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AND. UNI
LIEU
COUNCILMAN
Lewis E. Coffin, Prest.
3 1323 00395 5019
Nectar Collection
The Inaugural Address
OF
Hon. F. Wesley Kimball,
MAYOR OF NEWTON,
To the City Council,
January 3, 1887.
ERTY AND UNION
FOUNDED1630.
73
TUM.
PORA
DA
Newton : Press of the Newton Graphic, 1887.
NEWTON FREE ! LIBRARY
OCT 8 1975
NEWTON, MASC
-
N 352 N48P 1887
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
Gentlemen of the Board of Aldermen and of the Common Council :
In pursuance of the requirements of our City Charter, we have convened to assent to the oath of the several offices, to which we have been elected, and to enter upon the duties consequent upon our acceptance of public trusts. The faithful execution of these obligations will require a thoughtful con- sideration of the needs of all the people and of each locality, and also a careful deliberation in deter- mining the policy of the government essential for a wise and economical administration of public affairs and best suited for the advancement and permanent improvement of the city.
It is the duty of the City Council to appropriate in November of each year a reasonable sum of money to meet the expenses of the city for the suc- ceeding year. What amount such reasonable sum is, depends upon the customs and wishes of the people, upon the advantages and conveniences they require, and their willingness and ability to be taxed for them. I am in favor of the lowest rate of taxa- tion, and the most prudent expenditure of money,
4
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
compatible with the proper maintenance of the various departments, and a reasonable provision for improvements that are essential to the growth of the city, it being the only way to gain accessions to our population and increase our wealth. What- ever be the sum raised, it should be strictly ac- counted for and represented by actual improvements.
It is well understood in our city that the tastes, enterprise, and means of the inhabitants require and are satisfied only with the best arrangements for their convenience and comfort. And Newton has won an enviable reputation as a desirable place of residence; a heathful and beautiful city.
It appears to be the general opinion that the City Government is entirely responsible for whatever may be its policy in regard to expenses; to a certain extent this is true, but it is an indisputable fact that the resposibility rests chiefly with the people them- selves; they are the principals, the electors; they can and should advise, insist upon, and inaugurate such a policy as they believe ought to prevail.
The general appropriation for the year 1887 was made in conformity to the charter, and a liberal amount has been appropriated to defray all the ex- penses of the year. Owing to the large demands that will be made, and the tendency to expend money, it will require, however, caution and good management to keep the expenditures within the amount appropriated.
I remind you of the rule that no appropriation
5
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
made for a specific purpose shall be used for any other object, unless by vote of the City Council.
The monthly statement of the Auditor has been improved by the addition of a column showing the expense incurred but not paid, which, deducted from unexpended balances, shows the actual standing of the accounts of each department. It is a help in guarding against exceeding the appropriations.
Of the appropriations of the year, one thousand dollars is to be paid to the Cottage Hospital towards its support. It is agreed, however, that patients for whom the city is liable may receive care up to that amount. Though the hospital is a private institu- tion, it is a great public benefit, and the beneficent work it has already accomplished is sufficient to commend the noble and philanthropic enterprise to your generous consideration.
Recently the City Council appropriated a thou- sand dollars towards an improvement in the New- ton Cemetry. This, also, is a private institution but it is one of general interest to the people, and is highly creditable to its originators. The handsome chapel, and conservatory lately com- pleted at a cost of $25,000, is the munificent gift of Hon. John S. Farlow, as a memorial of the late Dr. Henry J. Bigelow. It is an appropriate and beautiful expression of the respect and tenderness entertained for the dead, and is a lasting and grace- ful illustration of the liberality of the donor.
