USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Newton > Town of Newton annual report 1882-1883 > Part 1
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NEWTON FREE LIBRARY NEWTON, MASSACHUSETTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Inaugural Address of the Mayor
Jan. 1, 1883
Officers of Newton City Government 1882
1883
Departmental Reports
Period Covered
Auditor
1882
Overseer of the Poor
1882
Board of Health 1882
City Marshal 1882
Water Registrar
1882
Officers of Newton City Government
1883
1884
Departmental Reports
Period Covered
Auditor
1883
Overseer of the Poor
1883
Health
1883
City Marshal
1883
Water Board
1883
School Committee
1883
Newton Free Library
1883
Fire
1883
City Engineer
1883
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N 352 N48P 1882183 C.1
THE
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
OF
WILLIAM P. ELLISON,
Mayor of Newton,
TO THE CITY COUNCIL,
JANUARY 1, 1883.
EW
LIBERTY AND UNIO
FREB
XXX- FOUNDEL
N.
NOT.
NEWTON,
630
8.A CITY 1873
TASEAFF
INC
T
O
BOSTON : FRANKLIN PRESS : RAND, AVERY, AND COMPANY. 1883.
R352 NY8P.
CI (1882-83 MEWTON COLLECTION
NEWTON GUN -...
INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
THE government of the city has been committed to our care for the present year by our fellow-citizens. We to-day accept this trust, and are responsible to them for a wise, judicious, and economical administration of it.
The present city government will, I think, have full as important measures, if not more so, to legislate upon than any of its predecessors : therefore to discharge faithfully the obligations you have assumed will require constant attendance at the meetings of your respective boards, and a thorough investigation of all matters presented for con- sideration.
You will soon be required to make the necessary appro- priation for the expenses of the present year; and again in November it will be your duty to determine the amount required for the expenses of the next municipal year, and appropriate the same. In nothing will your responsibility be greater than in the discharge of this duty.
4
It will undoubtedly be necessary to expend this year, and for several succeeding years, a considerable amount of money for the purpose of increasing and improving our school accommodations ; besides, at no distant day a system of sewerage must be entered upon which will involve a large outlay of money. Hence the subject of appropriations demands your mature deliberation, sound judgment, and wise economy, to prevent excessive taxa- tion. You should scrutinize very closely the estimates of every department, and particularly those which call for an increase in appropriation, as the natural tendency is to augment expenditures, although there may be no actual need. It should be the endeavor of every committee, not only to keep its expenses within the appropriation, but to expend only what is absolutely necessary.
The charter provides that " no money shall be ex- pended, and no liability of the city shall be incurred by any member of the City Council, . . . except in pur- suance of an order of the City Council." It is the duty of a committee authorized to execute any work to have a sufficient sum appropriated to complete the same before entering upon it. A committee should not begin, and then ask for an additional appropriation to finish, a work.
The close of the financial and municipal year occurring upon the same day, I am unable to inform you of the expenditures of the past year.
5
FINANCES.
It gives me great pleasure to be able to report, that, exclusive of the amount expended for water construction account, the actual receipts from all sources, together with the taxes assessed last year, will exceed the expenses, including the sum of ninety-seven hundred dollars appro- priated for schools, and the repairs of schoolhouses, which, being unexpected, were not provided for in the annual assessment of taxes. There is outstanding a temporary loan, made in anticipation of the collection of taxes, of forty-five thousand dollars ; also unpaid bills for December, estimated at thirty-four thousand dollars : but the cash on hand, and uncollected taxes, considered good, are in excess of this indebtedness.
FUNDED DEBT.
The permanent debt of the city, Dec. 31, 1882, was as follows : -
Town and city notes . $323.000 00
Accrued interest on same
4,228 72
$327,228 72
Municipal bonds
$34,000 00
Accrued interest on same
.
850 00
34,850 00
Water bonds
· $910,000 00
Accrued interest on same .
24,750 00
934,750 00
6
Amount brought forward . $1,296,828 72
Uninvested portion of the principal of the Kendrick Fund . $1,744 50
Accrued interest on same
30 19
1,774 69
Total . $1,298,603 41 Amount of funded debt, with accrued interest, Dec.
