The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-07-08
Expense of Several Thous- ands of Dollars in Prelimi- naries Promises Now to >Go For Naught- Latest Bids Rejected Because They're "Too High"
Latest Move in Game to De- lay That Has Character ized the Plan From Its In ception Confirms Suspic- ions That Administration is Playing Double Game.

Suspicion that etf1e proposed muni- cipal ice plant will not be built under the auspices of the present administra- ton was confirmed today. Another move in the game of delay that has been going since the commission was created is the decision, of the com mission to reject all bids as "too costly.'' The commission arrived at this decision at a recent meeting.
 It is known that two of the com. missioners have beeen opposed to the municipal ice plant from the starr, talk ing the ground that it could not be conducted successfully or meet ex- penses. ~
 When bids were opened by the conn., missioners two weeks ago 1t was found that Bowling, & Bottomley of this city were lowest bidders for the construc- ftion of the plant and the Vilter Mfg. C0. of Milwaukee, Wis, weFe low in the equipment The bids provided that contracts be placed at once because of the fiuctuation in price of building ma terials and metals.
 The members of the municipal ice plant commission have decided, how ever, that these bids are 700 high and they will reject all bids. Since the plant cannot be constructed in time for service this summer other bids will not be asked right away, and. in fact. ! it is doubtful if bids will be asked for at all
 It Is said that strong political pres sure brought upon members of the Ice plant commission has induced them to take this step and that they will , shortly report to the common council that in their judgment a municipal ice plant cannot be constructed and main- ( tained successfully and they will rec commend that the plan be abandoned. { The Municipal Ice Plant commdssion appointed by the mayor and confirm a by the common council arc:
 Alderman vincent s. Whitney, chair r1an 1o7s stratford avenue, term ex- pires Jan. 1. 1920.
 Timothy c. Cumminss, 500 Colorado \ avenue, term expires Jan. 1st, 1913.
 Frederick w. Hall 510 Laurel ave- 11ue, term expires Jan. list, 1917.
 Israel J. Cohn, s67 Howard ave- nue. term expires Jan. 1st, 1919. The secretary of the commission Is Har- ry Turner, 7e1 Central avenue.
 At a special election on Juno 19, 1915, bond issue of $2o0. 900 was authorized for the construction ot the municipal ice and cold storage plant subject to the orders, resolutions and ordinances of the Common Council. The co1mission was delegated power to purchase site, and lease or erect. equip and operate the plant and have charge of the sale and distribution of its product.
 The F1etcher-Thompson Co. was se- 7ected as engineers for the city to su- 5perintend the construction. This firm X has bills for several thousand dollars against the city for services rendered.
 Secretary Turner will be paid for his services and there are other ex- penses which the commission occur red in Investigating the various ~sys- ltems of the manufacture of artificial ice and systems of cold storage.
 Members of the commission would not discuss the situation today except to say they considered the bids receiv- ed for the construction of the plant altogether too high.