USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1930 > Part 18
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Class B or mill construction with wood beams would cost some- what less. This would mean shorter life, greater maintenance of the building and less safety from the standpoint of fire than the Class A steel and concrete construction. Your committee is of the opinion that the Class B plan is not advisable.
The estimates for each class of construction are as follows:
Class A
Class B $371,000
Cost of building including architect's fee $440,000
Furniture and equipment 40,000 40,000
$480,000 $411,000
These estimates would vary somewhat according to -the location selected by the town. If Phillips Park is chosen no purchase of land would be involved and these figures can be used. If some other site is decided upon a number of other questions must be taken into account. The purchase cost of land, including buildings, if any; the preparation of land, including excavation and blasting if there is ledge; the difficulty and expense of providing an athletic field, which should not be less than ten acres in extent; delay involved in the taking of land by right of eminent domain, and its preparation for the purpose.
The High School requirements of Swampscott should be best known by the School Committee, and it is these which determine the estimates.
If the town is satisfied with class B construction a High School can be built substantially in accordance with the plans submitted for ap- proximately the sum mentioned in the recommendation of the Finance Committee, not including equipment or the expense of acquiring and developing a site other than Phillips Park.
The Committee has given careful consideration to the problem from every standpoint, and is of the opinion that Swampscott cannot afford to reduce the requirements as to size and accommodations and cannot afford to build other than a class A High School.
In deciding this important question the citizens should keep in mind that the building cost and the cost of borrowing money are today without doubt as low as they ever will be. It is believed that the trend of building cost is now upward and will so continue. It should also be kept in mind that after the town has decided to go ahead it will be at least a year under the most favorable circumstances before the school is ready for use.
Under the terms of Chapter 262 of the Acts of 1930 the following amounts may be raised by the town.
Class A Construction
Tax levy, 1931
$43,000
Borrowed under special act
360,000
Borrowed under general act 77,000
$480,000
Class B Construction
Tax levy, 1931 $37,450
Borrowed 374,500
$411,950
These would represent respectively an amount on the tax rate of 1931 of $1.73 per thousand and in 1932 $1.51 per thousand. The amounts will decrease each year for fifteen years, The rate of interest is taken at 4%, but it is possible under present conditions that this may be some- what lower.
166
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
To sum up, the committee recommends that the requirements for the High School be accepted as stated by the School Committee, with no reduction, but rather an increase in the seating capacity of the audi- torium from 760 to 900.
That class A construction be adopted as the best and most eco- nomical in the long run from a maintenance standpoint.
That stone be used for exterior trim as included in estimates for class A and class B construction.
That the building committee should be authorized to instruct Cram & Ferguson to proceed with working drawings and specifications with- out delay.
That the Phillips Park site be decided on as recommended by ed- ucational authorities of the State and of the town, also by architects and engineers, who are competent to pass on the suitability of the ground, and by the special committee of nineteen, which reported at the special meeting of June 24, 1930.
The location is within the limits of distances recommended by school authorities of the State and can be reached without difficulty from all points of the town. It is on a principal thoroughfare where street cars are now running and where motor buses can easily be used for connecting with outlying districts when they are developed. The Eastern Massachusetts Railway Company has already agreed to take care of this detail.
The following recommendations are made:
That the sum of $480,000 be appropriated, $47,000 to be taken from the tax levy of the current year; the sum of $433,000 to be raised by notes or bonds of the town, $400,000 of this sum to be borrowed under Chapter 262 of the Acts of 1930, and $33,000 under the provisions of Chapter 44 of the General Laws.
That Phillips Park be transferred from the Park Department to the School Department under the terms of Chapter 310 of the General Acts of 1930.
That the present building committee be continued with power to employ Cram & Ferguson as architects and enter into contracts under the by-laws of the town and do all acts necessary to the erection of the High School substantially as described in this report.
HENRY S. BALDWIN, Chairman, PHILIP E. BESSOM, H. ALLEN DURKEE, ROBERT C. McKAY, GEORGE C. THOMAS,
High School Committee.
167
REPORT OF TOWN ENGINEER
1930]
Town Engineer
To the Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :- Herewith I submit my eighteenth annual report of the service rendered by the Engineering Department for the various departments for the year ending December 31, 1929.
The Engineering Department has had charge of the following lines of work: The designing and superintending the construction of all drains and sewers; resurfacing of all streets built by contract, together with the specifications and estimates for the same; the establishing of street lines and grades for curb stones and granolithic sidewalks; all data and plans relating to the laying out of private ways for acceptance as public streets; and all engineering questions which come before the boards of the several departments.
