Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1915-05-20

the councils so that they now have
power to-
Provide for the trimming and are
of shade trees.
Order the police to arrest suspicious
persons during any public gathering,
such as at q circus, during a big holt
day celebration. etc.
To construct and maintain public
lighthouses and lighthouses.
To maintain municipal milk depots.
To purchase Fairgrounds and levy
special taxes for upkeep.
To regulate n control the pro-
duction and emission of smoke from
any chimney, locomotive, smokestack
or other source.
To make the assessment for street
improvements entirely upon property
abutting the improved highway, thus
saving the city's money.
However, one amendment provides
that the city council shall not make
laws inconsistent with the Consti-
tuition" of Pennsylvania. 1t was fur
Their provided that the action of the
city council. after ten days, shall be
final and conclusive. Notwithstanding
any initiative or referendum petitions
regarding any act or ordinance after
that time. Thus such petitions will
have to be served quickly if the cleo
torate is not satisfied with the coun-
| ellis conduct.
The law governing the action of
councils on bills was amended so as to
allow that body to pass any measure
upon the day 1t is reported (from COM
mittee) If three days have interviewed
since its presentation.
Police
That section of the Clark act re-
lating to the police was amended so
that hereafter extra men appointed
or authorized by the city council shall
be under the Jurisdiction of the chief
of police and not the council. The
provision requiring the mayor to re-
moVe any policeman from office upon a
resolution being adopted to that eff
feet by the council, was amended to
permit the mayor to suspend any po-
liceman, against which there might be
strong criticism, while the council has
time to consider the ACCESSIBILITY or or
dering his dismissal.
The Mayor
Authority was given the mayor to
commit Migrants or disorderly per-
sons to Jail for ninety days. Former
ly he had power to sentence them for
a thirty day term.
Hereafter the mayor shall sign all
ordinapces Immediately after their
passage, in the presence of the city
clerk, who shall attest them.
The mayors annual January re-
port to the council, setting forth the
conditions of the city's affairs, with
ished. The mayor can make his sug-
gestions any time.
Board of Health
The council was also given power
to appoint the officers and members
of the board of health. That section
of the law which made the city clerk
ex-ofticio secretary of the board of
health was repealed.
Superintendent OF Finance
The time for the submission Of the
superintendent of finances annual re-
port to the council, containing sugges-
tons for management and improve
ment of the city finances, was changed
from January to December. A t this
time he shall also present a detailed
statement showing the receipts and
expenditures of the various depart
ments.
City Controller
Wherever the term of the city con-
troller expires on the first Monday in
December, 1915, the electors shall
choose a controller to serve for four
years, beginning the first Monday in
January following the election. In
cities where the controller was elected
in 1913, the electors shall choose q
controller in 1917, and every -four
years thereafter. The duties and pow
ers of the controllers were greatly
enlarged. He shall ~henceforth exam
inc, audit and generally keep an eve
on all departments which collect. re-
ceive or disburse money or nave Gus
tody thereof.
other Amendments
Hereafter, when property owners
have taken legal action against street
improvements, which are later Drop
ped or sidetracked, the city shall nav
the fees for the attorney hired by the
property owners
Before adding to duplicates in the
hands of h city treasurer any sub
ject of taxation or before making
any corrections of an error, hereafter
the assessor must obtain the approval
of the board of revision and appeals.
The state and length of office ten
ure of the city engineer was changed
from the first Monday in January to
the first Monday in May, and from
two years to four years, effective in
1918, the council making the selec-
ton.