USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1926 > Part 11
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Law enforcement is a matter which properly belongs to the Police Department, rather than the press or estimable citizens and should be carried out without fear or favor to any. It is a matter which ought to be removed from politics.
Snow removal work on our streets has proven a wise policy although, as is quite obvious, methods can be devised to prevent duplication of work with a corresponding decrease in cost. A snow loader would prove a more economical means of snow removal than present methods.
Consideration of previous recommendations for a survey of the present street lighting system is again advocated. A more modern and adequate system will prove beneficial to Saugus and its merchants. Installation of street lights has resolved itself into a matter of politics and the town should allocate a definite number each year.
Sewerage disposal and the care of surface water are problems requiring constant study Relative to sewers, it is suggested that simple plan with provisions for sewerage disposal in the larger sections of Saugus, together with an estimate of approximate cost is far more desirable than a voluminous report, providing at the best, an interesting and scientific thesis on the subject. Sewer installation can be accomplished at a much lower cost than many would have us believe.
Transportation is a matter worthy of serious consideration. Much in the way of improvement can be had. This is one of the most important problems and the future of Saugus depends upon progress in this respect.
The actual value of tax titles is always a serious question, due
217
SELECTMAN'S REPORT.
1926]
to the fact that on old titles the opportunity for declaring them invalid on account of technicalities is very great. Recom- mendation is made that their validity should be determined and defective ones charged off the books. New and positive assess- ments should then be made the town to collect all revenue due it or else the property should be taken under the present law. Continuance of the present method of allowing taxes to accumu- late year after year is undesirable. The Tax Title account today is over $44,000.
Much improvement can be made in several departments under supervision of the Selectmen. Department morals can never be built up until seniority of service is respected. Removal of men from ulterior motives has worked a hardship in the Public Works Department, and has resulted in decreased efficiency and increased cost. The citizens might properly question the wis- dom of over $4,000 annual expenditure in the P. W. D. for sala- ries and much more for telephones. More constant supervision of thousands of dollars worth of equipment and machines should be required and better housing facilities for same provided. Firm measures have got to be taken to assure the town of a proper return for money expended in such departments.
As time rolls on, greater interest will be manifested in town government, so therefor all sessions of the Selectmen should be open to the public.
Pride in our town and faith in her future should spur us on with renewed efforts to actively participate in the business thereof with a strong determination to obtain necessary improvements and a greater reduction in the already too heavy buden of tax- ation. Let our slogan be :
"Less politics and more economy."
Respectfully submitted,
C. F. NELSON PRATT.
February 14, 1927.
218
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Report of Public Works Department
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
I beg to submit at this time the annual report of the Depart- ment of Public Works, for the year ending December 31, 1926.
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
One of the principal items in the highway work is mainte- nance. This feature alone requires attention and expenditure every day that the streets are not covered with snow. We have been fortunate this year in having been able with permanent construction and drainage, to eliminate several maintenance conditions that have heretofore been rather expensive.
The drainage installation on Lincoln Avenue from Sunnyside Avenue to Guild Road and one on Essex Street, from Mt. Vernon to Grove Street, were principal factors in relieving two very serious traffic conditions, due to the fact that water which was previously spilled over the street surface is now carried off in the drains.
Two other drainage installations were made in Lynnhurst to remove water from afflicted areas in that section of the town.
Denver Street was reconstructed with screened and graded gravel, and bound with Tarvia and pea stone. The result was very satisfactory to the traffic and proved an economical type of construction.
In the Fall, Harrison Avenue, Elm Street and Main Street were reconstructed with screened gravel and Tarvia. A large portion of the appropriation on Harrison Avenue was expended for drainage and necessary fill and removal of ledge. Elm Street was widened and the drainage revised. Main Street was widened in several places and a layer of one inch crushed stone spread over the gravel and bound with Tarvia.
Permanent construction was continued on Lincoln Avenue to Lawndale and the traffic has found a very decided improvement over last winter in the condition of the street.
