USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Melrose > City of Melrose annual report 1890-1892 > Part 13
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School Committee, for 3 years.
John C. Maker
792
Arethusa K. Miller
782
Other persons
4
Trustees of Public Library.
Charles C. Barry 770
Mary L. Charles
766
Ruby F. Farwell
768
Elbridge H. Goss
.
766
Charles A. Patch
763
39
RECORD OF TOWN MEETINGS.
Auditor.
Edwin C. Gould
408
Gilbert N. Harris
378
Overseers of the Poor.
Martha D. Bale, I year, 786
Henry G. Fields, 3 years,
795
John Singer, Jr., 2 years,
78g
Scattering
I
Board of Health.
George W. Burke, I year . 428
Osborne E. Drown, I year,
147
Ernest S. Jack, 3 years, 523
Fred H. Morse, 3 years,
I31
John B. Souther, 2 years,
158
Frank L. Washburn, 2 years,
418
John B. Souther, I year,
I
Park Commissioner for 3 years
Nathaniel P. Jones 752
Constables.
Osborne E. Drown
783
C. F. W. Fogg
784
Frank M. McLaughlin
714
Ansel B. Pierce
796
Other persons
6
License Question.
"Shall licenses be granted for the sale of intoxicating liquors in this town?"
Yes, No, . .
I34 votes.
613 “
.
40
RECORD OF TOWN MEETINGS.
The persons receiving the highest number of votes for the several offices were declared elected by the moderator. The ballot box registered 965 the number of ballots cast was 966 and the check list corresponded therewith.
Ballot box register as taken hourly, 8 a. m., 207; 9 a. m., 375; 10 a. m., 447; II a. m., 530; 12 m., 585; [ p. m., 643; ,2 p. m., 705; 3 p. m., 779; 4 p. m., 856; 5 p. m. 951; 5.35 p. m., 965.
Voted to adjourn, to time previously stated.
- Adjourned Meeting, March 7, 1891, 7.30 p. m.
Met according to adjournment.
Art. 39.
Voted, That the reports of the town officers for the finan- cial year ending December 31, 1890, as printed, be accepted.
Report of committee appointed to consider the amounts necessary to be raised and appropriated for the current year, presented and accepted.
Report of committee on removal of obstructions in Ell Pond brook, presented and accepted.
Art. 3. Officers elected by unanimous vote.
Measurers of Wood and Bark, Weighers of Hay and Coal, S. E. Benson, C. B. Goss, F. H. Goss; Surveyor of Lumber, Henry A. Leonard; Pound Keeper, W. Truman Howard; Committee on Cemeteries, George Newhall, Dan- iel Russell, John Larrabee; Fence Viewers, Dexter Pratt, Walter C. Stevens; Field Drivers, Otis Howard, Frank Gibbons, W. Truman Howard; Sealer of Weights and Meas- ures, Thomas T. Bailey.
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RECORD OF TOWN MEETINGS.
Art. 4. Treasurer authorized.
Voted, Unanimously, that the Treasurer be authorized, with the approval of the Selectmen, to hire money, to re- new, replace, or pay any existing loan or loans; also, to hire money in anticipation of taxes for the current year to meet expenses, and issue notes of the town therefor.
Arts. 5 and 6. Schools.
Voted, To raise for the support of the public schools, and for contingent expenses connected therewith, the sum of thirty-four thousand dollars, the unexpended balance from the schools appropriation to be added.
Arts. 7, 9 and 22. Highways, etc.
Voted, To raise for highways, crossings, gutters, drainage, bridges, culverts, etc., the sum of fifteen thousand dollars, the balances unexpended from the following appropriations to be added, viz:
Highways
$ 30 08
Crossings and Gutters
42 53
Cedar Park Drain
8 00
Gooch street
49
Lebanon street
26
Drainage
114 99
Botolph street
119 17
Walton Park
308 00
Park street
199 98
Melrose street
70
Stone crossings .
460 80
Total of balances
$1285 00
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RECORD OF TOWN MEETINGS.
