USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Quincy > Inaugural address of the mayor, with the annual report of the officers of the city of Quincy for the year 1896 > Part 5
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59,002 60
16,164
12 00
54
66,400 00
[ 12
1,229 62
Chelsea,
22,515 04
31,264
17 00
45
34,000 00
1 51
755 55
Chicopee,
8,411 78
16,420
13 80
81
45,200 00
5 37
558 02
Clinton,
7,035 98
11,497
17 00
34
19,850 00
2 82
583 82
Dedham,
9,776 82
7,211
11 00
76
19,723 00
2 01
259 51
Everett,
13,574 60
18,573
16 70
40
14,000 00
1 03
350 00
Fitchburg,
19,855 47
26,409
18 10
119
30,000 00
51
252 10
Framingham,
8,178 36
9,512
15 00
86
28,000 00
3 42
325 58
Gloucester,
15,918 22
28,211
16 40
91
36.200 00
2 27
397 80
Haverhill,
20,793 00
30,209
16 70
101
53,500 00
2 57
529 70
Hyde Park,
8,727 55
11,826
14 20
40
20,170 00
2 31
504 25
Lynn,
49,696 35
62,354
17 20
125
55,000 00
58,000 00
17,025 00
1 96
210 18
Medford,
16,979 30
14,474
13 00
70
30,900 00
1 82
441 42
Melrose,
10,082 10
11,965
14 80
36
15,000 00
1 48
416 66.
Milton,
18,993 28
5,518
7 00
47
43,075 00
2 26
916 48
Natick,
5,597 22
8,814
16 00
62
11,000 00
96
177 42
Newburyport,
9,749 50
14,552
16 50
68
12,164 00
1 30
178 88
No. Adams,
7,328 75
19,135
17 00
87
13,500 00
1 84
155 17
Northampton,
10,675 19
16,716
15 00
108
17,000 00
1 60
157 40
Pittsfield,
13,755 98
20,461
16 30
135
18,000 00
1 30
133 33
Quincy,
17,325 85
20,712
16 80
65
19,500 00
1 12
300 00
Salem,
27,583 60
34,473
18 50
70
49,702 00
1 80
710 02
Taunton,
19,203 48
27,115
17 60
160
73,000 00
80
556 25
Waltham,
18,051 57
20,876
16 00
85
25,600 00
1 41
301 17
Woburn.
9,672 84
14,178
17 80
67
11,256 00
37
168 00
Average amount expended yearly per. $1,000 of Valuation
$ 2 01
per mile of Streets
433 68
1 11
440 00
Malden,
23,071 94
29,708
15 70
70
Marlborough,
8,673 23
14,977
17 90
81
: 51
828 57
129
From this we see that while standing 20th, on the list in regard to amount expended per mile of street, we stand only 27th, in regard to expenditures per $1,000 of valuation, and we are very much below the average in both cases. Other things being equal, it is fair to presume that the condition of our high- ways must hold the same position as our expenditures in com- parison with the above named places.
To bring ourselves up to the average we must handle this problem as other cities do and that is by putting in some per- manent street construction every year until all our main busi- ness streets are paved. The cost of repairs then will be very much reduced. There is not a city that can secure granite block pavements as cheap as Quincy can, and it is surprising that there is hardly a city in the state that does not have more of this class of pavement than we. Excepting granite paving blocks, there is a lack of road material suitable for road con- struction. Our crushed stone and gravel are of very poor qual- ity, and considerable trouble is experienced in obtaining from private parties material suitable for our repairs. Gravel in the Wollaston district is of very good quality, but costs consider- able to buy and handle, the West Quincy district furnishes very fair gravel, while in the Atlantic district it is almost im- possible to obtain any at all. If the city could purchase a pit in each of these districts, it would undoubtedly prove a wise investment. A good ledge of trap rock has been located and samples are being tested which, if proven satisfactory, may make it advisable to put our portable crusher in condition and get out sufficient to make the wearing surface of our streets of trap rock and the foundation of stone from our present quarry.
During the year this department has handled 3,400 tons brok- en stone at a cost of 85 cents per ton for material, quarrying and crushing, also 3362 loads of granite chips taken from stone. sheds free of cost, 1740 loads street scrapings and 8180 loads. of gravel of which 3465 loads were bought at a cost of $329.15 and 4715 loads obtained free from the city pit, cellars, and private pits. The work has been distributed all over the city as the most urgent needs demanded without reference to the
130
locality. Special attention was paid to keeping the gutters clear and clean, having the roads well crowned and filling ruts and depressions as rapidly as possible. A number of streets were resurfaced and rebuilt, some were filled and some cut down to make a more uniform grade, sidewalks were graveled. curbs straightened, gutter and street paving repaired, trees trimmed and 104 street signs erected. A steam drill was in- troduced at the quarry, producing very satisfactory results and lessening the cost of getting out broken stone.
