USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1909 > Part 3
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The construction of this work is a test of the fitness of the Highway Department of the town. Therefore, we recommend that $8,000 be appropriated and that it be borrowed on a loan to be known as Highway Loan.
Owing to the fact that this road is so largely used during the summer, and is so important a thoroughfare, it is imperative that the work be at once entered upon.
Library, p. 184.
The Trustees of the Library ask that a change be made in the accounting of the Library Fund, the effect of which, the report says, will "afford time and opportunity for the more careful and advantageous expenditure of money." The change will insure to the Library the receipts from the dog dax, and will also per- mit better results in the purchase of books. We recommend the adoption of the following motion :--
That the appropriation for the Town Library, the dog tax and the income from the trust funds, be placed to the credit of the Trustees of the Library with the Town Treasurer, to be drawn upon by the Trustees' order for the use of the Library at any time."
Stacey Brook Outlet, p. go.
The dilapidated condition of the construction on King's Beach is well known, its continuance in its present condition is a men- ace to the lands the brook drains. It is possible to remedy this
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by the construction of a box culvert as recommended in the letter of the engineer given in the Selectmen's report. It is understood that the City of Lynn and the Metropolitan Park Commission will bear their respective shares of the expense. We recommend that the share of Swampscott,-one-third of the $400 estimated, $133.33,-be appropriated, and that the Sewer Commissioners be instructed to see that the work is carried out.
Sealer of Weights and Measures, p. 94.
The duties of the Sealer have largely increased, owing to the measuring and marking milk jars, and we recommend his salary be $60.00.
Cemetery Improvement, p. 92.
The fact that there are but twenty-five lots available at the present time makes it imperative that some action be taken toward preparing additional ground. The plans as submitted to the Selectmen seem practicable, and we recommend that the sum of $4,500 be appropriated for the work, and that this sum be raised by a loan to be known as Cemetery Improvement Loan.
Town Treasurer (Assistance for), p. 94.
At a conference with the Selectmen they suggested that the Treasurer be allowed such assistance as is necessary, and that the payment therefor be charged to the Selectmen's department.
Corner of Essex and Burrill Streets, p. 94.
Referring to the fact that the town owns but little sidewalk at this corner, and that the owner has fenced in his land, we rec- ommend that $100 be appropriated to buy the land needed for the sidewalk and that the amount be raised by Highway Loan.
Building for Sand, p. 157.
The present building in the rear of the engine house is dilap- idated. A new one can be built on the town's land at the stone crusher that will answer the needs better than by repairing the present structure. We recommend that $400 be appropriated to build a structure 30 x 30 x 14 and that the amount be raised by Highway Loan.
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1909]
Steam Drill, p. 157.
The Town now has to hire a drill with the men to operate it and it is not always practicable to secure it when needed. We recommend that one be bought for the use of the Town and that $300 be appropriated for the purpose, the amount to be raised by Highway Loan.
Fire Hose, p. 164.
Owing to the constant wear and loss of strength through age, a certain amount of hose must be abandoned each year. The normal supply must be maintained. We recommend that the sum of $300 be appropriated to be expended by the Selectmen and Chief Engineer.
Fire Horse, p. 164.
One of the horses has had to be given up on account of sick- ness. We recommend that the sum of $250 be appropriated for the purchase of a new one.
Farnum Fence, p. 170.
We recommend that this matter be referred to the Board of Selectmen to be reported upon at the next annual Town Meeting.
Sanitation at Fish-House, p. 170.
Under the present arrangements the conditions are revolting, and the place unfit for its purpose. The Board of Health has ordered an abatement of the nuisance. We are advised by the Board of Health that $350 will cover the expense of the changes required. We therefore recommend the appropriation of this sum.
Combination Engine House and Police Station, p. 219.
We recognize from the report of the committee and from the sketches submitted in connection therewith that they have care- fully investigated the matter and have furnished the Town with plans for a modern building adapted to the purposes of the two departments. The erection and maintenance of such a building
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would put these departments on a city basis, both as to service and expense.
The arrangements for the present police department, while not strictly modern or suited to the needs of a city, are ample for a town of the size of Swampscott except in the matter of cell accommodations. Substantially the same comment can be made of the engine house with the exception of needed repairs.
While it would be satisfaction to be able to show a well equipped house such as would be a credit to a city, where the departments might be housed in greater comfort than at present, we feel that in the present financial condition of the town and in view of the pressing need for expenditures along lines that will benefit the citizens more generally, we deem it unwise to recommend the erection of this building this year.
