USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1916 > Part 18
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XV. Underground Wires.
Attention of the town is called to a great improvement which has been effected in Puritan road, from Woodbine avenue to a point beyond the Ocean House. It will be remembered that there were a large number of electric, wires and transformers on the poles at this point, greatly detract- ing from the natural beauty of the spot.
The Lynn Gas and Electric Company and the New England Telegraph and Telephone Company agreed to place their wires and apparatus under ground, and at the same time provide a conduit for the fire signal wires. This work was carried out in a highly satisfactory manner, the town being put to the small expense of $583 for new fire cable and correction of the grade of the road.
It will be recalled that this is a part of a general plan adopted by the town for placing all wires in principal thoroughfares underground. The Board is taking steps to insure additional work of a similar nature for the coming year in Puritan road to Humphrey street.
XVI. Forest Warden.
Mr. Everett P. Mudge was appointed Forest Warden on January 7th, as provided by the Revised Laws. This appointment was approved by the State Forester.
XVII. Gypsy Moth Department.
Mr. Everett P. Mudge was reappointed to superintend the gypsy moth work. His report on the work of the past year appears on page 122. The Board recommends an appropriation of $5,000 for the work of this department as suggested by the State Forester.
187
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
1916]
XVIII. Law.
The Board appointed Mr. James W. Santry Town Counsel. Mr. Santry has carried on his work during the past year in an able and satisfactory manner, meeting the approval of the board and various departments. His report for the year is as follows :
Board of Selectmen, Swampscott, Mass. :
GENTLEMEN,-In pursuance of your request, you will find stated below a report on the matters referred to me as counsel for the town of Swamp- scott during the past year.
Since my appointment, various matters have been attended to, arising from the public work conducted by the several departments. Perhaps, the matter of greatest importance to the individual residents of the town was the hearing before the Public Service Commission upon the schedule filed by the Bay State Street Railway Co., seeking an increase in its unit of fare. As you know from previous reports I have made, these hearings extended over a long period of time and resulted in leaving Swampscott within the five cent zone, where it was before the schedule was filed.
The case of Adeline L. Jordan vs. the town was tried before the Superior Court sitting at Salem during the month of December, last. This suit was brought in consequence of injuries sustained by Miss Jordan near the monument while the work incident to the reconstruction of Humphrey street was in progress. The case was on trial for several days, but owing to a misunderstanding of the instructions of the court, the verdict returned by the jury had to be set aside and a new trial granted. I desire to state that the town need not be concerned as to the result of this case, since it has an agreement with the Bay State Street Railway Co. that in the event of any finding against the town, the Bay State Street Railway Co. will pay the same.
During the year, disposition has been made of the case of Michael McDonough, et als vs. town and Martin Lally. Several years ago the town voted to pay Mr. Lally $250 for damages to property owned by him, located in Humphrey street. The required number of voters, feeling that the action of the town was illegal, brought a bill-in-equity to restrain the payment of this sum. It was a matter in which the town was in no way interested, and it simply took the attitude that the money would be held until it was settled whether the vote appropriating the same was legal. The court decided that the action of the town was legal, and in conse- quence of this decision, the above sum was paid to Mr. Lally.
About a year ago the town filed a bill-in-equity in the Superior Court, seeking to enjoin the city of Lynn from maintaining an outlet for its sewer in Sanderson avenue, near Herrick's factory. The maintenance of this outlet has been a source of annoyance to the town and subject of discussion between these municipalities, since its installation. The city of Lynn, however, during the past year, has employed engineers who are now engaged in studying its sewer problems, and I am informed by the City Engineer of the city of Lynn, that the above condition is compre- hended in the investigation now in progress, and that the report of the engineers will include the recommendation of a method to abate this nuisance. In view of this attitude of the city of Lynn, it seemed inadvis- able to press a trial of this suit.
