The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-06-06
Mayor Wants
 Aldermen To
 Handle Cash
Would Have Power to Borrow Money on Short Term Notes Vested In Common Council.
Annual Message of Mayor In- cIudeS AdmOniShment to De- partments to Spend Money Without Delay.

ay
 Without Delay. l Auth orrzation of the Common Coun- cil to borrow money on short term notes is one of the features of the an- | nual message of Mayor Wilson, sent | to the council at its meeting last night. | Among other recommendations are | the speedy motorization of the fire de- partment; placing wherever practical 1 of combination new fire houses and l police stations; collection of ashes within the center of the city; police l reserves; new isolation hospital; more 1 sanitary inspectors and school nurses; more traffic officers on Sundays; one Main street; dance hall at Y. w. C. | A. for young women; prevocational 1 schools; delay in building ice plant; | the widening of Housatonic avenue 1 from Congress street to East Wash 1 ington avenue; the extension of liar l rison street from Fairfield avenue to Lafayette street and the diagonal street from State and Main streets to Water street
 He urges all boards that have bond ] issues at their disposal to proceed 1 rapidly with the extension of the pro- jects for which the bonds were vot- | ed.
 | Finances. l The net debt of the city on April 1, 1916, was 8, ,6S9, ,SS9.94-
 Since that date a bond issue of $2,- PTS, 900 has been authorized by the electors at a special election held 1n 1 April, to be expended on various pro- l jects. The present grand list is $139,- | 099, ,821.
 That the credit of the city is excel | lent is attested by the large premium received at the recent sale of city bonds which were issued at 4 1-4 per cent
 Assessors.
 The work of this board is most i'm portant It is essential that the block map system be kept up to date. In an effort to further equalize taxation would advise that a front-foot valua- ton which is very practical be placed upon all property in the city Building Commissioners. Owing to the large building opera tions during the past year this depart ment has been exceptionally busy. The total cash received for permits was $10,7ss.4S.
 During the past year Plumbing Examiner has been added to this de- partment and am of the opinion that more inspectors vii be needed to prop erly supervise building operations if present enactment of "a building code has greatly facilitated building operations throughout the city I believe that Bridgeport has one of the best build ing codes of any city of her size in the Fcountry.
 City Engineer.
 The city, engineer has compiled gen. eral information relative to sewer problems and has secured an opinion riYoc Q- iRov gineers, bearing on this subject, the basis of sewage disposal system Plans and specifications for strength ening Yellow Mill bridge have been prepared upon the expert opinion of d. E. Greiner, consulting engineer. Directof of Public Works.
 Under the supervision of this de- partment during the past year, hOS7 miles of Warrenite were laid on ouf> streets; 27 300 lin ft- of sewers were constructed by the city and 21 200 Hn ft. of sewers were constructed by pri- vate Individuals; $500,O0o bonds were authorized by the electors in April last for improved pavements. Con- tracts have been awarded to Warren Brothers Co.,, to lay a bituninous sur face over the old macadam roads cov- ering a total surface of practically 35o, ,000 square yards. I believe that Warrenite pavement is the best the
 
 pended Permanent pavement costs . considerably more in view of the mum Der of our streets that need immediate improvement I am of the opinion that it is wiser to improve the sur face of as many streets as this amount will allow and yet maintain good con- struction-
 Fire Department. This department should be complete ly motorized in another year. A num- Der of new motor-driven apparatus will be added during the current year. thus increasing it's efficiency and les sening the upkeep. The need for new f1re-houSes is imperative in some sec tions of our city, namely, the Black Rock district, North Bridgeport, and in the vicinity of the "Remington- City" so called The manual system should be installed in dreproof head quarters at as early date as possi- bIe.
 During the past year Daniel E. Johnson was appointed chief engineer to succeed Edward Mooney, retired. The personnel of this department is excellent. believe that the inspector of combustfbles and fire risks has done much toward eliminating hazardous conditions which has no doubt result ed in the saving of large sums of money. I believe, however, that more men should be detailed to this work and until money can be provided for this service, would suggest, where possible, that men be assigned for in spection work from the various engine houses The advantage of placing the fire alarm wires under ground is ob- Y1ous and should be completed as soon as possible.
 Charities Department.
 During the past year the new aims house has been completed and is now about ready for occupancy. This is one of the most approved types of buildings and of f1reproof construc- ton.
 The construction of g na