USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1935 > Part 14
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Bureau of Old Age Assistance
In the face of a rising tax rate it still has been the endeavor of the Board of Public Welfare, in so far as possible, that adequate assistance be given. To enroll a case, formerly in receipt of welfare aid, under Old Age Assistance without readjustment of the budget is not in strict compliance with the law. The provision of this law is to establish a budget which can reasonably be construed as adequate assistance so that a person can live in comfort. This applies particularly to our ordinary cases and not to those who must be given nursing care, for in these latter cases every effort is made to grant sufficient
145
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
1935]
allotments so that the patient is well cared for. Old Age Assistance cases make up about 35% of our enrollment. Their ranks are constantly added to as advancing age and infirmities come upon normal enrollments.
The greatest complications encountered by the department are those where property holdings are involved. The impossibility of disposing of property, the futility of attempting either to secure a mortgage or to have a present mortgage increased have been serious detriments to those owning property whose equity value is in excess of the legal limit and has blocked enrollment of applicants so burdened. Again, many people apply where the carrying charges on property are far in excess of a reasonable budget for full maintenance and are disappointed because the allotment for rent cannot be increased to suit these excessive charges.
In cases where property has been transferred to relatives just prior to application, and many of these have been encountered, it is felt that there is some obligation on the part of the present owner to provide for the applicant to the amount, at least, of the equity in the property. It must be remembered that in computing equity the only standard that can be followed is based on the assessed value. The fact that property at this time is not readily saleable for an amount near the assessed value does not prove that the assessed value, when compared to other pieces of property in the municipality, is not a fair valuation. All property value is influenced by the condition of the times.
The requirement of a twenty-year residence in Massachusetts prior to application may be subject to criticism. Many cases are rejected because of this and still the justice of this proviso is unquestionable. There have been many applicants who removed to other states, taking up a domicile there and intending to remain who, when it was called to their attention that Massachusetts was granting Old Age Assistance, have moved back for the purpose of receiving this aid. Such removal has invariably proved a dis- appointment. Whether or not our twenty-year requirement is too drastic, or if a more equitable provision should be made, is still a question for the Legislature to determine.
There is also a growing sentiment toward reducing the age limit from seventy to sixty-five. It is evident that a man or woman today finds that employment cannot be readily obtained beyond the age of sixty-five, and in many cases savings have been exhausted. To drop the present age limit to sixty-five is definitely a question of money-to find the funds to finance such a change. It would probably add many to the number of recipients and require a considerable yearly increase in the budget.
The obligation of children or relatives to support or assist if financially able is invariably emphasized by local and State bureaus. There seems to be a diversity of opinion on the part of many children. Just what constitutes financial ability is the question. A complete investigation of the children's earnings and dependents is always made, and if assistance seems within the ability of the child a reasonable sum is asked-a reasonable sum which will not place an obligation detrimental to the family of the son, daughters or relatives. In most large families it has been found that one or two have willingly contributed. These are not always the ones whose financial con- dition warrants large contributions, while those better able refuse and show little or no interest in the welfare of the parents. Nor is the solution of the problem the statement by a son or daughter, "I will give my father or mother a home." In refusing their obligation to help, children must consider the fact that in their refusal they are shirking a just responsibility and throwing the support of an aged parent upon the community; that is, the taxpayer.
A summation of old age cases reveals that at the close of 1934 we had 31 active cases. In January, 1935, five new cases were added and a steady increase will be noted from the report of people aided. Approximately thirty- five percent of the total cost of welfare is for this purpose, or an increase of $3,587.30 over last year's cost. If an Old Age Assistance case has a legal settlement in the State of Massachusetts, the State reimburses the town rendering the aid for one-third the amount provided. Notification must be forwarded within five days from the time the recipient is aided.
146
COMPARISONS OF PERSONS AIDED 1934-1935
Families Aided
Single Persons Aided
Old Age Assistance Cases Aided
Mothers' Aid Cases
People Aided in Institutions
Total Number of Persons Aided
1934
1935
1934
1935
1934
1935
1934
1935
1934
1935
1934
1935
January .
