The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1900-10-31
TO AMEND CHARTER.

A bill entitled an act to amend the char
ter of the city of Montpelier was introduced
in the Senate this afternoon. This act,
while amendatory in form, Is really anew
city charter. The language and general
construction has been changed, simplihed
and systematized, The old charter contains
Go sections and the new one 129 The new
charter was drawn by City Attorney Carle-
ton under the authorization Of the city
council and many new powers have been
given the city which have been found
wanting in the old charter
The changes in the amended charter are
substantially as follows
1t provides for the proceedings in city
meetings, the adoption OF the Australian
ballot for the election of officers the time
which the ballot boxes shall be kept open
and at what hour the general business shall
be taken up. 1t provinces for the filing Of
nomination papers up to six days of the
election and that the city reports shall
be circulated at least ten days before the
election. 1t provides for uniform system
of calling city meeting. 1t provides that
freemsn's meetings shall be called for six
o'clock in the morning.
1t provides for the election OF commission
ers according to the terms Of the charter of
Green Mount cemetery and for cemetery
commission; that the overseer of the poor
shall be appointed by the city council in
stead OF elected by the people and the ap-
pointment OF grand juro,s be made by the
mayor. Provides that compensation for
listers, treasurer, auditors and city clerk be
fixed by the city council. All the duties
OF the board of aldermen are conferred
upon the city council.
That the chief Of police shall have power
of appointment of all other police. Pro-
videa for the calling of meetings OF the
board OF civil authority and the board for
the abatement Of taxes and specifics its
powers and duties.
o ,nI..r l.
in the direction OF keeping complete rec
ord OF the proceedings of all officers. Takes
away all fees of the city clerk and treasur-
er. Simplities the method of the collection
OF taxes and uoes away with the four per
cent discount.
giving them general control OF everything
which will tend toward better fire protec-
tion. II limits the authority OF the city to
bond for the purpose OF erecting buildings
and buying real estate.
1t limits the authority of the council in
the expenditure of money to the amount of
the revenues of the city. Allows the
council authority to issue temporary loan
but limits She amount to the tax to be
raised.
Provides for the assessme OF water rates
and The collection of the same and for the
levying OF water and hydrant taxes.
IL allows the school commissioner to elect
a superintendent OF schools outside of the
board Provides for the indexing of the
city records by the card index 8 stem.
EIlarges the power Of the city iu It's con-
troll of nuisances anu the use OF streets for
electrical poles, railroads aud water pipes.
Changes the section in the old charter rel
i've to the laying out OF streets into 80 sec
tions, giving in detail all the proceedings
for laying out streets, sidewalks, sewers
and parks and the levying of assessments
for their construction.
. |. rtala . . ,.s.
the subject of personal recovery against the
party 80 violating the ordinance.
| The powers Of the city court are also en-
larged along some important lines.