USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1914 > Part 4
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ARTICLE 16. OVERSEERS OF THE POOR .- [Page 216.]
Owing to the provisions of a recent Statute providing that towns and cities shall care for dependent mothers with young children, the Over- seers of the Poor estimate that their usual appropriation must be increased $200.
We recommend that the Town appropriate the sum of $3,800 for the maintenance of the Poor Department for the ensuing year.
ARTICLE 17. TREE WARDEN.
The amount asked for the Department of Tree Warden this year is the same as was appropriated last year.
We recommend that the Town appropriate the sum of $1,000 for this Department.
ARTICLE 18. CEMETERY DEPARTMENT .- [Page 144.]
The Superintendent of Cemeteries asks this year for $1,800, which is $200 more than was appropriated last year. This increase is for the pur- pose of laying concrete curbs to protect the lots at the entrances of the Cemetery and for concrete gutters to prevent the washing away of road- ways and walks.
We recommend the appropriation of $1,800 for the care and mainte- nance of the cemetery.
34
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
ARTICLE 19.
HUMPHREY STREET SEWER EXTENSION .- [Pages 237 and 238. ]
Last year your Committee on Ways and Means recommended that the matter of sewer extension in Humphrey street be postponed until a com- plete plan for sewer extension eastward from the Pumping Station should be settled upon. Such a plan has now been made and the details worked out. The Water and Sewerage Board now advise the construction of the first section, in accordance with this plan, beginning at the Pumping Station and extending eastward a distance of about 750 feet beyond Hem- enway Road. The Board of Health also advise that something should be done in this section to improve the sanitary conditions there. The esti- mated expense of this construction is placed at $16,000, and while we dislike to see the Town involved in so much extra debt this year, your Committee is unanimous in the opinion that sewers are an undoubted asset and assist materially in the development and growth of the Town as a whole, as well as to the particular section directly benefited. As a part of a larger plan, some beginning should be made at once if the Town is to adequately care for the whole easterly section.
We recommend that the Town appropriate the sum of $16,000 for the extension of the Sewer System in Humphrey street, according to the plan of the Special Sewerage Committee, as contained in their report on Pages 237 and 238 of the Annual Report, December 31, 1913, and that the amount be raised by the issuance of notes or bonds of the Town.
ARTICLE 20. SCHOOL DEPARTMENT .- [Pages 151 and 153.]
This year the School Committee asks for $51,000 for regular expenses and $1,500 for new equipment. This is over $4,000 more than the amount expended last year, and last year it was about $5,600 in excess of the previous year. According to data given by the School Committee, the cost per pupil in the lower grades is about $34 and in the High School $53. Taking the average yearly increase in the number of pupils in our schools at 25 in the lower grades and 17 in the High, this would make an increase in the expense of the School Department of less than $2,000 per year, due to the normal increase in attendance. This includes all mainte- nance items and new equipment. While there are always likely to be special items to increase any such fixed schedule, it does not appear that the amount should be more than doubled two years in succession. It should be stated that this year there is an item of an increase in pay for the teachers, which will partly account for the large increase in appro- priation.
We believe that our schools should be kept up to the highest possible standard consistent with the finances of the Town, and we do not wish in any way to discourage the efforts of the School Committee, but we are of the opinion that they should be able to continue with somewhat less than the amount asked for.
We recommend that the Town appropriate the sum of $50,000 for the general expense of the School Department, and $1,000 for original school equipment, said sum to be raised by issuance of notes or bonds of the Town.
ARTICLE 21.
The congested condition of the rooms in the High School is clearly set forth in the reports of the Superintendent of Schools and the Principal of the High School for the year 1913. Your Committee has investigated these conditions and it is evident that the subject is an important one, requiring careful study to insure that the increasing enrollment of pupils shall be accommodated, not only as to instruction of the mind, but with due care and consideration for comfortable and hygienic surroundings.
We recommend that the sum of $100 be appropriated for the use of the Special Committee appointed by the Town to secure plans for the enlarge- ment and remodeling of the High School.
35
TOWN CLERK'S RECORDS.
1914]
ARTICLE 22.
Your Committee on Ways and Means is of the opinion that an Athletic Director for the Schools is desirable, but that the Town, for reasons of economy, should not at this time appropriate money for this purpose. The necessary amount could be raised, we believe, by private subscription, in a satisfactory manner.
We recommend that the subject matter of this Article be postponed.
ARTICLE 23.
