USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Andover > Town annual report of Andover 1921-1925 > Part 31
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42
Included in this report is a tabulation showing the depart- mental appropriations voted last year, the amounts actually expended, the amounts recommended for the current year, and
103
showing also the increases and decreases. Attention is invited to the items "Interest" and "Redemption of bonds," inasmuch as these items represent an increase of $31164.80 over the amounts expended last year, and these two items account for over 37% of the total increase in the department recommendations. Almshouse
Relief out
6000.00
Aiding Mothers with Dependent children
7000.00
Board of Health
4000.00
This increase of $400 over last year's appropria-
tion is requested because of an overdraft and also to complete the Schick test work.
Brush Fires
1000.00
Elections
2200.00
Four elections will be held during 1924, viz: Town Election, Presidential Primaries, State Primaries, November election. It is estimated that the expenses for registration, election, printing, etc., will average about $500 for each election.
Essex County Hospital
2883.00
This is Andover's share of the cost of main- taining the Tuberculosis Hospital for Essex County.
Fire Department
26600.00
The amount recommended is $2774.49 larger than the amount expended last year and the in- crease is for the purpose of adding two perma- nent men, increasing the pay of the firemen, - excepting the new men - to $35 a week and employing a permanent chief at a salary of $42.00 per week. It is imperative that our fire fighting force shall be strengthened and as the day of call men seems past in our town the employment of permanent men is the only way to secure an adequate force. The increase in wages is the same as recommended
Amount carried forward
$56683.00
104
$7000.00
Amount brought forward
$56683.00
for the police. In the matter of employing a permanent chief the Finance Committee again affirms its recommendation of two years ago. G. A. R.
100.00
Hay Scales
125.00
Highways
80000.00
Maintenance $40000.00
New Construction 40000.00
This is an increase of $5000 over the appro- priation of last year and the increase applies to new construction. It would appear that the sum of $40000.00 is the least we can ap- propriate in order to maintain our streets and it would be foolish economy to neglect the streets already built. For new construction there is an ever-increasing demand. The plans of the Board of Public Works for new work on Lowell Street, Haverhill Street, Elm Street, and Stevens Street, will require not less than $40000, the sum recommended.
Interest
41600.00
Insurance
6500.00
An increase of $500 in the insurance item is required to cover the new school building in Shawsheen Village.
-Library
4500.00
This is an increase of $500 made necessary to cover repairs on the Library building.
Memorial Day
550.00
Miscellaneous
600.00
Park
1500.00
A small increase is recommended in this de- partment to pay for improvement of the new property now included in the Playstead.
Amount carried forward
$192158.00
105
Amount brought forward
$192158.00
Police
18250.00
A substantial increase is recommended for this department for the employment of one more officer in Shawsheen Village, and an increase in wages for the police officers from $30.00 to $34.62 per week, and an increase in the salary of the chief-of-police from $1872 to $2000 per year.
Printing
1500.00
Public Dump
75.00
Reserve Fund
3000.00
This is a fund recommended by the State Auditor for an emergency fund.
Retirement of Veterans
300.00
Retirement of Bonds
62500.00
The items are as follows:
Water Bonds
$10000.00
Sewer Bonds
12000.00
High School Bonds
6000.00
Shawsheen Bridge
2500.00
Main Street
20000.00
Shawsheen School
12000.00
Schools
126515.00
The school budget is increased $14636.10 over last year's expenditure, due to the mainten- ance of the new school in Shawsheen Village and also because of a proposed increase in the salaries of the teachers.
Sewer Department
6000.00
Soldiers' Relief
2000.00
Spring Grove Cemetery
5200.00
State Aid
500.00
Street Lighting
11000.00
The Committee on Street Lighting recom-
mend extension in our street lighting system
Amount carried forward
$428998. 00
106
Amount brought forward
$428998.00
which will cost $1313.62 more than was ex- pended during 1923 and the recommendation is adopted by the Finance Committee.
Town House
3000.00
Town officers
11960.00
The details which are included in this item are as follows:
Selectmen, Assessors, and Overseers of the poor 2500.00
Tax Collector
1800.00
Stenographer
1560.00
Auditors
300.00
Building Inspector
500.00
Sealer of Weights and Measures
250.00
Town Counsel (Based on 1923 payment) 650.00
Bonds of Tax Collector and Treasurer 200.00
Town Clerk $1000.00
Town Treasurer 1800.00
Clerk for Board of Selectmen
400.00
Sundries, including 1000.00
Stationery
Auto Hire
Railroad Fares
Register of Deeds, Records
Certification of Notes
Extra Clerical Work Moderator
Total increase in this department $660.00, for Town Treasurer, Clerk and Stenographer. Balance of increase in appropriation has been deducted from other departments through change in classification.
