USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1923 > Part 6
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Mr. Stackpole moved that the report of the Finance Com- mittee as presented in their printed report be now received.
Voted: That the Finance Committee's report as now before the meeting is now received.
Mr. Stackpole moved that Article 1 be laid upon the table. Voted, Article 1 laid on the table.
On motion of Mr. Stackpole it was then
Voted, That the various articles in the warrant be now taken up and the recommendations of the Finance Committee be voted upon without further motion separately and in the order in which they appear in said report.
Article 2 taken up. (Payment of actions Grace L. Whitte- more and Edith A. Whittemore, vs. The Town).
Voted (unanimously), That the sum of seven thousand (7,000) dollars be and hereby is appropriated for the payment of final judgments rendered after the fixing of the tax rate for the current year in the two actions of Grace L. Whittemore and Edith A. Whittemore, vs. the Town, No. 45047 and 45048 in the Middlesex Superior Court, and that for this purpose the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen be and hereby is authorized to borrow the said sum of seven thousand (7,000) dollars and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor, said bonds or notes to be payable in accordance with the provisions of Section 19 of Chapter 44 of the General Laws and all acts in alteration or amendment thereof, so that the whole loan shall be paid in not more than one year from the date of issue of the first bond or note or at such earlier date as the Treasurer and Selectmen may determine; said appropriation to be expended under the direction of the Board of Selectmen.
Article 3 taken up. (Land on Oxford Street.)
Voted (unanimously), That the present and each future Board of Selectmen be and hereby is authorized and empowered in the name and behalf of the Town, to sell at public auction or private sale, all or any portion of the parcel of land located on Oxford Street and more particularly described in Article 3 of
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
the warrant; to convey said parcel; and to execute, acknowledge and deliver a proper deed or deeds for that purpose, all for the minimum amount of $100 for such conveyance, and upon such other terms as the Selectmen shall consider proper.
Article 4 taken up. (Line between Mt. Pleasant Cemetery and Park Land.)
Voted, That the question of changing the line between Mt. Pleasant Cemetery and the Park Lands be referred to a committee consisting of the Cemetery Commissioners and the Park Commissioners, said committee to report to the Town not later than the next annual meeting.
Article 5 taken up. (Lockeland Public Park).
Voted, That the question of acquiring enough of the Locke- land property fronting on Massachusetts Avenue to make a public park for the citizens of the Town be referred to the Board of Park Commissioners for investigation and report to the Town not later than the next annual meeting.
Article 6 taken up. (Way from Hayes Street to land of "Russell Heirs").
Voted (unanimously) That the establishment of exterior lines of a way from Hayes Street, so called, to land now or formerly of Russell as made and reported by the Joint Board of Selectmen and Board of Public Works and more particularly described in Article 6 of the warrant be and hereby is accepted, said lines established and said Joint Board authorized to take land for the purpose; that the sum of two hundred dollars be and hereby is appropriated for the purpose including damages; and that the said sum be taken from available funds in the treasury.
Article 7 taken up. (Way from Highland Avenue to land formerly of Henry J. Locke.)
Voted (unanimously), That the establishment of exterior lines of a way from Highland Avenue to land formerly of Henry J. Locke as made and reported by the Joint Board of Selectmen and Board of Public Works and more particularly described in Article 7 of the warrant be and hereby is accepted, said lines established and said Joint Board authorized to take land for the purpose; that the sum of twenty-five (25) dollars be and hereby
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TOWN RECORDS
Is appropriated for the purpose including damages; and that said sum be taken from available funds now in the treasury.
Article 8 taken up. (Way from Highland Avenue to Mt. Vernon Street).
Voted (unanimously), That the establishment of exterior lines of a way from Highland Avenue to Mt. Vernon Street, as made and reported by the Joint Board of Selectmen and Board of Public Works and more particularly described in Article 8 of the warrant be and hereby is accepted, said lines established and said Joint Board authorized to take land for the purpose; that the sum of twenty-five (25) dollars be and hereby is appro- priated for the purpose including damages; and that said sum be taken from available funds now in the treasury.
Article 9 taken up. (Installation of accounting system).