Some years ago the United States Government presented the General Bates No. 118 Post of the Grand Army with two 100 pdr Parrott rifles and naval mounts to be used as memorials of the Civil War. One of these now stands on the grounds of the High School. Your Committee has obtained the following history of this gun from the Navy Department at Washington :
"Built in 1863 and shipped to the Navy Yard, Boston, Mass., in February, 1865, where it was mounted on the Sloop of War ' Richmond ' in January, 1869. Landed at the Navy Yard, Philadelphia, Pa., in November, 1871, and transferred to the Navy Yard, Boston, Mass., in September, 1877, where it was mounted on the Frigate ' Wabash.' It has no Civil War record."
It is evident that this Article was drawn up with a view to the preserva- tion of an object of historic interest, but as the gun has no war record, the object sought for would not be attained.
We recommend that the subject matter of this article be indefinitely postponed.
ARTICLE 24.
The Town has adopted Chapter 498, Acts of 1908, authorizing the establishment of a Teachers' Pension Fund, and last year $500 was appropriated for this purpose, to be placed in the hands of the Town Treasurer, to be disbursed by him according to the provisions of the Act. There is an unexpended balance of $170.38 left from this appropriation.
The School Committee estimate that the sum of $659 will be required for the purpose of the fund this year.
We recommend that the Town appropriate the sum of $500 for the Teachers' Pension Fund, in accordance with the provisions of this Article.
ARTICLE 25.
Your Committee is informed by the Town Counsel that, according to the statutes, a Town may not raise money by taxation for the purpose specified in this Article.
We recommend that the subject matter of this Article be indefinitely postponed.
ARTICLE 26.
Your Committee understands that Bay View avenue, where it is desired to extend the sewer, is not an accepted street and accordingly a sewer can- not be placed there by the Town at this time.
We recommend that the subject matter of Article 26 be indefinitely postponed.
ARTICLE 27.
This is a short section of sewer and its construction is advised by the Water and Sewerage Board, who estimate the probable cost at about $600.
We recommend that the Town appropriate the sum of $600 for the extension of the sewer in Greenwood avenue, as stipulated by Article 27, and that the sum be raised by the issuance of notes or bonds of the Town.
ARTICLE 28.
We recommend that the Town grant a Saturday half holiday to the employees of the Highway, Water, Sewer and Moth Departments during the entire year.
ARTICLE 29.
For several years the Town has made suitable provisions for the observance and celebration of the anniversary of the Declaration of our
36
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
National Independence. There is much need of economy, however, and it has been suggested that part of the amount asked for could be raised by subscription.
We recommend that the Town appropriate $500 for the purpose of celebrating the Fourth of July, said amount to be expended under the direction of the Board of Park Commissioners and a Committee of four to be named from the floor.
ARTICLE 30.
In view of the urgent need of curtailment in all of its expenditures, this Committee deems it unwise for the Town to grant the appropriation asked for in this Article for the purpose of providing Band Concerts during the season of 1914.
We recommend that the subject matter of this article be indefinitely postponed.
ARTICLE 31.
The water main referred to in this Article is a short section of about 250 feet, and its construction is advised by the Water and Sewerage Board, which estimates the expense at about $312.
We recommend that the Town appropriate the sum of $312 for the extension of a water main through Clarke avenue, according to the pro- visions of Article 31, and that this amount be transferred from an unex- pended balance left from the water appropriation for Galloupe's Point.
ARTICLE 32.
There is a sharp bend in Redington street, most noticeable on the westerly side, a short distance from the corner of Mapledale place, and it is requested that the Town should straighten this street for the con- venience of pedestrians.
The owner of the land has signified his willingness to deed to the Town such portion of land as would accomplish the purpose desired, providing the Town will move two buildings, which would also necessitate the building of two cellars, for which we have no reliable estimate of cost.
This Committee is not impressed with the immediate necessity for this work.
We recommend that the subject matter of Article 32 be indefinitely post- poned.
ARTICLE 33.
This Committee after consultation with the Board of Health and High- way Surveyor, believes that Marshall Brook outlet is not only objection- able to the residents in that vicinity and those who have occasion to go on the beach, but is a nuisance and injurious to public health.
We recommend an appropriation of $400 for the construction of Marsh- all Brook outlet, being a part of a surface drain, the work to be done under the supervision of the Highway Surveyor, said sum to be raised by the issuance of notes or bonds of the Town.
ARTICLE 35.
