New Britain herald., 1922-06-13
Change Comes as Surprise New Chairman Has Different 2-PlatOon Plan, Calling for Reduction in Firemen's Wages.

The unexpected happened at the meeting of the board of fire commits sioners held lastevenne when John keevers, democrat, was elected chair man of the board, succeeding Emil Hjerpe, republican. That the result of the election was a complete surprise could be seen by the expressions on the various faces in the room when the announcement was made by Clerk Keogh. Another surprise feature was the introduction of a new o-platoon system plan by MT. keevehs and John Rogers.
 Following a brief business session, Commissioner W. C. kranowitz sug- gested that before the meeting pro- ceeded the chairman and clerk be elected. Mir. kranowitz nominated Mir Hjerpe. Mir. keevers suggested that the ballot vote be used.
 Keevers Votes For Himself.
 Clerk keogh was called upon 10 give the results of the election and stated that Mir. Keevers had received two votes and Mir. Hjerpe one. It was learned that Mir. Hjerpe did not vote and that MT. kranowitz, democrat, voted for Mir, Hjerpe. This meant that Mir. keevers voted for himself, while MT. Rogers, democrat. also Vot- ed for him. Mir. Keevers, however, did not take the chair for the evening as he said he could not until he had filed a bond. He thanked the board for the honor bestowed upon him and said that he would endeavor to give a successful administration.
 John Keogh was reelected clerk and thanked the commissioners for the election
 Mayor Surprised
 Later in the evening Mayor Paones- ea entered the room to discuss few business affairs and was about to leave when Mir. Hjerpe asked hlm to stay for while and said Meet our new chairman. Mir. keevers.' The mayor did not move to congratulate Mir. Keevers but continued to talk as if no change had been made, what soever.
 To Put Banjo Posts.
 Electrical Superintendent George Cooley appeared before the board and asked for permission to purchase three banjo posts, which were knocked down. The price was to be s22.10 8 piece. Mir. Cooley was granted the right to go ahead and purchase the posts.
 Question of Doctors.
 A matter of importance to come be- he 2de Q by MT. Hjerpe that the department physicians want s15o for six months service unless the amount of work they do calls for more than Sl5o, and then they want additional pay. If. however. they did not do work amounting to s15o for the six months they were to receive that much in compensation at any rate, the report said.
 The commissioners. however. did not approve of that plan and decided that the physicians should be paid s1.50 for an office visit and s2 for visit to the homes.
 Coal Problem.
 The matter of purchasing coal foi the winter supply was next taken up. Fire Chief w. J. Noble stated that the fire department uses 21o tons per year. Of this amount, however, only 1eo tons is purchased by the fire de- partment inasmuch as the bins at the Commercial street house are filled with the police department orders. but paid for by the fire department
 Commissioner kranowitz thought 1t to he cit tu purchase coal for all departments at one time and moved that the matter be taken up with the mayor before any action is taken.
 A letter was also received from the holder of the mortgage on the trap rock quarry on Stanley street stating that the propery may be sold within a short time and therefore the city could not use it as a drill tower, as was planned.
 Stanley Street Lot.
 The board also discussed the ad- visa bility of having the city secure a lot in the Stanley Quarter section of the town for the fire departments Use in future years, It vas explained that with the new Normal school on Stanley street that section of the town will grow quickly and in a short time a fire department will be needed. It was also explained that the land is increasing in value In Stanley Quarter and the commissioners were urged to purchase lot shortly. It was de- cided that Chief Noble and the chair man of the board inspect property in that section relative to securing a site. David l.. Dunn, chairman of the police commissioners, was at the meet ing for short time to discuss with the board the possibility of increasing the insurance on the fire station and police department building on Con- mercial street It was learned, how