Town annual report of Swampscott 1920, Part 16

Author: Swampscott, Massachusetts
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: The Town
Number of Pages: 272


USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1920 > Part 16


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184


TOWN DOCUMENTS.


[Dec. 31


The only recommendations therefore, that your committee desires to make at this time are the following, namely : ---


I. That steps be taken to acquire by purchase or by taking twenty-five hundred square feet of land in the rear now owned by Clara B. Jackson, and ninety-one hundred and sixty-four square feet of land owned by Ella A. Collins, and also the premises at the corner of Burrill street and Rock avenue owned by Alice K. Lowd, and appropriate money for the same.


2. That the sum of one hundred dollars be appropriated in payment for services rendered the committee in the preparation of the sketches submitted herewith.


3. If the town votes to acquire the land as above recommended, we then recommend that this committee be continued in power for the pur- pose of reporting a plan for the erection of a group of buildings as hereinbefore indicated, and that the sum of fifteen hundred dollars be appropriated for the same. When the plan is settled the town then may proceed with the consideration of the erection of a Police Station in accordance therewith, since there is an immediate need for such a building.


Respectfully submitted,


HENRY S. BALDWIN, WILLIAM E. CARTER, JOHN B. EARP,


HARRY E. HARDY. JAMES T. LYONS, CHARLES D. C. MOORE, JAMES W. SANTRY,


SWAMPSCOTT, December 31, 1920.


185


SELECTMEN'S REPORT.


1920]


Report of Board of Selectmen


General Remarks.


To the Citizens of Swampscott:


The dawn of a new era in the history of our country was proclaimed by the federal government on August 26, 1920. On that day the right of women to vote was recognized after the Nineteenth Constitutional Amendment had been passed by Congress, approved by the President and ratified by three-quarters of the States of the Union.


The women of Swampscott showed their great interest in this event by prompt and enthusiastic registration for the fall primaries. Commencing on September Ist the names of 1,566 women were added to the voting list, and on September 7 women voted for the first time at the State Primaries and for Presidental electors. Great privileges and great responsibilities accompany the right to vote on questions which vitally concern the destinies of our nation. We can safely rely upon the judgment and patriotism of our mothers, wives, sisters and daughters in sustaining the sacred traditions of our forefathers. The number of men now registered is 2,082, making a total for the town of 3,648 voters.


The question of accommodating this great increase was carefully con- sidered by the board, and it was decided to double the number of voting booths, also to rearrange the hall and add to the number of ballot clerks. The total number of votes cast at the Primaries of September 7th was 1,355, and while the voting was carried on smoothly and without confusion, the number casting their votes in one place was much in excess of that which is customary in towns and cities.


At the special meeting of October 5th an article was inserted in the warrant to see if the town desired to divide into voting precincts. As a result the Board was instructed to make a report on the subject. This appears in full on page 190.


A larger Town Hall, to accommodate the increase in voters, has also been considered, and a report by the Civic Center Committee, which was appointed at the last annual meeting, appears on page 183.


The interior of the present Town Hall has been greatly improved during the past year, under the vote of the town, and it now presents a more modern and attractive appearance.


Referring to our system of administration of town affairs, it is safe to say that few citizens realize the responsibility and work required of our elective officers. These, for the most part, are honorary, the salary being nominal. The following thought is submitted for your consideration :


This Town of Swampscott may be compared to a business corporation, real and personal property representing investment having a value of over $15,000,000. The business of this corporation is the existence of the citizens under safe, healthful and comfortable conditions. The annua


186


TOWN DOCUMENTS.


[Dec. 31


cost of maintenance and operation, together with permanent improve- ments, such as new buildings and the like, including interest on notes and bonds, was in 1919 about $700,000 and in 1920 over $900,000.


The money is spent under the direction of several departments, the officers of which are, for the most part, elected. Upon their honesty, diligence and sound business judgment depends the success of our corpo- ration. Subject to vote of the town they make purchases, enter into con- tracts, supervise the erection of buildings and public works, transact legislative business, institute law suits when necessary, float large bond issues, make appointments of various responsible officers, represent the town in the transaction of all public business ; are charged with the safety of life and property ; and, in fact, are generally responsible for all the intricate business incident to a community of 8,000 persons.