The committee appointed November II, 1890, to prepare or procure a suitable testimonial to be presented Levi S. Gould for his services as moderator, reported and presented him in behalf of the town with a gold medal and a silver pitcher, both of which were suitably inscribed, to the pre- sentation of which Mr. Gould responded with grateful thanks.
Art. 8. Sidewalks.
Voted, To raise for sidewalks the sum of two thousand, five hundred dollars, the unexpended balance from last year to be added, one-half the expense of · laying concrete walks opposite estates to be assessed as in previous years, the said appropriation, balance and receipts for the year to be ex- pended in manner as follows: For repairs on existing walks, $500; for making continuous walks where the public good most requires, $1500, the remainder to be expended under the direction of the Selectmen.
Art. 10. Poor.
Voted, To raise $6000, unexpended balance from last year added.
Art. 11. Fire Department.
Voted, To raise $4250, of which $250 shall be expended for new hose.
Arts. 12 and 13. Street Lights.
Voted, To raise for lighting streets and purchase of ad- ditional lamps, $5500.
Art. 14. Police and watchmen.
Voted, To raise $4900, unexpended balance added, one man to be added to permanent force.
.
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RECORD OF TOWN MEETINGS.
Art. 15. Contingent expenses. Voted, To raise $2000, unexpended balance added. Art. 16. Interest.
Voted, To raise $5500, unexpended balance added.
Art. 17. Reduction of Debt.
Voted, To raise $5000. Art. 18. Public Library.
Voted, To raise $1000, the dog tax when received to be added and unexpended balance.
Art. 19. Water.
Voted, To indefinitely postpone.
Art. 20. Soldiers' and Sailors' relief.
Votcd, To raise $500, unexpended balance added.
Art. 21. Salaries of town officers.
Voted, To raise $5000, to be paid as follows:
Three Selectmen, each $200, $ 600 00
Town Clerk 300 00
Treasurer
500 00
Collector of Taxes 34 of 1 % on real estate and personal property taxes and 5 % on poll taxes, estimated at 700 00
Assessors, board of three, 750 00
Overseers of the Poor, board of three
300 00
Amount carried forward,
$3,150 00
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RECORD OF TOWN MEETINGS.
Amount brought forward, $3,150 00
Board of Health, $50.00 each
150 00 Auditor
300 00
Forest Fire Wards, $15.00 each 75 00
Inspector of Buildings
100 00
Registrars of Voters, $50.00 each
200 00
Clerk of Board, extra,
25 00
Total
$4000 00
The salaries of the Water Commissioners, $50 each, and of the Cemetery Committee, $25 each, to be paid from their respective departments.
Voted, That the salary of the Superintendent of Streets be fixed at $1000, to be paid from the highway appropria- tion.
Art. 23. Voted, To raise the following sums which have been appropiated for the purposes named during the past year and their payment authorized, viz:
Berwick Street drain
$456 50
Otis Street drain
750 00
Melrose Street sidewalk
500 00
Grove Street sidewalk
150 00
Stone Crusher 4850 00
Wyoming Avenue sidewalk
500 00
Vinton and High Street ledges
85 00
Walton Park
270 00
Drainage
835 00
Botolph Street
285 00
Hose-house land
735 37
Amount carried forward,
$9,416 87
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RECORD OF TOWN MEETINGS.
Amount brought forward,
$9,416 87
Street Signs
150 00
Stone Crossings
500 00
Numbering of buildings
25 00
Cedar Park ledge
100 00
Park Street building of, etc.
400 00
Highland street
400 00
Baxter street
100 00
Fire Alarm
650 00
Total
$1I,741 87
Health Department.
Voted, To raise $150 to be expended under the direction of the Board of Health, unexpended balance from last year added.
Town Hall.
Voted, That the unexpended balance to the credit of the Town Hall account remain, to be expended for repairs upon the building and for running expenses.
Art. 35. Ell Pond brook.
