The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1911-05-12
SEEK ADVICE on VALID
ITY OF FRANCHISE.
City Council, at Request Of Citizens Com
mittes, Asks Price for Opinions on
light and Water Controversy.

mittee, Asks Price for Opinions on
Light and Water Controversy.
Concurring in request from the
Citizens Committee, appointed by
the council ten days since to assist
and work in conjunction with that
body in fathoming the status of the
Virginia Electric Power & Water
Co. franchise and consider the idea
of purchase or the installation of
new plant, the council at a meeting
Tuesday evening instructed Clerk
Bickford to seek advice from sever
al prominent attorneys as to the
validity of the light and water
franchise and other matters in con-
nection with the prospective pur-
chase of the existing plant or install
lation of seperate municipal
plant.
Among attorneys whose names
were mentioned were Frank e.
Kellogg, of St. Paul, Theodore Hol-
lister, of Duluth, and others of a
high reputation.
In connection with the light and
water question a communication
submitted by L. NJ. Osborn bore up
on the rates for service at Mankato,
and a communication from J. B.
McLaren, insurance inspector, Du
luth, in which he intimated that un-
less a better water supply for fire
protection was furnished insurance
rates in the city might advance.
were read. This latter communi-
cation is given publication in full
elsewhere in this issue.
The report OF the city clerk dated
May 1st showed an actual city in
debtedness on that date OF approx
mately $4,000. This report. in con.
junction with that of the treasurer,
was accepted and ordered filed.
The municipal court showed up
with weekley report, showing the
city treasury to have been fattened
to the extent of $50 as fines and
costs for the week ending May 9th.
The milk inspector reported seven
inspection certificates, and licenses
were ordered issued. Three COWS
were also reported as having been
condemned, and having been found
tubercular after killing.
The report of John Byrne as meat
inspector, showing all markets in
good condition, was read and ac-
cepted. Mr.. Byrne at this meeting,
also rendered his resignation as
meat inspector which was duly &C.
copied.
An application for such position
was filed by W. J. Lenertz, who re
cited that he had been in the meat
business for some twelve years and
sought the position with a know.
ledge of the duties. This applica
ton was referred to the Boord OF
Health.
A communication from the Boys
Military Band asking tor financial
aid for uniforms was turned down
the provisions of the city charte,
strictly prohibiting the use of city
funds for any purpose of this ma
ture.
The street and alley committee
reporting on search for land for the
storage OF street equipment, stated
they had an option on an area OF
land near the north end of Cleve.
land avenue, from Capt. Dickinson
who was willing to deed a certain
piece of land providing the city
would Gill" other lots adjoining be-
longing to him. In this matter
there appeared to be question Of
title, Jos. Ahearn claiming title tc
the land sought through undisturb
ed possession tor term OF years
and the matter was referred to the
city attorney for adjustment and
opinion.
A report by Alderman kimball
as chairman of the light and water
committee, on the claim of w. O.
Snyder that he was being over
charged for water rental for his
flats, was in effect that no over
charge was found and that if Mr..
Snyder felt he was being taxed too
high the company had stated the
claimant could put in a meter. Mr..
Snyder was present, and stated that
he was taxed at the rate of 1920
per year for eleven families, while
but ten families resided in his flats,
and that he would put in a meter.
Another "jolt" on the water ques-
ton came from a certain alderman,
who contended that the water CON-
ing from the mains some two or
three weeks ago was notonly so inn
pure as to seriouslw question its
value for domestic purposes, but
one of them making the assertion
that his wife spoiled wash in at
tempting to use the water. Sam.
pies of this water, taken from the
faucets and labeled, together with
witnesses to its drawing, we're re.
ported to be had, and the health Of
fcer was given instructions to have
same.analyzed.
The anticipating ordinance,
which next to the anti-smoke or