188
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Messrs. Philbrick & Pope have recently brought a petition in the Supe- rior Court for the assessment of damages caused by the taking of certain land owned by them in Cedar Hill terrace in connection with the laying out of this way. Cedar Hill terrace was laid out by the Board of Select- men December 17, 1915, and at that time $273 was assessed by this board as damages for land taken, and $100 was awarded to cover the cost of moving the barn back from the street line. Messrs. Philbrick & Pope are satisfied with the amount awarded for the land, but upon investigating the matter of moving the barn, they find that the cost of the same will exceed $100. A settlement of this case is now under discussion, and probably there will be no trial.
The cases of William P. Norcross and George F. Clay, formerly engineers of the Fire Department, arising in consequence of the vote of the Town under date of February 15, 1915, have been settled. These cases were tried before Judge Lummus, of the District Court of Southern Essex, who decided that the votes taken at this meeting legally resulted in increasing the salaries of these men. After this decision, and after studying the votes passed, I advised your board that these cases should be settled. Since the same question was involved in the vote that was taken with reference to the Chief of Police and Chief of the Fire Depart- ment, I advised likewise that the increase should be paid to these men also; at the same time, advising your board that the increases in all of these cases were limited to the year 1915.
In addition to the above, I have drawn contracts, deeds and other instru- ments, and have advised the various departments on many matters, besides representing the town at legislative hearings, being present with the Board of Health at hearings for the purpose of abating nuisances, and represent- ing the town in several instances in prosecutions in the lower court.
In closing, I desire to thank your Board and the officials with whom I have been brought into contact for their uniform courtesy.
Respectfully submitted, (Signed) JAMES W. SANTRY.
XIX. Streets Accepted.
The following streets were accepted by the town at the adjourned meet- ing of March 22, 1916, subject to signing of waivers : Beach Bluff Avenue, Article 26 Bellevue Road, Article 27 Clarke Road, Article 28
Greenwood Terrace, Article 29 Cedar Hill Terrace, Article 30
This formality has finally been attended to in the case of Greenwood terrace and Cedar Hill terrace, whereas, some of the abutters on the other streets have either neglected or refused to sign the necessary papers. Attention is called to this point, as the town is put to considerable expense in accepting streets and only does so on the direct petition of the abutters and other citizens. Records, however, show that even after the petition has been filed plaus prepared and report of the Board of Selectmen filed and acted upon by the town, abutters frequently object to signing waivers for various reasons. The Board, therefore, plans in the future to obtain waivers from abutters before the town is asked to accept the street formally.
189
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
1916]
XX. Cemetery Improvements.
The Board takes this occasion to call attention to the death of cemetery superintendent Edward A. Smith, who served the town long and faith- fully. This made necessary the appointment of a new superintendent, and after careful consideration, Mr. Thomas Handley was chosen for this position. He is a man of long experience in care of private and public property, and is well fitted for the position. His report for the work of the year will be found on page 116.
The Board has signed deeds for 15 cemetery lots, for which the sum of $1,226.25 was received.
An amount of $450 was expended to complete the improvements authorized in 1915, consisting of preparation of land for additional lots, excavation and the like.
XXI. Selectmen.
At the annual meeting of 1914 the town voted that when the terms of the Board of Selectmen expired members should be elected each year. Under this vote three members of the Board will be voted for at the next annual election.
MISCELLANEOUS.
I. Salaries.
In view of the confusion which has occurred during recent years in con- nection with salaries of officials of the town, the board has consulted with the Finance Committee, who have agreed to study this problem. This is an important matter, and should be taken up broadly from time to time to insure that amounts paid by the town are commensurate with the services rendered and in line with those of towns of a similar size and importance.
We, accordingly, recommend that the Finance Committee take the question of salaries under consideration and submit a schedule in their report.
II. Insurance.
At the last annual town meeting it was voted to establish and maintain a municipal insurance fund, and the amount of $2,000 was appropriated therefor.
As stated elsewhere, the Board decided to place the Grand Army build- ing under this insurance. The original plan involved an increase in the amount of this fund from year to year ; and it is recommended that an appropriation of $2,000 be made for the year of 1917 for Municipal Insurance.
