Town annual report of Swampscott 1946, Part 8

Author: Swampscott, Massachusetts
Publication date: 1946
Publisher: The Town
Number of Pages: 232


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The immediate questions are:


Should the Town Hall be torn down ? Should it be rehabilitated and maintained ? Should nothing be done at present ?


There is much to be said in favor of demolition. The building has outlived its usefulness to the town. To adapt it to any other use would require a considerable expenditure. There will be increasing upkeep. It is not well laid out. As long as it stands it will be a burden and prob- ably an unsatisfactory burden.


Swampscott is chiefly a community of small homes. These supply the bulk of the taxes. With greatly increased state expenditures, dim-


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TOWN DOCUMENTS


[Dec. 31


inished state receipts, the trend of wage demands, and the necessity of considerable construction and road work passed up during the war, the town is faced with a rising tax rate. Should the levy on small property owners be further increased at this time by the proposed undertakings ?


It is our belief that no injustice will be done if for the present the town take no action to adapt the hall for the use of Joseph L. Stevens Post. The expenditure and maintenance would be great for what the Post regards as temporary quarters. The present quarters continue available. After a year or two the picture may be clearer and the real desires of veterans of World War II as to building and quarters may be better known. The needs of civic organizations also in some way may become crystallized.


The present problem is not an easy one to determine. We hesitate to recommend razing the building lest our action prove hasty. We strongly recommend against any present expenditures for additions, improvements or any rehabilitation.


Without expenditure save the minimum of upkeep and care neces- sary to preserve it as a piece of town property, the building may .con- tinue to be used, as it is being used at present, as an occasional meeting place for small classes or groups whose limited number does not make the use that of a public assembly hall.


Our recommendations are:


That the building remain without change for the present. That no money be now expended on it, except a maintenance appropriation as recommended by the Finance Committee. And, that further action be indefinitely postponed.


H. D. LINSCOTT, PHILIP W. BLOOD, HENRY S. BALDWIN, LORING GRIMES.


April 2, 1946.


MINORITY REPORT ADDRESSED TO THE TOWN MEETING RELATIVE TO DISPOSITION OF OLD TOWN HALL


As a member of the Committee appointed by the Moderator to investigate and report on the matter of the disposition of the Old Town Hall, I herewith submit my report in the minority.


I am not altogether in disagreement with my colleagues on this Committee, and feel as do they that the building on Burrill Street should be retained. But, I do not feel that they have gone far enough in the interests of the townspeople as a whole. In my opinion, to re- tain this building and not utilize its entire facilities, is not sound municipal judgment.


There are several factors which seem to be of paramount impor- tance in arriving at a conclusion in this matter. First of all, no one will deny that the citizens are overwhelmingly in favor of retaining this building. It is inconceivable to me that their intent is to retain it merely for the sake of doing so or for sentimental reasons or otherwise. The people with whom I have talked feel this is the only place available in the town where our civic and other organizations can meet and have headquarters, and in order to do so properly and


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DISPOSITION OF OLD TOWN HALL


1946]


adequately, they further feel that necessary repairs should be made. I feel that we should reflect the sentiments of our citizens and at no time disregard their wishes.


As to the cost of repair and alterations to conform with Massa- chusetts Department of Public Safety regulations, during this past week, I have conferred with the Town Building Inspector, in whose judgment I have the greatest confidence, and he has informed me that the entire cost would be $2730.00. This figure includes the erection of a new fire escape, enclosing the boiler and fuel storage room with masonry walls and making all other repairs and renovations necessary to securing certification from the State. Additional and larger amounts of money for this work as well as talk of an entirely new heating system are absurd and are designed to obscure the true facts.


Relative to cost of maintenance, figures received only yesterday from our Town Accountant indicate that during the entire year of 1945, the cost for fuel, light, janitor supplies, water, repairs and all others amounted to $1505.03. This total cost of operation was during a year when our Administrative Offices spent eight of the 12 months in that building. Is there any doubt that the cost for 1946, even with full utilization of the building, should not exceed this amount and possibly be much lower, now that the Town's Offices are located in the Thomson Estate ?


In addition to this expense, however, there is the one for janitor's wages. If he were to spend his entire day at the old building, we could well assume that the cost for this service would be his yearly wage of $2199.60.


