Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-22

After a long drawn out discussion during which several prominent citi- zens took deek6ed stands with refer ence to the finances connected with the gas and electrical department the sum of $50, ,000 was voted as an addi- tional appropriation to tide the gas and electric department over the last year at the special city meeting We'd nesday evening in the town hall.
 A second resolution passed ap- propriates not more than one thcua- and dollars as compensation for an ex- pert. not resident of the town of Norwich to investigate the needs and working of the department and to re- port back to the common council making such recommendations as he thinks proper. tho expert to be secured by Mayor Allyn l.. Brown. Another appropriation made is for the payment of a maintenance bill for q. .740-s3. now over two years old, which the depart ment holds against the city and which was never paid because Of an over sight.
 The gathering developed into one of the livliest and hottest cty meetings that Norwich has seen in some time past. For over an hour the floor was continually in the possession of the many who wished to be heard in re- gard to the management of the plant A clear cut statement was made by
 
 Commissioner D. T. Shea in regard to the situation which the electric plant finds itself in at the present time. Shaved estimates and contracts made by previous board were the reasons given by MT 7Shea as responsible for the plants unfortunate position.
 Both Deeds Ratified.
 After the meeting had been called to order at sharp eight o'clock by May or Allyn L. Brown, and the clerk had read the call. the mayor announced that the last two items in the warn ing would be taken up first and dis posed of. These were in regard to the ratification of deeds by which the city conveys land on Thames street to Casey R. Spersky and to Telley E. Babcock.
 Corporation Counsel Amos A Browning presented the following res olution in regard to the lS@d convey ed to MT. Sperslxy:
 Resolved. That the deed of the city of Norwich, executed by the mayor, and duly sealed. exhibited at this meeting. conveying to Casey H. Spar sky that portion of the land and prem ises deeded to the city of Norwich by Loutrel H. Balcom, known as No. 29 Thames street in said city, which deed to said city of Norwich is recorded in Norwich Land Records, Volume 14S, page 3S4. excepting that portion taken for the new layout of Thames street, is approved, anr the mayor is author ized to deliver the same to said Spersi5y.
 Mayor Brown said that the land re- ferred to was on the left side of Thames street and was really a pur- chase by exchange of land: the land conveyed to the city by MT. Spersky being necessary in the widening of Thames stret.
 Money Consideration is $500.
 Joseph T. Tanning inquired as to the consideration involved in the ex- change and was told by Mayor Brown that it was $500 and property needed in the widening of Thames street.
 The resolution was then passed
 The second resolution was then in troduced by Corporation Counsel Browning. This was in reference to the property deed to Mir Babcock and situation. The resolution follows:
 Resolved. That the deed Of the city of Norwich, executed by the mayor, exhibited at this meeting, convey ing to Telly E. Babcoclz that portion of the land and premises deeded to the city of Norwich by Isaac Segal, known as Nos. 37 and 3e Thames street ins aid city. which deed to said Records. Volume 14s. page 3s4, exvept- ing that portion which has been taken for the new layout of said street, is approved, and the mayor is authorized to make delivery of the same to said Babcock.
 MT. Tanning incSired as to the con- sideration involved in this proposi- ton and was informed by City En- a consideration of SLIGO. The reso- lution was passed.
 The $50,oo0 Appropriation.
 Corporation Counsel Browning then introduced a resolution authorizing the appropriation of s50.00o to tide the gas and electric department over the three remaining months of its year. and also authorizing the appropriation of the sum of $1.740.a3 for the payment of a maintenance bill dated November, 1914, which the department holds against the city and which has never been paid owing to an oversight The resolution was seconded by Alderman planation had been made by Alderman Dolbeare, Corporation Counsel Brown ing and Alderman w. HI. Allen. John McWiIliams took the floor. He quot ed figures showing that from July 1, 1904 to May 1. 1913. the department earned something over $270,oao This was under the administration Of a former board of three commissioners of which MT. McWilliams was mem Der. We were getting where we were making money for the city. he said. How is it that they need mon ey now, he asked What great expense was there that has taken away these earnings2
 Commissioner Shea Makes Statement.
 Daniel T. Shea one of the present commissioners took the floor and in a clear cut statement set forth the de- partment's present condition and blamed its unfortunate situation on contracts made by the previous board and on the shaved appropriations which the department has had to contend with in the carrying on of its operations. Mir. Shea said he was not there to speak for the commissioners. He said that If the $50, 900 was voted afhat every dol- lar of it would be paid back before May from the earnings. His state ment follows: