Gloucester County Democrat., 1912-01-11
BUSY CITY FATHERS.
Assessing and Appropriating 0rdin-
ances Passed. More About Fire
Horses. Routine Business


Our city fathers resumed disposing
of the business of the City Tuesday
evening with all members present.
Annual reports of various depart
ments of the city were read the report
of the Deptford Trustees being espec-
tally lengthy Mr.. Martin has al
ready begun to stir up matters in the
fire department, and it will shortly
be one OF the most smoothly working
and best equipped branches in con-
nection with the city. Mr.. Martin
said he could dispose OF the horse or
team which has been giving unsatis-
factory service and directions we're
given him to secure good working
team. Mr.. Batten brought up a
proposition whereby the tax rate of
the city might be lowered but the
Solicitor will be consulted as to franz
ing proper law toward that end, to
be introduced into the Legislature.
Mr. Coombs called the body to or
der at O'Clock and Clerk Starr then
read the minutes which were approv-
ed.
Mr. Batten then presented the AS
sessing and Appropriating ordinances,
which by the suspension of the rules,
were placed on second reading, and
finally unanimously passed. lThe
full text of these ordinances is to be
found in another column). The APP
propriating ordinance calls for an in
crease of $2S7 over last year, while
the Assessing ordinance is a decrease
over last years amount of $1,512.
Mr.. Batten said that the item of
$3.50 for sinking fund funded bonds
was not fair to the city, but with the
law as it is, Council has no redress.
The law, it seems, requires that per
cent. of the $4,000 sewer bonds be
set aside each year. This amount
with the accruing interest, does not
equitably distribute the paying for the
sewers on the present and future
property owners of the city. BY ap-
plying to the Legislature, Mr.. Batten
thought this amount might be reduc-
ed, which would mean probably a re-
duction of three or four cents in the
tax rate.
On motion of Mr.. Parks, Mr.. Bat
ten, in conjunction with the Solicitor
were instructed to do what they can
to have the amount reduced.
The annual reports of the Bureau
Of Sewers, the Water Department an |
several others were read and received
and ordered printed in the annual
city report
Mr. Martin brought up the matter
of two lights by the drivers seat on
the fire truck as there are none there.
On his motion the Fire committee was
instructed to procure two lamps and
also, pair of blankets to be used
with the same wagon.
Mr. Martin referred to the horse
which Council has been trying for 4
long time to dispose Of He said it
was bad horse, and in going out OF
the fire house to the fire on Tuesday,
had twice gotten its legs over the pole
by reason of rearing and jumping
about. On Mr.. Batten's motion, the
Fire committee in conjunction with
the Fire Chief was ordered to dis
pose Of that horse, and If advisable,
secure new team altogether Car
ried.
Mr.. Martin asked for two Babeock,
three gallon fire extinguishers for
Good viii, and same were ordered
purchased.
The Street committee recommended
the hiring of Harry Murphy and +.
Sweeten as drivers for Friendship
and Good Will, respectively.
Mr.. Parks said that Fl. A. Fish had
submitted to him a proposition for
supplying the city horses with feed
at the same prices quoted by Taylor
Bros. of Camden; it would be cav
ing to the city of from $3.50 to 5000
per year Mr. Heaton moved that
contract be entered into with Mr..
Fish for supplying the feed for one
year. Carried.
The Bell Phone Co. is to be notified
to install a phone in the residence of
Ar. Parks, chairman of the Street
,comittee as per their contract with
the city.
The bond of Water Superintendent
Wilmer was read and referred to the
Solicitor as to form, on motion OF Mr..
Bayer.
Mr.. Batten reported that j. ManY-
ice Wilkins and I Hampton Williams
had been secured to audit the city
books.
Mr.. Bayer moved that a top and
windshield be purchased for the auto,-
which was ordered done.
Mr.. Bayer said that the Water
COMMITTEES had decided that $4,000
was fair amount for the Water De-
partment to pay for the use Of the
City Hall, and on his motion, that
amount is to be paid to the city semi
annually. He further said that owing
to the danger of strikes in the btu
minous mines, be had arranged to
have five 50-ton cars of coal delivered
by April l. He further recommended
John Ford as assistant water super
intendent, and he will serve for one
year.
Mr.. Heaton said there had been
complaints of boys running through
the hedge at the library. On motion
of Mr.. Parks, the matter was left in
the hands OF the Property committee
for remedyiHg.
Mr.. Parks, chairman Of the Public
Safety committee. reported confer