New Britain herald., 1924-12-10
COUNCIL CONTROL
 OF BOARDS IS SET
Charter ReVisers Outline Au-
 thOrity Over Commissions

After more than an hours dis.
 cussion, tho eharter revision com.
 mittce last night tentatively adopt
 ed a proposed charter amendent in.
 tended to put stop to wranglinG
 over the respective powers of the common council, and the police and fire boards, and postponed action until next week on the pro- posed striking out of another phrase in the charter relating to the same situation.
 The proposed change will affect Section of Chapter l9. and Sec ton ? of Chapter q. At present they provide that the police and fire boards shall have the gcner- al control and management of the department (police or firc) in said city, shall make all necessary rules and regulations for the government thereof, shall have the power to appoint the officers, members and employees in said department, etc." Under the amended section, the law will he changed by adding, subject, however, to the rights of the common council 10 pass all ordinances pertaining to the method and manner of appoint ment"
 Pointing 10 this phrase in it's original form the police and fire boards in the past year have ignor- cd the alarm of the common coun- cil 10 dictate the qualifications of firemon and policemen. The coun- cil pointed to a section which pro- vidcs that the common council may pass any ordinances relative to police and fire departments, when increased efficiency Is to be brought about and argued that 1t was a move for efficiency to restrict ap- pointments, Mayor Paonessa nr- gued that the latter clause was general statement that is qualified hy the more specific statement sub mstted in the police boards argu- ment, and he supported the latter body On his veto, the common council accepted the judgment of the police and fire boards. On recom- mendation of Alderman William H. Judd the charter revision commit tee took up the task of clarifying the situation, and has favored con- trol by the council.
 
 No Opposition to Change
 There was no opposition at last nights meeting 10 the proposed change. A lengthy discussion fol- lowed q suggestion that the general statement Of council powers be taken from the charter as being super f1uous. It was argued that this would be an additional barrier against new controversy. but other members Of the committee felt that 1t might cause further discussion. Passage of acts that might not be permitted under the new amendment would be allowed under the general statement of powers as a move for efficiency. and the police and fire boards might question the move and ignore it, it was argued. The claim would be set mp that efficiency would not result and since the charter allows only those acts that will improve the department. a re- of this years squabbling would follow. 1t was feared.
 On motion Of Alderman John r. Ma"rz. II was voted 10 lay the ques- ton over 10 next week.
 Compensation in SkrIly Case
 Chairman David z. Dunn Of the police board ap%jred in the inter "sts of changes affecting that board Y" asked the committee to consider the payment Of death benefits from the pension fund, this question having como up in tho recent death Of Patrolman James SkclIy. In that particular case. the council will he asked that q change be made