USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1921 > Part 12
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Happily better times are in sight, and with continued effort we may reasonably hope for a gradual return of prosperity in 1922. To accom- plish this the tremendous wastage that has been going on for years, due to the lack of sympathetic understanding between the employer and the employee, must be stopped. Fortunately it is coming to be realized by all true Americans that the strike and the lockout will not settle differ- ences of opinion. The future welfare of our nation will depend upon the establishment of confidence in all business and industrial relations. From now on we must be more careful in the expenditure of money for both private and public purposes.
The following pages show that much has been accomplished by your board during the year, and every opportunity has been taken to economize in carrying out the wishes of the town. As an example, the board strongly advocated the bituminous macadam for the resurfacing of Atlantic avenue, as against bituminous concrete, which costs nearly double, thus causing a saving of about $55,000 without impairing the quality of the work.
The building of the Point of Pines bridge, over the Saugus river, in ten days was a noteworthy achievement, and is described in more detail elsewhere in our report.
The rules which were adopted for the regulation of the Police and Fire Departments might also be mentioned as a step in the direction of econo- my and better government of the departments named.
Perhaps the most important single achievement is the systematizing of town insurance referred to on page 159.
148
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
At the last special meeting precinct voting was adopted for town elec- tions, and it will be very interesting to see how this system works out in practice. In some ways it may be considered a step in the direction of the representative form of government, as now successfully used in Brook- line and elsewhere.
A real effort was made by some of our citizens during the past summer to carry on community work, as has been done in many towns throughout the country. While there was much enthusiasm at the time, unfortu- nately there appears to be no lasting result.
A movement has now been started, known as the Parent-Teachers' Association, which seems to embody an idea that appeals to many. At a recent meeting there were over 200 citizens in attendance. The board believes that the new association will be of great benefit as a tie between the parents, the teachers and others directly responsible for the conduct of our public schools.
The board considers it a duty to point out the growing indifference of our citizens to the responsibility of attending town meetings. Although there were several matters of importance to be taken up at the special meeting called by the board for December 28th less than twenty-five citizens appeared, making it necessary to adjourn. There are today such demands on our time for the many amusements that we seem to forget that the transaction of public business is of the utmost importance, not only to ourselves, but to the community in general. The board strongly urges that the citizens give greater support to the various official activities of the town.
In view of the large expenditures for 1921, your board has endeavored to confine its recommendations to those things which seem to be necessary for the safety or comfort of the citizens.
ADMINISTRATIVE.
1. 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
Philip E. Bessom, 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
John Thompson, Water Clerk
3,000 00
II. Licenses.
Auctioneers :
William S. Ward
I
$2 00
Automobile Permits
49
$103 50
Used Car Dealers' License
6
$210 00
1921]
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
149
Bowling Alley : James D. Bentley
I
$2 00
Carriages : William H. Carroll Joseph W. Bruley C. H. Green
8
. .
1 $8 00
Express :
Dominick Bonnetti Joseph W. Bruley William H. Carroll
E. R. Grabow Company Willis E. Shephard Nathan Zletz 6
$6.00
Innholders : E. R. Grabow Company J. A. Sherrard
Junk Dealers : Harry Sherman Louis Zeltz Nathan Zletz
3
$225 00
Pool and Billiards : James D. Bentley Palmero Musto 2
$6 00
Victuallers :
Mabel F. D. Bibb, 1008 State road.
Blaisdell Confectionery Co., 131 Humphrey street.
John H. Bryson, 29 Essex street. George Creeto, 34 Humphrey street. George H. Eaton & Company, 150 Humphrey street. Edward M. Gerould, State road.
Josephine Golden and Edna Crump, 99 State road.
George F. Grant, 410 Humphrey street. J. R. Libby, 376 Humphrey street. John H. Peach, 503 Humphrey street. Mary A. Smith, corner Humphrey and Marshall streets.
Charles H. Twombley, 376 Humphrey street.
George B. Watts, 60 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.
George D. R. Durkee, James T. Lyons,
Loring Grimes, M. D., Archibald Miller.
150
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
IV. Contract for Coal.
Proposals for coal for the several departments of the town were adver- tised in the usual manner, and the following bids received :
Egg and Broken.
