USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1894 > Part 4
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An important subject which should receive your early attention is the question of how to reach that portion of Somerville south of the Fitchburg Railroad and west of Park street-the portion known as the "George W. Durell School district." The subject of reaching it by an overhead foot-bridge and by a subway was considered by the Highway Committee last year, but no definite result was recorded. The assessed valuation of real estate in that section is $571,800. It is a section cut off in a large measure from communication with the westerly part of the city. When the new schoolhouse was built, it was for the stated purpose of preventing the scholars from crossing the track at Kent street, but while the children living on the south side are not obliged to cross, the order has been reversed, and the children from the north side who are obliged to attend the new school are forced to cross, and naturally take the shortest path - across the track at Kent street. It seems to me that the subject of building a road-bridge in Kent street should receive your early and favorable consideration.
53
MAYORS, INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF 1895.
SEWERS.
The City' Engineer has forwarded to me a communication of too great a length to be inserted in this address, in relation to the sewer system of the city and its needs. It will be presented to the City Council at an early day. Two miles of sewers have been built during the past year at:a cost of $15,901.20. The total length of the system is 58.59 miles, and the total cost has been $785,000.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The manual force of this department when complete consists of 102 men, including the acting laddermen on Ladder No. 2, who have not as yet received full appointment, it having been thought best that they should serve a short probationary term. Total permanent men, 22 ; call men, 80. Nine vacancies now exist in the call force. Eight permanent men were added to the force last year. The importance of a sufficient number of permanent men employed in order that no piece of apparatus will go to a fire without a nucleus of men to put it in immediate operation cannot be denied and should receive the at- tention of the City Council. One hundred and eight bell alarms and 23 still alarms have been given during the year. The total loss by fire has been $31,112; insurance on the property amounted to $63,451.
All the recommendations in relation to this department contained im the inaugural address of 1894 have been carried into effect, viz. : The erection of a central fire station on the Brastow Schoolhouse lot ; of a hook and ladder house on Highland avenue ; the purchase of a site of a steamer station in Ward One ; the purchase of a chemi- cal engine, additional equipments for the new houses and the exten- sion of the fire-alarm system, have been carried into effect. In no year has the Fire Department been provided with such buildings and appliances. It affords me pleasure to have the Chief Engineer say that "the central fire station is in every way equal to that owned by any city in the State, and one in which any citizen can take pride." Prominent citizens have expressed gratification that it is a building erected with the idea " that Somerville has a future."
The Chief Engineer calls attention to the fact that owing to the in- creasing number of tall buildings and apartment houses, it may soon be necessary to procure an aerial ladder truck. Room for this, as
54
ANNUAL REPORTS.
well as the relief engine, is provided for in the new central fire station. He recommends that a building be erected on the lot of land purchased for that purpose on Broadway, opposite Franklin street, to furnish room for a steam fire engine, wagon and other appa- ratus. He states that it is needed there, as the gravity water pressure is not maintained when several streams are taken from hydrants. Steam is necessary to furnish effective streams. The department is in effective condition.
POLICE DEPARTMENT.
That this department is admirably conducted may be inferred from the immunity from crime during another year. The faithful and efficient service rendered by the Chief in the execution of the re- sponsible duties of his office has been of great assistance to me. My recommendation of last year for the appointment of three additional patrolmen, and a matron to take exclusive care of female prisoners, was confirmed by the City Council, as that to provide additional boxes and circuits. The force numbers forty-two men, rank and file.
The Chief is of the opinion that a reserve force of six or eight men should be established under the laws, the men to be under pay only when employed. Such a force is needed from which to detail men to take the place of regular men when absent from duty. The usual number of men could thus be kept on duty, and no route or section would be neglected. He wishes to establish a system of keeping a good reserve of the regular men, who, when not on the streets, will be at the station at night or other time of the day for fire and other emergency calls. To carry this into effect, he would need the rooms now occupied by the Somerville Light Infantry. I favor this sugges- tion. The military company is in need of better accommodations. The Adjutant-General has reduced the rental of the rooms to $300 per annum for this reason. I recommend that an effort be made to find more suitable quarters for the company. Our citizens look upon the company with commendable pride. It is our only active military organization, and should be provided with more adequate accommo- dations. The ambulance has been placed in the police department, and already 90 calls have been made for its service.
