USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1925 > Part 3
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Hereof fail not, and make due return of this warrant, with your doings thereon, to the Town Clerk at the time and place of meeting aforesaid.
Given under our hands this twenty-seventh day of March, A. D., 1925.
HARRY D. LINSCOTT, PHILIP W. BLOOD, R. WYER GREENE. Selectmen of Swampscott.
A true copy, Attest. FRANK H. BRADFORD,
Constable.
Return on the Warrant
Pursuant to the within warrant to me directed, I have notified the legal voters of Swampscott, by posting attested copies of said war- rant at the Town Hall, Post Offices and three other public and con- spicuous places in Swampscott, on Monday, March 30, 1925, the posting of said notices being at least seven days before the time of said meeting.
FRANK H. BRADFORD, Constable.
Special Town Meeting, April 7, 1925
In accordance with the warrant the voters assembled at the Town Hall, on Tuesday, April 7, 1925.
The meeting was called to order at 7.30 P. M. by Kendall A. Sanderson, Moderator, the necessary quorum being present. The warrant and the return was read by the Town Clerk.
The report of the Finance Committee was read by Charles I. Porter, Chairman.
Report of Finance Committee
Report of the Finance Committee on matters in the warrant of the Special Town Meeting of the Town of Swampscott, on Tuesday, April 7, 1925.
Article 1. To see if the town will vote to appropriate money re- ceived from Essex County on account of the Tuberculosis Hospital District, the war bonus fund, so-called, and any other sum of money, to the payment of the loan issued in anticipation of the serial loan authorized to pay the amount assessed on the town of Swampscott as its proportionate part of the cost of the Essex County Tuberculo- sis Hospital, or to take any action relative thereto.
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TOWN CLERK'S RECORDS
1925]
We recommend that for the purpose of paying a portion of the loan issued in anticipation of the serial loan to pay the assessment made on the town of Swampscott on account of the Essex County Tubercu- losis Hospital, the sum of $29,005.44 refunded to the town by the county of Essex, the sum of $3,970.61 received by the town under Chapter 480 of the Acts of 1924, and $23.95 to be raised in the tax levy of the current year making a total of $33,000, be and hereby are appropriated; and that the amount of the Serial Loan be pro- portionately reduced.
Article 2. To see if the town will vote to place the care of the Soldiers' Monument lot, at the junction of Humphrey and Burrill streets, in the hands of the Park Commission and appropriate the sum of $50, for such care.
We recommend that the town vote to place the care of the Soldiers' Memorial lot, at the junction of Humphrey and Burrill streets, in the hands of the Park Commission and appropriate the sum of $50 for such care.
Article 3. To see if the town will vote to build a drain through land formerly of James P. M. S. Pitman, connecting the basin on Essex street with the culvert under the Boston & Maine R. R., and appropriate eight hundred and fifty dollars ($850) for the same as recommended by the Surveyor of Highways.
The present drain in this location has cared for the overflow from Plummer Pond and the surface water from Essex street for many years. It does not seem to us that it is the duty of the town to change the location or necessary to enlarge or extend it at this time. We recommend that action on this Article be indefinitely postponed.
Article 4. To see what action, if any, the town will take relative to the building on the property adjoining the Town Hall and com- monly known as "The Morris Estate" as petitioned for by C. W. Horton et al.
We have been unable to arrive at a satisfactory recommendation in the time allowed us. We recommend that action on this article be indefinitely postponed.
Article 5. To see if the town will vote to accept Magnolia road as shown on a plan by W. W. Pratt, Town Engineer, dated Dec. 1916, a copy of which is filed with the Town Clerk, Feb. 3, 1917, and ac- cepted by the Selectmen, Feb. 2, 1917, as petitioned by Charles E. Restall, et al.
We recommend that the town vote to accept Magnolia road when the Town Engineer certifies in writing to the Board of Selectmen that it conforms in line and grade to the plan accepted by the Board of Survey, Feb. 2, 1917.
Article 7. To see if the town will vote to lay a 6-inch water main in Puritan Park for a distance of 500 ft., under the usual conditions, and appropriate money for the same, as petitioned for by the Water and Sewerage Commissioners.
