Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1892-02-05

1NOs VI
Smith had expressed the opinion that
stone bridge could be built for $4,000.
Mr.. Battell had raised $4,000. He and MIR.
Smith seem to think that stone bridge
can be built at cost to the taxpayers
not to exceed $4,000. Some members
of the committee thought that the piers
and abutments of the old bridge could be
gotten in readiness for an iron bridge for
about $1,000. If that were true, the iron
bridge completed would cost about $4,000.
He urged the Importance of doing some
thing at an early day to strengthen the
old bridge, the timbers of which he said
were badly decayed. The plans of the
iron bridge did not differ materially, that
of the Vermont Construction Co. except
ed. Any truss bridge was good enough
and strong enough. The bids were all
based upon specifications, and each bid
provided for the payment by the bidder
of $3.50 for the inspection of the work as
it was done. 1t might be desirable to
fore closing contract. The bidders, so
far as the committee knew, were all re-
sponsible. Replying to "A question by
Mr.. Upper as to the durability of an
iron bridge, Mr.. Stewart SAID that the
specifications provided for three coats of
paint. All the repairs the bridge would
need would be repainting and replank-
ing. \ good iron bridge would not need
renewal for several hundred years, so
that it would serve the purposes of most
of those present.
j. c. Turk, representing the Pittsburgh
company, was asked how long 1t would
take to make the bridge after the con-
tract was signed. lie said it could be
finished, ready to erect, in GO days at this
season of the year; later, when the COM
pany was more pressed with business, it
might take three or four months,
Mr.. Topper said the simple question
before the meeting seemed to be what
sort of bridge the town would have,
iron or stone. he moved. in order to test
the sense of the voters on this point, that
the committee be instructed to contract
for the erection of an iron bridge at the
Lowest figure they can get for first-class
lob. ii. L. Vail seconded the motion.
Mr.. Stewart said he had no desire to
advocate any particular form of bridge,
but he doubted whether the voters were
out i'm Suffipipnt forpp tn warrant q final
decision at this time. At any rate he
would move, and did move, an amend
ment to Mr.. Tupper's motion, that if a
stone bridge can be built at a cost to the
taxpayers not exceeding $l2, 200, such
bridge be erected. Justus Cobb second
ed the motion, and it was carried unan-
imously.
Mr.. Stewart explained that this vote
did not finally settle the question, for the
committee had no definite assurances
that "A stone bridge could be built for
$4,000 and the amount Mr.. Battell had
secured-Sl5, 900 altogether. If respon-
sble persons would contract to do the
Job at that figure, it would put another
lace on tlie matter. however, ITO ldN
could be voted under the present warn
ing. for this or any other purpose, and
so it was perhaps as well to delay a little,
as no final settlement was possible with
OUT another meeting.
Mr.. Tupper's motion, as amended by
Mr. Stewart, was then passed.
The old committee on the bridge, which
consists of the three selectlnen and
Messrs. Stewart, b. 5. Beckwith ami j.
b. Benedict, was instructed, on motion
of L, c. Barrows. to see if they can make
"a contract for stone bridge that will
not cost the taxpayers over $4,000, and
report at the next annual March meeting.
The meeting then adjourned.