The form of government best adapted to cities is
6
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
a subject of considerable interest. It is a New England custom to have a board of Aldermen and of Common Council, and for the reason that two branches insure safer legislation. There are many arguments to sustain the statement, but a long ex- perience in municipal government leads me to be- lieve that for smaller cities at least, one Board is equally safe and far preferable. It being the duty of a City Council to determine the amount of money that shall be appropriated, and the purposes for which it may be expended, it is of the greatest im- portance that the decisions made be based upon a thorough investigation and careful consideration of each item in detail, and this can best be done when all the members are together and participating in and benefiting by the general discussion of all ques- tions. It would secure a greater interest in city affairs, a more careful study of the various subjects presented, and consequently better preparation for the intelligent, prudent, and prompt performance of the city's business. I renew a former recommenda- tion to amend our City Charter, which permits the election of the members of the City Council for one year only, so as to provide for their election for a term of two years, allowing only a portion to retire at the same time. As it takes a considerable part of the first year to become acquainted with the city's business, a longer term would secure the benefit of the knowledge gained, would prevent radical chang- es in the committees, and would ensure a majority
7
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
of the City Council experienced in municipal affairs. It is a sufficient answer to the argument that there would be a risk in electing officials for a term of two years, because some unworthy person might be elect- ed, to say that Newton is particularly fortunate in having so numerous a list of citizens whom it would be safe to trust in any capacity in the management of its affairs. I recommend that a committee be appointed to consider the advisability of a revision of the City Charter to conform to these suggestions.
The provision made by the public statute for vot- ing precincts in Newton is inadequate for the con- venience of the citizens. Under the present ar- rangement, only about two-thirds of the legal voters go to the polls on election day. The long distance necessary to be travelled in some of the wards in order to exercise the right and privilege of voting is a serious objection to many. Our city, with its many villages widely separated from each other, is so unlike other cities in the Commonwealth, and its area is so extensive, that we should be justified in petitioning for special legislation so as to provide for at least four more voting precincts. It is desirable to afford every reasonable opportunity for all citizens to discharge the important and responsible duty of participating in the selection of public officials, and in determining the policy of the government. Ours being a government by the people, the greater the number who take part, the greater the security.
Repeated efforts have been made for several years
8
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
by various persons to secure the annexation to New- ton of a certain part of Watertown on the south side of Charles river. There are many reasons to justify the endeavor. . Many of the people residing in the section alluded to, whose interests are apparently identified with ours, favor and urge the proposition and it would in many respects be advantageous to Newton to control the territory, particularly with reference to public improvements desirable and like- ly to be made. I recommend that a committee be appointed to consider whether it is desirable for Newton to acquire the territory, and, if so, that the City Council authorize such measures to be taken as may clearly appear to be for the benefit of the city and just to the town of Watertown.
FINANCE.
On account of transactions of the year
1886 there is out-standing a tempo- rary loan of .
$69,700 00
Bills unpaid
20,000 00
Balance of proceeds of notes issued to pay for additions to the High school and Free library
36,200 00
$125,900 00
9
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
Against which there is cash on hand, $44,638 22 Uncollected taxes, good 75,000 00 · Due the treasury for advances made for extension of water mains, to be charged to water construction ac- count, and to be repaid by the issue of water bonds 9,629 15
$129,267 37
And due from miscellaneous sources, $10,000 00
There has been advanced from the Treasury, by order of the City Council, cash for the following expenses :-
Repair of damages caused by the freshet in February, 1886 $10,000 00
Auburndale subway . 4,000 00
Miscellaneous expenses 6,000 00
Farlow park 500 00
Armory
400 00
$20,900 00
This is to be repaid into the treasury from the next annual assessment and collection of taxes.
The total amount of payment made by the City Treasurer for the year ending Dec. 31, 1886, was $1,044,043.80, as follows:
.
10
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
Ordinary city expenses $329,220 21
Interest
78,716 52
State, county, and national bank tax,
40,696 84
Sinking-fund commissioners
44,852 90
State aid
1,962 95
Water construction
43,196 69
Temporary loans
319,700 00
Education .
113,868 02
Funded debt matured
25,150 00
Addition to schoolhouses and new
schools
30,179 67
Newton free library extension . 12,400 00
Underwood school repairs .
4,100 00
$1,044,043 80
Total receipts from all sources during the year ending Dec. 31, 1886 was $1,033,463.09, as follows:
City taxes .
$443,092 18
Corporation and bank taxes
51,898 53
City securities sold 112,000 00
Interest on bank deposits . 503 76
Interest on taxes
1,895 43
Temporary loans
314,400 00
State aid
1,391 50
Sinking-fund commissioners
20,000 00
Water department
61,609 51
Betterments
1,729 57
Read fund .
2,419 25
Miscellaneous
22,523 36
$1,033,463 09
11
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
The permanent debt of the city, Dec. 31, 1886, was as follows :-
Town notes, 62 per cent $46,000 00
Town notes, 6 per cent 147,000 00
Accrued interest
2,769 21
·
$195,769 21
These notes all mature by March 10, 1894.