We recommend that the town vote to lay a 6-inch water main in Puritan Park for a distance of about 500 feet from Puritan road when the Town Engineer certifies in writing to the Board of Selectmen that the street conforms in line and grade to the plan accepted by the Board of Survey, and that the sum of $950 be appropriated there- for, said sum to be raised by notes or bonds of the town, interest at
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the rate of 6% to be paid on the investment until the water rates of the users are equal to the interest thereon, agreements and waivers first to be obtained from the abutters, to the satisfaction of the Water and Sewerage Board.
Article 8. To see if the town, for the purpose of provinding suit- able quarters for Leon E. Abbott Post 57 of The American Legion, will lease under the provisions of Chapter 122 of the Acts of 1923, the building owned by Leon E. Abbott Post 57, American Legion Building Association, at the corner of Burrill street and Thomas road, Swampscott, and appropriate money therefor, and will adopt regulations in connection therewith as provided by said Act.
Article 8, Chapter 122, of the Acts of 1923, permits cities and towns to lease suitable quarters for a post of the American Legion and of Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States for a period not ex- ceeding five years to be under the direction and control of such post, subject to regulations made by vote of the town, and permits the appropriation of money for this purpose in annual amounts de- termined by the valuation of the town.
The building at the corner of Burrill street and Thomas road is now occupied by Leon E. Abbott Post 57 of the American Legion and is owned by Leon E. Abbott Post 57, American Building Association, a corporation.
It is the purpose of this Article to have the town lease these premises, paying therefor an annual rent to said Association with the understanding that the building shall be occupied by the Post for its quarters. We believe that some provision should be made by the town for this purpose. The direction and control of these quarters, pursuant to the provisions of this Act, shall be subject to any regu- lations made by vote of the town and it would seem that this pro- vision sufficiently affects the subject with a public interest as to make the appropriation of money for this purpose a proper one.
We recommend, therefore, that the Board of Selectmen be author- ized to take a lease of said building from said Association not to exceed five years, and that the town pay therefor an annual rental of $400; that said building shall be occupied by said Post 57; that the town shall in no way incur any obligation to keep said premises in repair nor to make any improvements thereon, but that its liability shall be limited to the payment of said rent; and that said building, or a part thereof, may be used by the town in performance of its corporate powers subject, however, to the use thereof by said Post 57.
Article 9. To see if the town will vote to appropriate the sum of $3,000, the same being part of the amount returned to the town under provisions of Chapter 480 of the Acts of 1924 (An Act Providing for the Return to Cities and Towns of certain Surplus funds Collected to Provide suitable Recognition of Those Residents of Massachusetts who Served in the Army and Navy of the United States during the War with Germany) for the purpose of acquiring a suitable memo- rial monument to be erected on the "World War Veterants" Soldiers' lot at the Swampscott Cemetery, and to provide for the appointment of a commission or committee to accomplish the purpose as petitioned for by E. Stanley Flagg, et al.
Under the provisions of Chapter 480 of the Acts of 1924, the money returned to the town can be used only to pay indebtedness, or for such purposes as can be bonded by the town. It does not appear from the wording of the Statutes that a monument would come within the purposes permitted. As we have recommended the use of this money elsewhere we recommend that action on this Article be indefinitely postponed.
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TOWN CLERK'S RECORDS
1925]
Article 10. To see if the town will vote to build a sewer in Sar- gent road from the junction of Aspen road to the junction of Arbutus road for a distance of about 225 feet and appropriate money for the same as petitioned for by E. G. Mitchell et al.
This sewer would cost about $2,400. One house only appears to need it, and the cesspool has been cleaned out only once in a year. We recommend that action on this Article be indefinitely postponed.
CHARLES I. PORTER, Chairman. HENRY A. SADLER, LOUIS ATTWILL, MAURICE YOZELL,
Finance Committee.
Voted, Article 1. That for the purpose of paying a portion of the loan issued in anticipation of the serial loan to pay the assessment made on the town of Swampscott on account of the Essex County Tuberculosis Hospital, the sum of $29,005.44 refunded to the town by the County of Essex, the sum of $3,970.61 received by the town under Chapter 480 of the Acts of 1924, and $23.95 to be raised in the tax levy of the current year, making a total of $33,000.00, be and hereby are appropriated; and that the amount of the Serial Loan be proportionately reduced. (Unanimous.)