Sewers and Drains
The sewer system of the town has been extended for a distance of 15,732 feet at a cost of $67,289.35. Within this sewered area is assess- able property totaling a frontage of 24,077 feet, on which data the Water and Sewerage Commissioners fixed the rate of $1.39 per foot. Particular sewers were laid in the various sections amounting to $5,701.77.
King's Brook, between Essex street and Cherry street, has been enclosed in a 30 inch concrete pipe at a cost of $2,630.00.
The old stone culverts across Salem street have been replaced by 36 inch, 42 inch and 48 inch concrete pipes at a cost of $2,280.00.
Several minor drains were constructed which improve the flood conditions.
Continuous Sidewalks
Lines and grades have been given on the streets, as designated by the Board of Selectmen, for the laying of 2,551 lin. feet of curbstones, 1,520 sq. yds. granolithic sidewalks and 4,302 sq. ft. of parking.
Cemetery
Thirty-five lots, containing an area of about 5,700 sq. ft., have been excavated and refilled for burial purposes, although the final grading is not completed.
Resurfacing Roadways
The following streets have been resurfaced with a permanent pave- ment, constructed under the Massachusetts Highway specifications, namely: Phillips avenue and Whitman road with a total yardage of 8,359, at a cost of $12,724.34.
The old concrete pavement on Humphrey street, between Common- wealth avenue and Glen road was vulcanized with 5,199 sq. yds. of sheet asphalt, costing $9,670.20.
Bay View drive, Ocean avenue, Barnstable street, Plymouth avenue and Minerva street were graded with a gravel roadway.
Assessors' Department
The yearly routine work necessary to bring the plans and card index up to date has been completed for this department.
Selectmen's Department
Data and estimates have been furnished for this department and plans submitted for their approval.
At the request of property owners, street lines and grades have been given for the grading of lawns, building walls, etc.
Respectfully submitted,
W. W. PRATT, Town Engineer.
168
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec, 31
Moth Superintendent
To the Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen: The year 1930 was made memorable because of the death of Everett P. Mudge, who for over 20 years had been the head . of the department, not only as Moth Superintendent but as Tree Warden by election and Forest Warden by appointment during the same period of years. Taken sick in the early fall and confined to his bed, he nevertheless kept in closest touch with all the departments of the work and showed the keenest interest to the very last. We shall miss his intelligent direction and co-operation, but will endeavor to carry on the work as he would have wished to have it done. We appreciate the value of the close association with him.
No changes have been made during the past year in the methods of suppression against moths, the absence of rain during the entire spring season, the same as in 1929, making the work doubly effective. The record of defoliation by the various leaf-feeding insects was even better than last year, not a single tree being defoliated.
The fall web worms appeared in greater number than ever, this fact being true all over New England. In instances where they were called to the attention of the department they were cut off and burned. The usual winter work was done, except where weather conditions made it impractical, of cutting brush and creosoting egg clusters of the gypsy moth. The usual start has been made on creosoting this year. The moth tax this year was the largest ever recorded, over $2,600. At the annual town meeting $1,000 was appropriated for the purchase of a new power sprayer, and the late Superintendent had started nego- tiations for its purchase when he was taken sick. These negotiations will be renewed at the opening of the year and the sprayer obtained in time for the regular work.
In the rearrangement of the buildings at the Highway department yard, Surveyor of Highways Michael J. Ryan has made ample pro- vision for a locker for this department for the storage of sprayer, ladders, tools and supplies, so that this department is well provided for. For this courtesy on Mr. Ryan's part I wish to express my thanks and appreciation.
Having been reappointed by the Board of Selectmen as local Moth Superintendent for the year 1931, and such appointment having been approved by the State Forester as required by law, it will be my en- deavor to carry on the moth work during the coming year as it has been in the past, and in this I wish to acknowledge the co-operation of the townspeople and town officials, and express my thanks for the same.
Respectfully submitted, BERNARD B. KENNEDY, Moth Superintendent.
169
REPORT OF BUILDING INSPECTOR
1930]
Building Inspector
To the Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :- I herewith submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1930:
Permits Issued
Estimated Cost
Dwellings:
New
30
$300,200.00
Alterations and additions
44
56,575.00
Private Garages :
New
63
29,415.00
Alterations and additions
7
2,225.00
Business Buildings :
Stores
2
20,500.00
Filling stations
2
2,800.00
Raze
1
Miscellaneous :
Greenhouse
1
2,800.00
Bath house
1
5,000.00
Tool shed
1
100.00
Pump house
1
50.00
Factory addition
1
300.00
Town Buildings:
Library (alteration)
1
7,500.00
Building permits
155
Permits to shingle
76
Total
231
$427,465.00
Number inspections (buildings)
339
Number inspections (shingling)
76
Total Amount of building fees collected
415
Elevator operator's licenses issued :
No. 7
Fees
New
$7.00
All hotels and elevators have been inspected and returns made to the State. Several complaints of violations of the building laws have been investigated and in practically all cases adjustments made.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK L. BURK,
Building Inspector.
