USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1928 > Part 3
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The selection of a site for the Palmer School has been under con- sideration for several years. At first many believed that no additional room was needed. It seems now, however, to be generally conceded that the present building is not adequate, and that a building should be erected without further delay to care for the needs of this neighborhood.
We have studied the report of the committee appointed by the town, known as the Housing Committee, and we have also conferred with the members of this committee. There are certain features that impress us: 1. The present building is in good condition and can be used for many years. 2. It rests partly on land that was conveyed to the town on the condition that, if the land ceased to be used for school purposes, it should pass to designated persons. 3. In 1922 the cost of making additions to this building was paid from a loan of about $19,000, $14,000 of which is still unpaid. If, therefore, the town abandons this site, it will mean the loss of the land, the scrapping of a building that is still in good condition, and the payment of the above mentioned sum of $14,000 with interest thereon.
We have examined the present building but do not advise the mak- ing of any addition thereto.
The Housing Committee recommends about 40,400 square feet of land contiguous to the present site be taken, and that a brick building of four rooms be erected thereon. The greater part of this land is owned by Mrs. Maria S. Hastings; about 4,000 square feet is owned by Mr. William C. McNamara. After the erection of this building suf- ficient land will be left to construct units to care for the needs of this district as they arise. In the meantime the present building can be used, and when it ceases to have any further use for school purposes, the above mentioned sum of $14,000 will then have been paid, and the town will have received value therefor.
At the conference with the members of the Housing Committee, a representative of Mrs. Hasting was present. He stated clearly her objections to the taking of this land, and these are fully appreciated by us. Attention, however, must be paid to the interest of the town. As hereinbefore stated, the abandonment of this site for school pur- poses, and the erection of a building in some other part of this district, would result in a substantial financial loss to the town. This is a feature that should be kept in mind by this meeting in considering the subject, and it is one that the Committee desires strongly to emphasize.
Several years ago Mrs. Hastings made a plan for the development of the land owned by her in Forest avenue, of which the parcel recom- mended to be taken is a part. The Housing Committee has taken this plan into consideration in making its recommendation in order to restrict, as much as possible, any inconvenience to Mrs. Hastings. The taking would follow her plan, and should not seriously interfere with her development as shown thereon.
Other locations have been suggested and carefully considered, but strong objections may be urged against each.
23
RECORDS OF TOWN CLERK
1928]
After careful consideration, we recommend that the town take in fee for public school purposes a certain parcel of land owned by Maria S. Hastings bounded and described as follows, and appropriate therefor the sum of $7,156.00 from the Excess and Deficiency Fund, namely:
Beginning at the northwesterly corner of the present Palmer School lot, said point being 114.64 feet distant from Humphrey street; thence northwesterly by land of Carrie E. Bradley and Edith S. Widdoes for a distance of 158.00 feet, southerly by land of grantee for a distance of about 107.00 feet to the northerly line of a proposed street as shown on plan of subdivision of land owned by Maria S. Hastings, by Jonathan P. Blaney, dated January 16, 1923; thence running easterly along the northerly line of proposed street, for a distance of about 336.00 feet to the southerly corner of the present Palmer School lot; thence northerly by said Palmer School lot, for a distance of 113.36 feet to the point of beginning.
Containing approximately 35,780 square feet, including lots No. 37, 38 and 39 respectively, as shown on the above mentioned plan.
We further recommend that the town take in fee, for public school purposes, a certain parcel of land owned by William C. McNamara bounded and described as follows and appropriate therefor the sum of $924.00 from the Excess and Deficiency Fund, namely:
Beginning at the northwesterly corner of the present Palmer School lot, said point being 114.64 feet'distance from Humphrey street; thence northerly by land of William C. McNamara for a distance of 69.38 feet; thence westerly by land of Grace E. Well for a distance of 133.27 feet; thence southeasterly by land of Maria S. Hastings for a distance of 150.25 feet to the point of beginning.
Containing approximately 4,620 square feet.
We further recommend that a committee, consisting of one member of the School Committee, one member of the Board of Selectmen, one member of the Finance Committee, the Building Inspector, and one voter of the town, be appointed by the moderator to attend to the erection of a school building on the above described premises; that said committee be and hereby is authorized to employ an architect to pro- cure suitable plans, drawings and specifications for said building; that said committee be and hereby is authorized to make all necessary con- tracts in behalf of the town in connection with the erection of said building and to arrange all other matters that may be necessary or convenient relating to the entire subject, and that for this purpose the sum of sixty thousand dollars ($60,000) be appropriated to be raised by bonds or notes of the town.
