USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1862-1866 > Part 51
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Trumbull street has been macadamized the past year in a very thorough manner, at a cost of $827.08, or 62 cents per square yard. The cost of cobble paving is
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$1.00 per square yard. The expense upon this street is more than an average cost of this description of work, on account of the operation of new machinery, the want of experience of the employees in the commencement of a new system, and the great depth of material used. I earnestly and confidently recommend the general adop- tion of this system of road-making as the best method of decreasing our annual expenses for repairs, and of afford- ing to the public a satisfactory highway.
In the general appropriation for highways I would suggest for your consideration, that specified sums be appropriated for repairs, for permanent improvement, and for curb-stone and gutter.
SIDEWALKS.
The appropriation for sidewalks the past year has been $5000; 1930 lineal feet of curbstone have been set, at a cost of $1,343.01; and 997 square yards of gutter laid at a cost of $1,060.57. There is on hand which has been paid for out of the appropriation, curbstone and paving brick, costing $1237. An unexpended balance appears to the credit of this department, of $1,359.49. 279 square yards of brick sidewalk have been laid by the city, for parties who neglected to repair their walks after having been duly notified so to do. The expense in- curred by these repairs has been invariably and promptly paid by the parties.
The general care and condition of our sidewalks, which is a matter of direct personal interest to every citizen, and has a general bearing upon the character of our city, is a subject which will claim your early attention. That the citizen should be obliged, month after month, to stumble over the same defects and be subject to the con- tinued liability of accident and discomfort by the neglect of the proper remedies, while the abuttor and the author-
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ities each quietly await the other's action, is a condition of affairs from which the public have a right to demand a speedy relief. By a provision of the revised city charter, power is granted to the authorities to require the sidewalks in front of an estate to be put down and kept in good repair, and after notice being served upon the abuttor and a neglect to comply with the require- ments of such notice, the city have a right to proceed with the necessary improvement, and assess the cost of the same upon the adjoining estate. Some progress in this department of the public service has been made the past year, but much remains to be done and I earnestly recommend that systematic action be taken early in the season to place the sidewalks of the city in a safe and proper condition, thereby relieving the city from any liability of action for damages sustained thereby.
I would also direct your attention to the many thou- sand feet of curbstone and gutter which have from time to time been put down by the city where no sidewalk has been laid. The general and tacit understanding has, I believe, always been, that where the city puts in curb- stone and gutter, the abuttors upon the street are to lay a satisfactory walk. The city having performed their part of the local benefit to the real estate, which has been paid by tax from the general appropriation, the public may properly insist that the abuttors shall, with- out delay, comply with the requirements and under- standing, and construct suitable walks in all parts of the city where the curbstone and gutter shall have been established. By a rigid adherence to this requirement, a long neglected duty will have been accomplished, and the general character of our streets permanently bene- fitted. I would recommend your early action upon this matter.
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WATER WORKS.
Appreciating the large supply of water in the Receiv- ing Reservoir, and fully realizing the importance of its more general distribution for protective as well as sani- tary uses, the City Council of last year ordered large extensions of pipe to be made in different sections of the city. The necessity of maintaining a uniform pres- sure under all circumstances and attaining a more perfect circulation, were facts presented to the Council, and seemed to warrant the large appropriation made.
The most important extension ordered was that of an 8-inch pipe from Main street through Wellington, Chand- ler, Newbury, Fruit, Ashland and Highland streets, thus forming a connection at Lincoln Square, and supplying the extensive and thickly settled territory west of Main street.
A new 16-inch pipe was also ordered to be laid from the Bell Pond Reservoir, connecting with other pipes of corresponding size, thus rendering this supply available, under any contingency of accident to the main pipe leading from the new Reservoir.
Under this order 11,290 feet of pipe have been laid down; 10,130 feet yet remain to be put down the coming year, which is now on hand and paid for, to- gether with the necessary gates, branches, &c. The further outlay in the execution of the work contem- plated in the order is estimated at $22,000.