Two sections of Essex Street were cared for with permanent
219
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT.
1926]
construction, so that we now have a continuous stretch from Mount Vernon Street to Hood Street.
The westerly side of Chestnut Street was constructed from East Saugus Square to Winter Street.
Monument Square should be completed in 1927, and the con- struction on Essex Street continued to Cliftondale Square. The work on Lincoln Avenue should be completed and permanent construction started on Winter Street.
Tarvia treatment of semi-permanent streets was continued and extended as has been the custom, the past few years.
Carrying on this program as planned will mean that all the main and secondary streets in town will have been treated with tarvia in the next two or three years.
Removal of snow from the streets has added greatly to the work of the Department during the last three years. The streets are now opened for motor traffic the entire year and maintenance of the wearing service is correspondingly increased.
The work of the tractor and snow plow has proved the wisdom of the investment.
DIVISION OF WATER
Continued increase in the home building program has taxed the water division beyond its capacity and a large amount of work is already laid out for 1927, in the applications on file for new services and the renewal of old ones. One crew is kept busy a large part of the year cleaning out old services and repair- ing leaks. Another crew is kept busy with new installations, while a third and more flexible crew is required for work on the main pipe lines making extensions and connections. In addition to this the meters must be read, cleaned and repaired. All this work requires experienced men and also means a great amount of clerical work in the office.
A glance at the tables will show the street increase in the number of new services laid and old services relaid, and the cor- responding increase in the number of feet of service pipe.
The amount of water main extension has increased steadily and there are still many citizens at this time waiting for water.
The water extension this year was particularly difficult as a great amount of pipe had to be laid through ledge, the air com- pressor has more than paid for itself on this work during the last two years.
Mains have been extended in all sections of the town, the total for 1926 being 8,652 feet.
220
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
New hydrants have been set on the extensions and several in places not sufficiently covered before. A number of hydrants have been raised and it is the policy of the Department to take care of those that are now low, as soon as possible.
A connection from Elm Street to the main on Holland Street, is seriously needed and should be made during tha year 1927. Other dead ends should be extended for better service and pro- tection.
The old cement lined pipe is still a serious menace, because of the high pressure imposed on it during a fire.
It should be replaced with cast iron pipe without further delay.
Respectfully submitted.
WILLIAM J. LUMBERT, Superintendent of Public Works.
Water Extension
6"
8"
IOʼ
16"
Anawan Avenue
124'
Hood Street
189'
Granite Road
125'
Relocate Main (Sweetser School)
401'
Sea View Avenue
317'
Elaine Avenue
108'
Clark and Fairview Streets
1312'
Pinehurst Avenue
603'
Kenwood Avenue
96'
Howard Street
228'
Walden Avenue
636'
Great Woods Road
1487'
DeSoto Street
210'
Burrill Street
344'
Fairmount and Wonderland Ave's. 1000'
Cliff Road 568'
Broadway
200'
Lincoln Court
286'
Riverside Park
312'
Intervale
106'
1926]
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT.
221
Water Maintenance
SERVICES
New
I35
Renewals
58
Repaired
35
Cleaned
3º7
8703 feet of
I-inch cement lined pipe
29 feet and 10 inches
I-inch lead pipe
67 feet and 4 inches
2-inch cast iron pipe
48 feet and 6 inches
I ¿- inch cement lined pipe
527 feet and 7 inches
14-inch cement lined pipe
METERS
New
167
Frozen
II
Tested
14
Repaired
I12
HYDRANTS
New
12
Replaced
5
Fixtures
Meter
Maint.
Turn-ons
1925
$1,0995.77
17,351.63
4,849.16
60.00
Summons
Hydrants
Total
127.40
500.00
33,887.96
Water rates committed and collected January 1, 1926 to December 31, 1926.
Fixtures
Meter 19,626.73
5,293.84
60.00
Const.