An investigation of conditions at the central engine house shows conclusively that some repairs are needed and should be made at once. The sills on the westerly side should be replaced as well as those on the southerly side of the main building. The floors both of the main building and of the stable need attention. Owing to the decay of the sills, the roof has sagged in places, leaving pockets where the water stands and consequently leaks into the building. If the roof lines are trued and the roof re-coated, this leakage will be largely stopped. Portions of the building will need painting.
We recommend that the sum of $2,000 be appropriated for for these repairs, as much thereof as may be needed to be expended under the direction of the Selectmen.
Sewers .ยท Article 27.
This sum has been included in the amount recommended for sewer maintenance in accordance with the vote June 25, 1907.
Celebration of July 4th. Article 16.
While recognizing the pleasure which such a celebration might give the children, we deem it unwise under existing con- ditions to establish a precedent, which would in all probability be followed and elaborated in ensuing years. We therefore recommend that no appropriation be made at this time.
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RECORDS OF TOWN CLERK.
1909]
Grant Road. Article 24. Redington Street Sidewalk. Article 17.
These Articles are covered by our recommendation for con- tinuous sidewalks.
Town Fences. Article 18.
We recommend that $200 be appropriated for town fences and that the amount be raised by Highway Loan.
Post 118. G. A. R. Article 20.
We recommend that the sum of $100 be appropriated for the purpose of heating and lighting the Post headquarters as petitioned for.
Essex Street Grading. Article 25.
Essex street from the Nies estate to the cemetery is in need of repairs and regrading. We recommend that $500 be appropri- ated for this purpose.
Stetson Avenue Bridge Lights. Article 29.
While this is a somewhat lonely spot, the sidewalks under the bridge, which is narrow, are lighted by an arc light located fifty yards south, and directly in front, and by an incandescent lamp seventeen yards north, also directly in front of the bridge. We therefore recommend that no appropriation be made.
Notes, p. 290.
There are notes due this year amounting to $23,200. In our report at the last meeting, the notes of the town were analyzed, especially those due for permanent improvement, so-called, and it was shown that of the $116,420 of such notes now outstand- ing, $51,000, nearly one-half, were incurred for purely current expenses, and instances were given.
No subject has been so fully discussed by the committee as this, namely, the borrowing of money for current expenses. Your committee wishes to enter its protests against a continuance of
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this practice. There is no justification for it. There is some reason for borrowing money for buildings and permanent con- structions and thus spreading the cost over a series of years, but to borrow for our current expenses is to add to the burdens of future years what should be paid now.
Of the notes maturing this year, $6,600 was incurred for what may be called permanent purposes. These are three in number, namely : Park Loan, $2,500. Sewer Loan, $2,800. Marshall Drain Loan, $1,300. We recommend that the Selectmen be authorized to borrow money to meet these notes at matnrity.
As to the balance of the notes due this year, $16,600,-$11, 100, was for purely current expenses. The story is given in the report of this committee to the Town Meeting January 14, 1908. It was borrowed with the express agreement that it be repaid from the taxes of the year 1908. We recommend therefore that $11, 100 be appropriated for the payment of this note.
The remaining three notes due amount to $5,500, and were permanent improvement loans, so-called. We recommend that $5,500 be appropriated for their payment at maturity.
In conclusion, we wish to express to the town what has grown in the mind of each member of the Committee that the experi- ence of serving on this Committee has been most instructive. If a similar study of the whole work of the town could be under- taken by citizens generally, the result could not fail to be bene- ficial. A business with a debt of $500,000 in bonds and notes payable, and with cash transactions annually of $325,000, is large, complicated and worthy of the best thought and of the exercise of the most careful judgment.
One difficulty we have encountered is learning the history of the events in the past, sometimes covering a series of years, on which now depend the amount of an appropriation. A remedy for this difficulty will be found if the departments will have their annual reports in mind during the year, make notes from time to time, and then embody these notes in their reports. Such re- ports will be of great assistance in future years.
There is one point we desire to emphasize, namely: the necessity of the departments keeping within the appropriations.
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RECORDS OF TOWN CLERK.
1909]
An over-draft means a loan, and a loan means that interest must be paid, and accumulating interest means increased taxes.