Voted, That the Selectmen be directed to cause and compel the removal of all obstructions and erections placed by any parties within the lines of Ell pond brook and drain as laid out by the County Commissioners and hereafter pre- vent the placing of any obstructions in said drain, to widen where necessary to allow the free flow of the water, the cul- verts under the roadways; to clear out the said brook or drain and protect its walls by stones where necessary; to request and secure by all proper means the removal of obstructions in said brook and drain within the city of Malden, also to
46
RECORD OF TOWN MEETINGS.
secure by all proper means the enlargement, if deemed neces- sary by them, of the culvert under the Boston & Maine Railroad and of the brook and drain under any building or erection within the lines of the lay out by the County Com- missioners, and to do all things proper, legal and requisite, to allow the said brook to flow freely and carry off all the water coming therein, instituting if necessary any proper legal proceedings to secure and maintain the said brook and drain free and unobstructed as laid out by the County Com- missioners, and that the Treasurer be authorized to borrow the sum of three thousand dollars for the purposes men- tioned, which loan shall be paid with the bank and corpora- tion taxes when received, and the Selectmen are further authorized to expend such additional amount of said taxes when received, in excess of the $3,000, as may be deemed necessary.
On a motion to reconsider,-not a vote.
Voted, To adjourn to Wednesday, March II, at 7.30 p. m.
Adjourned Meeting, March 11, 1891, 7.30 P. M.
Article 23. Voted, To raise for insurance of town prop- erty, $500. For improvements on Melrose Common, $100. For the payment of Military Aid, $300.
Art. 39. Laborers.
Report of a majority of' committee appointed Feb. 16 to consider articles 4 and 5 of the warrant relating to the employment and pay of laborers, submitted and accepted.
Report of a minority of said committee also submitted and accepted.
47
RECORD OF TOWN MEETINGS.
Voted, Unanimously, that in the matter of employing laborers, the several departments of the town shall give the preference to those persons who are citizens and tax-payers.
Voted, That the pay of laborers in the various depart- ments of the town shall be two dollars per day for a fair day's work, and that those persons, who in the opinion of the heads of departments are unable to perform a fair day's work shall be given employment if they desire it, at such wages as shall be just for the services rendered.
Report of Selectmen on guide boards, accepted.
Voted, Unanimously, that in addition to the duties pre- scribed by Chap. 221, Acts of 1889, it shall be the duty of the Auditor to compile and prepare for publication the re- ports of the several town officers.
Voted, Unanimously, that the Overseers of the Poor be directed, in addition to keeping their accounts as provided by Statute recently accepted to so keep their accounts as to show the exact cost to the town of each person assisted.
Voted, Unanimously, that the Selectmen be directed to publish in the annual report, a detailed statement of the amount expended for highways, showing as near as may be the amount expended for each street, for crossings and gut- ters, for drainage, bridges and culverts, and for repairs, also the expense of maintaining the stone crusher, and amount of material produced therefrom.
The committee on almshouse appointed Feb. 16, request- ed further time. Granted.
Art. 24. Taxes, how paid.
Voted, That all single poll taxes be made payable on or
48
RECORD OF TOWN MEETINGS.
before August 1, 1891. That all other taxes be made payable on or before October 1, 1891, and that interest be added upon all taxes remaining unpaid after that date, at the rate of six per cent. per annum; that all property on which the taxes remain unpaid on June 1, 1892, be sold by the collector in accordance with the provisions of law, and that he be in- structed to strictly carry out the provisions of the above vote.
Art. 25. Water Bonds.
Voted, That the Town Treasurer be authorized to sell three water fund bonds of the issue of 1887, for the purpose of paying the cost of construction for the ensuing year.
Art. 26. Memorial Day.
Voted, To raise $200 for keeping in repair and decorating graves of soldiers on Memorial Day.
Art. 27. Soldiers' Lot.
Voted, To raise $100 for the improvement of the soldiers' lot in Wyoming cemetery.
Art. 28. Edgestones.
Referred to Selectmen.
Art. 29. Washington street,
Referred to Selectmen.
Art. 30. Grove street.
Referred to Selectmen.
Art. 31. Street Lights.
