USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1884 > Part 2
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SEWERS.
The appropriation for this department last year was $9,600. Of this sum a balance of $500 was unexpended. About one mile and a
23
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
third in length of new sewer was built, at a cost to the city of $2,828 ; 331 feet of old sewer was rebuilt, at a cost to the city of $354. The only extraordinary expense of this department last year was the removal of the deposit from the mouth of the Bridge-street sewer. This work was performed by the city of Cambridge, and five-ninths of the expense, $1,662, was paid by Somerville. We have some defective sewers in the city, which should be reconstructed or re- paired, as the case may require.
A petition for edge-stones and sidewalks in Linwood Street was pre- sented last year, but the work was not performed. Before it is done, such portion of the sewer now in the street as may be found neces- sary should be reconstructed, the water-pipes placed in good condi- tion, and the street raised to grade sixteen, as required by the statutes. No further action looking to the establishment of a metropolitan sys- tem of sewerage was taken by the last Legislature.
HEALTH.
At the request of the school committee, our board of health, after a careful inspection, made an exhaustive report in March last on the sanitary condition of our school-buildings. Many serious defects were found, some of which had existed for years, and may have been the cause of much sickness. Had the same defects been found in a private house, a remedy would have been applied at once ; but with our schoolhouses there seems to be no person who is, or feels, respon- sible for the details of their sanitary arrangements. Defects which are an offence to the eye receive prompt attention ; but those which are out of sight, though dangerous to life and health, are given hardly a thought.
If our school-buildings could all be placed under the care of some one skilled person, upon whom should rest the responsibility for defects, and for the neglect of needed repairs, a remedy would be provided for many of the troubles experienced in the past. Such person should have power to remove and employ janitors, subject to the approval of the school board ; for the carelessness and neglect of these persons is often the cause of serious trouble and danger.
A careful examination of the last two school-buildings erected in the city - the Highland and the Edgerly - convinces me of the importance of having the plans for the next one we build made by a competent person, - one well versed in sanitary matters, heating
24
ANNUAL REPORTS.
and ventilation. There are not only serious defects in the sanitary arrangements in the two buildings mentioned, but a great waste of fuel. For instance, the Highland and Edgerly Schools have con- sumed thirteen and twelve tons of coal, respectively, per room, during the past year ; while the Bell consumed but five and one-half tons, the Forster seven and one-half tons, and the Prescott six tons, per room. As a measure of economy alone, it will be seen how important it is that more care and judgment should be exercised in the con- struction of our schoolhouses. It is of vital importance that the safest sanitary arrangements, good ventilation, and the best possible heating-apparatus be secured in all our public buildings.
Persons in our city who have reason to suspect that their dwellings are in any way imperfect in their sanitary provisions should avail themselves of the services of our board of health, without waiting till sickness or death demands an investigation. The services of the inspector of the board are paid for by the city, and are rendered in any case desired without cost to the individual.
OUR FIRE-DEPARTMENT
is in good condition. A new Silsby steam fire-engine has been added to its equipment during the past year, and gives entire satisfaction. The old engine is stored in the Brastow hose-house for use as a relief, or in case the other is called to a neighboring city. The force remains substantially the same as last year.
Four portable fire-extinguishers were added to the equipment of the department last year, and two new fire-alarm boxes.
The chief engineer renews his recommendation of one year ago, in regard to the better equipment of the department in the matter of ladders. I commend his recommendation to your consideration.
SUITS AT LAW.
Our city continues remarkably free from litigation, with few suits of importance upon the docket of the solicitor. Only two cases for personal injury upon our highways are now pending. The total amounts paid in verdicts during the last eight years, on account of accidents caused by defects in our streets, have been less than $250.
The decrease in our litigation is well illustrated by the fact that there are now only twenty- three cases in all in charge of the solicitor ; whereas, in 1876, the number was 154.
25
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
POOR DEPARTMENT.
The appropriation in 1883 for this department was $14,000; receipts from other cities and towns, $1,057.53.
The disbursements were : --
For board, in private families, of 23 persons
$2,051 21
For rent for 25 families
1,171 45
Cost of maintaining 25 insane persons
3,740 40
Cost of maintaining sundry persons in public institutions
613 44
Paid other towns and cities for support of poor
2,451 80
Paid for groceries, fuel, dry-goods, boots and shoes, for poor .
