The Penn's Grove record., 1904-08-19
Council Grants A Gas Franchise.


The regular meeting Of the Borough
Council held Tuesday evening was the
most important IL for a long time
long in session, long III importance.
Councilmen Hunt, Corson, Denny,
Hammitt and Cook were present. Mayor
Elkinton presided.
Current bills were ordered paid.
Thomas P. Morgan was present in be-
half OF the Penn's Grove fire company.
He said the Company contemplated rails
ing money by private subscription to buy
a hook and ladder. He asked the Coun-
Gil whether they would be willing to pay
the rent of a building in which to house
it. The Council seemed favorable, but
wished him to report the cost of rental at
next meeting.
The ordinance granting a franchise to
the PENIS Grove Gas Co., was taken up
and discussed from 8 until 11.30 when it
was finally passed, by the addition OF a
few amendments. A committee of the
Council had gone over the ordinance with
Solicitor Fogg, who was present in the
interest of the Borough. The most i'm
portant amendments proposed was that
the Company give a bond of $4,000 in
stead 81, 900 to insure the Borough against
any damage which may occur during the
construction and operation of the plant;
also that the maximum price of each
lamp per year for lighting streets be SIS,
instead OF 500 a year, also if the Com
pany refused to supply the Borough with
light and fulfill contract that the fran
chise be forfeited.
Mr.. Herbert McNeal, of Philadelphia,
and Mr.. j. Adelbert higgins, of PENIS
Grove, spoke in the interest of the gas
Company. Mr.. McNeal stated that they
would grant the bond for So, 900 damages
during the construction, but could not
do so for operation because that
would tie up 5000 for SO years. He also
said if the maximum price per light was
reduced to SIS a year the franchise was
not, wanted as it would be useless to start a
plant with less than a living profit. 1t
would be optional with the Borough
whether a contract was made with the
Company. They wished a contract, but
All arbitrary Council might, in future
years, require. something that would for
felt the franchise and then the bonds
would be worthless. No Company could
sell bonds with a forfeiture clause in the
franchise.
Mr.. higgins stated that the 500 a year
per light was the same that Medford paid
similar lights and was a dollar or two less
than Baltimore paid per light on adver-
tised bids, with three competing COM
panies. Medford paid.$2 per light and
PENIS Grove should not expect cheaper
lighting than other towns pay. There
must be a living profit to start with. The
Company will supply the Borough with
As lights with IS candle power for 5000 a
year.
Mayor Elkinton suggested that as that
was less than $40 per light the Company
make the maximum price $40. That was
agreed to.
Mr.. McNeal had an amendmen6 put in
granting gas free for public buildings
and schools.
The ordinance after the adoption Of the
amendments was read and passed. Those
who voted for it were Hunt, Corson
Hammitt and Cook. Not voting Denny.
Absent Jordan.
The ordinance as passed appears in
another column.
Joseph NJ. Johnson and Jacob D.
Landes, of Millersburg, Pa, were present
with an ordinance asking for a franchise
to erect and operate water works for
PENIS Grove. Their proposition asked
for an exclusive right, and contains a
contract that the Borough take so fire
plugs at $50 each per year. They give
the Borough the option of buying the
plant within six months after operation.
1t being late the ordinance was not
introduced and little discussed. 1t was
referred to the Borough Solicitor for in
spection.