Amount carried forward
$443958.00
107
$443958.00 10000.00
Amount brought forward
Tree Warden
Moth Work 6000.00
Tree Work 4000.00
This is $4512.56 less than we spent in this department last year and is in the judgment of the Finance Committee a sum entirely ade- quate for the town to expend from year to year for protection against moth ravages and for the care of trees and roadside trimming. Water Department Maintenance 33500.00
Water Department Service Pipe
15000.00
This item is for cost of water installation and is returned to the town's treasury.
American Legion 1000.00
$503458.00
The Finance Committee recommends the following action regarding the articles in the warrant :-
Article 4. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of seventy-one thousand three hundred ninety-six dollars and thirteen cents ($71,396.13) levied by the County Commissioners of Essex County under Chapter 429 of the Acts of 1923 for the construction of the Tuberculosis Hos- pital at Middleton and authorize the treasurer to borrow any or all of the said sum or take any action relative thereto. (It is recommended that the sum of $1396.13 be paid from the 1924 tax levy and the balance be raised by a bond issue, said bonds to be redeemed over a ten-year period.)
Article 5. To see if the Town will authorize the Board of Public Works to extend the water main from the Pumping Station, Lowell Street, to Etalo Belmessiere's residence and appro- priate the sum of twenty thousand ($20,000.) dollars there- for, on petition of W. I. Livingston and others.
(This would require an extension of about 7150 feet. The income from présent possible takers would be about $104.00 per year or a fraction of one percent return on the cost of the extension.)
108
Article 6. To see if the Town will authorize the Board of Public Works to extend the water main from the dead end at the residence of William F. Trauschke along North Street as far as the North School at the corner of North Street and River Road and appropriate the sum of twenty thousand ($20,000.) dollars therefor, on petition of George Lee and others.
(This is an extension of 7100 feet. For approximately 3000 feet there are no houses. The annual income to the town from the houses now on this road would be about $138.00 or less than one per cent of the cost.
Article 7. To see if the Town will authorize the Board of Public Works to extend water service on Corbett Road from the point in said road where such service now ends to the main entrance of the Sacred Heart Cemetery, and to appro- priate therefor the sum of six thousand ($6000.) dollars, on petition of Edward Topping and others.
(This extension would be about 1700 feet in length. There would be much hard digging and considerable ledge work and the present available takers of water would return an annual income of perhaps $50.00 to the town. Furthermore, this street should be properly laid out before a water main is considered.)
Article 8. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of four thousand ($4000.) dollars to lay a six-inch water main on North Street to the home known as the Brown Place, and then to the home of Edward Rogers on Chandler Road, on petition of George F. Parker and others.
(This would require about 1700 feet of new pipe. The annual income from existing houses would be about $40.00 per year or one per cent on the cost of the extension.
These four articles relating to water main extensions call for a total outlay of fifty thousand ($50000.00) dollars, and the annual return from the investment would not exceed today three hundred and fifty ($350.00) dollars or a fraction of one per cent. There is in addition no prospect of enough growth for some years to increase this return very much.
These proposed extensions and some others of similar nature which have been asked in recent years raise the question of what the policy of the Town should be in regard
109
to extension of the water system into the sections not now supplied. The Board of Public Works has proposed a general survey of the whole situation to determine where public water is most needed, the possibility of serving such areas, and the development of a comprehensive plan through which the system may be extended systematically as needs require and finances permit.
It is the general practice of the best public water depart- ments to make extension of mains only in those cases where the return for water supplies will at once or in the near future pay at least four per cent on the cost of the extensions. This was once the practice in Andover.
Because of the conditions above described the Finance Committee advises against the appropriation asked in all four articles. Further the Committee recommends that pending the survey to be made by the Board of Public Works the Town make water main extensions only in those cases where a return of not less than four per cent will be received from the water takers or this amount be guaranteed to the Town by reliable parties until the receipts bring this return.)
Article 9. To see if the Town will vote to accept as a part of its sewerage system a sewer on Poor Street from a point begin- ning at Lowell Street and extending to a manhole at the junc- tion of William Street, a distance of 1308 feet and authorize the assessment of betterments upon estates benefited by same, according to plan of John Franklin, C. E., dated December 8th, 1923, and appropriate the sum of $5341.00 to reimburse the American Woolen Co. for the cost of constructing the same in case of said acceptance, on petition of the Board of Public Works.