31, 1881 . 1,257,043 72
Increase during the year $41,559 69
This increase was occasioned by the issuing of forty thousand dollars in water bonds for the extension of water- mains, a house for the engineer, new foundations for the pumping-engine, etc.
SINKING FUND.
The condition of the sinking fund, Dec. 31, 1882, was as follows : ---
City Debt Sinking Fund . $69,280 54
Water Debt Sinking Fund 103,415 38
Total
$172,695 92
Amount of sinking fund, Dec. 31, 1881 135,981 33
Increase during the year . $36,714 59
Amount of funded debt, less sinking fund, Dec. 31, 1882, was . $1,125,907 49
Same, Dec. 31, 1881 1,121,062 39
Increase of funded debt $4,845 10
7
In April next, forty thousand dollars of the funded debt will mature, which will be paid from the City Debt Sink- ing Fund.
To provide for the payment of the bonds issued last year, and as the income derived from investments has been less than was anticipated, in consequence of the low rate of interest which has prevailed the past few years, it will be necessary to appropriate $16,000 for the Water Debt Sinking Fund, and $20,800 for the City Debt Sinking Fund, this being an increase of $6,800.
As the line of investments is limited by statute law, the commissioners now find it difficult to make any that will yield a large income, although heretofore over four per cent has been received. One of the commissioners, Lucius G. Pratt, Esq., before leaving for a protracted absence abroad, resigned his position upon the board.
Mr. Pratt was one of the original commissioners, and has rendered the city very valuable service. Ex-Alderman George S. Bullens was unanimously elected to fill the vacancy.
The following is a comparison of the taxable property in the city for the last two years : viz., -
In 1881 the real estate was valued at $18,238,510
The personal estate was valued at . 8,169,763
$26,408,273
8
Amount brought forward . $26,408,273
Taxable value of corporate stocks .
2,266,576
Taxable value of bank stocks
933,150
$29,607,999
In 1882 the real estate was valued at . $18,930,485
The personal estate was valued at .
7,405,233
$26,335,718
Taxable value of corporate stocks .
2,253,950
Taxable value of bank stocks
819,660
29,409,328
Decrease in taxable property in 1882 $198,671
The loss to the city of taxable property on account of the exemption from taxation of money loaned on mort- gages of real estate under the so-called " mortgage law," which went into effect on the 1st of May last, amounts to $1,036,050 ; and under the act exempting money invested in shipping, which took effect at the same time, the loss is about $153,000.
The latter is an apparent loss only, for the tax upon it is refunded by the State. The net appropriation for the tax levy last year was less than in the preceding year ; but the amount of taxes assessed was greater in consequence of an increase in the State tax. The following will give the rate of tax per thousand dollars for each year : -
9
1881.
1882.
City
·
. $12.93
. $12.82
County
.305
.30
State
·
.765
1.08
$14.00
$14.20
BOARD OF HEALTH.
During the past year the general health of the citizens has been good, and the city has been remarkably free from epidemic and contagious diseases. This, I think, may be attributed largely to the use of city water super- seding in many instances that drawn from wells, also to the greater attention that has been given to the sanitary condition of our dwellings. The Board of Health has recently instructed the City Engineer to cause all build- ings in process of erection to be inspected, to see that the rules of the board respecting sewerage are complied with.
CITY CHARTER.
We enter upon the discharge of our duties to-day under a new charter, enacted by the last Legislature, and ac- cepted by the voters of the city at the State election in November. This charter is brief, clear, and logical in its arrangement. It corrects the inconsistencies of the old, and contains many valuable provisions which can be found
10
in no other charter. It provides that the tenure of office shall be during good behavior of nearly all of the city officers, thus taking an advanced position on the question of civil-service reform. It requires that appropriations shall be made in November for the following year ; and, when made, that they shall not be increased or exceeded, except by a two-thirds vote of all of the members of each branch. This I consider one of the most important fea- tures of the charter. Beside the benefit derived from ten months' experience in the city government, which will enable members to act more intelligently, the nearness of a municipal election will serve as a check upon extrava- gant appropriations.
