The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-06-06
Mayor Atwater Delivers Annual Message

after. All purchases are being made
through the Board of Contract and
Supply, and aside from the curtat1-
ments already made without loss of
efficiency, it is believed that the saw
ings which will be made by careful
buying in this way, will be very con-
siderable
Board of Contract and Supply.
1t is my belief that the Board OF
| Contract and Supply is now more
fully attaining the object of its crea-
| ton than at any time since it was
| inaugurated. Investigation has dis
closed that many purchases in the
| past had been initiated in the various
departments so that the Board of
Contract and Supply in many of these
cases simply confirmed the purchases.
This policy made impossible the
negatived one of the very purposes
for which this board came into exist
ence. A revision Of the system has
been made so that all purchases are
now initiated In the Board of Con-
tract and Supply itself.
A plan for the checking of the re-
ceipt and care of all goods as against
acquisitions. has been carefully work.
ed out and IS in operation.
Orders are being placed and con-
tracts made through this Board on
strictly competitive basis. due regard
being given to the qualities, ETC.. in
each specific requirement.
1t is very pleasing to note that de-
partments not required by law to
purchase through the Board of Con-
tract and Supply, are, nevertheless.
awaiting themselves of its facilities
a policy which is Indicative of conf
dence existing and a splendid spirit
of cooperation. ~
I have every hope that the fur
Their extension of this present poll
cy will insure that all purchases made
by the city shall hereafter be at the
lowest available figure. consistent
with quality and economy and that
been effected will continue and be in
creased.
Park Department.
A comparison of the appropria-
lions made to this department for the
current fiscal year with those of the
last year fiscal year, indicate a pos
sible saving Of about S89.000.00, was
never known to exceed it's appropria-
ferred too above. I am not aware of
any restriction in the enjoyment OF
our beautiful park prop critics by the
people of our city.
On the contrary. the tract pupchaS-
ed some time ago located on Madison
avenue. known as Beechwood park,
has through the work loft the unem-
p1oycd been made from compare
tive wNd-woodS into a splendid addi-
ton to our park properties. While the
work is not entirely completed, this
should be available for the use of the
people of that section of the City
during the present summer. The
necessity Of furnishing work for the
unemployed was a situation which the
City had to meet and the utilization
OF the unemployed for this purpose
facilities at a comparatively 1Sw cost.
During the last few months there
has been evidenced a desire upon the
part of gasoline and oil vendors to
locate stations nf fha mark
pr operty. The Board of Park Com
misSi onerS have wisely refused to en-
terrain such suggestions. The beauty
and availability of our park proper
ties, which are among. the best in
this section Of the country, should
be kept from any mercialism not
directly connected with their. enjoy
ment by the people of the city and
I hope that all city property available
for a breathing space can be kept
immune In the same way.
citizen that the city owns more land
west of the lighthouses at Seaside
park than east of it. To be sure a
large portion of this land is marsh
and not available for park use. but
with the cooperation of the Board
Of Health and the Crane Co. in dump
ing their ash collections on this land
will soon make an acreage that will
properties and give lawn and addi-
tiona1 drives all the way to Fair
weather Island.
I must also make mention of the
horticultural display at Beardsley
park as well as the fast developing
200" at this beauty spot.
In this connection. it is well to note
that the birds, animals, etc., on exhi-
citizens and have not cost the city 81
except for the housing and care.
am especially pleased with the
very efficient conduct of our Park
49,,
fered by the Park commissioners in
endeavoring to reduce running ex-
penses without sacrificing the full in
tent of park use by our citizens.
Department of Public Works.
While 1t Is impossible at this time
to state specific amounts. I have con-
fdence that the conduct of this de-
partment, according to the present
plan, will effect a great economies.
The work which has been laid out,
contenp1ates the elimination of con-
tracts with construction companies,
and the profit paid them will revert
to the city.
This is working GU SO FAR to the
fullest expectations.
The penetration method of btu
minous mecadam, which is now be- |
ing and will continue to be laid on |
the streets designated by your honor |
able body, will cost, it is estimated, /
81 per square yard,
and in my opinion is as good as any |
pavement lald unOer ike cOnO1I1Ons |
as has previously been put down in |
this city at much heavier cost.
Work is already underway repair |
ing State street, It's entire length, and |
Fairfield avenue will be undertaken |
after the completion Of |
State street. This will hmm ediately |
place in good coalition. two Of the |
main arteries of travel for east and |
west bound traffic through the city |
at a minimum of cost.
During the last few months. the
under the direction of
the Director of Public Works, extend
ed North Park avenue to the city line.
This roadway when finished will be
ninety feet wide and another asset
to the value of our city. Under this
same direction the Trumbun road on
the easterly side of Beardsley park is
being worked and will give an added
drive way to and from our city at
the north.
In this department the policy to
be effectuated is based upon a re-
cognition of the need for necessary
public improvements. and their ac-
at a minimum expense
to the city am satisfied that this
policy is being carried out very eff
GENTLY.
The sewer facilities in the Black
1olx I'LL r