RECORD OF TOWN MEETINGS. 49
Voted, That the matter be referred to the Selectmen with authority to place four electric lights on Swain's Pond avenue, provided the same can be furnished for eighteen dollars each per annum.
Voted, That $720 be raised for the purpose of furnishing electric lights, where needed, in the southeasterly section of the town.
Art. 32. Band Stand.
Voted, To raise $100 for the purpose of purchasing a portable band stand.
Art. 33. Covers for merchandise.
Referred to engineers of Fire Department.
Art. 34. By-Laws.
Amendments in relation to buildings submitted.
Voted, To indefinitely postpone action.
Art. 36. Second street.
Referred to Selectmen.
Art. 37. Grove street culvert.
Referred to Selectmen.
Art. 38. Streets.
Section I. Walton Park, accepted.
Sec. 2. Ashland street, passed over.
Sec. 3. Highland street, passed over.
Sec. 4. Chipman avenue, passed over.
4
50
RECORD OF TOWN MEETINGS.
Sec. 5. Summit avenue, passed over.
Sec. 6. Grove street extension, accepted. Art. 39. Taxes 1888-1889.
Voted, That George C. Stantial and Dexter Pratt be a committee to settle with the Collector ot Taxes for the year 1888 and 1889.
Voted, To adjourn sine die.
WARRANT FOR MEETING JUNE 8, 1891.
To either of the Constables of the Town of Melrose, in the County of Middlesex: GREETING:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby required to notify the inhabitants of the town of Melrose, qualified to vote in elections and town affairs, to meet at the Town Hall, on Monday, the eighth day of June, A. D., 1891, at 7.30 o'clock, p. m., then and there to act on the following Articles, viz :
Article I. To choose a Moderator.
Art. 2. To see if the town will purchase a Steam Road Roller, and authorize the Treasurer to borrow money for the same.
Art. 3. To see if the town will vote to petition the Leg- islature for authority to issue additional Water Fund Bonds, and to pass any other vote deemed necessary in the premises.
Art. 4. To see if the town will vote to enlarge the Grove street schoolhouse to an eight-room building, and authorize the Treasurer to borrow money for the same.
5I
RECORD OF TOWN MEETINGS.
Art. 5. To see what action the town will take in relation to establishing an electric light plant, and the acceptance of any provisions of law in connection with the same.
Art. 6. To see what action the town will take in relation to collecting house offal, garbage, etc., and authorize the Treasurer to borrow money for the same.
Art. 7. To see if the town will amend the "By-Laws."
Art. 8. To see if the town will authorize the Treasurer to execute and deliver deeds of lots in Wyoming Cemetery, to such soldiers or their families, as have been permitted to occupy lots in said cemetery, under a vote of the town passed June 9. 1863.
Art. 9. To see if the town will authorize the Treasurer, when requested by the heirs or legal representatives of those persons who were permitted to take and occupy lots in the Old Burial Ground, to execute and deliver deeds of lots in Wyoming Cemetery, for a nominal sum, provided ar- rangements are made for the transfer and removal of all bodies, tablets, etc., now in said lots.
Art. 10. To see if the town will discontinue a portion of Highland street as laid out and accepted, and accept a re- location and extension of the lines of said street, by the Selectmen.
Art. II. To hear and act upon the reports of Commit- tees, and for the transaction of any other business which may legally come before this meeting.
And you are directed to serve this Warrant by posting attested copies thereof at the Town Hall, each of the Post- offices and Depots in the town, not less than seven days be- fore the day appointed for said meeting, and by leaving printed copies of the Warrant at the dwellings of the legal voters before the day of meeting.
Hereof fail not, and make due return of this Warrant,
52
RECORD OF TOWN MEETINGS.
with your doings thereon, to the Town Clerk, at the time and place of said meeting.
Given under our hands this twenty-sixth day of May, in the year one thousand eight hundred and ninety-one.
LEVI S. GOULD, ) Selectmen J. P. DEERING, of
' {
C. W. HIGGINS, Melrose.
Warrant served by
ANSEL B. PIERCE, Constable.
Meeting, June 8, 1891, 7.30 P. M.