Summons
Hydrants
Total
4.00
123.00
500.00
36,288.45
1925
1926
Paid for Water Purchase
$15,445.56
$17,450.52
Paid for Water Maintenance
16,299.35
19,901.41
Paid for General Water Extension
25,018.90
7,600.00
$56,763.81
$44,951.93
Number of cubic feet of water used in 1925
30,285,400
Number of cubic feet of water used in 1926
34,216,700
Maint.
Turn-ons
1926
$10,680.88
222
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Water Comparison
SERVICES
1923
1924
1925
1926
New
41
118
131
135
Relaid
15
6
13
58
Cleaned
292
261
323
307
Feet of Service Pipe
5896₺
65312
9375-2"
Feet of Extension
2593
8272'
8440'
8652'
Commitment
$29, 180.04 $31,712.01 $33,887.96 $36,288.45
Cu. Ft. of
Water
29,021,800 27,053,200
30,285,400
34,216,700
Highways
Adams Avenue
$118.62
Laurel Street
$5.00
Ballard Street
627.14
Lincoln Ave. (General) 587.07
Birch Street
162.66
Main Street (General) 833.03
Bristow Street
423.68
Mountain Avenue
31.10
Castle Street
58.10
Mount Vernon
423.60
Central Street
844.91
Myrtle Street
110.30
Chestnut Street
1,257.33
Newcomb Avenue
5.96
Cleveland Avenue
113.87
Pleasant Street
10.04
Denver Street
1,700.15
Robinson Street
213.71
Elm Street
220. 17
School Street
15.28
Essex Street
2,201.16
Stone Street
58.71
Fairmount Avenue
9.00
Summer Street
124.66
Fairview Avenue
439.80
Sussex Street
21.38
Felton Street
116.45
Vine Street
96.07
Forrest Street
62.23
Walnut Street
230.33
Garfield Avenue
6.00
Washington Avenue
6.00
Guild Road
134.64
Water Street
50.50
Howard Street
187.90
Whitney Street
62.45
Jackson Street
133.79
Winter Street
1,972.92
Jasper Street
71.67
Woodbury Avenue
37.15
Jefferson Avenue
60.75
223
CHIEF OF POLICE REPORT.
1926]
Report of Chief of Police
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
GENTLEMEN,-I hereby tender the annual report of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1926 :
ROSTER
CHIEF Roland L. Mansfield
CAPTAIN
John T. Stuart
REGULAR OFFICERS
Frank W. Joy James P. Sullivan Clarence H. Berrett
Henry P. Wheaton
Roland E. Mansfield Peter A. Flaherty William MacDougall Ralph New
SPECIAL OFFICERS
Timothy J. Bannon, Thurlow W. Bentley, John P. Chesley, John A. Garrow, William H. Gillespie, Norman D. Hatch, William C. Howatt, Howard F. Kelley, Wade T. Keller, Karl F. Koch, Joseph A. Lambert, Jr., Charles E. Light William J. Lumbert, John E. Mansfield, Howard F. McAdoo, Axel G. Newbury, Willie M. Penney, Charles Pugh, Charles B. Pugsley, Henry N. Robinson, Edward O. Roy, Percy R. Salsman William H. Semons, Philip Spencer, Frank M. Symonds, Joseph E. Tufts, Everett Vickary, Daniel B. Willis, Alfred H. Woodward Charles N. Wormstead.
SPECIAL OFFICERS FOR SCHOOLS ONLY
Andrew C. Lynn Edgar II. MacDougall, Frank H. Spencer.
224
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
SPECIAL OFFICERS FOR THE LYNN WATER SHEDS
Patrick Garrity John H. Newhall
Dennis W. Mead
William H. Tufts
Henry E. Newhall
Henry N. Williams
The total number of arrests for the year was 544, ofwhich 28 were females and 31 juveniles.
