USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1926 > Part 18
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Section 6. A moderator shall be elected by ballot at the first elec- tion for the choice of town meeting members and at each annual town election thereafter, by the voters, and shall serve as moderator of all town meetings, except as otherwise provided by law, until his suc- cessor is elected and qualified. If a moderator is absent, a moderator pro tempore may be elected by the town meeting members.
Section 7. Any vacancy in the full number of town meeting mem- bers from any precinct may be filled, until the next annual election, by the remaining members of the precinct from among the voters
226
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
thereof. Upon petition therefor, signed by not less than ten town meeting members from the precinct notices of the vacancy shall be promptly given by the town clerk to the remaining members from the precinct in which the vacancy or vacancies exist, and he shall call a special meeting of such members for the purpose of filling any va- cancy. He shall cause to be mailed to each of such members, not less than five days before the time set for the meeting, a notice specifying the object and the time and place of the meeting. At the said meeting a majority of the members shall constitute a quorum, and they shall elect from their own number a chairman and a clerk.
The choice to fill any vacancy shall be by ballot, and a majority of the votes cast shall be required for a choice. The chairman and clerk shall make a certificate of the choice and forthwith file the same with the town clerk, together with a written acceptance by the member or members so chosen, who shall thereupon be deemed elected and quali- fied a town meeting member or members, subject to the right of all the town meeting members to judge of the election and qualification of members as set forth in section three.
Section 8. No measure, except a vote authorizing the borrowing of money in anticipation of the receipt of taxes for the current year, passed at any representative town meeting shall become operative until the expiration of five days, exclusive of Sundays and holidays, from the dissolution of the meeting. If, within five days, a petition, signed by not less than one hundred voters of the town, containing their names and addresses as appearing on the voting list, is filed with the selectmen asking that the question or questions involved in such measure be submitted to the voters of the town at large, then the selectmen, after the expiration of five days, shall forthwith call a special meeting for the sole purpose of presenting to the voters at large the question or questions so involved. The polls shall be opened at two o'clock in the afternoon and shall be closed not earlier than nine o'clock at night and all votes upon and questions submitted shall be taken by ballot, and a check list shall be used in the several pre- cincts in the same manner as in the election of town officers. The questions submitted at the said town meeting shall be determined by a vote of a majority of the voters at large voting thereon.
The questions so submitted shall be stated upon the ballot in the same language and form in which they were stated when presented to said representative town meeting by the moderator, and as they ap- pear upon the records of said representative town meeting. If such petition be not filed within the said period of five days, the vote in the representative town meeting shall become operative and effective upon the expiration of said period.
Section 9. There shall be a finance committee appointed by the moderator from the elected town meeting members, consisting of two members from each precinct or three members from each pre- cinct, in the discretion of the moderator, who shall serve during their respective terms, and who shall be appointed at the first town meet-
227
1926] REPORT ON REPRESENTATIVE TOWN MEETING
ing held after this act becomes operative. To this committee shall be referred all questions pertaining to the appropriation or expen- diture of money, the creation of debt, the disposition of town prop- erty, and all other questions affecting the town, but this shall not be construed to prohibit the appointment of special committees to inves- tigate matters pertaining to the town or to execute work authorized by it.
This committee shall have the power to consult with such depart- ments, officers, employees or committees as may have information concerning any matter under consideration, and it shall be the duty of all departments, officers, employees or committees to furnish such information as they possess that may be required by said committee. It shall also have the power to examine all books, vouchers, papers and all other instruments in the custody or possession of any officer, employee or agent of the town in connection with any subject under investigation or consideration.
Section 10. All by-laws or parts of by-laws of the town inconsist- ent with the provisions of this act are hereby repealed. Nothing in this act shall be construed to be contrary to the provisions of chapter forty-four of the General Laws.
Section 11. The town of Swampscott, after the acceptance of this act, shall have the capacity to act through and to be bound by its said town meeting members who shall, when convened from time to time as herein provided, constitute representative town meetings; and such representative town meetings shall exercise exclusively, so far as will conform to the provisions of this act, all powers vested in the municipal corporation. Action in conformity with all provisions of law now or hereafter applicable to the transaction of town affairs in town meetings shall, when taken by any representative town meet- ing in accordance with the provisions of this act, have the same force and effect as if such action had been taken in a town meeting, open to all the voters of the town as heretofore organized and conducted.