Voted, Article 2. That the town place the care of the Soldiers' Monument lot, at the junction of Humphrey and Burrill streets in the hands of the Park Commissioners, and appropriate the sum of fifty dollars ($50) for such care, as recommended by the Finance Committee.
Voted, Article 3. That action on this Article be indefinitely post- poned, as recommended by the Finance Committee.
Voted, Article 4. That the report of the Finance Committee be accepted and their recommendations be adopted. That action on this Article be indefinitely postponed.
Voted, Article 5. That the report of the Finance Committee be accepted and their recommendations be adopted as follows:
That the town accept Magnolia road when the Town Engineer cer- tifies in writing to the Board of Selectmen, that it conforms in line and grade to the plan accepted by the Board of Survey, Feb. 2, 1917.
Voted, Article 6. That the town amend Section 1 of Chapter 2 of the By-laws by striking out the said section and substituting the following:
"Section 1. The Annual town meeting shall be held on the third Monday in February in each year. For the election of officers, polls shall be open at 6 o'clock in the forenoon and shall remain open until 6 o'clock at night. After the declaration of votes for officers the meeting shall adjourn to the Tuesday next thereafter at 7.45 P. M. when the remaining articles of the warrant shall be acted upon."
Voted, Article 7. That the town lay a 6-inch water main in Puritan Park for a distance of about 500 feet from Puritan road, when the Town Engineer certifies in writing to the Board of Select- men that the street conforms in line and grade to the plan accepted by the Board of Survey, and that the sum of $950 be appropriated therefor, said sum to be raised by notes or bonds of the town, in- terest at the rate of 6% to be paid on the investment until the water
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TOWN DOCUMENTS
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rates of the users are equal to the interest thereon, agreements and waivers first to be obtained from the abutters to the satisfaction of the Water and Sewerage Board, as recommended by the Finance Com- mittee. (Unanimous.)
Voted, Article 8. To accept the report of the Finance Committee, and their recommendations adopted as follows:
That the Board of Selectmen be authorized to take a lease of said building from said Association not to exceed five years, and that the town pay therefor an annual rental of $400; that said building shall be occupied by said Post 57; that the town shall in no way incur any obligation to keep said premises in repair nor to make any improve- ments thereon, but that its liability shall be limited to the payment of said rent; and that said building, or a part thereof, may be used by the town in performance of its corporate powers subject, how- ever, to the use thereof by said Post 57.
Voted, Article 9. That action on this article be indefinitely post- poned.
Voted, Article 10. The report of the Finance Committee be ac- cepted and their recommendations be adopted, that action on this article be indefinitely postponed.
Voted, Article 11. For the purposes specified in Article 7, which relates to the laying of a 6-inch water main in Puritan Park, a dis- tance of 500 feet from its intersection with Puritan road, that the Treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen be authorized to bor- row a sum not to exceed nine hundred fifty dollars ($950), and to issue bonds or notes of the town thereof; said bonds or notes to be signed by the Treasurer and countersigned by a majority of the Selectmen and shall be issued and payable in accordance with the provisions of Section 19 of Chapter 44 of the General Laws and of Chapter 134 of the Acts of 1923 so that the whole loan shall be paid in not more than thirty years from the date of the issue of the first bond or note, or at such earlier dates as the Treasurer with the ap- proval of the Selectmen may determine; said bonds or notes shall be denominated on the face thereof "Swampscott Water Loan, Act - of 1923" and shall bear such rates of interest as may be fixed by the Treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen; provided, however, that no money shall be borrowed under this vote until the Town Engineer certifies in writing to the Board of Selectmen that said Puritan Park conforms in line and grade to the plan accepted by the Board of Survey, as recommended by the Finance Committee. (Unan- imous.)
Voted to dissolve at 8.10 o'clock P. M.
Attest: RALPH D. MERRITT, Town Clerk.
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting, April 7, 1925
In accordance with the adjournment of February 17, 1925, the voters were called to order by Kendall A. Sanderson, Moderator, at 8.15 P. M.
Voted to dispense with the reading of records of last meeting.
The Finance Committee report was read by Charles I. Porter, Chairman.
