terms expire February, 1918.
Mrs. Mary G. Mullaly. 1 Ellis St.
George A. Sweeney, Secretary. .52 Holman St.
Terms expire February, 1920.
Mrs. Josephine L. Hammond. .17 Second St.
Raymond M. Horton.
116 Pleasant St.
Hugh A. Gaw INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS. 52 Union St. Term expires April, 1918.
INSPECTOR OF WIRES.
Benjamin C. Wetherell. .30 Second St.
Term expires February, 1918.
FENCE VIEWERS AND FIELD DRIVERS. Terms expire February, 1918.
Eustace V. Carpenter 278 Oak Hill Ave. Henry A. Lord. Locust St.
CARETAKER OF GRAVES.
CIVIL AND SPANISH WAR VETERANS.
George R. Adams 87 Dean St.
Term expires February, 1918.
CITY STENOGRAPHER.
Mrs. Lulu A. Gingras. 15 John St. Resigned March 23, 1917.
Alice G. Enbom 130 Pleasant St. Appointed April 26, 1917. Term expires February, 1918.
CITY MESSENGER.
Fred L. Morse .24 Dean St. Appointed by the Council. Term expires February, 1918. POUND KEEPER.
Nelson Hagar, City Farm and Pound. County St. Term expires February, 1918.
CITY REPRESENTATIVES ON BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE ATTLEBOROUGH HOSPITAL. Appointed by the Council. Terms expire February, 1918.
Harold E. Sweet. 80 North Main St. Charles O. Sweet. . 119 Bank St. Frank I. Babcock, ex-officio 163 South Main St.
8
ANNUAL REPORT
TRUSTEES OF THE CAPRON AND DEBORAH STARKEY FUNDS. All Ex-Officio. Appointed by the Council. Harold E. Sweet, Mayor. Frank I. Babcock, City Treasurer. Benjamin P. King, Chairman of School Committee.
SINKING FUND COMMISSIONERS. Appointed by the Council.
Ernest D. Gilmore South Main St.
Term expires February, 1920.
Frank W. Weaver Bates Block
Term expires February, 1918.
W. Granville Meader, Clerk. 146 County St.
Term expires February, 1919.
SEWER LOAN COMMISSION. Appointed by the Council.
Harold E. Sweet, Mayor, ex-officio.
Frank I. Babcock, City Treasurer, ex-officio.
Ernest D. Gilmore
Term expires February, 1920.
Frank W. Weaver Term expires February, 1918.
W. Granville Meader. Term expires February, 1919.
STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL. COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND ACCOUNTS.
Charles O. Sweet Solomon B. Jacobs William H. Garner
COMMITTEE ON STREETS, BRIDGES AND LIGHTING.
William H. Saart Joseph E. Gaynor William A. Spier
COMMITTEE ON WATER SUPPLY, SEWERS AND DRAINS. Harry P. Kent Thomas S. Healey William H. Garner
COMMITTEE ON FIRE DEPARTMENT AND POLICE.
Oscar Wolfenden William A. Spier Joseph E. Gaynor
COMMITTEE ON ORDINANCES, LICENSES, ELECTIONS, LEGIS- LATIVE MATTERS, HEALTH AND POOR DEPARTMENTS, : 1 STATE AID AND SOLDIERS' RELIEF.
Howard G. Smith Solomon B. Jacobs. Thomas S. Healey
ADDRESS OF
HON. HAROLD E. SWEET
MAYOR OF ATTLEBORO
AT THE
INAUGURATION
OF
THE 1918 CITY GOVERNMENT
ATTLEBOR
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CORP. 16
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HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM
ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS
TUESDAY, JANUARY 1, 1918
......
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11
ANNUAL REPORT
Gentlemen of the Council and Fellow Citizens :
At the inauguration of the first city government three years ago it was suggested that our course was beset with difficulties, but no one on that occasion could have foretold to any adequate degree the magni- tude of the problems which have confronted us.
In the light of developments it is perhaps fortunate that we could not foresee events well calculated to shake our courage and purpose. True the great world war had begun, but its immensity was not then realized. We could not believe that we had any part to play therein other than that of a neutral. We scouted the thought that we would become involved, as we are today, so that its influence is seen in all our relations of life. We had no idea that this America of ours was to become literally the hope of the world, and that we here in this small corner of the globe would have to play our part, make our sacrifice, and render our service to humanity.