Mrs. Mary A. Staples was appointed matron, and her calls have been promptly made. She is kind to the female prisoners, and faith- ful in the discharge of her duties.
55
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF 1895.
There are some patrolmen-two or three in number - who should be provided with some light work, or retired. Their places on the street could be taken by men in the reserve force, should it be established. With this exception the force will compare favorably with any of its numbers in the State.
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
During the early part of the year the Board of Overseers of the Poor were actively engaged, owing to the general depression of busi- ness, and consequent hard times. Many men were out of employ- ment and required some assistance. The Board has aided 1,188 per- sons, representing 268 families, an increase of 294 persons and 30 families, compared with 1893.
There are now 56 insane patients in the State lunatic hospitals and private families, and 27 sane persons are being supported in out- of-town almshouses and private families.
The finances of the Board have been well managed, the net ex- penses of the department being about $17,000.
The Board at its last meeting expressed the earnest desire that something may be done at the beginning of the present year in re- gard to providing a suitable house for the unfortunate poor. If an almshouse were ready for occupancy to-day, there are nearly 50 per- sons who would be admitted at once. The hope of the overseers to obtain an almshouse has been long deferred. Year after year a similar request has been made, but nothing of a definite nature has been accomplished. To my mind there is an element of pathos in the attitude of these successive Boards. They have pleaded for the poor. Some one has said, "The recommendation for an almshouse in Somer- ville is a safe one to make." These overseers are business men, identified with the interests of Somerville. They have had experience in the care of the poor. Personally, I have no doubt that the present system of boarding out the poor is much the cheaper method. But is it the wisest and most humane method? Is it best for the good name of Somerville? Before making a formal recommendation upon this subject, I suggest that the overseers be authorized to hire a house for the proper accommodation of those needing full support, if a suit- able one can be found in the city.
56
ANNUAL REPORTS.
During the year many persons have been aided with money, cloth- ing and work, and others kept from pauperism and city relief by the Board of Associated Charities, organized a little more than a year ago. This body dispenses in a practical and effective manner the private contributions of the charitable. It receives no appropriation from the city, but labors in harmony with all organizations for the re- lief of the indigent.
SOMERVILLE MYSTIC WATER BOARD.
This Board has been actively employed during the year in the regular work of the department, and in relaying with cast-iron pipe nearly five miles of streets, replacing old cement pipe of sizes ranging from two to eight inches. The length of pipe extended is about two and one-fourth miles. The net increase of hydrants set has been 61, or nearly twice the net increase for 1893, and 361 service pipes have been put in, the total length being 7,890 feet.
The new regulations relative to services, which were adopted by the Board early in 1894, provide for the laying of the pipes to the street line only, thus causing a decrease in number of feet laid from that of previous years.
The work of principal importance has been the relaying with cast- iron pipe of Somerville avenue, from Central street to Elm street, about 1,720 feet ; Elm street, from Somerville avenue to Willow ave- nue, about 2,800 feet; Highland avenue, from Walnut street to Central street, about 2,900 feet ; Summer street, from Preston street to Cherry street, extending the same to Willow avenue, about 5,000 feet ; Marshall street, from Broadway to Pearl street, about 1,675 feet. There has also been laid new pipe in Wallace, Irving, Orchard, Craigie streets and Linden avenue, over 1,000 feet each ; and a large number of streets requiring an average of 500 feet each.
ELECTRIC LIGHTS AND LINES.
The Superintendent reports that during the year 30 arc and 21 incandescent lights have been added, and 22 incandescent lights have been discontinued. The number of arc lights added the year before was 41, or 11 more than the number added last year. There are now in use 348 arc, 209 incandescent, and three oil lamps.
57
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF 1895.
The fire alarm has been transferred to the central fire station, the entire upper story being devoted to electrical apartments. A large battery room, capable of holding 1,000 jars, provides for the future growth of the city, and prevents the past crowded condition of the room.
A new eight-circuit repeater has been put in, with two bell circuits combined. The circuits have been increased from three to seven, thus affording a better protection to the city. Formerly, if a break occurred, one third of the city was left unprotected until the trouble on the line could be remedied ; now, by arrangement of boxes and lessening of territory covered by each circuit, but a small portion is left unprotected during a break or trouble on the line.