However, this is not the case as only part of his time is spent at the Old Town Hall, the balance being fairly evenly distributed be- tween the Police Station and the new Administration Building. I real- ize that more time, of necessity, will have to be spent at the old building if greater use of its facilities are voted by the Town Meeting; but, I cannot conceive of the position maturing to full-time status.


Therefore, if we are to be logical in this respect, why is it not fair to pro-rate these wages among the three buildings in which he spends his time? I offer this information to you only as a matter of argument to prove that there are no astronomical figures involved in this situation and that there is no addition to our janitor force con- templated.


It is my firm conviction that we owe an obligation to many of the groups in our town who wish to use the Old Town Hall. It is virtually impossible for many of them to find others quarters now in the town. There are the Girl Scouts, the Boy Scouts, the Sea Scouts, the Red Cross Sewing Circle, various groups of women in several societies and organizations and the War Veterans and others.


The local post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, with & member- ship of 237 as of this date, is now located in badly cramped quarters on Humphrey Street, and the lease expires very shortly. Larger quar- ters should be made available for their use and part of the Old Town Hall is admirably suited to this end. This arrangement would also save the town $650.00 yearly, which is now being paid to that post for rental purposes. This amount would be of great assistance in defray- ing the cost of operation at the old building. Under a new law recently passed by the Legislature, Swampscott may appropriate $4000.00 yearly instead of $2000.00 as heretofore for suitable quarters for vet- eran organizations. This law becomes effective May 21, 1946. which is about the time this lease expires.


It seems to me that we have a sense of duty to all of these fine organizations and also that our citizens would wish us to accommo-


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TOWN DOCUMENTS


[Dec. 31


date them in the Old Town Hall. It can be accomplished at a very low cost as all of the repairs will not exceed $2730.00 and the yearly maintenance cost would not exceed $1500.00 plus a pro-rated janitor's wage.


Is this asking too much for the returned veteran and do we not owe them at least this much? This is our first opportunity to do something tangible for them ;- to translate into acts all of the en- couraging words which we have expressed; and, at the same time, not cost us too much to do it.


For all these reasons, therefore, I believe and strongly recom- mend that we should :-


(1) Retain the Old Town Hall


(2) Repair it so that it can be adequate used


(3) Permit all worth-while organizations to use it under reasonable conditions and regulations.


(4) Permit the local post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars to establish their headquarters in that part of the Old Town Hall which can be used for that purpose.


The majority of the Committee have not arrived at all of these conclusions so I am respectfully submitting this report as a minority member.


Respectfully submitted,


ROBERT G. BYRNE.


The Commonwealth of Massachusetts DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY


140 Washington Street Salem, Mass. September 13, 1945.


To: Mr. H. D. Linscott Chairman, Building Committee 145 Munroe Street Lynn, Mass.


Subject: Old Town Hall, Swampscott, Mass.


1. In compliance with your request, and in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 143 of the General Laws, I inspected the old Town Hall, located at Burrill Street, Swampscott, Mass.


2. In order for me to certify this building for use in accordance with the above Chapter, it will be necessary to comply with the follow- ing orders :-


(a) Provide an additional means of egress from right side of hall direct to the outside, by means of an outside metal fire escape direct to the ground. Egress to said fire escape shall be by means of a door,


81


DISPOSITION OF OLD TOWN HALL


1946]


not less than 3'6" in width, opening out, onto platform level with threshold.


Door shall be equipped with approved hardware, which may be readily opened from the inside at all times. No dead locks, bolts, hooks, etc., shall be used.


(b) Existing rear egress on left side of hall, now consists of two doors leading to interior stairway to first story. The inside door leading directly to stairs shall be removed. The door leading directly from hall shall be increased in width to 3'6".


(c) Doors from offices to hall and rear stairway shall be pro- vided with self-closing devices, so that they will be kept shut at all times when the building is occupied.


(d) Auxiliary gas lighting system shall be thoroughly over- hauled and placed in working order.


All fixtures shall be provided with proper globes and mantles. These lights are to be used when hall is occupied, in case of failure of regular electric service.


(e) Provide illuminated exit signs over all egress doors, with letters not less than 5" in height.


