Smyrna times. [volume] (Smyrna, Del.) 1854-1987, 1906-01-17
COUNCIL REFUSES TO SELL
THEELECTRIC LIGHT PLANT
WOULD NOT ENTERTAIN A PROPOSITION
FROM U. G.GLICK, PROMOTER OF TROLLEY

Question of Municipal Ownership Became too
Strong Factor and They Voted to Inform
Mr.. Click That They Would Not Sell.
At an adjourned meeting of the
Smyrna Town Council last evening
with President Reynolds and all mem
bers present, it was unanimously de-
cided not to sell the electric light plant
to the Smyrna, Kent County and Del
aware Bay Traction Company, Ulysses
g. Click, trustee. The matter was
brought squarely before the Council
on motion of Councilman John G.
Stockly, who moved "that the Board
inform Mr.. Click that Council does not
think it expedient to sell the electric
light plant at this time" The motion
received prompt second from Coun-
Gilman j. G. Robinson and before the
question was called and the motion
put on its final passage the members
themselves. All through the free par
liamentary discussion that followed,
the underlying tone was municipal
ownership, that it was better for the
town to hold on to the plant no matter
how hattering the offer. Messrs.
StOckly, Grieves, Robinson, Thornley,
and Wright all had some remarks to
make and in almost each case they con-
tended that they had heard adverse
sentiment against the sale of the plant
by property owners and light takers
and with such an unsettled state they
would not feel like taking the respon-
sibility of disposing of the plant. Mu-
nicipal control was strong factor that
entered into the discussion, that the
town would have better control of the
plant than a corporation and would
better look after the interests of the
people. The question was finally
called and Stockly's motion was passed
unanimously. President Reynolds APP
pointed Secretary H. B. Grieves tc
notify DIR. Click of the action of the
Board.
Eminent Legal Opinion Brought to Bear.
The subject was first brought before
the Council last Friday evening by
Promoter U. G. Click, of the Trolley
Company who appeared before the
members with his attorneys, H. H
Ward, former attorney general of the
State, and Charles Howell LeFevre
the local attorney, to prepare the way
for proposition to be made for the
purchase of the plant and the acquiring
of a franchise. They came fortified
with all the legal opinion necessary fol
plain business transaction. Mr.
Wards opinion on the right of the
Council to sell the plant is published
in full on the second page of this issue
Mr.. Ward took the floor and explained
the object of the meeting and submitted
draft of an ordinance with everything
except price and conditions which were
to be agreed upon after conference be
tween Trolley Company and the Board
Pending the taking of an invoice o
the plant with the purpose of having
something definite to sell, Council
man Robinson moved that the Council
adjourn to meet the following Tuesday
evening to discuss the matter more
fully. Councilman Hudson seconded
the motion which, was carried unani
mously. The adjourned meeting re
suited as above stated.
Council Will Now Improve The Plant.
One good thing, however. has com,
out of the discussion and that is tina
the Town Council has awakened to the
fact that they must improve the plan
and give the takers better service. Al
the members agreed to this and it i
now probable that an order will bt
given for COX dynamos to replace thu
small dynamos now in service and
new EXETER. The reconstructed 10
horse power boiler, Mr.. Grieves stated
has been inspected and shipped from
the factory of Robert Wetherill & Co.
Chester, and should be in place within
week or two. With this boiler and
new dynamos and EXETER, the plan
will be in shape to do service for
long time. Other improvements will
be made from year to year.
FEAR SAN JOSE SCALE AROUND cHHswOLI