3,081 14
Paid for goods supplied to poor of other towns and cities 609 79
Paid to poor having no settlement, in part reimbursed by State 399 54
Paid, as salaries and miscellaneous accounts, about
1,850 00
Total
$15,968 77
Showing an expenditure for the year of about $900 more than the appropriation and receipts. One of the members of the board has been unable to perform the duties of his office for the greater part of the past year, by reason of severe illness. The other members have attended to the additional work devolving upon them, faithfully and cheerfully. The request that some kind of a house for the accommo- dation of the poor be provided by the city is again renewed by the board, and commended to your attention. Last year, the cost for rents and boarders increased nearly $1,000.
POLICE-DEPARTMENT.
The organization of this department continues the same as it has been since 1878, and consists of a chief, captain, two sergeants, and twenty patrolmen. Some suggestions for the re-organization of the force, with a view to secure greater efficiency, have been submitted to me by the chief of the department, which I intend to present for your consideration hereafter. The appropriation for the support of the force last year was $22,500. Of this sum, a small amount remains unexpended.
LICENSES.
Our city has again voted, by a decided majority, that no licenses for the sale of intoxicating liquor shall be granted ; and this means that it is the wish of our citizens that no intoxicants shall be sold
26
ANNUAL REPORTS.
within our limits during the coming year, to be used as a beverage. We must enforce this command with all the authority and influence we possess.
WATER-WORKS.
The distribution-mains in this department have been extended about one and one-fourth miles during the past year, which, added to the length previously laid, gives a total of 47 miles, 476 feet.
Over one mile of main pipe has been relaid, a large portion of which was in Somerville Avenue, where an eight-inch main was sub- stituted for a six-inch one, which had become a source of constant trouble and expense on account of its weakness. Three new hydrants and 18 new gates were set ; 233 services were laid, an increase of 72 over the previous year. Water is now supplied to 3,618 dwelling- houses, containing 4,855 families ; to 143 model-houses, containing 493 tenements ; and to 1,302 stores, shops, manufactories, stables, churches, etc. There are now 3,838 services, aggregating 233 miles. No effort has been made to secure a modification of our water con- tract with the city of Boston during the past year.
Gentlemen of the city council, I have endeavored to set before you, briefly, the present material condition of our city and its several departments, and the work performed by your immediate predeces- sors. It will be your duty and mine to carefully study all questions relating to the interests of our municipality, which may arise during the year now before us, and to decide them according to our best judgment, without regard to personal prejudice or friendship, and free from sectional interests or selfish motives. Let nothing sway your action, for one moment, from what your conscience dictates as honest and just. You will have to labor diligently and earnestly if you hope to equal the record made by your immediate predecessors. Famil- iarize yourselves with the details of all business of the city, so far as possible, and particularly with that of the departments with which you may be immediately connected by your assignment to committees. Be masters of your work, and you will be successful.
Before closing, I desire to express to my fellow-citizens my deep gratitude for the evidence of their esteem conveyed to me in my election to this high station, for a fourth time, by a nearly unanimous
27
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
vote. To deserve the good opinion of our fellows is a laudable ambition. I am not sure that I have deserved it in the large meas- ure it has been meted to me ; but that I have received it unstintedly is certain, and the pleasure it affords more than compensates for the pain experienced in the many unpleasant duties which must be unflinchingly performed by whoever occupies an executive station. Without a desire to assume again the duties of this, or any other public office, I return to the people of Somerville my most hearty thanks for the many expressions of confidence received at their hands, and only hope that I may, in some small measure, merit a continu- ance of their good opinion till life's end.
MAYOR'S VALEDICTORY ADDRESS.
CITY OF SOMERVILLE.
IN CITY COUNCIL, Jan. 3, 1885. Referred to the next city council, to be printed in the annual reports. CHARLES E. GILMAN, City Clerk.
VALEDICTORY ADDRESS
OF
HON. JOHN A. CUMMINGS.
DELIVERED JAN. 3, 1885.
SOMERVILLE, Jan. 3, 1885.