Section 12. This act shall not abridge the right of the people of Swampscott to hold general meetings; nor shall this act confer upon any representative town meeting in Swampscott the power finally to commit the town to any measure affecting its municipal existence or changing its government, without the action thereon by the voters of the town at large, using the ballot and check list therefor.
Section 13. The question of the acceptance of this act by the town of Swampscott shall be submitted to the registered voters of the town at a special town meeting called for the purpose. The vote shall be taken by ballot, in accordance with the provisions of the General Laws so far as the same shall be applicable and not inconsistent here- with, in answer to the following question, which shall be placed upon the official ballot: "Shall an act passed by tht General Court in the year nineteen hundred twenty-seven, entitled 'An Act to Provide for Precinct Voting, Representative Town Meetings, Town Meeting Mem-
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TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
bers, a Referendum, and an Annual Moderator in the Town of Swamp- scott' be accepted by this town?" and the affirmative votes of a ma- jority of the registered voters of the town present and voting there- on shall be required for and shall determine its acceptance. So much of this act as authorizes its submission to the registered voters of the town shall take effect upon its passage; but this act shall not take further effect unless and until accepted by the town as herein provided.
229
REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
1926]
Report of Police Department
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :- It is my privilege to transmit to the Board of Select- men the summary and review of the manner in which the Police De- partment of the town of Swampscott performed its numerous and exacting duties during the year of 1926.
ROSTER Chief of Police Walter F. Reeves
Captains
Eugene P. Brogan
James M. Kennedy
Patrolmen
J. Henry Perdick
Robert C. Marsh
Charles Connell
John E. Pendergast
Almon B. Owens
John P. Costin
Frank T. Roach
Joseph L. Shanahan
Albert H. Hadley
Henry D. Rehberg
George A. Philcrantz
George D. Horton
Samuel Hooper
Francis P. Wall
Clerk Eleanor Chapin
Arrests
Total number of arrests
Male
243
Female
10
Juveniles
9
Residents
82
Non-Residents
180
Causes of Arrest
Crimes against the person: Assault and battery Assault with intent to rape
262
5
1 1
230
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Bastardy Rape Seduction, attempt
4
4
1
- 15
Crimes against property :
Breaking and entering Larceny
2 7
-
- 9
Crimes against public order:
Carrying weapon without a license
1
Cutting down trees on land of another
1
Drunkenness
54
Gaming on the Lord's day
27
Idle and disorderly person
1
Liquor laws-violating
7
Motor vehicle laws-violating:
2
Going away after causing accident without making self known
3
Knowingly going away without making self known after
causing injury to property
3
Leaving motor vehicle unattended in a way with motor running
3
Operating under the influence of liquor
23
Operating without a license
16
Operating without a registration
6
Operating with improper brakes
1
Operating with improper lights
1
Operating so as to endanger lives of public
1
Overspeeding
61
Passing to left of street car
6
Using motor vehicle without authority
1
Neglected children
2
Non-support
7
Profanity
1
Town By-Laws violated
10
238
Recapitulation
Crimes against the person
15
Crimes against property
9
Crimes against public order
238
262
Summonses served for other Police Departments
104
Allowing unlicensed person to operate
1926]
REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
231
Disposition of Cases
Appealed
27
Committed to Department Public Welfare, Boston
Continued
1 9
Discharged
8
Dismissed
y
Filed
41
Fined
134
Grand Jury
5
Placed on probation
11
Released
17
Amount of fines imposed by Court
$4248
Miscellaneous Work
Accidents reported (all)
86
Assisting other departments
46
Automobiles reported stolen
7
Automobiles recovered
7
Automobiles recovered for other departments
10
Automobiles tagged for violating traffic laws
504
Buildings found open and secured or owner notified
270
Complaints investigated (of which 90 were in regard to dogs)
839
Defective streets and sidewalks reported
28
Dogs reported lost
93
Dogs returned to owner or dog officer
85
Dogs killed by automobiles
11
Dogs shot by officers
7
Gas and water leaks reported
7
Lost and missing persons returned
63
Lights found burning in buildings
67
Obstructions and dangerous places reported and lanterns furnished
20
Officers detailed at request of citizens
143
Officers detailed for public service
94
Persons reported missing
48
Residences temporarily unoccupied and special attention requested
38
Street lights reported out
285