Mr. Stackpole explained to the meeting the purpose of installing this system and gave the principal features of the report which had been made by the committee composed of Messrs. W. S. Fairchild, Frank H. Walker and Earl A. Ryder, as follows :-
Its primary object is to give information that. will assist the Administrative Officesin the performance of their duties and inform the public as to the expenditure of funds by the several departments.
The cost of installation will be approximately two thousand (2,000) dollars. At this time two hundred and twelve cities and towns in the Commonwealth are either using the "Standard System" of Accounting or have voted to do so as soon as the state can install the system. The tendency of State Legislation is toward requiring uniformity in municipal accounting system and it will probably be only a short time before it will be com- pulsory for a Town to install the system.
Voted (unanimously), That the Selectmen be and hereby are authorized and directed in the name and behalf of the Town to petition the Director of Accounts in the department of cor- porations and taxations for the installation of an accounting system as provided in Section 35 of Chapter 44 of the General Laws.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Article 10 taken up. (Additional appropriations).
Voted, That the additional sums be appropriated to defray town expenses as follows :---
For the public schools, the sum of four thousand (4,000) dollars, said sum to be taken from available funds in the treasury and expended under the direction of the school committee.
For Menotomy Hall the sum of twelve hundred and fifty- four and 91/100 (1,254.91) dollars, said sum to be taken from available funds in the treasury and expended under the direction of the Board of Selectmen.
For repairs to former engine house at the Heights the sum of six hundred and sixty-one and 48/100 (661.48) dollars, said sum to be taken from available funds in the treasury and ex- pended under the direction of the Board of Selectmen.
For the maintenance and repair of the apparatus and equip- ment of the fire department, the sum of seven hundred and fifty (750) dollars, of this sum two hundred and fifty (250) dollars to be used for buildings and five hundred (500) dollars for apparatus and equipment, said sum to be transferred from the appropria- tion under vote of the Town passed at the last annual meeting for "Fire Department - salaries," and expended under the direction of the Chief of the Fire Department.
For the collection of ashes, offal and rubbish the sum of twenty-five hundred (2,500) dollars, said sum to be transferred from the appropriation under vote of the Town passed at the last annual meeting for "Highway Department-maintenance of highways," and expended under the direction of the Board of Public Works.
On motion of Mr. Stackpole Article 1 was taken from the table.
No other committees desiring the report at this time it was Voted, That this meeting now adjourn.
One hundred and sixty (160) Town Meeting members attended the meeting.
The meeting dissolved at 8.37 o'clock.
A true record, attest :
E. CAROLINE PIERCE, Temporary Clerk.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
The Board of Selectmen submits the following report for the year ending December 31, 1923.
At the annual March meeting of 1923, Mr. Charles B. Devereaux was re-elected a member of the Board for a term of three years, and was sworn to the faithful performance of his duties. The Board organized with the election of Charles H. Higgins as Chairman, and S. Frederick Hicks, Clerk of the Board and Agent of the Overseers of the Poor.
It is with deep regret that we recall the death, on April 9, 1923, of Mr. Thomas J. Robinson, who, at the annual election, had received his usual complimentary vote from his townspeople. As Town Clerk, Clerk of the Board of Selectmen, Joint Board of Selectmen and Public Works, Cemetery Commissioners, and as Registrar, Mr. Robinson, through a service of twenty years, had acquired a knowledge of town government which was inval- uable to the numerous departments of the town. Miss E. Caroline Pierce, who had served as Assistant Clerk, was ap- pointed for the unexpired term.
TOWN DEBT AND TAX RATE
The net debt on the thirty-first day of December, 1922, was $786,000. The net debt on the thirty-first day of Decem- ber, 1923, was $906,000. The total amount of money in the sinking fund on the thirty-first day of December, 1922, was $171,753.34. The total amount of money in the sinking fund on the thirty-first day of December, 1923, was $181,800.85.
