USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Melrose > City of Melrose annual report 1923 > Part 2
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New Ordinances
I respectfully suggest that the Board consider the enactment of several new ordinances; an ordinance requiring householders to keep sidewalks abutting their properties free from snow and ice. for the greater safety of pedestrians; an ordinance requiring the removal of partially burned buildings and old buildings considered dangerous; an ordinance requiring citizens to keep their back yards and other adjoining areas in proper order, as a measure of co- operation with the Fire and Health departments.
Public Works Department
Because of its large expenditures and the intimate way in which it touches the lives of all, we should give the Public Works Department full measure of our thought and care. Probably no department is more subject to criticism. Broadly speaking, its work is divided into two parts, that which is above ground and that which is beneath. The shortcomings of the former are visible to all, the excellencies of the latter are hidden. We have a right to demand that both shall measure up to the highest possible standard, because the thoroughness with which this work is done affects our health, our homes, and our very lives. We are fortu- nate to have in charge of this department an official of great practical experience, who is imbued with a genuine desire to bring it to the highest point of efficiency; and I bespeak for him, from this Board and from the public, an appreciation of the immense difficulties with which he is surronded.
Ours is a good Public Works Department, but it is unquestion- ably susceptable to improvement. Its shortcomings have partly to do wth its personnel, partly with the lack of facilities and equipment. It is my purpose, from time to time, to make specific recommendations covering these matters.
In passing, it is well to bear in mind that certain much-needed public improvements falling within the scope of this department
14
CITY OF MELROSE
cannot be made, even if definite appropriation were available, until the public service corporations perform preliminary work devolving upon them. For example, it was the intention, several years ago, to begin the rebuilding of Franklin Street as soon as the Main Street work was completed, and at that time the public service corporations were requested to do all their necessary work, such as the laying of gas mains, underground electric light and telephone wires, new street railway tracks, etc. The war came along and stopped all such activities by the Gas and Electric Company, the Telephone Company and the Street Railway Com- pany, and these corporations have not since resumed them so far as Melrose is concerned. It is unfortunate that the City cannot well rebuild an important street because hampered by public service corporations to whom it has granted valuable franchises. Franklin Street is one of our most important thoroughfares, a main artery leading from a railroad station. The condition of such streets is a matter of moment, aside from mere traffic necessities, because the visitor arriving by train is apt to react unfavorably to our City. Many authorities hold it a cardinal principle in street improvement policy that all main approaches be kept in such condition as favor- ably to impress prospective home-seekers.
I suggest as further improvements falling within the sphere of this department the gradual extension of our white way lighting system, as funds permit. There are several courts and narrow, private ways in the center of the city which should be made public, and properly improved. There is unquestioned need of a new city stable and garage, for the housing of valuable city property. We must decide whether at this time we are justified in making the necessary expenditures. Until such time as we proceed to build, we should at least fence in our property on Tremont Street, for the protection of the supplies of the Public Works Department stored there.
Fire Department
The Fire Department is one concerning which we can be satisfied with nothing short of the best, because of its intimate relation to the preservation of life and property. This department is at present in good condition and does good work, but it is capable of improvement. We are fortunate in having had the services of a Boston fire expert, who has given a great deal of time to the investigation of our department. This official has made many valuable recommendations, which I shall in. due time lay before you.
15
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
Certain fire houses are in need of repairs, and it is for us to consider whether it is in the interest of economy to make these repairs or to replace the buildings. We must give our expensive fire equipment proper protection. In addition to more adequate housing for apparatus, we should consider the advisability of em- ploying a specially trained mechanic.
Police Department
Our Police Department is in excellent condition with respect to personnel, but is handicapped for lack of proper quarters. I hope to lay before the Board a plan to provide this department with more adequate working facilities at comparatively slight ex- pense. The cells in the basement of the City Hall should be abolished, and a new sanitary location provided. Traffic problems demand more and more attention, and additional regulations should be provided. Suitable parking places should be provided, to relieve automobile congestion.
Park Department
The Park Department should be organized to perform all the work of the system. The amount at present paid to contractors would amply suffice.
A Recreation Committee should be appointed to promote athletics-especially summer and winter sports.
Welfare work in the larger sense should by no means be neglected.
Board of Health
While the health of our city is excellent, I shall have some important recommendations to lay before you bearing upon sani- tation. Until such time as the city acquires a complete sewerage system we must take charge of the cleaning of cesspools and see that the work is done with suitable apparatus. We should install a totally different system of collecting garbage, and should intro- duce various other modern improvements properly coming within the regulation of this department.
