The Watertown weekly leader. [volume] (Watertown, Jefferson County, Wis.) 1912-1917, 1916-04-25
CITY COUNCILS
ANNUAL FARCE
PASSES RESOLUTION 13 TO / TO
MULCH THE CITY TREASURY
ON PRINTING PROCEEDINGS.
Speech of Ex-MayOr Kading and
Mayor Mulberger's Message Well
yed-AppOintments.


council Tuesday evening by far the
most important incidents were the ad-
dresses of Ex-Mayor Kading, the
retiring chief executive, and the mes
sage to the council of Mayor Mulber-
ger, who assumed the reins of city
government at that time.
The council chamber had been
decorated for the occasion, flags adorn-
ing the walls, while potted plants and
cut flowers were on all desks in pro-
fusion. The chamber was a veritable
bower Of roses and carnations, and it
is doubtful if a more elaborate display
of flowers has been seen in WatertoWn
in years.
After the council had entered the
chamber Mayor Mulberger occupied
the mayors chair, while Ex-Mayor
Kading was at his right and Ex
Mayor Wertheimer was at his left.
Mr.. Kading called the meeting to
order, and in a few Well-chOsen words
told OF few of the accomplishments
Of the administration closed, and
pleaded with the new council to sup
port the incoming administration. He
referred to the many questions which
are constantly coming before the
people, and said that too often the
mayor was blamed, when in fact he
had no more to do with the condition
than any other citizen. Mr.. Kading
did not offer one word of apology for
his acts or the acts of the council
during his incumbancy, and this stand
on his part appeared to meet with the
approval of those present.
After asking the city clerk if the
members of the new council had
qualified and if Mr. Mulberger had
taken the oath of office, he introduced
the new mayor.
When Mayor Mulberger arose to ex-
press his appreciation he was greeted
with prolonged applause. He briefly
thanked Mr.. Kading for his words of
ly proceeded with the regular business
routine.
Adopted Rules
The mayor then called for the regu-
lar order of business, and Alderman
Gruetzmacher introduced a resolu-
ton THAT the rules of procedure of
the council, adopted February 81,
1908, be, and they are hereby adopted
as the rules of this common council
Elect President.
On motion of Alderman Lutovsky
the council proceeded to the election
of a president. Alderman Kessler
was placed in nomination by Alder
man Beurhaus, and upon motion of
Alderman Wedemeyer the election was
made unanimous. Later in the session
President Kessler thanked his col
leagues for the honor bestowed upon
him, and promised to administer the
office of mayor to the best of his
ability when Mayor Mulberger is alb
sent from the city.
The Mayors Message.
Mayor Mulberger read his message
to the council, which is a reflect or
his ideas of what is best for the city
While the mayor offered a few devia-
closed, the most prominent, perhaps,
was his advocacy of disposing of the
sand pit" for residence purposes and
relieve the city of ownership and i'm
provement costs, and his demands on
the saloon keepers.
Among other things he referred to
the city's bonded Indebtedness of
$240, 400, and said there was only
$4,000 cash on hand to apply to the
debt He explained that the High
school was responsible for nearly
half of the Indebtedness.
He referred with considerable pride
to the school facilities of the city, and
assured those present that the schools
would at all times receive his hearty
support. He told of how the new High
school building would offer facilities
for larger attendance from surround
ing towns, which is source of con-
siderable revenue. He was unstinted
in his praise of the school manage
ment, and particularly complimented
them for identifying the school
grounds.
Touching on the lighting situation,
he advocated the installation of orna-
mental posts on Main street
He referred to the recent order of
the state board of control that
WATERFOWL should build new Jail.
but he did not advocate definite mode
of procedure or suggest the kind of
structure which might be suitable.
Referring to salary raises he said
that he did not approve of more pay
for city employees, citing Waukesha's
salary list as standard of what he
deemed fair compensation.
That the water works has invested
in it $1S4,501 was referred to. The
debt against this arm of the city
government is $4,000 in bonds bear
ing AZ per cent. interest. The water
rates pay these bonds, furnish funds
for all improvements and extensions,
and produce a revenue which nets the
city $4,000 profit annually.
The mayor complimented the fire
department and advocated buying uni
forms for the men. He advocated the
purchase of motor combination
chemical and hose wagon, but asked
the council to defer this action next
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