It will be seen that the total amount of the appropriations which we recommend is $206, 268, of which we feel that $32,200 can properly be borrowed. This leaves $174,068 to be raised by taxation. In conference with the Board of Assessors we are assured that the receipts from taxes this year will be but slightly, if any, greater than last. Should this prove correct, the tax rate would be approximately $15.75. On the same basis had the entire amounts asked for been recommended, the rate would have been about $16.65. This calculation is based on the plan of borrowing for such items as are additions or strictly perma- nent improvements.
ELGAR H. TOWNSEND, FRANK H. GAGE, ROBERT B. WARDWELL, JAMES E. PHILLIPS, GEORGE A. HEATH, WILLIS E. DOUGHTY, JOHN ALBREE.
MARCH 31, 1908.
Sewers.
ART. 21, 22 and 23 were referred to the Committee on Ways and Means and to the Sewer Commissioners, jointly, and the re- port is herewith submitted.
ART. 21 includes what is petitioned for in Article 22, and they can be considered together. Each calls for a sewer on Elliott street. This street is about 300 feet long, and of gravel formation. A sewer can be constructed for about $600.
Crescent street is about 1,000 feet long, and is underlaid with a hard rock for much of the distance. The expense of construct- ing a sewer in this street would be about $5,000. In addition to the cost of the main sewer, the cost of constructing the particular. sewers would be very heavy, as the same hard rock would have to be blasted.
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TOWN DOCUMENTS.
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We recommend that the Elliott street only be constructed, the cost to be met from funds now standing to the credit of the Sewer Department.
ART. 23. The course of the sewer proposed for Sheridan road, about 1,000 feet in length, is very tortuous, thus necessita- ting the construction of a larger proportion of manholes than is usually required for such a length. Moreover, two old water courses would be encountered. The work would be expensive, and the number of houses supplied few. The cost of such a sewer would be $3,500. We recommend that this matter be in- definitely postponed.
It is well to mention in this connection that there is little money to the credit of the Sewer Department, and that extensive repairs are needed on the main line from the pumping station to the sea.
A. R. BUNTING, E. H. CURTIS, JAMES T. LYONS,
Board of Sewer Commissioners.
ELGAR H. TOWNSEND,
FRANK H. GAGE,
ROBERT B. WARDWELL,
JAMES E. PHILLIPS,
GEORGE A. HEATH,
WILLIS E. DOUGHTY,
JOHN ALBREE,
Committee on Ways and Means.
Voted, to accept the reports and they be taken up in sections article by article.
Selectmen's recommendations, pp. 93, 94. Voted, to adopt.
School Department, p. 95. Voted, to adopt the recom- dations.
Ambulance, p. 91. Voted, to adopt the recommendations.
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RECORDS OF TOWN CLERK.
1909]
Highway Department, pp. 93, 94. Voted, to adopt as recom- mended.
Continuous Sidewalks, pp. 90-156. Voted, to adopt the recommendations, the money to be raised by Highway Loan ($1,000.)
Atlantic Avenue, p. 87. Voted, to adopt the recommenda- tions, the money to be raised by Highway Loan ($8,000.)
Library, p. 184. Voted, to adopt the following motion : That the appropriation for the Town Library, the dog tax, and the income from the trust funds be placed to the credit of the Trustees of the Library with the Town Treasurer, to be drawn upon by the Trustees' order for the use of the Library at any time.
Stacey Brook outlet, p. 90. Voted, that the committee's recommendations be adopted, and the Selectmen be added to carry out the work. ($133.33.)
Sealer of Weights and Measures, p. 94. Voted, to adopt the recommendations of the committee, that the salary of the Sealer be $60.00 per year, for current year. ($60.00.)
Cemetery Improvement, p. 92. Voted, to adopt the recom- mendations of the committee, and the money be raised by Cem- etery Improvement Loan. ($4,500.) .
Town Treasurer's assistance, p. 94. Voted to adopt the com- mittee's recommendations.
Corner Essex and Burrill streets. Voted to adopt the recom- mendation of the committee, money to be raised by Highway Loan. ($100.)
Building for sand, p. 157. Voted, That the recommendations of the committee be adopted, the amount to be raised by High- way Loan. ($400.)
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TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Feb. I
Steam Drill, p. 157. Voted to adopt, as recommended by the committee, the amount to be raised by Highway Loan. ($300.)
Fire Hose, p. 164. Voted, That the committee's recommen- dations be adopted. ($300. )
The Farnham Fence, p. 170. Voted to adopt the committee's report.
Sanitation at the Fish House, p. 170. Voted, That the report of the committee be adopted. ($350.)
Fire Horse, p. 164. Voted to adopt the committee's recom- mendations. ($250.)
