Omaha daily bee., 1892-11-02
AFFAIRS At SOUTH OMAHA
Amendments to the City's Charter Now
Being Discussed,
CHANGES THAT WOULD BE BENEFICIAL
Where the Document Could he Greatly Inn
proved-some Things for the Legislative
Delegation to Consider-Wcak
Points Exposed to view.

AS the time approaches for tho convening
OF tho legislature the talk of amendments to
the city charter increases. II has been sug-
gested that meeting of the city council and
itizens should be- held In the near future
and tho question of charter amendments
thoroughly discussed, in order that an intel
igent conclusion may be reached as TO what
is necessary for the best interests OF the
city, and the South Omaha member OF the
legislative delegation may know what the
citizens desire.
In its present form the charter Is not ex.
actly perfect and in many cases should be
modified and in others its powers extended.
Many suggestions have been made In this
regard and several changes have been
pointed out which could be made and be of
vast benefit to the city.
South Omaha is governed by the charter
OF a city OF The first class, having more than
10000 ana less than 20, 900 inhabitants. IL be-
came city Of the first class by proclamation
of Governor Thayer, when the charter pro-
vided that such city should have more
than 5000 Inhabitants. This was
amended Dy the last legislature and
Increased 10 10000, but tho amend
ment is said TO be unconstitutional
because OF the absence of repeating clause.
The general opinion is that this provision OF
the charter should be amended so as TO per-
init any city by special census to establish
the fact that 1t has the required populotion
TO become city of the first class. Asitnow
stands the census of the United States or a
census taken by the state is used as u basis
TO determine the population OF city.
Opening of Streets.
The section which provides for the open
Ing up OF streets is very unsatisfactory. The
provision is there for the commencement Of
condemnation proceedings, and the money
must be deposited previous to any action
taken. Where this money is to come from
for the property appropriated Is the vexa-
ttous question. The suggestion is made that
this section should be amended so ms TO pro-
vide that the expense OF opening up a street
should be assessed against the properly
abutting upon the street opened.
The section which provides for the award
Ing of damages to property by reason of the
grading of n street is also pointed out rs de-
fectlve. If an owner OF property damaged
Is not satisfied with the award of the ap-
praisers, brings suit and secures judgment,
the judgment is paid out of the judgment
fund, and tho whole city is assessed TO cover
tho amount. The suggestion is that the sec
tion be amended so that the judgment may
be paid from fund created by an assess
ment against the property abutting upon the
street graded
The provision for the erection of viaducts
and the awarding of damages is not very
satisfactory. The section empowering the
city to compel the erection of viaducts by
oue railway companies over their tracks is
not explicit IN defining what power the
council has in this regard.
Another amendment, providing for the
means of raising money for the payment OF
damages where viaducts are erected, has
also been suggested, Instead Of the entire
city bearing the expense incurred by reason
OF such damages the amount should be as
sessed against the property on tie streets
benefited.
A number OF other amendments have been
ic ho,
meeting the council will issue a cali for
meeting of citizens TO discuss the amend
ments to the charter which are needed and
may be suggested.