The impure condition of the water at certain seasons of the year, has occupied the attention of the Commis- sioner for some time, and it is hoped the necessary rem- edy has been effected by the construction of a Pen Stock arranged with gates, whereby the water supplied to the city can be taken from different strata in the res- ervoir as its quality shall determine.
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The cost of the structure has been $1,961.46. Work has been continued through the season upon the Dis- tributing Reservoir at a cost of $16,197.34. For its completion an estimated expenditure $3,000.00 will be necessary.
The total amount of distributing pipe now laid is 113,655 lineal feet; of which 26,871 feet have been laid during the past year.
The total amount of service pipe laid is 17,848 feet; of which 8,082 feet were laid during the past year.
The number of water takers registered Jan. 1, 1867, was 912, of which number 425 were added in 1866. 34 hydrants and 45 gates have been put in during the year, making the total number of hydrants 251, and of gates 169.
The income for the sale of water has been $21,709.90, deducting the ordinary expenses of maintenance, esti- mated to be $3,588.00, and the net income is $18,121.90 or about 6 per cent. on the total investment at this time, The continued increase of takers, and the natural limit of extension of pipe with the corresponding suspension of outlay, will speedily ensure the full payment of the interest of the construction and an accumulating reserve to be applied to the debt.
SEWERAGE.
The important subject of sewerage, which is the most prominent feature in our material advancement and the great want of our city to-day, has occupied the thought. and received the consideration which it demanded of the government of the past year; want of time, however, in the adjustment of many points of private rights and interests, and due caution in the adoption of a system so extensive and of so much importance in its relation to the future of our city, has rendered the commence.
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ment of the work impracticable ; although proposals for the consummation of a section of Mill Brook have been received and are ready to be acted upon.
The proper steps having been taken as regards public notice, I would recommend that a petition be presented to the Legislature as early in the session as possible, for the right to appropriate and lay out the natural streams in different sections of the city for the public use, in the same manner as is provided in the laying out of high- ways ; also, that the necessary power be granted, to as- sess a proportionate cost of the sewers laid in the streets of the city upon adjoining estates.
For a more full and particular exposition of this sub- ject, I would refer you to the detailed report, made by a joint special committee, and adopted by the City Coun- cil in October last .*
In the report of that committee, it is recommended that Mill Brook be walled up, and a dam constructed, that the water power may be retained for the use of Fox's mill as at present. The recommendation regarding the maintenance of the dam was adopted, as an expedi- ent whereby the expense attending the purchase of the water privilege might be deferred until a future and possibly a more favorable time. A careful consideration of the subject however, cannot I think, fail to convince the most sceptical, that in attaining the most practical and permanent results, the dam should be removed, as the initiatory step to be taken in the improvement of this stream in its relations to the grade and drainage of the more densely settled section of the city above Tem- ple street-as it is evident that at no distant day, the city must in self-defence become the possessor of this stream within the corporate limits, and that postpone-
* For Report of the Committee on Sewerage, see page 31.
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ment of action does not facilitate the economic considera- tion of the matter. I trust you will co-operate at once in such measures as shall result in the transfer to the city of the rights to maintain a dam at this point. I would also recommend the appointment of a joint stand- ing committee on sewers, who shall at once investigate the whole matter with the view of attaining a practical solution of this too long deferred question, and I confi- dently trust that an early commencement of the work may be effected, that the benefits to be derived from a proper system of drainage may be afforded to our citi- zens with the least possible delay.
The subject of the payment of the necessary expense attending the sewerage of the city, is a question which directly affects every citizen, although no plan has been presented. by the City Council. The general method adopted by cities, of funding a debt created by any great internal improvement, is conceded to be wise and just, yet I think such indebtedness should be governed by some specified act of limitation. I would suggest for your consideration that the expense incurred by our city in perfecting this system should be funded for ten years, and as the work progresses year by year the same method be adopted; the first payment becoming due ten years from this time, when doubtless we shall be in the full enjoyment of the advantage gained, appreciating its value, and can confidently rely upon the future in- crease of population and wealth of our city, to bear its just proportion of the expense.
