USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1893 > Part 3
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the cares, the responsibilities and irksome duties of your office, you will go forth from yonder City Hall able to look any man squarely in the face, respected, perchance beloved, by your fellow citizens, and better, far better than all else, with a conscience void of offense toward God and man.
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
DELIVERED BY
HON. WILLIAM H. HODGKINS, JANUARY 1, 1894.
GENTLEMEN OF THE CITY COUNCIL :
It is a cause of congratulation that we enter upon our public duties upon the first day of the New Year. I cordially greet you with the sincere wish that it may be to each of us a Happy New Year. The past has carried its record to the Judge of all the earth, and as our feet touch the boundary of another year we have suppli- cated His blessing to rest upon us and direct all our actions.
In accordance with the terms of the city charter we have sub- scribed to the oath of office, and have called Almighty God to witness that we will faithfully perform the duties which our fellow-citizens have elected us to discharge.
Appearing for the third time in compliance with the expressed wishes of my fellow-citizens to assume the obligations and responsi- bilities of this high office, I desire to return my sincere thanks for the honor conferred upon me, and for the warm and generous appreciation of my humble efforts to conduct public affairs for the best interest of the city. I accept it also as an endorsement of the views I have expressed as to the general policy to be pursued with reference to the welfare of Somerville in all that will tend to develop municipal prosperity and a lofty public spirit. With each succeed- ing year the burden of responsibility is more weighty ; and I approach this year's duty feeling more than ever my own weakness, yet rely- ing upon the promise of strength and wisdom from our Father in Heaven, who will never forsake or suffer to be misguided any who put their trust in Him.
40
ANNUAL REPORTS.
FINANCES.
The funded debt of the city January 1st, 1893, was as fol- lows :-
Funded Debt, City Loan .
$676,000
Funded Debt, Sewer Loan
43,000
Funded Debt, Paving Loan
100,000
Funded Debt, Water Loan
375,500
Total Funded Debt
$1,194,500
The debt was increased during the year by appropriations made by the City Council as follow :-
Estate of the First Congregational Socie-
ty, Central Hill $45,000
Fire Department, steam fire engine 3,000
Fire Department, land on Highland Ave. 3,000
Highways, paving Washington Street
24,000
Nathan Tufts Park
10,000
Schoolhouse (Glines) in Ward Three
1,500
Schoolhouse in Ward Four, south side of
Fitchburg R. R. 15,000
Schoolhouse, English High
80,000
Schoolhouse, Edgerly Addition
3,500
Schoolhouse, Bingham Addition
10,000
Sewers, construction
10,000
Renewals of Funded Debt
17,000
Total amount of increase
$222,000
The debt was reduced during the year by payments as fol- lows :---
Funded Debt, City Loan $115,000
Funded Debt, Paving Loan
5,000
Funded Debt, Water Loan
17,000
Total amount of reduction
$137,000
Leaving the Funded Debt of the city January 1st, 1894 $1,279,500
41
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF 1894.
(An increase of $85,000 over the previous year) classified as follows :-
City Loan Bonds bearing interest at 4 per cent ยท $351,000
66 " 4 1-2 per cent. 257,000
66 66
165,000
Paving Bonds bearing interest at 4 per ct. 95,000
60
66 Sewer Bonds bearing interest at 4 1-2 " " 18,000
66
35,000
Water Loan Bonds bearing interest at 4 per cent. 254,000
66 66 66 94,500
66
5 1-2 per ct. 10,000
Total Funded Debt January 1st, 1894
$1,279.500
The above represents the net indebtedness of the city, the un- funded liabilities, for temporary loans, etc., being equalled by its assets, which consists of uncollected taxes, sewer and sidewalk assessments, etc.
To provide for the payment of the current expenses, State and County taxes and debt requirements for the past year, the annual tax levy was made as follows :-
Real estate valuation
. $38,538,700
Personal property, valuation
3,334,900
Total valuation
. $41,873,600
A rate of $15.50 on $1,000 valuation, with 13,423 polls at $2.00 each, gives the total amount of the tax levy . $675,886.80
The appropriations provided for by the tax levy were as fol- lows :-
Fire Department
$41,000.00
Police
25,000.00
Police Station Incidentals
3,500.00
Health Department
12,000.00
Highways
60,000.00
Indigent Soldiers and Sailors
500.00
Interest
55,000.00
Miscellaneous.
7,000.00
Public Grounds
7,500.00
Public Library
5,500.00
Printing and Stationery .