Stove.
Holder Coal Company
$15 50
$15 50
Soft. $10 00
Sprague, Breed, Stevens & Newhall, Inc.,
15 50
15 50
10 00
Lynn Coal Company
15 50
15 50
10 00
Reed & Costolo
15 00
15 00
10 00
George S. Briggs Coal Company
14 75
14 90
Liberty Coal & Supply Company
14 70
14 70
10 00
The contract was awarded to the Liberty Coal & Supply Company, the lowest bidder.
During the year the town has purchased coal in the following amounts :
Tons
Egg and Broken
671
Soft coal
I28
Appropriation for coal for the year of 1922 will be recommended in the departmental budget.
V. Printing Town Reports.
Proposals for printing the town reports for the current year were adver- tised 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 Print- 6 point S point
Io point
Page
ing
Perry & Elliott Company
$0.09
$0.06
$0.03
$2.88
Frank S. Whitten
.12
.085
.03
2.00
N. A. Lindsey
.12
.07
.045
$798
Nichols Press
.08
.07
.04
3.05
No. Shore Breeze
.14
.08
.05
2.00
The contract was awarded to Frank S. Whitten, the lowest bidder. The total cost of :
Printing and binding the Report of 1920
$1,258 51
Editing
100 00
Advertising and distribution
70 25
$1,428 76
VI. Contracts for Walks and Edgestones.
Proposals for granolithic walks and edgestones were advertised in accordance with Chapter 5, Section I, of the By-Laws, and the follow" ing bids received :
M. McDonough Company. D. J. Sheehan.
John Sheehan.
Straight curb, lin. ft.
$1 35
$1 44
$1 75
Curved curb, lin. ft.
.
1 75
I So
2 55
Granolithic walks, sq. yd.
I 98
2 99
3 42
Parking, sq. ft. .
1 5
09
15
151
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
1921 ]
The contract was awarded to the M. McDonough Company, the lowest bidder.
In the opinion of the board the bids received for granolithic sidewalks and edgestones for 1920 were too high to warrant proceeding with the full amount of work authorized. This resulted in carrying over a balance of $3,488.75, to which the town added an appropriation of $5,000, making a total of $8,488.75 available for this class of work. When it is considered th .t, on account of the war, work of this nature had been practically held up for a number of years, the total appropriation was not excessive to meet a large accumulation of petitions of citizens for sidewalks and edge- stones. These were carefully considered by the board with relation to the general sidewalk scheme as laid out by the Town Engineer, with a view to connecting important points by continous walks, as contemplated by the statute. The actual expenditures amounted to $7,252.62, leaving a balance of $1,236.13.
The reconstruction of Burrill street, which was authorized by the town, gave the board a good opportunity to make a much needed improvement on this thoroughfare by laying continuous granolithic walks, with parking and edgestones, on the westerly side of the road. This is one of the principal thoroughfares leading to the station, and has long required better sidewalks.
During the progress of the road work a petition was received by the board from citizens on the easterly side, requesting granolithic walks and edgestones. The board carefully considered this petition and decided to grant that part relating to edgestones, as this appeared to be not only desirable, but almost necessary to permit the Surveyor of Highways to complete properly his work. As there was not sufficient money available to lay concrete walks and correct grades, these matters were left to a future time.
Burrill street being one of the main thoroughfares of the town, the board feels that continuous granolithic walks should be laid on the easterly side during the coming year.
The following table will show the location and the area of continuous granolithic walks, curbing and parking as carried out in 1921 :-
Grano- lithic Sq. Yds.
Curb- ing Lin. Ft.
Park- ing Sq. Ft.
Atlantic avenue ·
182.40
.41 575.80
773.30
Burrill street
·
752.20
2,515.20
Paradise road
628.50
2,415.70
Walker and Grant roads
256.90
995.80
It is recommended that the amount of $5,000 be appropriated for con- tinuous sidewalks, edgestones and parking for 1922, in addition to the unexpended balance of 1921.
