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The Saratogian Newsroom blog, complete with thoughts and commentary from our newsroom staff and regular posts on happenings around town.

Saturday, March 7

City Hall Generator

Last Tuesday, police noted an item in the blotter that emergency generator had come on for it's usual test, at about 2:30 a.m. Tuesday morning. This is a weekly test, and usually happens without incident.

However, on Tuesday, the wind was blowing in such a way as to divert the diesel exhaust into the Police Department's cell block, rendering it unusable.

The prisoners were moved to the booking room (where they were held during the months the cell block us unusable because of the degradation of the facility). One of the city's two judges were called in around 3 a.m. to arraign all the prisoners.

The most amusing part of the blotter entry was the part that noted that the generator vendor was called in the middle of the night, and advised the police department that they are no longer under contract with the city.

In the mean time, Asst. Chief of Police Chris Cole tells me that DPW is working to re-route the generator's exhaust away from the cell block, and that the test would be rescheduled for a time when the cell block is not likely to be occupied, such as Sunday afternoon.

Of course, should the power fail for real, there is no way to predict whether or not the cell block will be occupied.

7 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well Kim’s got a nice office how bout putting the prisoners there.

March 7, 2009 at 6:25 PM 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The mayor is responsible for City contracts. Where was he when it was discovered that the maintenance contract on the backup generator had expired? Probably in Florida working on his tan. Florida is where he spends most of his time during the winter, except when he jets in for City Council meetings where he does his usual do-nothing, know-nothing routine.

March 8, 2009 at 6:54 AM 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Your March 6th article,Spa city water rates to rise,is producing alot of comments over a 100 so far,in regards To former water meter reader Kelly Cark and how she is being rewarded with a new job and a big raise despite the she lost the old job due to another DWI.some believe she's getting this special treatment because of the fact her uncle is elio delsette and he is the chairman of the civil service commission and a big Scirroco supporter,I hope you won't gloss over this.read some of the comments

March 8, 2009 at 9:40 AM 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The generator company, which installs generators, and is familiar with generators, knows the potential risks associated with generators, and made a profit selling the city this generator, then claims no responsibility when the first problem occurs after installation.
Looks like the City hired the wrong company -- low bidder probably -- a quick buck and then all you see is their backsides heading for the bank.

March 8, 2009 at 11:24 AM 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Maybe it leaks oil. Bring in McTygue for the coverup. He's the best man for the job!

March 9, 2009 at 7:09 AM 
Blogger The Saratogian City Desk said...

anon 9:40 a.m.:
I will be looking into that allegation today.

anon 6:54 a.m.:
The Mayor is responsible for LABOR contracts, not contracts with individual suppliers. Service contracts or contracts with vendors usually fall to the Risk and Safety department. While we're on the topic, how is that you know so much about the Mayor's whereabouts? To my knowledge, he has taken two vacations this winter, and only left town for one of them. I suppose it's debatable whether or not that's excessive, but regardless, I think you're blowing the situation out of proportion. Whether or not you agree with his policies and politics, I don't think anyone can deny that Mayor Johnson works hard for his $12,500 salary.

March 9, 2009 at 10:02 AM 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Each department in City Hall is responsible for their own service contracts. In this case, the City Hall generator is managed by the Department of Public Works and specifically the City Electrician.

March 9, 2009 at 6:59 PM 

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