We recommend that the Town appropriate the sum of $6,000 for con- tinuous sidewalks, to be constructed of brick, stone, concrete or other material of similar lasting character, and that the amount be raised by the issuance of notes or bonds of the Town.
ARTICLE 36.
Your Committee has investigated the subject matter of this Article and is impressed with the possibility that this work can be done more satis- factorily under the supervision of the Highway Surveyor than by private contract. We believe a sufficient amount of money must be appropriated if the work is to be done thoroughly and that the amount recommended by the Board of Selectmen is not sufficient to do the work in a manner which would be satisfactory to the citizens of the Town.
We recommend that $4,500 be appropriated for laying the dust in the streets and that the oil be purchased by the Highway Surveyor and the work done under his supervision.
1
37
TOWN CLERK'S RECORDS.
1914]
ARTICLE 38.
The Town has collected ashes and garbage under the supervision of the Board of Health for the past few years, and this matter with the appro- priation necessary has been taken care of under Article 10.
We recommend that the subject matter of this Article be indefinitely postponed.
ARTICLE 40.
The purpose of this Article is the same as the first part of Article 6 in the Warrant for the Special Meeting held January 9, 1914, and calls for the rescinding of the action taken with regard to the issuing of bonds or notes for the purposes of Water Pipe and Sewer Construction. According to the records of the Town Clerk, this matter was considered at that meeting and this part of the article adopted -the balance of the article being referred to the annual meeting. Therefore, no further action is necessary.
We recommend that the subject matter of Article 40 be indefinitely postponed.
ARTICLE 41.
The amount referred to in this Article for Water Pipe Construction in Crosman avenue and Galloupe's Point was authorized at a meeting of October 10, 1913, but the bonds were not issued. The work, however, has been completed and paid for from the general funds in the treasury. The purpose of this Article is to raise the amount by borrowing and refund it to the Town Treasury.
We recommend that the Town appropriate the sum of $4,200 for the purpose of refunding to the Treasury the amount expended in laying water pipes in Crosman avenue and replacing the water pipes at Galloupe's Point and that this sum be raised by the issuance of notes or bonds of the Town.
ARTICLE 42.
The subject matter of this Article is similar to Article 41.
We recommend that the Town appropriate the sum of $1,920 for the purpose of refunding to the Treasury the amount expended in the con- struction of sewers in Roy and Rockland streets and for procuring plans for an extension of the sewerage system, and that the sum of $1,900 be raised by the issuance of notes or bonds of the Town and that the sum of $20 be transferred from the Sewer Department receipts.
ARTICLE 46.
Last year the Town voted in favor of proceeding with the widening and reconstruction of Humphrey street. The preliminary details have been completed and active work will be commenced in the near future. Under the act requiring the work, the Town is authorized to issue bonds to an amount not exceeding $50,000.
We recommend that the Town vote to issue notes or bonds to an amount not exceeding $50,000 for the purposes set forth in and under the authority given by Chapter 778 of the Acts of 1913, entitled, " An Act Relative to the Laying Out and Construction of Humphrey street in the Town of Swampscott.'
ARTICLE 47.
We recommend that the following be fixed as the particulars of the bonds or notes to be issued by the Town for the purposes set forth in the vote under Article 46 of the Warrant, which relates to the appropriation of the sum of $50,000 by virtue of the authority given by Chapter 778 of the Acts of 1913, said sum being the estimated cost to the Town of the reconstruction of that part of Humpheey street described in said Act.
Bonds or notes may be issued from time to time, for such amount not exceeding in the aggregate the sum of $50,000 as shall be determined by a majority of the Board of Selectmen to be necessary for said purposes.
Such bonds or notes shall be of the denomination of either $500 each or $1,000 each, shall be dated during the current year, shall bear interest at a rate not exceeding four per centum (4%) per annum payable semi-annually. Said bonds or notes shall bear the Town Seal, shall be signed by the
4
38
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Town Treasurer and countersigned by a majority of the Selectmen, shall bear on their face the words, "Swampscott Humphrey Street Loan, Act of 1913." Such bonds or notes shall be payable by annual payments beginning not more than one year from the date thereof, as will extinguish each loan within twenty years from its date, and the amount of such annual payment of any loan in any year shall not be less than the amount of the principal of said loan payable in any subsequent year. They shall be authenticated by some bank, trust company, or by the Massachusetts Bureau of Statistics, and shall be subject to registration at the holder's option on presentation to the Town Treasurer for cancellation of the coupons (if coupon bonds are issued) and appropriate endorsement. The principal and interest shall be payable at the office of the Town Treasurer, or at such bank or trust company as the Town Treasurer and Selectmen shall designate.