GENTLEMEN OF THE CITY COUNCIL, - Our labors as members of the city government of Somerville for the year 1884 are closed ; and we may look back, for a moment, over the task accomplished, with the satisfaction of having performed our duties with a purpose single to the prosperity of our municipality. It has been a year of harmony and good feeling in both branches ; and every member has been able to devote his best judgment to the work of the city, without bias from selfish interests, personal prejudices, or unbalanced temper. Mistakes we may and doubtless have made ; but, in the light of the present, none of importance can be noted.
For those of our number who are to continue in the service of the city, I would bespeak the same success which has crowned their efforts in the past. May you act with the same unselfish devotion to the welfare of our good city, in the year to come, that has characterized your record throughout the year that has passed !
To you who with me now retire from the service of the city, I ex- tend my most heartfelt wishes for your future prosperity. May each one of you be blessed with all the success that deserving effort can bring, in whatever avenue of life your steps may turn ! We all, I believe, will carry with us the consciousness of having performed the public duties imposed upon us, by the favor of our fellow-citizens, with fidelity to our honest convictions of what was right and wise ; and we give way to our successors with no regrets that our official duties are ended.
32
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Eighteen of the twenty-four members of the present city council have been re-elected to the council of 1885, - a much larger pro- portion than usual. A change of nearly the entire membership of both branches is invariably a detriment to the interests of the city. Nothing but gross mismanagement would prompt the stockholders in any ordinary corporation to make a complete and sudden change in its board of directors and managers. It is a fact that the varied and complex interests of our municipal corporations suffer serious damage by reason of frequent changes in plans and policy, consequent upon frequent change of managers. Four years is not a long apprentice- ship for any man to serve in the government of our city, and it is scarcely long enough for one to acquire even a superficial knowledge of the administration of all its different departments. Yet of the twenty-four men associated with me in the government of the city four years ago, but two remain to-day. Both of these retire with the council of 1884, thus making an entire change in the membership within five years.
This frequent change in the officers elected by the people would result in greater injury to the interests of the city, were it not for the excellent though unwritten civil-service rules which have always pre- vailed in our city in the selection of all heads of departments and minor officials. Whenever I have been called upon to nominate a person for any position in the service of the city, my only anxiety has been to select from the applicants the best man for the place, without regard to political influence or personal friendship or prejudice. I have never inquired as to the political affiliation of any candidate for an appointment, and have seldom known to what party an applicant belonged. You, I believe, have followed the same rule in the choice of such officials as are elected jointly by the two branches. A faithful and efficient officer is secure in his position in the service of the city of Somerville during good behavior. Our veteran city clerk, whose record as recording officer of our town and city is unbroken by that of any other man in the United States, either in time of service or in the method and excellence of his work, is as sure to be re-elected for his forty-fourth term, on Monday next, as the sun is to rise. Our model city treasurer will have the unanimous vote of both branches for his re-election ; and the various heads of departments, city soli- citor, clerks, auditor, messenger, and every faithful and efficient em- ployee of the city, are secure from displacement through personal or political influence. Though we heartily indorse the civil-service rules
33
MAYOR'S VALEDICTORY ADDRESS.
recently promulgated by the Commonwealth, no town or city within her limits has at present less need of them.
Owing to the unusual call for expenditures in 1884, the net reduc- tion in the indebtedness of the city will be less than has been usual in other recent years. Two new schoolhouses, the new public- library building, the enactment of a law by the State requiring the city to furnish all text-books used in the schools, and the new regis- tration law, have called for about $50,000 for unusual expenses. To meet these outgoes, the surplus of $45,000, saved from the income of the years 1881-83, has been used. From this cause, the reduction in our net indebtedness will be but about $33,000 in 1884, leaving the net debt of the city Jan. 1, 1885, at about $1,068,000. In the five years from Jan. 1, 1876, when our debt was at its highest point, a reduction of $225,000 was made. In the last four years it has been reduced $290,000. At the latter rate it will require some thirteen years to wipe out our entire debt. In that time we shall have paid the entire amount of the original debt twice, the interest amounting to as much as, or more than, the principal.