How well they perform their duty is represented to the popular mind by the amount of the tax rate. Furthermore, the officers who have been elected to administer the affairs of the town are under oath to serve to the best of their ability. For the most part the positions are considered honorary, and the compensation is not intended to be adequate as a means of livelihood, except in the case of some of the appointments.


This comparison is offered simply to stimulate thoughtfulness on the part of the citizens and to emphasize the fact that the time will undoubt- edly come before long when it will be necessary to administer town affairs in a more business-like way; one which will not place the work upon the shoulders of a few public-spirited men who are willing to serve their fellow-citizens from a sense of duty.


The so-called Brookline form of town government is, perhaps, the most available for our purpose. The adoption of this plan would undoubtedly be an improvement, as it would insure more uniform and intelligent representation for all parts of the town, and would place the responsibility for attendance at town meetings upon elected representatives who alone would have voting power. Another form of government which might be considered is that based on a town manager. This has been tried in various parts of the country with more or less success. The board hopes that these matters will be given earnest and thoughtful consideration by our citizens, so that they will be prepared to act at such time as they are presented to them.


The fourteenth decennial census of the United States shows a popula tion of the town of Swampscott of 8, 101 as of January 1, 1920. This is an increase of 1,897 over the last report and shows a moderate but healthy growth in our population.


The industries of our country must be restored to a normal condition. The World War left the country with inflated values of both material and labor. These can only be reduced by concerted action on the part of everyone Thrift, economy and a definite reduction in cost of commodi- ties and labor must be made in order to restore the business of our country to a firm basis once more. The process may take a number of years, as is usually the case after a great world disturbance such as the war which has just passed. Everyone should do his part to help in this great patriotic and economic movement.


In submitting this annual report the board desires to express its appre- ciation of the assistance and hearty cooperation of all the boards of the


1920]


town. A large amount of town business has been transacted during the year in an efficient and decorous manner, which has been most gratifying to the board. The attendance at public meetings is urged, and it is hoped that the citizens will come forward and take their part in the administra- tion of the affairs of the town.


The decision of Mr. N. G. Bubier to withdraw from public work after long and faithful service is greatly regretted by the board. He has occupied the position of tax collector for thirteen years and by his upright conduct has merited the gratitude of the citizens of Swampscott.


ADMINISTRATIVE.


I. Bonds of Town Officers.


Bonds of the following officers are given by the American Surety Company of New York, in the amounts stated :


James W. Libby, Town Treasurer


$30,000 00


Nathan G. Bubier, Collector of Taxes


20,000 00


George D. R. Durkee, Water and Sewer Commissioner


6,000 00


Harold G. Enholm, Water and Sewer Commissioner


6,000 00


Charles E. Hodgdon, Water and Sewer Commissioner .


. 6,000 00


John M. Mather, Water Collector


2,000 00


George T. Till, Town Clerk .


1,000 00


II. Licenses.


Auctioneers :


George N. Foster


Willard D. Martin


Charles G. Woodbridge


3


$6 00


Automobile Permits :


25


$50 00


Used Car Dealers' License :


3


.


.


. $105 00


Bowling Alley :


James D. Bentley


I


$2 00


Carriages :


William H. Carroll Joseph G. Bruley


3


$3 00


Express :


Joseph C. Bruley


William H. Carroll


William F. Durgin


Frederick L. Herbin


Willis E. Shephard


5


$5 00


Innholders ;


E. R. Grabow & Company J. A. Sherrard


SELECTMEN'S REPORT.


187


ISS


TOWN DOCUMENTS.


[Dec. 31


Jitney Bus :


$416 00


Junk Dealers :


Harry Sherman Louis Zletz Nathan Zletz


3


$225 00


Pool and Billards :


James D. Bentley Palmero Musto Charles D. McIntire


$14 00


Vendors :


Jackson & Company


$25 00


Victuallers :


Blaisdell & Company, 131 Humphrey street.


John H. Bryson, 29 Essex street.


George Creeto, 34 Humphrey street.


John H. Peach, 503 Humphrey street.


Mary A. Smith, corner Humphrey and Marshall streets.


H. O. Swain, 410 Humphrey street.


Charles H. Twombley, 376 Humphrey street.


George B. Watts, 60 Humphrey street.


Herbert H. Weld, 34 Humphrey street.