Municipal bonds, 5 per
cent
$34,000 00
Accrued interest
850 00
34,850 00
Water bonds, 6 per cent
$600,000 00
Water bonds, 5 per cent
250,000 00
Water bonds, 4 per cent 181,000 00
Accrued interest
26,060 00
1,057,060 00
Public park bonds, 4
per cent.
$25,000 00
Accrued interest
250 00
25,250 00
School notes, 4 per cent
$41,200 00
Accrued interest ·
714 13
41,914 13
Newton school bonds,
4 per cent ·
$44,000 00
Accrued interest
440 00
44,440 00
12
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
Uninvested portion of
Kenrick fund
$2,740 00
Accrued interest 82 20
2,822 20
Newton free library
loan, 3} per cent
23,000 00
Accrued interest
194 54
23,194 54
High school loan, 32
per cent,
45,000 00
Accrued interest
367 50
45,367 50
High school land loan
10,000 00
Accrued interest
81 67
10,081 67
Total amount of funded debt with ac- crued interest, Dec. 31, 1886 . . $1,480,749 25
The amount of funded debt with ac-
crued interest Dec. 31, 1885, was . 1,393,265 11
Increase of city debt
$87,484 14
SINKING-FUNDS.
The condition of the sinking funds Dec. 31, 1886, was as follows :-
City debt sinking-fund
$27,096 09
Water debt sinking-fund 194,277 37
Public park loan sinking-fund 12,131 47
School loan sinking-fund . 4,473 33
Total
$237,978 26
13
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
Amount of sinking-funds, Dec. 31, 1885 204,451 05
Increase in sinking-funds . $33,527 21
Increase in city debt for 1886 . 87,484 14
Total increase in funded debt for the year 1886
$53,956 93
During the year, there has matured and been paid a note of $20,000, which sum was paid from the city debt sinking-fund.
There will mature a town note, Oct. 3, 1887, of $20,000 which will be provided for from the city. sinking-fund.
There will also mature a school note, Jan. 25, 1887, of $5,150, to be provided for from the tax levy of 1887.
There will mature Oct. 4, 1887, a Newton Free Library note of $4,600. School notes Sept. 27th, $5,000, and Oct. 6th, $1,500, to be paid from the tax levy of 1887.
In 1885, the real estate was valued at $21,134,820 00 Personal estate valued at . . 7,865,000 00
$28,999,820 00
Taxable value of corporate stocks . $2,650,600 00
Taxable value of bank stocks . 962,870 00
Total,
$32,613,290 00
In 1886 the real estate was valued at $21,977,061 00 Personal estate 9,039,869 00
$31,016,930 00
14
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
Taxable value of corporate stocks . $2,811,844 00 Taxable value of bank stocks 965,000 00
Total $34,793,774 00
Increase of taxable property in 1886 $2,180,484 00
Value of real and personal property in the city of Newton, which is exempt from taxation under the provisions of the third and seventh divisions of section 5, chap. 11, of the Public Statutes:
Personal
$525,868 00
Real
935,150 00
Total
$1,461,018 00
The rate of tax per $1,000, in 1883, was as fol- lows :-
City
$14 28
County
0 40
State .
0 72
$15 40
The rate of tax per $1,000, in 1884, was as fol-
lows :-
City
$13 00
County
.
0 40
State .
1 00
$14 40
15
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
The rate of tax per $1,000, in 1885, was as fol-
lows :-
City ·
$12 80
County
0 30
State .
0 90
$14 00
The rate of tax per $1,000, in 1886, was as fol- lows :-
City
$13 35
County
0 40
State
0 65
$14 40
In reference to the increase of the city debt, it can be said that it is due entirely to public improvements -the erection of buildings for educational purpo- ses, and the extension of water mains-and repre- sents actual property possessed and used by the city.
No liability of the city can be incurred except by a yea and nay vote of two-thirds of both branches of the City Council. The increase during the past three years was in part for the payment of the Wil- liams and Eliot schoolhouses, built and the liability incurred in 1883, for which ten year school notes were issued in 1884, amounting to $51,500.
Since then the Rice and Barnard schoolhouses have been built, at an expense of $44,000, for which ten year school bonds were issued.