It provides that no money shall be expended, and no liability of the city shall be incurred by any member of the City Council or any board or officer of the city, except in pursuance of an order of the City Council. It gives to the City Council exclusive power as to highways (thus excluding the county commissioners), also the power as to streets, sidewalks, drains, and sewers, heretofore vested in the Mayor and Aldermen.
It gives more power to the Mayor, making him in prac- tice what he has heretofore been in theory only, - the chief executive officer of the city.
He may suspend any officer, and temporarily any work or payment, and may veto a part of any order of the City
11
Council. For the School Committee to expend any money, the same vote is required as for the City Council to pass an order over the Mayor's veto; viz., two-thirds of the members present and voting.
The ordinances have been revised to conform to the charter, and have been so essentially changed that it is important that they should be carefully studied by the members of former City Councils now again serving, as well as by those who have never before served.
CITY ENGINEER.
The demands made upon the City Engineer are so numerous that this department is kept constantly em- ployed, and they are so varied that the requests cannot always be readily complied with.
It is very important that a complete topographical survey of the city should be made, and sectional plans prepared, in order to intelligently arrange for future improvements. This work is being done as rapidly as other duties and the appropriation of the City Council will admit.
Although it was found to be impracticable for the city to control the laying-out of new streets, many of the prop- erty owners have consulted with the City Engineer as to the establishment of lines and grades, in order that the work might serve the best interests of the city. At some
12
time the city will be asked to accept the new streets which are constantly being built. It is important that they should be properly laid out. I would therefore recommend that the City Engineer be allowed to either make or assist in making the surveys for new streets, whenever, in his judgment, it is for the interests of the city that he should do so.
CLAFLIN GUARDS.
This company, justly the pride of our citizens, is in a flourishing condition. Under its present efficient com- Inander, its ranks have been filled to the maximum allowed by law.
The members are interested in performing all the duties pertaining to the soldier, and are attaining a proficiency which will soon enable the company to rank among the best in the militia.
The armory is too small for the successful manœuvring of a full company; and, if at any time the City Council should decide to build a drill-shed for the High-School Battalion, it might be advisable to arrange for a joint occupancy.
DRAINS AND SEWERS.
Several important drains were constructed last year, and others will be required during the present year.
13
The necessity for sewerage is each year becoming more imperative, particularly in the northerly wards of the city ; but, unfortunately, the problem of how to dispose of the sewage-matter still remains unsolved.
The system of sewerage recommended by the sewerage commission provides for the discharge of the sewage- matter into Charles River opposite the arsenal. Power to thus dispose of it was granted to the city by the Legis- lature of 1877. The most serious objection to this plan, in my opinion, is the possibility of creating a public nui- sance by so doing, which was by the same act prohibited. The commissioners and their engineer are sanguine that such would not be the case for many years, if ever ; but, should it prove to be so, the city would have expended a large amount of money in constructing sewers, and no outlet would exist for them to discharge the matter which would pass through them.
The commission appointed by the Governor in 1881 to prepare a plan for draining the Mystic and Charles River valleys, which included Newton, reported to the last Legislature a plan so uncertain as to its successful working, and attended with such great expense, that it was not adopted. No action has since been taken by the Legislature. At that time it was suggested that the vari- ous cities and towns surrounding Boston which needed sewerage systems should unite, and appoint a commission
14
to make such surveys and prepare such plans as would be required to enable scientific engineers to act intelligently. This having been done, it was further suggested that a prize of sufficient amount to induce competition be offered for the best plan for a system of sewerage, in this way securing the services of the most experienced engineers of the world. This suggestion was not adopted ; but in a modified form I could approve of it.
Until a system of sewerage is adopted, partial relief may be obtained by requiring householders to construct water-tight cesspools for the reception of the sewage-mat- ter, these to be emptied by the city, the actual cost to be assessed to the owner. This work could be performed at small expense, and, if odorless machines are employed, without annoyance to the public.
