The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-11-22
New Fire Engine and Modern Aerial Truck Will be St-
 cured at Gene OTHER IMPROVEMENTS
 THAT ARE ID BE MADE Each Clause of the Agreement Is Dis cussed-The Fire Department and Water Supply Are to Be
 Investigated.

At a meeting of the finance and the fire and water committees of the City Council yesterday afternoon it was unan- imously voted to improve the fire de- partment of Birmingham. It was also decided to have a committee of three, with Mayor Ward as chairman, make a searching inquiry Into every detail of the fire department with a view of learn ing how well the men are drilled, what water pressure is usually given at fires and other important details. Mayor Ward named Aldermen Jones, Stockmar and Cooper as the committee to cooperate with him in the Investigation. The two resolutions were introduced by Alderman Jones and met with the approval of every member of the two committees present.
 When the meeting was called to order at 3:45 o'clock every member of the fire and water committee was present and Aldermen Heidt and Gray were the only absent members of the finance commit tee. Those present were: Mayor Ward. Aldermen Jones, Parker. Klotz Cooper, Copeland, D. R., Greener, Stockmar and Gum.
 In calling the conference to order Mayor Ward announced that 1t had been called for the purpose of considering urgent needs of the fire department. Alderman Jones immediately introduced the resolu- ton calling on the Mayor to put into effect the agreement with the Southeast ern Tariff association. It was seconded hu naQ wi a dissenting vote. Only once did the question of finances arise and the Mayor very promptly answered by saying that the money end of the question would be looked after in some manner.
 Requirements Read.
 The requirements of the Southeastern Tariff association were then read by AL derman Cooper, and commented on, one at a time. by the different members of the joint committee. It developed that much has already been done in the way of complying with the details of the agreement, and the adoption of the reso- lutions means the immediate fulfillment pf every requirement.. This will not put Birmingham on a first-class insurance basis but give the city an adequate fire department. Here Is the way the Joint committee determined what must be done at once, a discussion following the read Ing of each requirement by number:
 First: That the city shall elect a competent building inspector who shall see that the building laws of Birming ham are strictly enforced"
 This has already been done," said the Mayor, when Alderman Cooper had fin- 1shed reading the first article of the agreement between the Southeastern Tar if association and Board of Trade. and sanctioned by the council.
 '.Second That each fire hydrant within the city limits shall be inspected and flushed at least once each and every month, by a competent mechanic, who shall be empowered and required to se- cure immediate repairs to any and every fire hydrant within the city limits that may need such repairs. The inspector to render monthly reports of conditions of hydrants to the chief of the fire depart ment."
 "we are doing that now" said Alder man Jones, and Chief Walton. who was present, said he required reports.
 Third: Extend the fire alarm telegraph system to the North Birmingham pump ing station and provide and maintain proper striking gong and annunciator at said station as a part of such fire alarm telegraph system
 '9This is one of the things that must be done at once," said Alderman Cooper 'It will enable the pumping station to know when every fire occurs.'
 Fourth: To adopt practical ordi- nance that will result in the daily re- moval of all rubbish, refuse, trash and (or) any other combustible material from Ill buildings alley ways, sidewalks, streets or yards"
 That ordinance has been passed" said