There have been laid the past three years 50,135 feet of water main, at a cost of $67,759, which was paid for by thirty year water bonds.
16
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
Additional land for the High school lot was pur- chased for the sum of $10,000.
There are in process of construction a building for the High school, costing $45,000, and an addition to the library building, costing $23,000, to be paid for by ten year city notes.
Ordinarily the notes in payment for them would have been made during the present year and after the completion of the buildings; they were, however, issued and negotiated in 1886 which makes the in- crease in that year appear large.
The reason for anticipating the sale of these notes before the buildings were finished, was to take advantage of an opportunity to sell them at the rate of 3₺ per cent. interest per annum, which in view of the prevailing high rate for money was deemed a good business transaction. Partial payments have been made on these buildings as they progressed, amounting to $41,800. The balance of cash is in the treasury. It is a sound financial policy which permits the future to pay a part of the expense of costly and permanent improvements.
During the past three years the total increase in the city debt for all purposes, less the amount paid into the sinking-fund to provide for the payment at maturity, is $70,970.60; during the same period the taxable property has increased $4,249,536.00; and it is fair to attribute a part at least of this remark- able increase to the management of a wise and hon- est city government.
17
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
READ FUND.
The balance on hand January 1, 1886, from the income of the Read Fund was $124.05, and the amount received during the year was $2,419.25, making the sum available for the year 1886, $2,543.30
There has been paid for purposes designated by the will of the generous donor as follows :-
For a picnic for children
$304 39
For scientific lectures .
241 35
For the Newton free library
397 00
For poor widows of Newton
510 00
Total $1,452 74
Leaving a balance on hand of $1,090.56.
The principal of this fund is $40,000, bearing in- terest at the rate of four per cent per annum.
HEALTH.
It is gratifying to state that the general health of the city is good. Newton is fortunate in its heathful location, in the intelligence of the citizens in rela- tion to sanitation, and in having an ample supply of pure water for domestic purposes.
The Board of Health has given great attention and care to the performance of its important and responsible duties. There are many details, how- ever, which must be carefully observed to insure a continuance of the healthful condition of the city
18
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
and which require the constant attention of the agent of the Board. He should devote all of his time to the work of the department.
A more hearty co-operation on the part of those building new houses or altering old ones, in refer- ence to the observance of the rules of the Board, would facilitate and insure a more healthful condi- tion of our dwellings.
The contracts for the collection of house offal and for work of the odorless excavator have been well performed.
The cost of removing ashes for the year 1886 was $3,211.83.
I renew recommendations previously made that vacant land in each village be secured for public play-grounds, and that opportunities for bathing and swimming be provided in the various lakes and ponds of the city; such provision is important for the recreation and health especially of the young, and the necessary arrangements can be made at comparatively small expense.
The appropriation for the Health Department for 1886 was $4,000. The expenditure was $2,720.44.
The number of deaths during the year was 275, an increase of only one over 1885. There were but six fatal cases of typhoid and one of scarlet fever, and three fatal cases of diphtheria.
The leading causes of death were: consumption, bronchitis and pneumonia, 53; old age, 17; heart disease, 16; Bright's disease, 10.
19
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
SEWERAGE.
On several former occasions I have reminded the City Council of the importance of a thorough dis- cussion of this subject, which is so intimately con- nected with the health and progress of the city; of the wisdom of its thoughtful and deliberate consider- ation, and of a careful examination of the various systems now in use in other cities, that hurried con- clusions may be avoided, and an effective and eco- nomical plan devised for the disposal of the sewage.
Just what system is best adapted to our city is a question of such magnitude, and invovles the outlay of so large a sum of money, that it will require the best thought of those most qualified to determine it.
I am of the opinion, however, that any plan for Newton which proposes to utilize the sewage matter should not be favored; there is no profit in it, and any territory within the city used for such purpose would destroy in a great degree the value of adja- cent land for habitation. The methods now in use for disposing of the waste matter, while sufficient before the introduction of city water, have become inadequate for the purpose. The daily quantity of water used is so great that the soil is becoming unable to absorb it, and the ground in some of the thickly settled localities is gradually being contami- nated with filth.
20
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
Whenever a system of public water works is established, it should be accompanied with an ap- propriate system of sewerage. The benefit to be derived from the use of the water is materially lessened by the lack of the necessary facilities for the disposal of waste flowage.
