Putnam patriot., 1930-01-09

 message at the meeting of the Cor non Council, Tuesday evening, as fo ows:
 Gentlemen of the Common Coun- cil:
 At the termination of my first erm and on the authorization on my second term as mayor of the city of Putnam l will give a brief review of the city's progress dur ing the year 1929, and at the same time make a few recom- mendations for the year 1880.
 Highway Department
 The highway department has, during the year. made improve ments on Farrows street for a distance of several hundred feet at a cost of $1,030. Chapman, Water and Addison streets have been filled, regarded and curbing erected for a considerable dis tanee at a cost of S2,lS7.62. An additional number of streets have been oiled, with hopes of oiling more each year. The surface of oiled streets are in very good condition and show saving in upkeep. In fact all our streets are in excellent condition, due to the vigilance of our highway de- partment and superintendent of streets.
 Health Department
 The report of our health ofii- cer shows that we had compara- lively little serious sickness from communicable diseases, that the general sanitary conditions are very good. Our health officer has been very diligent and sue cessful in caring for the public health.
 Fire Department
 This department received a number of alarms, mostly for chimney fires, no serious fires re- suited, and the fire loss was com paratively small for the year.
 Some of our fife apparatus will need replacement in the near future, a matter that should be seriously thought of.
 Water Department
 The water situation after 9 long drawn out controversy has eventually been settled.
 Land has been acquired on which to erect the one million gal lon tank. The contracts for the erection of concrete base and tank have been signed, work on exca- vating for the base was begun but was brought to a close due to inclement weather. This work will be resumed as soon as weath- CT permits.
 Police Departments
 Putnam has been compara- lively free from crime.
 Our police have had to face parking problems this year which we hope to be able to remedy to a great extent before long.
 The department was cast into shadows of gloom and sadness by the untimely death of Captain William Jarvis. His passing has been keenly felt by the whole city.
 Sewage Disposal
 Some surveys and measure ments by Civil Engineer Perry to compile data of our unsewered sections have been made in view of cooperation with the State Water Commission in removing sewage from the river. A full discussion of this will be found in Mir. Perry's report.
 City Debt
 Our city treasurer's report shows a decrease in our city debt of $5,000. Street improvement bonds issued in 1899, 1900, 1901, amounting 10 $40,000 matured in July 1 and were paid from the Sinking Fund account.
 An overhead traffic control system at the intersection of Pom fret. Front and Main streets is much needed to expedite traffic and safeguard pedestrians in the crossing of these streets. The installation of such system would tend to lessen congestion at this point and possibly permit the removal of the present flash signal, enabling larger motor ve- hicies to make an uninterrupted turn. recommend that this mat ter be looked into.
 wish this body would in so far as possible cooperate with the State Water Commission in right ing the evils of our sewage dis posal.
 These and recommendations made previously pertaining to the revision of our ordinances and adoption of building code l again present to you hoping that you may deem fit to carry them out.
 ask every member to put forth every effort that this may be a cooperative, progressive and eco nomical administration.
 Respectfully submitted,