Seventy-one permits were issued for opening streets, mov- ing buildings, parades, occupying sidewalks etc.
A system of daily reports was inaugurated whereby a record is kept of the amount of labor and material and cost of same, performed on every street or public work in the city. Four new streets have been accepted of a total length of 3,463 feet, giving us a total street mileage of 65} miles containing 1,583,- 045 square yards. The cost for repairing is a trifle over 1 cent per square yard.
A large stone watering trough has been placed at the junc- tion of Hancock and Squantum Streets and two stone street- crossings have been laid on Hancock Street and one on Wash- ington Street.
All complaints have been investigated promptly and re- lief afforded where possible. Careful attention has been given to the condition of horses, carts, tools, etc. and everything is in first class condition except our quarters, to which I beg to call your attention. Our present stable is under the charge of the Poor department. Into this stable are crowded all the horses, cows, pigs, tools, carts and machinery belonging to the Board of Health, Highway, and Poor departments. There are no storage facilities for hay and grain except a supply for a week or ten days. One small room answers for shop, tool house, harness room and storage room for all three depart- ments. This building is very much out of repair and it would cost in the vicinity of $1,200 to put it into shape and to enlarge for present needs. Therefore I consider it wise to erect a new stable and set off a portion of the Poor farm, containing the
131
gravel pit, for the exclusive use of the Highway department. This would improve the health of our horses, enable us to pur- chase grain in a more economical manner, improve the effici- ency of the department and provide ample quarters for many years, even if the sewer work is added. This needed improve- ment has been asked for by every Commisssoner since 1889, and I trust will be considered the coming year.
As it is quite likely the Quincy and Boston Street Rail- way Company will soon locate their tracks in the centre of Han- cock Street, I desire to call attention to the fact that this street ought to be rebuilt at the same time, using a more permanent form of construction, and also widened at the bridge over the N. Y., N. H., & H. R. R. As the presence of street railway tracks in our streets very much increases the cost of maintenance, it seems but right that the city should be reimbursed in some manner for this increased cost.
Many cities recognizing this fact are compelling street rail- way companies to compensate them in some form or other for the additional burden the city bears on account of the tracks. Some companies water the street upon which they operate cars : others assume a certain portion of the cost of maintenance and also cart away all snow ; while in many cities, particularly in the western states, franchises are sold to the highest bidder, for a term of years.
Usually upon streets with moderate traffic and a thirty- foot roadway, so that the wear is about evenly distributed over the entire surface, the cost of maintenance rarely exceeds two cents per square yard ; but if a car track is put in the centre, the traffic is confined to a narrow space on each side and as the wheels of vehicles constantly travel in the same place, the cost of maintenance is fully three times as great.
Mr. W. L. Dickinson, Superintendent of Streets of Spring- field, in a paper read before the Highway Association gives some figures on this subject which are interesting and would probably apply to every city in the state. . Taking“ the actual cost of maintenance of thirteen macadamized streets in the City of Springfield, covering a period of fourteen years, he says the
132
average annual cost of maintenance per square yard is increased from $.013 with no car track in the centre to $.063 with a car track in the centre.
He further says that these results are obtained by the use of Westfield and Meriden trap rock which is as good material as can be found in the country. Undoubtedly with poorer ma- terial the average annual cost would be greatly increased. In view of these facts it behooves us to consider carefully this subject.
The cost of maintaining a macadam surface is very great on Hancock, School, Franklin and Copeland Streets, and I trust measures will be taken toward paving these streets with granite blocks, as I believe it the most economical thing to do.
In the following statement, the items of receipts are sim- ply reimbursements from the Street Railway Company and other city departments for expenditures made on their account and taken from the regular appropriation.
Appropriated by Council
$18,300 00
1,057 76 Receipts .
$19,357 76.
EXPENDED ON HIGHWAYS.
Maintenance of horses
$1,797 06
Supplies .
938 78
Gravel and material
546 36
Repairs .
563 63 .
Labor
. 11,734 26
$15,580 09
EXPENDED ON CRUSHER.
Labor
$2,229 22
Supplies .
128 00
Repairs
65 54
Coal
146 81
Powder
102 37
Rent of land
125 00
$2,796 94
-
133
EXPENDED ON STEAM ROLLER.
Labor
$619 61
Coal and oil
' 155 34
Repairs .