Conditions confront us vastly different from those of a year ago even, and we cannot lay down a program of municipal procedure with any degree of precision or clarity, for we are at war,-a war that touches the life of every individual in this community, a war that calls for loyalty, courage, devotion and sacrifice on the part of every man, woman and child in this city, just as surely as it is demanded of those boys of ours in service on the Western front. And finally as a sort of climax to these distressing war conditions, in the closing days of the year, we have our own particular cross to bear, as a result of the de- structive fire on the early morning of December twelfth that laid low the principal retail business section of our city.
Much to be Thankful For
But after all, balancing bane against blessing and loss against gain, there is so much to be thankful for, so much to encourage and inspire that I would count my task well performed, the storm and stress of the past year amply compensated for, if I could send you forth from this hall tonight with a spirit of optimism, not blind, un- reasoning and complacent, but one which while alive to the menace of the hour, values its benefits and opportunities, and finds basis for its faith in re-counting the real achievements of the past year.
Despite the drain on our population by the draft and diversion to industries engaged in war work, we have evidences of a healthy growth in the increase in our number of polls, less empty tenements than a year ago though still too many vacant, more children than ever before in our public schools, reports from our manufacturers and mer- chants very generally of improved business conditions locally, more than ten percent increase in our city election vote over a year ago, in- dicating a wider interest in city affairs, and finally the accomplish- ment of our goal, and in many instances more than our assigned quota, which has usually been in excess of the assignment to other cities of like size, in the campaigns for Chamber of Commerce mem- bership, first and second Liberty Loans, Red Cross fund and mem- bership, first and second Y. M. C. A. War Relief Fund, War Library Fund, War Community Camp Fund, Knights of Columbus War Fund, and in addition thereto numerous contributions to local war work funds.
In this connection more than passing notice should be given to the service rendered by the devoted women of the Special Aid, Red Cross and other units in knitting, surgical dressings and the provision of comforts for the soldiers and sailors. Likewise the Committee on
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ANNUAL REPORT
Public Safety has performed its duties loyally and efficiently. One of its most important functions through the sub-committee already ap- pointed is the preparation and preservation of a complete record of the Attleboro boys in service, and I bespeak for this committee the hearty co-operation of all relatives and friends to the end that this list may be complete and accurate. The Committee on Public Safety should also maintain its organization in such a way as to enable it to direct the important and delicate task of re-adjustment of conditions that will have to be made at the end of the war when our boys return home.
We should also count among our tangible assets the unique and successful experiment in community get-togetherness represented by the gathering of this fellowship this evening, a movement that has occasioned wonder at its accomplishment and favorable comment far beyond our borders.
Our fire, unfortunate as it is, coming at this time particularly, means however that we shall build anew and better, that we shall have a retail center more modern and up to date, and above all affords the opportunity for establishing new street lines that will relieve conges- tion in the centre and building regulations insuring fire proof con- struction.
So it would appear that we have much to rejoice over in spite of the untoward happenings that have filled the minds of many good citizens with a spirit of pessimism and discouragement. Rather let us still incline to the cheerful philosophy of that revered Massachu- setts statesman, the late Senator Hoar, and assert that the Attleboro of today is better than the Attleboro of yesterday, that the Attleboro of tomorrow will be better than the Attleboro of today.
Finances
As a matter of record and for comparison with like figures in for- mer addresses I submit the following data showing the obligations of the city at the conclusion of the year.
Average valuation for the past three years. $21,693,586.00
Our debt limit (Revised Laws, Chap. 27, Section 3)
$542,339.65
Our present liabilities as of Dec. 24, 1917-
Water Bonds
$577.500.00
Sewer Bonds
385,000.00
High School Bonds. $130,000.00
Fire Station Bonds. 11,400.00
School House Bonds
30,000.00
171,400.00
Total Bonds - Water, Sewer and
General
$1,133.900.00
Time Notes
$15,000.00
Revenue Loans
100,000.00
115,000.00
Total Debt-Bonds and Notes ..
1,248,900.00
Less Sinking Fund Assets-
Water
$161,141.02
General
28,772.06
Sewer Investment Fund ..
133,137.82
323,050.90
Net Bonded Debt.
$925,849.10
Above liabilities that are outside debt limit-
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ANNUAL REPORT
. Water
$577,500.00
Sewer
385,000.00
Revenue Loans.
100,000.00
$1,062,500.00
Less Water and Sewer
Sinking Funds
294,278.84 768,221.16
Net Debt within the limit.