Our rate of taxation, taking into consideration the valuation placed upon taxable property, has been lower during the past two years than for nine years previous. To this fact, and to the prospect of freedom from extravagance in the management of our muncipal affairs in the future, may be attributed in a large measure our rapid increase in dwellings and population.
In the past year we have renewed about $400,000 of the bonded debt, upon which we were previously paying interest at the rate of six and six and one-half per cent, at the rate of four per cent, which will effect a reduction of nearly ten thousand dollars in the amount to be raised for interest in the year to come.
A surplus of nearly, if not quite, ten thousand dollars will be left over from the appropriations of the present year, to the credit of excess and deficiency account. I congratulate the members of the council upon this result. Though it has been a year of unusual and extraordinary demands upon the treasury, every department has been conducted with such honesty and economy, that our successors will find the balance for the new year on the right side of the ledger.
The defects in the method of carrying on our municipal business make the record of our city one of great credit to the members of the several councils for the past nine years. It is a mistake to vest the authority both to raise and expend money in the same boards.
34
ANNUAL REPORTS.
The tendency is for the members of each committee to secure as large an appropriation as possible for the department with the admin- istration of which they are specially charged, and, to accomplish this purpose, the votes of other committee-men having a like ambition must be secured. While it is a laudable ambition for each committee- man to strive to make his department as perfect and efficient as pos- sible, it is not conducive to economy and low taxation that each one should have a special interest in a liberal appropriation in a particular direction. An amended city charter is the channel through which this difficulty may be remedied. The provisions in the new city charter of Waltham commend themselves to my judgment in this respect.
Originally opposed to the bill enacted by the Legislature, limiting municipal indebtedness, I have become converted to its wisdom by practical experience in the management of the affairs of a city. Nearly all the outside influence brought to bear upon a member of our city council comes from parties who desire some special expendi- ture ; and a draft upon the treasury is often secured, by plausible and persistent effort, which the general interest does not warrant. The special pressure upon the member is for liberal expenditures, - in the matter of economy he is left to his own judgment.
It would, I believe, be for the general welfare of our cities, if the Legislature should advance another step in this direction, and limit the amount to be raised annually, by taxation, for the ordinary and usual expenses of a municipality.
Our city is to be congratulated upon the excellent condition of every branch of its service. Our schools are unsurpassed in excel- lence. The police and fire departments are each under the direction of faithful and competent chiefs, with an efficient and trustworthy corps of men in their service.
There have been, recently, some sensational remarks published about our water-works ; but there is no crisis or any cause for alarm in that department, as has been suggested. A portion of the cement pipe laid some years ago, by contract, needs to be replaced. This can be done with an appropriation of ten to fifteen thousand dollars per year, taking up the poorest portion of the old pipe, and putting new iron pipe, now nearly as cheap as the cement, in its place. By this method the work will be easily accomplished without increasing the debt.
Our streets and sidewalks were never in better condition. Efficient
35
MAYOR'S VALEDICTORY ADDRESS.
work has been done in the building and improvement of our sewers ; and those unseen, but absolutely essential, requisites to our municipal prosperity are growing in usefulness from year to year.
Our board of health, from an unpopular or indifferent considera- tion in the minds of our citizens, has risen to its recognized impor- tance as an instrument of great value to our health and comfort. May its members always receive a just appreciation for the perform- ance of duties often difficult and disagreeable !
Our public library will soon be accommodated in a building com- mensurate to its needs, and in keeping with our prosperous city. As an educator to our young, its value is measureless ; and any reason- able expenditure for the increase of its usefulness will always be a paying investment.
To the several officials and heads of departments with whom I have been associated in official duties during the past four years, I desire to return my sincere thanks for the courtesy and kindness always received at your hands, and to return my acknowledgments for advice and counsel, often of great value, in the performance of the duties of chief executive.
Through life I shall carry with me pleasant memories of your faith- ful and cheerful performance of all public duties, and of your earnest devotion to the good and welfare of our thriving city.
May God bless you all with many years of prosperity and use- fulness !
REPORT
OF THE
TREASURER AND COLLECTOR OF TAXES.
CITY OF SOMERVILLE.
IN BOARD OF MAYOR AND ALDERMEN, Jan. 28, 1885.
Referred to the Committee on Finance, and sent down for concurrence.