Article 4. To appropriate and raise by borrowing under any gen- eral or special law which authorizes the town to borrow money, or otherwise, such sum or sums of money as may be necessary for any or all of the purposes mentioned in the foregoing articles.
The recommendations under this article will be read from the floor. Respectfully submitted, JAMES W. SANTRY, Chairman. RALPH J. CURTIS, CHARLES F. HATHAWAY, CHESTER A. BROWN. JOHN R. HURLBURT, PAUL W. BRICKETT, FREDERIC J. RUDD, JOHN A. WALDO, Finance Committee.
Voted, that the first three articles of the warrant be taken up together.
Articles 1, 2, 3. Voted, that action on these articles be deferred until two weeks from tonight.
Voted to adjourn until two weeks from this date. Adjourned.
Attest:
RALPH D. MERRITT, Town Clerk.
24
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Tuesday, April 3, 1928
In accordance with the adjournment of February 27, 1928, the voters were called to order by Kendall A. Sanderson, Moderator, at 7.45 P. M.
Voted to dispense with the reading of records of last meeting.
Report of the Finance Committee was read by James W. Santry, Chairman.
Report of the Finance Committee
To the Voters of Swampscott:
This is the first report of a Finance Committee to the Represen- tative Town Meeting. In making this report we have conferred with the various officers of the town, with persons interested in or affected by the matters that it covers, and by a visit to the places involved. We have made no material changes in requests for appropriations that were submitted to us. We have had constantly in mind the tax rate and the effect on it of the adoption of the recommendations we have made. We believe, if no radical changes are made in these recommendations, that the tax rate for this year will be substantially lower than that of last year without any material increase in the valuation of property.
We have been strongly impressed with one feature; this relates to the purchase of supplies. These are now bought by each department. We believe that this method is wasteful, and that saving to the town will result if power is delegated to the Board of Selectmen to purchase all supplies and equipment that are needed by the various departments. We believe that this is a matter that should be investigated. We there- fore recommend that a committee of five, including the chairman of the Board of Selectmen, be appointed to study the subject; to devise a legal method of carrying it out, and to report at a special meeting to be held the first Monday of October next.
Article 4. To see what action the town will take in relation to salaries of town officials for the ensuing year.
The following officers have asked for an increase in their salaries, namely: The assessors, treasurer, building inspector, secretary of the Board of Public Welfare, tree warden, and the inspector of animals.
The work of the assessors has greatly increased during the past ten years, but there has been no addition to their salaries in that period. The chairman's salary is $900 and that of the other members is $250 each. This is the lowest amount that is paid to assessors by any town in this Commonwealth situated in any way similar to Swampscott. Within the past ten years the work of this Board has not only increased greatly in volume, but also in importance and responsibility. The laws relating to taxation are frequently changed by the Legislature and the assessors must become familiar with these laws and with their appli- cation. The chairman of the Board devotes substantially all of his time to the duties of this office. The other members of course have other employment but to perform properly their duties requires a great deal of their time during certain parts of the year. Property to the value of more than $22,000,000 comes before them annually for valuation. We believe that these officers are entitled to an increase and there recon- mend that the annual salary of the chairman be fixed at $1,000 and that of the other members at $400 each.
The treasurer is now receiving $750. The salary of this office is the same now as it was twelve years ago. He is not only the treasurer, but also the paymaster of the town. The performance of his duties re- quires a great deal of his time in his office at the town hall and at his place of business in Boston, where he is subject to call at all times by banks and other concerns which are interested in loans made by the town. The work requires special training and knowledge of the laws relating to municipal finance. We recommend that his annual salary be fixed at $1,200.
25
RECORDS OF TOWN CLERK
1928]
The salary of the Inspector of Buildings is $900. He requests an increase of $100. The Building Inspector uses his own automobile in connection with the performance of his duties and has never made any charge to the town for expenses in connection with such use. We recommend that his annual salary be fixed at $1,000.