$157,627.94
Borrowing Capacity, January 1, 1918. $384,711.71
Borrowing Capacity, January 1, 1917.
356,778.51
Borrowing Capacity, January 1, 1916.
316,877.83
Borrowing Capacity, January 1, 1915.
267,701.20
Net increase in our borrowing capacity since January 1, 1915
$117,010.51
It has been the policy of this administration to reduce the out- standing obligations of the city as much as possible and still maintain the various departments at a proper degree of efficiency and service- ability, awaiting more favorable conditions for instituting permanent improvements that are admittedly needful, and in normal times would have been undertaken. It has seemed wise however to mark time in this respect and limit our projects for development to the lowest pos- sible minimum consistent with civic needs. As a result we are now placed in a most favorable position financially for the assumption of obligations that we must incur in the very near future if the progress and prosperity of our city are to be maintained. You will note from the table of figures just presented that for the first time since 1910 our net debt is below a million dollars. Our total payments during the past three years on outstanding obligations of the city, together with the increase in our Sinking Funds, has resulted in a reduction in our net debt of $262,128.78 with a corresponding reduction in our annual interest charges of approximately $9,000.000 since 1914.
This saving of interest charges which always figure largely in municipal financing has been a material factor in allowing us to hold our tax rate at its present figure, despite the constantly increasing cost of conducting the city's business through its various departments, for like everything else nowadays, the merely normal expenses of a municipality are climbing to an alarming degree.
The returns from the State for the first year of the income tax worked out very favorably to this city, much more so than I antici- pated when discussing this with you a year ago, and largely as a re- sult of this increased income we shall undoubtedly close our third year of city government with an excess of receipts over expenditures, although definite figures for the year 1917 are not available at this writing.
The tremendous advance in the cost of materials and labor of all kinds is reflected in the estimates which the department heads have submitted for this year's requirements, and you will find a well nigh uniform demand for an increase in salaries of department heads, with most of which I am in sympathy because I am in a position to realize that the compensation in many instances is not adequate for the work performed, is far from keeping pace with the constantly rising cost of living, and does not compare favorably with what is being paid for like service in other municipalities. The matter of fixing salaries rests with the Municipal Council, and while I shall take this up with you in detail later on, it would appear that I might with entire pro- priety make special reference at this time to the salary attached to the Mayor's office.
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ANNUAL REPORT
The Mayor's Salary Considered
The charter, very wisely it seems to me, provides that the salary of the mayor shall not be changed during his term of office, and I am therefore speaking not for myself, but for my successor, whoever he may be. One of the chief ambitions of my administration of this of- fice has been to earn a reputation for service, to have any citizen feel that any matter, even though it may appear trivial and not directly related to municipal business, if brought to the attention of the mayor will receive courteous and prompt consideration, even though the de- sired results may not be forthcoming in every instance, for, as before stated, it is manifestly impossible to please everybody. As a result of this "open door" policy the mayor's office has been a clearing house for all sorts of action and information, so that with all due modesty, but with a lively sense of what is involved in the way of per- sonal attention to these details, I contend that a man cannot afford, at the present compensation, to give the time required for such ser- vice, and that the salary of this office should be increased to a figure more nearly commensurate with the duties, and what is paid in other cities. Certainly you will agree with me that the office of Mayor of the City of Attleboro should not be made financially impossible to any citizen, and comparatively few can really afford to undertake it under existing conditions.
T. & P. Railroad
Every possible effort should and will be made so far as municipal authorities are concerned for the preservation of the Bristol County Street Railway, more popularly known as the Taunton & Pawtucket.
Not only those residing along or near the line of the road are concerned, but it is of vital interest to our merchants and the city at large to prevent the dismantling of this road with the consequent de- preciation of taxable property in the territory it now serves.
A committee representing all parties at interest, formed as a re- sult of the conference called in this city last month, is already at work on the problem and prepared to move for legislative action if deemed wise and necessary.
The suggestion advanced by Representative Worrall of public own- ership and private operation merits thoughtful consideration but re- quires careful scrutiny as to its details and possibilities before com- mitting this municipality thereto.
Public Works
Our community was shocked and saddened by the tragic death last May of three young men connected with this department. Their performance of the tasks assigned to them gave promise of their in- creasing value to the city and their untimely loss was a serious handi- cap to the department.
The office of city engineer was filled temporarily by Capt. Wright, but he has been called to service and a vacancy now exists which it will be difficult to fill in view of the technical requirements of this po- sition. Men of the qualifications we require can command in govern- ment and industrial service much more than the city can afford to pay for this work.
