Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-20
FIRE CLERK BOUNCED.
Allegheny Councilmen Entirely
Abolish That Office.
OTHER CLERKS HEADS WILL FAEL.
The Smoke Consumer Ordinance Laid Over
Another Month.
SOME MINOR MUNICIPAL MATTERS

Aside from the report of the Auditing
Committee on Mayor Wyman the next
matter of Importance that occupied the at
tention of Allegheny Councils was plea
| to wipe out the office of Clerk to the Fire
Bureau, held by Thomas Sample. 1t came
| up in Common Council.
Mr.. Gerwig wanted to know why it was
| desired to abolish this Office.
Mr.. Simon replied that when the Office
was created it was provided that fireman
should act as the clerk to the bureau, and
get $50 per month extra. The present clerk
does not serve as hoseman, but he gets
both salaries, for which he does no work.
The only work it could be found that he
performs is reading the newspapers in the
morning. For these reasons they wanted to
abolish the position.
Mr.. Gerwig raised point of order and
held that the ordinance was out of order.
He said that the ordinance repealed by this
ordinance was repealed by the charter ordi-
nance, and the chief Of the department au-
thorized to retain in Office the necessary
employees until he shall report to Councils
the proper number of employees, etc,
needed to run the department. Councils
seemed to think they had control over the
appointments of employees by the chiefs.
They have not unless they abolish portion
of the charter ordinance.
Mr.. Simon remarked that the ordinance
was prepared by the City Solicitor.
Can Abolish Minor Positions.
After brief discussion on the question,
City Solicitor Elphinstone was called on to
give his views. He said that by ordinance
the chiefs were authorized to retain old en-
ployes and clerks until they reported the
number necessary to Councils. They have
not yet reported, and Councils therefore
have the right to strike down any of these
old ordinances, and thus abolish posi-
tion.
President Parke upon this ruled the
point not well taken.
Mr.. Gerwig then said he would discuss
the ordinance on its merits. He said that
the clerk of the bureau had no work be-
cause his work was taken from him. 1t ap-
peared to be a spite against the individual.
There was work for the clerk of the bureau.
but he was deliberately prevented from
doing ii. Councils only had one side of the
story. There were q lot more clerks not
doing bit more work and not a thing was
said. He moved to amend the ordinance by
making it cover the clerks of all the
bureaus.
Mr. Knox suggested that the bureaus of fire,
police. water, streets and sewers and health
be named He said the clerks in them
didn't work any more than the clerk to the
Bureau of Fire. The trouble was too many
members of Councils had relations in posi-
tions. AS long as there were clerkships
they would be appointed and the members
endeavor to retain them. They should
wipe out the positions. Allegheny City
was not run on business principles; there
were too many sinecures for the friends and
relation of Councilmen.
Mr.. Stauffer objected to the amendment.
He thought every tub should stand on its
own bottom. They should dispose of the
Fire Bureau matter first and then take I'D
the other bureaus.
Mr.. Drum sided with Mr.. Stanffer and
after some more discussion the original
ordnance was passed.
Held Over the Smoke Ordinance.
The ordinance relating to smoke con-
sumers, after considerable discussion, was
laid over until the next meeting.
An ordinance authorizing a change in the
grade of portion of California avenue met
with some opposition, but finally passed.
The ordinance for the opening and widen
ing of Harrison street was referred back to
give property owners a chance to be
heard. The ordinance changing the grade
of Sweeney alley was referred back for al
teraton. A resolution was presented by
Mr.. Lewis that the Chief of the Depart
ment of Public Works dismiss Weighmas-
ter Dalzell, of the Ninth ward scales and
the position be merged into that of the
Third ward. 1t was referred to the Finance
Committee. A resolution was adopted di-
recting the Chief Of the Department of
Public Works to enforce the rule of the
Water Committee to shut off the city water
from persons outside the city.
The chiefs of departments were then in
structed to make out their estimates for
next year, after which the appropriations
from the contingent fund of $50, 900 to the
Water Bureau. 1000 to the Police Bureau
and So, 900 to the Roads Bureau were passed
finally.
On the call of wards the only matter
above routine, importance was request
from Charles Wilhelm for the city to buy
5000 copies of the history of Allegheny
City for 81 per copy. 1t was referred to
Finance Committee.
In Select Council Mr.. Wertheimer pre-
sented statement of the money due for the
city's share of dihe rent street improve
ments and for some unpaid salaries. amount
ing to S51, ,3O1 6S 1t was sent back for the
committee to prepare ordinances to pay the
same. He also presented an ordinance to
collect the assessments for improving East
Ohio street. This, on motion of Mr.. Schad,
was sent back to consider the claims of the |
property owners that the city should pay
part of the cost.
A resolution passed directing the chiefs |
of departments to report their estimates of !
receipts and expenditures for the next |
fiscal year. Mr.. Enrich presented resolu- |
tion directing the Chief of Public Works to |
enforce the resolution of November, 1859, |
to cut off the supply of city water to Re- |
serve township; passed.