The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-09-23
THE CITY's SIDEWALKS.
Alderman KrOusISOR Brings Up the
Subject in Council.

Alderman KrOusISOfT Brings Up the
Subject in Council.
Alderman Krouskoff will probably pre-
sent at the next meeting of council an
ordinance providing for the more expedi-
tious repairing of broken sidewalks. The
amount of routine and red tape required
by the present ordinances before the city
can step in and make the repairs at the
expense of the property owners, which is
the usual result, has been frequently
pointed out and several times council has
appeared to be on the eve of abolishing
the antiquated ordinances and substitute
ing one to meet present conditions, but
something has always occurred to cause
a postponement of the matter. City Mar
shall Power who has the burden of en-
forcing these ordinances, has several
times urged the necessity of a new ordi-
nance.
Alderman KrouskofG brought the matter
before council last night by calling atten-
ton to the condition of several sidewalks
on Broughton street which he under
stood were in the charge of the city. and
not the abutting property owners. Alder
man Krouskoff said that he had spoken to
the commissioner of public works about
the sidewalks and the latter had replied
that he had no money in his budget for
this purpose.
A discussion ensued. which brought out
the fact that a number of years ago an
ordinance was adopted by the city provid-
ing that all sidewalks constructed in ac-
cordance with certain requirements laid
down by the city engineer should there
after be maintained by the city. The or
dinance was afterwards repealed, but not
until number of sidewalks had been con-
structed under it and accepted by the
city.
Some of the aldermen inquired If the re-
peal of the ordinance did not relieve the
city of the obligation to maintain the
sidewalks. Mr.. Davis Freeman, the act
ing city attorney, was appealed to on this
point, and promptly replied that the ar
rangement entered into between the city
and the property owners was a contract
which could not be affected by the re
peal of the ordinance.
1t was proposed that the sidewalks
should be repaired and the costs charged
against the budget of the street and lane
department. Alderman Davis objected to
this. as an expense not calculated upon
in making up the budget of his depart
ment. Mayor Meldrim stated positively,
however, that the expense was chargeable
to the street and lane department.
Alderman krouskom undertook to dis
cuss the subject of sidewalk repairs fur
Their, but Mayor Meldrim suggested that
the Detter pan would De Tor MIN TO intro
duce an ordinance embodying his views,
which he will probably do at the next
meeting.
The committee appointed by resolution
of previous meeting of council TO prefer
charges of impeachment against the men,
bers of the fire commission, did not prefer
the charges at this meeting. IL is under
stood. however, that the charges are i'm
course of preparation and that they will
probably be presented at an early date
Council held a short meeting, after
spending about an hour in caucus. there
being ltue besides routine business. An
the members of council were present.
with the exception of Alderman O'Doa-
nell, who is Out of the city. Alderman
Charlton, however was called away after
abe caucus.