Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1880-12-19
CITY AFFAIRS.

New Court House--No Consolidation of
City and Countrywide Board of Public
WORKSHOP Much Economy in Some Df-
rections.
A conference Of the committee on leg
islation of the common council, consist
ing Of President Rhodes and Aid .Dowlan.
Allen and Cornish, with City Attorney
Murray, Comptroller Roche, Hon. James
Smith, Jr., Gen. John 3. Sanborn, c..
Gilfllan, John NJ Gilman and Peter Der
key, was held yesterday afternoon at 8
O'Clock.
1t was resolved to recommend to the
legislature that the city be allowed to is
sue bonds for the erection Of work
house.
Also to recommend bill authorizing
the issue of certificates of Indebtedness
for the purpose of taking up the floating
Indebtedness of the city.
MIR. Murray suggested that legislation
be procured as will authorize the CITY to
purchase the water works A protracted
discussion arose on the subject, partici-
pated in by all present. Mr. Gilfillan
stated that the cost of the works had been
about s470, 900 and that the city could
probably purchase them for that amount.
After paying the interest on the bonds
there would be a surplus left of about
$15, 900 year provided the consumption
remained as it is. 1t would be necessary
to greatly extend the works, but this
could be done from the revenues of the
company.
On motion of Gen. Sanborn it was re-
solved to procure the legislation neces-
sary to authorize the city to make the
purchase.
The subject of new court house was
suggested. Capt. Berkey opposed the
| plan, declaring that the property owners
| were not prepared to meet the expense
He said the records were unsafe in their
present places, and there was a great
need Of the Improvement Gen
| Sanborn, Aid. Allen and Comptroller
Roche favored it. The matter was laid
| aside.
The matter of replacing Seventh street
bridge was taken up and the relative
/ value to the city Of an iron bridge or a
fill-up was discussed The subject was
laid aside.
On motion 1t was resolved to appropri-
ate enough money as may be necessary
for the opening of the street opposite the
Union depot, from Sibley to Wacouta
streets.
| The matter Of the construction of a
viaduct over the railroad tracks at West
minister street came up.
The matter of increased facilities for
the accommodation of the public schools
was discussed, during which Mr. Gilfillan
stated that he was reliably informed that
the present structures would not &C
cOmmOdate two thirds of the
schoolable children The result
of the discussion was general expression
of opinion that there must be increased
| schoolable facilities
Capt. Berkey here announced. that he
came into the conference in the hopes
that something might be originated look
ing toward a consolidation of the city and
county governments. He believed there
could be saving to the tax payer,
| Mr.. James Smith, Jr. was not clear that
such a consolidation could be made under
the constitution, and if it could
it was doubtful if the increased
expense for the care of roads, etc.,
| would not make the consolidated govern
|
| During the discussion MFR. MURRAY stat
ed that the proofs showed that there was
not more than one city in the Union, run
more methodically and economically than
| st. Paul.
MIR. Berkey acknowledged the Justice
and truth Of this statement, but insisted
there was an opportunity to do still bet
| ter
Gen. Sanborn said to test the question.
he would move that in the opinion of the
committee the question of consolidation
Of the city and county governments was
impracticable at this time, and the cues
| ton being put, every vote was in the af-
| irmative
Chairman Rhodes brought up the
question Of the manner Of electing city
engineer, the present system not being
satisfactory to the council, the officer
| being elected by the board of public works,
and without the voice or any RESPONSE
bility to the city council.
MIR. Sanborn inquired of Mr. hurry if
it was his opinion that the board of pub
| lie works, as at present organized, was an
economical and wise measure.
Mr.. Murray was emphatically of the
opinion that it was, but thought the mem
bers should be paid good salary.
After discussion, Mr. Murray moved
| that legislation be secured providing for
the election of city engineer and street in
spectors by the board of public works and
city council in joint convention. The
| motion was adopted.
Alderman Dowlan moved that the
board of public works consist of one mem
Der from each ward.
MIR. Murray suggested an amendment
that the board consist Of five members,
no two to reside in the same ward. hfr.
Dowlan accepted the amendment, and it
was declared the sense of the committee.
Col. Allen called attention to the salary
OF the city attorney. 1t was too small
He had an immense amount of detail
work, and the city had now reached a
position where the Office demanded the
best legal talent to be obtained.
Senator Gilfillan thought when the
salary of the office was cut down it was
mistake.
Senator James Smith ,cJr., thought the
salary ought to be increased and that the
officer ought to be given clerk.
Mr.. Berkey agreed with Col. Aliens
suggestion, but thought the matter had
better be referred to the legislative dele
cation. Then Mr.. Berkey brought up
the sheriffalty, remarking that the charges
for turkeys services, etc, ETC., were ex-
orbltant, and ought to be cut down.