USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1888 > Part 2
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24
ANNUAL REPORTS.
STREET LIGHTS.
There have been located during the past year seventy electric lights in the streets. It will cost to use these seventy lights this year, at the present price, $9,450. By examining the annual reports, it will be seen that the amount to be expended for elec- tric lights is more than has ever been used in maintaining the entire system of street lighting, or as much as it would cost to maintain five hundred additional gas lights. It will need for this department this year, with the lights that are now in use, an appropriation of $17,000.
Realizing that the electric lights are furnished by a local com- pany, that many of the stockholders are influential citizens, as well as personal friends, that it seems to be the desire of the people that the streets should be lighted in this way, and that local pride and ambition can be satisfied in no other, still duty obliges me to again caution the City Council not to go too fast in the matter of electric lights. It would seem that the city, as well as the company, ought to be satisfied for the present with the number already located.
Thus far the lights have not been entirely satisfactory, owing, it is supposed, to a lack of power to run the necessary machinery. This defect will soon be remedied, and, no doubt, the service will be satisfactory in every particular.
In regard to placing electric light, telegraph, and telephone poles in the streets, recent events would seem to show the importance of the views expressed in the inaugural address of last year, to which you are respectfully referred. It is true that the telephone poles in Medford and Linwood Streets are un- usually large, but smaller ones may be objectionable to some. Property owners should have the right to object, and their wishes should be respected, if possible. The Board of Aldermen is not obliged to give away a valuable franchise to please any corpora- tion or body of stockholders. It should not, in my opinion, locate an electric light or horse railroad, unless the city can afford it, and the public convenience and necessity require it.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
There has been no increase of the fire apparatus, or of the manual force in this department, during the past year. Twenty-
25
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
six new fire hydrants have been put in, making 46 added in two years, and the total number in the city 367. The city of Boston has placed new hydrants on the main pipe which passes through this city, at our request, as has also the city of Cambridge on that portion of our territory which it supplies with water. They are post hydrants, and of the same size of those used by our city. This is a great improvement, and one which will be appreciated by every one interested in the department. The city is now so well supplied with hydrants that a special appro- priation is no longer necessary.
The working force should be increased by the addition of a new hose company, to be located in the vicinity of the Middlesex Bleachery, of course requiring a new hose house.
The question of making this addition has been discussed in the City Council for two years; but the improvement has not yet been made, and for this delay the Mayor is undoubtedly respon- sible, as a majority of the members of the City Council seemed to favor it, but even the Mayor recognizes its importance and would recommend the addition. It is hoped that it can be done this year.
I would also recommend that the hose carriages now in use be exchanged for light wagons. Our heavy carriages, with reels, painted in high colors, with brass and silver-plated trimmings, are the relics of the volunteer system.' The volunteer was proud of his machine and liked to have it shine. He loved to work on it and show it to his friends, but that time has gone by. The paid department does not join military processions or make displays in any way. The paid fireman is hired to work, and he wants handy and serviceable tools to work with. A wagon, with the necessary amount of hose and other fire implements, can be hauled as easily with one horse as the carriages now in use can be with two. It is evident that if the change is made there will be quite a saving in labor and money.
POLICE.
The police force was increased in 1887 by the addition of four men. It consists at present of one chief, one captain, three sergeants, and twenty-five patrolmen. This seems to be as large
26
ANNUAL REPORTS.
a force as the city can afford at the present time, and it is in complete working order as far as discipline is concerned, and although excellent as far as it goes, it must be admitted that it is small.
. It would be a great addition to the strength and efficiency of this department if it could have a signal service, such as is in use in Worcester, Lynn, or Boston. The first cost of such a service would be less than five thousand dollars, and the cost of main- tenance very little. I am satisfied that it would be worth as much to the force as the addition of five men. It is hoped the present City Council will carefully investigate this subject, ex- amine the different systems, and establish some one of them in our city.
WATER-WORKS.
