The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1900-07-10
ASKED A FRANCHISE
Mr.. Nelson Would Like to
Have a Gas Privilege.
COUNCIL STUDYING IT
Other Transactions of Local
Bi-WeekIy Parliament.

u PROBABLY the most important matter OF
business which came up before the city
council in their meeting last night was
the asking Of franchise for the laying
of new, gas mains and pipe in the city.
by S. L. Nelson. The company which Mr..
Nelson heads have been contemplating
this move for some time and aelast have
seen their way clear to ask for the fran
chise. 1t is proposed to sell the gas to
the consumers under the franchise at a
price not to exceed $50 per thousand
cubic feet for Illuminating purposes and
at a price not to exceed SIPS per thou
sand cubic feet for fuel purposes. This
is said to be much cheaper than the pres
ent company in the city are furnishing it
to consumers.
The new company ask for a franchise
for term Of twenty years and propose
to put in their mains and pipes under the
direction of the city council. a proper
depth under the surface of the streets
and alleys so that they will not interfere
| with other pipes and mains which may
already be there. They also provide that
the mains will not be laid in any of the
paved streets or alley when gas can be
delivered to consumers from another
street. They assume the responsibility Of
putting the streets in proper condition
Immediately after the pipes are laid and
if the work is not finished to the salts
faction Of the city, the council may order
the work done and payment will be made
by the company.
This proposed franchise received consid-
cradle consideration from the different
members of the council last night, but
was referred to the usual routine of such
requests and will come up at some future
session. The action by the council in re-
gard to this matter will be watched very
closely by citizens who are interested in
the cost of fuel.
An interesting matter of business trans
acted by the city council was the adop-
ton of a form for the telephone fran
chises which are being agitated in the
city. This franchise was prepared by
| City Attorney Helm and was read to the
council by him. 1t provides that the lines
of the company as far as possible shall
be placed in conduits and when it Is nee
essary the lines shall be placed on poles,
! but these poles will be placed in the al
leys as far as possible and when neces-
sary to place poles in the street they will
be placed along the curb and on the d.
viding line between the lots. The fran
chise, as adopted, means that the price
for pnones viii be much cheaper than at
the present time. The franchise also pro-
! vides that If long distance lines are con-
structed to the city limits that the COM
pany or companies shall make the neces-
/ sary connections with their switch
boards and that the long distance COM
pany shall be charged only reasonab BILE
rate for such service. This section Of the
ordinance would probably give Wichita
connection with other cities on other than
the long distance lire with which the
switch board of the local companies are
. run.
It win be also provided that the
! fire alarm system which is now in use
will be installed under the new franchise
/ This is one of the most important meas
ures for the protection of the city, as the
/ fire department. Chief Walden's residence,
city building and water company are all
communicated with at the same time.
The franchise also provides that there
shall be deposited with the city clerk
sum of $4,000 to have the line completed
within a certain time to the satisfaction
OF the mayor and city council.
The council at their meeting last night
also provided for police matron. This
matron is to have charge Of all Of the
women prisoners at the police station and
is to see that they have the proper atten-
ton during their confinement there.
All of the members of the council were
present last night, with the exception of
Hill and Luling when Mayor Ross called
that body together After the reading Of
the minutes of the former meeting the
reports Of the standing committees were
called for. Mr.. Dewey for the fire and
water committee moved that City Elec-
! trician McVay be granted leave Of alb
sence for thirty days to attend the meet
ing of electrical engineers at Paris. A
capable substitute to be furnished by Mr.
McVay. The motion was passed.
An invitation was extended to the
mayor and heads of the different depart
ments and to the city council. in behalf
of Superintendent Nelson, TO take a troll
ley ride on one Of the new street cars in
the future and at the close Of the ride to
inspect the power house. On motion, the
invitation was accepted.
1t was moved by Mr.. Davidson that ev-
cry extension asked for putting in per-
manent walks over the given time should
require deposit Of s. - for each twenty
five feet of walk. Passed.
Mr.. Schell moved that when walks were
ordered put in should property owners de
sire To put them IN. that they be given al
additional thirty days. Passed.
Il was moved by Burton that the city
clerk should be instructed to advertise
for bids for the permanent connection Of
walk intersections. Passed.
Mr. Parkhurst moved that the street
commissioner be instructed 70 dump al
dirt collected from the streets or Orrne
street south of the railroad from Law
renee 70 Main, 20 make a permanent Ill.
Passed.
Mr. Dewey reported that private per-
sons were building walks on Central ave
me. four feet wide. where a width q I'VE
feet had been ordered. Referred TO the
city engineer.
L vas moved hy Mr.. Parkhurst that the
city clerk notify IKE Santa re railroad 10
lower the grade Of their track from saint
Francis TO the river. from SEVEN 70 eisl-
teen inches 10 comply vita ordinance.
Passed
\ number u petitions were read by the
city clerk for an extension q time IN
building permanent walks. Al we're
granted.
4 communication from the wzkeaels
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