A bell of 3,000 pounds has been placed on the new central fire station ; also one on Hook and Ladder No. 2, Highland avenue. Five new alarm boxes have been put in circuit during the year. The fire alarm is one of the best in the State. New boxes are needed in the isolated parts of the city, and a striker to take the place of the bell formerly on the Unitarian Church, now placed on Hook and Ladder No. 2. Either the old or the new High School would be a good loca- tion for such a striker. A horse and wagon for use in repairing breaks, conveying material, and dispatch in reaching trouble on the line, is much needed. There is ample room for this team at the central fire station.
SUGGESTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.
In view of the reports of the departments to which I have referred, I recommend to your careful consideration and favorable action : -
1. The request of the School Board for the erection of a twelve- room grammar schoolhouse in West Somerville, on Holland street, near Simpson avenue ; the erection of a four or six-room building in connection with the Prescott School; an appropriation of $3,500 for fitting up the manual training school in the English High School ; an appropriation for furnishing the English High School. This school will, in addition, require $7,500 for teachers' salaries, and $4,000 for equipment of books and apparatus. As considerable time will be re- quired to manufacture the furniture, it seems desirable that this appro- priation should be made as soon as possible.
58
ANNUAL REPORTS.
2. The recommendation of the Superintendent of the Fire Department for the erection of a steamer house on the land on Broad- way, purchased for that purpose.
3. The appointment of a special committee to take immediate action to secure for Somerville some of the advantages to be derived from the boulevard proposed by the Metropolitan Park Commission. Both the City Solicitor and Mayor have been endeavoring to secure some considerations of the claims of this city, but an active committee is needed to assist in this work.
4. The organization of a reserve force in the Police Department, and providing another armory for the Somerville Light Infantry. I also recommend that the room occupied by Justice Story in the court building be put in better condition.
5. The paving of Medford street, from the Cambridge line to Somerville avenue, and such action with reference to other streets in that locality as shall commend itself to your good judgment.
6. That an additional appropriation of $3,000 be made to com- plete the $6,000 required to furnish necessary stacks for books in the Public Library, in order that this work may be completed at an early day, and that arrangements be made as soon as possible to provide room that will be imperatively demanded when the stacks are com- pleted. My views on this subject were fully set forth one year ago. I am in hearty sympathy with the project, and at no far distant day I hope to recommend a definite plan with reference to its execution in accordance with the desires of the trustees and the people.
7. The Board of Health will require more money in con- sequence of the additional work to be performed in the maintenance of a stable. The old city stable has been placed in care of this Board, and the public may be assured that the removal of ashes and offal will be conducted promptly and in a satisfactory manner. The recommendation of the Board of Health of 1892 will be included in the new order of things, and Wyatt's pit will be used as a dumping ground.
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MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF 1895.
NEW CITY HALL.
The views stated in my address one year ago in relation to this subject have undergone no change, and I do not know that I could express them in stronger language, although the condition of affairs is worse to-day than it was at that time. Nothing that I said that day was received with so many manifestations of approval. When- ever the building shall be erected it should be provided for by money borrowed on a long loan. Our $12 limit does not provide more than enough to meet our current expenses, and the basis of our borrowing capacity does not afford us much more than is needed for the improve- ments carried into effect on funded debt account. It has been so every year and will so continue. The Legislature has always mani- fested a willingness to permit cities to borrow on long time, beyond the debt limit, for much needed public improvements. We could not have paved Somerville avenue in one year by any other method.
I believe that the only thing lacking in the public spirit of the citizens of Somerville is the determination to develop and exhibit itself. It must have some centre of attraction. In my opinion it must grow up around this hill and centre here. This is the centre. From the organization of the town and for many years it was the religious centre, here, in this very house. For 42 years it has been the centre of advanced public school education. Since the organization of the city it has been the centre of civil government. Our Public Library is here. The memorials of patriotism should be here. Here, on this very summit, -the Shiloh of the town, -we shall yet witness the development of what is grand and inspiring, and patriotic in the public spirit of Somerville. I commend this subject to your careful consideration.