Charity Department
The Charity 'Department is in satisfactory condition, our poor being well and sympathetically cared for. A defect arises from
16
CITY OF MELROSE
the lack of a private consulting room, where those applying for aid can be interviewed without having their distress known to others.
Board of Survey and Planning Board
These Boards are rendering valuable service, and we should avail ourselves of their studies and advice relative to the improve- ment and development of the City.
Tree Department
Modern spraying equipment should be provided for the better protection of our trees, and the entire organization would, in my opinion, function more effectively as a subdivision of the Depart- ment of Publc Works.
Additional Transportation Equipment
Automobile transportation should be provided, not only for the school nurse, but for several departments where such accommo- dation would save much time.
City Hall Equipment and Improvements
While the electorate have spoken in no uncertain voice con- cerning a new City Hall at this time, and, I believe, have spoken wisely, the fact remains that our present lack of facilities for transacting the City's business places a severe handicap upon practically every department. The burden falls heaviest on the Police, Auditing, Treasurer's and Engineering departments. The main trouble is a lack of space. Suitable office equipment is also lacking. After investigating this matter, I am satisfied that we should do well to authorize certain physical alterations in the building, which can be effected at no great expense, and which undoubtedly will afford a considerable measure of relief.
Memorial Tablet
No definite action has yet been taken in regard to the erection of a suitable bronze memorial tablet which shall perpetuate the names of our heroic dead and of all who served in the World War. It is our plain duty to have this memorial cast forthwith, and erected on some conspicuous public ground. Further delay is
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MAYOR'S ADDRESS
unpardonable and unfair, and I ask that immediate consideration be given this matter.
In conclusion, I thank the people of Melrose for the confidence they expressed by electing me to this high office. I truly regard this office as a public trust, and I shall strive always to be worthy of it. No man alone can hope to overcome the difficulties that will beset this administration, and I, therefore, appeal to my associates in the City Government for their fullest measure of co-operation, to the end that two years hence we shall have faithfully fulfilled the duties and obligations upon which we enter here tonight. I think I can promise that an efficient and impartial administra- tion will contribute its full share toward what I hope will be for all of us a happy and a prosperous New Year.
INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF H. RAY WILSON President of The Board of Aldermen JANUARY 1923
H. RAY WILSON
Mr. Chairman, His Honor the Mayor, The Board of Aldermen, Ladies and Gentlemen :-
I would indeed be ungrateful if I did not first thank my associates on the Board of Aldermen for having honored me to serve as their President for a second term, and I assure them, as well as the Citizens of Melrose, that it will be my constant endeavor to conduct the affairs of my office in a manner that will merit the confidence that has thus been reposed in me.
In my brief talk to you folks here this evening it will be my purpose to bring about a, better understanding of the functions of the Board of Aldermen with the end in view of stimulating a more netive civic interest in our important affairs by you all.
20
CITY OF MELROSE
Our Board of Aldermen is the legislative branch of the City Government, and our City Charter has very properly provided that the legislative branch shall not interfere with the Executive nor the executive branch with the legislature. We are the Board of Directors of this corporation of Melrose and you real estate owners and rent payers are the stockholders and receive dividends which I will enumerate later on. You have selected us to be entrusted with important business and financial affairs of this City and as we undertake to carry out the oath of our office it should be made clear to you that our duties and responsibilities are clearly outlined in our City Charter, our ordinances and the General Laws of the Commonwealth, and our actions, always open to the critical eye of the public, must follow the letter and spirit of the law.
The Charter provides that the Board of Aldermen shall be the sole appropriating body in the City Government and no money can be made available nor can any municipal debt be incurred without the consent of the Board after a study of the merits of a particular question. Money appropriated by the Board can be expended only for the specific purpose designated by it. I believe that it is sound business to maintain the appropriating powers of this city in one body for in making appropriations of about three-quarters of a million dollars annually for our city's expenses the Board of Aldermen must carefully view the needs of the city as a whole, we must be mindful of the mounting tax rate and after a most diligent study of the requests of every department in the city we must deny appropriations which we, as your representatives, feel are not absolutely essential to the efficient administration of our city's business and our educational affairs. If our judgment in these matters appears wrong, concentrated public opinion will cause us to review our action, and if then any of your public servants do not reflect the wishes of their constituents your weapon can be used in the voting booth at the next election.
