Knoxville daily chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1882, 1882-05-10
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS.
The Board Finally Succeeds In Its Pun
pose and Defeats Water Works.

F.
pose and Defeats Water Works
The Mechanicsville Annexation Question
Again Passed
Look Out for Another vteo when the
Mayor Returns.
The board of mayor and aldermen met in
special adjourned session last night on the
question of water works, Alderman Caldwell
presiding as mayor, pro tenn, and the fol-
lowing alderman present:
Brooks, Fulcber, Craig, Mccoy, Michaels,
Murphy, Hockenjos, Logan, Heiskell, Sell
by, Hudiburg, LuttreIl. Ramsey, Irwin.
Messrs H B. Herr and F. NJ Loweree,
the contractors, were also present by invita-
ton.
Alderman Logan, chairman of the water
works committee, reported the result of
their conference with the contractors, which
was to the effect that some points had been
agreed upon. But first, upon the question
of exemption from taxation, the committee
reported that it was unable to agree. 1t
was understood and formerly declared by
the board that the city has no right, III law,
to exempt any company from taxation. 1t
was provided in the contract, however, that
the city may collect and remit the taxes, but
at q IOruuef tutt cuiusc was otIAAo2
out.
Some discussion was had on that point,
and City Attorney Ledgerwood, being called
upon, gave it as his opinion that the city
authorities clearly have the right to remit
taxes collected by them if they choose,
though they have no control over the State
ndcounty taxes.
Alderman Brooks moved to rescind the
former action of the board in striking out
the exemption clause of the contract. Lost.
On the question of fixing the minimum
of 1925. 600 for the bonded Indebtedness of
the company, the committee reported that
they were willing to Tx the amount at
1925, 900, and at the expiration of five
years let them increase it to $3.50, 900.
Mr.. Herr, speaking for the contractors,
said they could not accept the contract,
| unless it provides for the debt at
$4,000, and they could not &C
cept the proposition:of the committee.
The council having formerly taken action,
| and there being no motion to rescind it, this
was taken as conclusive and in defeat of the
contract for the construction of water works,
and no further negotiations being deemed
necessary, Messrs. Herr and Loweree took
| their leave of the board.
| Alderman Logan wished to report further
| that the committee wanted the contractors to
enter into a bond of S25, 900 for the compile
ton of the works, which they understood
! the gentlemen to decline. He was ruled out
/ of order, however, on the ground that there
is no further report necessary.
| Alderman Mccoy desired to say that the
city demands water works. if they could get
satisfactory contract or arrangement He
was still of the opinion that the city ought
to build and own the works, and believed
majority were with him.
After some discussion as to the rights of
this meeting called to consider water works
only, Alderman Fulcher moved to go into
the discussion of sanitary matters, a ques-
ton is which demands the attention of the
board
Alderman Mccoy moved to amend by
going on with the regular business The
vote was a tie and the chair voted aye,
carrying the motion.
Alderman Brooks, chairman of the street
committee, moved to accept 103 yards OF
broken rock from Breene d Murphy, al
S110 per yard, it being needed on the
streets. Carried.
Alderman Brooks stated that Maj. E. G.
Camp has enjoined the city from letting
water run from Park street on his property
on Depot street, and if it is not stopped the
city will be in contemptof court. He stated
that he has not done the needed work. hav-
ing no means in his power, the street hand
having been discharged. He said there is
no practical plan for avoiding the matter, ex
cept by opening Hume street and grading
Park, which would cost $845. He didn'
recommend this, but only reported the facts
Alderman IrvIn moved to have the worl
done and let it out to the lowest bidder.
Alderman Heiskell moved to table tn.
motion Carried.
Alderman Mccoy moved to refer to tn,
street committee, with power to act Lost
!, Alderman Heiskell moved to have tn,
culverts stopped.
Alderman Logan moved to amend b.
referring to the street committee to furnisl
estimates of running guttering along Parl
. / to Hume street. Carried.
Alderman Brooks reported the receipt o
, t a deed from W. Fl. Webb to the real estat
for widening Gay street, north of Vine, ant
moved to appoint committee to tende
the proper acknowledgement for the dOna
ton. Carried, and Aldermen Brooks, Lo
gan and Murphy appointed, with acting
< Mayor Caldwell added.
I On motion of Alderman Irwin, the curb
ing there was ordered Strengthened up an
pavement laid.
Alderman Michaels moved to have tn
n curbing fixed up in front of d. s. Williams
4 property on the corner of Union and Locus
streets, SO that new pavement can be laid
Alderman Murphy said the curbing is a
0 good as any in town, and moved to table tn
l. motion.
# Alderman Hudiburg wished to be under
stood as indorsing Alderman Murphy, an
> the motion to table was carried.
q Alderman Logan, chairman of the ga
d committee, said the gas company have fur
n nished no bills to the city for about yeal
and moved that the attorney be required t
look into the matter and ascertain the why
and wherefores
Alderman Murphy moved to amend b
requiring the committee to wait on th
" company and have the bills presented.
:, Alderman Hudiburg said it is no use; tn
u city never pays the bills and he don't SUI
; pose they ever expect to pay them.
10 Alderman Logan's motion was lost.
: Alderman Brooks move that the gas con
mittee be required to make out estimates
: the gas consumed, according to the darl
Or hour system, and make legal tender
a the gas company of the money monthly
10 Carried.
Alderman Murphy, chairman of the san
. tary committee, reported that the city is
j. pretty good sanitary condition. in fact, Il
best known since his connection with Il
board.
Alderman Fulcher moved to have ii
10 water in the old flag pond pumped cut
- the fire engines, and the bottom lime
an After some discussion the motion was los
in Alderman Brooks moved to have Il
Dr. pond put in a good sanitary condition by t
,r- use of coperas.
Alderman Murphy called attention to Il
hide houses and other places on Gay sire
do that are a nuisance, and these and 9th
ey places were referred to the committee, wi
power to act in abolishing them
Alderman Brooks broughs up once ags
the Mechanicsyilie matter, but first he pl
as posed the following rules, which We
ho adopted. LIST. That the mayor has
power to vote, except in case of ii
b. End That it is the sense of the board Il
y, the mayor has no veto power; Sd. Thai
,rt motion to reconsider may be made at