The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-09-27
MAYORS CABINET
TALKS OVER PLAN
Closer Cooperation Between
Department Heads Urged
and Approved.
AFTER SLOW CONTRACTORS
Continual Delay of City Cases in
Police Court Bone OF
Contention.

N1psSi Sp-cPS' otioN c't"Stis iHS uC-
partments OF the city government and
more efficient execution OF city con-
tracts were discussed at the initial
ms-tins o. Mayor Ainslie's cabinet
yesterday afternoon. Everybody was
enthusiastic over the plan as outlined
by the Mayor. 1t was agv eed that meet
ings would be held twice each month.
on the Friday afternoon after the
first and third Mondays. In order that
each member of the cabinet may be
more familiar with the problems con-
fronting his brother members. it is
planned TO visit each of the depart
ments in turn. beginning with the Of
iices of the Gas and Water Works at
the City dali next Monday afternoon.
Those taking part in the meeting
were Mayor George Ainslie. City En-
gineer Charles l.. Boiling. Superinten-
dent OF the Electric Plant r. w. Traf-
ford. Building Inspector II. z. Beck.
Assistant City Attorney George Wayne
Anderson. Chief Health Officer L. c.
Ley, Superintendent Of the Water De-
partment Eugene +. Davis and Super
intendent OF the Gas Works William
p. knowles. 1t was agreed to invite
Special Accountant George S Cren-
show 10 sit with the Cabinet. repre-
senting the fiscal department OF the
city.
Committees Control the Funds.
The discussions were general the
various department chiefs illustrating
by concrete cases their particular diff
ticulties. City Engineer Boiling said
there was no lack of harmony between
the department heads themselves, but
that each was controlled in his eXpen-
ditures by separate Council COM
mittee. He had repeatedly notified the
Gas and Water Departments of his in
tention of paving or improving a
street. and Mr.. Knowles and Mr.. Davis
had promised cooperation in having
all underground structures put in order
previous to the paving, only to have
the Light and Water Committee cut
short the tunds for the work. leaving
the new paving to be torn up for a
water or gas main soon after it wa:
completed. Mr.. Knowles read from an.
nual reports to show that he had fire.
Guently recommended that before any
street is paved. an estimate OF the
cost Of all underground work be made
and included in the appropriation. sc
that ali might go forward together
At Mr.. Boliings urgent solicitation. the
Light Department diverted a portion
of its extension fund to renewing con
necIons under Bpoad. Beverly and
other streets which are to be paved
this year. and result the exten
sion fund Of the Light Department
will run short before the year expires
The greatest benefit. ii was believed
would result from point study o.
existing ordinances and recommended
tions to the Council revising the cit,
regulations governing construction
work, the department heads beint
hampered not only by their commit
tees. bu, by obsolete regulations
Discussing the street situation. +
was the general belief that the sys
TEN Of invariably awarding contract
TO the lowest bidder had not brough
results, some irresponsible partie
taking work at less than II could b
properly executed Mr.. Beck stronsl,
advocated systematic wedding on
OF incompetent. careless or iil-equip
ped contra ctors. and an agreement be
tween all departments to receive n
bids from those who had done fault.
work for any city department
Chies Health Officer Levy told OF tn
need for cooperation between his Of
Zee with the Building Department il
meeting the housing problem. and wit
the Gas Water and Sewer Depart
ments in regard TO unhealthy condi
lions caused by excavations. tendini
to breed mosquitoes.
A conference is 10 be held with Pc
lice Justice Crutchfield to see
means cannot be devised for expeditin
the hearing o. city cases in the Polio
Court All OF the department head:
especially the chief health ONCE an
the Building Inspector. have reporte
cases there for noncompliance Wit
city ordinances only to have them in
definitely continued. with no compli
ance. Mr.. Boiling said he had tire
times notified Atkinson & Co, contrac
! tors. for the new Lyric Theatre, TO re
move building material from Broa
Street which Is now blocking the wa
/ o. repavins. and falling TO get an
satisfaction. had been forced to repor
( the case &c the Police Court Their
| ing mate ial still blocks the street 1
plain violation Of the city ordinance.
| After tn. meeting Mayor Ainslie ex
! pressed himself as highly 2ratifed a
! the general feeling Of good will anon
those he had invited into his cabi
ue:. and from the mutual interes
taken. IN. general desire TO meet an
! study and aid IN solving each other
, problems. Re was confirmed in HI
opinion that great benefit TO the cit
! woaI5 result from the Inauguration {
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