The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1891-08-05

The Waterworks Secretary submitted his |
monthly report. as follows:
Balance on hand. July l.. =. ........... $225 AZ
Receipts for July S04 SO
Receipts with balance ......... 1880 Sc
disbursements. .........-.....-......-. sos %
Balance on hand August 1............s $50 6S
Report accepted.
Mr.. Ciewell called the attention of the Council
to an item of $500. water rents due and unpaid
by occupants of the Riddle Block, and pointed
out the hopelessness OF ever collecting such bills
when they become a matter of ancient history,
for in most cases the consumers have moved
away. and it is impossible for various reasons to
ever realize on the claims The Mayor thought
the matter was entirely in the province of the
Waterworks Trustees. Clewell thought it would
be a good idea to discount to 10 off from the
rents. if paid when due. and if not so paid. then
to add like per cent. as penalty, in this way in
suring prompt payment. Council were rather
inclined to favor the suggestion. and the Solicit
tor said he thought there was no question but
such action would be legal. Couucil thought,
however. still more effective method of pro-
tecting the WaterwoRks department against all
such lapses." either temporary or permanent.
would be to make the realty holden for the rent
in each case; and judging from the unanimity of
the sentiment, we should judge it altogether
likely that some such action will be taken. The
Mayor said he would consult with the Trustees
about the matters under discussion.
The Mayor then called the attention of Coun-
Gil to the widening of the walks on South Chest
nut tstreet from the south end of the Riddle Block
to Spruce street. He said that he had talked
with Mr.. Jenkins. who owns the property on the
corner of Chestnut and Spruce streets. with ref
erence TO his walk. and told him that he thought
"a kc..l Il. Ii ~.
kind of walk he intended to put down. Mr.. Jen-
kins constructed walk of perforated brick about
one year ago. and intended to use the same ma
terial in widening his walk. The Mayor told him
ne had better wal. until after Council met. before
expending any money for brick walk, as Coun-
Gil might not accept it. However, he had paid
no attention to him. but had hurried matters so
as to get his walk laid before Council met. and
succeeded in doing so. Some of the Council were
opposed to accepting the walk, urging that he be
required to use tagging. the same as those above
him. II. NJ. Wright. Esq, appeared for Mr.. J en-
kins. who he said was detained at home by rea-
son of the sickness of his wife and the dangerous
sickness of his mother. He reviewed the objec-
tions urged and said that after all. the question
resolved itself into the simple one whether the
walk was good and sufficient " for the purposes
required. and opined that under the statute
Council could not proceed arbitrarily in the mat
ter. but must confne themselves within reasona-
BILE limits.
The statute invests Council with full control
over sidewalks. and give it full authority to name
the material out of which they shall be construct
ed. The Solicitor said that while such was the
case. Council must use due discretion and judg
ment. In the absence of malice, intentional
wrong. or an unreasonable requirement, the
Council had unlimited control over the subject
The matter gave rise to much discussion, and
was finally referred to the street committee.
The Street Commissioner was instructed to no.
tify Ed. Poe that unless he constructs at once
walk in front of his property at the north side Of
Spruce street. the city will do so at his expense
Directions were also given to see that walks bt
built.without further delay. to the Catholic Gem
etery.
Then the question came up of requiring DR.
A. W. Alcorn to widen the walk in front of hi
residence to correspond with that above and be
low him. which Council has ordered to be in
creased to IA feet. The Doctor was present. il
person to protest against such action but said. o
course. if he had to. that settled it. This matte
was also referred to the street committee.
A IA foot flag walk was ordered in front of tn,
NJ. Gretzinger property. on South Chestnut St.
rejected. as being too high. A remonstranc'
against grading the street. signed by 26 of th
property holders, was read by DR.. Alcorn, whC
spoke at length against the proposed grade. Tn,
remonstrance was based on the assumption tina
the cost would greatly exceed the estimate made
at the time the petition was signed. 1t was theI
represented that the cost per foot front would b.
from to cents. whereas it now appeared tina
q cents would be the real figures. taking as
basis bid that is alleged is ready to be handed
in at 10 cents per cubic yard.
ii. B. Dickinson, Esq, on behalf of the peti
tioners. urged that the matter be pushed through
and presented careful estimate of costs on tn
assumption of the last named bid. He said tina
as the advertisement for bids read. bidders wer
all in the dark. and could not bid intelligently
and therefore would name high figures. out o
abundant caution to protect themselves. IL
suggested that accurate estimates of the amour
of the cut and fill be made for each 200 feet. ant
these estimates be include in the advertisement
for bids. Bidders would then know exactly wha
to figure on, and in his opinion. the cost woulC
be very much less than any of the figures named
Those favoring the grade expect to get it don
for 10 or Is cents per foot front.
The Mayor suggested that bidders be required
to state the aggregate amount for which they will
undertake the work, and not be allowed to biz
by the foot or yard, and then the property own
ers can know exactly what it will cost each on
of them.
The bids were ordered to be re-advertised will
the above specifications, and also in accordance
with the Mayors suggestion and then if ma
jority of the property owners are still in favor o
the grade. Council will proceed with the matter
and if not. it will be dropped.
The matter of repairing the curbing on Mair
street from Opera Block Alley east to Prospec
street. was referred to street committee.
Ia. Newton. through II. B. Dickinson. Esq.
asked that the alley in rear of the carbon plant
which was dedicated and plated in July. 1886
be opened for public use. Council ordered same
to be done.
Adjourned to Friday night, at which time thu
street committee will make their report of the
several matters left with them.