Article I. Chose Levi S. Gould, Moderator, by unani- mous vote.
Art. 2. Passed over.
Art. 3. Water Bonds.
Voted, That the Selectmen be and are hereby authorized to petition the Legislature for authority to issue additional Water Fund Bonds to the amount of twenty-five thousand dollars, bearing interest at not exceeding four per cent. per annum, the proceeds from the sale of which shall be used for the extension and construction of the water works.
Art. 4. Grove street school house.
Motion submitted by the Chairman of the School Com- mittee, substitute motion offered, previous question ordered after debate. Vote, aff. 116, neg. 9. Substitute motion re- jected. Vote, aff. 95, neg. 96. Check list ordered. Vote, aff. 55, neg. 208. Then voted to adjourn to Monday even- ing, June 22, at 7.30 o'clock. Vote, aff. 132, neg. 82.
53
RECORD OF TOWN MEETINGS.
Adjourned Meeting, June 22, 1891, 7.30 P. M.
Met according to adjournment.
Art. 4. Grove street school house.
Voted, That the Grove street school house be enlarged by the addition of four rooms; that the Town Treasurer be au- thorized to borrow the sum of $11,000 for building and furnishing the same, and for providing heating and ventilat- ing apparatus for the whole building; and that the School Committee, with three others, to be appointed by the Mod erator, be a committee to carry out the provisions of the vote.
The above vote was taken by check-list, "yes" and "no" ballots being used. Result of balloting, aff. 191, neg. 51.
Committee appointed by the Moderator to act with the School Committee: Frank L. Washburn, Joel Snow, Sidney H. Buttrick.
Art. 5. Electric lighting.
Voted, That it is hereby declared expedient for the town to exercise the authority conferred in an act to enable cities and towns to manufacture and distribute gas and electricity, passed by the Legislature of 1891. Vote taken by check- list, "yes" and "no" ballots used. Polls closed by unani- mous vote. Result of balloting, aff. II, neg. I.
Voted, That the Moderator appoint a member to the va- cancy on the Committee on electric lighting, caused by the resignation of William A. Smith. Walter H. Roberts, Esq., was appointed.
54
RECORD OF TOWN MEETINGS.
Voted, That the committee on electric lighting be di- rected to inquire and report at a subsequent meeting wheth- er in their judgment it is expedient and desirable for the town to erect and maintain a plant for the generation and distribution of electricity for public and private lighting, also what will be the probable cost of a complete electric light plant suitable for the necessities of the town.
Art. 2. Steam Road Roller.
Voted, That the Town Treasurer be directed to borrow or to take from moneys now in the treasury, not otherwise appropriated the sum of six hundred and forty-eight dol- lars for the purchase of a steam road roller.
Art. 6. Health, garbage, etc.
Voted, That the Treasurer be authorized to borrow the sum of $1500, to be expended under the direction of the Board of Health for the purpose of collecting swill, gar- bage, etc.
Art. 7. By Laws.
Voted, To amend the By Laws, Art. 2, Section 10, by striking out the words "three auditors" and inserting the words " one auditor," so that said Section as amended shall read:
Section 10. There shall be chosen at the annual meeting one auditor, who shall perform the duties prescribed by Sta- tute.
Art. 8. Soldiers' lots in Wyoming Cemetery.
Voted, That the Town Treasurer be and is hereby author-
55
RECORD OF TOWN MEETINGS.
ized to execute, and deliver to those soldiers or their fami- lies who were permitted to occupy lots in Wyoming Ceme- tery under a vote of the town passed June 9, 1863, proper deeds conveying a title to the same for a nominal sum. Unanimous vote.
Art. 9. Old Burial Ground, removal of bodies, etc.
Voted, " That whenever the heirs or legal representatives of those persons who were permitted to take and occupy lots in the 'Old Burial Ground' on Main street shall in writing so request, and proper arrangements have been made under the supervision or direction of the Cemetery Committee for the removal of the remains of all persons interred in any of said lots, the Town Treasurer is hereby authorized to execute and deliver, for a nominal sum, deeds of such lots in Wyoming Cemetery as may be selected or set apart under the direction and approval of the Cemetery Committee for the re-interment of such remains."