The offences were as follows : Assault 15, adultery 2, cruelty to animals 3,carrying loaded revolver 2, drunks 133, disturbing the peace I, disorderly conduct 8, default 4, dogs not licensed 23, gaming on Lord's day 8, violation liquor law, 25, indecent exposure 2, idle and disorderly 1, larceny 23, malicious mischief 3, manslaughter 4, non-support 11, neglected children I, pro- fanity I, peddling no license 8, stubborn child, I, truancy 5, trespass 5, vagrant I, violation town by-laws 12, violation game laws I, violation auto laws 202, violation health laws 6, viola- tion fire laws 6, all others 15.
The nativity of the prisoners were as follows: Americans 367, English 22, French 22, German 6, Irish 15, Greek 5, Italian 60, Swedish 9, Jewish 13, Polish 16, Lithuanian 4, Turkish 2, Austrian I, Portugese 2.
The dispositions were : Fined 201, filed 71, discharged 36, defaulted 3, released 29, continued 43, probation 21, com- mitted to State Farm 2, committed to Salem Jail 16, commit- ted to Danvers I, Lawrence Training School 2, held for Grand Jury, 6, turned over to other authorities 1 13.
MISCELLANEOUS
Complaints received and investigated 929, autos reported stolen 235, autos recovered 57. Articles reported lost 73, lost articles found 71. Dogs reported lost 51, lost dogs found 53, persons reported as missing 41 , missing persons found 31. Doors and windows found open and secured 136, alarms of fire answered 54, persons notified for other authorities 75, hospital cases (exclusive of accidents) 37, all others 198.
DISPOSITION OF COURT RECEIPTS
Paid to State
$2,592 50
Paid to Town Treasurer
1,657 50
Paid to County
105 00
Paid to County (Forfeited Bail) .
75 00
Total
$4,430 00
225
CHIEF OF POLICE REPORT.
1926]
The Police Department has functioned well during the past year and I feel that the causes for criticism are few, and that crime in Saugus has been kept down to a percentage which compares favorably with other cities and towns in this vicinity.
Too much stress can not be placed upon the need of two offi- cers either at or near the police station at all times to answer to calls of an emergency nature. As at least ninety per cent of all so-called "hurry calls" are received at the station, the wisdom of the above statement can be readily seen.
In my opinion another motorcycle officer should be added to the department in order to provide twenty-four hour patrol for all sections of the town.
I again recommend that the pay of police officers be increased one dollar ($1) per day, that uniforms for all regular officers be furnished by the town and that a modern signal system be installed.
Respectfully submitted,
ROLAND L. MANSFIELD, Chief of Police.
15
226
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Report of Chief of Fire Department
SAUGUS, MASS., December 31, 1926. To the Citizens of the Town of Saugus :
I make the following report of the Fire Department, for the year ending December 31, 1926.
The work of the Fire Department has increased a little over the year of 1925.
During the year of 1926, the department responded to 231 calls, II more than for 1925, six or these were for fires in the sections of North Revere, and one for a wood fire in Lynnfield, a short distance over the Saugus line.
There was 67 bell alarms and 164 still and telephone alarms, of these, 35 were false and needless calls.
The department responded to six automobile fires, 128 grass brush, woods and dump fires, 48 were for buildings, seven for chimney fires.
There was no loss of life, or injuries to persons, from fire during the year.
Valuation of buildings endangered by fire $110,685.00
Estimated loss on buildings, 12,030.00
Insurance on buildings, 146,982.00
Insurance paid on buildings, to date, 10,517.10
Valuation on contents endangered by fire, $66,000.00
Estimated loss on contents, 4,972.43
Insurance on contents, 21,600.00
Insurance paid on contents, to date,
2,964.18
The apparatus is in good condition, and has stood up wonder- fully well, and has had some very rough usage, in travelling over very rough roads in responding to alarms and calls.
The department is well equipped, and has done done excellent work with the small number of men to man the apparatus.
Mileage covered by the apparatus in responding to alarms and calls, are approximately as follows :
227
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT.
1926]
Combination No. I, Segraves pump,
Combination No. 2, Dodge,
Ladder No. I,
326 Miles. 631 Miles. 304 Miles.
During the year 9,400 feet of 22-inch hose was used at fires, 5,000 feet of 2-inch chemical hose was used, and 1,0172 gallons of chemical fluid was used in extinguishing fires.