6,000.00
Amount carried forward,
$223,000.00
42
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Amount brought forward, $223,000.00
Reduction of Funded Debt
75,000.00
Relief and Burial of Indigent Soldiers and Sailors
3,500.00
Salaries
34,000.00
School Contingent, Janitors' Salaries
10,000.00
School Contingent
16,000.00
School Fuel
8,000.00
Schoolhouse Incidentals
12,000.00
School Teachers' Salaries
125,000.00
Sewers, Maintenance
7,000.00
Sidewalks.
10,000.00
Street Lights
42,000.00
Support of Poor
14,000.00
Watering Streets
6,000.00
For current expenses
. $585,500.00
State of Massachusetts, State Tax .
39,225.00
Metropolitan sewer assmt. 7,996.50
Non-resident bank stock 819.95
County of Middlesex, County Tax .
32,029.82
Overlay and Abatement, for the sum added for frac- tional divisions and abatements
10,315.53
Total amount of appropriations provided for
by the tax levy .
. $675,886.80
In addition to the above, the following appropriations were made from the various income accounts, viz :-
Police, the amount received of the State for cor- poration and bank taxes . 17,108.43
Public Library, the amount received of the County for dog licenses 3,655.64
Water Maintenance, from the income of the water works 25,000.00
Water Works, construction of the water works
35,000.00
Water Loan Interest, balance of income of the water works
16,285.00
Reduction of Funded Debt
2,174.73
Total amount of appropriations for the year . $775,110.60
A careful examination of the various accounts before the books can be closed for the year warrants the statement that the total ex- penditures will be within the amount appropriated.
43
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF 1894.
The usual tables, giving a condensed history of the city's finances, are herewith presented for comparison and reference :-
YEAR.
Amount of Funded Debt.
Increase of Funded Debt.
Reduction of Funded Debt.
Tax Rate per $1,000 Valuation on account of Reduction of Funded Debt.
Town
$593,349
Dec. 31, 1872
643,354
$50,005
1873
809,354
166,000
1874
1,419,854
610,500
66
1875
1,571,854
152,000
1876
1,606,854
45,000
$55,130.62
$2.07
66
1879
1,585,000
64,915.76
3.42
1881
1,585,000
58,498.64
2.59
1882
1,585,000
61,390.59
2.65
66
1883
1,585,000
64,479.01
2.70
66
1884
1,585,000
67,719.33
2.78
66
1885
*1,525,000
71,305.66
2.87
66
1887
1,525,000
70,252.88
2.56
66
1888
*860,500
25,000
37,000.00
1.28
66
1889
952,500
130,000
38,000.00
1.27
1890
1,057,500
150,000
45,000.00
1.38
66
1891
1,045,500
45,000
57,000.00
1.55
66
1892
1,194,500
253,000
104,000.00
1.58
1893
1,279,500
222,000
137,000.00
1.79
YEAR.
VALUATION.
TAX LEVY.
RATE.
1872
$22,755,325
$274,374.45
$13.00
1873
29,643,100
389,214.48
12.80
1874
30,837,700
473,235.50
15.00
1875
31,317.000
518,161.40
16.20
1876
26,573,400
504,745.24
18.60
1877
25,479,400
471,789.14
18.10
1878
20,976,900
409,497.10
19.00
1879
18,950,100
352,553.80
18.00
1880
20,458,100
402,927.71
19.10
1881
22,569,100
452,945.45
19.50
1882
23,162,200
425,721.16
17.80
1883
23,812,900
411,645.43
16.70
1884
24,331,100
418,750.26
16.60
1885
24,878,400
428,605.44
16.60
1886
26,003,200
416,987.28
15.40
1887
27,471,800
424,309.14
14.80
1888
28,765,400
421,458.60
14.00
1889
30,004,600
440,324.40
14.00
1890
32,557,500
447,704.00
14.00
1891
36,843,400
539,137.10
14.00
1892
38,093,100
596,357.50
15.00
1893
41,873,600
675,886.80
15.50
66
1878
1,596,854
61,004.64
2.91
1880
1,585,000
55,739.35
2.72
1877
1,606,854
10,000
58,828.58
2.30
....
.. .
66,894.23
2.57
1886
1,525,000
* Sinking funds applied.