73 60
$848 55
Balance
132 18
$19,357 76
WATERING STREETS.
This work was let by contract the past year to six different parties, and although the results were not as satisfactory as de- sired, still a saving was made of nearly $100 per month to the city.
It is very difficult to satisfy all parties with street water- ing and we cannot expect to do so. The abutters on a street watered, paying one-half the cost, feel that the street should be watered copiously to lay every particle of dust, while bicycle riders and the travelling public do not like any mud, and the city for its part does not want the streets softened up and dis- integrated by excessive sprinkling. Our routes are so long that a cart can cover its district but twice or three times a day which necessitates excessive sprinkling. Increasing the num- ber of carts and shortening the routes, so that a district could be covered four times a day, would produce much better results and save the streets considerably.
Petitions are received each year to extend the street water- ing system ; but it must be borne in mind, if additional streets are ordered sprinkled next year that it will be necessary to pur- chase another cart.
The past year seven carts were used to sprinkle eleven miles or 209,500 square yards of street surface at an annual av- erage cost, including cost of water, of $363.27 per mile or $.019 per square yard.
, Assessments were made according to the valuation of abut- ting estates at a rate of 60 cents per $1,000 of valuation. This seems a just and equitable plan. Very few abatements were asked for.
134
$4,400 00
Appropriated by Council
$4,360 94
Expended
39 06
Balance
$4,400 00
SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS.
As Buckley Street was in a very unsafe condition and subject to frequent washouts, the Council in September appro- priated $1300 for specific repairs. Curbing was laid on both sides, four foot paved gutters constructed, and sidewalks and street put in good condition.
Newbury Avenue and Squantum Streets received an appro- priation of $800 from the Council on August 10th. In this case the grade was changed, the hill cut down 2} feet, and the low place at Teal Pond raised three feet. A timber culvert was put in, crossing laid, corner stones put in and fences built and repaired on both sides.
Willard Street wall was built by order of the Council in August, $520 being appropriated for that purpose. The con- tract was let to the lowest bidder, Mr . W. T.Shea for $475. After the wall was built the street was widened and a suitable fence and sidewalk constructed.
Copeland Street near Furnace brook was raised by a Coun- cil order of 1895 for $300. This needed improvement was made this year and the raised grade allows all street water to flow directly into the brook, thus doing away with a disagree- able mud hole.
Cross Street, between Crescent and Common Streets, had no drainage whatever, and water lodged on the street often to a depth of 18 inches. The Council on June 1st, appropriated $600 to drain this place. By permission of Mr. Albert Shack- ley a 12 inch pipe was laid through his land to Furnace Brook. The street was then graded so that all surface water would flow into a catch basin opening into this pipe. Street lines were straightened, retaining walls and fences built, curbing laid and the intersection with Common Street greatly improved. The results seem very satisfactory for the small amount expended.
135
Ryden Street was petitioned for in September. On November 10th, the Council accepted it as a city way and ap- propriated $200 for grading. This sum was expended in mak- ing a 20-foot roadway the entire length (416 ft.) and in con- structing a pipe culvert which gives the relief needed by resi- dents in that locality.
Adams Street between Whitwell Street and Furnace Brook was ordered widened and regraded by the Council on July 20, and $4000 was appropriated for that purpose. After very careful planning to get the greatest results for the money, it was decided to adopt a Telford-Macadam construction. The street was laid out 45 feet wide with 28 foot roadway and 8₺ foot sidewalks for 2200 feet. The sidewalk was constructed only on one side, that being deemed sufficient at this time. Two hills were cut down and low places raised, making a very uniform and light grade. A 6-inch drain to intercept ground water was laid on the upper side a distance of 1,700 feet in a trench 3 feet deep and filled to the sub-grade with broken gran- ite or grout. The sub-grade was shaped and rolled to the same shape as the finished grade upon which was laid by hand large wedge shaped stones for a width of 22 feet, not less than 8 inches in depth in the centre and 6 inches on the outside. The spaces were thoroughly filled by wedge shaped stones driven by a sledge and afterwards rolled by our 20-ton steam roller. Upon this foundation was laid 6 inches of broken stone from the crusher, put on in three layers, each layer being throughly compacted and watered. The last layer was stone screenings which made the binder. The crown was made & of an inch to a foot, two 12-inch pipe culverts under the street and six 5-inch drains across the side- walk were constructed. Also 320 feet of new guard rail were put up and all old fences, walls and poles put in proper shape. The foundation stone was bought by the load at a low figure and cost laid in place and rolled 20 cents per square yard. The entire cost was 61 cents per square yard of road surface, not including the square yards of sidewalks.