There was 389 feet of ladders raised at fires.
During the year 1926, about 1,100 permits were issued for building fires in the open, for the purpose of burning rubbish, grass, leaves, brush, garden refuse and other materials, these permits have been issued under the directions of the State Fire Marshal, and the State Forestry Department, of the Department of Public Safety of Massachusetts.
RECOMMENDATIONS
In closing, I make the following recommendations for the year of 1927.
That two permanent firemen be appointed to the department.
That a new and larger, modern up to date fire station be built in the near future, to replace the old wooded fire station in use at the present time, which is a serious fire hazard, on account of being used to keep motor vehicles in, and does not comply with the State Garage laws and regulations.
That an automobile be furnished for the Chief of the Fire Department, to use for department business purposes which have increased over years in the past.
That 500 feet of 22-inch, and 100 feet of chemical hose be purchased to replace some that is beyond use for fire purposes.
Respectfully submitted, MELLEN R. JOY, Chief of Fire Department.
228
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Report of Overseers of the Poor
CHARITY DEPARTMENT
To the Citizens of the Town of Saugus :
Your Board of Overseers herewith submits its annual report for the year ending December 31, 1926.
Of our appropriation of $16,500 and $18.10 refunds we have spend $16,516.51 leaving an unexpended balance of $1.59 which reverts to the town treasury.
We have received from cities and towns the sum of $3, 197.54 and from the Commonwealth $2,356.05 making our total receipts $5,553.59.
Our weekly payroll for mothers with dependent children and for other persons amounts at the present time to over $200.
We recommend that the sum of $19,000 be appropriated for the year 1927.
SAUGUS HOME
Our appropriation for 1926 was $11,500.00.
We have spent $11,043.38 leaving an unexpended balance of $456.62 reverting to the town treasury.
There are no unpaid bills.
We have received from sale of produce $492.50
We have received from sale of milk 5,491.91
We have received from sale of stock 738.41
We have received from board 208.00
We have received from miscellaneous sources
105.20
Total cash receipts $7,036.02
There is now due from board 80.00
There is now due from sale of farm products 557.30
There is now due from Town of Saugus for snow. removal 16.00
Making a total revenue for 1926 of $7,689.32
This makes the net expense of conducting the Home for 1926 $3,354.06.
We recommend that the sum of $11,500 be appropriated for 1927.
Respectfully submitted, GEORGE H. AMES, Chairman, EVANS EVANS, Secretary, ERNEST M. HATCH, Overseers of the Poor of Saugus.
229
LIBRARY TRUSTEES' REPORT.
1926]
Report of Library Trustees
The Trustees of the Saugus Public Library feel gratified that public spirited citizens of our town have made known their interest by the gifts they have made in the past year. Mr. and Mrs H. A. B. Peckam presented to the Library a painting by Ames, a former resident of Saugus who won fame both at home and abroad as a painter.
Personal War Sketches of Members of E. W. Hicks, Post 95, and a silver water set belonging to the Post were given into the safe keeping of the library by the Trustees of Gen. E. W. Hicks, Post No. 95, G. A. R., Messrs. Joseph Newhall and George M. Caswell.
The donors of books were, Mrs. Evelyn Ordway, Mr. and and Mrs. Arthur Hitchings, Miss Emma E. Newhall, Mrs. Arlene Pike Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. H. A. B. Peckam, Mrs. Jennie Dunham, Mr. A. E. Starkey, Miss Marion Starkey and Miss Caroline Hodge, Mrs. Walter Gay. Doners of magazines, Mr. and Mrs. James M. Pike and Miss M. Louise Hawkes.
Beside the Main Library four branches are maintained as in the past.
This year, however, the School Committee has granted the Library authorities permission to use one of the basement rooms in the Sweetser School for the Cliftondale Branch. This room has been fitted up and before this report leaves the press, the new branch will have been thrown open to the public.