ANALYSIS OF TAX RATE, 1923
Highways
$3.8165
Sewers and Drains
1.0767
Water
.4985
Street Lights
.4611
Engineering
.1196
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Fire Department
$.9452
Police Department
1.1844
Wire Department
.2827
Trees and Parks
.3408
Board of Health
.3111
Collection of Ashes and Offal
1.0342
Cemeteries
.1495
Library
.2492
Schools
8.5460
Charities
.6654
Municipal Buildings
.4157
Insurance
.2118
Incidentals and Specials
1.4375
Pensions
.1275
Debts and Interest
.8798
State, County and Metropolitan Taxes
3.3505
Overlayings
.3963
$26.50
Total Appropriations
$1,063,370.15
Less Credits
171,662.38
. To be raised by taxes
891,707.77
Property valuations
$33,649,350.00
To avoid repetition, a detailed account of the different departments will be found in their respective reports.
In reading the department reports and recommendations, your first consideration must be the unusual and unexpected growth of the town the past year, as evidenced by the value of the building permits issued, totalling $3,932,000. With a total of $2,622,490 for 1922 in addition, it is reasonable to expect increased appropriations for the proper functioning of all departments.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
The report of the Chief of this Department is worthy of your careful consideration. Pursuant to the vote of the annual meeting, the Board appointed Daniel B. Tierney permanent
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SELECTMEN'S REPORT
Chief. This was an appointment from the ranks of the per- manent men, through devotion to duty, ability to handle men, and close study of modern methods of fire fighting. The appointment of three additional men caused the placing of a fourth piece of apparatus in commission. A fifth piece is held in reserve, and the Board believes it wise to sanction the appointment of men to man this additional apparatus. These latter pieces were built by the men of the department, much to their credit, at an expense to the town of about $1,000 each. They are light, yet serviceable, and will be used on still alarms and forest fires, saving much unnecessary mileage on the heavier apparatus.
The Board asks that the recommendations of the Chief be carried out. These call for a division of the town at Jason and Mill streets, with two pieces of apparatus at Broadway house, and three at Highland house, thus leaving the force in either house to answer second alarms, or alarms when either force may be occupied at a fire. The method heretofore of having all apparatus answer all alarms, leaving the balance of the town unprotected is surely obsolete.
The installation of the fifth piece of apparatus will neces- sitate some interior changes to the Highland house building, to enable three pieces to leave the building through two exits. This building is in fairly good condition, but will need a new floor by another year. The Broadway house is in only fair condition. The Board believes it is unwise to expend much for its repairs, with the necessity of a new central station for fire alarm systems and apparatus in the immediate future. With a continued growth of the town, more apparatus or a replacement of some of the present pieces will be necessary. The apparatus and appliances, as a whole, are in excellent con- dition. There have been no conflagrations during 1923, however, conditions may be favorable for one at any time and it is your desire, we feel, to keep the department up to the necessary standard and commensurate with our growth. At this time the Board wishes to express to the Chief and his men, its gratitude for the excellent work the department has done in the matter of inspections, and help freely given in the listing of the innumerable garages in town. Some 4180 inspections
-
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
were made, most of them during time off duty. Unquestionably this work has decreased the number of fires which otherwise would have shown, especially among store property. The appointment of a Permanent Chief terminated the service of the Call Chief. The Board reluctantly accepted the resigna- tion of Mr. Walter H. Peirce, who for sixteen years had been Call Chief of the Department. Through Chief Peirce's en- deavors the greater part of the present force has been assembled. Under his administration horse-drawn apparatus was sup- planted by the motor, and upon his recommendation more permanent men were added to the force. He got efficiency at moderate expense. The town is indebted beyond measure to him for the time he so willingly gave. He relinquished office with the entire good will of those who served under him, and his influence will be a valuable asset to the department for many years. It will be necessary each year to install additional fire alarm boxes to cover the new territory developed.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
At the present time the department consists of a Chief, Lieutenant, two Sergeants and twenty patrolmen, of which number, six are in the traffic squad. Following the recommen- dation of the Chief, a traffic squad of six men was formed early in 1923. These men were chosen from the younger men of the Department and with special training, soon became adept in the various traffic signals. The wisdom of creating this squad soon made itself evident, especially in aid to pedestrians. Theodore R. Belyea was appointed acting Sergeant of this traffic squad, his appointment being made permanent later in the year. The Board believes this squad should be increased to cover other dangerous traffic points in the town. This Department likewise is affected by town growth, and the need of additional men is as evident as in the Fire Department. Interruptions to regular patrol and traffic duty come at any time and without warning, through sickness, disability, and attendance at court. This creates a condition which calls for a rearrangement of the men, or the possibility of certain districts being uncovered for short periods. Arrests mean attendance at court. The Chief's report shows 110 days' attendance by
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SELECTMEN'S REPORT
himself, and 502 days by officers. The Police Department can be'shorthanded as well as any other organization. The Board believes that the distribution of the men for the past year has been well carried out.