The Board of Aldermen being the sole appropriating power in the City is morally bound to provide the necessary funds for carrying on the City's business and to maintain and construct the many public services which belong to our City. The tax rate, which has been steadly increasing, is a matter which vitally concerns all of us, and the citizens naturally look to the Board of Aldermen for the reasons for increase and I will briefly tell you the major reasons for the increased appropriations in the year 1922 over 1921. In 1921 the tax rate was $30.80 and in 1922 is $32.60, an increase of $1.80 per thousand. Let me say right here that there are over 60 cities and towns in Massachusetts which
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PRESIDENT OF BOARD OF ALDERMEN ADDRESS
have a higher tax rate than Melrose; Medford is $2.40 higher, Malden is 10 cents more, while Chelsea and Revere are higher as are the adjacent towns of Saugus and Wakefield, and it should be remembered that Melrose is a purely residential city while many of these other places have large manufactories from which they derive a large revenue in taxes. So on the whole Melrose compares very favorably with her neighboring cities as regards tax rate.
The items which were increased in our 1922 Budget over our 1921 budget, and were thereby reflected in a higher tax rate, are as follows: These figures are "round numbers" and represent the net increase in 1922 over 1921, not the gross amount appropriated. These figures only represent the net increase in 1922 over 1921, not
the gross amount appropriated
Fire alarm maintenance a/c sleet storm 1500.00
Care of trees alc sleet storm 7500.00
Police auto to replace one worn out 1100.00
Collection of ashes (more residences) 1250.00
Cleaning of brooks to ensure good drainage of surface water, prevent overflows and damage suits 4500.00 Street lighting a|c new lights installed 1000.00
Removing snow and sanding walks (expense.
caused by nature) 3000.00
New steam roller replacing one condemned. Action
deemed imperative hy Mayor and Public Works Superintendant. 6250.00
Teachers' salaries
13840.00
Insurance (Sound business practice)
3600.00
Pensions to faithful city employees 2000.00
Interest on outstanding loans (No control over
7000.00
this)
Serial bonds due in 1922 (no control over this) 2717.00
$55257.00
The items just enumerated are the contributing factors to the increased tax rate. Each item was carefully studied by the Board of Aldermen and required a 2-3 vote of all the Aldermen before the appropriations were made. Study them citizens and you will find that no other alternative could have been taken by the Board when the well being of the City and its citizens were to be con- sidered.
It is appropriate for me to say that the tax rate of 1922 would have been at least $1.00 higher per thousand had not the Board of
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CITY OF MELROSE
Aldermen declined to appropriate money for purposes which to it seemed inexpedient.
I now come to the question frequently asked by citizens, namely, "What do you receive in return for your investment in real estate and taxes which you pay into the City Treasury?" In answer to that question I say that you receive a larger dividend from the Corporation of Melrose than you do from any other corporation in which you own stock.
I will briefly illustrate what dividends we pay to an average family consisting of a husband and wife, and two children, who are in our High School. The father owns a house and land assessed for $7000.00 and in 1922 paid the City $228.20 in taxes. Now the question is "what does this stockholder in our City receive for the $228.20?" To educate the two children of this family in our High School actually cost the City $125.00 each, or $250.00 per year for both, so I really need to go no farther to prove to that man that our educational system alone is paying him a dividend in excess of his tax bill. But there are many other features which cannot be overlooked in reckoning up our dividends.
From our Police Department we are afforded protection in many different ways and the fact that our City is remarkably free from crime is a tribute to that Department. The Boston Police strike taught the country the inestimable value of the Police Department ($37,000.00.)
Our Fire Department, on the job 24 hours a day and completely motorized, is now efficiently trained to cope with any conflagration and hold fire losses at a minimum. Upon the modern equipment and efficiency of this department is based the rate of premium for fire insurance in the city : $37,000.00).
We have our street lighting system at a cost of $25,000.00 annually which is an element of protection from those who seek darkness for the commission of crime. Our ornamental white way system is enjoyed and pointed to with pride.
We provide good streets and sidewalks, much better than most of our nearby cities and it costs thousands of dollars annually to maintain and construct them. The plowing out of streets and sidewalks cost thousands of dollars annually, but in this era of auto motive traffic we must keep abreast of the times. The City also provides for the removal of garbage and ashes at frequent and regular intervals at a cost of about $17,000.00 annually. Some cities make a separate charge for these two items but we include it in the tax rate.
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PRESIDENT OF BOARD OF ALDERMEN ADDRESS
We stockholders also have the great invisible system of water supply, surface and sewerage drainage which represents an invest- ment by our city of one million and a quarter dollars.