For several years the cost of maintaining the water-works and the extension of the water mains have been charged to the same account. On account of the rapid increase of population, or the erection of new dwelling-houses, requiring an extension of the pipes, and the fact that the cement pipes which were first laid are worn out and often break, the expenses of this department have rapidly increased. The cost of maintenance in 1878 was $6,376; in 1887 it was $25,400. The amount received from the city of Boston on account of the water contract has increased from $11,584.89 in 1878 to $42,650.57 in 1887; over $20,000 of this increase is owing to the new contract procured in 1886, and the balance to the increase of the number of those who use the water.
The cement pipe now in use must soon be replaced with iron pipe. Some streets have already been relaid, and others should be this year. For this purpose, and the ordinary cost of main- tenance, all the money which can be spared from the tax levy will be required, without extending the mains. At the same time, the works must be extended to meet the improvements which are constantly being made, and to satisfy the just de- mands of those who require the water.
The only way that occurs to me to supply the demands of this department is to borrow the money which will be required for the extension of the water-works on funded debt account.
27
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
We have legislative authority to borrow $55,000, in addition to that which has been borrowed heretofore, and I see no good reason for not taking advantage of it. The same argument is good now that controlled the authorities when the works were first put in. There is no good reason why all of the cost of con- structing new works should be paid in one year. The cost of maintaining this department, as well as all other city depart- ments, must all be paid this year; but we can distribute the amount required for permanent improvements, which will be as valuable to us in the future as they are to-day, over a large number of years, thereby giving us the benefits of these im- provements immediately, without assuming too heavy a burden. I therefore recommend that the amount required for the exten- sion of the water-works be borrowed on funded debt account.
SCHOOLS.
There are 108 public schools in the city, which are under the charge of 123 teachers. At present there are 375 scholars in the High School, 2,480 in the grammar schools, and 2,065 in the primary schools. The average daily attendance has been 4,878, an increase over last year of just 200. The amount expended in 1887 was for
School teachers' salaries
$84,016 11
School contingent
15,900 00
School-house incidentals 13,633 93
School fuel
5,475 00
School-house - Ward 3
7,273 15
School-house - Ward 4
7,566 20
Total $133,864 39
or $26 for each of the 5,000 pupils who have attended the schools at some time during the year.
To support the schools it required over one third of the entire tax levy, or $4.87 of the tax rate. It must be admitted that Somerville is very liberal in its expenditure for public schools.
The two school-houses, one on Lowell Street, in Ward Three, and one on Cherry Street, in Ward Four, which were begun in 1886, were completed in 1887. They are substantial and com- modious buildings, well finished and furnished, and are thought,
28
ANNUAL REPORTS.
by some, to be the best buildings for school purposes in the city. The cost of each, including land, was about $15,000. Another similar building is very much needed in Ward Four.
No part of the city, however, is so poorly supplied with school buildings as the Prospect Hill District, which takes in the whole of Ward Two and a part of Ward One. This district, which contains two-fifths of all the school children in the city, has but one large grammar school building and one grammar master, while in the other districts there are four. In this district there are two thousand scholars, and one thousand or less in each of the others. In my opinion, when a locality contains one thou- sand pupils it should be made into a school district, the schools organized and placed in charge of a grammar master. I am not satisfied that justice is being done to the school children of Ward Two. The district should be divided, and another grammar school building of twelve rooms erected immediately. It seems to me we shall make a great mistake if we build another small school-house in this ward, as contemplated by the City Council of 1887. For further information upon the subject you are referred to the forthcoming report of the School Committee; and let me here remark that it is the duty of all members of the City Council to read carefully all reports of committees and boards, and note their recommendations.