All other particulars as to form, issuance and sale of said bonds shall be determined by the Town Treasurer and Selectmen, but said bonds shall not be sold for less than par and interest.
We recommend that the following be fixed as the particulars of the bonds or notes to be issued by the Town for the purposes set forth in Articles 12, 19, 27 and 42 of the Warrant, which relate to the appropria- tion of $3,500 for sewers in Stetson avenue, $16,000 for sewers in Hum- phrey street, $600 for sewers in Greenwood avenue, and $1,900 for sewers in Roy and Rockland streets, said appropriations aggregating the sum of $22,000.
There shall be twenty-two bonds or notes for one thousand dollars each, numbered one to twenty-two inclusive. They shall be dated during the current year. Bond or note numbered one shall be payable one year from the date thereof, and one bond or note shall be payable each year there- after in numerical order. Said bonds or notes shall bear the Town seal, shall be signed by the Town Treasurer and countersigned by a majority of the Selectmen, shall bear interest at a rate not exceeding four and one- half per centum (42%) per annum, payable semi-annually, shall be authenticated by some bank or trust company, or by the Massachusetts Bureau of Statistics, and shall be subject to registration at the holder's option on presentation to the Town Treasurer for cancellation of coupons (if coupon bonds are issued) and appropriate endorsement. The principal and interest shall be payable at the office of the Town Treasurer or at such bank or trust company as the Town Treasurer and the Board of Selectmen shall designate. Said bonds or notes shall bear upon their face the words, "Swampscott Sewerage Loan, Act of 1913." Said bonds or notes shall be sold under the direction of the Town Treasurer and the Board of Select- men.
All other particulars as to form, issuance and sale of said bonds or notes shall be determined by the Town Treasurer and the Board of Select- men, but said bonds or notes shall not be sold for less than par and interest.
We recommend that the following be fixed as the particulars of the bonds or notes to be issued by the Town for the purposes set forth in Article 41 of the Warrant which relates to the appropriation of $4,200 for water mains in Crosman avenue and at Galloupe's Point.
There shall be four bonds or notes for one thousand dollars each, numbered one to four, inclusive, and one bond or note for two hundred dollars numbered five. They shall be dated during the current year. Bond or note numbered one shall be payable one year from the date thereof, and one bond or note shall be payable each year thereafter in numerical order. Said bonds or notes shall bear the Town seal, shall be signed by the Town Treasurer and countersigned by a majority of the Selectmen and a majority of the Water Commissioners (now Water and Sewerage Board), shall bear interest at a rate not exceeding four and one- half per centum (42%) per annum, payable semi-annually, shall be authenticated by some bank or trust company, or by the Massachusetts Bureau of Statistics, shall be subject to registration at the holder's option on presentation to the Town Treasurer for cancellation of coupons (if coupon bonds are issued) and appropriate endorsement. The principal
39
TOWN CLERK'S RECORDS.
1914]
and interest shall be payable at the office of the Town Treasurer or at such bank or trust company as the Town Treasurer and Selectmen shall designate. Said bonds or notes shall bear on their face the words, " Swampscott Additional Water Loan, Act of 1912." Said bonds or notes shall be sold under the direction of the Town Treasurer and the Board of Selectmen.
All other particulars as to form, issuance and sale of said bonds or notes shall be determined by the Town Treasurer and the Board of Selectmen, but said bonds or notes shall not be sold for less than par and interest.
We recommend that the following be fixed as the particulars of the bonds or notes to be issued by the Town for the purposes set forth in Articles 4, 20, 33 and 35, relating to the following appropriations : $1,600 for original street construction, and $6,000 for macadam pavement, $1,000 for original equipment for the Hadley School, $400 for Marshall Brook outlet, and $6,000 for sidewalks, said appropriations aggregating fifteen thousand dollars.
