New Britain herald., 1925-05-21
New B,ilIdling Code

revised building, plumbing and elee- trieal code. This code has been in the course of preparation for the past year and the building commits sion is being assisted by commit tee of your body and an outside ex- pert, This code will undoubtedly end much Of the dispute over the construction of buildings and their equipment which has been encoun- tered in the past, The new reguia- lions are in keeping with the most rlodern Ideas on the subject and have been so drafted as 10 dovetaiI with the regulations Of the zoning ordinance.
 Water Department
 During the past year tho city had [ occasion 10 make use Of the recent. ly constructed pumping station now forming a part Of the municipal water service. The continued use of these pumps over a period of sev- eral months saved the city from serious water shortage and more than justified the expenditure Of the money required 10 make the i'm provemcnt. Three million gallons a day were pumped into the city mains, all Of which was pure, nat urally filtered water. Had this pumping station not been in use. drastic measures 10 conserve the water supply would have been re. ouired this year.
 Tn the opinion of the board Of water commissioners the question of raising Shuttle Meadow reservoir dam should be taken up within ressonable lime. This is the second installmert Of the program for in- creasing our water supply ss rec commended by Consulting Engineer Allen Hazen in 1920. The first in- staIiment concerned the pumping station. ! do not think the raising of the dam is matter that requires immediate consideration. My pur- pose in calling 1t 10 your attention at this time Is to suggest that, in consideration of the citys future needs particularly as they pertain to matters of water development. this improvement be kept in mind.
 Distribution System
 The water department is also, as you know, continuing the construc- ton Of large supply pipe for the purpose of delivering better volume Of water to the several sec tons of the city. This work will be completed in two years and will serve as an auxiliary to the present distribution system in addition 10 increasing the pressure In the east ern section.
 Civic Education
 T have now in the course of preparation charts explanatory of the organization ot our city's gov ernment, its agencies their method Of functioning, ctc.. which plan to put in the hands Of the school authorities. This move l believe will serve to give our future citizens d better grounding in civic govern ment than can be had otherwise. | To that end l will ask the coopera- ton of the school authorities.
 During the preparation Of these charts l have conceived the idea of putting them 10 a more extensive use by establishing system of in- struction in government for our adults. In this plan the coopera- ton Of the common council Is cs- sential as is also the cooperation of the various Parents and Teachers associations in the city. It is amaz- ing to learn the great mum bers of our citizens. Including many payers of heavy taxes, who are totally ig- norant of the method Of bringins petitions before our governmental bodies. or how steps should be taken 10 bring about municipal improve mentS In not few cases this lack Of information has been costly to them. If, by the cooperation with the Parents and Teachers aSsocia- ton, or any other agencies, groups of adults might be brought to- gether to discuss civic matters and , learn the mode of operation Of our government, lasting benefits would be derived. Schooled by experience as members of the common coun- ell, l believe you gentlemen are in the best possible position to furnish the instruction, and am hopeful that you will lend your cooperation. :.
 Park Development
 Chiefly as result Of the com mon councils far-sightel policy oi providing for future New Britain tho development of our north and south- 1. end parks is proceeding most favor ably. The parks of city are not . only an ornament that serves to | beautifuy the city and attract wis itors to our midst, but it also has great benefits for the many families who spend evenings and Sundays ! amid their pleasant surroundings.
 "Willow Brook today presents a much more pleasing spectacle than | it did last year, The drainage sys- tenn which appeared for time to be inadequate to The needs Of the field has worked 10 perfection and . landscape authorities and those who ; have visited the field pronounce it q complete success.
 "The city now has in progress an , extensive program of development !, in the Stanley Quarter park. Work !. on the driveWays, the arched en- trance and the pool will he com pleted this year and we will then l favc an attractive park at both the |. nerth and south entrances 10 the city.
 Swimming Pool
 With your approval I appointed a committee 10 prepare a swimming pool in tl" Willow Brook park last ynar and tfat committee haS FppC