VII. Public Buildings.
The following is a list of rents received from public buildings :
Town hall
$117 00
Tenement over police station
44 00
Tenement, 82 Burrill street
132 00
152
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
The condition of the building known as the Morris house, adjoining the Town Hall, is becoming dilapidated and is not creditable to the town. Under the circumstances, the building should either be repaired or torn down. As the building is old and not of modern design, the cost of repairs and reconstruction would, undoubtedly, be excessive and not warranted by any return which could be expected in the form of rent. It is, therefore, recommended that the use of this building be discontinued, and that the board be authorized to dispose of it to the best advantage, and that money be appropriated for this work.
The benches in the Town Hall are dilapidated, and should be replaced. The board recommends the sum of $1,000 be appropriated for the pur- chase of combination chairs for the auditorium in the Town Hall.
During the year the board called upon the Department of Public Safety to make a thorough inspection of the Town Hall to make sure that it is safe for the use of our citizens, It was found that all requirements had been complied with, and a permit to this effect has been issued.
VIII. Street Lighting.
The town voted, at the Adjourned Annual Meeting of April 5, 1921, to adopt the every-night, all-night schedule for street lights. While this means an added expense, the board believes that the town is well repaid by the feeling of security of its citizens, both on the streets and in their homes. Ample lighting may, also, be regarded as a good ally of the Police Department, and certainly adds greatly to our safety and peace of mind at night.
The following is a list of street lights for 1921 :
Arc lights
103
Incandescent lights
335
Flood lights 3
The actual cost of all street lights for the year of 1921 was $18,783.88.
The board recommends that the all-night, every-night schedule be con- tinued, and that the amount of $19,500 be appropriated. The board further recommends that it be given the power to enter into a new contract with the Lynn Gas & Electric Company, should this be found desirable when the present contract expires, July 1, 1922.
IX. Forest Warden.
Everett P. Mudge was appointed Forest Warden for 1921, as provided by statute.
X. Gypsy Moth Department.
Everett P. Mudge was reappointed to superintend the gypsy moth work. This is an annual duty which falls to the towns and cities of the Commonwealth, and while the pest continues, the expense cannot properly be avoided.
The board recommends that the amount of $5,000 be appropriated for the gypsy moth work for 1922.
XI. Law.
Board of Selectmen, Swampscott, Mass .:
I herewith submit my report as counsel for the town for the year 1921.
The petition of Lucretia F. Day, et al, against the town and the city of Lynn for the assessment of damages caused to their property by reason
153
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
1921]
of the taking of an easement in connection with the straightening and widening of Stacey Brook, was tried before a jury in the Superior Court at Salem in December last and a verdict of $1,500 was returned. This work was done in 1918 jointly by the town and the city of Lynn, and the city of Lynn will, therefore, pay one-half of this verdict.
The suit of the town against the city of Lynn, relating to Stacey Brook, is still pending before Frederick H. Tarr, Esquire, as master. Recent conferences, however, with the officials of the city of Lynn indicate that the subject of this litigation may be settled without further hearings.
The only other important litigation pending against the town is the petition of Moorfield Storey, et al, as trustees, for the assessments of damages arising from the taking of easements in connection with the construction of the intercepting sewer. An adjustment of this case is now under consideration between the petitioners and the Water and Sewerage Board.
Under your direction, I have represented the town at various hearings before committees of the General Court and before departments of the Commonwealth on matters affecting the town. I have also appeared at various times for the Police Department in the prosecution of criminal complaints in the District Court of Southern Essex.
In addition to the above, I have advised officials of the several depart- ments in legal matters in connection with the performance 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. Improvements in Condition at the Station of the Boston & Maine Railroad.
Early in 1920 the Board of Selectmen petitioned the Department of Public Utilities relative to the dangerous condition at the Boston & Maine Railroad Station in Swampscott. A hearing was granted by the depart- ment on February 12, 1920, at which were present representatives of the Boston & Maine R. R., the Board of Selectmen, Town Counsel, members of the special committee appointed by the town to investigate the situa- tion in question, and citizens.
After some discussion, it was agreed that the hearing should be con- tinued with the hope that the railroad and the town might arrive at a satisfactory settlement. This was with the understanding that the board could bring up the matter at any time, if necessary.
The committee na med by the town then held a number of meetings, and agreed upon a definite plan of improvement, which is referred to in their report on page 180, of the Town Report for 1920.