The normal requirements for the mere up-keep of our principal highways necessitates an appropriation of a larger amount each year and in no department perhaps more than this is the scarcity and high
.
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ANNUAL REPORT
cost of needed labor and materials more in evidence. Under these cir- cumstances, it is not possible to provide for much durable street build- ing out of the regular appropriation, although reference to the Su- perintendent's report will indicate that a considerable amount of con- struction as well as repair work was performed.
The Union Street widening is the most important single project undertaken by this department in the past year and the favorable comments heard on all sides, even with the work partially completed, is an assurance of what we may expect from the proposed widening about the burned area on Railroad Avenue, Park and South Main Streets,-benefitting not only the general public but in the opinion of competent real estate men eventually working out to the advantage of the land owners directly affected through an appreciation of the value of their property and not depreciation as some appear to fear.
Lexington Avenue, the acceptance of which has been hanging fire for some time should, in justice to the amount of improved property thereon, receive attention this year, as should also Turner Street near the Rhode Island line, conforming to the request of the Crown Manu- facturing Company, which has materially increased taxable property in that section and has agreed to share in the expense of permanent construction of street and walks.
Plans for a drainage system called for a year ago, have not been completed but certain immediate and pressing requirements for con- struction of this sort are noted by the Superintendent of Public Works and warrant early consideration.
Your attention is also called to the three bridges that are in need of serious attention in the opinion of the Superintendent of Public Works,-Mechanics Street, County Street near the State line and Holden Street river bridge. I make specific reference to these be- cause of the large probability of our having to make special appropria- tions for this work.
Water Supply
Investigation as to the water supply and service at the recent fire developed that these were as satisfactory as our present facilities will permit. It is again brought forcibly to mind that we have only one main supply, so situated that it could easily be put out of commission by accident or design.
The greatest security would obviously be assured by an auxiliary main from the pumping station around through West Street, but the cost of this is such,-estimated at $57,000.00,-that the suggestion that we augment the pumping engine just contracted for, with another of like capacity, is worthy of your thoughtful consideration.
The Ten Mile River, in its relation to the business and residen- tial section of the center of the city, is peculiarly adapted for provid- ing an auxiliary water supply through the medium of pumping en- gines, against the time when our growth and financial condition will warrant more extensive development of our water mains.
The Water Department will show a substantial balance in its ap- propriation because it was not found advisable to resurface the filter beds as recommended last year, although there is still need of further investigation as to the best means of re-inforcing the ground water supply.
Furthermore, the demands for main line extensions were limited and certain contemplated work could not be performed because of scarcity of labor and material.
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ANNUAL REPORT
The sewer system is approaching the limit of necessary and pos- sible connections made thereto, although there are conditions exist- ing here in the center already investigated by the Municipal Council which require action that has been recommended and will have to be demanded unless soon undertaken by the owners of the property concerned.
It is interesting to note that even with the increase in the service rendered by the sewer system, the maintenance cost is kept at a nominal figure; in fact, the recommendation of the Superintendent for the amount required this year is considerably less than that pro- vided in last year's appropriation.
Fire Department
The fire which occurred three weeks ago tonight was a serious blot on our fire loss record, which has been remarkably low for the past few years, but its occurrence in this group of wooden buildings had been predicted since my boyhood days. That the most modern equipment in the way of fire apparatus cannot prevent disastrous fires even in buildings of brick and stone, was clearly illustrated in the Sears St. fire in Boston last Thursday morning, which in five minutes spread throughout a five story building. It gave the fire department of the city of Boston a long and stubborn fight and called into play every mechanical device known to fire fighting.
It is inevitable that a fire like ours of December 12th would re- sult in widespread criticism as to its handling. Side line comment is always plentiful on such an occasion. The man on the bleachers is ever ready to tell a Cobb or a Collins how a play should be executed, but some of our citizens whose opinions are entitled to respect and consideration, were obviously so disturbed in expressions which they made to me, that a thorough inquiry has been made into the circum- stances attending the fire with the result that I am prepared to state my belief that our Fire Department in the direction and execution of its work at this particular fire merits a continuance of our confidence and approbation. The suggestion has been advanced more insistently than ever before that we ought to have the Chief of the department permanently at headquarters, and this is a question that cannot be lightly dismissed, although in recently providing the long needed en- gineer's car, we have assured more prompt service to the chief in re- sponse to alarms.
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