III. New Streets.
Petitions for acceptance of the following streets have been filed and plans prepared by the Town Engineer :
Arbutus Road, Aspen Road,
Bradlee Avenue (portion),
190
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Harrison Avenue (portion), Hillcrest Circle (portion), Magnolia Road,
Manton Road,
Prospect Avenue (portion),
Sargent Road (portion),
Sheridan Terrace, Stanwood Road,
Stimpson Road (portion),
Walnut Road.
IV. Brooks.
PHILLIPS PARK DRAIN AND MARSHALL BROOK.
At the annual meeting the town appropriated $7,700 for the purpose of building a culvert to connect the Phillips Park drain with the Marshall brook outfall, thus taking care of a large area which was formerly drained by an open brook through property now occupied by the New Ocean house. Details regarding the carrying out of this vote will be found in report of the Water and Sewerage Department, under whose direction it was done.
An extension was made to the westerly portion of Marshall brook, so that the drainage in that section of the town is now provided for.
V.
The Mary L. Thomson Bequest to the Swampscott Public Library.
A letter was received by the Board from Professor Elihu Thomson, stating that the sum of $1,000 had been bequeathed to the town by his late wife for library purposes.
The Board accepted the bequest on behalf of the town, and desires pub- licly to express the appreciation and gratitude of the citizens of Swamp- scott. The memory of the donor will long be cherished by those who enjoy the privilege of obtaining books from the Public Library. The Board recommends that the town confirm the acceptance of the gift with proper acknowledgment, to be recorded in the transactions of this meet- ing; also, that authority be given for the disposition of this sum under the direction of the Library Trustees.
VI. Building Inspector.
By a vote of the town at the last annual meeting the office of Building Inspector was created. The Board, after careful consideration, appointed Mr. Frank E. Morrison. He is a man of wide experience in matters per- taining to this office, and during the past year has shown ability and thoroughness in carrying out the work of his department. This has been interfered with somewhat, owing to the fact that the Revised By-Laws, which largely regulate the duties of his office, had not been accepted by the town and approved by the Attorney-General. This has now been attended to. Suitable forms have been provided, and the Board has established the salary of the office at $450 per annum.
The Board recommends an appropriation of $900 for the salary of Building Inspector to cover the years of 1916 and 1917.
191
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
1916]
VII. Essex Street Pavement.
By a vote of the town at the annual meeting an amount of $8,500 was appropriated for the purpose of setting edgestones in Essex street, between Burrill and the easterly end of Jackson Park, to conform to the new lines laid out by the County Commissioners, also to provide cement-concrete roadway for this section of the road. This work involved re-location of the street railway tracks and new rail. It was first proposed by the Bay State R. R. to extend the turn-out near the head of Burrill street, continu- ing the single-track northward. This was objected to by the citizens at a public hearing, and a second proposition was made to provide a turn-out at Jackson park. There was a general demand, however, on the part of the citizens that this section should be double-tracked, which, looking into the future, appeared to be desirable, both for the railroad and for the town. The Board, therefore, took the matter up with the Bay State Rail- way, and, as a result, they agreed to construct a double track, which is, undoubtedly, a great advantage to all interested parties.
Under a recent Act of the Legislature, the Bay State Railroad, in com- mon with other railway companies, was relieved of paving between its tracks in the State. This matter was investigated by the Town Counsel, who advised that it was necessary for the town to carry out this part of the work.
Proposals were advertised for in the usual manner, and the following bids received :
Excavating
Filling
Ledge
Concrete
F. Dagnese
$1.00
$1.15
$3.50
$1.49
M. McDonough Co.
.80
1.50
5.00
1.75
D. J. Sheehan
.90
1.90
4.00
1.84
10. in. Pipe
18 in. Pipe
Catch Basin
F. Dagnese
$0.52
$1.25
$50.00
M. McDonough Co.
1.50
2.50
60.00
D. J. Sheehan
1.00
1.50
50.00
The contract was let to Felix Dagnese, who was the lowest bidder by about $1,200.
The work was carried out under the direction of the Town Engineer. This has resulted in a great improvement in that part of the town, and at a later date, should be continued with double tracks westerly to the Lynn line.