III. Permits Granted.


Under Chapter 5, Section 4, of the Town-By-Laws. To sell material and to do work for the town.


C. Walter Burrill,


George D. R. Durkee,


Loring Grimes, M. D.,


Clarence W. Horton,


James T. Lyons, Archibald Miller, Frank E. Morrison,


Everett P. Mudge, Oscar G. Poor.


IV. Contract For Coal.


Proposals for coal for the several departments of the town were adver- tised in the usual manner. No bids were received, and it has, therefore, been necessary to purchase in the open market.


The coal situation has been highly unsatisfactory since the beginning of the World War. Now that the process of readjustment of business has been started it is hoped that the difficulties of transportation, also the high cost of coal of all kinds will soon be relieved.


During the year the town has purchased :


495 tons of hard coal at $14.50 per ton, and 160 tons of soft coal at $14-$17.00 per ton.


Appropriations for the year 1921 will be recommended in the departmental budgets.


189


SELECTMEN'S REPORT.


1920]


V. Printing Town Reports.


Proposals for printing the town reports for the current year were advertised on the basis of 30 square inches to the page, 300 pages and 2,000 copies. The following bids were received :


1000 sq. in. 4000 sq. in. 4000 sq. in. Balance


6 point. S point.


Io point.


page.


Thomas P. Nichols & Son Co.,


$0.175


$0.10


$0.086


$2.00


John F. McCarty & Son


.06


.06


.04


1.00


Frank S. Whitten


.09


.08


.04


1.20


The contract was awarded to John F. McCarty & Son, the lowest bidder. The total cost of


Printing and binding for the Report of 1919


$767 69


Editing


100 00


Distribution, advertising, etc.


12 40


Total


$880 09


Contract for Walks and Edgestones.


Proposals for granolithic walks and edgestones were advertised in accordance with Chapter 5, Section I, of Town By-Laws, and the follow- ing bids received :


M. McDonough Company


Abram French


D. J. Sheehan


Straight curb, lin, ft.


$2.10


$2.25


$2.25


Curved curb, lin. ft.


2.75


2.75


2.75


Granolithic walks, sq. yd.


5.00


5.10


4.99


Parking, sq. ft.


IO


15


12


The contract was awarded to the M. McDonough Company, the lowest bidder.


Owing to the excessive cost of both granolithic walks and edgestones very little work has been done during the past year. The board considers it desirable, however, to make progress in the matter of constructing con tinuous walks, and, therefore, recommends an appropriation of $5,000 for this purpose. In considering this recommendation it must be kept in mind that the abutter pays one-half of the total cost of the work.


Public Buildings.


The following is a list of rents received from public buildings :


Town hall


$ 130 00


Tenement over police station


121 00


Tenement, 82 Burrill street


144 00


At the annual town meeting it was voted to refinish the interior of the town hall, work to be done under the direction of the Board of Selectmen. This is an improvement which has long been needed. Proposals were advertised and the following bids received :


190


TOWN DOCUMENTS.


[Dec. 31


Lynch & Cooper


$548 00


Henry B. Falls .


780 00


George W. Lampard .


682 00


E. Harding & Company


1,047 00


Contract was awarded to Lynch & Cooper, the lowest bidder.


At the request of the board W. W. Pratt, Town Engineer, drew up specifications which insured the best of workmanship and material. The board decided on a uniform treatment of the walls and ceiling, selecting a light tint of straw color, which adds greatly to the appearance of the hall.


Before the painting could be started it was found necessary to remove much old electric wiring, also electric and gas fixtures which had become obsolete. The wiring was also found to be in a dangerous condition from an insurance standpoint. Careful examination showed that the main hall, the stairway and lower hall required plastering in certain places before the painting could proceed. A large number of panes of glass were found to be broken, and these, together with the other items, made it necessary for the board to approve the additional expenditure, which was done after consultation with the Finance Committee. The appropriation was $500 and the actual cost of the entire work $1,066.43.


In order to complete this improvement some additional wiring and fixtures are required, and the board recommends the appropriation of $200 for this purpose.


The original appropriation was inadequate to provide new seats for the hall. It is estimated that these would cost about $1,000, and in order to bring the matter to the attention of the town for action, it is recom- mended that the sum of $1,000 be appropriated for new seats for the Town Hall.