Voted to take up Article 12. Voted, 165 yea, 26 nay, that the sum of $5,000 be raised by a loan under Article 12 for Met- ropolitan Park tax.
Combination Engine House and Police Station, p. 219. Voted to adopt the recommendations of the committee, and that the Selectmen and Fire Engineers carry out the work.
Sewers, Article 27. Voted to adopt the recommendations of the committee.
ART. 16. Celebration of July 4. Voted to adopt the com- mittee's recommendations.
ARTS. 17 and 24. Voted to adopt the report of the committee.
ART. 18. Town fences. Voted to adopt the recommenda- tions of the committee, amount to be raised by Highway Loan. ($200.)
ART. 20. Post 118 G. A. R. Voted to adopt the recom- mendations of the committee. ($100.)
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RECORDS OF TOWN CLERK.
1909]
ART. 25. Essex Street Grading, Voted, To adopt the com- mittee's recommendations as amended to add $500 to the appro- priation $1,000.
ART. 29. Stetson Avenue Bridge Light, Voted, To adopt the report of the committee.
Voted, That the same Street Light Committee serve for 1908, the vacancy to be filled by the chair.
Town Notes, p. 290, Voted, To adopt the report of the com- mittee in full.
The Moderator announced the re-appointment of the Ways and Means Committee, and a vote of thanks was extended to the committee for their services.
Voted, To accept the resignation of the Ways and Means Committee, they having declined to serve for the ensuing year.
ART. 5. Voted, That. the Town Treasurer be hereby authorized with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, to issue notes or bonds of the Town for the amounts voted to be raised by a loan or loans, payable each year from 1909 to 1918.
Voted, at 10 P. M., To adjourn to tomorrow Wednesday even- ing at 7.45 o'clock.
Attest : MILTON D. PORTER, Town Clerk.
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TOWN DOCUMENTS.
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Adjourned Annual Town Meeting, April 1, 1908.
Meeting called to order at 7.45 P. M., by the Moderator.
Records of last meeting, except the report of the Ways and Means Committee, read and declared approved.
ARTS. 21 and 22. Voted to accept and adopt the recom- mendations of the committee on these Articles.
ART. 23. Voted, That the Committee's report to indefinitely postpone this Article be adopted.
Report of the Water Commissioners on Art. 2S.
SWAMPSCOTT, March 31, 1908.
To the Citizens of Swampscott :
The Water Commissioners, to whom was referred Article 28 of the Warrant beg leave to submit the following : In carrying out the vote of the Town of April 23, 1906, $3,628.40 was spent in the purchase of meters during the year 1906, this amount being taken from funds on hand at that time; during 1907 $3,031.25 was used for a like purpose, $3,000 of which was raised by the issuance of bonds on May 1, 1907. There yet re- main over 400 unmetered services, and to take care of these we shall need something over $3,000, and it will be impossible to take this amount from the receipts of the present year. We therefore ask that the remaining $2,000 in bonds be issued to aid in the finishing of this work.
WILLIAM H. BATES, S. M. KEHOE, I. I. EDGERLY,
Water Commissioners.
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RECORDS OF TOWN CLERK.
1909]
Voted unanimously, That for the purpose of defraying a part of the expense of metering the remainder of the Town there be issued coupon bonds of the Town of Swampscott, with the priv- ilege of registration, to the amount of two thousand dollars ($2,000), at par value, in sums of one thousand dollars ($1,000) each, bearing upon their face the words " Town of Swampscott Water Loan," said bonds to be signed by the Treasurer of the Town of Swampscott and countersigned by the Water Commis- sioners. Said bonds shall be issued under the seal of the Town, and bear date, first day of May, 1908, as hereinafter provided, payable at National Shawmut Bank of Boston, or at the office of the Treasurer of the Town of Swampscott, at the option of the holder, on the first day of August, 1928, with interest at three and one-half per cent (32%) per annum, payable semi-annually on the first days of February and August, principal and interest payable in gold coin of the United States, or its equivalent, and that the Treasurer of the Town and said Water Commissioners, at their discretion, cause such bonds to be prepared and disposed of May 1, 1908, at such prices as they may determine, subject to the provisions of Chapter 293, of the Acts of the Legislature of the year 1898.
he Sinking Fund heretofore established under the Act above mentioned, with all the provisions thereof, shall be, and the same is hereby extended so as to provide for the payment of the bonds authorized by the foregoing vote, and any of said bonds or remain- ing proceeds thereof not needed for the uses before mentioned, shall be paid and contributed to said fund. And such other and further payments and contributions shall be made thereto, from time to time, as are required by the provisions of said Act of 1898, Chapter 293, and by other provisions of law. And said Sinking Fund shall remain inviolate, and pledged to the payment of said loan, and shall be used for no other purpose.