For the purpose of carrying out the provisions of the above vote and the payment of all expenses connected therewith, the Cemetery Committee are authorized to ex- pend from the cemetery funds an amount not exceeding five hundred dollars, an account of which shall be kept and re- ported to the town for further action.
Art. 10. Highland street.
Voted, To discontinue that part of Highland street which was accepted Nov. 18, 1890, and to accept the street as re- located, extended and laid out by the Selectmen.
Art. II. Sewall Woods.
Voted, That whereas it is understood that the Sewall
56
RECORD OF TOWN MEETINGS.
heirs desire under certain conditions to present to the town of Melrose, ten acres of land for use as a public park, em- bracing the central and highest portions of the Sewall es- tate, it is hereby resolved, that a committee of nine be ap- pointed, to consist of the Selectmen, the Park Commission- ers, and three citizens to be named by the Moderator, who shall confer with the representatives of the Sewall family and ascertain their wishes and intentions in the matter, and report at the next town meeting.
Citizens appointed, John W. Farwell, Royal P. Barry, D. Webster Dow.
Voted, To adjourn sine die.
WARRANT FOR MEETING JULY 7, 1891.
To either of the Constables of the Town of Melrose, in the County of Middlesex : GREETING.
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby required to notify the inhabitants of the town of Melrose, qualified to vote in elections and town affairs, to meet at the Town Hall, on Tuesday, the seventh day of July, A. D. 1891, at 7.30 o'clock, p. m., then and there to act on the following Articles, viz .:
Article 1. To choose a Moderator to preside in said meeting.
Art. 2. To see what action the town will take upon a re- port of the Water Commissioners, recommending that the town take in conjunction with the city of Malden and town of Medford, certain lands, water and water rights about Spot pond and provide for settlement of claims and make
57
RECORD OF TOWN MEETINGS.
appropriation therefor as recommended by the Water Com- missioners.
Art. 3. To see if the town will vote to purchase in con- junction with the city of Malden, of the town of Medford, two undivided third parts of certain lots of land located on the shore of Spot pond.'
Art. 4. To see if the town will authorize the Water Com- missioners to enter into an agreement with the city of Mal- den and town of Medford respecting the use of the parcels of land held in severalty by the three municipalities on the borders of Spot pond.
Art. 5, To see if the town will adopt certain sections of Chapter 104, Public Statutes, relating to the inspection of buildings, and also amend Article 7 of the By-Laws.
Art. 6. To see if the town will authorize the Selectmen to repair the roof and outside trimmings of the Town Hall building, rendered necessary for its preservation, and direct the payment of the same out of any funds not other- wise appropriated, provided that the income from the hall shall not prove sufficient.
Art. 7. To see if the town will authorize the Selectmen to erect a shed in the rear of the town pound, or elsewhere, for the purpose of storing, when not in use, the steam roller, road scraper, snow-ploughs, and other machinery and tools belonging to the highway department and authorize the Treasurer to borrow money, or pay for the same out of any funds not otherwise appropriated.
Art. 8. To see if the town will widen and deepen the culverts and bed of Spot pond brook, and authorize the Treasurer to borrow such amount as may be necessary for the purpose, on petition of Edward L. Whittier, and others.
Art. 9. To hear and act upon the report of the commit- tee appointed at meeting held June 8, 1891, to confer with the heirs of the late Hon. S. E. Sewall in relation to the
58
RECORD OF TOWN MEETINGS.
presentation by them of certain land to be held and used for a public park.
Art. 10. To hear and act upon the reports of committees and for the transaction of any other business which may legally come before this meeting.
And you are directed to serve this Warrant by posting attested copies thereof at the Town Hall, each of the Post Offices and Depots in the town, not less than · seven days before the day appointed for said meeting, and by leaving printed copies of the Warrant at the dwellings of the legal voters before the day of meeting.
Hereof fail not, and make due return of this Warrant, with your doings thereon, to the Town Clerk, at the time and place of said meeting.
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