To provide for the rapidly-increasing school population, we must soon make an addition to the High School Building. There are now 375 pupils attending the school, and by another year we shall be unable to accommodate those who will apply for admis- sion. All of these buildings should be erected as soon as possible. It certainly is the duty of the City Council to provide suitable accommodations for the school children. They must be educated, let the cost be what it will. Our School Board is composed of interested and educated men, - men who are not only capable of organizing the schools and preparing a course of study, but who realize the importance of education. Physicians, ministers, lawyers, teachers, and business men find a place upon the School Committee, and, in conducting its affairs, it is natural that their experience in their own business should affect their actions. The minister or elocutionist is apt to feel that too little time is spent in teaching the pupil how to read properly; the architect or
29
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
engineer thinks more attention should be paid to drawing; the man who is proud, or ashamed, of his own hand-writing, would have more time spent in teaching penmanship, and the one who loves music thinks we cannot spend too much time or money in teaching the pupils how to sing; the merchant says more book- keeping; the mathematician says more arithmetic ; the historian, more geography and history; while the member who has spent his whole life in study, and has graduated from high institutions of learning, insists upon thoroughness in all studies, believes in percentage, and would have perfect system, and every pupil ranked according to his scholarship. He believes that in the public schools, which are carried on at public expense, the foundation for a thorough education should be laid, although he knows, or ought to know, that nearly all of the scholars must leave school as soon as they are large enough to work, and begin to earn their own living. It seems clear to me that our aim should be to prepare every child for the duties of citizenship. They should pursue those studies that will best enable them to support themselves and those who will be dependent upon them. There are some, whose parents are wealthy, who spend more time in procuring an education. How far the authorities are justified in carrying this latter class, at the public expense, is a question that is now agitating the minds of thinking men. Another great question is whether or not the most useful branches, taking everything into consideration, are taught in the public schools. It may seem to some that the time has come when the School Committee should consider the question, whether or not it is our duty to teach children how to work as well as how to read. Should not the girls be taught to sew, and the boys to use the axe and the hammer ? These questions will be considered by the committee during the year ; they are care- ful, able men who are interested in the schools and in the city. No doubt they will secure the best results from their expendi- tures. In my opinion, as every parent is obliged to contribute his share toward the support of public schools, no branches should be taught except those which will be of substantial benefit to every single scholar. Property should not be taxed to educate in the higher branches the children of wealthy people.
30
ANNUAL REPORTS.
POOR.
The appropriation for the support of the poor was $14,000 in 1887, and less than $12,000 was expended. The Board of Over- seers are certainly entitled to the gratitude of the people for the careful and business-like manner in which their duties are per- formed. Great credit is also due to the agent of the board. Your attention is again called to the necessity of an almshouse. We are now supporting at least thirty paupers who are fit sub- jects for an almshouse. Some of these are now boarded in pri- vate families, some in state institutions, and some in almshouses which belong to other cities or towns. It is our duty to know absolutely that the unfortunate poor are made comfortable. They must be properly clothed, have enough to eat, and be kept warm ; they must be cared for when sick, and provided for when well. The only way to be sure of this is to keep them in our own house and have our own responsible agents look out for them. The recommendation of last year is renewed, - that an almshouse be built on the land on Broadway, owned by the city and known as the City Farm.
HIGHWAYS, SIDEWALKS, AND SEWERS.
Last year $38,000 was expended on the highways. With this amount 7 1-10 miles of street have been graded, and 8,228 feet of edgestone set. Over $22,000 was paid for labor.
Laying so much track by the Horse Railway Company caused the committee to grade some streets that otherwise would not have needed repairs for some time to come, and by reason of this increased expense they were obliged to neglect some which required attention. It is hoped that whoever has charge of this department this year will spend the appropriation in putting some of our old streets in good condition. In our anxiety to secure something new let us not neglect that which we already have.
The sidewalk appropriation was $3,500, and the usual amount was laid.
Five thousand eight hundred and ninety-three and five-tenths feet, or one and one-tenth miles of sewers have been built during the past year, making the length of the system of public sewers
31
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
in the city forty and five-tenths miles. The entire cost of new construction the past year was $8,711.86. Of this amount, $6,226.92 has been assessed on abutters, and $2,444.94 assumed by the city. The cost of the whole system up to the present time is nearly $750,000.
CITY HALL AND PUBLIC GROUNDS.
In 1887, $6,720 was expended in grading and building walks on Central Hill. No doubt the residents in that vicinity, as well as all other citizens, are gratified with the result. The hill should be made more attractive, and can be by using a small amount of money. It should be grassed over, walks laid out, and shade trees planted to complete the improvement.
It is hoped that this City Council will also feel like completing the improvements on the City Hall. It should be done, and we are able to do it. You are respectfully requested to read what is said upon this subject in the inaugural address of 1886.