$183.00
170
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Police Department
To the Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen: It is my privilege once again to transmit to you the summary and review of the manner in which the Police Department of the town of Swampscott performed its numerous and exacting duties during the year of 1930.
I have tried to make my report an effective means of bringing the citizens of the town and the police department into closer relations, or to promote better mutual feeling by promoting better mutual under- standing. Nothing is more destructive to harmony and co-operation than mystery and misunderstanding, and in the preparation of this report I have endeavored to make plain to all the object, functions and scope of the police department.
Department Organization
Chief
1
Captains
2
Patrolmen
13
Clerk
1
Roster
Rank
Name
Date of Appointment
Chief
Walter F. Reeves
November 14, 1925
Captain
Eugene P. Brogan
March 29, 1909
Captain
James M. Kennedy
May 31, 1918
Patrolman
Charles Connell
March 22, 1901
Patrolman
J. Henry Pedrick
April 14, 1904
Patrolman
Almon B. Owens
November 28, 1919
Patrolman
Frank T. Roach
November 19, 1920
Patrolman
Samuel Hooper
June 7, 1924
Patrolman
John P. Costin
January 8, 1926
Patrolman
Joseph L. Shanahan
January 8, 1926
Patrolman
George D. Horton
January 8, 1926
Patrolman
Francis P. Wall
January 8, 1926
Patrolman
James T. Jordan
January 7, 1927
Patrolman
Herbert F. Frazier
March 23, 1928
Patrolman
Francis E. Delano
May 1, 1930
Patrolman
Joseph P. Ryan
May 1, 1930
Arrests
Total number of arrests
184
Male
168
Female
9
Juvenile
7
Residents
36
Non-residents
148
Causes of Arrest
Crimes against the person:
Assault on a police officer
2
Assault and battery
4
6
1930]
REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
171
Crimes against property :
Breaking and entering
1
Breaking, entering, and larceny
4
Larceny
5
Larceny-attempt
2
Larceny of motor vehicle
4
16
Crimes against public order :
Bastardy 2
Delinquency
3
Drunkenness
25
Gaming on the Lord's Day
13
Habitual truant
1
Liquor laws, violating:
Illegal keeping of intoxicating liquor
1
Illegal manufacture of intoxicating liquor
1
Illegal sale of intoxicating liquor 1
Illegal transportation of intoxicating liquor
1
Motor vehicle laws, violating:
Going away unknown after causing property damage 1
Illegal use of spotlight
1
Making false statements in application for registration
1
Misappropriation of automobile
1
Operating while under the influence of liquor
12
Operating an uninsured motor vehicle
1
Operating without license in possession
3
Operating without being licensed
3
Operating without registration
3
Passing walk light
10
Speeding
68
Non-support of wife and child
4
Non-support of parent
1
Non-payment of wages
1
Selling conditional sale property
1
162
Recapitulation
Crimes against person
6
Crimes against property
16
Crimes against public order
162
Summonses served for other police departments
208
Disposition of Cases
Appealed
4
Discharged
2
Dismissed
2
Filed
23
Filed on payment of costs
20
Fined
94
Found not guilty
6
For other departments
11
Held for Grand Jury
2
Ordered to make restitution
4
Placed on probation
10
Released
6
1
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle Operating after revocation of license
1
Operating to left of street car
1
184
172
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Classification of Arrests by Months
Male
Female
Juvenile
Residents
Non- Residents
January
1
0
0
0
1
February
5
0
0
0
5
March
0
0
0
0
0
April
5
0
0
3
2
May
8
0
1
3
6
June
28
1
0
1
28
July
22
3
2
8
19
August
36
0
3
5
34
September
17
0
0
4
13
October
39
5
0
6
38
November
6
0
1
4
3
December
1
0
0
1
0
Totals for year 168
9
7
35
149
Miscellaneous Work
Accidents reported and assistance rendered
26
Auto accidents reported
115
Passengers injured
44
Pedestrians injured
29
Pedestrians killed (on private property)
1
Autos tagged for traffic violations
452
Breaking and entering cases investigated
12
Breaking, entering, and larceny cases investigated
26
Complaints investigated
61
In regard to blasting by Lynn Sand and Stone Company
77
Miscellaneous
516
Defects in streets and sidewalks reported
20
Disturbances quelled
22
Dogs injured by motor vehicles
23
Dogs killed by motor vehicles
11
Dogs reported missing
83
Dogs turned over to owner or dog officer
61
Dogs shot by officers
4
Gas leaks reported
1
Lights burning in vacant buildings
37
Messages delivered
52
Missing persons located and returned to their homes
54
Missing persons not located
1
Notices of intended transfer of motor vehicles filed
176
Nuisances reported
5
Obstructions and dangerous places lighted up
35
Police signal system
57
Calls to fires
54