(Approved.)
Article 10. To see if the Town will authorize the building of a sewer, beginning at the terminus of the present sewer on Poor Street and extending a short distance on Magnolia Avenue, to a point near the Shawsheen School, an entire distance of about 300 feet and appropriate the sum of $2000.00 for its construction and accept the same as a part
110
of the sewerage system, on petition of the Board of Public Works.
(Approved.)
Article 11. To see if the Town will authorize the Board of Selectmen to sell to the American Woolen Company for fifteen hundred ($1500.00) dollars, the land owned by the town, which was formerly used for its filtration plant, and authorize the Selectmen to convey the said land by a proper deed or deeds in behalf of the Town, the Selectmen to retain and reserve for the Town such rights of way as may be necessary or advisable for the Town to hold, on petition of the Board of Public Works.
(Approved-This land is no longer required by the Town and in the opinion of the Finance Committee should be made available for the further development of the plans of the American Woolen Company. The experience of the Town, particularly in the case of the "Almshouse land," indicates very clearly that the further extension of the Shawsheen Village section will be of large benefit to the community. The sum of fifteen hundred ($1500.00) dollars is, as far as can be ascertained, the price the town paid for this land.
Article 12. To see if the Town will accept the provisions of Sections 42, 43 and 44 of Chapter 48 of the General Laws relating to the establishment of a fire department under the control of an officer to be known as the Chief of the Fire Department, on petition of the Selectmen.
(Approved-The Finance Committee reaffirms its previous recommendation in regard to the employment of a per- manent fire chief.)
. Article 13. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of sixty-five hundred ($6500.00) dollars to purchase a lot of land containing about seventeen (17) acres, lying between Spring Grove Cemetery and Porter Road, on petition of the Trustees of Spring Grove Cemetery.
(Approved in the sum of $2000.00-After a discussion of this matter with the Cemetery Trustees the Finance Committee recommends the purchase of the parcel of land containing five acres of land immediately adjoining the present cemetery holdings and appropriating $2000.00 therefor.)
111
Article 14. To see if the Town will vote to construct a grano- lithic sidewalk on the North and South side and in front of the Town Hall, also a reinforced granolithic driveway in front of said building and appropriate the sum of twenty- five hundred ($2500.) dollars therefor, on petition of the Board of Selectmen.
(Not approved-Careful consideration of this proposal suggests the need of further examination of the plan of improvement and the Finance Committee therefore recom- mends, with the approval of the selectmen, that the matter be postponed.)
Article 15. To hear and act on the report of the War Memorial Committee.
(No action required of the Finance Committee.)
Article 16. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of $2000. for the collection and disposal of garbage, and if the Town believes that the collection and disposal should be a self sustaining proposition, to see if the Town will authorize the Board of Selectmen to put such a plan in operation under such regulations, based upon the actual cost of the service and no more, as may be justified in order to make the service effective, on petition of Madeleine B. Francke and others. (A satisfactory plan for handling this work has not been developed. The Finance Committee recommends that whatever method is adopted by the Town the entire cost of this service shall be paid by those who receive the service as it would be available only for the thickly settled parts of the Town. Some funds may be necessary to put any plan into operation and therefore an appropriation of $2000 is approved to be used under these conditions.)
Article 17. To see if the Town will accept Section 12 of Chapter 40 of the General Laws which reads as follows :-
"A Town which accepts this section, or has accepted corresponding provisions of earlier laws, by a two-thirds vote at an annual meeting, may purchase or lease land, and erect, alter, enlarge, repair and improve buildings for public baths and wash houses, either with or without open drying grounds, and may make open bathing places, provide them with the requisite furniture, fittings and conveniences and
112
provide instruction in swimming. Such Towns may es- tablish rates for the use of such baths and wash houses, and appoint officers therefor and may make by-laws for the government of such officers, and authorize them to make regulations for the management thereof and for the use thereof by non-residents of said Town," and also appro- priate the sum of two thousand ($2000.) dollars if said sec- tion is accepted, for the purpose of establishing and main- taining swimming baths at Pomp's Pond, on petition of John F. O'Connell and others.
(Not approved-The Finance Committee agrees that the work started last year by interested citizens for providing bathing facilities at Pomp's Pond was a desirable thing to do. The Committee feels, however, that it would be well to test this out for another year under private auspices and deter- mine more exactly the definite needs before asking the Town to take over the equipment and supervision. If after another year's trial, it seems wise to have the Town take over this work, definite plans and estimates of the facilities to be provided should be presented to the Selectmen so that full information can be presented to the Town before the next Town meeting.)