Suicides or attempts reported
5
Wires reported defective
25
Value of property reported lost or stolen
$9,417 17
Value of property recovered
$8,038 45
Police Signal Service
20,382
Duty calls reported
Ambulance calls:
Conveyance to hospital
53
Responding to fires
36
Miscellaneous 606
262
232
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Financial Report RECEIPTS
Original appropriation
$43,500 00
Special appropriations:
Garage
350 00
Call Boxes
215 00
280 00
Operation of Call Boxes Operation of Gongs
24 00
Transfer from street lighting appropriation
34 56
Transfer for extra salaries due to 53 pay days
204 32
$44,607 88
EXPENDITURES
From Special Appropriations:
Garage
$350 00
Call Boxes
176 71
Operation of Call Boxes
280 00
Operation of Gongs
6 75
From original appropriation and transfers
43,738 88
$44,552 34
Balance
$55 54
Remarks
The police are the forces of law and order, the dividing line between right and wrong, and at all times the protectors and preservers of the rights of every law-abiding person within their jurisdiction. Every reputable citizen, every normal person, is on the side of the honest police officer. They must be, if only for selfish reasons, if only to protect themselves and their property.
The discipline of the Swampscott Police Department has been ex- cellent and the co-operation received by the Chief of Police from the men of the department has been such as to make any department head proud of each and every member of his force.
Regardless of crime conditions elsewhere the spreading of crime was effectively checked in the town of Swampscott, and very few com- plaints of violations of the liquor laws were received.
This tends to show that the citizens of Swampscott are largely co- operating with the police officer, who in turn is assisting the depart- ment as a whole to prevent and detect crime wherever possible.
The efficient manner in which the Police Department handled the large crowds and the increased traffic during the summer season was very creditable. White rubber traffic belts were used by the officers on traffic duty in the night. These belts can be easily seen in the darkness and serve as a protection not only to the officer on duty but to the automobile drivers as well.
23
REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
1926]
On January 8, 1926, six officers holding provisional appointments, were appointed regular patrolmen of this department. Officer James M. Kennedy was appointed a Captain of Police on February 8, 1926. On March 31, 1926, Officer Charles H. Dunlap, after thirty years of faithful service, retired from the force.
The installation of eight additional police boxes in different sections of the town, with gongs attached for the purpose of calling the offi- cers to the box, has resulted in more complete police protection for the entire town. The signal service, which now consists of fifteen boxes, from which the men on the street communicate with head- quarters, has given very satisfactory service during the past year.
Eight new lockers for the use of the officers have been constructed at a very low cost, now making it possible for each officer to have a locker for his private use.
A target practice revolver was presented to the Chief of Police by a citizen of the town, which has proved invaluable to the department in target instruction. Revolver practice has been continuous, monthly, and is part of the regular duties of each member of the department. Great improvement is evident in every officer.
The police school has been very successful. Lectures were given in General Police Proceedure, Criminal Law, Evidence, Civil Service Questions, Fingerprints and the Bertillon System of Identification. Mock trials were held to familiarize the men with the proper man- ner in which to present evidence in court. The excellent results ob- tained enable all concerned to better perform their many duties.
Every officer of the department has been equipped with a copy of the Rules and Regulations of the Government of the Police Depart- ment of the Town of Swampscott, adopted in 1926.
A safety campaign was begun by members of the department dur- ing the dangerous summer months and officers received orders to be especially watchful for the safety of small children. Later lectures were given in all the schools on the subject of Safety and tags were printed with the safety slogan of the A. B. C. Club and distributed among the children. Cross-walks were painted with word Look; other warnings were painted at dangerous crossings. Streets were sanded to protect both the pedestrian and the automobile operator. Signs were painted and posted at all dangerous points. A white circular fence was constructed around the tree at the junction of Humphrey street, Atlantic avenue and Puritan road, to lessen accidents at this point. All officers were alert and watchful for an opportunity to promote safety.