44
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Territorially, Somerville is one of the smallest cities of the State, two only, Chelsea and Everett, having less taxable acreage. The average taxable acreage of the cities of the Commonwealth is 10,457 ; Taunton, with 25,222 acres, being the largest, while Somerville numbers less than 1,900 acres, Everett 1,816, and Chelsea, the smallest, has 961. The population of Taunton averages a little more than one to the acre ; Chelsea, 31 ; Everett, 6 1-2 ; and Somer- ville, with 25 persons per acre, has more dwellings to the acre than any city or town in the State, excepting Chelsea, and nearly as many as that city. The average tax-rate in the 30 cities of the Common- wealth is $16.31, our tax being 81 cents below the average. The average tax-rate of Somerville since its incorporation as a city-a period of 22 years-has been $16.08; last year, $15.50. The low- est was $12.80, in 1873 ; the highest $19.50, in 1881.
It seems almost unnecessary that I should at this time review at length the condition of the various departments of the city. Two- thirds of last year's Government, seven members of the new Board of Aldermen and nine members of the Common Council returning with only a Sabbath's intermission from the duties and responsibili- ties of the last year's service, need not to be reminded of the various subjects which have been acted upon and completed, or have been, after more or less consideration, referred to this City Council. After one night's bivouac on the field of action, we open our eyes to behold the situation but slightly changed, with many of the same subjects still seeking or demanding solution.
It gives me pleasure to record my appreciation of the faithful service of all the Boards and heads of the city departments, the City Treasurer, City Clerk, City Solicitor, and all the employes at City Hall, without whose constant and efficient service, official life would be more difficult and burdensome than it now is. After many years of experience with many public officials, I can truly say that, in my opinion, no city in the Commonwealth has more honest, intelligent and loyal officials, and I take pleasure in thus publicly bearing wit- ness to their worth. We begin the new year without incumbrance, with no unpaid bills, and with all the departments in excellent working condition.
At this time I would impress upon your minds the wisdom of a careful scrutiny of all items of expenditure in the regular appro-
45
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF 1894.
priations and the imperative necessity of "living within our means."
I recommend to your careful consideration the proposition that the appropriations for the running expenses of the city to be raised under the twelve dollar tax limit be levied upon the average valua- tion for the past three years, instead of upon the valuation of last year alone. The law permits either course, and last year, owing to the demand for increased expenditure, it was deemed best to avail our- selves of the privilege of levying the larger amount, viz. : upon the valuation of 1892, which admitted of an appropriation of $455,632.00. Then again certain very valuable estates were to be taxed for the first time, which, together with the increase of assessed values, increased the valuation to $41,873,600.00-a gain of $3,780,500.
This year the prospect of a corresponding increase of valuation is not as promising, and if the valuation of last year shall be made the basis, the tax-rate will be likely to be increased. The basis of the average valuation for the past three years will afford an appro- priation of $463,501, an increase of $7,869.00. In addition to this should be added a considerable sum brought forward from the account of 1892 and paid from the appropriation of 1893. If this recom- mendation is carried into effect, the tax-rate will not exceed $15.00 per thousand.
The Inspector of Buildings reports that permits for the erection of 482 buildings were issued during the last year. Although this is a slight reduction compared with the year 1892-owing doubtless to the stringency of money during a portion of the year-it indicates a healthy and substantial growth of the city and adds about 2,500 to the population of the city, which is estimated to be nearly, if not quite, 50,000 souls.
One year ago there were in use in the city three oil lamps, 276 arc and fourteen incandescent lights. During the year there have been added forty-one arc and fourteen incandescent lights. Twen- ty-five incandescents have been discontinued, leaving the number at the present time 317 arc lights, three being placed on public grounds, one on Central Hill and two on Broadway Park, 211 in- candescent, and three oil lights.
46
ANNUAL REPORTS.
STREET DEPARTMENT.
During the past year the action of the Highway Committee has been in strict accordance with the course pursued the year previous, and consequently a very large amount of work has been performed. The object has been the rebuilding of thoroughfares on a lasting basis and taking care of the new streets which have been opened so rapidly in the different sections of the city; also, the temporary repair of such main streets upon which the Committees have been unable to make permanent improvements this year, but which under the general plan would receive early attention. The paving with granite blocks of Washington Street between Union Square and Medford Street, which was recommended one year ago, has been accomplished, and that portion of the street which was one of the worst in the city is now in splendid condition. The most exten- sive piece of macadamizing undertaken has been in Ward One, on Broadway ; the entire distance between the Boston Line and Cross Street has been brought to grade, changing the former dangerous grade in a portion of it ; a new foundation has been put in, and the whole covered with a wearing surface of Salem hard stone. Broadway from the boundary to the top of Winter Hill is now one of the finest streets in the vicinity. In Ward Four, Elm Street, from Davis Square to Willow Avenue, has been rebuilt with Waltham hard stone. I recommend that the work of rebuilding this street in the same manner be continued to Somerville Avenue during the present year. The calls for the building of new streets recently opened and built upon have been greater than ever before. In my opinion the Committee has responded to these demands in every ward to the full extent of the appropriation, and each section has had its equal share of improvements. A large amount of side- walk building has been accomplished, nearly 15,000 feet of edge- stones and more than 13,000 square yards of brick sidewalks having been laid.
