The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1906-05-29
Important Question Hinges on
Legality of Clause in City
Charter.
THE MAYOR TALKS
VIII Ask City Attorney for Writtsn
Opinion.
BOARD OF WORKS MEMBERS
STATE THEY BELIEVE BOND
TRUSTEES HAVE UeURPED
FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD
ALSO THAT PROPER COURTESY
HAS NOT BEEN SHOWN.

Just before the meeting Of the
Board Of Public Works adjourned
yesterday afternoon Mayor Bliss
made a statement to the members
present. The statement shows that
the board Is far from satisfied at the
treatment being accOrdeU the body
by the Board of Bond Trustees, and
think the latter body has usurpeg
functions Of the Board Of Works.
The chief executive stated that IN
the matter of advertising for bids,
the adoption Of plans and specifca-
tons for the city hall, the construo-
ton Of sewers and other matters, the
Bond Trustees had not even shown a
disposition of courtesy to the Board
of Public Works.
In discussing the matter, which he
dio at length, Mayor Bliss said that
according to the charter of the city,
that is wherein organic law refers to
the Board of Public Works. it is stat
ed that over public work, such as
construction and erection the board
shall have control or supervision.
Unless the act Of the legislature Gre
ating the Board Of Bond Trustees,
and providing for their appointment
ana duties has repealed the act of
the charter referring to the Board Of
Works, the mayor states that the lat
ter board has ample authority in all
matters of public work construction.
No Desire to Interfere.
Mayor Bliss stated that he felt as
sured that the Board Of Works had
no desire TO interfere with the Bond
Trustees in their work, but at the
same time. that he is Of the opinion
that the trustees have delegated 70
themselves more power than the law
provides.
In this respect the mayor stated
that the council only at the last meet
ing had referred the matter Of paw
ing Chase street to the Bond Trus-
tees. The petition for the paving OF
the thOrOughfare, the chief executive
stated, was signed by the abutring
property owners. The council Is the
only power that has the authority 10
order the street paved. and why refer
Legal Advice.
ssThis ouestion Of whether or not
the act of the legislature repeats the
urovision Of the charter pertaining 70
the Board of Works said Mayor
Bligs. II propose to have determined
by. the advice Of the property author
ity, City Attorney Jones. l Will sub
nit the question % the municipality
nd
orr standing. As stated / have no
desire to interfere with the Bond
Trustees in their labor. or any way
infringe upon their rights. At the
qama time I believe this body pos
sesses rights which should be cOnsid-
cred. even IL it be from the honorable
Board Of Bond Trustees"
Daniel Has Say.
II am not familiar with cOndi-
tions." said Mr. Daniel. who has
been a member Of the Board OF
Works for only a short time. at
seems TO me that the Bond Trustees
have usurped the functions Of the
Board Of Works and arrogated to
their own body great authority. !
have no objection to the trustees 90
ing as much work as the members OF
that body may desire, but al the
same time. I think courtesy and con-
sideration is due the Board Of Works
from the Bond Trustees, or for that
matter from any other body
Chairman Zelius acuuiesced 10 the
opinion Of Mayor Bliss and Mr..
Daniel
All Good Natured.
The statements made by the mayor
and members Of the Board Of Works
did not show the least trace Of re-
sentiment or ill-feeling- The body
seems to be Of the opinion that GER
tain courtesy is due, and will seek -
secure it.