21
103
12
18
16
36
2
5
7
6
182
519
February
32
74
15
14
16
35
2
5
7
6
212
332
48
66
14
17
18
34
1
5
7
6
291
330
March .
55
38
21
17
24
35
2
5
6
6
308
212
April ..
55
24
20
15
24
38
2
5
6
6
325
167
May .
.
39
21
13
15
26
35
2
5
8
7
235
148
June.
22
17
17
13
23
38
3
6
7
7
157
144
August
36
17
12
17
24
37
3
6
6
7
207
139
September
31
20
13
15
27
40
3
6
6
7
201
142
*October .
23
42
11
16
30
43
3
6
6
7
167
273
*November .
27
52
12
18
30
45
3
6
6
188
324
*December
55
70
13
17
31
47
3
6
6
0000
329
388
* Welfare costs have doubled the last three months of the fiscal year, because of the closing down of ERA projects. Even though workers have been assigned to WPA projects we have had to continue aid because of the laxness on the part of WPA officials in handling payrolls. Because of the fact that the men on the ERA and WPA did not get their full amount regularly, and the time was intermittent so that men with large families frequently received only $4 to $8 per week, it was necessary to supplement the wages of a great many of the ERA and WPA workers.
Welfare costs of other towns or cities of the same population as Swampscott are anywhere from three and one-half to five times as great as Swampscott welfare costs. Although we do not have manufacturing centers, we have the same conditions to contend with from a Welfare angle.
[Dec. 31
TOWN DOCUMENTS
July
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147 ..
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
1935]
INVESTIGATOR OF PUBLIC WELFARE
To the Board of Public Welfare, Swampscott, Massachusetts:
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my first annual report as investigator and visitor for the Board of Public Welfare.
Of the one hundred and eighty-six public welfare cases and fifty-four Old Age Assistance cases aided in 1935, I have investigated all and have visited each of the Old Age Assistance cases at least four times during the year as required by law. In addition to this, I have held innumerable tele- phone conversations in connection with my work.
In addition to the 186 accepted welfare cases there were 174 requests for aid which were dropped after a thorough investigation showed they had an income through part time work or assistance from somebody in their immediate families, and were, therefore, ineligible for town aid in accordance with the General Laws governing the functioning of Welfare Departments.
I have also checked a considerable number of settlement notices from other cities and towns. Many of these, upon investigation, were found to have had no Swampscott settlements, and were, therefore, denied Swampscott aid
The number of cases shut off and the settlements denied after investi- gation, entailed a saving of many thousands of dollars to the town.
Due to the confusion and temporary suffering often caused the ERA and WPA workers by the temporary hold-up of their pay checks by the government, I have been forced to act as complaint officer, hear complaints and pass upon the individual merits of each ERA or WPA worker's case who applied for emergency supplementary aid. This has greatly added to the responsibilities of my work as well as to the departments.
The many court cases, checking of property ownerships, the process of committing persons to old age homes or Tewksbury, the finding of suitable homes for aged people who desired to live in Swampscott where they were born, and the investigating of the many new temporary aid cases as shown in the board's report have added greatly to my duties this past year.
I have received from and rendered to the Swampscott Welfare Committee and other charitable organizations the fullest co-operation.
I again wish to express my appreciation and thanks to the other two members of the Board of Public Welfare and all others who have so kindly co-operated with me.
Yours respectfully,
DONALD REDFERN, Investigator.
COMPARISON OF WELFARE COSTS
1934 $21,400.00
1935 $34,759.00
3,121.59
300.00
175.00
$24,996.59
$34,759.00
4,514.41
$29,511.00
$34,759.00
Amount returned to town from appropriations
205.74
2,350.36
$29,305.26
$32,408.64
Reimbursements during the year as of December 31: From the State, other cities and towns and funds
2,092.48
9,319.42
$27,212.78
$23,089.22
Outstanding bills approximate amount to be paid for unpaid bills from other cities and towns, etc.
6,775.00
3,091.29
$33,987.78
$26,180.51
Amount abated in 1935: Committed from 1934 expenditures
430.71
$34,418.49
$26,180.51
Amounts not collectible that will have to be abated: Approximate abatement in 1936 from expenditures
1,600.00
110.60
Approximate net cost of welfare ...