Our system of playgrounds is invaluable to the development of our young people, and its maintenance costs $10,000.00 annually. And finally, we have this beautiful Memorial Building, the center of our civic development, with its historic and valuable repositories, wherein lies wonderful opportunity for our moral and intellectual advancement.
These few things which I have just mentioned can certainly be defined as "dividends" which accrue to you, and me, and if you will carefully analyze them I feel sure you will agree that the stock- holders in general are receiving mighty good dividends from our City.
And now, Honored Mayor, our whole citizenry look to you and this Board of Aldermen for the efficient administration of the affairs of our City during the next two years. Co-operation and harmony must exist between the executive and legislative branches of our government and I am happy to say for the Board of Aldermen that we are ready and anxious to co-operate with you in every way possible. Your recommendations will be looked forward to eagerly and while it is impossible to predict the definite action that will be taken on the recommendations which you submit, I can give you the assurance that each mater will be studied diligently and sincerely with the view to taking such action as prudent fore- sight indicates is for the best interests of our City, and which will maintain our Melrose in the foreground amongst our sister cities in civic, culture and education.
-
GOVERNMENT of the City of Melrose, 1923
Mayor Dr. PAUL H. PROVANDIE
President of the Board of Aldermen H. RAY WILSON
Clerk Board of Aldermen W. DeHAVEN JONES
Aldermen-at-Large
Ward
Philip B. Carter, 26 Poplar Street
3
Dr. John Dike, 112 West Emerson Street 4
George H. Jackman, 273 Porter Street 4
Arthur L. Marr, 236 East Foster Street
6
Nelson J. Sanford, 379 Swain's Pond Avenue
7
Willis A. Smith, 21 Lake Avenue 4
Benning L. Wentworth, 75 Beech Avenue
7
Ward Aldermen
Ward
Alfred J. Campbell, 188 Vinton Street
1
Frank S. Leavitt, 36 York Terrace 1
F. Sears Stetson, 21 Crystal Street 2
H. Ray Wilson, 4 Linden Road
2
William J. L. Roop, 310 West Emerson Street
3
John F. Rufle, 8 South Cedar Park
3
Lorin A. Presby, 20 Emerson Place 4
Eben M. Taylor, 51 Bellevue Avenue 4
Charles B. Camerlin, 88 Florence Street 5
Chester I. Chase, 1 Alden Street 5
Walter F. Chapman, 321 East Foster Street
6
Walter A. T. Norris, 136 East Foster Street
6
.
26
CITY OF MELROSE
Joseph A. Milano, 115 Grove Street 7
George W. Rogers, 39 Argyle Street 7
MELROSE BOARD OF ALDERMEN STANDING COMMITTEE FOR 1923
Appropriations
Lorin A. Presby, Chairman. Dike, Norris, Sanford, Chapman, Marr, Wentworth, Camerlin, Smith, *Wilson
Education, Health and Charity
Benning L. Wentworth, Chairman. Smith, Presby, Norris, Jackman, Taylor, Rufle, *Wilson
Finance
Walter A. T. Norris, Chairman. Presby, Sanford, Chapman. Milano, . Wentworth, Campbell, *Wilson
Highways Dr. John Dike, Chairman. Sanford, Roop, Marr, Chase, Campbell Stetson, *Wilson
Legal and Legislative Matters
President H. Ray Wilson, Chairman. Frank S. Leavitt, Floor Chairman, Dike, Smith, Carter, Taylor, Roop
Protection and Licenses
Charles B. Camerlin, Chairman. Chapman, Chase, Leavitt, Rogers, Stetson, Milano, *Wilson
Public Service
Arthur L. Marr, Chairman. Carter, Leavitt, Camerlin, Jackman, Rogers, Rufle, *Wilson
* President ex-officio member of all committees.
Clerk of Committees
VICTOR C. KIRMES
City Officers
City Clerk W. DeHAVEN JONES
Assistant City Clerk and Clerk of Committees Victor C. Kirmes
City Treasurer William R. Lavender
City Collector William A. Carrie
City Auditor William T. Wolley
Engineer and Superintendent of Public Works George O. W. Servis
City Solicitor Arthur S. Davis
-
Mayor's Secretary Blanche E. Nickerson
FIRE DEPARTMENT Chief of Fire Department Frank C. Newman
Chief of Police Department George E. Kerr
28
CITY OF MELROSE
Inspector of Buildings William S. Allen
- Inspector of Plumbing Andrew J. Burnett
- Inspector of Food Kenneth B. Hadley
Inspector of Animals and Slaughtering Calvert H. Playdon
Inspector Milk and Vinegar H. E. Berger, Jr.