VIII. Danvers Street Bridge.
It was voted at the annual town meeting to rebuild the Danvers street bridge over the B. & M. R. R. The Board found that this could be done to best advantage by the railroad people themselves, and authorized the construction. Expense of this bride was $856.44.
IX. Humphrey Street Car Barn, Bay State R. R.
Owing to the increasing demand for land for residential purposes, it has occurred to your Board that some arrangement might be made with the Bay State Street Railway, whereby their Humphrey street car barns might be transferred to another location.
192
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
The matter was, therefore, submitted to the officials of the Railway Company, who now have it under consideration.
The plan seems to meet the approval of the citizens of the town, and we trust that our efforts in this direction will bring about this improvement.
X. State Armory for Swampscott.
The attention of the citizens is called to a proposition to erect an Armory for Battery E, Ist Regiment Field Fifteen Artillery within the borders of our town. In November the officers of the Battery requested a conference with the Board in order to place the matter before them. As a result of this meeting the board expressed approval of the plan and agreed to cooperate in providing a suitable location. It also developed that the state expects to spend some $50,000 if the necessary arrangements can be made with the town.
After a visit by the Board and officers to several points, preference was expressed for the highland of Jackson park and a piece of land adjoining to the east giving a total of about 20 acres. Two tentative propositions were made by the Board to the battery subject to the approval of the town. Plans for the buildings were then prepared and a second conference was held January 19th.
The location desired by the battery is the one already referred to includ- ing part of Jackson park.
The Board believes that this project is for the best interest of the town and urges favorable action by the citizens of Swampscott. We recommend that the Board be authorized to prepare and present a bill before the legisla- ture praying for permission to sell part of Jackson park to the state for the purpose of erecting an armory and necessary buildings for Battery E,. Ist Regiment Field Artillery.
Special Appropriations.
Table showing effect of special appropriations voted for 1916. These, unlike the State, County and Metropolitan Park Tax, can be controlled by the citizens of the town. For this reason, similar items in the Town Warrant for 1917 should be carefully considered by the citizens before the adjourned meeting, when articles carrying special appropriations must be acted upon :
Repairs Grand Army Hall .
$425 00
Land Damages Cedar Hill terrace
1,743 00
Fire Service Automobile
600 00
Boiler
600 00
Fire Alarm Boxes
225 00
Repairs Pumping Engine .
993 60
Repairs Phillips Beach House
650 00
Gamewell Repeater
675 00
Storage Shed
300 00
School Fire Alarm Boxes
1,200 00
Horses .
700 00
Moth Power Sprayer
250 00
Moth Hose Sprayer
175 00
Moth Building
100 00
Cemetery Lots
450 00
193
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
1916]
Municipal Insurance
$2,000 00
Insurance
1,200 00
Sewer Bills
773 45
Tar Penetration .
6,000 00
Danvers street bridge
850 00
New streets .
2,000 00
Nettie Smith Pension Fund
300 00
Truck-Water Department .
650 00
House Water Department .
200 00
Monument avenue drain
550 00
Clearing brooks-Phillips park
200 00
Marshall brook outlet .
300 00
Essex street land damage
1,500 00
Walker road
2,000 00
Water fountains .
200 00
High School building .
7,000 00
Overdrafts
1,300 68
Unpaid bills
2,217 98
George Washington Memorial
450 00
$38,778 71
Total Yearly Appropriations. 1912-1916.
General Government
1912. $10,850
1913. $11,925
1914. $14,275
1915. $14,945
1916. $15,685
Protection of Life and
Property
ยท
32,230
33,116
33,919
35,775
41,328
Health and Sanitation .
5,500
13,346
12,975
12,325
15,923
Highways and Street
Lights .
41,000
39,800
35,600
42,453
56,093
Charities .