Miscellaneous calls Duty calls reported 20,024
116
Residences temporarily unoccupied and special attention requested
48
Sick persons assisted
10
Stores and offices found open and secured
340
Street excavations reported
21
Street lamps reported defective
72
Suicides reported
4
Suspicious persons examined
26
Transfer of second hand motor vehicles recorded and filed
171
Water leaks reported
6
Wires reported broken or burning
19
In regard to dogs
Calls to hospital
173
REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
1930]
Stolen Property
Amount of property stolen in Swampscott and recovered by this department $1,723.00
Amount of property stolen in Swampscott and recovered by other departments $600.00
Amount of property reported stolen in Swampscott and not recovered $2,376.00
Automobiles stolen in Swampscott and recovered by other departments 1
Automobiles stolen elsewhere and recovered by this 6
department
The Department
It is with deep sorrow and regret that I record the death of Charles H. Dunlap on November 27, 1930. Mr. Dunlap was born in Antrin, New Hampshire. The major portion of his life was devoted to the service of the public. He entered the police department as a regular patrolman, on March 24, 1892, and was appointed chief of police in March, 1900. As a police officer and friend, we, who knew him, honor and respect his memory.
On May 1, 1930, Francis E. Delano and Joseph P. Ryan were ap- pointed regular officers, by the Board of Selectmen, from the Civil Service eligible list.
The discipline of the department has been good. The welfare work, performed by the members of the Swampscott Police Welfare Associa- tion, is deserving of great praise.
During the past year, I have devoted considerable time instructing members of the department in revolver shooting.
Courtesy
Courtesy is a rule of the department, and a most important one. Citizens do not wish or need to be called down for some violation of the motor vehicle laws or by-laws. It is true that the officer must perform his duty, but no part of his duty calls for disgraceful conduct. Insulting and irritating language by an officer, to persons who happen to disregard traffic rules or commit some minor offence, give a poor impression of the department. The public, as a whole, intends to ob- serve the law. An officer should co-operate in a helpful manner to carry out this intent.
Motor Equipment
The Reo ambulance, which has been in continuous service for the past six years, is a four cylinder motor and has been considerably damaged. Many complaints about its condition have been received from citizens being conveyed to hospitals. It will be completely over- hauled in 1931 and should be exchanged for a new one in 1932.
Safety on Streets and in Schools
Fewer accidents have occurred among our school children. This, I believe, is largely due to the efficient work of the school safety patrol. We have the hearty co-operation of the School Committee, Superin- tendent Dow, and all teachers and parents. A letter has been received from George A. Parker, Registrar of Motor Vehicles, commending this department on Swampscott's record of no serious accidents during the year of 1930, of which we are justly proud.
Automatic traffic signals should be installed at the junction of Paradise road and Burrill street, to promote safety.
Juveniles
Many letters of commendation have been received from individuals houses of correction and welfare organizations throughout the State, on our method of handling juveniles.
174
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
I believe the highest function of the policeman is to remedy, as far as possible, the conditions which tend to produce bad boys and girls. Nobody knows how much the friendship of a man influences a boy's life. A kindly word of wisdom, a quiet talk, or an hour's companion- ship become factors of untold value.
Crime
Regardless of crime conditions elsewhere, the spread of crime in Swampscott has been effectively checked, and the records refute any contention of a crime increase. The prevention of crime in this town requires all police officers to go upon the property of our citizens. Many estates are situated some distance from the highways, not enclosed by fences, and where there are many trees and much shrubbery. All these conditions, as well as small street lights, tend to give the thief a great advantage. But, regardless of crime increasing in other communities, the total number of crimes for the year of 1930 shows a favorable de- crease over the total number for 1929.
The New England Association of Chiefs of Police held their annual convention in Swampscott, in August, and discussed at length ways and means to combat the activities of the criminal.
