The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1895-04-11
MAYOR FAIRS ADDRESS.
He Reviews the Work of the Past Year.
Honorable Council and Gentlemen:

Honorable Council and Gentlemen
1t is with pleasure and satisfaction
We hastily review the work of this adj
ministration that ends tonight.
One year ago ago took my seat as
mayor of this city, with great deal Of
hesitation. Out of a divided council q
working majority was obtained. The
men composing that majority rose above
self and party and labored faithfully
and harry niously for the interest and
growth OF this municipality.
The principal duties that devolved
upon us were the completion of pro-
jects commenced by the preceding
honorable council. This bid fair to be
a hard task; there seemed so much to
be accomplished and so little to do it
with. The preceding council had bat
tied with the question Of water works.
Taking it up where they left it, we
have succeeded, by happy combina-
ton OF circumstances far beyond all eX-
pectations, in solving the water works
problem, and have obtained water
system that is unsurpassed in any city
of our size in the country, and in such
manner that as soon as it is finished
the city can own a plant on good pay
ing basis.
We also found about two miles Of
sewer pipe-some of it strung along the
streets, and some which had been
hauled back to the yard with no
money with which to have it laid 1t
looked as if there was nothing to be
done but put it all into the yard and
leave it there. By wise arrangement
the pipe has all been laid and TWO miles
of sewer added to our system.
The Market square muddle left on
our hands needs no comment. Suffice
it to say, that has also been satisfactor-
lily disposed Of to all concerned in the
matter.
Ten new boxes have been added to
the fire alarm system.
That vexed question OF annexation is
settled forever and the
city is to be congratulated upon its In
crease of inhabitants and territory.
You are all familiar with the excel
lent work and management of our es-
TeemeG and respected street commits
sioner, VIM. Boyle. His appointment
proved a wise and excellent one for the
city.
We have had a good many sidewalks
constructed this year, mostly walks
that had been ordered from six to
twelve months previous to the existence
Of this council, but which it seemed
TO get built. They have
been reached, and plan devised by
which any walk the council may order
shall be laid promptly. We have also
battled with snow covered sidewalks |
and routed them.
The council has been authorized to |
employ a city engineer But few of
the critics have any idea Of the crying
need we have of that professional Off
cial Our streets have been encroached |
upon, SO that they look like alleys.
There is no record Of the opening Of at
least one third of our streets, and there
has been practically no record of any
Of our underground Improvements, and
our engineer is engaged in getting up a
plat that will show what streets we
have got, who are the encroaching
parties; besides making a correct map
81 our city, showing the size and loca-
lion of every lot, street and alley of
our town,-something we have had
great need of for many years. In ad-
1ition to this, he has the regular work
Of his position-the uperintendence of
,he sewers, water works and streets,
giving grades for new sidewalks, and a
thousand aud one minor matters one
with the workings of the
,ity mas any idea of his use to the mu-
The ordinance passed prior
20 my time provides that he shall be
appointed by the outgoing council.
t is a good feature, since the council
had a years experience with
lin should know his capabilities better
han the new board, who have had
title or no knowledge of him. The
uit against the city, brought by the
aloon keepers to recover a rebate, has
,een decided in favor of the city.
Taken all in all, if this council has
made some mistakes. we can at least
eel that we have accomplished some
rood for our beloved city, and been the
means of giving our citizens employ
nent during these hard times.
Taking everything into consideration
ur relationship as councilmen has been
rery pleasant, and | trust satisfactory
o all.