The salary of the secretary of the Board of Public Welfare is $100. He attends to all the details of the disbursements of the funds of this Board without any clerical assistance. We believe that his present salary is too small and recommend that it be fixed at $150.
The Inspector of Animals receives $100. From this it has been his custom to pay all the expenses incident to the performance of his duties. We recommend that his salary be fixed at $200.
The town some time ago regarded the offices of tree warden, super- intendent of moths and forest warden as one for the purpose of fixing the salary and established it at $33 per week. All of these positions are held by the same man. He requests an increase to $40 a week. The proper performance of the duties of this office requires knowledge of trees and shrubs, and insects that usually feed upon them. The present holder devotes his entire time to the work. We recommend that his salary be fixed at $40 per week.
The Surveyor of Highways has made no request for an increase in his salary but we recommend that his annual salary be fixed at $2,360.
We recommend that the salaries of all other town officials, except the Chief of Police which is covered by Article 29, be the same as last year.
Article 7. To see what action the town will take in relation to the recommendations calling for the expenditure of money, the creation of a debt, or the disposition of town property, as set forth in the report of officers, boards and committees in the annual report as follows: Water and Sewerage Board, page 66; Sewer Extension, page 70; Police, page 73; Fire Engineers, page 74; Assessors, page 83; Surveyor of High- ways, page 95; Library, page 96; Cemetery, page 100; Board of Health, pages 104-06; Milk Inspector, page 109.
Under this article we take up all matters which are not included in the recommendations under Article 8.
With reference to the recommendation of the Water and Sewerage Board that the town authorize the Sinking Fund Commissioners to turn over to the Water Department whatever amount is left after can- celling the debt incurred in August, 1898, by the purchase of the Mar- blehead Water Co. There appears to be no provision in Chapter 293 of the Acts of 1898 establishing this sinking fund, for the disposition of any surplus that may remain after the payment of the loan of $150,000 in August of this year. Inasmuch as this fund was created from water funds, it would seem to be proper that whatever amount is left, after cancelling the debt, should revert to the Water Department.
We recommend that whatever amount is left in the sinking fund after cancelling the indebtedness of $150,000, due August 1, 1928, be turned over to the Water and Sewerage Board to be included in the water funds.
The recommendation that all unexpended balances for water con- struction be transferred to the Emergency Water Fund, is covered by Article 19.
The recommendation of the Water and Sewerage Board on page 70, concerning the Eastern Intercepting Sewer, is covered by Article 25.
In regard to the recommendations that sewers be laid in Walker road, Franklin avenue and Fuller avenue. We find that sewers are urgently needed in Walker road and Franklin avenue. The Board of Health also recommends the construction of these sewers in its report on page 104. The Water and Sewerage Board also recommends the construction of about 400 feet of sewer in Fuller avenue.
We recommend that the town lay a sewer in Walker road from ยท its present terminus, a distance of about 360 feet and appropriate there- for the sum of $2,500 to be transferred from the Emergency Sewer Fund.
26
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
We recommend that the town lay a sewer in Paradise road and Franklin avenue from the present terminus of the sewer in Paradise road, near Farragut road, a distance of about 1,600 feet, and appropriate therefor the sum of $10,500, to be raised by notes or bonds of the town.
We recommend that the town lay a sewer in Fuller avenue, from Bay View avenue, a distance of about 400 feet, and appropriate therefor the sum of $4,000, to be raised by notes or bonds of the town.
With reference to the recommendation of the Water and Sewerage Board that the King's Brook culvert be extended for a distance of 225 feet northerly, as contained on page 71 of the Town Report.
The Town Engineer reports that there is grave danger that the sewer which runs along the bank of this brook may be disrupted by the caving in of the bank thus creating a serious menace to the health of the community.
We recommend that the King's Brook culvert be extended 225 feet northerly and that $3,500 be appropriated therefor to be raised by notes or bonds of the town.
In regard to the recommendation of the Chief of Police for a new side car for a motorcycle, to be used for patrol work.
We recommend that the Chief of Police be authorized to purchase a new side car to be used on a motorcycle now owned by the depart- ment and that $115 be appropriated therefor from the Excess and Deficiency Fund.
With reference to the recommendations in the report of the Board of Fire Engineers as contained on page 74 of the Town Report.