(f) Fire extinguishers, of the 10-quart soda and acid type shall be provided, throughout the building. Said extin- guishers shall be hung on approved brackets in conspicu- ous locations throughout the building.


(g) Close up closets under main stairway on first story.


(h) Enclose boiler and fuel storage room with masonry walls, wire lath and hard plaster ceiling throughout. Provide said boiler room with metal covered door and casing. Said door to be equipped with self-closing device.


(i) Repair all breaks in plaster in wall, in room off main landing on second story.


At present, there is old furniture thrown into this room. This should be removed and stored elsewhere.


(j) Check roof for leaks, as there is evidence from stains on ceiling that rain water has come through.


(k) Plaster on ceiling and walls should be tested, and, where loose, should be knocked down and repaired.


3. I am attaching herewith, my opinions, from observation of the Bell Tower.


P. F. HEALEY, State Building Inspector.


PFH/RCN


I inspected the Bell Tower, with Inspector Doane, and am of the opinion there is no immediate danger, but would recommend it be given some attention.


This structure has been neglected, from all appearances, and is exposed more or less to the elements, which has caused a dry rot con- dition in some of the framing of the outside of the tower.


The structural supports, in my opinion, are in good condition. This opinion, of course, is from a purely superficial inspection and examina- tion. I had no way of determining the condition of these members, other than that of observation.


However, there is one corner upright which, in my opinion, has a longitudinal crack which extends a distance of approximately 6'0" from the center to the outside edge of said member. This should be drawn together by means of bolts and plates.


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TOWN DOCUMENTS


[Dec. 31


The metal supports of the bell proper are badly rusted and should be given some care.


I would suggest that a competent engineer be engaged, to examine minutely this entire supporting_structure.


4. If you so desire, I shall be glad to meet and confer with you at any appropriate time, regarding these orders and recommendations.


P. F. HEALEY, State Building Inspector.


PFH/RCN


THOMAS W. DUNCAN Contractor


Lynn, Mass. December 6, 1945


James W. Santry, Jr. Chairman Finance Committee Town Hall Swampscott, Mass.


My dear Mr. Santry:


As requested by you I have made an inspection of the old Town Hall on Burrill Street in Swampscott, Mass. I find that the building is in a good structural condition with the following exceptions:


All of the rooms on the first and second floors, including the as- sembly hall and front and rear stairways, should be painted completely. There is a considerable amount of loose plaster on the walls and ceil- ings of these rooms which should be removed and re-plastered. The cost of this work will be approximately $3295.00. If the partitions be- tween the Engineers' Room, Building Inspectors' Room and the As- sessors' Room are removed, $200.00 should be added to the above price, making a total cost of $3495 for this work.


The present hot air heating plant which heats the front of the building is inadequate and should be replaced by a larger unit in order to heat the rooms on the first floor and the assembly hall uniformly. The hot water heater which furnishes heat to the rear portion of the building is obsolete and should be replaced. An oil burner and equip- ment should be installed with this heater in order to get a proper cir- culation of heat. If this is done there will be no difficulty in obtaining satisfactory heat for the entire building at all times. The cost of this work to the heating system will be approximately $3500.


The structural supports in the bell tower are heavy and in good condition except for a longitudinal crack in one of the corner posts. This should be drawn together with iron plates and bolts. There are some loose bolts that need tightening. The cost of this work should not exceed $50.00. There is no immediate danger from this condition but it should be remedied at an early date.


The erection of an emergency fire escape as directed by the State Building Inspectors, all complete with concrete piers and supports and the installation of a new 3'6" door with panic door hardware in place


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DISPOSITION OF OLD TOWN HALL


1946]


of the present window, will be approximately $1100. The construction of masonry wail enclosing the boiler and fuel storage room and the installation of wire laths and plaster ceiling and a metal cover door and casings with self closing device will be approximately $675.


The removal of the inside door leading from the hall to the stairs and replacing it with a 3'6" new door with new panic hardware will cost $185.


Installing self-closing devices on door from the hall to offices, the furnishing of fire exits, three illuminated exit signs and the adjusting of auxiliary gas lighting system complete with globes and mantels will cost $400. To cover the walls in the room off the main landing on the second story with sheet rock and to install a new skylight and frame in the roof and to replace broken roof slate and broken glass will cost $450.


