Morning journal and courier., 1891-05-07
WILL ASK FOR oPINIoNs

From the Corporation C0unse1-A Surprise Created by che New Mem- Der Of the Board of Public Works- Another Shot at MT. Lcigh's Resf- 5 dence-The Engineering Investfga- ton Not Continued. The meeting of the board of public works was not of the lively character which characterized the one last week. There were, however, few shots occasionally to fly back and forth across and around the table. That investigation into the meth ods of the engineering department was not taken up, but there were plenty other matters to occupy the time until late hour. Not little surprise was created when the clerk read the following paper signed by the youngest member of the board and which was unanimously voted: Gentlemen of the Board of Public Works:
 Recently it became my duty to approve certain contracts for the construction of sewers for the city and found on examina- tion of the documents submitted that one of the bondsmen was member of this board and since my approval of the con tracts, doubts have arisen in my mind as to the legal right of any member of this board becoming bonds w work for the city under control of the board of public works. It would seem quite natural in case the contractor failed to carry out the contract, for the commits sioner,, who is his bondsman, to exercise such influence and power as he might have to save the contractor from loss and him. self from the penalty or the bond which he has signed.
 learn through the public press that one of the commissioners of this beard is furnishing material to the contractors with which to construct the sewers contracted for. If it is true that member of this board is furnishing or is under contract to furnish sewer pipe or other material for is obvious that in case the said materials or pipe furnished by the commissioner should prove defective or objection able that the commissioner would naturally exercise the influence of his posi- ton as member of this board, to cause l an acceptance by the employees of this board, namely, the city engineer or inspec- | tor under him.
 I make this communication as new member for tho purpose of placing myself ou record ,as we'll as to invite the attention of the board to the foregoing facts; also to make the following motion which I now l offer for the adoption of this board. 1 Ordered, That the corporation counsel of the city of New Haven be and he here by is requested to inform this board in writing at an early date whether or not a commissioner of this board has legal | right under the ordinances and charter of the city of New Haven to become so far interested in contract being executed un- der the direction of this board as to be- 1 come the bondsman for the contractor or to furnish him with supplies for the execu- ton of his contract.
 In asking for the adoption of the fore going order would state that the infor- nation desired from the corporation coun. sel is for future guidance in passing upon contracts which may be submitted for ap proval. Respectfully, l R. H. BROWN. l Right after the above had been passed upon MT. Leigh submitted the following which did not pass:
 Voted, That the corporation counse be asked for his opinion, if any commis sioner can have any team or man directly or indirectly employed for his benefit by this board
 This was lost and quickly Commis sioner Todd introduced the following which was carried
 Voted, That the opinion of the corpora I ton counsel De asked Tor 1n writing whether person can be member of any of the commissions of this city not resi- dent of the city.
 This was intended as return sho against MT. Leigh and his Westville resi- dence.
 Permission was granted the West Haver Horse Railroad company, Superintendent Ward appearing in their behalf, to lay double tracks on Kimberly avenue, from the Howard avenue bridge to the bricl yards.
 Patrick Bowling appeared to complair
 that he had not received his orders for tn.
 construction. of the Salstonstall avenue
 sewer, the contract which was awarded
 him some weeks ago. It was moved ant
 voted to set him at work, and that Inspec
 tor Dillon inspect the work. Some ittl'
 discussion arose whether or not MT. Dil lon was the proper one to inspect thi
 work. MT. Brown suggestedGeorge Wheaton do the inspecting and another suggested thatit be given James Mccormack. Buti
 was finally left with MT. Dillon thougl Mir. Hill said he was not properly an in spector but the superintendent of all thu sewers, drawing salary of $137 pc
 month, where an inspector is paid some thing less. MT. Atwater said that MT
 Dillon spent three-fourths of his tim, about something else besides the sewers and might as well spend his time doing