10,600
10,000
9,800
9,800
9,500
Schools and Libraries
43,750
49,750
54,398
60,259
62,675
Unclassified
5,634
6,278
6,802
8,270
12,975
Notes
25,550
27,400
32,587
39,200
48,500
Sewer Bonds
8,700
10,596
11,950
13,150
12,950
Interest
20,200
21,846
23,798
26,023
28,497
State Tax
16,937
27,280
29,837
33,247
25,920
County Tax
15,567
20,886
20,672
23,961
22,499
Metropolitan Tax
6,400
6,745
7,636
7,701
12,258
Cemetery
1,600
1,800
2,800
2,250
Refunds
6,100
School, High, repairs
7,000
Unpaid Bills and Over-
drafts
3,517
$242,918 $280,568 $302, 149 $329,909 $377,570
194
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Total Yearly Financial Statement, 1912, 1916.
1912.
1913.
1914.
1915.
1916.
Revenue :
Town .
. $204,739
$225,208
$244,006
$265,000
State and County,
38,896
54,912
58,147
64,909
$316,697 60,677
$243,635
$280,120
$302,154
$329,909
$377,374
Estimated receipts,
32,255
39,845
50,534
47,849
39,198
$211,380 $240,275
$251,620
$282,060
$338,176
Valuation, $12,387,906 $13,202,915 $14,039,344 $15,838,498 $16,460,513
Tax Rate
$16.00
$16.40
$16.80
$17.80
$20.00
Debt : Notes
$276,600
$293,500
$344,100
$363,900
$329,900
Water
181,746
178,130
170,295
165,951
160,155
Sewer
198, 146
195,750
206,500
217,350
233,550
$656,592
$667,380
$720,895
$747,201
$723,605
State Tax
$16,937
$27,280
$29,838
$33,248
$25,920
County Tax
15,556
20,887
20,672
23,961
22,499
Met. Pk. Main.
2,541
3,265
3,628
3,678
5,592
Met. Pk. Int.
2,409
2,416
2,450
2,462
4,546
Met. Pk. S. F.
716
667
465
339
601
Met. Pk. Bonds
104
234
Highway Tax
74
74
460
622
745
Bureau Statistics,
663
330
634
498
540
$38,896
$54,912
$58,147
$64,909
$60,677
Loans Authorized.
Sewer
$15,210
$11,600
$23,100
$24,000
$38,350
Water .
9,325
9,600
7,900
6,000
12,100
Highways
3,500
1,900
7,600
6,000
8,500
Schools, Buildings,
12,000
1,300
1,000
47,000
Sidewalks
6,000
6,000
6,000
6,000
Humphrey St. Wid.
70,000
Filling space
700
Engineering
1,000
Parks
6,500
10,000
Morris land
3,000
School land
4,000
11,000
Fire Pump. Eng.,
8,500
Police Ambulance .
3,000
Sold. Rel'f. Mex.
900
$53,535
$64,600 $115,600
$89,000
$65,850
Town Accountant.
The books of the town have been twice audited by the Bureau of Statistics, and their reports appear in this book. We tabulate the amounts as recommended by the several departments :
1916]
I. General Government.
Legislative.
Moderator
$55 00
Ways and Means Report
100 00
Miscellaneous
45 00
By Law
. . .
.
$600 00
Selectmen.
Chairman
$300 00
Associates
400 00
Secretary
200 00
Constable
60 00
Other expenses
700 00
$1,660 00
Auditing.
Accountant
$1,100 00
Other expenses
200 00
$1,300 00
Treasury.
Treasurer
$750 00
Bond .
60 00
Other expenses .
90 00
Balance Salary, 1916
125 00
Certification, Printing and Advertising.
Notes and Bonds
$400 00
Collector of Taxes.
Collector, 1916
$65 00
Collector
600 00
Collector's Bond
100 00
Other expenses
93 00
Stamped envelopes
129 00
Advertising and printing
150 00
Legal fees
100 00
Clerk
200 00
$1,437 00
Assessors.
Chairman
$600 00
Two associates
500 00
Clerical .
200 00
Special information
50 00
Poll books
125 00
Deed records
75 00
Engineering Department
250 00
Telephone
25 00
Auto hire
35 00
Stationery and postage
75 00
Miscellaneous
65 00
$2,000 00
Town Clerk.