The interest upon the funded debt accruing from the construction of the water works, is met by the revenue arising from the sale of water, the surplus of which will, it is expected, create in time a sinking fund, which may be applied to the reduction of this debt. But the inter- est upon a funded debt for sewerage, must be met by
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general annual taxation, and the debt itself reduced annually after a period of ten years, by direct taxation and appropriation.
POLICE.
Upon the recommendation of the City Marshal of 1865, and in accordance with the generally expressed desire of the public, the police force of the city was somewhat increased and regularly organized in the early part of the past year. With this additional force, and the disturbed condition of the department, occasioned by the want of proper accommodations during the al- teration of the City Hall, this part of the city organiza- tion has proved much more expensive than in any prece- ding year.
The number of arrests during the past year have been 1861; the number of persons provided with food and lodgings at the station, 1444.
RESOURCES OF THE DEPARTMENT.
Appropriation by the City Council, $22,000 00
Fees on warrants served by assistant marshals,
3,498 35
Fees of policemen as witnesses, -
881 40
Extra services of police and incidental receipts,
230 30
Total,
$26,610 05
EXPENSES OF THE DEPARTMENT.
Salaries of marshal and assistants, -
৳ $3,516 96
Pay roll of policemen,
19,352 35
Pay roll of extra police July 4th and regatta, - 298 75
Incidental expenses, -
2,977 76
$26,145 82
Showing a balance in favor of the department of $464 23
It seems a lamentable fact that necessity should re- quire so large an annual outlay for the sole purpose of protecting a community in the peaceful enjoyment of life and property ; and while we must admit the dis- couraging fact, that with the increase of protective power there seems to be no corresponding decrease of lawless-
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ness and crime, common prudence would I think dictate the continuance of an equally effective police force as precautionary if not absolutely necessary.
Fully believing that the qualifications of a good offi- cer are professional, and must be acquired by long, active service, the value of which is in direct ratio to the ex- perience gained, I cannot too strongly urge the import- ance of choosing the members of the department, where character and qualification shall be the guiding motive of selection, rather than personal favor or political pre- ferment; nor would I fail to add the conviction, that every step taken in removing municipal politics and their influences from the department, is a movement which will eventually lead to the establishment of a police force of large experience and corresponding increasing value to the city.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
This protective department in our municipal organ- ization, which bears upon its roll the names of our most worthy citizens, and has for so many years summoned to its service the willing hand and strong arm of our young men, continues to vindicate the history of the past by its maintenance of character and discipline among its offi- cers and men, as well as its efficiency in the arduous duties it is called upon to perform. I can but deem it a matter of congratulation, that, in the advance of the mechanic arts and the ever developing triumph of mind over matter, the physical labor of the fireman is rapidly becoming less urgent, and that the powers of horse and steam are to relieve him of much of the actual work, which a sense of duty obliged him to perform.
The committee of the last City Council have recom- mended the increase of the machinery of the depart- ment by the purchase of two new steam fire engines at
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an expense of $5,500 00 each ; and also the sale of the older steamer. This matter will claim your early atten- tion.
The effective force of the department comprises 7 en- gineers and 274 men. The number of companies is 11, consisting of 2 steam and 4 hand engine companies, 2 hook and ladder companies and three hose companies.
The number of alarms during the year was 30, and the number of actual fires 14.
The total amount of property destroyed by fire is es- timated at $17,000 00, which loss was mostly covered by insurance. The expenses of the department for the year have been $16,189 92, exclusive of new hose purchased.
CHARITIES.