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TOWN CLERK'S RECORDS
1925]
Report of the Finance Committee
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
The Finance Committee submits herewith its report on matters in the Warrant of the Annual Town Meeting of 1925.
For your consideration we show the Town's expenditures for the past five years as follows:
Borrowed
Year
From Taxes and Receipts
Money
Total
Tax Rate
1920.
$487,276.00
$166,000.00
$653,276.00
$23.00
1921.
524,730.00
74,500.00
599,230.00
24.00
1922.
537,025.00
41,500.00
578,525.00
25.00
1923
603,279.00
28,000.00
631,279.00
26.00
1924.
623,817.00
47,500.00
671,317.00
25.00
As usual, a much larger total of appropriations is asked than could be expended without a large increase in the tax rate and a loss of the good financial condition which the Town now enjoys. We have endeavored by careful investigation to select for recommenda- tion such matters as are of present need and such others as maintain a policy of renewals, so as to forestall greater costs in some later year.
The financial condition of Swampscott is good, due to the good sense of the voters and to the zeal of Town officials and former Finance Committees, in appropriating and expending in the main only such moneys as provided for real necessity or merit. It is more economical, in the long run, to build soundly. The cost of street maintenance is continuously increasing. With about thirty miles of streets, the Town should provide for at least one mile of permanent construction a year. Good streets and attractive side- walks are an asset to a community like ours. We are recommending a substantial sum for "permanent" street construction this year, and double the usual amount for sidewalks (half of which is repaid to the Town). We hope this policy will meet with your approval and be continued.
Almost all departments show a fine spirit of willingness to co- operate with this committee. We still find in some a persistence in ending the year with overdrafts, and also in the use of appropria- tions for purposes for which no request was made.
As regards overdrafts :- It is true that unforeseen and necessary expenses are met which seem to serve as sufficient excuse. These can usually be provided for, if justifiable, by transfers or by vote of the Town. This committee is ready to confer with any depart- ment to prevent overdrafts, which are almost always avoidable. The opinion of this committee is that after this explanation it will recommend against appropriations for overdrafts, except in cases where conferences have demonstrated that the necessity is suffi- cient and an overdraft is legal and justifiable in our opinion. This habit being of years standing, such action appears too stringent for this year.
As regards the use of money for purposes other than requested, we call your attention to the fact that even where a department appropriation is made in a lump sum, this committee has considered the proposed uses in detail with the department, and considers the use for other than the proposed purposes a breach of faith, except in the case of an unforeseen need of such necessity as to threaten an overdraft.
After reading the report on any article, our chairman has the floor. To facilitate the progress of the meeting, we propose that
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TOWN DOCUMENTS
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he make the customary motion for acceptance. This being a routine matter it is of little importance who does it. Upon the motion being seconded, the matter is then open for discussion. Having examined all matters upon which we report, we naturally are in favor of our recommendations, but only to the extent that they meet with the approval of the voters. If this action is not acceptable, we hope a motion will be made so that we can be guided by a vote of the meeting.
Article 4. To see what amount of bonds will be required of the Town Treasurer for the ensuing year.
We recommend that the bond required of the Town Treasurer for the ensuing year be in the sum of $30,000.
Article 5. To see what amount of bonds will be required of the Collector of Taxes for the ensuing year.
We recommend that the bond required of the Collector of Taxes for the ensuing year be in the sum of $20,000.
Article 6. To see what amount of bonds will be required of the Water and Sewerage Board for the ensuing year.
We recommend that the bonds required of the Water and Sewerage Board for the ensuing year be in the sum of $6,000 for each member.
Article 7. To see what amount of bonds will be required of the Town Clerk for the ensuing year.
We recommend that the bond required of the Town Clerk for the ensuing year be in the sum of $1,000.
Article 8. To see what action the town will take in relation to salaries of the town officials for the ensuing year.
We recommend that the salary of the Surveyor of Highways be increased at the rate of $150 per year, said increase to take effect when voted.
We further recommend that all other salaries of Town Officials for the ensuing year be the same as last year.
Article 10. To see what action the town will take in relation to the recommendations in the report of the Board of Assessors, as contained in the Annual Report, dated December 31, 1924, on page 121.
With reference to the recommendation on page 121, we recom- mend that it be taken up for consideration under Article 25.