Conferences were also held with the officials of the Boston & Maine Railroad, but as no definite action resulted, the board requested that the matter be reopened before the Department of Public Utilities, and a hear- ing was, accordingly, held on April 13, 1921. As a result of this hearing and a subsequent inspection at the station by engineers of the commis- sion, representatives of the railroad and of the town, the commission gave the following opinion :
154
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
" We are of opinion that the complaint made by the Selectmen is well founded, that the dangerous conditions can best be obviated by the con- struction of a fence between the tracks at the station, so as to prevent passengers from crossing the tracks, and the construction of a ramp or steps leading from Burrill street to the westbound platform of the station, and we recommend to the railroad company that this be done forthwith."
It was decided by the engineers of the railroad that it would be neces- sary to separate the tracks in order to make it safe for the use of a fence, and this, together with the erection of a fence and changes in the west- bound platform, was not completed until the middle of July. The steps referred to by the Commission were not completed until August.
As no provision had been made to shelter passengers in cold or stormy weather, the Board of Selectmen wrote the railroad, with the result that a temporary shelter, suitably heated and lighted, was open to the public in December.
This matter is referred to somewhat in detail, owing to the importance of the work for the safety of our citizens.
The Boston & Maine Railroad has actually spent about $15,000 upon the changes which have so far been made, which, considering the financial condition of the road, represents a real effort to solve the problem.
The special committee and the board presented plans embodying a modern station on the westbound site, but this cannot be expected under present business conditions.
The board has taken up the matter of purchasing from the railroad a piece of land at the corner of Burrill and Columbia streets, with a view to improving conditions by cutting off the present sharp point and substitut- ing a curve, in accordance with a plan laid out by the town engineer, Mr. W. W. Pratt. It is felt that this work should be undertaken at once, and the board recommends the appropriation of $600 to purchase the land, and make the necessary changes in the roadway.
XIII. New Streets.
At the annual meeting it was voted to accept that part of Burpee road, extending from Essex street to the northerly line of the property of the town, which was purchased for the erection of Machon school, in accord- ance with plans prepared by Town Engineer, W. W. Pratt, and approved by the Board of Survey, after a public hearing on March 25, 1921.
Proposals for this work were advertised, and the following bids received :
A. M. Mc- D. J. Donough Sheehan French
L. Marino
F. Dagnese
Earth excavation, cu. yd.
$1 22
$1 50
$1 50
$1 50
$1 45
Rock excavation, cu. yd. .
5 00
4 00
4 00
5 50
5 00
Filling, sq. yd.
1 75
2 50-
2 25
2 00
1
75
Sidewalk surface, sq. yd.
70
I 20
I 25
2 25
1 30
Road surface, sq. yd.
4'0
65
60
30
80
Catch basins, each
100 00
100 00
125 00
145 00
100 00
Pipe, lin. ft.
I 75
1 50
50
I 65
2 50
Guard rail, lin. ft.
75
50
1 00
I 25
52
The contract was awarded to M. McDonough Company, the lowest bidder.
155
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
1921]
Work on this road was not commenced, however, until excavation for sewer and water mains had been completed. This section of the road was opened to the public on July 28.
XIV. Resurfacing Atlantic Avenue.
An important project accomplished in 1921 was the reconstruction of Atlantic avenue. Early in 1920 the Board first took this matter up with the Division of Highways of the Department of Public Works and with the County Commissioners to see if the Commonwealth and the County would not bear a part of the expense.
On April 27, 1921, we received a communication from the Department of Public Works, stating that the commonwealth would pay one-quarter of the cost of reconstruction, provided the county would pay one quarter and the towns of Swampscott and Marblehead the remaining one-half, with the provision that the work in both towns should be undertaken in order to insure a length of roadway which would be worth while. It was also estimated that the total expense of this work would be approximately $110,000.
Reference is made in the Annual Report of 1920, page 193, to the early steps which were taken by the Board in this matter.
At the annual meeting an appropriation of $15,000 was voted to cover the town's part of the work in the proportion suggested by the Depart- ment of Public Works. Later, the county agreed to pay their share of one-quarter.