As almoners of the public funds (in connection with the board of overseers,) to the poor of our city, let us assume and discharge the pious duties imposed with the full sense of our religious obligations to those less for- tunate than ourselves, believing that in the higher sense of christian service, not the recipient, but the bestower of relief enjoys the richer benefaction. At the alms house, 45 persons have been maintained at the expense of the city either the entire or a portion of the year. The disbursements at the farm have been $5,014 60 The receipts from the farm amount to 1,149 92 -
Making the actual expense on this account $3,864 68
In the truant school there have been 16 commitments during the year ; 14 of this number still remain. The expenses of this school, which have not been separated from the general expenses of the farm are hereafter to be kept distinct, a new system having been adopted by the authorities to commence with the new year.
At the office of the Clerk of the Overseer of the Poor, in the city, 17 persons have received 760 weekly allow-
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ances. Groceries, fuel, medicines, &c., have been sup- plied to 280 persons, at a cost of $1,562.14. Sixty-four persons have been sent to the State Alms House, at an expense of $83.38. Transportation has been furnished amounting to 31.15. Twenty-three sick persons have been provided for at an expense of $417,38. Eight hundred and seventy-seven orders for the relief of differ- ent persons have been drawn by the Clerk, and the total disbursements of the office for the year have been $5,- 743.03, of which amount, $402.97 have been paid for bills contracted and left unsettled in the previous year.
The total receipts of this Department have been, $10,331 82.
The total expenses, 9,619 21
Leaving an unexpended balance of - - $612 61 -
There is now due from' the Commonwealth :
For the burial of State paupers, $332 50
For aid supplied to State paupers, 95 48
For aid supplied to the poor of other cities and towns, - 366 77
Upon the urgent recommendation of the City Phy. sician, a building was erected upon the farm adjacent to the almshouse, for the accommodation of cases of conta- gious diseases. The necessity of making provision for cases of this nature was most apparent by the experi- ence of the previous year, although up to the present time the building has not been occupied. The cost of the building was $700. A lot of land belonging to the farm and located in Shrewsbury, containing 14 1-2 acres, has been sold for $1000, and a piece of land containing 49 acres, suitable for pasturing, has been purchased for $800.
PUBLIC LAMPS.
The very general and just complaint which has been made throughout our city during the past year of the the want of regularity in the care of and lighting of our
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street lamps, has doubtless been occasioned by the lack of system in the management, and the employment of irresponsible boys to perform the necessary labor attend- ing so important a feature in the comfort and safety of our citizens. The large amount of territory where public lamps are already established, covering an extent of over eighteen miles in a direct line, including nearly 300 lamps, which should be lighted in the least possible time, even under the most unfavorable condition of weather, together with the necessary attention which should be paid to the cleanliness and repairs of the same, demands that some system be devised whereby a more satisfactory . result shall be attained. In consideration of the rapid increase in the number of lamps and the constant calls for the establishment of additional lamps in all sections of the city, I would recommend that the proper com- mittee cause the city to be divided into lighting districts, and each district placed in charge of a suitable person, who shall have custody of and be held responsible for all the public lamps located therein, reporting their condi- tion to the City Marshal, whose department shall have the entire jurisdiction of the same under direction of the City Council. I would also recommend that no light be extinguished before 12 o'clock, and would suggest that in lighting the lamps, attention be directed to the con- dition of the night with its necessities, rather than the calendar with its lunar certainties, often obscured by atmospheric changes.
A CITY ENGINEER.
The growing condition of our community, and its rapid transition from the country town to the large city, creates new and continually increasing demands upon the present departments of the public service, suggesting the necessity of more centralization of power and account-
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ability of action in the systematic and economic admin- istration of the public business. The important depart- ment of highways, with its jurisdiction of streets, side- walks and bridges; its constant calls for re-location of lines, establishment of grades, permanent construction of road-beds and repairs, and the multiform demands made upon it, not alone, but in connection with the depart- ments of water and sewers which necessarily enter into its general management, should not be subject to the constant change of commissioners and committees. The executive officer of the city, who is generally chairman of these committees, cannot, if he happen to be qualified to assume the direction, be expected to give the neces- sary time to this work ; until the present time the com- missioner of highways has had no office, and there are now no suitable books connected with the department. The annual appropriation of from twelve to seventeen thousand dollars is disposed of by the commissioner under direction of the committee, but no record is made showing where or how the amount is expended. The vouchers alone in the treasurer's file furnish the detail history of this important department.
