Omaha daily bee., 1916-03-08
PLANS GALORE FOR
LIGHTING OMAHA
Chicago Man Wants to Build New
Plant Under 35-Year Contract
-Harries Has New Offer.
BUTLER WANTS EXPERT ADVICE

The city council referred all docu-
ments relating to electric street light
ing and a municipal electric plant to
the committee of the whole for dis
cussion next Monday morning at 10
o'clock.
w. l.. Stebbins, civil and consult
ing engineer, Monadnock block, Chi
cago, submitted in writing propo-
sition for the establishment OF an
electric light and power plant and
giving the city the option of operat-
ing and maintaining the street light
ing system with current from the
proposed new plant at an agreed
rate. 1t is further proposed that the
company would operate the plant for
the city at cost plus 10 per cent, or
the city would be permitted to pur-
chase the electric lighting distribut-
ing system. Mr.. Stebbins is willing
to enter into a contract with the city
that his company will operate thirty
five years. He said he would organ
ize local company. No rates are
mentioned in the proposal of the Chi
cago man.
New Proposition.
George II. Harries. president of the
Omaha Electric Light and Power COM
pany. submitted a slightly revised propo-
sition for five-year street lighting con
tract. allowing the city the option to
purchase the equipment at the expiration
of the contract period.
The United Improvement clubs and
West Leavenworth Improvement club
filed protests against entering into a
contract with the light company for
street lighting.
Must Change Laws.
The following communication was re-
ceived from the Water board:
THE Board of Directors OF the Metro
politan Water District OF the City of
Omaha. in response to a resolution of
the mayor and council. adopted February
%. 1916. inviting bids for the furnishing
of electric current and for the equipmeht
for street lighting, etc. begs leave 10 in
form you that it is advised by its counsel
that the Metropolitan Water District,
under existing law, has not the power TO
construct and operate an electric light
plant However IL the Legislature changes
the Metropolitan Water District law.
enabling the water district to purchase
equipment and sell electricity and the city
is still in a position to do its own street
lighting the Water district will be able to
perform the service requested.
In conclusion the. Board OF Directors
wishes to assure you that It stands ready
to cooperate with you In every way
within its power to accomplish a real re-
ductlon in electric light rates I'm Omaha,
Butler Wants an Expert.
The following resolution, offered by
stated, and of obtaining the proper and
Commissioner Butler, was referred to
next Mondays con erence:
THAT sufficient funds from any avail
able source be set aside and that the
city be authorized TO procure the serv-
ices of some competent electrical engi-
neer for the purpose OF ascertaining the
requirements Of an adequate electric
lighting plant of the character above
appropriate plans. specifications and
estimates of the costs OF the construc-
ton and equipment OF the same, of suf-
ficient capacity to develop and distribute
electric current sufficient TO light the
public streets and public places OF the
city as well as to furnish current for
lighting the buildings and homes OF this
city"