Article 11. To see what action the town will take in relation to the recommendations in the report of the Superintendent of Ceme- tery, as contained in the Annual Report, dated December 31, 1924, on page 124.
With reference to matters on page 124 we recommend that the sum of $6,000 be appropriated from the Cemetery Perpetual Fund for the construction of new lots, and that the sum of $100 be appro- priated from the Cemetery Perpetual Fund to provide for shrubs to be placed about the Andrews Memorial Chapel.
With reference to an increase in the salary of the Superintendent of Cemetery, we are recommending an additional sum of $100 in the Cemetery Budget to be used for this purpose in the discretion of the Board of Selectmen.
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TOWN CLERK'S RECORDS
1925]
We further recommend that the budget be taken up for consid- eration under Article 25.
Article 12. To see what action the town will take in relation to the recommendations in the report of the School Committee, as con- tained in the Annual Report, dated December 31, 1924, on pages 134 and 135.
There are no appropriations asked for in recommendations on pages 134 and 135.
Article 13. To see what action the town will take in relation to the recommendations in the report of the Water and Sewerage Board, as contained in the Annual Report, dated December 31, 1924, on pages 149, 155 and 158.
With reference to the recommendation on page 149 we recommend that the unexpended balances from the appropriations for Harrison and Maple Avenues amounting to $1,486.99 be transferred to the Water Emergency Fund.
With reference to the recommendations for appropriations on pages 155 and 158 we recommend that they be taken up for con- sideration under Article 25.
Article 14. To see what action the town will take in relation to the recommendations in the report of the Board of Health, as con- tained in the Annual Report, dated December 31, 1924, on page 161.
With reference to the recommendation for appropriations on page 161, we recommend that they be taken up for consideration under Article 25.
Article 15. To see what action the town will take in relation to the recommendations in the report of the Overseers of the Poor as contained in the Annual Report, dated December 31, 1924, on page 178.
With reference to the recommendation on page 178, we recom- mend that this be taken up for consideration under Article 25.
Article 16. To see what action the town will take in relation to the recommendations in the report of the Fire Engineers, as con- tained in the Annual Report, dated December 31, 1924, on page 183.
With reference to matters on page 183, we recommend that they be taken up for consideration under Article 25.
Article 17. To see what action the town will take in relation to the recommendations in the report of the Superintendent of Moth Work, as contained in the Annual Report, dated December 31, 1924, on page 185.
With reference to the recommendation on page 185, we recom- mend that it be taken up for consideration under Article 25.
Article 18. To see what action the town will take in relation to the recommendations in the report of the Tree Warden, as contained in the Annual Report, dated December 31, 1924, on page 187.
With reference to matters on page 187, we recommend that action on a planting at the junction of Middlesex Avenue and Hampden Street be indefinitely postponed.
We recommend that other matters on this page be taken up for consideration under Article 25.
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TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Article 19. To see what action the town will take in relation to the recommendations in the report of the Forest Warden, as contained in the Annual Report, dated December 31, 1924, on page 188.
With reference to the recommendation on page 188, we recom- mend that it be taken up for consideration under Article 25.
Article 20. To see what action the town will take in relation to the recommendations in the report of the Sealer of Weights and Measures, as contained in the Annual Report, dated December 31, 1924, on pages 190, 191 and 192.
No appropriation is asked on page 190.
With reference to matters on pages 191 and 192, salaries of ap- pointed officials can not be fixed by vote of the Town-but are under the supervision of the appointing power. We recommend that action on this matter be indefinitely postponed.
We recommend that other matters on these pages be taken up for consideration under Article 25.
Article 21. To see what action the town will take in relation to the recommendations in the report of the Chief of Police, as contained in the Annual Report, dated December 31, 1924, on pages 196, 198, 199 and 200.
With reference to the recommendation on page 196, no appropria- tion is asked.
We recommend that the budget on page 198 be taken up for con- sideration under Article 25.
With reference to matters on pages 199 and 200, we recommend that the purchase of a new ambulance be taken up for consideration under Article 26.
We find that Police Boxes 4, 5, 6 and 7 are on one line. These boxes can be put on separate lines for a cost of $5 per month, which is provided for in our recommendation for the budget of the Police Department. We recommend that action on the Gamewell System be indefinitely postponed.
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