ART. 31. Voted, To appropriate the sum of $4,700, required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the suppression of gypsy and brown tail moths.
5
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TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Feb. I
Voted, To refer to the Selectmen the matter of the grade of Humphrey street from Harris estate to the sewer station as sug- gested on page 156 of the Town Report.
Voted, That the matter of re-location of Buena Vista street as referred to on page 92 of the Town Report, be referred to the Selectmen for action.
Voted, That Outlook and Walker Roads be included in Section I, as relates to particular Sewers Assessments.
Voted, That the Sewer Commissioners be authorized to make a taking of the five-foot passageway right, leading from Clare- mont terrace to Humphrey street, if found necessary in connec- tion with the construction of a sewer for the relief of the resi- dents of said Claremont terrace heretofore voted by the Town.
Supplementary Report of the Board of Auditors. To the Citizens of Swampscott :
We herewith present for your consideration the first Annual Report of the Auditors under the new By-Laws. The accounts of the different departments have been carefully examined and proper vouchers are on file for payments made. We have also examined the accounts of the Town Accountant and find them as stated in his annual report. The books of the Treasurer have been audited quarterly and compare correctly with those of the various departments and we have on file bank cashiers' certifi- cates for balance on hand. The items of receipts may be found by referring to the various departments in the Treasurer's accounts.
Respectfully submitted,
STUART P. ELLIS, HARRY CAHOON, NATHANIEL F. BARTLETT,
Board of Auditors.
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RECORDS OF TOWN CLERK.
1909]
Voted, To accept the Supplementary Report of the Board of Auditors, dated March 31, 1908. The salary of the Auditors, heretofore deferred, being called up. A motion by James W. Libbey that the salary be the same as last year, was amended by Mr. John Albree, that the Chairman of Auditors receive $15.00, and the other members $10.00 for their services the current year, the amendment was carried.
The Moderator appointed Elias G. Hodgkins as a member of the Street Light Committee for the current year to fill the vacancy occasioned by the removal from the Town of Frank J. Linnehan.
The Moderator announced the Committee on Ways and Means for the ensuing year as follows :
John Henry Welch, chairman, Fred M. Collins, Frank W. Kimball, Edward H. Kitfield, George D. R. Durkee, Willis E. Doughty, Augustine H. Rich.
Voted, At 8.45 P. M. to dissolve the meeting.
Attest : MILTON D. PORTER, Town Clerk.
Annual State Election, November 3, 1908.
TOWN WARRANT.
ESSEX, SS.
To Either of the Constables of the Town of Swampscott, in said County. GREETING :-
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are directed to notify the inhabitants of the Town of Swampscott, qualified to vote in elections, to meet at the Town Hall, in said Swampscott, on Tuesday, the third day of November next, it being the Tuesday next after the first Monday of said November, at six o'clock in the forenoon, then and there to bring in their votes to the Selectmen, on one ballot for electors of President
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TOWN DOCUMENTS.
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and Vice-President, Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, Secretary, Treasurer, Auditor, Attorney-General, Representative in Con- gress, Councillor, Senator First Essex District, Two Representa- tives in General Court Twelfth Essex District, Register of Probate and Insolvency, Associate Commissioner, County Commissioner.
The polls to be kept open until 4.30 o'clock P. M.
And you are directed to serve this Warrant by posting attested copies thereof at the Town Hall, Depot, Post Office and three other public and conspicuous places in the town seven days at least before the time of holding said meeting. .
HEREOF FAIL NOT, and make due return of this Warrant, with your doings thereon, to the Town, Clerk, at the time and place of meeting, as aforesaid.
Given under our hands, this twenty-third day of October in the year nineteen hundred and eight.
ARTHUR C. WIDGER, FRED C. MARSH, JAMES F. CATON,
Selectmen of Swampscott.
A true copy. Attest :
RICHARD G. GILLEY,
Constable.
Return on the Warrant.
Pursuant to the within Warrant to me directed, I have notified the legal voters of Swampscott by posting attested copies of said Warrant at the Town Hall, Post Office, Depot and three other public and conspicuous places in Swampscott on Monday, October twenty-sixth, 1908. The posting of said notices being at least seven days before the time of said meeting.
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