The subject of enlarging the city stables, which was considered last year, and for which plans have been prepared and estimates procured, is one that will require your early attention. The de- partment is crippled for lack of horses and tears to do the neces- sary work, and is forced by lack of stable room to considerable ex-
47
MAYOR'S ANNUAL ADDRESS OF 1894.
pense in hiring private teams. But the principal reason for the enlargement rests in the request of the Board of Health that the ashes of the city be collected by the Highway Department. The work can be done by this department more economically and to the en- tire satisfaction of the people. It is also expected that this depart- ment will soon be called upon to provide stable room for the more efficient collection of city offal.
Arrangements for all this additional work have been provided for in the plans which were presented by the Highway Committee last summer. Owing to the stringent money market at that time the plans were not carried into effect.
On thoroughfares bearing the heavy travel, the wisest economy requires that only the best material be used. It is a waste of money to use Somerville blue-stone, and the Highway Committee of this year will do well to consider this suggestion. Our main streets should be built to wear, and only the hardest material that can be obtained is suitable for this purpose. Pearl Street and Medford Street from Cross to Central Streets are in need of immediate repairs and should be so built. This year the West End Street Railway will relay their tracks on Highland Avenue from Central Street to Davis Square. This portion of the avenue needs immediate repairs, and as the relaying of the tracks will necessitate more or less change of grade, I think the opportunity of making a first-class road-bed with hard stone surface should be improved. The experience in paving during the last two years has been so successful as to lead me to recommend that the paving of Somerville avenue from Park street to the junction of Elm street should be undertaken this year and as much of it completed as our finances will admit. This will provide a fine drive through Somerville to the Cambridge line, and by con- tinuing through Elm street, as I have previously indicated, will fur- nish a first-class highway through West Somerville to the top of Clarendon Hill. These suggestions, if carried into effect, will prove of great benefit to our city. I suggest that one or two picked men be detailed to look after and repair immediately, under the di- rection of the Superintendent of Streets, any defects which may ex- ist in our principal streets. This plan has been successfully carried out in Newton and other cities.
I cannot close this portion of my address without bearing wit-
48
ANNUAL REPORTS.
ness to the great ability and faithfulness of the late Chairman of the Highway Committee, ex-Alderman William L. Barber. In his connection with this department he has manifested traits of charac- ter, a genius for hard work, and a capacity for carrying forward large enterprises to successful completion, which entitle him to the respect and confidence of all the citizens as well as to those who have been associated with him in his difficult work.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The Department consists of two steam fire engine companies, four hose companies, one ladder company, and a new steamer for reserve, which has been obtained during the last year by purchase and exchange of an old steamer worn out in service. The number of fire alarms during the year 1893 was 92 bell and 18 still alarms. The loss by fire, as near as can be ascertained, was $31,569.35, as against $67,852, a decrease of $36,282.65, or 53 1-2 per cent. The insurance on this property was $125,950. At each alarm the fire has been confined to the building in which it originated, and in no case has the building been destroyed. The Department is in excellent condition.
During the past year the needs of the Department have been considered. A lot of land near the corner of Cedar Street and High- land Avenue has been purchased for the uses of a ladder truck when a building shall be erected to receive it. Several orders relating to the erection of a building, and one sketch of a proposed building are in the files of papers referred to this City Council, and will soon come before you for consideration. One is to erect a Central Fire Station, at an estimated cost of $20,000, on the West Somerville lot. The other is to erect the same building on the Brastow Schoolhouse lot. That a Central Fire Station is needed there can be no doubt. The exigencies of the Department require room as soon as it can be obtained. Early last year it was proposed to enlarge the present Steamer One House, but the project was not regarded with favor. Three City Councils have declined to take action on the subject of enlargement.