$36,018.49
$26,291.11
[Dec. 31
TOWN DOCUMENTS
148
Appropriation Transfer from: Overlay Reserve fund Wage Restoration fund Reserve fund
Special appropriation in 1935 to cover unpaid bills 1934
You will note in addition to the amount of unpaid bills in 1934 of $6,775.00, the town is liable for additional amounts of $649,35 for 1932 and $2,172.79 for 1933. The known amount received up to January 10, 1936, of unpaid bills for the year 1935 is $3,091.29. The summation of unpaid bills follows:
Unpaid bills
1932
$649.35
Unpaid bills
1933
2,172.79
Unpaid bills
1934
6,775.00
Unpaid bills
1935
3,091.29
The approximate amount to be requested for outstanding bills
$12,688.43
1935]
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
149
150
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
SUMMARY OF TEMPORARY RELIEF
1934
1935
Families aided during the year
170
186
Families being aided at the present time .
63
93
Families being aided at the expense of other cities and towns
30
24
Families being aided at the expense of the State.
10
27
Families being aided with settlement in Swampscott.
121
126
Persons supported in State Institutions .
8
8
Persons supported in Salem Home.
1
1
Number of new applications received during the year
31
Number of new applications rejected during the year .
10
Number of requests for aid rejected during the year .
41
174
Summary of Mothers' Aid
Families aided during the year .
3
6
Families aided at the expense of other cities and towns.
0
1
Families aided at the expense of the State.
0
1
Families being aided with settlement in Swampscott .
3
4
Summary of Old Age Assistance
Number receiving relief and support during the year
32
54
Number receiving relief and support at the present time.
31
47
Number of new applications received during the year
22
37
Number of cases closed during the year .
1
7
Number unable to prove age.
2
4
Number having children able to support them
2
1
Number unable to establish residence.
2
0
Number having too much equity .
0
4
Number not in needy circumstances.
0
5
Number of new applications accepted.
16
23
The fiscal year on Old Age Assistance is from May 1 to April 30 of the next year. The fiscal year on temporary and mothers' aid is from July 1 to June 30 of the next year.
In accordance with the foregoing paragraph, the State, and other cities and towns owe the town of Swampscott approximately $5,100 and the ad- ditional amount to be committed from 1935 expenditures will be collected without doubt.
We herewith close our report and at this time we wish to extend our thanks to the executive secretary of our board, Abbie E. Robinson, for the fine co-operation received during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES W. BUCHANAN, DONALD REDFERN, WALTER H. FORBES, JR. Board of Public Welfare.
151
REPORT OF PLANNING BOARD
1935]
Report of Planning Board
Up to the time of the annual town meeting held February 18, 1935, the personnel of the Planning Board was as follows: George H. Glidden, Chairman ; Herbert E. Ingalls, Secretary; Henry S. Baldwin and Ralph J. Curtis.
At the annual town meeting, John R. Nagle and Daniel Santry were elect- ed for a term of three years, and Thomas Byrd Epps was elected for a term of two years. The term of Ralph J. Curtis and Henry S. Baldwin had not expired.
Henry S. Baldwin resigned February 21, 1935, and on March 7, 1935, at a joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board, Edward E. Call was elected to fill the vacancy.
At the first meeting of the Board, held February 27, 1935, Thomas Byrd Epps was elected Chairman and Daniel Santry, Secretary.
Soldiers' Memorial
Henry S. Baldwin, Chairman of the Soldiers' Memorial Committee, rep- resenting the whole Committee, presented to the board plans for a memorial consisting of a granite base with a bronze memorial plaque supporting a flag- pole to be placed on Monument avenue. The board considered the proposed memorial to be an excellent solution to the problem and unanimously approved the plans.
Special Town Meeting March 25, 1935
Report on Articles One, Two, and Four
To the citizens of the town of Swampscott:
The Planning Board has made a study of the three proposed sites for a new high school and herewith submits its report.