With a view to attaining a more permanent and sys- tematic accomplishment of the public business, I would recommend the creation of a new office, to be called City Engineer, to be filled by a competent person, whose duty it shall be to assume the responsibility, under the direction of the proper committees, of the material work of the city, in whose office shall be kept all books and plans pertaining to the highways, public buildings, lands, location of sewers, water pipes, and public lamps be- longing to the city, and to whom the commissioners of highways, water, and sewers, shall daily report for in- struction and direction.
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The combined aggregate expense of this system of management will, it is believed, be no more than at pre- sent, and, with an efficient officer in this department, I have no hesitation in predicting a more successful ad- ministration of the material affairs of the city, which shall preclude the necessity of continually changing the lines and grades of streets, give assurance of more eco- nomic disposition of the money appropriated, more per- sonal accountability, and render impossible any conflict of authority, which must naturally arise where the sev- eral departments have equal and the same rights to ex- cavate and occupy the highways.
HAY SCALES.
The rapid growth of our city, with its increased inter- ests south of the City Hall, renders it necessary that our main thoroughfare should be maintained in such condi- tion as shall give to the public as free and unobstructed passage as is practicable. The annually increasing an- noyance occasioned by the established city scales and stand for the sale of wood and hay upon Main street, should claim your attention, as it will demand your early action.
The use of the city scales at Washington and Lincoln Squares have during the past year been very limited, much difficulty having been experienced in finding a suitable person willing to take charge of the same. The combined use of these scales is not one-half of the duty performed by the scales near the City Hall, and will both require extensive repairs the present season. In view of all the circumstances I would suggest the propriety of discontinuing the scales on Main street, in Washington and Lincoln Squares, and establishing suitable scales cov- ered with a building on Salem Square, at the east end of
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the Common, and also removing the stand for hay and wood to the same locality.
The central location of Salem Square will afford the necessary convenience for the sale of hay and wood, and will also give ample facilities for weighing, while the removal from Main street will enable the public to enjoy an unobstructed thoroughfare, adding thereby to the beauty and attractiveness of our Main avenue.
Gentlemen of the City Council :-
I have thus endeavored to present for your considera- tion the various branches of municipal business which in the faithful performance of your duties, will necessarily claim your careful attention, as doubtless they will re- ceive from you the thought and action which they will demand. We have taken upon ourselves the solemn oaths of our respective offices ; may we faithfully per- form the sacred trusts which are imposed thereby.
Into our hands have our fellow citizens committed the great interests of this municipality ; let us shrink from no duty; forgetting the paths of policy, may we be guided in the way of principle, and so direct our actions that those who succeed us, may recognize that we were faithful to our obligations, and fully sustained the char- acter of our city in all its departments of service.
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SEWERAGE.
REPORT OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE CITY COUNCIL.
To the Honorable City Council :
The joint special Committee appointed to consider the sub- ject of, and devise the means to accomplish a proper system of sewerage in the city, would herein respectfully report.
The many petitions numerously signed and presented to the City Council throughout the season, praying for the construc- tion of sewers in the different streets of the city, together with the general complaints from all sections, which are of almost daily occurrence, asking for protection against, and an official remedy for low lands overflowed, cellars inundated, and estates rendered unhealthy by the accumulation of impure and stag- nant water; complaints which present themselves from causes produced by the summer shower as well as the freshet of the spring and winter, are established facts which testify to the ab- solute necessity of definite and immediate action on the part of the constituted authorities of the city, to devise some practical mode by which the inhabitants shall enjoy the proper and ordi- nary facilities of drainage through an established system of sewers.
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