The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1902-01-10

stoves; $27,6O2, without either heat
ing plant Of fiues.
Erwin Hodson company, 5000 for
Jail; $3.50 for two vault doors; 1892
for steel furnishings for clerks Of
flee.
Told in Detail.
When the council met in adjourned
session yesterday afternoon all the
members were present except Connel-
ly, who arrived a little later. A brief
discussion concerning the respective
bids opened the meeting after which
Stoddard moved that the bid of the
Billings Lumber company be accept
ed.
Berky seconded the motion and
upon roll call it was found that it had.
prevailed, all the seven aldermen pres
ent voting in the affirmative.
This having been disposed of,
Berky now moved acceptance of the
Norris Safe and Lock company's bid
No. / for the Jail and vault doors. Be-
fore the motion could be put Connolly
entered and another discussion en-
sued. The upshot was a motion from
him that the council take a recess and
visit the county Jail, SO that the mem
bers could gain a little practical knowl-
edge of Jail construction, he saying
that no matter how clear and specific
the specifications submitted by the
bidders and architects might be, ow-
ing to the fact that the councilmen
were not familiar with the matter un
der consideration they were unable to
form any intelligent opinion concern
ing it. The motion was carried and
the mayor and members took a walk
to the county's prison and unded the
guidance of Jailer Robbins were
shown through the institution.
Upon their return to the council
chamber Berky renewed his motion
and it prevailed unanimously.
A building and Jail now having been
provided for, Berky moved that the
bid Of the Archambo company for a
steam heating plant be accepted.
Hogue seconded the motion and Con-
nelly arose to make a few remarks.
He said some of the local plumbers
had spoken to him about submitting
bids, they having failed to do so be-
cause the proposals they had to offer
had gone in with the bids for a COM
plete building, made by the con
tractors.
Having made rapid progress so far,
the majority Of the members appar-
emily wanted to finish the business in
hand and get through with the entire
matter then and there. Accordingly
when Berky's motion was put only
three negatives were recorded, those
of Connolly, White and Cothron.
After some slight discussion it was
decided to postpone action on the mat
ter of the bids for the steel furnish
ings of the clerks Office until the next
meeting. The mayor then appointed
White, Reynolds and the clerk a COM
mittee to examine the various plans
and decide upon the needs of the Of
flee.
This disposed OF the principal items
in connection with the building and
each member was observed to heave a
long sigh Of relief. The many weary
months of delay and doubt were over,
the city would have a building practi-
cally in accordance with the original
plans and specifications, except the
absence of plumbing in the second
story, and it would be built and equip
ped all within the sum appropriated,
and still leave q balance. The archi-
tects also wore pleased looks, as they
considered themselves indicated of
the charge of being unable to prepare
plans for a structure within the
amount of money at the disposal of
the city.
Routine Business.
A box OF cigars from the mayor was
passed around and all smoked to the
success of the new city hall. The
finance committee reported a number
Of bills, which were allowed, and also
reported receipt &bf the ~treasurer's list
Of delinQuents on the license list. AS
the report had not been examined,
the committee was permitted to re-
tain possession of it until the next reg
ular meeting.
The mayor announced that he had
decided to appoint a plumbing com
mittee and submitted the names of
A. A.. Morris, city engineers, Alder
man White and Street Commissioner
Keene, No opposition being manifest
ed the appointments were unanimous