GENTLEMEN OF THE CITY COUNCIL : --
I have now spoken to you at some length on the financial con- dition of the city and its requirements, making some recommen- dations in connection therewith which seem to me to be very important, as they bear directly on the great question of taxa- tion. I have also briefly stated to you some suggestions which occurred to me as necessary in connection with the various departments. It will be your privilege, if you think them of sufficient importance, to consider them as well as to investigate recommendations that those who elected you will be likely to make. In deciding these questions we shall not need the aid of the lobby-member, the politician, nor those who are financially interested in the particular matter which happens to be under discussion ; but without their advice, after due deliberation and careful investigation, decide upon that course which will best advance the material interest of the city. It is more than likely that we shall not always be able to satisfy the demands or meet the expectations of our constituents, but this we can do: We can apply ourselves to the business in hand, and exercise our best judgment in deciding questions that affect the welfare of
32
ANNUAL REPORTS.
the city. Remember that it is easier to spend a dollar than to save a cent. The man who points out the way to save a small sum is more useful than the one who shows how a large amount may be expended. The citizen who can advise how better re- sults may be obtained, or how work may be more economically done, renders more valuable assistance than the one who always studies how the city's funds may be disposed of.
The valuable public servant is the one who takes the public business home to himself, considers himself personally responsi- ble for every part of it, manages it exactly as though it was his own, and regards every tax bill and every assessment bill which he causes to be distributed as a demand for the payment of a just and honest debt. It is our business to know that it is a just and an honest one. We may feel at times that we shall not receive credit for the constant effort and application necessary to fulfil all of our obligations ; but it is the only way in which a man can satisfy himself.
And now, gentlemen, I shall be ready at all times to co-oper- ate with you in conducting the business of your departments, and you will allow me to expect to receive your assistance in conducting the affairs of mine. My experience teaches me that it is necessary for us all to work together, if we would meet the expectations of those who have selected us for these important positions. They evidently believe us to be honest, earnest, and capable. Let the records show at the end of the year that their confidence has not been misplaced.
REPORT
OF THE
TREASURER AND COLLECTOR OF TAXES.
CITY OF SOMERVILLE.
IN BOARD OF ALDERMEN, Jan. 23, 1889.
Referred to committee on finance, and sent down for concurrence.
GEO. I. VINCENT, Clerk.
IN COMMON COUNCIL, Jan. 23, 1889.
Referred to committee on finance in concurrence.
CHAS. S. ROBERTSON, Clerk.
IN COMMITTEE ON FINANCE, Feb. 8, 1889.
To the City Council of Somerville: - The committee on finance, to which was referred the annual report of the treasurer and collector of taxes for the year 1888, reports that the treasurer's books have been examined by this committee, and compared with the books of the auditor, also with the statements received from the several committees, boards, and officers of the city.
We have also verified the amount of cash on hand by actual count, and by the reports from the officers of the banks of deposit, and have discovered no errors.
The committee found that the books and accounts of the treasurer were kept in a neat and business-like manner. We, therefore, recommend that the report be accepted and printed in the annual reports for 1888.
CHARLES G. POPE, GEORGE D. WEMYSS, GEORGE A. KIMBALL, ALBERT W. EDMANDS, EDWIN A. WILCOX, L. ROGER WENTWORTH, WM. E. PULSIFER, WM. A. HUNNEWELL,
Committee.
IN BOARD OF ALDERMEN, Feb. 13, 1889.
Accepted and referred to the committee on printing, to be printed in the annual reports. Sent down for concurrence.
GEORGE I. VINCENT, Clerk.
Concurred in.
IN COMMON COUNCIL, Feb. 13, 1889.
CHARLES S. ROBERTSON, Clerk.
CITY OF SOMERVILLE.
TREASURER'S OFFICE, Jan. 19, 1889.
To the Honorable the Mayor and City Council of the City of Somerville.
GENTLEMEN,- The undersigned presents herewith the seven- teenth annual report of the financial condition of the city, and a statement showing in detail the receipts and disbursements of the several departments for the year ending Dec. 31, 1888.