In considering the site of a high school, we believe that the location is of primary importance. It should be built in as central a place as possible, so that no student will be required to travel a great distance to and from school. It is obvious that the Chick property and the present site are better located than the Phillips Park site. If the school is built at Phillips Park it will mean that students living in the vicinity of Essex street will have to travel more than two and one-quarter miles to school.
The board believes that the site of the present high school is the most central. With the growth of the town to the north and the northeast, and with the hopes of Forest avenue being made a public way, thus opening a shorter route to Beach Bluff, this location will be further improved.
The traffic problem is another factor to be considered. Both the Chick and the Phillips Park properties are in congested areas on the main highway, while the present site of the high school is such that there is very little traffic, except that which is directly connected with the school.
Under the present economic conditions, when the tax burden is mounting rapidly because of increased welfare costs and decreased taxable valuations, the matter of expense is one that cannot be passed over lightly. In this connection, the present high school site is superior to either of the others. The Planning Board believes that by the use of the present high school site, there will be a saving of at least fifty per cent over the cost of building on either of the other two sites.
With the information we have at hand, we feel assured that the present site is adequate to provide facilities for an enlarged high school without pur- chasing any more land and without doing any filling.
We have been informed that the fundamental structure of the present building is sound. If the Phillips Park site is used, the present high school will be abandoned and under the terms of the deed to the town, we understand the land and building will revert to the Phillips heirs. This would result in the loss of valuable property. If the Chick site is used, the present high school will be used for an elementary school.
The playground facilities in Swampscott are now inadequate. There are only three playgrounds and no provisions whatsoever is made for the younger children. We believe that this is a problem to which the town must give at- tention in the near future. Phillips Park should be developed for the benefit of
.
152
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
the children in that vicinity. We are strongly opposed to the taking of it for a high school, thus abandoning the hope of doing anything for the smaller children on this site.
There is no doubt that the town is in need of better high school facilities, and we urge that this meeting take some definite action on the matter tonight.
Therefore, we recommend that the town proceed with alteration of and addition to the present high school building and appropriate money therefore.
Thomas Epps, the chairman of the Planning Board, dissents from this report and wishes to present a minority report.
Respectfully submitted,
DANIEL SANTRY, Secretary, EDWARD E. CALL, RALPH J. CURTIS, JOHN R. NAGLE.
Minority Report
To the Members of the Representative Town Meeting:
As the minority member of this board, I wish to report that I have care- fully examined all of the three proposed sites as contained in Articles 1, 2 and 4 and the report on all three is grouped herein.
Based upon most thorough study I believe that all three of the proposed locations will prove adequate, both as to location and area of the property.
I am aware, and it has been amplified in debate, that certain disadvantages pertain to each and every location. The geographical plan of this town, the arrangement of its traffic arteries, and the past uncontrolled development of its property have all combined to preclude an ideal solution to this problem.
I believe that an appreciable difference in initial building cost will exist be- tween the three locations and I concur with the majority of the Planning Board on this phase of the report.
I also agree with the majority report with respect to the loss of a play- ground for small children if Phillips Park is taken for this school site.
In any plant where units can be combined, better and more efficient ser- vice can be rendered at less operating cost. Operating economy over a period of years can effect huge savings and must be considered in any planning project. I am impressed with the economy both as to plant operation and man-power operation that can exist if the so-called Chick property is selected. I consider that initial land taking expense will be off-set by the practical utilization of certain parts of the existing structures and that operating economy can be greater than tax revenue which will be lost.
It is also my belief that the town will ultimately turn to Monument avenue for the location of other public and semi-public buildings. If this is a correct prophecy it is then wholly consistent and natural to consider the devel- opment of the Chick property for a High School as the first step towards an ultimate Civic Center in that area.
An assembly hall seating 700 persons is badly needed for town meetings and other gatherings. The use of such a one in this building at the Chick site would be an added public convenience that cannot be ignored in any compre- hensive report.
