The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-03-14
CHANGES IN THE CHARTER.
Provisions of the Amendments Made
by the Legislature.

Provisions of the Amendments Made
by the Legislature.
Nearly all of the amendments decided upon
by the citizens committee last December
were Incorporated in the city charter by the
Legislature. One IL the most important
is the amendment that makes it clear that
the Mayor has the authority to revoke
licenses and provides manner of doing
it. This was made necessary by the de-
cision of Judge Harvey in the Hignight
case, in which he held that the authority
to revoke the license was good as far as
the principle was concerned, but. that IT
was faulty in that it did not provide any
manner of procedure in which the saloon
keeper could be legally heard in his own
behalf.
The defect which Judge Brown pointed out
in the Claypool case in regard to the an
nexation of unplatted property was RENE
died. The residents of Woodruff Place were
successful in getting an amendment through
which makes it impossible for the city to
annex that suburb without the consent of
it's residents. All annexations made under
the former law were legalized.
The city attorneys salary was raised from
$1,000 to $4,000, but this does not take effect
until the expiration of MIR. SCOTS term
of office. The same amendment relieves the
city from the necessity of filing cost bond
in case of an appeal to higher court
Under an amendment one-half of the prop
erty owners living on a street may defeat,
by remonstrance, resolution for the I'M
provement of the street The committee
drew up this amendment so to allow two
thirds of the persons owning property on
the street and living any place within the
city to make good remonStrance, but this
was changed by the House committee, as
stated above
Contractors will be required to make aff-
davits that they have complied with the
specifications for an improvement in every
particular before they can receive their
used only such materials as were specified,
in the proper quantity and under proper
conditions, and that the work has been
done in a workmanlike manner.
Under the amendment regulating attor-
neys fees for the collection of assessments
for improvements and other work, the BUSH
ness of two or three firms of attorneys will
be materially lessened. Formerly the law
an assessment was due, before bringing
suit, but now notice must be sent stating
Jna5 an t y aqn dna II MOI pa
paid within the ten days no fee can be col
lected. IT., after suit has been filed and
summons issued, the amount due is paid
within ten days, the fee. shall not be more
than s.. When not paid within ten days
after summons, the, fee shall be $ on al
sums under $50. and on sums between $50
and 500 the fee shall not exceed 10 per
cent, and on the excess Of that amount
cases to be determined and allowed by the
trial court.
Inc Board or PuDl1c Sa16ty mas Deen
given power to subpoena witnesses and COM
pei their attendance for the trial of police-
men and firemen.
The citizens committee asked that the
Board of Safety be given power to swear in
as many men asSnecessary for emergencies
and that it's authority be aextended to all
Senate committee changed this jurisdiction
and gave the city police authority to go any
place in the county.
The county treasurer formerly received
$1,000 a year for handling the city's money
This was Increased TO 81 600.
The position of clerk of the Board of
Health was abolished and in its stead the
board is authorized to appoint city sani-
tartan at a salary not to exceed $1,000
year, who shall do all the work now done
by the clerk and the secretary of the board
He must be a praeticing physician, man
skilled in sanitary matters and an expert
chemist and microscopic.
lying outside of the city for necessary pub
lie improvements such sewers and
bitches. 1t also has the power to change
where the public welfare demands 1T.
Specific provision IS made for the assess
ment OF the , cost OF improving me inter th
former law there was no provision for the
assessment of the cost of these intersec-
tons and 1T was almost impossible to i'm
prove any of the main avenues
If often occurs that PERSONAL property
is left with the police department for bail
and Is e m and f smey ae nc
cumulated at the police station. Hereafter
it may be sold and the proceeds turned into
a rightful claim to il within a year after
the sale the amount received will be paid
to him. The Board of Park Commissioners,
which has been fully explained recently,
was also created.
Some of these bills have not yet been
approved by the Governor. but as they We're
passed with practically no opposition, there
is little reason to doubt that he will sign
them.