There shall be fifteen bonds or notes for one thousand dollars each, numbered one to fifteen, inclusive. They, shall be dated during the current year. Bonds or notes numbered one, two and three shall be pay- able one year from their date, and three bonds or notes shall be payable each year thereafter in numerical order. Said bonds or notes shall bear the Town Seal, shall be signed by the Town Treasurer and countersigned by a majority of the Selectmen, shall bear interest at a rate not exceeding four and one-half per centum (42%) per annum, payable semi-annually, shall be authenticated by some bank or trust company, or by the Massa- chusetts Bureau of Statistics, shall be subject to registration at the holder's option upon presentation to the Town Treasurer for cancellation of the coupons (if coupon bonds are issued) and appropriate endorsement. The principal and interest shall be payable at the office of the Town Treasurer or at such bank or trust company as the Town Treasurer and Selectmen shall designate. Said bonds or notes shall bear on their face the words, "Swampscott Miscellaneous Loan, 1914." Said bonds or notes shall be sold under the direction of the Town Treasurer and Board of Selectmen.
All other particulars as to form, issuance and sale of said bonds or notes shall be determined by the Town Treasurer and Board of Selectmen, but said bonds or notes shall not be sold for less than par and interest.
(Signed)
GEORGE D. R. DURKEE, LEON L. DENNIS,
HENRY S. BALDWIN, DAVID C. LASH,
HARRY F. PHILLIPS,
RICHARD B. HUSSEY,
Committee on Ways and Means.
TOWN DEBT .- [Page 134 of Town Report. ]
Voted. To indfinitely postpone action on the recommendation of the Ways and Means Committee instructing the Town Treasurer.
Voted. To adopt the recommendation of the Ways and Means Com- mittee appropriating as follows :
General Debt
.
·
$32,587 43
Sewer Bonds
.
.
11,950 00
Interest on General Debt .
.
10,998 02
Interest on Sewer Bonds
7,200 50
Interest on Temporary Loans .
5,600 00
Total
$68,335 95
Voted. To adopt the report of the Ways and Means Committee recommending the transfer of the balance in the account of "Premium Notes and Bonds" to the amount of $1,812.57 toward the payment of general debt maturing this year.
40
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
AGENCY .- [Town Report, Page 134.]
Voted. To adopt the recommendation of the Ways and Means Com- mittee appropriating as follows :
State Tax
$28,000 00
County Tax
21,000 00
$49,000 00
METROPOLITAN PARK ACCOUNTS .- [Town Report, Pages 133-134. ]
Voted. To adopt the report and recommendations of the Ways and Means Committee appropriating as follows :
Metropolitan Park Sinking Fund
$675 00
Metropolitan Park Maintenance Assessment 3,000 00
Metropolitan Park Interest Assessment
2,500 00
$6,175 00
Voted. To adopt the report of the Ways and Means Committee appropriating as follows :
Moth Extermination .
.
$5,000 00
State Aid
3,000 00
Soldiers' Relief
.
.
.
.
3,000 00
$11,000 00
GENERAL GOVERNMENT .- [Town Report, Pages 132-133. ] Voted. To adopt the recommendations of the Ways and Means Com- mittee appropriating as follows :
Legislature
$300 00
Selectmen
.
1,500 00
Auditing
1,000 00
Treasurer
900 00
Collector of Taxes
1,000 00
Town Clerk
300 00
Law
2,500 00
Election and Registration
725 00
Engineering
2,000 00
Town Hall
2,200 00
Total
$12,425 00
Sealer of Weights and Measures
$125 00
Dog Officer
170 00
Care of Monument Lot
50 00
Memorial Day
200 00
Heat and Light, G. A. R. Hall
75 00
Printing Town Reports
677 70
Total .
$1,297 70
Sewer Maintenance
$5,200 00
Sewer connections
800 00
Street Lighting .
11,000 00
Total ·
$17,000 00
PUBLIC LIBRARY .- [Town Report, Page 133.]
Voted. To adopt the recommendation of the Ways and Means Com- mittee appropriating the sum of $1,400 for the Maintenance of the Public Library.
CONTINGENT FUND .- [Town Report, Page 133.]
Voted. To adopt the recommendation of the Ways and Means Com- mittee appropriating the sum of $1,000 for the Contingent Fund.
41
TOWN CLERK'S RECORDS.
1914]
Voted, Article 5. That the amount of bonds to be required of the Town Treasurer be $15,000, as recommended by the Ways and Means Committee.
Voted, Article 6. That the amount of bonds to be required of the Col- lector of Taxes be $10,000 as recommended by the Ways and Means Committee.
Voted, Article 7. That the amount of bonds to be required of each member of the Water and Sewerage Board be $3,000, as recommended by the Ways and Means Committee.
Voted, Article 8. That the report of the Committee on Ways and Means regarding salaries of Town officials be adopted with the following amendment : That the sum of five dollars ($5.00) per week be added to the present salary of the Surveyor of Highways.
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