The value of the property of the city, Dec. 31st, 1887, was $1,265,281.05, and the accessions thereto during the year were as follows : --
Land on Concord Square $4,903.50
Water-Works extension 19,338.89
The lot of land on Bond Street, valued at $2,500.00, having been sold during the year, leaves the value of the public property Dec. 31, 1888, as per Table A, $1,287,023.44.
The funded debt of the city Dec. 31, 1888, as per Table B of the last annual report, was $1,525,000.00.
Acting under the provisions of Ordinance No. 5, the Com- missioners of the Sinking Funds on March 23, 1888, delivered to the city the entire amount of funds held by them for the payment of the debt at its maturity, consisting of bonds of the city, amounting to $652,500.00 and $1,812.66 in cash; in all, $654,312.66.
There was appropriated and put into the tax levy the sum of $35,187.34, making the total amount applied to the reduction of the funded debt
$689,500 00
Leaving the net funded debt
$835,500 00
36
ANNUAL REPORTS.
The only increase of the funded debt during the year was for the extension of the Water-Works; for which purpose the following bonds, bearing interest at four per cent., were issued :- Water Loan Bonds, Nos. 278 to 290, $1,000
each, payable annually 1889 to 1901, $13,000
Water Loan Bonds, Nos. 291 to 302, $1,000 each, payable annually, 1907 to 1918, 12,000
$25,000 00
making the net funded debt Dec. 31, 1888, as will more fully appear in Table B . $860,500 00
City Loan Bonds, Nos. 439 to 461 at 5 per cent int. 23,000 00
יי. Nos. 467 to 507 at 4 per cent int. 41,000 00
Amounting to $64,000 00 became due during the year, and to provide for the amount which the city was authorized to renew, the following new bonds, bearing interest at the rate of four per cent, were issued :- City Loan Bonds, Nos. 887 to 909, payable July 1, 1894 23,000 00 · City Loan Bonds, Nos. 910 to 913, payable July 1, 1897 4,000 00
Amounting to $27,000 00
To provide for the payment of the State and county taxes, the reduction of the funded debt, and the expenses of the city for the year 1888, the assessors' warrant was received for the tax levy assessed upon the polls and estates of the inhabitants as follows, viz. : - Real estate, valuation . $26,488,200 00
Personal property, valuation 2,277,200 00 .
Total valuation
. $28,765,400 00
At a rate of $14.00 on $1,000 valuation
Amounting to
402,715 60
2,108 property polls.
7,263 single polls.
9,371 polls at $2 each
18,742 00
2 polls (women) at $0.50 each 1 00
Total amount of tax levy
$421,458 60
37
REPORT OF TREASURER AND COLLECTOR OF TAXES.
Received from the Commissioners of the Sinking Funds for the reduction of the funded debt . 654,312 66 Received from the city of Boston for return on water contract on 1887 account 3,188 30
Received from the city of Boston for return on water contract on 1888 account 47,224 27
Received from all other sources .
.
74,253 94
making the total amount of resources for the year ending Dec: 31, 1888 . $1,200,437 77
The appropriations, credits, disbursements, and balances of the various accounts were as follows : -
Accounts. Appropriations.
Expenditures
Additional Credits. and Balances.
City Hall Improvement: -
Appropriation
$3,000 00
Expended
$2,953 95
Unexpended balance
46 05
Fire Department: -
Appropriation .
27,000 00
Received for old materials $100 33
Expenditures .
26,743 88
Unexpended balance
356 45
Health Department: -
Appropriation .
4,500 00
Received for permits, licenses, etc., 226 00 .
Expenditures . 5,024 21
Expended in excess of appropria- tion, etc. 298 21
Highways: - '
Appropriation ·
44,000 00
Received for labor and materials 2,957 73
Expenditures .
46,606 05
Unexpended balance
351 68
Hose House in Ward Four:
Appropriation 10,000 00
Expended
·
2,513 40
Balance to be expended in 1889 7,486 60
38
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Accounts. Appropriations. Additional Expenditures and Balances.
Indigent Soldiers and Sailors :
Appropriation
$500 00
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