This does not include removing the vaults in the Selectmen's room which are concrete. This is a very difficult and expensive job and in my opinion should not be done. Nor does this include removing the safes from the various offices.


If the Town contemplates doing any work at all on this building it seems to me that the heating system must be taken care of as out- lined above because the present system is so inadequate that with it the building would not be usable during the winter months.


Very truly yours,


TWD:EMW


THOMAS W. DUNCAN, Contractor.


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TOWN DOCUMENTS


[Dec. 31


THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS Department of Corporations and Taxation DIVISION OF ACCOUNTS State House, Boston 33


April 2, 1946.


To the Board of Selectmen Swampscott, Massachusetts


Gentlemen:


I submit herewith my report of an audit of the books and accounts of the town of Swampscott for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1945, made in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44, General Laws. This is in the form of a report made to me by Mr. Herman B. Dine, Assistant Director of Accounts.


Very truly yours,


THEODORE N. WADDELL, Director of Accounts.


TNW:MC


Mr. Theodore N. Waddell Director of Accounts Department of Corporations and Taxation


State House, Boston


Sir:


In accordance with your instructions, I have made an audit of the books and accounts of the town of Swampscott for the fiscal year end- ing December 31, 1945, and report thereon as follows:


An examination and certification was made of the recorded finan- cial transactions of the town as shown on the books of the departments receiving or disbursing money or committing bills for collection.


The ledger accounts were analyzed, the appropriations and trans- fers being checked with the town clerk's records of town meetings and with the records of the finance committee. The necessary correcting entries resulting from the audit were made and a balance sheet show- ing the financial condition of the town was prepared and is appended to this report. .


Approved vouchers and payrolls on file were examined and com- pared with the entries in the classification book, and the payments as recorded in the classification book were checked with the ledger accounts.


The books and accounts of the town treasurer were examined and checked. The cash book additions were vertified, and the recorded re- ceipts were analyzed and compared with the town accountant's ledger


85


DEPARTMENT OF CORPORATION & TAXATION


1946]


and with the records of the departments making payments to the treasurer. The payments by the treasurer were compared with the selectmen's warrants authorizing the disbursement of town funds.


The treasurer's cash balance on January 19, 1946, was proved by reconciliation of the bank balances with statements furnished by the banks of deposit.


The recorded payments on account of debt and interest were checked with the amounts falling due and with the cancelled securities and coupons on file.


The transactions of the several trust and investment funds and of the municipal contributory retirement fund in the custody of the town treasurer were verified, and the securities and savings bank books rep- resenting the investment of these funds were personally examined and listed.


The record of tax titles held by the town was examined and checked. The amounts added to the tax title account were compared with the collector's records, the reported redemptions were checked with the receipts as recorded on the treasurer's cash book, and the tax titles on hand were listed, proved, and compared with the records at the Registry of Deeds.


The books and accounts of the town collector were examined and checked in detail. The accounts outstanding at the time of the last examination, and all subsequent commitments of taxes, assessments, departmental, and water charges, were analyzed and checked. The pay- ments to the treasurer were compared with the treasurer's cash book, the abatements were checked with the assessors' and departmental records of abatements granted, and the outstanding accounts were listed and reconciled with the accounts as shown in the accountant's ledger.


A considerable amount of detailed checking was again required to prove the tax accounts, due to clerical errors.


Verification notices were mailed to a number of persons whose names appeared on the books as owing money to the town, the replies received thereto indicating that the outstanding accounts, as listed, are correct.


The town clerk's record of sporting and dog licenses was exam- ined, the payments to the Division of Fisheries and Game being veri- fied with the receipts on file and the payments to the town treasurer being compared with the treasurer's and the accountant's books.


The surety bonds furnished by the several town officials were examined and found to be in proper form.


The records of receipts on account of licenses and permits issued by the selectmen, building inspector, inspector of plumbing, and by the police and health departments were examined and the payments to the town treasurer were verified.


The records of the sealer of weights and measures, and of the school, library, and cemetery departments were examined and checked, the payments to the treasurer being compared with the treasurer's and the accountant's books.


