Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1901-05-16

Mr.. Clymer stated that Goodwill Fire
Company had recently had considerable ac-
cessions to its membership, therefore he
moved that ten equipments be purchased
for that company. Carried.
Mr.. Munyan reported fee of S. for
circus license.
Mr.. Best reported that the sewer engineer
would have his plans ready on May %, as
per contract. A special meeting will be
held to consider them.
Mr.. Clymer presented a petition signed
by residents of Salem Ave, asking for a
four foot side walk on said avenue.
The Clerk reported there was no paving
ordinance for that street.
| On motion of Mr.. Best, the Ordinance
committee was authorized to prepare an or
dinance in accordance with the prayer of
the petitioners. After discussion the motion
was changed to refer to the Street commit
tee, and if the improvement is feasible, for
the Ordinance committee to prepare an or
dinance. Carried.
Peter Zell pstitioned for the privilege of
erecting wooden frame and spreading
canvass over same, in front of his premises
ON Broad street. Referred to Street Com
mittee with instructions to report back to
Council.
A communication from Gen. Howell
Post, G. A. r., inviting Council to partici-
pate in the celebration of Memorial Day,
was received and accepted.
In communication, the Committee of
the Board of Freeholders notified Council
of the completion of wing walls and side
walk on the north and south ends Of the
creek bridge. The communication was
received and filed, and the thanks of the
city extended for the improvement.
Mr.. Batten presented the light contracts,
under the all-and-every-nig schedule,
and they were fully considered.
The penalty for ''lights out" was the
same in the new contracts as in the old,
and this gave Mr.. Clymer an opportunity
of flashing Council for laxity in past light
contracts and methods through which we
are now at the mercy of this corporation in
the matter of lighting. While it was
probably true that the people could not
detect whether or not the lights were out,
he said, we would have as much light as we
have had, but under this contract the COM
pany could absolutely make profit by not
lighting lamp during the year. He moved
that the contract be referred back to the
company for amendment, as to the penalty,
the fine for flights out" to be double the
cost of light. Carried.
VETO OF PUMP CONTRACTS.
Woodbury., N. j., May IA, 1901.
President and Members Of City Council,
GENTLENIEN:-On the Sd inst contract
was presented to me, to be executed under
the corporate seal of the city, between the
Mayor and Council of the City of Wood
bury and the Camden Iron Works for a
pump for the water works.
Upon examination, l found that the con-
tract had not been approved by your
honorable body, nor Endorsed or approved
by the President, in accordance with Sec
ton 6, of Gan Act to enable cities to supply
the inhabitants thereof with pure and
wholesome water, +" approved April q,
1876, being the Act under which our water
works were constructed and are carried on.
therefore decline to sign and seal the
same.
For the purpose of satisfying myself that
my position was correct, [ requested an
opinion from the City Solicitor, whether
the city was not governed by the aforesaid
Act in purchasing all supplies for the water
works, and if all such contracts must not
be made strictly in accordance with the
provisions of the same. His opinion is hereto
attached.
| am also of the opinion from what can
learn, you have not carried out the pro-
visions of section 5, of same Act, in refer
ence to advertisement, receiving bids, etc.
If such is the case, all of the transactions
| in reference to bids for new pumps are null
and void.
Before advertising again for pump,
think you should investigate which is most
needed; a new pump, an addition to the
reservoir with filter plant, or experiment.
ing for the purpose of getting artesian
water Respectfully submitted,
SAM'L H. LADD,
Mayor.
Woodbury., N. ]. May 4, 1901.
Hon. Samuel H. Ladd, Woodbury., N. j.,
DEAR Shin reply to your request of
yesterday for an opinion as to whether the
contract submitted to you by the Camden
Iron Works was in accordance with the
requirements of the law, beg to advise
you that think it is not.
The general law and supplements author
zing water works, under which our system
was built and is maintained, makes GER
tain provisions regarding the awarding Of
contracts, which does not seem to have been
carried out in this case.
am therefore of the opinion that you
should not sign this contract. AS we have
already consulted verbally in regard to the
provisions referred to in this law, presume
you will thoroughly understand the reasons
for my objection.
If | can be of further service to you,
command me, and in the meantime, am
with the return of the pamphlet left with
me, Yours respectfully,
DAVID O. WATKINS,
City Solicitor.
On motion the communication was re-
ceived and file, and the action of His Honor
approved.
On motion of Mr.. Davis the former pump
bids were returned to the bidders.
New proposals for a pumping engine
were presented by Mr.. Davis, with the
explanation that they were practically a
copy of the specifications under which the
award was made. Bids are confined to the
Worthington and Wood companies.
Mr. Best said that under these specifica-
tions but one bid could be received. Mr..
Davis retorted that the Worthington's
could build such a pump.
Mr. Clymer asked if any harm would
result by delaying this matter for two
weeks, and being answered in the mega
tive moved that action be deferred for two
weeks, and that the specifications be printed
and copies be given to members of Council.
Mr.. Best said he believed it was true
that Council could secure better terms by
immediate action, yet personally he favored
indefinite postponement Of the whole
question. and an effort be made to secure