Article 18. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of five thousand ($5000.) dollars to purchase a Triple Com- bination Pump, Chemical Tank, Hose Body, fully equipped, mounted on Reo Speed Wagon Chassis, on petition of the residents of Ballardvale, same to be placed in the Ballardvale Fire Engine House.
(Not approved-The residents of Ballardvale request that a piece of motor driven apparatus be established in that section of the Town principally for use in fighting brush fires, and it is recommended that the Selectmen and the Board of Engineers investigate the matter and report with recommendation at the next annual town meeting.)
Article 19. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate forty-
five hundred ($4500.) dollars to erect bleachers and to provide playground accessories for the Playstead, to be expended as the Town may direct, on petition of Andover Post, No. 8, American Legion, and others.
113
(Not approved-The question of the use of a public play- stead is an involved one, particularly in Andover, where it is the only available field for high school contests which must be self sustaining. In the opinion of the Finance Com- mittee the entire proposition of the development of the Playstead for larger recreation purposes, the erection of stands for spectators and the possibilities of giving the use of the field and its equipment to the High School under conditions which will make possible some revenue for the support of athletics, warrants a careful and comprehensive study by the Board of Public Works, and it is so recom- mended.)
Article 20. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate a sum not exceeding three thousand ($3000.) dollars for the in- stalling of a new twenty (20) ton scale, on petition of Harry H. Remick and others.
(Not approved.)
Article 21. To see if the Town will accept as a town way, as laid out by the Selectmen, and shown on plan filed with the Town Clerk, a street located on the northerly side of Chest- nut Street about one hundred and twenty-two feet easterly of land of Burtt and running northerly to Summer Street, on petition of Llewellyn D. Pomeroy and others. (Approved.)
Articles 22 and 23 require no action on the part of the Finance Committee.
Article 24. To see if the Town will place a Fire Alarm Box at the corner of Ballardvale Road and Woburn Street and appropriate a sum of money therefor, on petition of John Colbath and others.
(Referred to Fire Engineers.)
Article 25. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of $300.00 as its apportionment toward the erection of a sixty-foot steel forest fire observation tower on the summit of Prospect Hill by the Division of Forestry of Massachusetts as authorized by Section 5, Chapter 40 of the General Laws. (Approved.)
The subsequent articles in the warrant require no action on the part of the Finance Committee.
114
SUMMARY
Department expenditure recommended Special expenditures recommended State and County taxes (estimated) Haverhill Street note
$503458.00
13037.13
50000.00
30000.00
$596495.13
Estimated receipts
150000.00
Net
$446495.13
VALUATION
1923
1924 (est.)
$14824470.00
$16250000.00
Computation of tax rate for 1924 using these figures $446495.13
= $27.45
$16250000.00
Tax rate 1923, $26.70.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY A. BODWELL, Chairman
GEORGE ABBOT E. V. FRENCH
GEORGE L. AVERILL .
C. W. HOLLAND
GEORGE H. WINSLOW JOHN C. ANGUS, Secretary
Finance Committee
115
DEPARTMENT APPROPRIATION AND EXPENDITURE FOR 1923 AND RECOMMENDATION FOR 1924
Department
Appro- priated 1923
Expended 1923
Recom- mended 1924
Increase
Decrease
Almshouse
6600
7171.99
7000
Relief Out
5000
4950.95
6000
1049.05
Aiding Mothers
2500
5324.96
7000
1675.04
Board of Health
3600
3705.91
4000
294.09
Brush Fires
1000
999.44
1000
.56
Elections
600
455.15
2200
1744.85
· Essex Co. Hosp'l
2823
2823.50
2883
59.50
Fire Department
23930
23825.51
26600
2774.49
G. A. R.
100
100.00
100
Hay Scales
125
117.60
125
7.40
Highways
75000
75594.04
80000
4405.96
Interest
20500
27435.20
41600
14164.80
Insurance
6000
5127.41
6500
1372.59
Library
4000
4000.00
4500
500.00
Memorial Day
550
550.00
550
Miscellaneous
1200
569.92
600
30.08
Parks
1200
1186.71
1500
313.29
Police
14500
14183.40
18250
4066.60
Printing
2000
1945.86
1500
Public Dump
75
75.00
75
Retirement
of
300
300.00
300
Retirement Bonds
of
35500
45500.00
62500
17000.00
Schools
111883
111878.90
126515
14636.10
Sewer Dept.
