The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-02-18

Naugatuck, Feb. 18-Although de- terlnined opposition blocked order ing of installation of treads On the stairways leading to the Gem the- ater, the board of welfare at a spe- cial session last night voted to in- stall treads on the rear stairway leading to Maple street from the main floor. and ordered the town farm committee to get figures on the cost of shingling the roof of the barn at the town farm, with power to have the work started.
 In reference to the barn matter, Patrick Scully said one side of the roof was in bad shape now and there would be no roof if action were not taken soon. Warden John J. Sheridan felt that as it seems probable there will be surplus in the welfare department budget this year, part of this surplus could be used for the shinglnig work and 1t would not have to go over until the next fiscal year, which starts April 1.
 The opposition to the idea of the town paying for installation of treadS on the Gem theater stair ways came as a considerable sur prise. Frank w. Eaton felt it was up to the lessee, Ralph PaSho. to do this work, saying the lease under which the theater is rented provides for this.
 He said the town is responsible for structural repairs, but did not characterize treads as falling under this classification. He felt it was not the business of the welfare board to order the work done, say ing it would be just as logical for the town to pay for similar work at the Alcazar theater.
 MT. Scully also felt it was not up to the welfare board of the town hall committee, and Richard Park inson indicated he felt the same. Supt. Leo Scully did not participate in this discussion.
 MT. Parkinson asked if MT. PaSho had offered to pay any of the cost of treading the stairways. Warden John J. Sheridan said he didn't know. He has good thing there. I don't want to spend that out of the towns money" MT. Parkinson said.
 Different Opinions
 The warden expressed the opinion that if there is need for repairs in any part of the town hall. the board should do it. MT. Parkinson said these repairs would not be for pub lie use, but felt some protection should be put on the rear stairway leading to Maple street. An esti- mate of $806 was given by John German, local contractor, for in stallation of treads on all three stairways, that is, the two leading to the Gem and the rear stairway. The cost of the rear stairway would be $l55, which would leave the cost of the theater stairways approxi- mately $651.
 MT. Parkinson felt that the amount that might be spent on the theater stairways would be handy to help pay part of the cost of a new fire engine.
 The warden said he thought the rear stairways should be done any, way and suggested that the town hall committee confer with Pasho to see If he would pay anything to- ward the cost of doing the theater stairways.
 Louis De Carlo made this in the form of Q motion. but after some confusion with some members of the board apparently having nlS- understood the motion, it was not seconded. MT. Eaton said Inc didn't see why the committee should cor- fer with Pasllo on that. and if aily- thing k strucutrally wrong with the stairs it is the towns job to iix it, otherwise it Is up to the lessee, he inc dicated. Mr. Do Carlo asked f Pasho does not put any treads til