Norwich bulletin. [volume] (Norwich, Conn.) 1895-2011, 1910-10-21

regard 70 the DOTTON1nS VI duOItloAidi
money.
James M. Pendleton replied that in
order to carry any of the propositions
into effect legislative authority would
be required, as the town of westerly
had reached the debt limitation The
motion prevailed with only three dis
Senting votes.
President Clarke moved that the
sum of $4,000. or so much thereof as
may be necessary, be appropriated for
the purchase of the Babcock property
as site for the town hall. The mo-
ton prevailed without discussion.
The proposition to request the neces-
sary legislative authority to incur loan
for the purpose of buying the land and
erecting the town hall was next con-
sidered.
Milo NJ Clarke asked if any legis
lative action would be necessary but
for the water debt
Treasurer Pendleton stated that the
water debt is deducted from the gem
eral debt of the town and does not en-
ter into the general Indebtedness in
determining the legal debt limit Mr.
Pendieton then explained the purchase
of the property with a view to accept
snce by the town. Soon after the
WEIGH fire q committee of the Board
of Trade made effort to secure that
property as a site for town hall, but
ed. Then the committee opened nego-
tiations for the purchase of the ada
cent Babcock property. Mr.. Babcock
asked $4,000 for the property, but
finally fixed the price at $4,000. The
proposition looked good. especially
when Mr.. Babcock agreed to accept
$1,000 in cash and the balance on a
note to run twenty years. if necessary
at a 3 1-2 per cent. rate of interest
The property was then purchase by
tn trustees of the Memorial and Libra
ry association. on the terms named and
for town hall purposes. if the taXpay ers
SO declared. If not it can be held by
the trustees and at no loss to the asso-
ciation
Mr.. Pendleton added that it is plan
ned to have state aid in the construc-
ten of the building. which is intended
to be a joint town hall and county
courthouse.
Thomas Fl. Peabody spoke in favor
OF the proposition and commended the
generous conditions made in the trans
action by Rev. Edward Babcock.
Judge John w. Sweeney said that
with Senator Louis w. Arnold on the
finance committee and two representa-
tives in the Legislature, reinforced by
representatives of the town council
the Board of Trade ard a general
committee of citizens he believed the
state would assist in the erection of the
building. portion of which would be
utilized by the courts and other state
purposes.
Treasurer Pendleton stated that ir
this particular matter he did not con-
slider that action vas necessary at this
time, as provision had been made for
the purchase of the property 1t was
time to go to the legislature for author
ity when specified amount for new
town hall could be given, Sand that
could not be done until after plans had
been made and the sum to be asked
from the state apportioned. So no
action was taken on that proposition.
The final matter to be considered
was the proposition to rescind the vote
appropria ting $1,000 to the New York
New Haven and Hartford Railroad
company for the purpose of elimina ting
the grade street crossing and making
general inproveme in connection
with the extensive changes proposed at
the Westerly railway station.
James NJ. Pendleton stated that since
the. issuance of the call for the town
meeting representatives of the railroad
company had made it-known that the
plans for the improvement were
nearing completion and that TIE work
would begin in the early spring and be
concluded within a year. Therefore
he said the vote should not be rescind
ed.
Thomas II. Peabody stated that if
the railroad company is planning to
proceed with the work the original vote
and appropriation should stand. He
said there were conditions in the gree
ment that were reached With difficulty
and should not be disturbed
Charles Perry stated that the com
pany had secured nearly all of the
property required and that one trans
fer mad been made that morning. He