The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1896-04-23
MAYOR FAIRS ADDRESS.
Reviews the Work of Past Year in Council
and Shows Good Record.
To the Honorable Council:


take this opportunity to review the
acts of this council that ends tonight.
The past year has been an eventful
epoch in the history of Kenosha. The
faithful work of the council has done
much towards the advancement and
good government of the city. This has
been-to close and impartial observer
"a remarkably wise, economical and
progressive administration.
The council started with the pro-
ceeds of low tax levy of 81 per cent,
and by strict economy conducted the
affairs of the city so we'll that Cashier
Brown remarked several times during
the summer on the excellent condition
of the finances, saying he could not re-
member time when they were in as
good condition.
But crisis arose. The Sterling
factory agreed to come here if the city
could give them sewer, water and a
good road to the site of their factory.
The council met the occasion and
granted the bonus.
The 81 per cent. tax levied by the
preceding council gave to the city more
money than the 5 per cent. tax levied
by this council. That is due to the
fact that the state, county and school
tax last year was about $4,000; this
year about $4,000.
This latter tax necessitated the cut
ting down by the council of several of
the appropriations, SO that the avail
able funds in the various departments
will be less this coming year.
A great many unexpected demands
we're made upon us, that drew heavily
upon the treasury. To have ignored
these demands would have been folly,
because they we're all urgent and nee
essary for the growth and welfare of
this municipality. For instance, the
Grand avenue grading and improve
ment. The matchmaking of Market
street at a cost SO far of $2,91l.62.
Without that Improvement the Ster-
ling works would not now adorn our
city, as that was one Of their condi
tons demanded before they would To-
cate in Kenosha.
After the water works system was
put in the need Of extensions was SO
great that the water commissioners
spent $50, 1875.
For years nothing to speak of had
been done to deepen the channel in our
beautiful and useful harbor. In order
to get the United States government to
do anything for us it was necessary to
do some work and put the harbor in
better condition. That was done at
cost of 81, 588.47 to the city. This en-
couraged the Allen works and the Balm
Wagon company to expend a large
amount in dredging.
Then this council, although no mon
ey was raised for that purpose, paid
$4,000 on the water works. The by
drant rental and sinking fund, $9,2O4,
and other money was used for that
purpose, and still we were able to make
our monthly payments of 1886 on the
water works bonds. This payment of
$4,000 added to the cost of water ex-
tension makes 500, 115.76 expended on
the water works. The best thing ever
done for or by the city. Eight thousand
feet extension has been made to the
sewer system; a new grader purchased
and seven and a half miles of street
graded and improved. A large swamp
on N. Water street and north of Lin
den street has been drained and filled.
An unsightly and dangerous ravine
filled on Linden street. The Harrison
lots south of the power house were
bought and filed. A large tract of
land bought and added to the city
cemetery. Beautiful trees have been
set out in the parks and about the
power house. Important improve
ments and additions made in the fire
department. All good, progressive
citizens are we'll pleased with the paid
fire department.
The council acted wisely when they
let the contract for the paving of Mar
ket street and Park avenue and used
that clean and durable article, brick.
In a few years our streets will not be a
disgrace to our city, and the appella-
ton moss backs" will be changed to
wideawake, progressive people. The
grading at the foot of Market and Park
streets greatly improved that part of
the city.
Important ordinances and additions
to our charter have beer made by this
council, namely: Raising grade of Mar
let square, controlling the abuse of
animals, quarantine to prevent the in
PRODUCTION of contagious diseases, the
licensing and controlling the running
at large Of dogs; to provide for sprink-
ling; creating board of water COM
missioners; prohibiting the playing of
ball in the parks and on the principal
streets; and above all, the ordinance
that makes improvements less a bur-
den, whereby the property owner can