Hundreds of letters with the following content were sent to resi- dents of Swampscott: "If you will notify police headquarters when your house is to be unoccupied at any time, it will enable the de- partment to better protect your property, just as any advance informa- tion aids the department in performing its duty more satisfactorily. You can notify the officer in charge of the station by telephone who
234
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
will immediately notify the officer patrolling that district, who is in- structed to visit the premises of vacant houses as many times as pos- sible on his tour of duty. Should you wish to go out of town for a few days, if you will fill out one of the enclosed cards and send it to the Station, the same result will be obtained." Many persons have complied with the request in this letter, who formerly did not realize that the police were desirous of such information, and the department sincerely hopes that in the future other residents will do likewise. when the occasion arises.
The police badges, formerly worn by the members of the depart. ment, were discarded, due to the fact that many badges were circulated. about the town in the hands of persons having no authority to use them. New badges of a different type were furnished each member of the department.
A portable garage was purchased and erected for the use of the police touring car. This garage was also painted. The Cadillac tour- ing car was in such an unserviceable condition and its cost of main- tenance so great that it was replaced by a Studebaker touring car,. which can be operated at a smaller expense but at the same time serves the department equally as well.
A medicine cabinet was purchased and installed in the police am -- bulance. This is an essential piece of equipment in the application of first aid.
The expense of the operation and maintenance of the Police Depart- ment was kept within its appropriation for the year with a balance remaining of $15.19, but, through no fault of the Chief of Police, it was necessary to use this balance, together with $204.32 transferred. to the department by the Finance Committee, to pay extra salaries due. seven men and not otherwise provided for.
Appreciation
I wish to take this opportunity to thank Patrolman Samuel Hooper for rendering his assistance in making necessary repairs and addi- tional constructions in the Station House and garages, and for keep- ing the painted traffic lines on the street in proper condition.
John E. Pendergast, in charge of all motor equipment, and assisted by Officer James Jordan, has worked hard and faithfully. That his service has been effective is demonstrated by the fact that all motor equipment is in first class operating condition.
I wish also at this time to thank the patrolmen for their excellent police work which they have rendered to the town and especially in the arrest and conviction of so many drunken operators of motor. vehicles. No tour of duty has been too long when the officers have- been assigned to special duty.
235
REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
1926]
The traffic officers and motorcycle officers have gained for them- selves a reputation for politeness and courtesy from all tourists.
I wish to extend my appreciation to the newspaper correspondents for their courtesy and consideration at all times.
My thanks are also extended to Dr. Loring Grimes for the results obtained from his instructions in first aid, which were received by all members of the department. As members of the department are often called upon to render first aid in cases where persons require medical and surgical attention, it is important that the highest pos- sible degree of efficiency in this form of service be maintained.
Recommendations
I recommend a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle to replace a 1924 model motorcycle that is no longer serviceable, for if this machine were replaced by a new one, the cost of maintenance would be less at the close of the year.
I recommend a telephone or signal system of communication be- tween Fire Department Headquarters and Police Headquarters. At present the officers on duty at the Police Station are obliged to count the number of times the fire whistle blows to learn the location of the fire, thereby causing a great delay in rendering assistance. This condition should be remedied as once for the sake of protection of life and property.
I recommend that appointment of a special police woman. A special police woman would be of great assistance to the department in in- terviewing female offenders, caring for lost children, investigating complaints of young girls on our beaches during the summer months. In very important cases her presence in the court room would be in- valuable. Many towns with a personnel much smaller than that of the Swampscott Department have one or more police women.
Conclusion
My thanks are due and hereby tendertd to the Board of Selectmen for their kind assistance during the past year. I wish to record my grateful thanks and appreciation and those of the entire department to Edward D. Callahan, Deputy Chief of Lynn for his untiring efforts in behalf of the Swampscott Department while it was under his man- agement. My thanks are also extended to the Justices, Clerks and Probation Officers of the District Court of Southern Essex, to the Town Clerk, Town Treasurer, Town Accountant, and to the Surveyor of Highways for valuable advice and assistance; also to many citizens and civic organizations for helpful suggestions and information. To the officers, patrolmen, and all others connected with the Department, I wish to express my sincere appreciation of their loyal co-operation. and devotedness to duty.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER F. REEVES, Chief of Police.