Collector of Milk Samples Thomas F. Harris
Sealer of Weights and Measurers Philip B. Carruthers
Supt. Brown Tail and Gypsy Moths John J. Mccullough
Burial Agent Mary A. Kenah
Agent State Military Aid and Soldiers' Relief Mary A. Kenah
Assessors John C. Crolly Frederick W. Patten Charles H. Adams
29
CITY OFFICERS
Assistant Assessors Mary Anderton Bertha E. Milton
Glenna B. Flagg
Inspector of Wires Fred A. Edwards
Board of Health Clarence P. Holden, M.D., Chairman
Melvin H. Nicholls, M.D.
Rev. Lester L. Lewis
City Physician Clarence P. Holden, M.D.
School Physicians
Elizabeth Hirst
Edward L. Marr
Melvin S. McLeod
Public Health Nurse Mrs. Myrtle S. Meriam
Overseers of the Poor Adeline G. Reed, Chairman
Gertrude Provandie
Peter J. Curran
Park Commission
Harry N. Vaughn
Term expires 1927
Addison L. Winship
1924
Richard J. Lord
1925
Gustaf E. Johnson
1926
George W. Haven
Victor C. Kirmes, Clerk
1928
30
CITY OF MELROSE
Supt. of Schools Herman H. Stuart
School Committee
William Coggeshall, Chairman
. Term expires 1923
Josiah D. Bullens
.6
1923
Mabel B. Dole
1923
Elmer O. Goodridge
1924
F. Janet Habberley
1924
Isabelle Stantial
1924
Henry N. Andrews
1925
Harry F. Sears
46
1925
Frank J. Sherman
1925
Sinking Fund Commissioners
Edward J. Kitching, Chairman
Term expires 1925
Franklin P. Shumway
1923
Maurice G. Cochrane
1924
Trustees Public Library
Rev. Paul Sterling, Chairman
Term expires 1924
Mary C. Barton
1923
Frank W. Campbell
1923
Ralph G. Harmon
1924
Neil Divver
1925
Clara G. Muldoon
1925
Cemetery Committee
Henry W. Clark Peter H. Ackerman Albert G. Armington Victor C. Kirmes, Clerk Roscoe A. Leavitt, Supt. Wyoming Cemetery Richard J. T. Roome, Inspector of Graves Soldiers and Sailors
Registrars of Voters
Edward L. Cragin, Chairman .Term expires 1925
Edwin J. Tirrell
1924
John J. Keating
1926
W. DeHaven Jones, City Clerk, Ex-officio
31
CITY OFFICERS
Dog Officer M. James Hanley
Keeper of Lock-up George E. Kerr
Planning Board
Frank H. Noyes, Chairman
. Term expires 1925
Robert L. Briggs.
1924
Albert F. Hussey
1924
Eva G. Osgood
1924
E. Gertrude Copeland
1925
Albe S: Noyes
1925
Agnes L. Dodge
1926
Edward E. Prior
1926
George C. Glover
1926
Board of Survey
William N. Folsom
Term expires 1925
William E. Waterhouse
1924
Clarence Cochrane
1926
Advisory Committee on Memorial Building
Fred E. Ellis, Chairman
Term expires 1925
Frederick U. Corson
1924
Ethel G. Collins
1924
Nellie F. Luce
1924
Elizabeth M. Stetson
66
1924
Freeman M. Crosby
1925
Clarence T. Fernald
1925
Elmer Wilson
1925
Thomas J. Edwards
1926
Harry T. Gerrish
1926
Dr. Forrest F. Pike
1926
6 6
Report of Advisory Committee Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Building
To the Mayor and Board of Aldermen, City of Melrose,
Gentlemen:
'The Advisory Committee of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Building submit the following report for the year 1923.
The members of the Committee were: Mrs. Nellie F. Luce, Mrs. Elizabeth Stetson, Mrs. Ethel G. Collins, Fred E. Ellis, Clar- ence T. Fernald, F. U. Corson, Elmer Wilson, Freeman Crosby, Dr. F. F. Pike, Thomas J. Edwards and Harry T. Gerrish.
They organized with Fred E. Ellis, Chairman and E. G. Collins as Secretary. Fernald was Chairman of Committee on Building, Edwards, on Management and Wilson, on Concerts.
Regular monthly meeting were held except during the summer. 'The committee on music produced two free organ concerts.
An examination of the building was made and as a result of the report of the engineering the committee voted to ask for an appropriation of $25,000.00 for repairs and improvement of the building.
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