Street Lighting.


. As stated in our last report, the lighting contract with the Lynn Gas & Electric Co. would expire on July 1, 1920. A conference was held by the board with the officers of the Lighting Company, and it was decided to renew the contract on the same terms for a period of one year. The following is a list of lights used in the town for 1919 and 1920.


1919


1920


Arc every night


II


II


Arc, moonlight


86


89


Floodlights


3


3


Incandescents


330


335


Owing to the increase in burglaries and attending unsafe conditions, the board decided on December 21st to change to what is called the "all- night, every-night " schedule of lighting. This is something which has been frequently recommended in the past, but has never been approved by a vote of the town. With the large number of trees and heavy foliage during the summer months, the board feels that it would be safer and more reassuring to have lights burn all night instead of part of the night. Furthermore, that lights should burn every night and not depend upon the judgment of some one person as to the sufficiency of moonlight. The additional cost for the new schedule from December 21 to the 31st was $123.00.


191


SELECTMEN'S REPORT.


1920]


The total cost of all lights for 1920 was $15,252. It is estimated that the " all-night, every night " schedule will cost $19,000, or an increase of $3,748. The board recommends the appropriation of $19,000 for street lighting for the year 1921 and that the lights be operated on an " all- night, every night " schedule.


IX. Forest Warden.


Everett P. Mudge was appointed Forest Warden on January 31, 1920, as provided by the Revised Laws. This appointment was approved by the State Forester.


X. Gypsy Moth Department.


Everett P. Mudge was reappointed to superintend the gypsy moth work. His report on the work of the past year appears on page 123. While the gypsy moth has been less troublesome during the past year, the cost of labor was about the same, so that your board feels that the same amount of money should be available as usual. It is recommended that $5,000 be appropriated for gypsy moth work in the town.


XI. Law.


Board of Selectmen, Swampscott, Mass .:


GENTLEMEN,- I herewith submit my report as counsel for the town for the year, 1920.


The suit of the town against the city of Lynn to enjoin the nuisance created by the city by reason of emptying sewage into Stacey brook, at the overflow at Herrick's factory, has recently been referred to Frederick H. Tarr, Esq., of Gloucester, as master. This action was caused by reason of the refusal of the city of Lynn, after various conferences between your board and the Water and Sewerage Board and the officials of the city, to share any of the expense in connection with enclosing Stacey brook for its entire length, in a concrete conduit. Before this, the city had contrib- uted half the expense of building the conduits under New Ocean and Humphrey streets and it was felt that it should assume a similar portion of the expense for the construction of a conduit the entire length of said brook. Arrangements will be very shortly made for proceeding with hearings before Mr. Tarr, so that the legal rights of the town, in a matter that has been agitated between these two muncipalities for years, will be definitely determined.


Recently the case of Sadie L. Besse vs. Everett P. Mudge was tried at the Superior court at Salem before a jury. This action arose by reason of the trimming of a large tree on the premises of the plaintiff located at 374 Humphrey street. In consequence of complants made to your board on or about September 20, 1918, as to the dangerous condition of this tree, a vote was passed by your board on that date stating that this tree was dangerous to the public, and ordering the Tree Warden to place it in a condition that would safeguard travelers upon Humphrey street. Acting under this vote the tree was cut under the supervision of the Tree Warden, and this action for damages followed. At the trial the plaintiff contended that the cutting of the tree damaged her premises to the amount of $5,000. The town, tbrough Mr. Mudge, justified this cutting on the ground that


192


TOWN DOCUMENTS.


[Dec. 31


it was in a dangerous condition, and that the purpose of the cutting was to safeguard travelers along Humphrey street. The case was tried for substantially three days and the jury assessed damages to the plaintiff in the sum of $220. The plaintiff thereupon filed a motion for a new trial on the ground that the damages were inadequate, and this motion is now pending.


Acting under your direction, I have filed with the Department of Public Works, formerly the Massachusetts Highway Commission, a petition to have the Commonwealth bear a portion of the expense incident to the reconstruction of Atlantic avenue. At the suggestion of the department, a conference was recently held with the Selectmen of Marblehead to see if Marblehead would not join in the petition so that the work might con- tinue the entire length of Atlantic avenue. The Board of Selectmen of that town readily assented to this suggestion and the matter is now pend- ing before the department.