A flashing beacon was installed at Mystic and Summer Streets operated by electricity instead of gas. The operation of this beacon is fully as satisfactory and much cheaper than the one at Pleasant Street. More electric beacons will probably be installed this year. Spotlights, where not already installed, will be placed for the protection of the traffic officers when on duty. These lights are on separate switches and can be turned off when not in use.
The Ford car used by the Department is turned in each year for a new car. The Board believes this to be more eco- nomical than repairing the old car.
We believe the town to be clean and orderly, and commend the Chief and his men for the good showing made. As in the Fire Department the installation of new signal boxes will be required from time to time. The request for increased salaries, also the condition of Police Headquarters will be taken up under other headings.
PARK AND ENGINE HOUSE TAKINGS
Court decisions have been rendered on all the property taken for Park and Engine House purposes between Massachu- setts Avenue, Broadway, and Franklin Street and an itemized account of the expense is herewith appended. The buildings on the Engine House takings (3 single and 1 double) have returned a revenue to the town in rents since the vote of taking at the annual meeting of 1922. In addition, the sale of these buildings will be another credit to the cost, as shown below. Also the 1922 taxes, with the exception of a portion on the Mullen property, so called, were paid by the original owners.
PARK TAKINGS - MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE AND BROADWAY
Area
Bldg. 1
Cost including legal and other expenses
Mullen
3,088
1 1
$6,449.58
Whittemore
5,382
8,633.95
Total cost Park Land 1
$15,083.53
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
ENGINE HOUSE TAKINGS - MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE AND BROADWAY
Cost including legal
Area
Bldg.
and other expenses
Whittemore
6,472
1
$13,297.07
Brooks, et al.
7,819
2
15,667.40
Farrow and Draper
2,277
1
4,698.97
Total cost Engine House site
$33,663.44
Grand total, Park and Engine
$48,746.97
ROBBINS MEMORIAL HALL
With the renovating of the roof in 1922, and the refinishing of the greater part of the interior the past year, this building is in excellent condition. The stage and ante rooms need refinish- ing and enough money is asked for to complete this inside work. (This work was not included in last year's appropriation, the Board feeling that the entire work could well be apportioned over a two-year period.) The oil-burning heating apparatus was installed last fall and thus far is working well and giving satisfaction. For the short time it has been working, it is not possible to give an accurate comparison of the cost of operation compared to coal, but the Board is of the opinion that it is cheaper, and the heat much more uniform than with coal. Interior alterations may be necessary in a few years for the better accommodation of some departments.
The rentals for 1923 amounted to $3,754.
MENOTOMY HALL
This building has passed the point where it can be rated as of much benefit to the Town as an asset. There were only seven rentals in 1923 and it is doubtful if they will increase in 1924. By virtue of the decreased rentals the Board has allowed the use of one room and the hall for Boy Scout activities, and at present a schedule is being worked out for the joint use of the hall by Boy and Girl Scouts and Junior High School pupils, subject to whatever rentals may be made. Arrangements will be made with the School Committee for a nominal rental. The
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east side of the ground floor is occupied by the Police Depart- ment which is crowded at present and will be more so with the addition of new men from year to year. The cells situated in the basement are obsolete and unhealthy. The Board is of the opinion that the Town should secure at once land for a new modern police station, and it so recommends. We believe that a site less valuable can be purchased. It seems good business to build anew, rather than remodel present police quarters, when the arrangement is such that satisfactory results can not be obtained.
BUILDING LINES
With a forward look, the Board strongly believes that it is wise to establish as soon as possible, building lines on those of our streets which are main arteries, with a view to future widen- ing, also on many of our shorter residential streets, to prevent the encroachment of stores beyond the usual set back of dwelling houses. A condition exists at the Cooper Tavern property which should be remedied. The northerly line of Broadway should be extended to an alignment with the northerly line of Massachusetts Avenue, at Medford Street.
