Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1912-08-08
DEPARTMENTS RAKED OYER
Aldermanic Committee Reports
at Length on Complaints.
Sucertutendent Kfdder's Explanations
Lead 10 Verbal Encounter with
Aldermen McCaFrey-Street
CommissiOners Gril1ed.

you talk to me as you have done
N the past" said Water superintendent
yidder to Alderman John Mccartney
Monday night, "and I'll take you to jail
Z I have to in n bushel basket"
As he spoke. Mr.. Kidder advanced
q the table around which the board
VI aldermen were seated, and glared
,cross 1t at Mr.. McCafrey, who return
I'd his gaze, but without rising from
his seat.
lion Of the report OF the committee
appointed to investigate matters in the
water department. Eight separate
complaints had been recite1 in the
lengthy document. and Superintendent
Kidder had been making explanations
II each He had nearly finished when
Alderman Mccartney. referring to an
occurrence in the water office last
winter. asked the superintendent why
The safe had been left unlocked.
Il don't care to talk to you." re-
urned Mr.. Kidder. and closed his reply
with the remark quoted above.
The text OF the report, prepared by
Aldermen Lamson. Walker and Cowles.
10 as follows:
To the honorable board Of aldermen.
for the city of Burlington, Vermont:
Your committee appointed to investigate
matters connected with the water de-
partment. beg leave to report as follows:
The following complaints we're made to
US, viz:
1. That the water department we're neg
ugent in allowing certain hydrants to
become frozen.
2. That the water department had not
secured the lowest price for cement
which was used in the new addition to
the pumping station.
q. That seven telephones furnished by
the city for the water department are
more than is needed.
1. That the safe recentiy bought by
the water department was not purchas-
ed at the owest figure.
s. Tina the motor used for shutting
the gate at the high service station has
been improperly cared for, resulting In
damage to 1t.
s. That car fares are being furnished
BY the city for men in the employ Of the
water department and are being used by
the men when not about the city's bust.
ness.
lhdt o6O'SAC lC VIII w
the city for Superintendent Kidder's III.
somobile.
s. That Mr.. Deyette. the contractor
was improperly paid 10 per cent. on tho
rost Of material used in the new addition
TO the pumping station.
We find the following facts:
The hydrants that were found frozen
by the fire department last winter have
been packed with mineral wool, so tina,
they are nov frost proof.
The water department purchased
Of Spaulding. Kimball & Co. about
$50 bags (nearly two carloads) Of cemen,
during the months Of December. 1911
and January. 1912. for which the de.
partment paid $3.50 per barrel, and
received credit Of seven cents per bag
which leave a net price Of $1.52 pei
barrel We find that other firms would
have made a net price OF s1.30 pei
barrel in carload lots. bags charged
and credit given for the same wher
returned. on the same brand. and al
this time. This cement was purchased
and delivered in small lots instead o,
by the carload. We suggest that this
board request the water department tc
make a report to this board why this
cement was not purchased IN carload