Salary .
$300 00
Other expenses
100 00
Assistant
200 00
- $600 00
$1,025 00
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
195
. 400 00
196
TOWN DOCUMENTS. [Dec. 31
Law.
Town Counsel
$200 00
Special work
800 00
$1,000 00
Election and Registration.
Registrars
$225 00
Election Officers
205 00
Other expenses
320 00
$750 00
Engineering.
Town Engineer
$1,800 00
First Assistant
1,200 00
Second Assistant
600 00
Stone bounds
200 00
Other expenses
200 00
$4,000 00
Town Hall.
Janitor
$1,040 00
Light
400 00
Coal
300 00
Telephone
230 00
Other expenses
185 00
Assistant janitor
40 00
Supplies
150 00
Water
25 00
Ice
30 00
Repairs and improvements
1,500 00
$3,900 00
II. Protection of Life and Property.
Police.
Chief
$1,300 00
Seven officers
7,644 00
Special officers
900 00
Telephone
390 00
Fuel
100 00
Light .
175 00
Other expenses
791 00
Motor cycle . .
200 00
Balance salary, 1915
135 00
$11,635 00
Fire.
Chief
$1,300 00
Five permanent men
5,460 00
First Assistant Chief .
1196 00
Two Captains
2,288 00
Three engineers
300 00
Call men
1,680 00
Horses
700 00
Coal
550 00
Telephone
225 00
Light .
130 00
Water
40 00
Insurance
250 00
Tires
300 00
Gasolene
. 200 00
Repairs on buildings
150 00
Repairs on fire alarm
200 00
Other expenses .
1,000 00
$15,969 00
1916]
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
197
Balance Salary of Chief, 1915
$260 00
Balance Salary of Assistant Chiefs
$240 00
Hydrant rental
$2,820 00
Fire alarm system
$400 00
Combination motor ladder truck
6,200 00
$6,600 00
Moth Department
$5,000 00
Sealer of Weights and Measures.
Salaries .
$200 00
Printing
30 00
Other expenses
100 00
$330 00
Forest Warden
$256 00
Tree Warden.
Tree maintenance
$576 00
Removing trees
100 00
New trees .
500 00
Wire and stakes .
100 00
Special work .
288 00
$1,564 00
Building Inspector.
1916
$450 00
1917
$450 00
Dog Officer
$175 00
III. Health and Sanitation.
Board of Health.
General.
Chairman
$200 00
Associates
300 00
Printing and advertising
150 00
Telephone
$5 00
Stationery
25 00
Equipment
$5 00
Agent and clerk
936 00
Quarantine.
Board and treatment
$400 00
Tuberculosis
2So 00
Transportation
35 00
Medical attendance
300 00
Vital Statistics.
Births and deaths
200 00
Inspection.
Animals and slaughtering-1916, $100; 1917, $100 . . 200 00 Plumbing Inspector . 624 00
14
198
TOWN DOCUMENTS. [Dec. 31
Others.
Oil and labor
$200 00
Hose .
35 00
Disenfectants
175 00
Dairy inspection
75 00
Marriages .
25 00
Storing ambulance
36 00
Miscellaneous expenses
140 00
$4,506 00
Sewer Maintenance.
Chairman .
$150 00
Associates
200 00
Telephone
50 00
Pay roll
4,000 00
Sewer plans to complete
300 00
Coal .
700 00
Electricity
700 00
Safe
300 00
Water
300 00
Other expenses
300 00
Particular Sewers
$7,000 00 $800 00
Refuse and Garbage.
Contract.
Ashes and paper
$2,780 00
Garbage
840 00
Night soil
90 00
Cleaning Beaches.
Care of refuse .
250 00
Cleaning beaches
175 00
Miscellaneous expenses
65 00
Care of brooks
IV. Highways and Bridges.
Administrative.
Surveyor
$1,560 00
Clerical work and telephone
100 00
Repairs on streets, labor and teams
11,000 00
Cleaning streets and catch-basins .
2,000 00
Crushing stone, labor and blasting
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