A similar petition, under your direction, has been filed with the County Commissioners of Essex county, to have specific repairs made upon Essex street, from the end of the present concrete pavement to the Salem line, with the understanding that a part of the expense of this work shall be borne by the county. The commissioners have granted a hearing upon this petition to take place at the Town Hall at an early date.


I have appeared at various hearings before committees of the Legisla- ture on matters in which the town was interested, and before the Division of Highways of the Department of Public Works upon the matter of reg- ulating outdoor advertising. These regulations have been adopted and are now in force ; the copy which I recently sent you is the form in which they were finally adopted by the division.


During the year I have represented the Police Department in various prosecutions in the District Court of Southern Essex, have advised officials of the several departments in legal matters arising in the course of their duties, and have attended to all other legal work in which the town was in any way interested.


Respectfully submitted,


JAMES W. SANTRY.


XII. 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 chosen at the next annual election.


MISCELLANEOUS.


Improvement in Conditions at the Station of the Boston & Maine Railroad.


The committee appointed by the town to bring about improved con- ditions at the station of the Boston & Maine R. R., has held several meetings, and decided on a definite plan which will be fully outlined in a separate report.


193


SELECTMEN'S REPORT.


1920]


New Streets.


At the annual meeting an appropriation was made and it was decided to proceed with the work of widening Forest avenue in accordance with the plans prepared by W. W. Pratt, Town Engineer, and approved by the Board of Survey, after a public hearing on August 12, 1919. This is a proposition which has been under consideraton for a long time and one which the board has favored on account of the necessity for a suitable and safe entrance to that portion of the town known as the Shaw Estate, which has developed rapidly of late years. A conference was held on May 21, 1920, in the office of the Selectmen to which all the abutters were invited. As a result wavers were signed by Mr. John J. Blaney and Mrs. W. H. Hyde, the heirs of Joseph I. Blaney having not as yet signed. Work was started by the Surveyor of Highways, M. J. Ryan, but owing to an unex- pected amount of ledge which was encountered, the appropriation was inadequate to complete the work, which was suspended pending further action by the town.


The board has placed an arc light at each end of the improved section of the street.


Reconstruction of Atlantic Avenue.


The board requested a hearing before the Department of Public Works, and this was held at the State House on March 31, 1920. The board pointed out that Atlantic avenue required reconstruction throughout its entire length owing to the heavy traffic, particularly during the summer months. This is a main thoroughfare of the North Shore and is used, for the most part, by citizens from other parts of the state, and, in fact, by tourists from all over the United States and Canada. It was, also, pointed out that many of the residences are closed in the winter. Under these conditions it is felt that the state should pay a large portion of the expense of this work. At the suggestion of the Department a conference was held with the Board of Selectmen, of Marblehead, on December 8, 1920, and they favored similar action on behalf of the town of Marblehead. The matter is now before the department, and it is hoped that favorable action will be taken and the necessary appropriation made so that the work can be undertaken at an early date.


Puritan Road.


A number of citizens residing along Puritan road have petitioned the board to take steps to have this roadway straightened and improved. The board presented the matter before the special meeting of October 5th, when it was definitely postponed. It is felt that this is something which must be considered at an early date, and it is recommended that the board be instructed to endeavor to obtain the cooperation of the County Com- missioners to have this improvement undertaken.


Improvement of Essex Street.


The board has petitioned the County Commissioners to undertake the improvement of Essex street from the freight yard to the Salem line.


13


194


TOWN DOCUMENTS.


[Dec. 31


This is an ancient turnpike and is much used by freight vehicles, thus relieving other roads. The commissioners have given notice of a hear- ing to be held in Swampscott on February 18th.


Voting Precincts.


At the Special Town Meeting held Tuesday, October 5th, it was voted that the Selectmen be instructed to make a division of the town into con- venient voting precincts under Chapter 835, Section 221 of the Acts of 1913 and report at the next Annual Meeting.


The Board made a careful survey of the town, taking into consideration a division into precincts of nearly equal voting strength and also a division with line drawn to make the polling places convenient to the voters in the respective sections of the town, regardless of the number of voters in each precinct.


After considering two, three and four precincts, the board voted to recommend three precincts, drawn for the convenience of the voter, viz. :




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