236
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Report of Overseers of Poor
To the Citizens of Swampscott, Massachusetts :
We herewith submit our annual report for the year 1926.
In our last year's report we spoke of the large number of persons aided in Lynn, having a settlement in Swampscott. This year there has been quite an increase in number and expense. These conditions can only be met by additional expenditures which reduce our appro- priation accordingly.
This has been an unusual year for hospital expense in outside cities, on cases belonging to our town.
We found in November that our appropriation would not carry us till January 1st, 1927, and we called upon the Finance Committee for transfers to our department, which they granted, amounting to $1075. This took care of our regular town drafts, to January 1, 1927.
We are in debt to other cities and to the State for the following amounts.
State
$92 00
City of Boston
407 83
City of Waltham
31 25
City of Salem
140 00
City of Haverhill.
211 20
City of Lynn
95 00
Total
$977 28
The reimbursements to the town of Swampscott by the State and cities amount to $1195.20.
Due from State
$778 25
Due from Cities 565 00
Total
$1,343 25
We are heartily in accord with the movement now in the state Leg- islature to do away with the old form of calling this board, The Over- seers of the Poor and substituting the following term for our Depart- ment, "Department of Public Welfare."
The financial and statistical report will be found under the heading of the Secretary's report.
1926]
REPORT OF OVERSEERS OF POOR
237
We would recommend that the town appropriate the sum of Nine Thousand Dollars ($9000) for the maintenance of the poor department for the ensuing year. We would also recommend that the town appro- priate the sum of nine hundred and seventy-seven dollars and twenty- eight cents ($977.28) for the purpose of paying bills now due, con- tracted during 1926.
JOSEPH F. CROWELL, Chairman. EDMUND RUSSELL, Secretary. HARRY E. CAHOON.
SECRETARY'S REPORT
Persons having settlement in Swampscott aided by other cities
and towns
31
Persons fully supported in Swampscott
18
Families partially supported in Swampscott
14
Men, women and children receiving aid from Swampscott during 1926
131
Settlement in Swampscott
100
Settlement elsewhere in State
12
State settlements
21
Persons aided in Swampscott in 1926
98
Persons fully supported in State Hospital 1926 Appropriation
$8,000 00
Transferred by Finance Committee
1,075 00
$9,075 00
Total Expenditure
9,073 79
Balance January 1, 1927
$1 21
Financial Report
Reimbursed by State
$1,070 17
Reimbursed by cities and towns
125 03
Reimbursed by individual
10 00
Due from State
778 25
Due from cities and towns
565 00
1926 bills due to State
$92 00
1926 bills due to cities
885 28
Total
$977 28
EDMUND RUSSELL,
Secretary,
2
238
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Report of Collector of Taxes
Ralph D. Merritt, Collector of Taxes, in Account Current with the Town of Swampscott 1926
Dr.
State tax
$31,200 00
State highway tax
1,119 30
Auditing municipal accounts tax
830 72
Metropolitan planning commission
224 40
Charles River basin tax
1,818 74
Metropolitan park tax
12,299 97
Massachusetts avenue bridge
2,260 28
Western avenue and Arsenal street bridge
161 86
Western avenue bridge
260 29
County tax
27,686 96
County enterprises
10,213 18
Isaac W. Chick claim
5,318 35
Town taxes
498,114 83
Moth tax
1,918 00
Sidewalk assessment
3,067 89
Sewer assessment
2,101 89
Over-lay
3,000 00
Poll tax
5,514 00
Poll tax (supplementary)
74 00
Supplementary tax
368 20
Supplementary moth tax
1 00
Supplementary sidewalk assessment
29 04
Supplementary sewer assessment
24 56
Interest on taxes at 6 per cent from October 15, 1926, to January 1, 1927
201.45
$607,808 91
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