Bismarck daily tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1881-1916, 1903-04-22

0OA 6OOA 4. Al III 80.
Pubic buildings and Grounds-Slat-
terry, Smyth and McGahan.
Water Works-Smyth, Slattery and
Reade.
Board Of Health-Smyth, Reade,
Jackson and McGahan.
Public Lighting-Tatley, McGillis
and Jackson.
Mayors Address.
Mayor Register then presented a
brief statement to the council of the
city's financial condition. with some
recommendations for the ensuing
term. The city's financial condition,
he said, was good. The ~treasurer's re.
port of March l showed debts out
standing as follows: Bonds, $4S, 900;
interest, $1,0S0; certificates of in
debtedness. $~5,274.19; warrants out.
standing, $1,SS5.54; a total debt of
$56,239.73. Against this there was an
offset of cash in all funds of SIS, 161.9 90;
the me- debt of the city being SAL
O77.77. There were water bills due
and unpaid for five quarters, which
would increase the debt that amount.
The condition of the city now is more
favorable than on March 1, and the
city was on a cash basis for the first
time in a number of years.
City Improvements.
In sidewalks there had been great
improvements, a great portion of the
city being now laid with stone walks.
The streets were in good condition;
the city had completed and paid for a
detention hospital; the fire depart
ment was better housed and the
streets had been better lighted than
for a number of years.
The fire and police departments
have been efficient and the city had
improved in substantial ways.
Recommends Engine House.
In the way of recommendations, the
mayor thought the city council should
take steps toward the building of an
engine house and city hall, with provi-
sion for fire apparatus, firemen's room,
council chambers and offices for the
city officials. For this purpose he
thought the lots owned by the city
should be sold and the money applied
to this purpose. The present side
walk policy should be continued.
The streets should be improved as far
as possible. The question of building
a eve system should be brought up
for the consideration of the council
in all probability. This would involve
considerable expense, but the city
might. by vote of the people, increase
their Indebtedness four per cent. This
would be a matter for the council to
consider. Some provision should be
made for the compensation of the al
dermen and auditor as members of the
city board of equalization. The GER
tlncateS OF Indebtedness outstanding
presented a serious legal question.
The city did not want to repudiate
any Of its just debt, but it was claimed
the certificates were issued above the
debt limit and if so We're void. Their
status should be determined and ac-
ton taken accordingly. The revision
of the ordinances of the city was an
other matter that should be consid-
cred. as desirable for the information
of the council. The crossing of the
Northern Pacific at Seventh street the
mayor considered as unsafe and the
council should insist that the buildings
there be removed or the road place
a Waterman at the crossing.
In conclusion the mayor urged tina,
all aldermen work for the best inter
est of the city. which motive, he said
would actuate him in all his work.
The council then adjourned to Mon
day night. May 4.