The Portland daily press., 1892-07-12
WEsTBRook AFFAIRS.
Finances and the Electric Road Consid-
cred by the City Fathers.

| cred by the City Fathers.
| The July meeting of the Westbrook
city council was held last evening, Presi-
dent Warren in the chair.
The Electric Road Again.
| Mayor Webb stated that an order had
passed in refereneeto the grading of the
| electric railroad, which had not received
his approval, and raised some objections
to the legality of the action of the coun-
| Gill;
President Warren thought that there
had been no informality on the part of
the city council. He thought it came in
to the regular expenditures for the high
ways.
Alderman Cordwell, chairman of the
committee on highways, thought that
| the railroad had desired to do the right
thing, and that to change the grade
would cost more than $500.
President Warren said that at the
meeting on the premises the council had
voted unanimously as to lowering the
grade of the street. He disliked to diff
fer with the Mayor in this matter, and
would like the opinion of the city solic-
itor.
City Solicitor Lyon gave it as his opin-
ion that the order did not require two
readings, and that it was within the duty
of the street commissioner to grade the
street by authority duly granted.
Mayor Webb said that he should not
feel justified in approving the order. 1t
would take the street down at least three
feet in front of Kimball Eastman's store.
Alderman Cutter thought that suffi-
cient discretion already lay with the
street commissioner. If the mayor
would not approve the order of course
they, could pass it by a two
thirds vote.
Alderman Skates stated that the city
had at the present time total indebted
ness of $110,500 and that after the bills
accruing were paid, the treasury would
not have over $4,000. He suggested
an additional loan of $4,000.
Alderman Cutter offered an order APP
propriating s., 900 for the city expenses,
in addition to the amount already appro-
priated, which would bring the assess
ment up to two per cent.
President Warren suggested different
way OF reaching the desired result by
giving authority to the assessors. He
thought well of loan of S., 900 on lon
lower rate of interest might be
realized.
Alderman Skates then presented an
order authorizing the city treasurer to
borrow 50, 900 for period of ten years at
a rate of interest not exceeding four per
cent.
Alderman Cutter objected to increasing
the bonded debt He thought that with
a new valuation to come next year, there
would be little trouble in getting tempo
rary loans at four per cent.
The order as offered by Alderman
Skates had passage on it's first reading
The assessors were ordered on motion
of Alderman Cutter to increase the assess.
ment 81 900.
Petitions Presented.
Of Frank Carpenter and 10 others for
u.
OF citizens for an investigation into
the sanitary condition of Beaver pond;
referred, after statement by the chair
that Geo. P. Wescott, who held the title
to the pond was willing to ira nsfer
it to the city without cost The pond
was formed by the building of the old
canal.
OF Charles G.. Woodman for damages
caused by change of grade in street; re-
ferred.
OF school committee, for land for
scool purposes referred.
OF W. S. Jordan and others for an arc
light on Haskell street; referred.
Miscellaneous.
The Mayor was authorized to appoint
another special policeman for service on
Sunday.
Alderman Winslow presented the
Portland rules for the guidance of ballot
clerks, and the city solicitor was directed
to investigate the matter.
S. T. Tufts was elected ballot clerk in
Ward 3, vice T. H. Snow, resigned.
Adjourned to first Monday in August. |