The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-02-11

there were but fifty ayes and at this
critical point Mr.. Mitchell. of Hamilton,
changed his vote to aye and the bill was
passed. Two others changed their votes,
making the total when the result was an
nounced 53 to SO.
House bill No. 15s-Mummert-which pro-
poses law for municipal improvements as
a substitute for the Barrett and Artman
laws, which IL repeats, was handed down
on second reading at the opening OF the
session as a special order Several MINOR
amendments were offered and accepted Dy
the author, but one that was offered by Mr.
Bell was Immediately withdrawn as soon
as the member from Randolph learned It's
real import The amendment was prepared
by an Indianapolis attorney at the IN
stance of an Indianapolis contractor VINO
Is largely interested in municipal improve
ments and Ii was handed MIR. Bell with the
request that he introduce il at the right
time He was informed that the change
proposed was unfmportant ana Wnony
technical. 1t developed, however. that II
the amendment had been adopted the bill
would then shut out all circumstances
against proposed improvements.
FOR MUNICIPAL IMPROVEMENT.
The bill was advanced to engrossment
without objection. The bill is an exceed
ingly bulky document and members of the
House who have not gone into ii thoroughly
declare that it would take a Philadelphia
lawyer to grasp its full meaning. Mr..
Mummert, the author, has prepared the fol-
lowing summary of the provisions of the
bill which shows all its important features:
House bill No. 15S, for general municipal
improvements, is one of the important
measures pending in the Legislature. 1t af-
fects all cities of the State under 10000 IN
habtantS. 1t repeats the Artman law
passed at the last session and re-enacts
parts of the old Barrett law.
1T provides for all improvements street
and alley pavement, sewers, sidewalks, ana
that city councils and town boards may by
resolution of necessity order the improve
ments.
1T provides manner to be heard by prop
erty owners affected.
1T provides for publication of time for
those affected to be heard.
1T provides that two-thirds of the prop
erty owners residing on street proposed
to be improved and representing two-thirds
of the lineal feet of abutting property re-
monstrating shall prevent the improve
ment.
1T provides for detailed plans and specifi-
cations, publication of notice, letting to
lowest bidder, etc.
1T enacts a definite law for sidewalk i'm
provement, on which the statutes have been
uncertain and have permitted building UNI
der three constructions.
1T protects cities from damage suits and
provides the manner of assessment of bene-
fits. including city and school property.
1T defines property to be assessed so as
TO include franchises of Street-raiiway COM
panies.
1T provides for appointment of apprais-
ers to assess benefits, for appeal, and that
If the assessment of benefits amounts to SO
or over it may be paid in ten annual in
stallments, and specifies in detail the man.
ner of carrying into effect all improvements
manner OF remonstrances, appeal, ETC."
The House adjourned a half hour earlier
than usual in order that the Republican
members might have time for their caucus
before the dinner hour.