The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1898-03-11

is H CITY OR TOWN Z
Continued from First Page.

contracts. The proposals, as read give
prices as follows: Gas lights on posts
now in position, provided not less than
1874 fhe present number) in use during
the year. to be is candle power and con-
sumo 4 cubic feet per hour, $21 each
per year; naptha lamps in streets where
mains are not laid, same price. Electric
lights: 16 arc, 1900 c. p., $120 per year;
1876 incandescent, 25 c. D., $50 each per
year. Price for arc lamps is raised from
$115 to $3.50 each on account of small
numbers in use. Each of these lamps
burn 1000 hours per year; the increase
in price is Ito cent per hour. 1t was
voted also, on motion of Mr.. Hurting.
that the lighting of the clock faces in the
First Presbyterian Church tower at $120
per year be added to the contract with
the Electric Company. To the contract
with the Gas Company was added con-
dition giving the city power to remove
any light or lights provided the number
did not go below 1874; doubtless presag-
ing another Morris avenue experience.
No action has yet been taken on the re-
quest of the Morris County Electric
Company for franchise to place wires
under ground. The Mayor was author
lied to execute note for Sc, 900 for one
month in part renewal of notes out
standing.
Alderman Hurting again brought up
the much discussed question of whether
Morristown is properly classed as a city
or town, and in line with this read com
munication from Ex-Alderman S. II.
Little, who offered to test the question
without expense to the city on writ of
certiorari to the Supreme Court. There
upon Alderman Hurting offered resolu-
ton. that the offer be accepted and pre-
sented presumably as basis for a test
case,) a resolution that 500, be appro-
priated for celebration on July 4th 1898,
assuming that Morristown is a city and
has the power so to do.
Aldermen Reed and Freeman objected,
in rather plain words they deprecated
the ability of the ex-alderman and held
that if the matter was to be determined
the city should argue its own case,
through its counsel. Mr.. Hurting readily
consented to the adding of the name of
the city counsellor and the resolution
was adopted.
At this point in the meeting there was
some talk concerning the appointment
of an Assessor, which some thought
necessary in the event of the passage of
the bill now before the Legislature,
which provided duties for the Assessor
to begin almost Immediately. Others
thought the matter little premature,
and called upon the counsel to explain.
Mr.. Muir held that if the law did pass, it
would only bring up the old question of
whether Morristown is city of the third
class or town, and in any case the asses
sorwould hold over until May or June and
until new one was appointed. There
was some little discussion of the subject
but no action was taken.
Following the wish of the last meet
ing the Ordinance Committee reported
that the Board counsel had prepared an
ordinance providing for the appointment
of a building inspector and defining the
requirements restrictions and regulations
for the erection of buildings in Norris
town. The ordinance is a voluminous
document of sixteen lengthy sections,
covering every phase of the subject. The
prospective ordinance was read only for
information, and laid over for the April
meeting; it will then be amended and
passed or rejected. The draft proposed
provides for the appointment of mason,
builder or other mechanic, to hold Office
for one year, and to refrain from active
business during his incumbency; salary
not named. The duties provided are nu-
merous and include the inspection of all
buildings in progress of erection and
those already erected: the keeping of de-
tailed records; with office hours and
other work. Provision is made for
proper care in the construction of build
ings, as to material, workmanship etc.;
special attention is given to the construc-
ton of chimneys; limit of 800 feet from
the Park center is designated as the
radius for all stone or brick buildings,
additions to buildings ETC.; a penalty of
$50 for each offense is attached.
The ordinance adopting Wetmore ave-
nue. from COLES avenue to Ogden place
was read and adopted.
The next meeting of the Board will be
held April /.