GENTLEMEN OF THE CITY COUNCIL : -
I have claimed your attention longer than I intended, but not longer than a cursory glance at the affairs our city seems to demand. Much has been omitted, which, perhaps, to your minds, may be re- garded of equal, if not superior, importance to the topics I have re- ferred to. They will commend themselves to you as you go forward in the duties which we have now sworn to perform. We came here as citizens, we shall go out public servants. The citizens have
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
entrusted the welfare of the city to our watchful care and conscien- tious votes, and we have accepted the trust. Let none of us disappoint any who have placed confidence in us. I look forward with great hope, and at the same time, deep solicitude. Many problems yet unsolved in the public mind await our judicious action. The tendency is always strong to legislate along the lines of ward limits. Naturally we are glad to do pleasant things for the benefit of neighbors and friends, but now that we have subscribed to the oath of office, we are expected to act for the best interest of the entire city. The welfare of the city is the welfare of all the wards. The city is greater than the wards. The city is not made up of, but is divided into wards. The greater includes the less. The city is the unit. Somerville claims us now. Somerville, with its teeming population, with all its great and multiplied interests, Somerville - its good name, its reputation, its municipal honor- demands all that is best in us. We will sink all personal and local considerations, and labor, doing with our might what our hands find to do, early and late, in the storms of misunder- standing and prejudice, if they befall us, as well as in the pleasant sunlight of appreciated service, remembering that "whosoever will be the chiefest shall be servant of all."
REPORT
OF THE
TREASURER AND COLLECTOR OF TAXES.
(5)
·
CITY OF SOMERVILLE.
IN BOARD OF ALDERMEN, January 30, 1895-
Referred to Committee on Finance, and sent down for concurrence.
GEORGE I. VINCENT, Clerk.
IN COMMON COUNCIL, January 30, 1895. Referred to Committee on Finance, in concurrence.
CHARLES S. ROBERTSON, Clerk.
CITY OF SOMERVILLE.
IN COMMITTEE ON FINANCE, February 13, 1895.
TO THE CITY COUNCIL OF SOMERVILLE : -
In accordance with the provisions of the ordinance (chapter 4, section 10), providing for the annual examination and audit of the accounts of the treasurer and collector of taxes, the committee on finance have examined the report of the treasurer, referred to them by the city council, complying also with section 5, of the same ordinance, for the examination of the books, accounts, papers, vouchers, and documents of the auditor and city treasurer, comparing and verifying them with the certificates transmitted to them from the city clerk, committees, boards, and officers of the city responsible for the receipts of public funds. The cash account of the treasurer has been verified by the actual count of the cash on hand, and the balances reported to be in the banks of deposit have been confirmed by the officers of the several banks. All the members of the committee devoted the day to the examination of the report, which has been found to be correct. We recommend that this report be accepted, and printed in the annual reports of 1894.
The committee desire to express their thanks to the city treasurer for the assist- ance rendered by him during this protracted examination, and to testify to the faith- ful manner in which he has discharged the duties of his office, his careful attention to its details, and the excellent condition of his books and accounts.
WM. H. HODGKINS, -
CALVIN H. WHITNEY, MELVILLE D. JONES, L. HERBERT HUNTLEY, A. C. FAIRBANKS, FRED'K W. PARKER,
Committee.
HERBERT L. CLARK, HOWARD D. MOORE,
CITY OF SOMERVILLE.
TREASURER'S OFFICE, January 17, 1895.
TO THE HONORABLE, THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOMERVILLE :
Gentlemen, -The undersigned presents herewith the twenty- third annual report of the financial condition of the city, and a state- ment showing, in detail, the receipts and disbursements for the year ending December 31, 1894.
The value of the property of the city December 31, 1893, was' $1,981,211.82. The property acquired during the year was as follows :
Fire Department, Central Fire Station, Brastow School lot $ 22,286.43
Fire Department, Central Fire Station, electrical apparatus and furniture 2,106.32
Fire Department, chemical engine and equipment . 2,498.53
Fire Department, Hook and Ladder Station, High- land avenue 9,232.48 · Fire Department, Hook and Ladder Station, equip- ment and furniture 3,719.00 · Fire Department, land for Fire Station, Ward One . 6,000.00 Highways, City Stable 10,351.88
Nathan Tufts Park 17,649.28
Schoolhouse, Bingham Addition
9,206.87
Schoolhouse, Edgerly Addition
1,837.19
Schoolhouse, English High
44,185.33
Schoolhouse, High and English High, heating, ven- tilating and plumbing 27,797.28
Amount carried forward .
