MILLTOWN CUTS EXPENSES ON ITS ELECTRIC WORK

Assistant Superintendent to Replace Work of Borough Clerk and Official Tapper — Other Items at Council Meeting.

MILLTOWN, Jan. 12 — One of the most radical, though economical and efficient changes in the administration of borough affairs took place at a regular meeting of the Borough Council last night when Councilman William R. Evans offered resolutions in behalf of the finance committee, abolishing the collection of electric light money and water rents by Clerk R. A. Harkins, for which he was annually paid $450, and at the same time abolishing the engagement of Henry A. Christ as official tapper, creating a further saving to the borough of $1.50 for every tap made.

A third resolution by the same committee provided for engaging John T. Barlow, of this place, as of January 15 to act in the capacity of assistant to Superintendent Samuel Spears, to act as tapper under the direction of the superintendent and also to take care of collections of water rents, light money, and general assistant to the superintendent.

The salary of the new man was set at $720 per annum, but when the matter of salary of $450 paid to the clerk for collection of water rents and light money is taken into consideration it will bring the new man’s salary down to $270 without taking into consideration what the borough might save on each tap that is made and furthermore the borough will have the services of a much-needed assistant to the superintendent in case of sickness, accident, or other difficulties that may arise.

In connection with this change, the adoption of a new system of keeping accounts was also advocated and passed upon, the same to take effect at such time when the proper stationery, etc., is procured.

At the time of the installation of the sewer and water systems the borough council purchased a tapping machine which had been used by the official tapper at a small rental to the borough for each tap made, thus the borough will not be put to any additional expense in this direction but will benefit by an increased profit for each and every tap made.

The surprising change was not made for any political reasons, but from the interest of the borough from an economical point of view and the officials are deserving of praise for their action, which no doubt will be viewed by many as a wise move.

While the assistant superintendent will take up his duties on the 15th, no definite time has been set for the expiration of terms of present collectors of water rents and light money although it is anticipated it will take place shortly after the old year books are audited and the new system is inaugurated.

Another change was made at the meeting last night in so far as giving the superintendent authority to direct the work of the general utility man. This action was also taken with a view of a saving to the borough in many instances, and also with a view of having someone who is on the job all the time to account for the actions of those employed by the borough.

An Ordinance

An ordinance to amend an ordinance to regulate the use of water rates in the Borough of Milltown was adopted on the first and second readings last night, the document setting forth that all bills for water shall be payable to the superintendent of public works quarterly, on the first day of March, June, September, and December; in each year, and if not paid within thirty days thereafter the water shall be shut off and will not again be turned on except upon payment of the arrearage, with interest at the rate of six per cent per annum, and an additional fee of one dollar for turning on the water, and that before water is turned on for building purposes a payment of three dollars to the borough is required. The ordinance is to take effect immediately.

Upon a request from Van Liew avenue residents council authorized the street committee to place several loads of ashes on the sidewalk through the well-known gulley on the avenue.

From complaint received the clerk was authorized to notify C. W. Kuhlthau to have the sidewalk in front or near his place of business put in condition for pedestrians.

A check was received from the Employers Liability Assurance Corporation on account of injuries sustained by Superintendent Samuel Spears in falling from a light pole sometime ago.

Better Trolley Service?

Better trolley service was another matter which was briefly brought before council at their busy session held last night and after hearing many complaints as to the manner in which extra cars are run, the overcrowded conditions of cars during the rush hours, the non-compliance with the borough’s request to stop at street corners, etc., a motion was passed that the clerk write Mr. Gates, asking what night during the next two weeks either he or his representative could meet with the councilmen to thoroughly discuss the problem of interest to the residents of Milltown with a view of getting satisfactory adjustment to all.

That the councilmen mean business in this instance is emphasized by the fact that they propose to take it up with the State Utility Commission if they cannot get an adjustment otherwise.

The bonds of Recorder Jos. A. Bradley and Marshal Jos. F. Ruppert, Sr., were received and approved.

Charles Bauries, chairman of the light committee, reported that Mack’s garage had been connected up as well as Michelin House No. 52 during the past month.

While the books of the collector and treasurer have not as yet been audited reports rendered last night showed a balance of $34,341.10, of which $1,800 of this was secured interest derived through the wise disposition of sewer and water bonds. This balance is accounting for many of the ideas now under way in the way of town improvement. Upon the judgment of the reports as to the legal end recent financing of the borough is practically self-sustaining.

The total receipts during the past year were entirely sufficient to meet all growth of the borough and obligations incurred through the increased expansion of improvements without affecting the ideas of the estimated amounts to be used, it is intimated.