An act of the legislature, approved May 14th, 1877, authorized the city to construct a sewer on the southerly side of Charles River, through a portion of the Brighton district, to a point in deep water in said river opposite the United States Arsenal in Watertown, for the purpose of discharging the sewage of said city into the river, the work to be constructed so as not to interfere with the naviga- tion of said river or to create a public nuisance.
An act approved May 14th, 1878, gave the city authority to construct a sewer through that part of Watertown which lies on the southerly side of Charles River, to connect with or form a part of the sewer arthorized May 14th, 1877.
The objection made to this plan was the fear of creating a public nuisance, in which event, the city would have expended a large sum of money in constructing sewers, and no outlet would exist for them.
A special committee on sewerage has been ap- pointed each year for several years past. The com- mittee of 1884 gave great attention to the subject, and made and elaborate report, which is on file with the city documents. The committee of 1886 recom-
21
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
mended the adoption by the City Council of the following resolution:
"That in the opinion of the City Council, the report made to the legislature by a commission appointed to consider a general system of drainage for the valleys of Mystic, Blackstone and Charles rivers, offers the most satisfactory solution to the problem of disposal of the sewage of Newton, and that the Mayor, City Solicitor and Chairman of the Sewerage Committee be requested to attend the hearings of the Committee on Drainage and Sewer- age, at the State House, in behalf of the city, to favor said report, and that our representatives be requested to favor the passage of the legislation recommended in said report."
Under the plan of the Commission, the apportion- ment of the cost to the city of Newton of the main sewer with which the city may connect its system of sewerage, based upon a population of about 20,000 people, is as follows :-
Of the cost of construction $170,928 00
Interest on same at three per cent per
annum 5,127 84
The yearly charge for maintenance . 1,314 02
The annual charge for outfall and pumping is ten dollars per million gallons, and change in these conditions would alter the cost accordingly.
The persons designated by the City Council at- tended and took part at the hearings before the
22
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
committee on Sewerage at the State House. From lack of unanimity on the part of the cities and towns bordering on Charles River, for which this system of sewerage is contemplated, action was deferred until the convening of the legislature of 1887.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
The large appropriation made for the maintenance of our public schools and the adequate supply of superior schoolhouses may be considered as a prac- tical indication of the belief of our citizens in the advantages and importance of education, in its ele- vating influence, in the preparation it affords for the attainment of success in life, and in the security it gives to the state in supplying an intelligent and loyal people.
The control of the educational department is vested in a school committee elected by the people for a term of three years. The large sum of money and the important interests involved call for the exercise of sound judgment and ability in the man- agement of this department. The committee has conscientiously and successfully directed its many interests, and their endeavors have received the earn- est and efficient co-operation of the superintendent and of the teachers. The superiority of our public schools is generally admitted, and their reputation for excellence is well deserved.
23
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
The number of teachers employed during the past year was 101; the number of schoolhouses in use was 21; the assessor's valuation of the buildings and land is $522,100.00; the total enrolment of pupils was 4,106; the average attendance was 3,238, being an increase of 191 over the previous year. The total enrolment in the several schools was as follows :-
SCHOOL.
WARD.
NUMBER.
High
Eliot
1
163
Lincoln
1
51
Claflin .
2
201
Adams
2
252
Jackson
2
272
Pierce .
3
182
Davis .
3
196
Barnard
3
120
Franklin
3
210
Williams
4
332
Hamilton
4
137
Hyde .
5
237
Prospect
5
251
Oak Hill
5
30
Mason
6
287
Rice
6
182
Thompsonville
6
44
Bigelow
7
345
Underwood .
7
183
Total
4,106
431
The commodious and attractive new building designed for the use of the High School, and already
24
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
partly constructed will furnish long-needed additional room. It is admirably adapted for the purposes for which it is intended.
The arrangements now existing for the practise of calisthenics are very limited. The room used for this purpose is exceedingly inconvenient. The benefit to be derived by the young ladies of the school from physical exercise, especially under the competent di- rection they receive, is sufficient to warrant and entitle them to the use of a suitable room. The course of study also includes military instruction for the boys. The purpose of the drill is not alone for the military knowledge acquired, but chiefly as a means of physical development. By vote of the School Committee, military drill is to be continued. The accommodations in the building for this purpose are insufficient and therefore it is necessary that the space needed be provided for in some other way.
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