Conclusion
I wish to thank the town officials and citizens generally for their co-operation and assistance, and also to express to the members of the department my appreciation of their performance of duty.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER F. REEVES, Chief of Police.
Town Counsel
To the Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen: The following is my report for 1930:
Two rather important matters of litigation, begun in 1928, were concluded during the year. In the case of Swampscott vs. Knowlton Arms, Inc., a bill in equity to cancel a building permit issued contrary to the existing zoning by-laws, the full bench of the Supreme Court determined that the building permit was no longer effective, that the case had become a "moot case," and dismissed the bill on the ground that there was nothing further to decide. This left the zoning by-laws in effect as applied to the locality in question.
The case of Hastings vs. Swampscott, a petition for assessment of damages for taking of 121,742 square feet of land for the Stanley School, was tried before a jury at Salem, who returned a verdict of $24,900.00. The case was subsequently settled for $21,000.00, the town waiving its exceptions and appeal. Reckoning two years' interest at four per cent. a year, the rate allowed by statute, gives sixteen and a fraction cents as the price per foot of the land to the town.
The suit of Knowlton heirs against the town seeking to declare void the zoning restrictions on land of the petitioners on Humphrey street, referred to in my report of last year, was voluntarily withdrawn.
During the year I have handled the usual number of minor matters, furnished legal opinions to town officials and departments, and attended hearings.
Yours respectfully, H. D. LINSCOTT, Town Counsel.
175
REPORT OF TREASURER
1930]
Treasurer's Report
James W. Libby, Treasurer,
In account with the Town of Swampscott for the year ended December 31, 1930.
Balance on hand January 1, 1930
$206,462.66
RECEIPTS
Tax Collector
692,224.23
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
123,882.28
Temporary Loan Notes, Issued in
Anticipation of Revenue
Notes discounted at 2.95%
$100,000.00
Premium
1.25
Notes discounted at 2.15%
100,000.00
Notes discounted at 2.37%
100,000.00
Bonds and Notes, Issued and Sold
Sewerage Loan at 4%
$72,000.00
Street Loan at 4%
16,000.00
Premium at 101.479
1,301.52
Accrued Interest
9.78
89,311.30
County of Essex
Dog Tax Refund
$747.98
Humphrey Street
2,889.72
3,637.70
Transfer from Cemetery Fund
3,500.00
Library Funds Income
Joanna Morse Fund
$263.03
Mary L. Thomson Fund
50.63
Ellen R. Whittle Fund
101.25
414.91
Municipal Insurance Fund
22.05
Phillips Medal Fund
40.29
Miscellaneous
36.00
Interest on Treasurer's Deposits
3,689.81
Total Receipts
$1,423,222.48
Less :
Treasury Warrants, honored and paid numbered
from 1 to 4997 inclusive
1,291,091.03
Balance on hand, on deposit in banks December 31, 1930
$132,131.45
Bonds and Notes Payable
Issued Inside Debt Limit School Loans
Machon School Building Loan 1920 (514%) $60,000.00
Schoolhouse Loan, 1911
(4%) 4,000.00
Palmer School Loan, 1922 (41/4%) 11,000.00
Schoolhouse Loan, 1925
(41/4%) 62,000.00
High School Addition Loan, 1915
(41/4%) 10,000.00
Hadley School Land Loan, 1913
(4%) 1,500.00
Schoolhouse Loan, 1929
(41/2%) 103,000.00
300,001.25
176
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Sewer Loans
Sewerage Loan, 1917
(41/2%)
$5,500.00
Sewerage Loan, 1926
(4%)
13,000.00
Sewerage Loan, 1928
(4%)
23,000.00
Sewerage Loan, 1929
(41/2%) 90,000.00
Sewerage Loan, 1930
(4%)
72,000.00
Total Sewer Loans outstanding, issued inside debt limit
$203,500.00
Street Loans
Humphrey Street Loan, 1914
(4%)
$10,000.00
Essex Street Concrete Pavement
Loan, 1925
(4%)
9,000.00
Street Loan, 1926
(4%)
3,000.00
Street Loan, 1929
(41/2%)
21,000.00
Street Loan, 1930
(4%)
16,000.00
Total Street Loans outstanding
$59,000.00
Miscellaneous Loans
Public Park and Town Hall Loan, 1913
(41/2%)
$1,500.00
Essex Street Park Loan, 1912
(4%) 2,200.00
Stable and Vault Loan, 1929
(41/2%)
21,000.00
Total Miscellaneous Loans outstanding
$24,700.00
Total Loans outstanding, issued inside debt limit
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