Omaha daily bee., 1907-01-11
CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
Gas Tank Ordinance Defeated, but Rescued
and Rscommitted to Committee.
SOUTH SIDE CITIZENS OUT IN FORCE
Several counciImen state They VIII
Vote for the Measure n IL IL
Amended to suit Their
Views.


The city legislative body labored hard
Wednesday evening in the council cham
ber.' taking up an accumulation Of mat
ters which ran a wide gamut Of public
matters. The most important thing on the
program was the Bridges gas tank ordi-
nance in anticipation Of which large
delegation of citizens from the vicinity Of
Twentieth and Center streets occupied
seats in the council chamber and loudly
applauded or Kissed various speakers ac-
cording to the sentiments expressed. After
considerable oratory had been released the
ordinance was voted down when II was
submitted for adoption, but to keep It
alive, with possibility of passage after
slight modification as to prescribed terri
tory, the measure was recommitted to the
committee for further consideration, mean
ing II will soon be brought up for another
vote on its passage.
The mention of the ordinance by the
clerk was token for interested persons
to get the floor. Several south side citi-
Gems made urgent appeals for the ordi-
nance, presenting the same arguments
which have been offered in the council
room on past occasions. Among the coun-
cilmen. Zimman, Bridges AND r-unkhouser
espoused the measure with some vigor
minority committee report recommending
passage, the other members of the COM
mittee declining to sign the report. Bridges,
Elsasser Zlmman and Funkhouser were
those voting for the adoption of the COM
mittee report; then, when the ordinance
was offered for passage, those four were
Joined by Councilman Sheldon, making five
for and six against passage. On recommit-
ment OF the ordinance all agreed.
Bedford Wants Some Changes.
Although voting against the passage OF
the ordinance Councilman Bedford said he
would vote for 1t II certain slight modiflca-
lions were made in the boundary lines Of
the prescribed territory. Mr. Bedford
would not commit himself as to what he
had in mind. With those notifications
made there are at present six in favor OF
the ordinance.
It was explained by Mr.. Funkhouser that
should the ordinance fail OF passage the
gas company could construct the proposed
holder at Twentieth and Center streets or
any other location that might be selected.
President johnson had to rap vigorously
for order, so great was the feeling Of the
southsiders present.
In connection with the gas tank matter
the council passed a resolution instructing
Building Inspector Withheld not to issue
the gas company a permit for the erection
of any gas tanks until such time as the
council directed him.
Councilman McGovern introduced an ordi-
nance prohibiting any distractions to be
allowed over sidewalk lines This ordi-
nance. as Mr. McGovern explained 1t, con-
templates the removal of all signs Of what
soever character which project from build
ings and such articles as merchandise or
signs placed on sidewalks. The ordinance
is sweeping in its provisions, excepting only
flags or buntings on regular holidays or
special occasions. The ordinance was re-
ferred to committee ON judiciary.
sidewalk inspectors Remain.
Councilman Bridges concurrent resolu-
ton directing that the city engineer con-
tinue the employment of Sam spratlen,
Daniel Horrigan and John Dennison as side
walk inspectors and pay them out of the
fund for inspection of public works was
unanimously adopted with little comment.
On Tuesday Engineer Rosewater gave IL
( out he would let these men out unless the
council gave relief.
! Councilman Jacksor's concurrent resolu-
| ton that the inspectors of street cuts be
retained and the fees collected for their
services be credited to the engineering de-
partment was referred to the finance COM
nittee after considerable discussion. Mr..
Rosewater explained that the inspection OF
street cuts was an important work and to
discontinue II would be against public in
! terests. Mr.. Zimman held to the contrary.
On October 81 the council resolved that
owing to a shortage in the engineering
department funds the street commissioner
should have charge of the repair Of all
| defective sidewalks in cases where the city
had been officially notified OF such defects.
By resolution Councilman Bridges last
| evening wanted TO rescind the action of
| last fall, but the other members thought
differently. Incidentally the discussion re-
vived the deplorable condition OF many of
! the city's sidewalks and the need of more
rigid supervision over this work. Street
Commissioner Flynn said he had repaired
in one instance to his knowledge the same
walk for three successive years. Just why
a permanent walk had not been ordered
placed was left for the sphynx to answer.
| The council intends that the street COM
missioner shall repair the walks in
emergency cases and where the city may
| be saved lawsuits.
! Ordinances in the Hopper.
Councilman Bedford's resolution that the
| city engineer prepare preliminary plans for
the construction of viaduct by the rail-
roads crossing Locust street, between Thir-
| teenth and Fourteenth streets, was filed.
LIT was believed the new grade crossing
ordinance would cause sufficient protection
| to be placed at that location.
| Ordinances introduced and referred TO
| committees:
| Market house ordinance by Brucker, re-
! establishing the regular market place at
| the market house on Capitol avenue and
| prohibiting the location of another market
within a radius of 1900 feet.
| Councilman Sheldon, a smoke ordinance
containing notifications of present ordi-
| nance 10 include brick kilns.
Ordinances passed on final reading;
Placing auctioneers under bonds and
! specifying the fineness of metals sold at
I auction. BY Brucker.
/ Grade crossing ordinance. BY Brucker.
| Ordinance creating the office of city gas
| commissioner, defining his duties, fixing
salary and manner OF appointment BY
Making il the duty OF city electrician
! To look after regulation OF gas lamps. BY
| Funkhouser.
Outage for Electric Lights.
City Electrician Michaelsen reported that
the total outage deducted during 1895
from the bills of the Omaha Electric Light
and Power company against the city
amounted TO sl.S7l.27. This Is rebate for
time arc lamps were out when they should
have been burning.
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