The heating and ventilation of the Adams and Quincy
133
Schools were taken up by the Council, plans adopted and $9000 appropriated early in August. The contract for mason work and apparatus for the Adams School was let to the Fuller & Warren Warming and Ventilating Company. The carpenter and painting work were performed by day labor. The work was pushed rapidly and was completed so that the school opened on the first day of the fall term. Beside the heating and ven- tilating system a system of cremating closets was put in the base- ment thus doing away with objectionable outbuildings. The total cost for this school was $5,787.20.
The heating of the Quincy School was let to Messrs. Lynch & Woodward who installed a two-boiler steam plant. The Fuller & Warren cremating closets were located in the base- ment. The total cost for this school was $3,200.15. The sys- tems in both schools are working finely and are a very great improvement over the old arrangements from a sanitary point of view.
The Coddington School was improved by putting in addi- tional windows to make the school-rooms much lighter. This expense was borne by a special transfer of $343.80 made by the Council July 6.
Two nine-room brick schoolhouses were ordered by the Council on March 30th, according to the plans made by S. O. Moxon, and $75,000 was appropriated for that purpose. After keen competition the contract for both buildings was awarded to Mr. George Howard of Brockton, he being the lowest and also one of the most responsible bidders.
On the Massachusetts Fields School the building contract price was $24,256.00, which did not include mason or carpenter work for the heating or sanitary systems. The heating con- tract was awarded to the Walworth Construction and Supply Company of Boston for $3,061.00 exclusive of mason work. The contract for cremating closets was awarded to the Fuller & Warren Warming and Ventilating Company of Boston for $648.00, exclusive of carpenter and mason work,andthe curbing and grading was done by day labor by the city force. This
137
building and grounds were completed November 23, and turned over to and accepted by the School Board.
On the Gridley Bryant School the building contract was $26,600.00, which did not include the carpenter or mason work for the heating and sanitary systems. The heating contract was awarded to Messrs. Lynch & Woodward of Boston for $3,100.00, the contract for cremating closets to Fuller & Warren for $648.00, and the curbing and grading bythe city force. The building will be ready for occupancy early in January. This delay was occasioned by the large amount of ledge encountered in excavating.
The contract for school desks for both buildings was awarded to the Springfield Furniture Company of Springfield, Illinois, for $2,278.20, who furnished adjustable desks and chairs. The other school furniture and most of the furnishings were purchased from our local dealers.
All the contractors have performed their work in a very creditable manner, and the city is to be congratulated upon se- curing such large, well arranged and modern school buildings at so moderate a cost. The accounts have not been settled sufficiently to enable me to present a detailed statement of cost at the present time.
In concluding this review of my first year's work as Com- missioner of Public Works, I desire to acknowledge my indebt- edness to His Honor, the Mayor, for the constant, active interest he has taken in this department, and for his valuable advice and encouragement, to the several members of the City Council for their uniform courtesy and consideration ; and to the heads of the different departments for their ready co-operation. I de- sire also to acknowledge my appreciation of the faithful and conscientious assistance rendered me by my foreman, clerk and employees during the year.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES F. KNOWLTON,
Commissioner of Public Works.
Report of the Assessors.
To His Honor the Mayor of the City of Quincy :
The Board of Assessors herewith submit their annual report. We have assessed upon the polls and estates of the City of Quincy for the year 1896 the following sums : City tax levy voted by the City Coun- cil $202,500 00
City tax notes maturing during the year
77,480 00
City tax, interest to be paid during the year
20,342 65
County tax, (less polls 5856, )
6,222 97
State tax, (less polls 5856)
5,921 50
Polls, 5856
11,712 00
Overlayings
5,433 8411
$329,612 96.1 '10
Less estimated receipts for in- terest
$5,000 00
Less receipts from Water De-
partment in excess of notes payable and in- terest
7,000 00
12,000 00
$317,612 9616 $17 40 per $1,000
Tax Rate 1896
140
TABLE OF AGGREGATES.
Below will be found the table of aggregates : Value of assessed personal estate in- cluding resident bank stock $2,385,700 00 Resident bank stock 197,415 00
Total personal estate $2,583,115 00
Value of assessed real estate :
Buildings
$7,449,475 00
Land
7,547,925 00
Total real estate
$14,997,400 00
Total real and personal estate $17,580,515 00
254,600 60 Gain
WARD VALUATION.
PERSONAL.
REAL.
TOTAL.
Ward 1.