$156,870.59
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
Amount brought forward $156,870.59
Schoolhouse, O. S. Knapp Addition 12,623.46
Schoolhouse, Ward Four, south side Fitchburg R. R. 16,190.10
Water Works Extension . .
28,375.67
Total amount of property acquired during the year · $214,059.82
Making the value of the public property, December 31, 1894, as per Table A, $2,195,271.64.
The Funded Debt, December 31, 1893, as per Table B of the last annual report, was $1,279,500.00.
The debt was increased during the year by appropriations as follows :
Fire Department, Central Fire Station $ 26,000.00 Fire Department, Central Fire Station, electrical apparatus, etc. 5,250.00
Fire Department, chemical engine and equipment .
3,000.00
Fire Department, Hook and Ladder Station 10,000.00
Fire Department, Hook and Ladder Station, equip- ment, etc. 3,750.00
Fire Department, land for Fire Station, Ward One 6,000.00
Highways, City Stable
14,500.00
Nathan Tufts Park
15,000.00
Public Library Improvement .
3,000.00
Schoolhouse, Bingham Addition
1,000.00
Schoolhouse, Edgerly Addition
2,000.00
Schoolhouse, High and English High, heating, ven- tilating, etc. 35,000.00
Schoolhouse, O. S. Knapp Addition
15,500.00
Schoolhouse, Ward Four, south side Fitchburg R. R. 12,000.00
Sewers, Construction
20,000.00
Total amount of appropriations on Funded Debt account
$172,000.00
For which the following bonds were issued, viz. :
.
67
REPORT OF THE TREASURER AND COLLECTOR OF TAXES.
City Loan Bonds Nos. 1582 to 1592, payable 1895, interest 4 per cent. $11,000.00
City Loan Bonds Nos. 1593 to 1673, $9,000 payable annually 1896 to 1904, interest 4 per cent. 81,000.00 City Loan Bonds Nos. 1674 to 1733, $6,000 payable
60,000.00 annually 1905 to 1914, interest 4 per cent. . City Loan Sewer Bonds Nos. 54 to 73, $1,000 pay- able annually 1895 to 1914, interest 4 per cent. . 20,000.00
Making the total amount of bonds issued in 1894 $172,000.00
The following bonds became due and were paid during the year, viz. :
City Loan Bonds Nos. 1234 to 1243, interest 4 per cent. . City Loan Bonds Nos. 887 to 909, interest 4 per cent. · City Loan Bonds Nos. 934 to 938, interest 4 per cent. . · City Loan Bonds Nos. 1033 to 1042, interest 4 per cent. . City Loan Bonds Nos. 1115 to 1118, interest 4 per cent .. City Loan Bonds Nos. 1161 to 1167, interest 4 per cent. . City Loan Bonds Nos. 1325 to 1348, interest 4} per cent. . .
$10,000.00
23,000.00
5,000.00
10,000.00
4,000.00
7,000.00
24,000.00
1,000.00
City Loan Sewer Bond No. 36, interest 4} per cent. City Loan Paving Bonds Nos. 6 to 10, interest 4 per cent. . 5,000.00
1,000.00
Water Loan Bonds No. 283, interest 4 per cent. Water Loan Bonds Nos. 100 to 111, interest 5 per cent.
12,000.00
Amount carried forward .
$102,000.00
68
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Amount brought forward . $102,000.00 Water Loan Bonds Nos. 315 to 317, interest 4 per cent. . 3,000.00
Water Loan Bonds Nos. 399 to 400, interest 4 per cent. 2,000.00
Making the total amount of bonds paid during the
year $107,000.00 And leaving the net Funded Debt, December 31, 1894, as per Table B, $1,344,500.00.
RESOURCES.
Assessors' warrant for the tax levy, assessed upon the polls and estates of the inhabitants, as follows, viz. :
Real Estate, valuation
. $40,598,900.00
Personal Property, valuation
3,544,000.00
Total valuation . .
· $44,142,900.00 A rate of $15.70 on $1,000 valuation, with 14,061 polls at $2 each, gives the total amount of tax levy $721,165.53
Borrowed on Funded Debt account to provide for the cost of public improvements
172,000.00
Revenue from the Water Works
83,401.30
National Bank and Corporation taxes
22,225.59
Received from County Treasurer for Dog Licenses
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