After a careful study of that part of the work in Swampscott by the engineers of the Department of Public Works and the board on the loca- tion, proposals were advertised, and on June 14, 1921, bids were opened. These were taken under advisement. A conference was held at the State House on June 20 to consider the bids, at which the members ot the Board of Selectmen of Swampscott and Marblehead were present, also the chairman of the County Commissioners.
The original proposition was for bituminous macadam. At the request of the Department of Public Works an alternate bid for bituminous con- crete construction was requested. The bids for the former were approxi- mately one-half the cost of the latter. The board made careful inquiry, and was satisfied that the interest of the town and all concerned would be met by the bituminous macadam work orginally contemplated. This, by the way, is the same as so successfully used in the State road construction in Swampscott a number of years ago.
There was considerable pressure brought to bear in favor of the higher priced material, but it was finally voted to use bituminous macadam. The contract was awarded to the M. McDonough Company, the lowest bidder.
It is interesting to note that the amount of the award was $54,907.50 for the bituminous macadam, as against the estimate of $110,000 for the bituminous concrete.
Work was started August 7, 1921, and weather conditions were very favorable until the completion of the resurfacing and the opening of the last section on October 12, 1921.
The following data is submitted as a matter of record :
156
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Swampscott
Marblehead
Length of roadway resurfaced
0.984 miles
2.081 miles
Width of road surface .
24 feet
21 feet
Square yards of surface
14,970
31,204
Tons of crushed stone .
3,385
7,780
Gallons of asphaltum £
3,700
77,200
Total amount paid contractor
. $22,845 36
$41,470 36
It should be added that not only was the roadway resurfaced but several cuts and fills were made, which greatly improved the avenue. These occurred principally near the Hotel Preston, where there was a consider- able fill, and near Phillips corner, where the high part of.the road was cut down. The latter has been under consideration by the town for a number of years. The curved roadway at the property of Mr. Andrew Preston was raised and properly banked.
Before construction was undertaken excavations for sewers and water mains were made, so that much has been accomplished in improvement of Atlantic avenue during the year.
Owing to the fact that it was necessary to lower the grade at a point near Phillips square, about opposite the property of Mr. Kimball, the Water Department was compelled to lower its main, involving an expense of $600. The board took this matter up with the Department of Public Works, and was assured that this amount would be paid from the unex- pended balance of the appropriation.
XV. Essex Street Improvement.
Referring to the report of the board for 1920, Page 193, a hearing was held by the County Commissioners in Swampscott on February 18, 1921, at which the Commissioners pointed out that no funds were available for this purpose, and that, in view of the extensive reconstruction of Atlantic avenue, in which the county is joining, that work on Essex street should be postponed for a time.
XVI. Middlesex Avenue.
At the last annual meeting it was voted to discontinue that part of Mid- dlesex avenue lying between the grounds of the Clarke School and the playground, when waivers were signed, and $1,200 was appropriated for the purpose. The object of this was to give protection to the children who attend the Clarke School, and to insure their greater safety during the hours of recess and play. Acting under the instructions of the board the Town Engineer prepared a layout. A bill in equity was filed in the Superior Court to restrain further action by the town.
As provided by Statute, the board petitioned the Registrar of Motor Vehicles, of the Department of Public Works, asking the discontinuance of the use of the section of the road during certain hours. A hearing was held on September 23, and the Commission later reported that it was not considered advisable to issue a closing order.
While the intent of the town was in favor of discontinuing the street, the board felt it desirable not to undertake action which might bring about legal entanglements, and, therefore, decided to take the matter up with the town at the next annual meeting for further instructions.
157
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
1921]
In order to bring this matter properly before the town, we recommend that that part of Middlesex avenue, as shown on the plan prepared by the Town Engineer, be discontinued, without regard to waivers, and that the amount of $1,200 be appropriated for this purpose.
XVII. Precinct Voting.
At the annual meeting it was voted to adopt the system of precinct vot- ing, in accordance with the plan as reported by the Board of Selectmen and filed with the Town Clerk, Friday, November 27, 1920, and as pro- vided by Chapter 35, Section 221, of the Acts of 1913, relating to voting for State and federal elections. Necessary plans were made by the board to carry out this vote at the November state election, and these were entirely successful.
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