A library is essentially an institution for service and the Saugus Public Library is endeavoring to function as it should in co- operating with the schools, more particularly the Junior and Senior High Schools. In the parlanence of the Library the "School List" is a list of books that are a part of the required reading in the school work of the students. This list is submit - ted by the school faculty to the Librarian who promptly with- draws the prescribed books from general circulation. The High School has a library but both libraries are inadequate for the demands made of them.
In the purchasing of new books the Trustees have endeavored
230
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
to maintain the proper balance between fiction and non+fiction. The fiction reading public seek amusement and the non-fiction readers are seeking instruction in history and sciences. During the last year the aim has been to bring the non-fiction section into its proper relation to the whole.
Books in Library January 1, 1926
17,137
Books purchased during 1926
550
Books in Library January 1, 1927
17,687
CIRCULATION
1925
1926
Main Library
26,821
30,427
Cliftondale Branch
11,063
13,052
East Saugus Branch
1,000
2,955
North Saugus Branch
1,598
1,610
Lynnhurst Branch
750
1,375
Total
41,232
49,419
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN B. LANG, Chairman. JOHN HUSLER
WILLIAM BRADFORD
WALTER D. BLOSSOM
FRED E. EWART
BASIL J. RING
Trustees.
231
CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS' REPORT.
1926]
Report of Cemetery Commissioners
During 1926 one hundred and six interments were made in Riverside Cemetery. Two thousand four hundred and forty-seven dollars and sixty cents has been added to the Perpetual Care Fund making a total of $37,590.48 All old lots ( with the exception of TI, these will require some attention this year) have been graded and cared for. We have approximately 500 lots under Per- petual Care and 300 are under annual care, our total number of lots being about 1,000.
Twelve hundred running feet of cement gutter 15 inches wide on the avenues that needed it have been laid at a cost of 20 cents per running foot. Our need now is a building for the equip- ment and funds to reconstruct the capping of the western part of the front stone wall. The front has been improved and it remains now only to construct the western portion of the wall in conformity to the other part. Then we feel that the entrances and street wall are in permanent shape needing only the usual care each year as walls of this kind can be kept in perfeet con- dition indefinitely by a little annual attention.
A new lowering device and a set of evergreen covering have been added to the equipment at a cost of $250.00.
BENJAMIN F. FULLERTON, WLLIAM E. LUDDEN, . W. GEORGE GREENLAY, Cemetery Commissioners.
232
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Assessors' Report
Number of polls assessed 3,774
Number of persons paying on property 6,582
Number of persons paying on poll tax only
1,534
Number of persons liable to do military duty 2,517
Population as taken by the Assessors, April I
13,244
SCHEDULE OF PROPERTY ASSESSED
Number of dwelling houses
3,206
Number of acres of land .
.
6,480
Number of acres of land (exempted)
276
Number of horses .
·
138
Number of cows
483
Number of neat cattle other than cows
65
Number of swine
461
Number of fowl
6,667
Number of dogs to be registered (female 247, male 704) 95I
VALUE OF REAL AND PERSONAL ESTATE
Buildings (excluding land)
$7,825,084
Land (excluding buildings)
3,468,381
Personal Property
1, 134,789
$12,428,254
Exemptions
137,250
TOTAL AMOUNT, PUBLIC PROPERTY EXEMPT FROM TAXATION
Final taking of unredeemed real estate
$30,800
Town Property
974,430
Religious societies
237,450
Charitable Institutions
3,075
Literary Institutions
3,075
Sons of Veterans' Building Association
6,725
Old Cemetery
1 1,000
$1,266,555
ABATEMENTS
For the year 1925
.
$2,168.53
For the year 1926
·
.
·
2,078.68
.
.
.
.
233
ASSESSORS' REPORT.
1926]
BASIS OF TAXATION
Overlay 1926
$4,422.37
County Tax
17,144.62
State Tax
19,320.00
State Highway
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