The subject of sewerage, in my judgment, is the most important one you will have before you for consideration ; and for it I ask your careful attention. I hope you may be able to devise some scheme for successfully disposing of the sewage-matter, though I confess my inability to recommend any satisfactory plan.
An act of the Legislature of 1878 gives to the city the power to establish grade-lines for drainage and sewerage, and to require all persons constructing cellars to conform to the same. No action has as yet been taken by the city to exercise its authority in this respect ; but as houses
15
are constantly being erected, the drainage of which must ultimately be provided for by sewers, it may be advisable, to prevent expense in the future, for the City Council to adopt so much of the plan recommended by the sewerage commission as may be necessary to enable grade-lines to be established. If this is done, all those constructing cellars should be obliged to conform to the lines.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
That we have a most efficient fire department has been generally believed : but to what extent it could be relied upon in case of an emergency requiring the services of the entire department, the citizens until recently had no assurance ; Newton, fortunately, having been exempt for many years from any serious conflagration, owing largely, no doubt, to the skill of the department.
Several of the villages are becoming so thickly filled with wooden buildings, that many are apprehensive that a large fire will some time occur. In order that it might be known how quickly the department would respond in such an emergency, a test was made last June. Without previous warning, three alarms (which calls out the whole department) were given, each following the other so rapidly, that members had no time to assemble at the houses, and prepare for leaving. The result was most gratifying. Every member responded promptly, with the
16
apparatus ready for service, thus showing to what a high degree of discipline the department has attained, and that it can be depended upon in case of actual need. Some portion of the department responded to fifty-eight alarms the past year, - a decrease of twenty from the previous year.
The losses by fire were . . $31,438 00
Insurance paid on same .
24,433 20 ·
Total insurance on same
. 231,800 00
The apparatus is generally in good condition. Steamer No 3, and some of the reels, possibly may require repairs. It will be necessary to purchase some additional hose during the present year to replace that which has been condemned.
The fire and highway departments were unfortunate last summer in suffering from a serious epidemic, which broke out among the horses in the stable of steamer No. 1, and which extended to those in the stable of steamer No. 2, resulting in the death of several, and adding con- siderably to the expenses of both departments.
Nearly all of the houses and stables of the fire depart- ment were repaired, painted, and partially refurnished last year; the stable of steamer No. 1 being extensively repaired, and its sanitary condition improved. Twelve hydrants were placed upon old, and seventeen upon new
17
mains. Five signal-boxes were also added to the fire-alarm circuit. The Chief Engineer recommends the increase of the permanent force by adding drivers for the various hose-reels. At present these are dependent upon call- men, who may not respond so promptly as if the drivers were constantly employed. He renews his recommenda- . tion for a chemical engine, and that the police station should be removed from steamer No. 1 house. He rec- ommends that steam-heating apparatus should be substi- tuted for furnaces in all the city buildings ; that fire-alarm signal-stations should be placed in the schoolhouses ; that a competent officer be appointed as building inspector ; that there be additional fire-alarm stations ; and that more hydrants be placed upon old mains. His reasons for these recommendations are given in his annual report, which will soon be presented, and to which I ask your careful consideration.
HIGHWAYS.
The general work upon the highways last year included the thorough macadamizing and rolling with the steam- roller of several of the principal streets. Each year some of those most travelled should receive the same treatment, until all are brought into such a condition that it will require but a small outlay in the future to keep them in repair. The widenings and improvements were confined
18
to a few streets where either work had previously been commenced, or public necessity required immediate action. This policy should prevail during the present year. The steam-roller continues its work with good results. The streets have begun to show the benefit of its use ; and that they can be made and repaired with it more economically has already been sufficiently demonstrated.
The work not being sufficient to keep the roller con- stantly employed, I would suggest that an arrangement mutually beneficial might be made with some of the adjacent towns to hire it when not needed here, the engineer of course to accompany it.