$1,199,625 00
$4,553,050 00
$5,752,675 00
Ward 2,
317,650 00
1,574,675 00
1,892,325 00
Ward 3,
318,500 00
1,970,900 00
2,289,400 00
Ward 4,
283,050 00
1,999,125 00
2,282,175 00
Ward 5,
202,175 00
2,807,950 00
3,010,125 00
Ward 6.
64,700 00
2,091,700 00
2,156,400 00
Resident Bank J.
197,415 00
197,415 00
$2,583,115 00
$14,997,400 00 $17,580,515 00
Tax raised on personal excluding bank stock .
$41,511 18
Tax raised on real estate
260,954 76
Fax raised on polls
11,712 00
Tax raised on resident bank stock
3,435 02-1 10
Total
$317,612 96-1 10
Number of houses assessed
3,7643
141
Gain
121
Number of horses assessed
1,358
Number of cows assessed
605
Omitted and re-assessed taxes as follows :
On property real and personal
$810 84
Polls added for state election 208
416 00
Polls added for city election 27
54 00
Total
$1,280 84
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN FEDERIIEN, 3d,
WALTER R. FEGAN,
THOMAS F. DRAKE, JOHN CURTIS,
JAMES A. WHITE,
B. R. REDMAN,
Assessors of Quincy.
Report of Tax Collector.
To His Honor the Mayor of the City of Quincy :
Tax of 1893 :
Balance uncollected to Jan.
1st, 1897
$5,681 24
Tax of 1894 :
Balance uncollected to Jan.
1st, 1897 .
$7,461 55
Tax of 1895 :
Balance uncollected to Jan.
1st, 1897 Tax of 1896 :
$25,506 26
Amount of warrant
$322,309 16
Cash paid Treasurer
$198,060 29
Abated
882 15
Uncollected .
123,336 72
$322,309 16
Balance due city Jan. 1st,
1897
$123,366 72
WATSON H. BRASEE.
Collector.
Report of Park Com= missioners.
-
To His Honor the Mayor of the City of Quincy :
The Board of Park Commissioners respectfully submit the. following report :
The sum of $500 was appropriated for the use of this Com- mission and $267.98· has been expended, leaving a balance of $232.02 which, with $113 received from rent of pasture and other sources, has been returned to the City Treasury.
This appropriation does not allow of any extensive im- provements being made, and is devoted to the care of the different grounds and the building and repairing of fences and backstops. We believe the members of the ball clubs in the different sections of the city should take more interest in the maintenance of these back stops, and not make it an annual duty for this Commission to build new ones.
At Merry Mount Park the curbing around the spring has been lowered to allow of easy access and other improvements made to do away with the formerly artificial appearance. The Board regrets that it is found necessary to have the sewer enter the Park, and that a suitable location for the pumping station cannot be found in some other section of the city. However,
146
the proposed location is outside of the Park limits, and as any change would involve the expenditure of a large sum of money on the part of the city, it was decided, after consulting the Hon. Charles Francis Adams, the donor of the Park, to raise no objections to the project.
At Faxon Park the underbrush should be cut the coming summer, as it can be done then more effectively ; but what is needed here is a good road to allow the public to reach the Park, and some action should be taken by the proper authorities to provide one.
Skating facilities have been provided at the Ward 4 Play- ground by cutting the brush on the lowlands along the brook.
At the Ward 3 Playground some system of drainage should be devised to place the grounds in good condition and we believe that a great improvement could be made by widening and deepening the brook.
The Third Hill Reservation has been taken by the Metropolitan Water Board, the City Council assenting by pass- ing the following Resolution November 2nd, 1896.
RESOLVED : That it is the sense of the Council that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts take so much of the land on Forbes' Hill, belonging to the City of Quincy, as is designated on plan of the Metropolitan Water Works Southern High Service, dated April 1896, for the purpose of constructing a reservoir and stand-pipe thereon, provided that in consideration thereof, the Commonwealth pays to said City of Quincy the sum of $4,000 and allows the citizens of Quincy full access to the land for purpose of recreation so far as practicable, and that the City of Quincy be admitted to the Metropolitan Water District for a nominal consideration."
As the money expended in purchasing this land was part of an amount appropriated for the purchase of Playgrounds, it would seem proper that the $4,000 received from the Common- wealth be expended for more land for recreative purposes.
147
FINANCIAL STATEMENT.
DR.
Appropriation $500 00
Frank McCormick, rent of pasture
100 00
Frank McCormick, wood
3 00
James Collagan, salt hay · 10 00
$613 00
CR.
Patrick Colbert, labor on Ward 6
Playground
$28 88
Faxon Billings, labor on Ward 6 Playground
11 25
Wm. Patterson, labor on Third Hill road
7 50
Wm. Patterson, labor at Merry
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