Lewiston evening teller. [volume] (Lewiston, Idaho) 1903-1911, 1907-07-02
new COUNCIL
HEARS MESSAGE
Continued from Page Five


made a year ago, but it was found
that the city treasurer was sole GUS
| todian OF all city moneys and the
council had no power to direct these
matters. In the meantime our state
legislature has granted us a new char
ter containing an expressed provision
for the investment OF the city's money,
and 1 urge that early attention be
given this matter. For a complete de-
tailed statement of our financial con-
dition I refer you to the treasurer's
annual report, which is now before
you.
City Records.
A gradual improvement is noticeable
in our city records. Affairs along this
line are fairly satisfactory in ma
jority OF the departments. However,
there is yet room for improvement,
and urge thorough system for each
and every department. In order to IA
cilitate these matters. recommend
that as nearly as practicable all Of our
city officers be located in one building.
thus making cooperation more easy
and materially assisting our citizens
in all their transactions with our off,
Gals.
It is important that the codification
of our city ordinances be completed at
an early date. I recommend that the
council take action in this matter
without delay.
Public Buildings.
I recommend that in the near future
we consider the advisability of erect
ing a new city hall. Ever since the
condemnation Of the old structure our
offices have been scattered over vari-
Gus parts of the city, causing much
unnecessary labor and trouble to any
one having business to transact with
two or more departments. This con-
dition should not exist, and hope to
see, at an early date, a movement on
foot looking to the erection Of a city
hall commensurate with the dignity
and needs of our city.
CITY Charter.
The new charter granted Lewiston
by the state legislature will cause
many changes in the government of
our city. Broader powers are given
| the mayor and council, but on the
other hand the people are better pro-
| tected, should the representatives
elect To misuse such power. Under
this charter committees are abolished,
and each member of the council as
sumes the entire responsibility for
some particular work. six departments
are established, one for each member
of the council.
1t is the duty of each member to
thoroughly acquaint himself with
every detail of the department en-
trusted to his care, so as to be able
to advise the council as a body on all
matters connected with his feature OF
the work. Each councilman has sole
supervision of the work entrusted to
him, and it his duty to see to 1t that
the CITY receives faithful service from
all of its employees connected with
such work.
Water Department.
This department has been beer
greatly improved during the past two
wears During the fiscal year 19O5-O'
nearly $4,000 was expended for tn
, betterment and extension of this sys
tenn. During the year just passes
further important improvements Wer
made.
J In addition to extenions, the coun
ell, in the past year, purchased neV
pump with a capacity of 2,0Oo'oo
! gallons per day, also a 200 horsepowe
, electric motor, at a cost OF aoou
$4,000. We have also constructed
new nump house of reinforced concret
= at a cost of $1,S25. The new pump an
motor are now being installed, and
can feel reasonably safe that there WI
be no water famine in the near futur'
About May of this year reductio
of approximately 20 per cent was mao
to the consumer on water. rates. Dot
irrigation and domestic.
recommend that we take up, at
earlv date, the question of meterln
= every tap in the city. l am conndeI
that much better satisfaction VIII I
given when every patron pays Tor Jul
what he receives. The council WI
also be ebetter able to adjust rat'
when this system is uniformly install
ed.
we win also have to arrange Il
h new and larger water mains In tn
norton o. the city where we conten
! plate permanent paving. and an ear
estimate of cost must be made IN
der that we may be able to submit IN
- matter intelligently to the people.
"a Fire Department.
% The council. in the past year. n
taken an important step in the dire
ton of improving this departures
Two new hose carts and $500 feet
hose were added to the equipment
a cost of $1,750. A noninterterl
alarm system has been contracted