This Day in History: 1959-10-15
A bitter verbal dispute along party lines broke out at the Township Committee meeting over plans to build an extension to the Miller Road fire house. The Republicans introduced a resolution to spend no more than $15,000 on a one bay addition to house the new fire truck. It was to have cut stone facing on two sides to harmonize with the existing fabric and cinder block on the south side to permit for an inexpensive future expansion. Democratic member Vincent F. Biefary complained that the original plan, which called for three bays was to cost $36,000, had been reduced and plans drawn up without even consulting the Democratic minority. He conceded that the building had to be expanded but abstained from voting because he had not seen the plans. Mayor Morris Ruddick claimed that the board had previously voted 3-2 to cut down on the original structure as being too expensive. These plans only reflected that vote. The first reading of the resolution eventually passed with four votes for it and one abstention. The other Democratic member, Mrs. Janet Herlihy, voted for the ordinance after she had inspected the plans. (Bristow)