I referred to this matter one year ago at considerable length, and favored the erection of the Central Fire Station on the Brastow
49
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF 1894.
Schoolhouse location. Another year of careful consideration of the subject has confirmed rather than changed the views I then ex- pressed. I think that for all the purposes required of such a station this location is superior to any other mentioned. In all respects it has advantages. If the station is erected upon this site, it will fur- nish head-quarters for the Fire Department and a central location for the chemical engine and fire alarm system. In that event, a smaller and less expensive building can be erected for the ladder truck in West Somerville. I believe that public sentiment is in accord with this recommendation, and I submit the subject to your careful consideration.
The Superintendent of Electric Lines and Lights recommends that a wagon be procured for carrying tools and materials necessary for repairing breaks, or for general work on fire alarm and police wires and for dispatch in reaching places of accident. Owing to the large increase of electric wires by electric lighting, West End Street Railway trolley and numerous telephone and telegraph lines, the liability of broken wires and the danger to the public incurred thereby is greatly increased. This wagon should be kept at the head-quarters of the fire alarm system. He also suggests that a striker be put on Clarendon Hill, at the Lincoln School-house, to notify the children in that part of the city of " no school" and for fire alarm purposes.
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
It gives me pleasure to state that the Board of Overseers of the Poor fully realize the unusual demand which may be made upon them during the present winter and are cognizant of the true condi- tion and wants of any who have made known their distress. It also affords gratification to state that owing to the general character of our citizens, and the continuance of active business in the city, the number of unemployed is not nearly as large, proportionately, as in many other cities. Still, doubtless, it is a fact that an unusual number may require assistance before the winter is over. Should such be the case, I am sure the good people of our city will not murmur if the amount expended in public benefaction is larger than usual. The citizens of Somerville have never begrudged any
50
ANNUAL REPORTS.
amount, judiciously expended, to aid deserving applicants, and now, in addition to the means provided by the city, the citizens are reorganizing charitable societies and forming Associated Charities to carry forward private benevolent agencies designed to prevent pauperism and suffering.
The number partially supported during the past year was 1,091, an increase of 168 over 1892 ; number fully supported 117, an increase of eleven over 1892, five of this increase being in the number of insane. The total expenditure of this department last year was $17,800.51, an increase of $785.21 over the previous year. The number fully supported at the present time is seventy- five, an increase of ten over one year ago. Four of these are children.
At its last regular meeting the Board of Overseers voted unanimously to recommend to the City Council the purchase of a suitable site for the erection of a City Almshouse, in view of the fact that they have not been able to hire a house in accordance with authority given by last year's City Council, and inasmuch as avail- able land of sufficient area can be better procured at the present time.
I respectfully ask your consideration of this action of the Board of Overseers.
SOMERVILLE HOSPITAL.
Although this is a private and in no sense a public institution supported by the city, it is one in which Somerville may well feel an honorable pride. Its completion engaged the last labors of the Hon. Charles G. Pope, my predecessor in the mayoralty, who de- parted this life on the twenty-fourth day of April last. He lived long enough to witness its completion after long and faithful labor in perfecting its organization. It was dedicated on May 17, 1893, and was immediately occupied. Though the need of such an insti- tution has long been recognized, yet such was not fully understood until the hospital had demonstrated it by its humane and noble work. Having no endowment or stated income, it relies for sup- port principally upon the contributions of our benevolent citizens. Owing to the fact that it receives and maintains many who might otherwise be a charge upon the city, I trust the citizens will not be heedless to its calls for financial aid.
51
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF 1894.
POLICE DEPARTMENT.
No changes have occurred in this department during the year. The comparative freedom from crime which we have enjoyed is due in a large degree to the efficiency of the police force. The de- partment is well conducted and can be relied upon for a faithful discharge of duty.
Owing to the large number of new streets, which necessitates longer routes, I think the force should be increased by the appoint- ment of three additional patrolmen. I recommend this action after frequent interviews with the Chief in relation to the efficiency of the force. I concur in his recommendation that the signal system be extended to provide for two more circuits and three additional boxes, and that a matron to take care of female prisoners be appointed.
I renew in another form a recommendation made one year ago, in regard to retiring aged and faithful patrolmen, who have served fifteen or twenty years, and are unfitted for street duty by reason of age. Authority for this action must be granted by statute, and I recommend that the Mayor be authorized to petition the Legislature for the enactment of a law which shall confer this power upon the City Council.
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