We recommend that the following amounts be appropriated fron the Excess and Deficiency Fund for the following purposes, viz .:
Hydrant rental $1,000 480
Replacing three fire alarm boxes
Replacing boiler and remodeling boiler room at
Central Fire Station 1,200
Painting the outside of Phillips Beach fire station 375 The purchase of new 21/2 inch fire hose 490
The purchase of a new automobile and equipment
to take the place of the 1921 Dodge runabout
now used by the Chief of the Fire Department 1,050
We recommend that the Board of Fire Engineers be authorized to dispose of the old boiler to the best advantage of the town and that they be further authorized to turn in the 1921 Dodge runabout in part payment for a new car.
The Park Commission on page 76 of the Town Report recommend the building of a fire-proof locker, with individual compartments, at Blaney Beach reservation, for the storage of gasoline, to be used by the fishermen. We believe that this should be done and have made provision for it in the budget of the Park Commission under Article 8.
The recommendation of the Board of Assessors as shown on page 63 of the Town Report, relating to their salaries, has been covered in our report under Article 4.
The recommendation of the Surveyor of Highways as contained on page 94, concerning Mountwood road. The Surveyor of Highways has informed us that sufficient money for this work has been included in his budget and we have made provision therefor in our report under Article 8.
In regard to the recommendation concerning Millett and Wyman roads. No sewer has been built in Wyman road, or, as it is now known, Bay View Drive, and there is no recommendation from the Health or Sewer departments for the construction of such a sewer. We believe therefor that it would be unwise to resurface Wyman road until a sewer is built therein.
We recommend that action relating thereto be indefinitely post- poned.
27
RECORDS OF TOWN CLERK
1928]
We recommend further that $2,000 be appropriated from the Excess and Deficiency Fund for resurfacing Millett road.
The recommendation of the Surveyor of Highways, on page 94 of the Town Report, concerning new macadam construction, has been considered by us under Article 43.
In regard to the recommendation of the Surveyor of Highways on page 95 of the Town Report, for the appropriation of $10,000 to be used in building a stable on land owned by the town on State (Paradise) Road. We have investigated the conditions existing at the Town Yard and find them a menace to health and unsatisfactory in every way. With a new building placed at the rear of the lot better conditions can be made for the horses and proper provision for the employees.
We recommend that the town authorize the Board of Selectmen, Surveyor of Highways and Building Inspector to secure suitable plans and specifications for the construction of a building suitable for the needs of the Surveyor of Highways and that they be further authorized to make, sign and deliver a contract on behalf of the town for this purpose and that the sum of $10,000 be appropriated therefor from the Excess and Deficiency Fund.
With reference to the recommendation of the Trustees of the Public Library, as shown on page 96 of the Town Report, that the town consider the establishment of a branch public library in the pro- posed new Palmer School. We feel that, until the school needs of that district have been fully met, we should not consider other problems in connection therewith.
We recommend that action on this recommendation we indefinitely postponed.
In regard to the recommendations of the Superintendent of the Cemetery on page 100 of the Town Report. We feel that shrubs should be planted in the new part in harmony with the older parts of the cemetery.
We therefore recommend that the town appropriate $200 from the Excess and Deficiency Fund for the purchase of shrubs to be placed in the newly prepared part of the cemetery in the vicinity of the chapel.
With reference to the recommendation for an appropriation of $500 for the purchase of a light truck for cemetery purposes. It is quite evident that at times the Superintendent has need of a truck but pro- vision would have to be made for its storage, and other expenses would have to be incurred in connection with it. In considering the matter it was suggested that an arrangement might be made with the Surveyor of Highways to permit the use of a horse and wagon at such times as this may be needed by the Superintendent.
We recommend that action on this recommendation be indefinitely postponed.
The recommendations in the report of. the Board of Health on page 104 of the Town Report concerning sewers have already been con- sidered.
The recommendation in the report of the Milk Inspector to the Board of Health has already been passed upon by that Board.
Article 8. To see what action the town will take in relation to the appropriation of money for departmental and other expenses as recom- mended and set forth on pages 38 and 39 of the Annual Town Report.
We recommend that the town appropriate $1,023.68 from the Excess and Deficiency Fund for the purpose of paying bills contracted by the Board of Public Welfare in 1927 and under instruction of the State Accountants, not payable from 1928 funds.