COMMON VICTUALLERS
The Board each year is receiving an increased number of applications for Common Victuallers' licenses. This Town has not adopted the Sunday Opening laws which would permit the free sale of fruits, candies, sodas and ice cream by all dealers handling the same; in other words a wide open Sunday. The Board believes the citizens would not approve of such conditions.
The law governing Common Victuallers says that. "No license shall be granted unless at the time of making application therefor the applicant has upon his premises the necessary imple- ments and facilities for cooking, preparing and serving food for strangers and travelers; and every common victualler shall, at all times, be provided with suitable food for strangers and travelers; the licensing authorities shall not be required to grant said licenses if, in their opinion, the public good does not require it." Few applicants can afford to meet the requirements of the law. Some who do, soon neglect or refuse the serving of food, treating their licenses merely as a Sunday opening privilege
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
for the sale of sodas, candy and ice cream. This is purely a violation of their licenses, and explains why some licenses are revoked, and why others are never renewed. The Board has been exceedingly patient with those who are endeavoring to do a bona fide victualler's business, but resents the attitude of those who secure licenses with no intention of fulfilling their require- ments, but simply consider them Sunday opening privileges.
INCREASED SALARIES
The Massachusetts Police Association, at a meeting held in the late summer, voted unanimously for a dollar a day increase for all policemen. This request came to the Board through a delegation from the Arlington Department and a further request was made by the Chief of the Department in his annual report to the Board. A survey of the wages paid in Greater Boston as well as the State at large, shows a wide var- iance in minimums and maximums, also in periods of service before the maximum is reached. Each municipality evidently thinks it has definite problems and customs, and has arranged a wage and period of service to correspond. Boston, Brookline and Newton have minimums of $1,400, with maximums of $1,700 to $1,825; Belmont has $1,300 minimums with $1,800 maximums; Metropolitan Police, a minimum of $1,400 and maximum of $1,800. Cities outside of Boston, like Worcester, Springfield, Haverhill, Lawrence, etc., pay around $5 to $5.25 per day. The period of service varies from three to five years. Some municipalities have already granted increases, in others, action is pending. The result will be. varied minimums and maximums, and periods of service, as before. Since 1919, Arlington has paid $5 per day, maximum or $1,825 per year, with a minimum of $1,600 for first year and $1,700 for second year, the maximum being reached at end of the second year of service; Sergeants $2,000, Lieutenant $2,200 and Chief $2,500. This shows a higher minimum than surrounding cities and towns and a maximum equal or greater, which has been to the benefit of the men for the last three years. In the opinion of the Board a fair solution would be an increase of the maximum from $1,825 to $2,000, with a five-year period of service, as follows: first year $4.40 daily, second, $4.70, third $5.00, fourth $5.25,
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SELECTMEN'S REPORT
fifth $5.50. Sergeants, yearly $2,200, Lieutenant $2,400, Chief $2,750. This permits the maximum to be reached after four- year service, and is a continuation of year's present rate for a three-year period. The increase to the superior officers is natural, with an increased force. The Board therefore recom- mends that sufficient money be appropriated to care for the increased maximums, and increases to superior officers in both Police and Fire Departments to be effective January 1, 1924, as to superior officers, and at the expiration of the year's service, as to subordinates.
OUTSIDE POOR
Disbursements from this appropriation seem to run fairly even from year to year, and are governed chiefly by sickness and unemployment. With the growth of the Town a natural increase in expenditures must be looked for. The Town has to finance some cases of persons who have settlements in other cities or towns, although at present living in Arlington. Five years' residence constitutes a settlement. Reimbursements of such cases go direct to the treasury, and do not show as a credit to the Poor Fund. A substantial increase is asked for in 1924 to satisfy bills on account of emergency accident cases, many of which the Town may be forced to pay. By statute, a hospital is protected to the extent of demanding payment from the Town within which it is situated for services rendered. in emergency accident cases, whether the person is injured in this Town or another town, or whether he is a resident of this or some other town or city.
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