CHARLES E. GILMAN, Clerk.
IN COMMON COUNCIL, Jan. 28, 1885.
Concurred in.
DOUGLAS FRAZAR, Clerk.
IN COMMITTEE ON FINANCE, Feb. 14, 1885.
The annual report of the treasurer and collector of taxes for the year 1884 having been referred to this committee, we have, in conjunction with the auditor, carefully examined the same, together with the books and vouchers in the treas- urer's office, making comparisons with the books of the auditor and with the statements received from the several committees, boards, and officers of the city as provided by ordinance, and find no errors in the treasurer's work. We have also verified the cash-balance by actual count and an investigation of the bank- deposits. The high standard of excellence established in the treasurer's office has been fully maintained; and we recommend that the report be accepted, and printed with the annual reports.
MARK F. BURNS, HIRAM D. SMITH, S. G. A. TWYCROSS, HERBERT C. HALL, ISRAEL C. EARLE, ALBERTO P. CLARK,
Committee.
IN BOARD OF MAYOR AND ALDERMEN, Feb. 25, 1885.
Accepted, and referred to the Committee on Printing to be printed in the annual reports. Sent down for concurrence.
CHARLES E. GILMAN, Clerk.
Concurred in.
IN COMMON COUNCIL, Feb. 26, 1885.
DOUGLAS FRAZAR, Clerk.
REPORT
OF THE
TREASURER AND COLLECTOR OF TAXES.
TREASURER'S OFFICE, Jan. 22, 1884.
To the Honorable the Mayor and City Council of the City of Somerville.
GENTLEMEN, - The undersigned presents herewith the thirteenth annual report of the financial condition of the city, and a statement showing in detail the receipts and disbursements of the several de- partments for the year ending Dec. 31, 1884.
The value of the property of the city, Dec. 31, 1883, as appears by the schedule published with the last annual reports, was $1,172,600. From this inventory there has been deducted, during the past year, the following items ; viz., Lincoln Schoolhouse, destroyed by fire Oct. 22, 1884, $6,485.42 ; Forster Schoolhouse, for 5,194 feet of land taken for the laying out and extension of Evergreen Avenue, $2,077.76. And the accessions thereto were for amounts expended to Dec. 31, 1884.
On Public-Library building . . $12,909 31
Lincoln Schoolhouse 1,018 55
" Davis Schoolhouse (Tufts Street) 9,226 89
Cummings Schoolhouse (School Street) . 12,611 12
Land on Whipple Street purchased by the city for non-
payment of taxes, under authority of chapter 242 of the Laws and Resolves of 1884 388 27
making the value of the public property, Dec. 31, 1884, $1,200,190 .- 96, as will more fully appear in Table A of the Appendix.
The funded debt of the city stands the same as at the close of last year ; viz., $1,585,000.
40
ANNUAL REPORTS.
City Loan Bonds at 62 per cent interest, amounting to
. $407,500
66
66 66 " 6 66 66
66 66 26,000
" 5} 66 66 66 20,000
Water Loan Bonds at 62 per cent interest, amounting to 15,000
5,000
Amounting in all to .
$473,500
became due during the year, and were provided for by the issue of
City Loan Bonds, Nos. 467 to 507, amounting to
$41,000
508 to 575
68,000
66
66 66 576 to 646 66
66
. 71,000
66 66 647 to 720 66
74,000
66
66
721 to 798 66
78,000
66
66
66
66 799 to 852
66
54,000
Water Loan Bonds «
200 to 202
66
3,000
66
66
“ 203 to 212
.
10,000
Amounting to .
$399,000
These bonds, bearing interest at four per cent, were offered in open market ; and it is gratifying to be able to report, that, notwithstanding the reduced rate of interest, and the comparatively short term before maturity, they were sold at a premium of $9.30 on each $1,000.
There were also issued
City Loan Bond, No. 853, for .
$12,500
854, "
52,000
66 66 " 855, "
3,000
Water Loan Bond " 213, "
7,000
Amounting to . .
$74,500
66
5 66
.
bearing interest at five per cent, which were purchased by the com- missioners of the sinking-funds at par, making in the aggregate the amount of bonds issued during the year, $473,500.
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