We recommend that the sum of $22.93 be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Fund to the account of Overlay 1925 and the sum of $251.66 from the Excess and Deficiency Fund to the account of Overlay 1926 to balance these accounts to date.
We recommend that the sum of $500 be appropriated from the Excess and Deficiency Fund to be used by the Board of Selectmen in paying awards, executions or settled claims.
28
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
We recommend that the following amounts be appropriated from the Excess and Deficiency Fund for the following purposes: Continuous Sidewalks
$5,000.00
School Repairs 2,635.00
We recommend that the following amounts be appropriated for the various departments for the ensuing year:
General Government
Legislative
$450.00
Selectmen
3,358.00
Accounting
2,578.00
Treasury
2,253.00
Collector of Taxes
3,580.50
Assessors
3,900.00
Town Clerk
644.00
Law
1,000.00
Election and Registration
4,000.00
Engineering
7,000.00
Town Hall
3,770.00
Town Hall Repairs
200.00
Certification of Notes and Bonds
500.00
Board of Appeals
245.00
Protection of Life and Property
Police
$35,698.00
Fire
39,600.00
Sealer of Weights and Measures
555.00
Moth
4,683.00
Tree Warden
3,500.00
Forest Warden
200.00
Inspector of Buildings
1,100.00
Subordinate Officials including Dog Officer, Con-
490.00
Health and Sanitation
Health
8,866.00
Dental Clinic
1,200.00
Health Nurse
1,350.00
Cleaning Beaches
1,376.00
Refuse and Garbage
13,525.00
Health Dumps
1,700.00
Sewer
9,000.00
Particular Sewers
1,000.00
Care of Brooks
1,500.00
Highways
Highway Administration Highway
37,000.00
Crushed Stone and Gravel
4,000.00
Seal Coating
4,000.00
Street Construction
2,500.00
Street Watering and Oiling
4,000.00
Sidewalks and Curbing
3,500.00
Snow and Ice
4,000.00
Lighting Streets
23,500.00
Charities and Soldiers' Benefits
Public Welfare
$8,550.00
Soldiers' Relief
5,000.00
State Aid
500.00
Military Aid
700.00
Pensions
5,679.11
$2,840.00
stable, Weigher, Inspector of Animals
1928]
RECORDS OF TOWN CLERK
29
Schools and Libraries
Schools Library
$155,480.00 6,300.00
Recreation and Unclassified
Parks
$8,000.00
Memorial Day
500.00
Firemen's Memorial Sunday
200.00
Heat and Light G. A. R. Hall
625.00
Heat and Light V. F. W. Hall
200.00
District Nurse
300.00
Legion Lease
950.00
Trust Fund Custodian's Bond
40.00
Reserve Fund
5,000.00
Printing Town Reports
1,009.55
Insurance
2,993.25
Enterprises
Cemetery
$4,500.00
Interest and Maturing Debt
Interest on Loans in Anticipation of Revenue
$10,000.00
Interest on General Debt
13,090.50
Interest on Sewer Loans
7,174.75
Interest on Tuberculosis Hospital Bonds
2,120.00
General Debt Maturing
37,023.40
Sewer Loans Maturing
15,850.00
Tuberculosis Hospital Bonds Maturing
4,000.00
Agency
Tuberculosis Hospital Maintenance $4,049.70
Article 17. To hear the report of the Committee on the Palmer School matter and to see what action the town will take concerning the recommendations contained therein.
This article has already been reported on under Article 1 of the warrant for the special town meeting.
We recommend that action on this article be indefinitely postponed.
Article 18. To hear and act on the report of the committee ap- pointed at the special town meeting held November 8th, 1927, to in- vestigate the manner of entrance into the town and the officials re- sponsible for the granting of a license or permit to the Lynn Sand and Stone Co., for the storage of large quantities of explosives as petitioned for by Martin E. Nies et als.
We have considered the recommendations of the Blasting Com- mittee, so called. At first this Committee felt that it should be continued in power and that money should be appropriated by the town to permit of its employing counsel. At a conference with this Committee, how- ever, the members stated that they do not now recommend the con- tinuance of the Committee nor the appropriation of money for the employment of counsel, but that they are content to have all legal matters relating to the blasting controversy handled by the town counsel under the direction of the Board of Selectmen. We recommend that this be done.
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