Last spring a new stone-crusher and screens for sepa- rating the different sizes of broken stone were purchased. These have worked very satisfactorily. The city is well supplied with gravel: therefore it will be unnecessary at present to purchase any additional land for that purpose, unless some very favorable opportunity should arise where- by land can be secured for future wants at a low price. Care should be taken that the gravel is not removed to such an extent as to ruin land for building purposes.
POLICE DEPARTMENT.
The members of the department generally have per- formed their duties very satisfactorily. I desire especially to compliment them for the zeal manifested in the enforce-
19
ment of the law prohibiting the sale of intoxicating liquors. Every month in the year some complaints for violations of the law were made by them, thus testifying to their constant vigilance.
Through their efforts the traffic in liquor has been as nearly suppressed as it probably can be. If sold at all, it is only in a very secret manner, and in small quantities.
The recommendation of the City Marshal of last year, for an additional patrolman to be stationed in Ward Six, is renewed. He also requests the appointment of two additional men, without stations, for special work, and to fill vacancies when required. The honorable judge of the police court petitioned the last Board of Aldermen for the appointment of additional men. His official position gives him excellent opportunities of judging of the neces- sity which exists.
Frequently during the past year special service has been required in the city : this at times has been obliged to be neglected for lack of officers. It has also been necessary to send to other places in search of criminals. Our pres- ent entire force consists of but sixteen men, all of whom, with the exception of the chief, have stations assigned them : consequently it has been necessary either to de- mand extra service of the members, thus leaving their stations unprotected, or employ special officers. The latter is done whenever possible; but a member of the
20
regular force is of much more value. I therefore indorse the recommendation of the City Marshal.
THE POOR.
The almshouse continues under the same successful management as in the previous year. Extensive additions and repairs, including the introduction of steam-heating apparatus, were made during the summer, by which the health and comfort of the inmates have been better pro- vided for than it was possible before in its crowded con- dition. Many who have heretofore been obliged to be kept outside, and some mildly insane patients who were boarded at State hospitals, are now accommodated at the almshouse at much less expense. If it were not for the house upon the land adjoining the almshouse, the city would have been at considerable expense in providing accommodation for a small-pox patient last spring. The unfortunate who receive partial support from the city have not increased, owing to the continued demand for labor.
The gentlemen overseers in charge of this department, in a quiet and unostentatious manner, are rendering valu- able service to the city. To detect imposition, and not deny the worthy poor all the aid they should receive in justice to the taxpayers, requires nice discrimination and wise judgment. These qualifications, together with
21
kindly hearts, the present overseers possess in a large degree.
THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
The library continues to increase in usefulness, the circulation being larger each year.
The arrangements for the daily distribution of books in the different wards of the city have been so excellent that no complaints have been made. The expense of this distribution, and the additional clerical force required by it, have prevented the purchase of the usual number of books. Those bought have been carefully selected, and are largely of a substantial character, although the interest of the children has not been overlooked. It is gratifying to be able to announce that the demand is con- stantly increasing for books of a higher grade, and for works of science and art, as this is an indication of the value of the library as an educator.
The reading-room is much frequented, and is being used more each year by those from other wards. To enable the trustees to continue the daily delivery of books and to purchase the usual number will require an addi- tional appropriation of seven hundred dollars, which I recommend to your favorable consideration. It should be remembered that the services of the superintendent are gratuitous.
22
The generous donations which have been made, and to which the past year has been added another handsome gift for the purchase of books, I hope will remind our benevolent and wealthy citizens that no more valuable bequest can be made than to the library.
PUBLIC PARKS.
The City Council now have the power to take land for public parks, the act of the Legislature enabling it to do so having been accepted by the voters at the election held last November. The large majority by which this act was accepted is an indication of the desire of the citizens that this should be done.
I am credibly informed that the experience of other cities has been, that the revenue derived by the city from the enhanced value of property in the vicinity of parks has been more than the expense of laying out and main- taining them. I am confident that such an investment will prove equally remunerative to us. If, in addition to the material advantages which Newton already possesses as a place of residence, we render it more attractive with parks and in other ways, many will be induced to make it their home, and with their wealth assist in paying our expenses.
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