4000
4600.62
6000
1399.38
Soldiers' Relief
1500
1652.35
2000
347.65
Spring Grove
5200
5182.51
5200
17.49
State Aid
600
386.00
500
114.00
Street Lighting
10000
9686.38
11000
1313.62
Town House
3000
3129.79
3000
129.79
Town Officers
10400
10397.01
11960
1562.99
Tree Warden
15000
14512.56
10000
Water Dept.
Maint.
37000
22120.80
33500
11379.20
Service Pipe
1000
827.94
1000
172.06
Totals
$406686
$430260.17
$503458
$83400.79
$10202.96
Recommended for 1924 Total Expenditures, 1923
$503458.00 430260.17
Increase
$73197.83
445.86
Reserve Fund
3000
3000
Veterans
4512.56
19942.76
15000
4942.76
American Legion
171.99
TRUSTEES OF MEMORIAL HALL LIBRARY
E. KENDALL JENKINS
ALFRED E. STEARNS
FREDERIC S. BOUTWELL
BURTON S. FLAGG
NATHAN C. HAMBLIN FREDERICK A. WILSON
PHILIP F. RIPLEY
President E. KENDALL JENKINS
Secretary and Treasurer FREDERIC S. BOUTWELL
Librarian EDNA A. BROWN
Assistants
JULIA E. TWICHELL EDITH DONALD
In Charge of Ballardvale Branch MARTHA D. BYINGTON
Janitor ARCHIBALD MACLAREN
117
MEMORIAL HALL LIBRARY
THE FIFTY-FIRST REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
The trustees submit the following report of the library for 1923.
For particulars of the work and condition of the library we refer the citizens to the accompanying report of the librarian with its interesting suggestions.
The output of books has varied little from that of the previous year. It is worthy of note that more than 3000 cards are now in use and that the number of men taking books from the library is increasing.
New residents in Shawsheen Village are availing themselves of the advantages of the library and their interest in its service is heartily welcomed.
The celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the dedication of the building last May, drew out a large audience at the public exercises in the town hall and stimulated interest in the past history and present work of the library.
A limited number of copies of the printed report of the cele- bration containing the addresses of Principal A. E. Stearns and of Dr. J. Edgar Park can be had on application to the librarian.
Since the present year opened the library has received from General William F. Bartlett Post 99 of the G. A. R., 142 volumes, bound in calf, containing the "Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies of the Rebellion", which will be of much value for reference.
With more than 26000 books in the library and fully 700 added each year there is increasing need of more shelf room. Each year increases the use of the books by our schools. It is becoming difficult to accommodate with books and with room for study, the large number of pupils who now use the library on certain days.
118
The town must soon plan to provide larger quarters for the library if it is to meet the present demands made upon it and accomplish the purpose for which it was founded.
Respectfully submitted,
E. KENDALL JENKINS, Chairman FREDERIC S. BOUTWELL BURTON S. FLAGG NATHAN C. HAMBLIN PHILIP F. RIPLEY ALFRED E. STEARNS FREDERICK A. WILSON
119
TRUSTEES OF MEMORIAL HALL LIBRARY In account with the Town of Andover, Mass.
RECEIPTS
Balance from last year
$1732.76
Town Appropriation
4000.00
Dog Tax
502.82
Income from Investments
3465.72
Fines
280.81
Bequest
100.00
Cash paid for lost books
18.40
Gift for books
5.00
Sale of paper
2.00
Total
$10107.51
EXPENDITURES
Salaries
$4810.15
Lighting and Heating
753.91
Periodicals
233.26
Bookbinding
286.45
Books
967.55
Insurance
322.53
Office Expenses
109.56
Safety Deposit Box
12.50
Sundry Items
263.02
Cash on hand
2348.58
Total
$10107.51
120
Classification of Income and Expenditures for the Year 1923
INCOME
Income from Investments
Maint. $2134.66
Books $975.56
Cornell $355.50
Total $3465.72 4000.00
Appropriation
4000.00
Dog Tax
502.82
502.82
Fines
280.81
280.81
Cash paid for lost books
18.40
18.40
Gift for books
5.00
5.00
Sale of paper
2.00
2.00
Bequest
100.00
100.00
Total
$6920.29
$1098.96
$355.50
$8374.75
EXPENDITURES
Salaries
$4697.83
$112.32
$4810.15
Lighting and Heating
564.82
189.09
753.91
Periodicals
233.26
233.26
Bookbinding
286.45
286.45
Books
967.55
967.55
Insurance
322.53
322.53
Office Expenses
109.56
109.56
Safe Deposit Box
12.50
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.