Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-11-14
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
RebeIt Festsis Wator BIlI For Six
 Months Was s116.3o.


 night, Mayor Thoms presiding. All the commissioners were present.
 Robert Foster of Watertown. own er of the block at the corner of Dover and Mill streets. was heard in rela- ton to what he termed an exorbitant water bill. It amounts to $116.s0 for six months. Before meter was in- stalled all his rent footed up in the year was $32. If this thing is to continue" said Mir Foster, T might as. we'll give the city the house, for there wouldn't be anything in 1t for me. After paying $325 year for water. interest on the money invest ed. taxes and making repairs, there wouldn't be a cent in 1t for me" The matter was referred to the superin- tendent of streets for investigation and report.
 The report of the superintendent of water regarding g communication re- ceived from J. J. Macauley asking for refund of $14 which he claimed to have paid for water that he didn't use, showed the petitioner had no grievance, but that one of his tenants, MT Carlo. on Chatfeld street, has set tied for $14 worth of water which should have been charged to MT Ma cauley. This was brought about by meter which registered what both parties consumed. The clerk was in- structed to forward to Mir Macauley . copy of the report, but nothing was said about returning MT Carlo $14. Probably the commissioners thought 1t time to give up the dust when the right persons demands it.
 The committee on streets was au- thOrized to rent the road roller to Edward McManus. A bill of Dr Far rell for service in caring for Michael MQriarty, who was injured while in the employ of the city, was ordered paid. A few transfers for the streets department were reported favorably. In. one instance the shortage came about because the city engineer had charged $950 against the appropria- ton and the superintendent of streets not being aware of this supposed that 1t was much larger than it is, The mayor thought these transfers can be made and also remarked that the $10,000 appropriated for commuta- tion tax will not meet the bill. the amount being $15,000 instead of $10,O00.
 Commissioner Walker reported that the big tree in front of the prop erty of James Mclean on Highland avenue. Is dying and said 1t ought to be removed and the bank terraced. The superintendent of streets was in- structed to see, to 1t. Similar action was taken with reference to hole in Griggs street, which MT Nell want ed fixed.
 The superintendent of streets and sewers reported that the city Is not responsible for the overflow of the Fairview street brook. the gully he- ing open in the streets and nothing to interfere with the water passing under the highway. This is another setback for property owners in that street who claim that the city has worked great hardship upon them by turning more water into the stream than 1t is able to carry in time of freshet.
 Commissioner Finn reported that the fire department has horse at the Brookside home that ought to be put out of misery. Already the at- tention of the humane society has been called to 1t and if the city doesn't act soon somebody else will. Mir Dennison suggested that Con- missioner Finn be appointed as committee of one to shoot the horse. but the commissioner didn't care about the job and the board finally referred the case to the superin- tendent of streets. Mir Walker said that the fire department has couple of horses that they don't need and that If they can be bought right he was of the opinion it would be good policy to get them. Hasn't one of them a swollen leg and isn't the other troubled with corns. inquired Mir Dennison. to which Mir Walker replied that he understood there is nothing the matter with them hut The board will look Into the matter.
 The mayor inquired what had been done about opening street to con meet Baldwin street with Tracy av- enue. Mir Walker said that 1t had been deemed best to let that go over until next year. It was voted to re- quest the railroad company to lay a plank walk in front of Its property on West Main street. near the en- trance to the passenger station.
 Hayor Thoms invited the commis- sioners to take look at the piece of road made on Cole street by the city and sec what they think of is.
 Mir Walker: What did 1t cost?"
 The mayor: About s1.50 a yard. Mir Mccarthy says"
 Mir Finn: Isn't it a strong argu- ment in favor of the city doing more work and giving less out by con- tract"
 Mayor Thoms: Well. that opens up a big question. believe there are lots of odd jobs that the city could do cheaper that 1t can get it done by contract. but when you come to big projects it is different. Ac- cording to the charter you can't lay l . foot of water main unless by con- tract. but a good deal of it Is done by l adding one contract to another and I this is nothing more than giving the l engineer the right to award the con tract. The present charter gives the engineer tremendous power. To be sure he is an exceptionally good man. but under somebody else if might be l 
 Mir Finn: T don't think the city of Waterbury ever will be co rich I s. -srt - ss ~- -.