In noting these important advantages I have not ignored the disadvant- ages of the site. The sketches submitted were hastily prepared and should under- go considerable revision, a fact which I know is recognized by the School Com- mittee. A building on this site must and can be set back a proper distance from Monument avenue and its facade must be symmetrically disposed on that avenue. Shifting of the elementary population to the old High School will present a problem which the School Committee can and must solve. While depreciation is essentially intangible it must be considered. I believe that it will exist but only to a small degree if this property is taken and that this factor has been considerably over-emphasized.
153
REPORT OF PLANNING BOARD
1935]
In summary, for such major reasons as economy in operation, future civic development, and the public convenience of an adequate assembly hall, I recommend that the voters of this town meeting acquire the so-called Chick property as outlined in Article 1, and that action under Articles 2 and 4 be in- definitely postponed.
THOMAS BYRD EPPS, Chairman of the Planning Board.
Playgrounds
The Planning Board feels that the town is seriously in need of adequate playgrounds for the small children, with proper equipment for their recreation and enjoyment. At the present time, there are three playgrounds in the town, to wit: Jackson, Abbott and Phillips Park. These are all used by the athletic teams of the schools and by the older boys, engaged in such rough play that it is impossible for the younger children to attempt to use them, nor is there any equipment on them to attract the young children The town is now built up to such an extent that unless prompt action is taken, adequate sites will not be available. Children up to the age of ten now have only the beaches in the short summer months and the streets in front of their homes for play. We feel that this is a very dangerous and undesirable condition and should be remedied as soon as possible.
With this in mind, the board has made a survey of the town and has ten- tatively selected ten sites for playgrounds for the children up to the age of ten years. The board has tried to select these sites so that it would be possible for the children to reach them without crossing any heavily traveled streets, thus cutting down the possibility of accidents.
As this proposal is in the nature of an experiment, we feel it should be tried out on a small scale before the town spends any large sum of money. This can be done, we believe, by first establishing these playgrounds on property owned by the town at the present time. There is room in the yards of the Machon, Clarke, and Stanley schools for grading and equipping small play- grounds with swings and other suitable apparatus.
The Planning Board met with the Park Department, the School Board, and the Board of Selectmen during the past year for the purpose of having these sites developed as playgrounds and to provide emergency employment as ERA projects. All these boards endorsed the project. On June 18, 1935, a re- quest in writing was addressed to the Finance Committee for a joint meeting to discuss ways and means for creating this work as an ERA project. No reply has ever been received by the Planning Board to this request.
The Planning Board also recommended to the Park Board and the Board of Selectmen, that playground instructors be secured as an ERA project. This recommendation was approved and we understand that instructors have been secured.
The Planning Board will continue to recommend and work for the cre- ation of these playgrounds for the little children until it is brought before the attention of the citizens for action at a representative town meeting.
THOMAS BYRD EPPS, Chairman, DANIEL SANTRY, Secretary, EDWARD E. CALL, RALPH J. CURTIS, JOHN R. NAGLE.
154
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
The World War Honor Roll
At the last annual town meeting it was voted to accept the report of the World War Honor Roll Committee and adopt the recommendation carrying an appropriation of $4800. The committee was continued with instructions to erect an honor roll and flag pole on the oval park at the intersection of Monu- ment avenue and Elmwood road, substantially as described in the report.
The services of Parsons & Wait, architects, were secured to make plans and drawings so that bids could be obtained. At the same time, the committee commenced the work of compiling a list of all citizens of Swampscott who served in the Army, Navy or Marine Corps of the United States during the period of the World War. This involved the most painstaking check of names and every official source of information was sought. Upon the completion of the list it was posted in the Town Hall to afford every veteran and citizen the opportunity to examine it before the bronze tablets were cast.
Much preliminary study of plans and estimates was necessary to make reasonably sure that the project could be carried through within the appropri- ation. Specifications and drawings for the granite base and bronze monument being completed, an advertisement was issued calling for sealed bids to be opened July 12. Three companies submitted proposals, the Gorham Com- pany, Thomas McGann & Sons Company, and the John Evans & Company. As there was little difference in the amounts named, it was voted to award the contract to the Thomas McGann & Sons Company of Boston, with the understanding that the modelling was to be done by the John Evans & Com- pany of Boston, and the granite base cut and set in place by the Austin Ford Company of Cambridge.
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