In addition to the departments mentioned, the records of all other departments collecting money for the town or committing bills for collection were examined and reconciled.


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TOWN DOCUMENTS


[Dec. 31


Appended to this report, in addition to the balance sheet, are tables showing a reconciliation of the town collector's cash, summaries of the tax, assessment, tax title, and departmental accounts, together with tables relative to the trust, investment, and municipal contributory retirement funds.


While engaged in making the audit, cooperation was received from all town officials, for which, on behalf of my assistants and for myself, I wish to express appreciation.


Respectfully submitted,


HERMAN B. DINE, Assistant Director of Accounts.


HBD:MC


Superintendent of Cemetery


To the Board of Selectmen


Gentlemen:


I herewith submit my annual report for the year 1946.


The total interments for the year were 82. All receipts for funerals, foundations, and sale of lots were paid to the Collector of Taxes.


Sunken graves were filled and seeded. Trees and shrubberies were pruned and cared for. Weed killer was applied to all the walks and avenues. Other necessary work was performed to maintain and improve the grounds.


The prices of single and double graves were increased due to the fact that more of the above were being sold than the larger lots.


The use of cement liners is now compulsory and cost little more than wooden boxes, thus eliminating sunken graves.


I recommend that the town take the adjoining land on Capen Road and Essex Street for future cemetery purposes.


I further recommend the construction of an office, garage and workshop to take the place of the existing building which has been condemned.


I wish to express my appreciation to all departments which have cooperated with me during my first year as Superintendent.


Respectfully submitted, JOHN E. WOOD, Superintendent.


87


BUILDING INSPECTOR


1946]


Building Inspector


To the Board of Selectmen


Gentlemen:


I herewith submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1946:


Permits Issued


Estimated Cost


Dwellings:


New


10


$81,000.00


Alterations and additions


23


29,500.00


Private Garages:


New


25


12,550.00


Alterations and additions


3


1,450.00


Miscellaneous :


Service Station


1


4,000.00


Fire Damage Repairs


1


3,500.00


Store (Alterations)


1


1,500.00


Refrigeration Room


1


800.00


Tool House


1


550.00


Retaining Wall


1


400.00


Vegetable Stand


1


75.00


Greenhouse


1


250.00


Demolish Dwelling


1


Demolish Garage


1


Demolish Shed


1


72


$135,575.00


Building Permits


72


Permits to Shingle


81


153


Number of Inspections (Buildings)


95


Number of Inspections (Shingling)


81


176


Amount of Building Fees Collected


$83.00


Elevator Operators' Licenses Issued:


New


1


1.00


Renewals


6


3.00


$87.00


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 all cases adjustments made.


Frequent examinations were made of buildings in course of con- struction and repair.


Respectfully submitted,


RAYMOND O. DOANE, Building Inspector.


88


TOWN DOCUMENTS Highway Department


[Dec. 31


To the Citizens of the Town of Swampscott:


The Highway Department submits herewith its report of the services rendered for the year ending December 31, 1946.


The Highway Department, like the Police and Fire Departments, is ready at all times to render services to the citizens in any emergency which is permissable under the Town By-Laws.


STREETS


The following streets, having been accepted by the town, were built to grade, resurfaced and seal coated and sidewalks were con- structed, namely: Blaney Street, Gale Road, Rockyledge Road, Salem Street, Sargent Road, and Beverly Road.


The following material was used to rebuild the above streets:


71.95 tons stone dust 137 cubic yards bank gravel 1922 gallons tar, No. 4 base 4075 gallons asphalt, RC2 435 cubic yards sand 411.25 tons bituminous concrete for sidewalks 40 cubic yards loam 5301 gallons asphalt, MC3 13 tons patch material Power grader hired for one day


SIDEWALKS


In accordance with our program of previous years, new sidewalks were constructed on streets authorized by the Board of Selectmen under the Continuous Sidewalk Act and in accordance with Chapter 461, Acts 1935 of the General Laws of Massachusetts.


The new sidewalks and granite edgestones were erected on Mag- nolia Road about 176 lineal feet from Forest Avenue to Arbutus Road, Arbutus Road to Aspen Road and 50 feet on Sheridan Road.




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